Activities - The Adventure Travel Site

Al Dhafra Dhow Cruise

The stunning emirate of Abu Dhabi offers its visitors a vast array of experiences to entrance and enchant, including many a fine hotel Abu Dhabi boasts of. When seeking a quality hotel in Abu Dhabi, the choosy tourist will discover a welcome range options and an excellent choice would be the Kingsgate Hotel Abu Dhabi. The well-appointed property offers gilded luxury infused with traditional Arabian hospitality, which makes for an unforgettable Abu Dhabi experience.

Soak in the splendid desert culture by taking a decadent dinner cruise on an authentic Arabian dhow. Serving up a delectable array of fine cuisine and offering the very unique experience of dining on the water, the dhow cruise is the perfect way to experience Arabian hospitality in a very unusual location! Situated right next to the fish market, the cruise’s expansive, six-course menu features grilled meats, which include lobster, lamb chops, chicken and fish drizzled with a decadent array of sauces. Topping off the sumptuous offering are some enticing sweet dishes featuring light cake, cut fruit and a rare Arabic treat called asida, which is made out of pumpkin, saffron and cardamom. The icing on the cake is the sugary Arabic tea served on the top deck under the stars, and satiated diners can enjoy the scenic view on the ride back to the harbour. A one-of-a-kind dining experience that is not to be missed, the Al Dhafra Dhow Cruise will tease and titillate the taste buds!

Hiking Adventures in Koh Samui

Koh Samui has a wide variety of attractions for the nature lover. Among the many things that travellers can do there ranges from hiking, trekking and exploring the Ang Thong National Park, visiting the Samui butterfly garden, game fishing, elephant trekking, snorkelling or jeep safari.

For those who are into hiking and trekking there are a number of routes and treks in the area. Tourists can take one of the jungle treks and tread through thick jungles covered with massive trees and spot a variety of birds and insects. From time to time one is sure to come across beautiful viewpoints providing panoramic sceneries of these and the other island in the horizon. Some of these treks lead to waterfalls such as the Nauamg waterfall. At the end of an exhilarating walk you can enjoy a dip in one of the pools in the area and cool down as well. Many tourists take a picnic and double up the stroll into a nice little picnic amidst the greenery and the amazing surroundings.

Among the diverse places that a traveller can saunter about in the area, there is the Buddha Magic garden. There are exquisite sculptures located here and from here one can also get an impressive view of the greenery of the jungle around as well as of the island.

The best way to find the many trails in the region is to hold of a map and explore where the trails lie and take one of those. The good news is that while there are a number of attractions on the way, a welcome treat of tiny restaurants are also there at the end of some trails.

Most of these walks can be enjoyed from the various Koh Samui Resort. For the travellers staying at Chaweng Hotel who are looking for ways to explore the vicinity by foot, there are many places to stroll about and for the traveller who is staying at a place such as Anantara Lawana Resort & Spa Koh Samui, there is much pampering awaiting them at the end of a tiring day exploring this tropical region.

Emerald Pool in Krabi

Although Thailand may be well known for its numerous cultural and historical attractions, there are several lesser known attractions, more like well kept secrets that any traveller will be thrilled to explore and one such place is Emerald Pool in Krabi. Be sure to book a Trang resort close to regional attractions and Krabi resorts such as Anantara Si Kao Thailand are ideal in this regard. As an interesting Eco-tourism place, Emerald Pool in Krabi can be reached by taking a drive from Ao Nang in Krabi. With its beautiful green aquamarine waters, the pool and its surroundings are bound to be a treat for nature lovers and Bird Watchers.

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.

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Surfing in Kuala Lumpur- Strengthen your skills in the man- made wave pool

Being the vibrant capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is a city with many fascinating attractions and exciting things to do. A convenient Kuala Lumpur hotel would always let you make the most of your trip while you try out adventurous outdoor activities in the city. Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur is one such luxury hotel in Bukit Bintang where you can reside while you enjoy and grasp every fun-filled activity in the city. Surfing in Kuala Lumpur is one of the thrilling outdoor activities you get to experience while you are in the city. The outstanding feature of surfing in KL is that you do not get to surf in the sea but in a grand man-made wave pool. This wave pool is an ideal place to learn surfing and strengthen your skills as it lets you release your tension. One of the places which offers this modern facility is Sunway Lagoon Theme Park in Kuala Lumpur. Even the best surfers in the world have visited this man-made wave pool and performed amazing stunts in these artificial pools.

