Activities - The Adventure Travel Site

Camping in Sri Lanka for an Adventurous Getaway

If you’re looking to escape the busy city life in Sri Lanka and escape to nature, camping is one fine way to do so. Here are some excellent sites to get your tent out, set up, and enjoy uninterrupted, stunning landscapes.

Udawalawe National Park

Known for its elephant population, Udawalawe National Park stretches over 30,000 hectares. Animals such as wild boar, jackals, common langurs, sambar dear and over 180 species of birds call this park their home. To travel here, get one of the many self-drive cars in Sri Lanka, offered by the likes of Malkey Rent A Car, where you can drive at your own pace. Depending on the area of the park that you want to camp in, the price may vary.

Ella

The central highlands of Sri Lanka emit beauty so splendid that you’ll never want to leave. Famous for its lush green hills and now thriving party scene, Ella will not disappoint hopeful campers! You can also hike Little Adam’s Peak and visit Ravana caves.

Knuckles Mountain Range

Another spectacular location found in central Sri Lanka, Knuckles boasts many forest trails and sites ideal for camping. In fact, this location is ideal for eco-camping, so now only are you enjoying yourself, but you’re also conserving the environment.

Yala National Park

The most renowned National Park in Sri Lanka, Yala is full of picture-perfect sceneries, bordering the Indian Ocean. You will spot many mammals, birds and insects while you’re here, that’s a given! Camping with the sounds of nature and wildlife around you is surreal in Yala. There are also onsite washrooms and barbeque facilities.

Fun things you can do in Koh Samui

Koh Samui, Thailand’s second-largest island after Phuket, is among the most rewarding to travel to. This popular island in the Gulf of Thailand is also bordered by magnificent beaches and covered with forest.

The Top Activities in Koh Samui

Whether you are a fan of Muay Thai and want to catch a fight or you simply want to meditate at a Buddhist temple, there is something for you any day of the week.

Visit Ang Thong National Marine Park by scheduling a tour

This is unquestionably among the top activities in Koh Samui and the entire Gulf of Thailand. There are 42 islands in the Ang Thong National Marine Park, each of which is rocky and distinctive.

View a Monk who has been preserved

Koh Samui’s Wat Khunaram is a Buddhist temple well-known for its mummified monk.This is not a sight for the faint of heart; it is a dead body on show in a glass case. But it is pretty fascinating.

Experience the Big Buddha

Visitors to Koh Samui should unquestionably make a visit to the Big Buddha this stunning landmark is located in close vicinity to many a Koh Samui luxury hotel, so be sure to keep an eye out for places such as SAii Koh Samui Choengmon if you need a place to a crash after all the sightseeing.

Top Experiences and Adventures in Indonesia You Should Definitely Try

Those with a passion for adventurous activities and thrilling excursions will find Indonesia meets their holiday needs. Let’s explore some of the most exciting experiences available in the country.

Mangrove Forest Tour

Ranked among the most rewarding things to do in Indonesia, exploring the mangrove forests occupying breathtaking Bintan is a must for those who wish to walk on the wild side with mangrove snakes staring back from branches above. There’s no better way to uncover the beauty of nature than embarking on this mangrove tour. Visitors based at The Residence Bintan and similar rests will find that it is one of the top things to do in Bintan.

Snorkelling in Kanawa

Tipped to be one of the top snorkelling destinations in Indonesia, Kanawa offers tourists a glimpse of the coral gardens and the marine life occupying the Indonesian sea bed. Often compared to the exquisite underwater landscapes of Koh Phi Phi, Kanawa is a less crowded locale to engage in your favourite activity.

Ayung River Rafting

Those who head down to Ubud for a beach holiday can also sign up for a river rafting excursion of a lifetime. Taking rafters through the dense jungles of this tropical paradise, the rapids of Ayung River offer experienced and newbie rafters a fantastic challenge.

ATV Ride

ATV rides are not only accessible on the beaches of Indonesia and its pastoral villages but also in the country’s lush jungles. Travellers hankering for an off-road adventure will find that there’s nothing more engaging than driving down the rocky surfaces of Indonesia’s untamed wildernesses.

Why Kandy is Sri Lanka’s Cultural Capital

A popular day-trip destination for all, Kandy is not only home to the Temple of the Tooth but some of Sri Lanka’s top cultural highlights. Here’s why this hill station is deemed the cultural heart of the island.

Ceylon_tea — Charles R. Benedict, Ceylon tea, CC BY-SA 4.0

The Temple of the Tooth

The main reason why Kandy is dubbed the cultural epicentre of Sri Lanka is that it is where the Temple of the Tooth is located. The sacred dental remains of Lord Buddha are contained within this iconic shrine, which was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site decades ago.

Historic Kandy Lake

Although most visitors know that enjoying a boat ride on Kandy Lake is one of the top things to do in Kandy, few are aware of the legacy of this manmade body of water. Having been the execution site for many Sri Lankan nobles during British colonial rule, Kandy Lake is most infamously connected with the beheading of local hero Madduma Bandara and his family.

