Activities - The Adventure Travel Site

Deep Sea Fishing in Negombo

Deep-sea fishing is one of the most exciting water sports you can try out. It’s an opportunity to wrestle with some of the toughest games in the oceans, and though it can be taxing, it’s also incredibly rewarding.

Adam Jones from Kelowna, BC, Canada, Beach Scene at Sunset – Negombo – Sri Lanka (14050166719), CC BY-SA 2.0

Why Negombo
The waters that border Negombo is home to some of the largest big game fish found in Sri Lanka’s coastal regions. The Negombo Lagoon is also home to some large species which prefer brackish water. If you’re staying at a Negombo beach hotel – say, for example, the Heritance Negombo – all of this is only a few minutes away.

The Game
There’s plenty of trophy fish for you to test your mettle against in Negombo. The most sought-after specimens include awesome oceanic predators like the marlin, barracuda, swordfish, and even a few shark varieties.

Setting Off
In order to stand the best chance of snagging some big game, you’ll want to set off just before dawn. Most of the trophy fish species are voracious predators and they are most active during this time of the day. Add some bait, cast your line, and wait patiently for a bite.

A Feast Awaits
Once you hook a giant, the real challenge begins. Big game fish can put up quite the fight and it might take hours for you to reel one in. Don’t let up though, the reward at the end is more than worth it.

Honza or Markéta, Negombo beach, drying fish (001), CC BY-SA 3.0

The Phra Nang Princess Cave in Krabi

Many travellers simply visit the Phra Nang Beach to soak up the stunning Krabi scenery; however, some locals visit with the intention of making offerings to Phra Nang herself. Located close to many a hotel Ao Nang Krabi has to offer such as Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort, this cave is a must-visit attraction in the region.

History

The legend states that Phra Nang was a princess that was killed during a shipwreck. Another story states that she was the wife of a fisherman who got stranded on this island and whiled her time away awaiting her husband’s return.

Getting There

From Ao Nang Beach, you can board a longtail boat that will directly take you to Phra Nang Beach. It would cost around 200 Baht per person to complete the trip. A long-tail boat would usually wait until there are at least 8 passengers before departing to Phra Nang Beach.

Mark Fischer, Phra Nang Beach, CC BY-SA 2.0

Offerings to Phra Nang

Nowadays, one can witness the local fishers making offerings such as flowers and incense asking for safe travel on the sea.

Cave of Fertility

Over the years, Phra Nang Princess Cave became associated with fertility and virility. Locals place wood carvings of phallic symbols that can be seen at the entrance of the cave.

Unforgettable Whale Watching in Africa

An experience you are bound to cherish for a lifetime, the sight of humpback whales swimming wild and free in the ocean is not to be missed on a visit to Mozambique in Africa.

Key Destinations

The Quirimbas and Bazaruto archipelagos are amongst the best places to visit in Mozambique for those looking to enjoy this activity. You will find accommodation at islands here and some properties including those belonging to brands such as Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas even offer whale watching excursions which add to the convenience factor.

Image Credit: **Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas**

Best Time to Go

When it comes to whale watching in Mozambique, the best time to plan your holiday would between July / August and October. It is during these months that humpback whales make their way to warmer tropical waters from the Arctic.

What to Spot

Depending on the day and some luck, it is not unheard of to spot up to 30 whales! These marine mammals which can grow to lengths of around 60 feet, migrate to these waters to mate and subsequently give birth to young; one may spot them arching over the water, expelling air via their blowholes or leisurely swimming in protected waters.

Other Species

It is not just whales one can observe when here, but bottlenose dolphins, endangered dugongs and from April to July, whale sharks too. The waters are ideal for snorkelling and diving to spot diverse marine species including giant manta rays, while from October to April you can witness turtles visiting the islands to nest as well.

Mozambique Wildlife Safari

Mozambique isn’t the typical urban country where high-rise buildings are all you see. The country and its people are very much in tune with nature ad attempt to protect their wildlife. This is exactly what makes a safari here so exciting.

The abundance of wildlife

The Limpopo National Park in Mozambique is one of the most impressive parks which has been merged with South Africa’s Kruger National Park. Now wildlife in the two regions roams free. A safari here is one of the top things to do in Mozambique.

Gorongosa National Park

This was the regions most abundant national park in the 1960s. But once the civil war began, animals were poached for ivory and meat. Now projects have begun to bring the park back to its former brilliance and visitors get to see it all.

Moving to water

When it comes to wildlife, Mozambique is also blessed with rich marine life. There are many diving and snorkelling opportunities available to witness it all.

