Activities - The Adventure Travel Site

A J Hackett Bungy Jumping

Adrenaline junkies unite! At New Zealand’s very own “adventure-capital” Queenstown, which delights outdoors enthusiasts with an excitement array of fun activities, from skiing and snowboarding to heli-skiing and bungee-jumping. The town also opens up some quality Queenstown hotel accommodation featuring the perfect setting to relax after a hard day of outdoor adventures. One great family hotel Queenstown boasts of is the Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront serving up modern comforts and stylish interiors to soak in the scenic views of Lake Wakatipu out front. Set out the next morning and check out the fantastic array of adrenaline pumping skyward adventures from A J Hackett Bungy Jumping. Traditional bunjee-jumping fans will be in for the thrill of a lifetime, as they plummet from a cable car set an unbelievably high 134 metres off the ground. Experience an exhilarating ground rush that lasts for 8.5 heart-stopping seconds. But jumping is not all that is offered. How about prolonging the thrills by swinging way up high from a suspension cable? No falling here, just the heady sensation of flying towards the Remarkables Mountain. Your own body weight dictates the direction and speed of the “flight”, so simply spin around and twirl upside down, covering a massive 300m aerial arc over New Zealand’s unspoiled verdure. Or, if high-flying thrills are not your thing, take a fun zip-line slide over the pristine Kawaru River. Perfect for all ages, three 130m zip lines offer the chance to zip along over the river at riveting speeds of 60mph. Riders can go alone or in tandem and afterward, enjoy a relaxing cruise back to the starting point. For those who prefer to get their thrills while touching something solid, embark on a scenic bridge climb over the Auckland Harbour Bridge, a panoramic 1.5 hour trek. Featuring custom-engineered walkways, it is a safe and enjoyable way to take in one of Auckland’s most iconic landmarks and enjoy extensive commentary on Auckland and its surroundings. Whatever your adventure preference you’re sure to find something up your speed at AJ Hackett Bunjy Jumping!

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

Whale Watching in Thailand

Looking for a break from all that shopping while in fascinating Thailand? Go whale watching in the Gulf of Thailand. The areas of Koh Samet and Koh Chang dress the upper part of the gulf while the southern part is formed by Koh Samui, Koh Phangana dn and Koh Tao. This is an area known for magical beaches, amazing weather and calm and quiet surroundings.

Koh Tao is well known among travellers for it’s clear waters that make it an excellent area for diving and whale watching. Beautiful coral life and sea life found in abundance here makes it an exciting diving site. The famous Bryde’s whales in the area have attracted many tourists to the location as of late. There are plenty of tour boats that could be hired to go close to these beautiful whales.

Apart from these beautiful whales there are also a number of other beautiful species such as whale sharks, and dolphins. A famous diving site in the area that guarantees you a sighting would be the Sail rock. For the best views of the dolphins it is necessary to travel to the upper reaches of the gulf such as Samut Sakhon and Samut Songkhram. There have been sightings of the rare Minkhe whales here too.

Look for accommodation close to Koh Samui to arrive early in the mornings and be greeted by the beautiful sunset, while you eagerly wait to see these beautiful sea creatures. Stay at a luxury resort that will ease you in to a heavenly feeling as you surf, dive and go whale watching to your heart’s content. A Koh Samui Resort that speaks of pure luxury is the Anantara Lawana Resort & Spa Koh Samui. This Chaweng Hotel boasts of star class comforts within its authentic ambience and well-appointed rooms. For a truly relaxing experience, in star class luxuries, state-of-the-art amenities and an experience close to nature’s wonders head over to this part of Thailand and come face to face with a fascinating whale. What more would you want from your beachside holiday?

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

Deep Sea Diving in Koh Samui

The second most popular tourist destination after Phuket, Koh Samui is an island that has gained popularity as a tourist area mainly after the 1970s. The most popular areas of the island are the beaches and activities based at these picturesque stretches of shoreline provide plenty of fun in the sun, sand and surf.