Umanga Kahandawaarachchi is a passionate travel writer who writes under the pen name, Maggie Tulliver. Her field of writing covers a wide array of content and articles related to travel and hospitality industry. Google+

Dynamic and intensely expressive cultural dances in Bali

The essence of Balinese culture is depicted in their dance and drama. Balinese dance will give an insight to their religious beliefs, lifestyle and a flow of cultural events and activities that is a part of their daily living. Cultural dances in Bali explores deep down, awakening the attitudes, perceptions and thoughts of the Balinese people and establishes their most intimate links with nature. It is simply a manifestation of Balinese people and their enchanting culture and heritage.
Balinese dance is highly influenced by the Hindu religion, but the strong identity of the dance acts is formed based on various other influences as well, including folklore traditions and animism. Most professional dancers start training at a very young age and continue their talents throughout their lives. Balinese cultural dances have a strong bond with religion which is why they are mostly performed as a channel for visiting gods or as entertainment for visiting gods.

Balinese dance acts can be categorized into three sections which are Wali or Sacred dances, Bebali dances, Balih-balihan dance. The Wali dances are considered to be very sacred and it is performed in the inner section of the temple, Rejan, Baris, Pendet and Sang Hyang Dedari are sub categories that fall under Wali. Bebali dance acts are more ceremonial and are generally performed in the middle section of the temple while Gambuh is also a dance drama that fall under this category which speaks of a Javanese prince in the quest for a beautiful princess. The Balih,balihan dances are the most entertaining and is performed in the outer court or outside the temple. Janger, Kebver, Legong and Kecak are the dance categories that fall under it.
If you visit Bali make sure that you do not miss out on this opportunity to be entertained by the beautiful Balinese dance performances. Balih-balihan dance acts are generally performed throughout the year while the Wali and Bebali have its time schedule within the year.
Bali is the most famous part of Indonesia especially for tourists. When you are visiting there check Bali resorts before making your reservation. The Anantara Bali Uluwatu Resort and Spa is one of the best hotels to check out. If you are travelling close to Bali or driving through without staying then checkout Uluwatu hotels for better options.

Bird watching in Abu Dhabi

Though bird watching might not top your list among attractions in Abu Dhabi, it is indeed a good way to spend the day and you will be surprised by the numbers and different species found in Abu Dhabi. Situated on the route of migrating birds on their way to southern or central Asia for breeding and wintering in Arabia and Eastern Africa with the coastline facing the northwest, it attracts hundreds of species of birds annually. The cultivated gardens, tidal creek and watered central reservations of Abu Dhabi create a haven for birds flying across large expanse of desert lands in search of their breeding and resting grounds further east. Although with rapid development the numbers have decreased in the past years, the hope is that with the increased gardens and greenery, more birds will continue to rest at Abu Dhabi despite the busy city.

There are a number of vantage points to watch bird migrations in Abu Dhabi but one can simply watch from anywhere green and still count a considerable number of birds and species during certain peak periods. There are a number of scattered islands along the Arabian Gulf where colonies of seabirds breed and their migrations can be viewed from the spit running northwest. The best place would be right at the northwesterly edge of the spit from May to August and also though autumn and winter till April when birds arrive in large numbers from their northern breeding grounds. Species seen here include reef heron, great blackheaded gull, lesser sand plover, slenderbilled gull, small waders and a number of other seabirds.

Along the Batin are patches of greenery and deserted beaches as well as areas of reclamation where birds such as masked shrike, redstart, isabelline shrike, hoopoe and many others have been seen. Great numbers can be seen at dawn and dusk during April behind some of the quieter roads where well watered central reservations can be found. Most impressive place to see waders are at the sewage outfall at the tidal creek on the east side of the island. Birds such as great white egret, purple heron, greyleg goose, and many others who come to feed near the creek including male black francolin and baillon crake can be seen if you are lucky.

Abu Dhabi beach hotels along the coast with little clusters of green are sure to attract migrating birds as well as those on their way to the islands on the gulf. After a busy day of sightseeing and shopping in the city come relax at a spa in the Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara with the sounds of the twittering birds to soothe your mind. It is an Abu Dhabi Resort that ensures a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

Fun with Wind Surfing in Maldives

Velassaru Maldives is one of the most amazing Maldives resort that one would come across while on the search for a Maldives island hotel. This hotel is modern and includes all necessary facilities to pamper you throughout your vacation. The friendly staff and the beautiful natural surrounding would add more value to your stay.