Tea Country

Whether you are based at the Hunas Falls Hotel Kandy or any other rest, a tour of the tea estates and factories surrounding the city will illustrate how it is a prime tea-producing region in Sri Lanka. World-famous Ceylon Tea is linked with the plantations and colonial-era tea factories that still function today and form a part of the hillside’s tea country.

Kandyan Dance and Drumming Heritage

As a dance tradition that differs significantly from the island’s southern dance school, Kandyan dance and drumming techniques date back centuries and have been preserved by local artists.

Golfing in Doha – Tee Off in Style

Ever heard of all-year-round golf courses? Golfers can rejoice because there are plenty of those in Doha! Read on to uncover what you can expect before your tee-off time in Doha.

Central Accommodation

Whether you’re in town for business or pleasure, why not stay at one of the best hotels in Doha? With many choices of resorts, such as Al Najada Doha Hotel by Tivoli offer comfortable and convenient stays so you’re never too far away from a golf course too!

Image via Al Najada Doha Hotel by Tivoli

Beautiful Courses

The natural landscape of Doha makes for some stunning and unforgettable courses. From dunes, dramatic cliff edges and stunning ocean views, a walk around some of these courses will make you want to take up golf just for the views!

Doha Golf Club

Come and take a swing at the premier golf course in the country, the Doha Golf Club! This 18-hole course has been designed in keeping with international standards, and is perfect for both professional and avid golfers alike!

Education City Golf Club

Yet another club to visit is the Education City Golf Club. With plenty of facilities to challenge both professional and amateur players, this club is a must-visit when playing golf in Doha. There are also additional 6- and 9-hole courses for golfers to practice their swings before they tee off.

Sunrise & Sunset Tours of the Mui Ne Sand Dunes – Landscapes of Magical Beauty

Amongst the most enchanting natural attractions in Vietnam, the Mui Ne Sand Dunes are wonderful sights to behold be it at dawn or dusk and here’s more on what awaits.

Where Are the Dunes?

These dunes can be found in Mui Ne, a charming coastal resort town in Southeast Vietnam known for its gorgeous beach and laidback atmosphere. You can stay at properties by the shore like Anantara Mui Ne Resort which organises excursions to the dunes. Jeep tours are popular, while bike rental options are available too for independent exploration.

White Sand Dunes

When it comes to catching a captivating sunrise, head to the White Sand Dunes within easy reach for those staying at a beachside Mui Ne resort. The desertscape with its pristine sands and lakes is made even more beautiful in the light of the morning sun; you can even hire a quad bike or for something truly unforgettable, take a hot air balloon ride.

Red Sand Dunes

Once evening draws near, plan a visit to the Red Sand Dunes where a spellbinding sunset awaits. The sand with its reddish and brown colour lends to the allure of this sight which makes for great Insta posts too. To add to your experience, locals hire out sleds that you can take up to one of the dunes for a fun ride down!

The Fairy Springs

As part of your tour of the Red Sand Dunes in Mui Ne, you can also visit the nearby Fairy Springs, well worth exploring too. This idyllic stream is set amidst impressive rock formations that create an enthralling backdrop; you can remove your footwear and enjoy a leisurely stroll in the stream which is only around ankle-deep in water.

Top Outdoor Activities in Sir Bani Yas Island – Captivating Discoveries, Exciting Adventures

Lying off the coast of Abu Dhabi is the enchanting island of Sir Bani Yas which apart from sublime seclusion and beachside bliss, offers lots of outdoor escapades for the whole family.

Wildlife Drives & Nature Walks

The key attraction is the Arabian Wildlife Park home to over 17,000 free-roaming animals. Those staying at properties like Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort can enjoy guided wildlife drives and nature walks here to spot some of these amazing creatures; highlights include the iconic Arabian oryx as well as giraffes, gazelles, ostriches, flamingos, hyenas, mountain sheep and even cheetahs.

Image via Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort

Other Popular Activities

Of course, Sir Bani Yas offers many more captivating activities in Abu Dhabi; you can embark on wadi walks traversing past imposing rock corridors and striking salt domes, ride the dunes atop Arabian stallions or mares or use pedal-power to explore off-road trails while mountain biking. Resorts here also offer archery, a great way to get in touch with your inner Hawkeye or Robin Hood!

Archaeological & Natural Attractions

Apart from wildlife, the island is also home to 42 distinctive archaeological sites as well as natural wonders that make the landscape here even more intriguing. You can go on a guided exploration of such attractions including a Nestorian Christian monastery that is said to go back to 600 A.D; don’t miss seeing the salt domes too which are around 20 million years old!

In the Water

There are lots of fun-filled things to do on Sir Bani Yas Island amidst the surrounding waters as well. An activity the whole family can try, snorkelling offers a glimpse of a fascinating underwater world home to protected reefs and thriving fish species. You can also look to go kayaking amidst the mangroves to spot diverse birdlife and enjoy more exploration while stand-up paddleboarding as well.