Diving is one of the key attractions of Koh Samui and visitors can dive all year round. Because of its relatively calm waters and popularity as a diving destination, Koh Samui is also perfect for those embarking on their underwater journey for the first time. In some areas of Koh Samui you can see up to 10-30m, which means the corals, schools of colourful fish and whale sharks during the season will give you a very unique experience.

Taking use of this opportunity many locals run diving schools. You need not worry about authenticity as finding an accredited diving school is easy and most courses are short term, especially designed keeping tourists in mind. Prices are extremely affordable and there are many sites such as Sail Rock and Ang Thong National Marine Park that will be a delight for the more experienced divers.

The beaches are lined with many a Koh Samui resort that lets you soak up the sun and have fun in the sand and surf. Chaweng beach is one of the most popular of such areas and those in search of a hotel in Samui at this beach can stay at Anantara Lawana Resort & Spa Koh Samui. The hotel arranges many water sports for its guest including snorkelling, diving, kayaking, deep-sea fishing and private boat charters. Allowing the hotel make arrangements for you means that you have less hassle and also you can be assured of being provided with responsible and dependable operators with good rates.

Other than the beaches you can also take time to visit the Wat Khunaram Koh Samui temple, Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks and the Big Buddha Temple. Apart from these there are other sites that are quite interesting including the Sea Aquarium and Tiger Zoo, Butterfly Garden as well as the Insect Museum and Monkey Shows at the open air theatre.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Pidurangala Rock

It is doubtful whether any other dry zone in the world possesses this many memories, temples and popular tourist sites; the area of Sigirya in Sri Lanka, where the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, which is often referred to as the eighth wonder of the world, is a well patronized tourist destination. The rock fortress claimed global recognition through its murals, inscriptions, gardens, irrigation system and the lion formations at the entrance.

The historical narrations reveal that the Sigiriya rampart and the adjoining rock, Pidurangala, were both inhabited by Buddhist monks who engaged in meditation during the era that King Kashyapa wished to make Sigiriya his royal house. The chronicles further divulge that King Kashyapa completed the Pidurangala Monastery Complex according to the ‘Panchavansa’ concept, where a bo tree, a chapter house, an image house, a meditation chamber and a dagoba are included within the temple premises. The monks who resided on the Sigiriya Rock were given lodging at the Pidurangala Rock and the monastery was the king’s royal temple.

The mound with a slightly stubby surface is visible from the road that takes you to Sigiriya, but after the glamour and wonders that the latter affords, the environment itself seems to dull into oblivion. The monastery which is spread over an area of 13 acres would have been an ideal abode for meditating monks as it offers ample solitude and silence. This remains true to date and since there is no influx of tourists, the incumbent monks are able to engage in religious activities with ease. It is easy to get lost in thought at this site and imagine life lived in another day and age, in the silence and sacredness of this site.
Only those who are well informed visit the Pidurangala Rock, even while they holiday ever so close to it at a hotel in Sigiriya. Inform your tour guide that you are well aware of the overshadowed treasure that sits a whisker away from hotels Sigiriya has to offer and insist on a tour of it. With the daunting view of the world renowned rock garrison, Hotel Sigiriya, is one of the top favourites among those visiting the area.

Yala Safari

The Yala National Park is a major national park in Sri Lanka. Spanning an area of almost one thousand square kilometres, it is the second biggest national park in the country and is the most widely visited. No trip to the tropical island can be considered complete without a visit to Yala; after all, the park is home to some of the country’s best loved and most elusive animals. It was established in 1900 as a wildlife sanctuary and was only designated as a national park in 1938. Although the park is made up of five blocks, only two of them are open to the public.

Yala boasts a rich biodiversity and is home to numerous animals. This includes elephants and leopards, the two icons of Sri Lankan wildlife. The park’s leopard population is huge and although the animal is notoriously shy, leopard sightings are a common occurrence. In total, it is home to about forty four mammalian species including sloth bears, wild water buffalos, civets and macaques. Reptilian species are numbered at forty five although the number could be much higher. Of these five species, the Sri Lankan krait and the Wiegmann’s Agama, are endemic.