While in these beautiful island you would come across many activities based on the turquoise blue sea around it. Windsurfing is one such exhilarating activity that you could take part. Even if you’re a beginner do not worry because this is one perfect place in the world where you could learn windsurfing throughout the year. Sail in the beautiful Indian Ocean while feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin and the water splashes that would be refreshing. While cutting through the waves feel the soothing sea breeze that would touch your face and make your ride relaxing. Enjoy paradise and take home lovely memories.

Adventures at Wahiba Sands- Desert Stories

Wahiba Sands is a 12,500 sq km desert area in Oman that aroused scientific interest after an expedition in the late 1980s discovered an uncommon diversity of terrain and flora and fauna. Scientific interest aside, this is the type of desert in everyone’s imagination with miles upon miles of rust and honey coloured dunes, some towering over 100 meters interspersed with flat sandy areas. Except for parts occupied by Bedouins of the Al Wahiba tribe that has given the region its name and tracks left by dune bashers, the desert remains empty and gets even more magnificent further into the interior.

One of the best ways to have an adventure as well as experience the vastness and solitude of the desert and explore the sands is to stay in a nomadic desert camp in the middle of the dunes, run by local families. The accommodation is rustic, a ‘barasti’ house built of palm logs and leaves with a basic wind tower and absolutely no frills, not even electricity. The houses are set in a circle in the middle of which is a campfire in the evenings with Arabic style seating of colourful cushions and rugs. Desert experiences at the camp includes camel and horse rides over the dunes in the mornings before they heat up, Bedouin music, camaraderie and food round the campfire and dune bashing under the stars in the night. Quad biking trips, sand boarding on the dunes and trekking are other ways to experience the desert. The fact that there is no sign of life other than in the camp for miles around is the most remarkable experience here and the fact that anyone can get atop a dune to take a closer look as it is just a matter of a few steps from the accommodation.

For an experience of a somewhat more vigorous kind, the best option is to hire an experienced driver and race up and down on the steep slopes of the dunes in any part of the desert. For those wishing to have a bash themselves joining one of the many 4×4 clubs and getting some training will be a good idea.

For guests who like adventurous holidays Millennium Resort Mussanah is very well placed to offer them an active lifestyle. An onsite private marina, swimming, diving and snorkeling opportunities and dune bashing and mountain trekking are some of the activities within easy reach from the hotel. Additionally guests can enjoy spacious contemporary accommodation and many excellent facilities and amenities at this well known Oman Muscat hotel. Stay at this Muscat hotel to enjoy the many adventurous opportunities that Oman has to offer.

Jordanian Plateau

With its outstanding geographical features, Jordan boasts of many attractive places to go on sightseeing. A conveniently located hotel in Amman Jordan would always be a great choice if you are planning to explore the area during your visit. Millennium Hotel Amman is a luxury Amman hotel that would let the travellers make the most of their journey by exploring all the top attractions around the city. For a thrill-seeking vacationer in Amman, Jordanian Plateau is a perfect site. Bordering from the Jordan Valley and Great Syrian Desert, Jordanian Plateau rises up to 3000 feet in certain parts. There are various rock formations in the area and this picturesque plateau is popular among the film producers as a breathtaking location for movies. Apart from many other tourist attractions and adventurous excursions, an exciting visit to the Jordanian Plateau would leave you with many unforgettable memories.

Exploring Nan Luo Gu Xiang in Beijing

One of the oldest hutongs in the Chinese capital, Nan Luo Gu Xiang has both an old world charm and a rich heritage set amidst a lively atmosphere. Those wanting to truly experience life amidst the city’s traditional hutongs should look to stay at luxury hotels in Beijing such as Regent Beijing. Centrally located in the midst of these charming alleyways, it is one of the best placed 5 star hotels Beijing has to offer in the historic quarter. Make sure to make your way to Nan Luo Gu Xiang in the downtown area of the city where you can explore this area that has become a popular night time haunt. As you walk along the alleys you will come across quaint cafés, shops and galleries. A perfect place for some people watching as well, Nan Luo Gu Xiang also has several restaurants and bars where you can enjoy a relaxed meal or drink while watching the world go slowly by.