Heritage Village of Hatta is a historical sight worth a visit when you are in Dubai. If you are looking for a convenient Dubai airport hotel, look no further than the Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai as it offers all its visitors many modern comforts along with a comfortable stay as a 5 star hotel Dubai has to offer. When you are residing there, this historical site which is situated in the Hajjar Mountains will be a perfect attraction to visit. This ancient place boasts of fascinating architecture and a picturesque and spectacular setting which would leave the travellers mesmerized. The site houses a mosque made out of wood, stones and mud and you can get a glimpse of the awe-inspiring craftsmanship used in building this significant place.
Category: Activities
Enjoying the scenery
Being a string of islands sailing and fishing has been an important part of the lives of the Maldivian people for a very long time. Sailing is also one of the best ways to enjoy the natural beauty of the islands and fishing is still an important economic activity in the Maldives.
Maldivians still use the traditional dhonis for fishing, quite a few of which are motorized now. The boat carries a crew of about eight. At the start of day the fishermen will first catch their live bait of small scad, silverside and sardine. The bait is put in the bait hold and kept alive until a school of tuna is sighted. The bait is then thrown overboard getting the shoal to move closer after which the fishermen will throw in their lines. Once the bait runs out or the fish stop biting, they will move on to the next shoal.
Night fishing expeditions are popular with visitors. Boats takes off before nightfall and anchor on a reef. Lines tethered with hooks and sinkers are dropped overboard and everyone waits for the fish to bite. If anything is caught it can be barbequed over an open flame and if not, everyone can enjoy the peace and beauty of a starry night.
Big game fishing takes place in the mornings. It involves trolling outside the atoll along the reef. Yellow fin tuna, Barracuda, Wahoo, Sail fish and Dorado are some of the fish caught this way. Specially equipped boat charters are available for fishing enthusiasts who are after a fishing adventure. Secluded rarely fished areas can be reached by chartered boats where the whole family can enjoy the experience.
Cruising on traditional boats or luxuriously outfitted modern boats is the best way to experience the beauty of the Maldives. Island hopping to see traditional Maldivian fishing villages, sailing past desert islands, snorkeling on reefs teeming with fish and sunsets picnics on a deserted beach are all popular and sometimes romantic ways to experience the Maldives.
Cocoa Island Maldives, with just 33 over water bungalows offers privacy and complete relaxation. Slip into the water from your own extraordinary dhoni suite or villa at this extraordinary Maldives resort and enjoy snorkeling or swimming in the clear water or the teeming reef or take it easy on the powder white beach. Thereafter enjoy a delicious South Indian, Asian or Mediterranean inspired meal made with fresh ingredients and herbs and experience the specially formulated spa treatments. Stay at this award winning, much appreciated Maldives luxury hotel to have a beautiful holiday experience.
Tian Tan Buddha
Lord Buddha was born an ordinary man, and his long path towards enlightenment overcoming all desires and materialistic feelings makes him an honoured figure among the many that follow his philosophy as Buddhists. All over the world Buddhists honour statues of the Buddha, and worship them with utmost loyalty. These statues are made in various sizes, from small ones ideal for the home to large creations that travellers cross borders to see. One of the finest Buddha statues in the world is seen in Hong Kong, and is said to be one of the most loved attractions among the sites frequented by visitors to the city.
The Tian Tan Buddha is located opposite the Po Lin monastery on the island of Lantau. Though it is not the tallest of all Buddha statues in a seating posture, as there are a few taller, it is the tallest of its kind made up of copper, standing at a height of 43 metres. The construction of the Tian Tan Buddha took approximately a decade of hard work and wise engineering, and the finished product is well worth it; it was open to the public for the first time in 1993. For visitors, reaching the site itself is an achievement as there are 268 stairs to climb in order to reach the top. It is best to visit on a clear day, as from the top the view of the surroundings is nothing short of breathtaking.
It is admirable how much precise details the statue consists of, and the various physical marks that are said to have been unique to the Buddha are visible here. Every detail has been made with care by those who built the structure and this is reflected in the magnificence of the site. While some may prefer to visit the site during special religious celebrations where they can watch the rituals performed by worshipers, others will prefer to visit on days where there is less of a crowd on site. Regardless of when they visit those who stop over here are expected to act and behave appropriately to maintain the sanctity of the place of worship. There are many other attractions around the Tian Tan Buddha as well as places to eat and it is a place that must be visited when in Hong Kong.
A Hong Kong hotel widely recommended for visitors to the city is the elegant Cosmopolitan Hotel Hong Kong. Outshining its competition, this Wan Chai hotel Hong Kong is excellent in terms of comfort, service and even location.