However, it is the avian populace that makes this a truly memorable place. Yala is home to over two hundred types of birds of which six are endemic. Tourists who want to experience the island’s natural bounty will definitely have to take a trip down to Yala. The exotic and lively inhabitants are sure to make any visit here one to remember.

Although small in size, the tropical island contains many attractions and the best way to visit them all is by using Sri Lanka tour packages. Taking such tours will eliminate all the hassles of planning and travel so that tourists can have a fun, stress free vacation. Shanti Travel Sri Lanka offer holiday packages Sri Lanka that covers all the major attractions. They show a side of the island that only locals get to enjoy and is the ideal option for foreigners who want a taste of the real Sri Lanka and its enchanting cultural, historical and natural heritage.

Banana Reef, Maldives -The Perfect Getaway

Maldives is undoubtedly one of the most breathtaking destinations in the world which offers a myriad of choices with holidaying, diverse cuisine, all year sunshine, amazing resorts, spas and many more. Maldives is also famed as an underwater delight among travelers for its mesmerizing coral growths. With panoramic views of the mystic ocean, Maldives ensures to present you memories of a lifetime.

If you are looking for a fantastic dive and snorkel in lagoons, then the banana reef in Maldives is the ideal location for you. Banana reef which inherits the name due to its unusual shape is the first dive site to be discovered in Maldives and is still one of the best among tourists. The dive can be from 5 meters to 30 meters if you are up for it, with many more mesmerizing traits including a pinnacle and some overhangs. This abundant and vibrant coral garden attracts an extensive variety of fish including squirrelfish, bannerfish and oriental sweetlips .Adorned by magical lagoons and pristine crystal shores, banana reef of Maldives is a divine paradise island with an abundance of luxurious amenities with a wide range of hotels around the banana reef.

That is not all that the banana reef of Maldives offer. You could experience the reef’s drop off, deep gutters, steep overhangs, underwater tunnels and caves and if you are in luck you could catch a glimpse of various exotic fish including sharks, barracudas and grey reef sharks.

The waters of Maldives offer an array of activities like underwater adventures, personal boating activities, riding the waves and many more. A diving safari is ideal to explore the stunning reefs with lots of soft corals, small canyons and overhangs giving you a unique experience or else you could simply snorkel leisurely on the edge of the lagoon while deep dives are offered too!

The banana reef of Maldives offers you an ideal holiday experience where you can dine and pamper yourself to no end. If you are looking for accommodation in Maldives, do not forget to try Anantara Dhigu Maldives and make your stay here one of your cherished holidays. With endless choices from adventure to relaxing on a powdery white sandy beach, this Maldives resort would provide anything you prefer to make your visit just that much better.

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Calliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered. Google+

Uncover Indonesia’s Wild Side on a Bull Racing Tour of Bali

If Bull racing is one’s kind of sport then there’s no better venue than Bali to experience the best competition in one of the most engaging adventure sport varieties known to Asia. Centered around the hamlet known as Negara the Mekepung racing season kicks off from July to October each year as it has for centuries. With its origins steeped in a rice harvest celebration of the area’s Madures migrants the Negara bull races takes place on haphazardly laid out racetracks on the outskirts of Negara. A local festival of truly grand proportions the races attract the entire village to the tracks to cheer their favourites on while betting on a potential winner. Organized by the Negara region of government the buffaloes that compete in races are prime specimens of the best water buffaloes in the area. Divided into two teams, the clubs are segregated according to which side of the Ijo Gading River they occupy and are thus divided into the Western division and the Eastern division.

The main race also known as the Bupati’s Cup takes place at the town square of Negara on the last Sunday before Indonesia’s national Independence Day after vigorous trials are conducted during the dry season. The Governor’s Cup however takes place in October and is equally prestigious in scale and competitiveness in addition to the Regent’s Cup which is held on the beaches of Mekepung Dlod Berawahit. Commencing in the morning hours the race sees the horns of the competing buffaloes vibrantly painted while the necks are adorned with harnesses and ribbons. The creatures are paraded through the streets of Negara before the race begins while their adornments are also removed as vibrantly dressed jockeys mount the beasts they wish to ride to the finish line. The 2km long racecourse is navigated with great speed although the winners are not only determined by how soon they reach the finish line but also the creature’s overall strength and the jockey’s style.

