The youngest Aussie state capital

Lush botanical gardens, alfresco dining, and amazing sunsets are enough to make any place your favourite destination. Darwin, although is on the edge of Australian Outback is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines with so many things to do. If you’re someone who enjoys the great outdoors, Darwin is the place to be.

Sunset Dinner Cruise
Sunsets and great fresh seafood dinner; what’s not to love? If you’re near Stokes Hill Wharf, you need to go on a sunset dinner cruise. Bring your cameras and a very big appetite because not only do you get some amazing food on this cruise, you can capture some beautiful images of the city while you sail along with the sunset. Each cruise lasts around 2 hours and 30 mins.

Darwin Wharf Precinct AKA Stokes Hill Wharf
This is a working wharf with many restaurants, shops and fun activities. The Darwin Wharf is also a major tourist attraction because it’s only 5mins away from downtown. If you’re staying at one of the many serviced apartments in Darwin such as the likes of Oaks Darwin Elan Hotel come by here and enjoy a nice alfresco seafood meal with your family and friends.

Defence of Darwin Experience
This experience is a part of the Darwin Military Museum and commemorates the Darwin bombing of 1942. You can witness first-hand experiences and many presentations depicting the destruction and horrific aftermath of WWII. If you’re a history buff, please visit this exhibit and the neighbouring Darwin Military Museum.

Tiwi Islands
If you want a fun day out in the sun with your family, plan a day trip to Tiwi Islands. The island, also known as the island of smiles, is located 2hours and 30mins north of Darwin by ferry. As the island is inhabited by Aboriginal groups, the best way to visit is through an organized tour under an indigenous guide.

Snorkelling and diving in Phuket – How to get about it

Phuket is an island of stunning beauty when it comes to land, everyone knows that! But what about under the water? if you really want to know you’ll just have to see for yourself. Here’s a bit about snorkelling and diving in Phuket.

fitri agung from Pekanbaru, Riau, Indonesia, Indonesia, Phuket 2012 (8481635621), CC BY 2.0

Best time to dive

The best time to dive in Phuket would be during the period when the weather is warm. It is at this time that visibility is at its best. This season would be between November and April. Nonetheless, the dive sites are less crowded and Phuket resorts bring down their prices.

Marine life

Each dive site may differ in marine life slightly, but the Andaman Sea definitely offers an under-sea spectacle with creatures like manta rays, reef sharks, whale sharks and a variety of turtle species.

Diving schools

Phuket island has plenty of diving schools to choose from. If you are staying at a resort like Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas, it’s best to ask for recommendations from your hotel. Scuba Cat, Sunrise Divers and Merlin Divers are some of the recognised schools here.

Phuket diving spots

Within the waters of Phuket are some wonderful, yet underrated diving spots! Phuket Shark Point, Anemone Reef and Karon Bay are a few sites you ought to check out.

Ao Nang Travel Guide – All You Need to Know!

Are you planning to visit Ao Nang? Nestled along the coast in Krabi, facing the Andaman Sea, here’s what you need to know about this town before you go.

How Do I Get There?

Ao Nang is a quaint coastal town in the Thai Province of Krabi which is about 20 minutes away from Krabi Town. One can fly into Krabi International Airport and take a cab down to this laidback town. Alternatively, one can also reach this town by way of ferry.

Where Can I Stay?

Ao Nang has become increasingly popular over the past few years. As such many hotels and resorts have popped up in response to the demand. If you’re considering one of the Ao Nang beach hotels, look no further than hotels such as Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort.

Image via Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort

When Should I Visit?

While Thailand is known for its tropical climate, all those who visit the tropics need to be aware of one thing – the monsoon season! To avoid the downpours, visit Ao Nang between December and March. Whereas you may get caught in some heavy rain if you visit during May to October.

What Can I do?

The best thing to do in Ao Nang is to go island hopping! The 4 islands named Koh Gai, Koh Poda, Koh Mor and Koh Tup are all waiting to be explored and make for an incredible day trip. If you’d like some privacy, make sure you book your private boat when zipping about the islands.

Dhow Cruise in Dubai Creek

Embarking on a cruise in Dubai is a brilliant way to simply get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and grab a few quiet moments with your loved ones. Not to mention the stunning views that await!