Bangkok Butterfly Garden
Unlike so many other butterfly gardens which feature carefully preserved butterflies in display cases, the Bangkok Butterfly Garden is a vibrant place filled with hundreds of these colourful flying insects. Officially known as the Bangkok Butterfly Garden and Insectarium, the garden contains roughly five hundred butterflies flitting about amongst lush ferns, gentle waterfalls and rainbow hued flowers. The butterfly park is not just a family venue but can be enjoyed by everyone. In addition to the main dome there is also an exhibition space, a breeding room, and an activity area. The garden is home to a host of other insects as well.
This attraction is open daily from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm and is closed on Mondays. It is located near the famous Chatuchak Weekend Market, right between the Rotfai Gardens and the Queen Sirikit Gardens. There are ample buses that go through the area. The nearest BTS station is the Mochit Station and the closest MRT station is the Chatuchak Park Station. Entrance into this tranquil paradise is completely free. Tourists can head over to the park to relax in after experiencing the bustle and noise of the Chatuchak Weekend Market. The venue was made for taking photographs and visitors should not forget to bring their cameras!
Bangkok is home to many sights of historical and cultural significance. The city boasts a vibrant night scene and is a haven for shoppers. However, what really makes Bangkok an ideal tourist destination is its versatility and the ability to find restaurants, shops and accommodation that cater to different budgets. Here the open air markets make a perfectly acceptable substitute to air conditioned malls, while street hawkers serving delicious local food compete with trendy restaurants serving sumptuous gourmet fare.
Those on a budget can readily find plenty of inexpensive places to stay while those who want to enjoy the finer things that the Thai capital has to offer can find a Bangkok luxury hotel which offers some personal pampering. Tourists looking for a luxury Bangkok hotel can try Metropolitan Bangkok. With the hottest nightclubs and most popular shopping malls located in the vicinity, it is the ideal place to stay at.
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.
Race for Riches
Not many people visit Hong Kong without going to the races. It is where locals and visitors come together to enjoy one of the biggest sporting spectacles in the territory and to indulge in a bit of gambling. Horse racing was introduced to the territory by the British in 1841 and has been providing nonstop action since then. The Jockey Club, one of the oldest membership clubs in Asia was founded soon afterwards and has been in charge of staging the city’s horse racing for over a hundred years.
The club owns and operates the Happy Valley racetrack, the first such facility in the territory and the Sha Tin race track which was opened in 1971. The territory’s citizens of the time became fans of this new sport from its inception and betting found favour with the Chinese community who were avid gamblers. Now Hong Kong boasts the highest racing turnover in the world.
The racing season is from September to early July and meets are held on Wednesday evenings and weekends. Take a horse racing tour to experience the electric atmosphere during the day at Tim Sha and in the evenings at Happy Valley; the stands are filled to seemingly bursting capacity, the crowd goes wild cheering on their favourites and betting is at fever pitch because of the potential extraordinary rewards.
Giant screens in the stands ensure that race-goers do not miss out on any part of the action. Betting in the territory has been streamlined with a completely computerized system linking 100 betting branches in all parts of Hong Kong so that bets can be placed from anywhere without even visiting the race tracks. As the Hong Kong race season is one of the most important events in the race calendar, some of the world’s best jockeys and horses are stationed in the territory. The well heeled from around the world join everyone else to reap the benefits of huge rewards and to experience the excitement of a wonderful sporting event.
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The Avenue of Stars in Hong Kong
The Avenue of Stars is supported by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the Tourism Commission and a few other government funded organisations. The foundation was built to acknowledge distinguished Hong Kong film professionals for their dedicated impact on local and global cinema. It became public property when the chairman of the New World Group handed the site to the government of Hong Kong. It is visited and enjoyed by many locals and tourists alike and has since developed into a major attraction.
As you enter the Avenue of Stars you will see the glittery walkway of the venue, emulating a walk on a galaxy. Many street performers and aspiring artists perform here and make this venue the perfect place for showcasing young talent. Many photographic exhibitions, concerts and musical performances are held at the site as well, attracting a few thousands of people each year. Home to a statue of Bruce Lee, the Avenue of Stars is a celebration of the many Hong Kong artists who have made waves globally. A few that are household names internationally are Chow Yun-fat, Michelle Yeoh and the famous martial arts expert and comedian, Jackie Chan.
Hong Kong is often referred to as Asia’s World City and is a vibrant metropolis with a population of 7 million people. Here with its inseparable Chinese roots and influence brought about by the remnants of the British colony, the phrase “East meets West” comes to one’s mind almost instantly. As you gaze around the city lights of Mongkok, you cannot but feel a flutter of excitement with all that is on offer; and where better place to reside but amidst the hustle and bustle of the lively city itself.
Those in search of Mongkok hotels Hong Kong that puts you amidst everything that this energetic city has to offer can stay at Cosmo Hotel Mongkok. It is within easy reach of shopping venues and business centres. If you are on the lookout for a hotel in Kowloon that lets you be a part of the city during your stay, this hotel does just that. With its various accommodation and dining options from authentic Chinese to international cuisine, this hotel lets you experience the very best of what Hong Kong has to offer.