Other areas of Bali renowned for conducting bull races include the island of Medura which is located on the north-eastern shores of Java.

Travellers on the lookout for elegant Bali resorts should look no further than the Anantara Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa. Offering guests a contemporary hideaway in a tropical paradise it is little wonder this stylish rest is considered among the best Uluwatu hotels in the island.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Bali Rock Climbing

Not really an activity that would be advisable during the rainy season, rock climbing in Bali is an adventure sport that is not really for the weak hearted. While there are plenty of Uluwatu hotels available in the area, look for one of the quality Bali resorts that would ensure a comfortable stay along with generous and hospitable service such as Anantara Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa. Enclosed within the jade-green luscious verdure that seems unique to the place, Bali has the most interesting climbing spots making it the most spectacular backdrop to your climbing adventure. Bali’s highest mountain, Gunung Agung, is a recommended place that one could take on for that intense adrenaline rush that rock climbers lust after. This can take between 3 to 6 hours to climb depending upon the dexterity of the climber while the surroundings would not fail to mesmerize with their astounding variety of flora and fauna. However, the climb and back would take an entire day and therefore, taking a guide along is highly recommended.

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Calliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered. Google+

Snorkelling in Koggala

Known for its sun drenched beaches the south coast of Sri Lanka is also an ideal destination to enjoy some snorkelling. The charming town of Koggala is one such area along the island’s southern coastal belt where you can tryout such activities and those in search of air taxi tours Sri Lanka has to offer to this area can make use of Cinnamon Air. This well established air taxi Sri Lanka service provides easy access to some of the country’s most famed areas, letting you experience an authentic holiday adventure.

Nestled along the shoreline, Koggala’s beach is an ideal starting point from which to embark on a snorkelling excursion of the azure waters that beckon intrepid travellers. An activity that can be enjoyed by young and old alike, snorkelling lets you discover the stunning underwater world that lies beneath the waves. Home to colourful corals of various types and formations and not forgetting a vivid array of tropical fish, the sea around Sri Lanka provides plenty of snorkelling fun and lets you appreciate the country’s rich natural heritage as well.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

Whale and Dolphin Watching in Maldives

The turquoise-blue sea surrounding the Maldivian islands does not fail to amaze anyone who sets foot on the country. The clearness and the beautiful shades of blue of the water would capture the attention of anyone with no age limit for appreciation. There are many activities that one could do in this beautiful ocean while on vacation in these islands. Surfing, diving, snorkeling, and swimming are some of the most common ways of enjoyment.

Apart from diving and snorkeling, the best way to enjoy the vivid life under the water is to take a boat tour. The Maldivian waters are home to a huge number of whale and dolphin varieties. This area is considered as the 5th best dolphin and whale watching spot in the world. Whilst moving forward in your boat, cutting through the waves and the breeze touching your face, the most common thing that you would come across is the Spinner Dolphin. These creatures with amazing acrobatic skills would do awe-inspiring summersaults and twists and turns nonstop. Another unique experience that you would get is the rare opportunity to see wild dolphins frolicking in their own natural habitats.

The Tropical Bottlenose Whale, Dwarf Sperm Whale and Melon-headed Whale are some of the giant mammal species that you would come across during your excursion. The luckiest visitors would get the rare chance of witnessing the Killer Whale that lingers in the area. The experience that one would obtain here could not be compared to any other place in the world. The tropical climate that lasts for most of the time would create a perfect setting for this journey. Watch the giant whales pass by and the playful dolphins dive in beautiful patterns and the endless sea that spreads to the horizon. If one goes on a ride during the evening. they would be rewarded extra by the beautiful scene of the sunset and the change of the sky into vibrant pinks, purples and oranges.

Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas is one of the Maldives Resorts that will provide you with a perfect vacation for a very reasonable price. The services, facilities and the amenities of this hotel are high in standard when comparing with other Maldives Spa Resorts.

Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and hopes to visit them all someday.

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