The Best Places to Visit in Doha

A destination with plenty to discover, Doha, the capital of Qatar, will not disappoint intrepid travellers and here are some of the key places to explore and experience.

Souq Waqif

Amongst the most famous attractions in Doha, the historical Souq Waqif is a sprawling traditional marketplace where one can soak up local culture as well. As you wander around this site, you will come across everything from souvenirs, handicrafts, clothing and spices to gold, art and falcons! When hunger strikes, there are plenty of restaurants and cafes here too.

Al Wakra

A seaside locale, Al Wakra is not only a great place to visit but also stay at for those looking to enjoy luxurious comforts and holistic healing at a spa in Doha, Qatar. Not to be missed is Souq Al Wakra a popular coastal marketplace located next to Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar by Tivoli; also nearby is an idyllic public family beach with shallow waters and playgrounds ideal for kids.

Doha Corniche

A waterfront promenade that runs along Doha Bay for around 7 km, the Doha Corniche is another must-visit place of interest. A well-known spot for both relaxation and recreation, it is popular with joggers and skaters too; there are parks and play areas for kids here, while you can also head to the stunning Museum of Islamic Art and take a dhow cruise as well.

Katara Cultural Village

Amongst the best things to do in Doha is to visit the Katara Cultural Village which offers more insights into local culture. Noteworthy highlights include the Katara Mosque, Gold Mosque, Al Thuraya Planetarium, and a Greek-style amphitheater, while there are various art galleries and eateries too. Here, you will also find Katara Beach with lots of water sports on offer.

A Solo Traveller’s Guide to Exploring Horton Plains

Horton Plains, one of the national parks in Sri Lanka, is an example of Sri Lanka’s unspoiled natural beauty. It is also one of the best places to visit in Nuwara Eliya. With thriving wildlife and milder climate conditions, the place offers a respite from the typical harsh weather conditions of the country.

What you need to know

You need to carry plenty of water with you as there aren’t any shops here. You cannot really bring plastic bags with you, and make sure you don’t litter. Also, if you are planning to visit in the afternoon, wear sunscreen.

Accommodation

There are plenty of hotels near Hotel Plains; all you have to do is take your time and find one that suits your budget. It’s best to choose a hotel like Araliya Green Hills, as Horton Plains is part of the experiences on offer.

Baker’s Falls

You have to hike through uneven terrain to get here, but it’ll be worth it. Baker’s Falls is one of the principal attractions here. Named after Sir Samuel Baker, a British explorer, the waterfall has a height of 20 metres.

World’s End

For scenic panoramic vistas, visit the World’s End. The journey is fairly easy, with frequent wildlife encounters. World’s End is a steep cliff that’s considered one of the best lookouts in the country. The views you get here stretch across two provinces.

Camping

To camp in Horton Plains, all you need is basic camping gear; however, as you are alone, you should consult a tour guide to ensure that you don’t do anything you are not supposed to. You can also get in touch with a tour operator.

What Draws Tourists to Khao Lak? – Your Checklist Essentials for the Perfect Holiday

Khao Lak, Thailand is widely known as an escape from the bustling streets of Phuket to palm-fringed beaches and vast landscapes covered in mighty greenery. Khao Lak is not only a beauty on the outside but one that holds enchantment and secrets in the very fabric of the villages and forests that behold the identity of the land.

The National Park

A 15-minute ride is all it takes to reach the Lam Ru National Park from resorts like Avani+ Khao Lak Resort and therefore is located within close proximity to most Khao Lak, Thailand resorts. Occupying an area of 150 square kilometres, the area was declared a national park in the year 1991. It is home to some of Thailand’s exquisite natural resources, birds, mammals and reptiles.

Similan Islands

Similan Islands surfaced into the notice of the common man following its declaration as a national park in the year 1982 as an archipelago of 11 islands in the Andaman Sea. The word Similan means nine, referring to the number of islands that were originally a part of the archipelago before two other remote islands were added in 1998. Similan Islands shelters some of the most vibrant marine life in Southeast Asia and is home to less than 120 bird species.

Turtle Sanctuary Visits

The Turtle Heaven of Khao Lak, also known as the Phang Nga Coastal Fisheries Research and Development Centre, is a turtle sanctuary that was founded in the year 1985. The sanctuary is a safe space for four endangered turtle species, the Ridley Sea Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle, Leatherback Turtle and the Green Turtle, and is open to people of all ages to visit and learn about marine life, including turtles.

James Bond Island

The James Bond Island has its own ring to it, primarily due to the name that was made famous following a shot made for The Man with a Golden Gun, the ninth James Bond instalment starring Roger Moore. Since then, the island has become a crowd favourite as tourists flock to catch a glimpse of the infamous island that made it to a James Bond movie. The James Bond Island’s distinctive feature lies in the limestone cliffs that shoot out of the water in a vertical form.