Image credit-Pixabay,enjoytheworld ,CC0

Experience the hospitality

The best thing about taking a cruise in Dubai, particularly the dinner cruise is being taken care of by a crew of service professionals. They will ensure that you are comfortable and relaxed at all times. If you are staying at one of the Dubai hotel apartments with kitchen such as the Citadines Culture Village Dubai, be sure to skip a meal before visiting.

Enjoy a stunning dinner

This meal will certainly be a decadent one, especially with a full course of Emirati and international cuisines being mustered by the kitchen staff.

Entertainment awaits

Once dinner is done, you will be able to enjoy the performances of Tanoura dancers which is an art form that stems from the times of the Ancient Egyptians.

Sit back and relax

Once dinner is over, you can simply settle in for a gentle ride along the river and take in the sea breeze and the night sky.

Exploring Saudi Arabia’s Heet Cave

The Heet Cave in Saudi Arabia is a wonder that many people would never expect to even exist. This cave offers people a treat in the middle of the desert, and is filled with water to boot!

Image credit-Pixabay,CC0

Some background on the Heet Cave

The cave is believed to have been formed due to limestone dissolving through the anhydrite materials within the cave. For those looking to enter its domain, they must walk through a 20-metre-wide hole in the ground and across various crumbling rocks.If you are staying at the furnished apartments for rent such as the Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh be sure to make a trip to the cave!

How to get to the Heet Cave

The best way is to arrange transport to Al Heet and then make the rest of the journey along the dirt road.

Things to keep in mind

This is a natural wonder and as such, it is important to not leave any rubbish behind. Be sure to bring bags to take back any garbage.

Safety precautions

While the journey is fairly simple for an adult is it not recommended to bring a child along with you given the risk of falling and injury.

Best desert safaris in Doha

Doha is a sand dune full of thrills to enjoy! Be it conquering a rip-roaring four-wheel drive in the desert or an unforgettable camel ride, there is just so much to do. Here are a few exciting things to do on your safari.

Image credit- Unsplash,Haris khan,CC0

Camel riding

Camels are quite laid-back creatures and what is a desert without the elegant line of camels walking across? Arrange a ride during your desert safari for the experience of a lifetime.

Dune bashing

This is the adventure you’ve been waiting for! Hop on a safari jeep and prepare for a roller-coaster ride on the dunes. Resorts such as Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar by Tivoli can help organise this experience. You might just have to hit a spa in Doha Qatar after your adventures to relieve your tiredness.

Sandboarding

Slide down the dunes of fine sand, but don’t scream in excitement unless you don’t mind getting sand in your mouth! This is something you definitely must try.

Visit the inland sea

Khor Al Adaid is just 60 km away from Doha and is a UNESCO Natural Reserve. The dunes gradually part into a sea and the views here are amazing.

Watching dolphins and whales play with waves

Yoko Ono once said, “Imagine a dolphin dancing in the sky. Let it dance with joy. Think of yourself at the bottom of the ocean watching”. As much as any of us would love to be able to do that, sadly we humans aren’t so lucky. So, the only option we’ve got is to watch them at Port Stephens.

Why Port Stephens?

Tomaree Peninsula.Port Stephens NSW | Image via flickr

Perfect cobalt blue waves fringed with snow-white foam crashing onto the rocky headlands is a sight to behold on its own. However, what will truly mesmerize you is the magnificent sight of whales and dolphins swimming through those waves like graceful, aquatic dancers. What makes Port Stephens even more special is that it’s home to over 140 bottlenose dolphins!

How to get here?

Port Stephens is located in New South Wales, Australia. Backed by giant white sand-dunes, this is the perfect location to come and forget all your concerns. It’s a picturesque 2hours and 30min drive from Sydney but if you’re flying the Newcastle airport is only 30 mins away from Port Stephens and Nelson Bay.

Where to stay?

There are a plethora of luxurious hotels and cozy places to stay and enjoy your relaxing vacation in this beautiful coastal town. If you’re concerned about health and safety during these times, Nelson Bay hotels offer self-contained accommodation such as the Oaks Nelson bay Lure Suites. You can have the most relaxing, safe holiday without having to cut back on time or comfort.

Who to look out for?

The rocky coastal headlands make for the perfect viewing decks from the shore, but you can easily get a cruise and sail away with your loved ones to meet the friendly whales and dolphins up close. You can see humpbacks and bottlenose dolphins and even go swimming with them during the warmer months to really feel like a part of the pod!