Tours and places to stay

Now that the country has recovered from the civil war, there are many hotels belonging to large chains like Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas that have decided to set up here. They may even organize your tours.

Amazing Attractions to Discover in Yala for an Unforgettable Vacation

From wildlife safaris to exploring exquisite cultural sites, Yala is an ideal place to spend your summer vacation. You will find many properties in and around this spellbinding city such as Cinnamon Wild Yala.

Adbar, Tourism Yala National Park, CC BY-SA 3.0

Yala National Park
No trip to Yala is complete without visiting its amazing national park – one of the most visited of its kind in Sri Lanka. It is home to a beautiful forest that provides lifeblood to many exotic animals. Animal lovers can even expect to spot the elusive leopard here during a safari arranged by their Yala hotel.

Magul Maha Viharaya
Hiding historical value in its ancient constructions, Magul Maha Viharaya is yet another attraction that can be visited during your trip to Yala. According to chronicles, Vijayabahu the Great has used this temple complex during the battle to unite the country.

Sithulpawwa Raja Maha Viharaya
A temple complex that’s believed to be built by King Kawanthissa during the 2nd century B. C., Sithulpawwa Raja Maha Viharaya can easily be accessed from many Yala hotels. The main stupa can be found overlooking a large pond from a large mountainous area.

Yala Leopard Centre
Couldn’t spot a leopard during your safari? Fret not – you can visit this incredibly informative centre that offers marvellous insights into the lives of leopards.

Unforgettable Snorkelling in Queensland

Ever swum amongst vibrant reef fish or majestic mantas? It is an experience that you won’t forget and one that you can enjoy when snorkelling in Queensland.

Lady Elliot Island
At the Great Barrier Reef’s southern tip, off the Bundaberg coast is Lady Elliot Island, one of the best spots to encounter manta rays especially during the winter season. It’s a popular family snorkelling destination with many underwater marvels to witness close to shore, while in deeper waters you can see turtles and dolphins too.

Keswick Island
Keswick Island, part of the Whitsunday Islands, can be easily reached by boat from Mackay Hotels close to the marina such as Oaks Mackay Rivermarque Hotel are ideal for those planning excursions to this island where you can snorkel above teeming coral reefs and tropical fish; highlights include spotting hawksbill and green turtles and manta rays.

Moreton Island

Those snorkelling around Moreton Island will come across an artificial harbour with old ships that have been intentionally sunk here. Amidst crystal clear waters, they create unique backdrops to spot all manner of marine life be it lionfish, yellowtails, stingrays, kingfish, turtles, dolphins and even wobbegong sharks.

Ribbon Reefs
For snorkelling enthusiasts, one of the best things to do in Queensland is to also explore the Ribbon Reefs which can be reached from Port Douglas. This site is in fact, made up of 10 reefs home to marine species like parrotfish, potato cod and unicornfish. In June and July, you may even get the chance to encounter dwarf minke whales!

How COVID – 19 will change the travel industry?

COVID 19 both as a life-threatening disease and as a fast-spreading pandemic has caused so much of damage to the world – it has resulted in the death of many individuals as well as it had made a huge impact in the economies of almost all the countries around the globe. Read on to know how it would affect the travel industry in particular in the coming months and even years.

Overview

The COVID 19 Panedmic has indeed taken the world by a dark and ominous storm. It has claimed the lives of over 0.9 million people by the time of this writing and it has crippled the economies of a great many nations. Numerous industries have been highly affected as imports and exports have come to a complete standstill. Among the many industries, travel and tourism is the one which has been hit the hardest and countries which GDPs greatly rely on tourism are struggling to surface back to where they were financially before the calamity.

Personal Hygiene

As we are now moving towards embracing the ways of new normal – learning to live amidst the spread of the pandemic, numerous precautionary measures and safety practices are being implemented and adapted into the daily routines of people around the globe. Hygiene practices such as washing hands occasionally, wearing a mask all the time when you are out in public places, maintaining a distance of at least a meter from others, are being followed by many and they are already being instilled on to people’s daily routines.

Laws and regulation

Travel laws and regulations are being changed drastically to ensure safety and to curb the spread of the virus. Many countries now request a COVID 19 report during the visa approval process and tourist destinations around the globe have decided to not offer visas on arrival. Some nations have also gone to the extent of enforcing hygiene practices for if a person fails to follow them would be fined or face other types of penalties and punishments.