Dialogue in the Dark: An Insightful Experience
“Sight is what we see with our eyes, insight is what we gain without seeing” quoted by the Dialogue in the Dark foundation is profound in its meaning for that is exactly what the concept strives to promote. We know of the existence of persons suffering from complete or partial blindness but our sensitivity to their plight and our understanding of their life is often minimal. In this light, Dialogue in the Dark, established by Andreas Heinecke, strives to bridge this gap in understanding and empathy and leaves participants with memories they won’t forget.
The Exhibition is in essence completed in darkness where the participants are assigned to a visually impaired person to be guided through a number of rooms including a busy street, a market, a boat and a cafe. The objective of the exhibition is primarily to raise awareness and develop one’s ability to empathize with another. Therefore it is no surprise that the experience is described as unimaginable and unforgettable and every single participant is said to have been able to recall the experience as late as five years later. Participants are said to experience enhanced hearing and touch and more than anything, they are able to empathize with those who are unable to employ their visual faculties and experience the world as they do, everyday.
The fact that Hong Kong, a city full of life and colour is able to offer such a one of a kind experience is commendable and it is a must for any traveller in the city.
Hong Kong is also a versatile city capable of catering to every traveller’s needs. For an avid shopper, the Times Square Mega Shopping Mall and the Ladies Market are the places to go whereas if you would like to be a little adventurous, theme parks such as Disneyland and Ocean Park are for you. The Ngong Ping 360 Skyrail, Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery, the Clock Tower in Tsim Sha Tsui and Hong Kong Wetland Park are only some of the other many attractions in the city. Therefore, when searching for accommodation, it is important to opt for a Hong Kong boutique hotel with convenient access to many of these attractions. The Cosmo Hotel, which is also a 4 star hotel Hong Kong is an ideal choice thanks to its location providing access by bus or train to many of the diverse attractions Hong Kong has to offer.
Lei Yue Mun Fort (Museum of Coastal Defense)
Lei Yue Mun Fort is the Museum of Coastal defense in Hong Kong which is situated in the boundaries of the previous coastal defense fortress. The fort in Hong Kong Island was built in the year 1887 and now is a very famous tourist destination which brings the past military memories into life. This defense fort was constructed to defend the attackers approaching from east direction to the Victoria Harbor. The museum takes a wide area of about 34 200m2. The museum displays a permanent museum titled as ‘600 years of Coastal Defense’ which tells the saga of the coastline defense in Hong Kong from the period of Ming Dynasty. It has fought through the first and second opium wars and the great battle of Hong Kong until today.
The museum is separated into three major areas which are namely the redoubt, historical trail and the reception area. The museum management has made the museum get the ancient look by adding up much architectural value as well. The hundred year old Lei Yue Mun Fort has an extensive outdoor arena and a uniquely designed interior which gives a typical historical ambiance the moment you step in. The Redoubt area of the museum was completely switch to a gallery which permanently houses artifacts of the coastal defense history from the Qing and Ming dynasties, the British colonized era, Japanese raid and the era after the continuity of Chinese dominion over Hong Kong. The Redoubt which was formed in 1887 was earlier used as the main armed structure in the fort.
The central battery and the western battery are some historical military displays which gun barrels are dating back to 1870. The torpedo station and Lei Yue Mun Pass Battery are the other important weapons on display at the museum. People visiting the coastal defense museum in Hong Kong always enjoy a stay over in a Wan Chai Hotel Hong Kong where you can have an absolutely rare holiday experience with the hospitality of the people. Cosmopolitan Hotel Hong Kong is an amazing choice of location for your Hong Kong stay if you all wish for a Hong Kong Hotel.
Rudana Museum
The distinctive Rudana Museum in Bali was conceptualized and created with a unique paradigm. Incorporating a sacred philosophy according to which all buildings of the museum carry symbols of human devotion to God, this exceptional attraction has on display over 400 pieces of sculpture and fine art by talented Indonesian artists. Works of traditional Balinese masters can be found on the third floor of the building. Bali resorts are reputed for their exceptional locations and Anantara Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa is no exception. One of the finest Uluwatu hotels it ensures a pleasurable stay for all types of travellers.
Must- Visit top 10 Attractions in Indonesia
Indonesia is a land with many breathtaking attractions. It is a hard task to talk about only top 10 attractions in Indonesia as there is an array of magnificent attractions spanning across the country. However, some of the top attractions in Indonesia are Lake Toba; a volcanic lake, Tanjung Putting National Park, Baliem Valley, Mount Bromo, Bunaken; snorkeling spot, Torajaland; home for the Trojans, Gili Islands; an archipelago, Komodo National Park, Borobudur; a Buddhist temple, and Bali which offers a whole wealth of attractions. When you are in Indonesia, try to visit at least few of these places to explore this exotic Asian country. Luxury hotel resorts are in abundance if you are looking for one for accommodation. Anantara Hotels, Resorts and Spas is a renowned luxury hotels network that will not disappoint you wherever you go.