Rock Climbing at Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur

Their walls of the Batu Caves offer a unique opportunity for enthusiasts of climbing and first timers alike. Take up the challenge and see how you fare on your journey in Kuala Lumpur.

Image credit-Unsplash,Thanish Ahmed,CC0

The climbing walls of Batu Caves

For the uninitiated, this may come as a surprise however, the Batu Caves are well known for the amazing climbing walls they offer. If you are staying at a serviced residence in KL such as the Ascott Sentral Kuala Lumpur, be sure to request some transport to take you to the location and back because you will be exhausted afterwards!

Getting to the Nayang Wall

This is one of the three walls in the area and is found right in front of the shops close to the main road leading up to the caves.

Don’t forget base-jumping

If you are looking for a bigger thrill, be sure to try out the base jumping that takes place off the Gua Damai cliff as well.

The New Batu Caves

In 2018, the Batu Caves were reopened with a new coat of colour and an overall facelift to the delight of climbing enthusiasts.

A day trip to Magnetic Island

If you’re in Queensland Australia, Magnetic Island is surely not to be missed. The fascinating history and the lively vibe of this island attract so many visitors who look for a change of scene during their visit to Townsville. Here are some things you should know when you’re getting here.

Getting to Townsville

It is fairly easy to get to Townsville either by driving or by coach. You can also get there by Greyhound or Premier Bus. Once you get there, you can pick up your boat tickets to Magnetic Island. If you get here early, you can book a hotel or Townsville Australia suites such as the likes of Oaks Townsville Gateway Suites and return to Townsville after your activities in Magnetic Island.

Getting to Magnetic Island from Townsville

Get on the earlies ferry possible so that you have the entire day to enjoy. It is wise to board the ferry 20 minutes before departure too. Your tickets will cost you a pretty penny, but it is so worth it! Make sure you book your return ferry tickets and bus passes all at once; it may seem like a chunk of cash, but it is better to purchase all of it at once.

Snorkeling

Snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef | Image by Great Barrier Reef Encounter via Wikimedia Commons,CC BY-SA 3.0

Now that you’re here at Magnetic Island, there are plenty of things for you to do. At the top of this list is snorkeling at Nelly Bay and Geoffrey Bay. Aside from the gorgeous viewpoints and invigorating hikes, Magnetic island is one of the best places in Australia to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef.

The Forts Walk

This excursion captures the essence of Magnetic Island all into one; koala bears, World War II history and the beautiful lookouts. You will get a thorough education about the importance of the Magnetic Battery in the 1940s and the significance of the island during the war with sweeping views and adorable koala sightings.

Horseshoe Bay

For a refreshing and much-needed lunch break, drop by Horseshoe Bay. This is the quintessential beach town with amazing food and the friendliest locals. You can have a nice meal, make a few new friends, relax and rest up and if you’re too hot you can even take a dip in the beach. There are safe-to-swim areas in this town with stinger nets.

A climb to remember

Are you an adrenaline junkie? If so, the Story Bridge Adventure climb is just the way for you to explore Brisbane. Here’s what you need to know to plan an exciting trip.

What this journey entails

Story Bridge Brisbane Night View | Image via flickr

This is a must-do if you’re in Brisbane because you’re in for a great thrill. This exhilarating climb is sure to leave you wanting more and mesmerized by the beauty of the city. You can take part in the climb at dawn, during the day or if you’re extra daring, you can climb the bridge at night under LED lights. The bridge is about 74m high; the total journey is about a kilometer with a viewing bay above the Brisbane River.

What’s included in a climb

Even if you’re a first-time climber with no experience, you will still get briefed about the safety guidelines and will be given the gear and equipment needed. You’re given a fully enclosed suit to wear over your clothes and your team lead will take pictures of you at the top, so you don’t have to risk losing your valuables. Since the bridge is in the heart of the city, you can easily find accommodation such as the Oaks Brisbane Mews Suites which is just a 7min drive.

Nervous? Don’t worry.

As this is a highly popular activity, there are ironclad safety measures in place, and you will always be accompanied by experienced guides. The only requirements are that you’re at least 10 years or older and 130cm tall. Although there are plenty of great bars and hotels in Bowen Hills, please avoid alcohol prior to the climb just to ensure your safety and others’.