The future

The scene of the future of travel, although seems a bit bleak during this time, there are occasional glimmers of victory in the news media of nations succeeding in the battle against the pandemic. Some countries have already opened their gates for tourists and numerous resort establishments are already preparing to receive guests with upgraded health and safety practices. For example, Oman Resort properties the likes of Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort now use enhanced cleaning technology and have digitalized most of its operations so that you won’t have to interact with others directly. There is now a lot of hope that things would return to normal very soon.

5 Days in Trincomalee

Trincomalee is one of the best locations to visit in Sri Lanka, renowned for its pristine beaches, natural beauty, and charming atmosphere. So, if you find yourself in this fascinating region on holiday, here’s how you should spend the next five days of your vacation.

A Day at the Beach

The beaches are by far Trincomalee’s star attraction, so why not get your tour of the region started there. Uppuveli is one of the best choices available to you in this regard, here the sands are white and pristine while the waters are nice and calm.

Go for a Dive

Most resorts Trincomalee has on offer – such as the Trinco Blu by Cinnamon – will include scuba diving in their itinerary. So, on your second day, why not take them up on this. There are a number of great diving spots to choose from in the region, all of which are home to a fascinating array of marine life.

Touring the City

On your third day, consider going inland to see all the wonderful sites that Trincomalee town has to offer. A good starting point would be the famous Koneswaram Temple – a relic from the ancient Chola period. Along the coast, you’ll also discover Fort Frederick, an ode to Sri Lanka’s colonial past.

Going Snorkelling

As day four arrives, it’s time to head back into the water. Specifically, consider a day’s snorkelling session at the reefs bordering the famed pigeon island. Well away from the hustle and bustle of the main city, this is the chance to relax and spend some alone time with yourself.

Try Some Seafood

With your time in Trincomalee slowly drawing to a close, it’s time to end things on a high note – flavourful high note that is. All along Trincomalee’s coastline, you’ll find a number of great seafood restaurants. You should definitely consider stopping by these and enjoying some signature Sri Lankan dishes.

Wellington Travel Guide

Wellington is one of the most popular regions you can visit in New Zealand. From scenic views to fantastic attractions, there’s a lot to see and experience here. So, here’s a quick travel guide you can go through, if you’re planning a visit here soon.

When to Visit

So, to start off with, when exactly should you visit Wellington? The winter months that last from June to August are ideal if you want to avoid crowds but be weary of constant rainfall and strong winds. The summer season will bring tourists with them but pleasant weather as well. So, the choice is up to you.

Where to Stay

There’s a wide selection of accommodation options here in Wellington, ones that are suited for varying budgets. You can pick out a budget-friendly boutique hotel or opt for one of the best hotels in Wellington such as the Oaks Wellington Hotel.

The Attractions

Wellington Zoo Image by Spawn Man via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

The list of attractions you can visit in Wellington is virtually endless. Some highlights include the Wellington Zoo, the National Archives and Weta Workshop. You can always consult your accommodation provider for recommendations on where to go.

A Few Tips

You should consider visiting the free museums of Wellington, these are great to tour through and cost you nothing. When it comes to dining, visit Chinatown for the best flavours and unmatched prices.

Weekend Road Trip to Toowoomba

Toowoomba is one of the most underrated locations to visit and explore in Australia. In fact, it’s a great choice for a weekend road trip – here’s a quick look at what such an excursion has in store for you.

The Way There

If you’re driving from Melbourne, there are plenty of roads you can take to reach Toowoomba. Along the way, there are a number of pitstops you can make to stock up and stay refreshed. There’s plenty of accommodation options to choose from in Toowoomba itself, once you arrive. For instance, you can go with one of the serviced apartments Toowoomba has on offer like the Oaks Toowoomba Hotels.

Toowoomba’s Street Art

Image by Ian Cochrane via flickr (CC BY 2.0)

Once you’re in Toowoomba, it’s time to tour the streets and get lost in the local culture. One of the best ways to do this is to follow the trail of street art found in the city. Here, there a numerous colourful mural that was completed by renowned local artists.

Eat Out

A road trip to Toowoomba is nothing without tasting some authentic Australian flavours. There’s plenty of great dining options to choose from in the city. Establishments like the Firefly Café and the Finch Café strike the perfect balance between authenticity and atmosphere.

Take a Moment to Relax

All of this travelling is sure to make you at least a bit tired. Fortunately, there’s plenty of great locations you can visit in Toowoomba to relax and take things easy. Locations like Queen’s Park and the Ju Raku Japanese gardens are great places to start with.