Category: Water

Kitesurf Trips in Kalpitiya

Located along the west coast of Sri Lanka, Kalpitiya is a beach destination that offers a fascination landscape, unlike anywhere else on the island. In addition to kitesurfing, the area is in close proximity to Wilpattu National Park which offers whale watching, snorkelling and plenty more to see and do.

Where to Stay

Kitesurfing| Img via Dolphin Beach Resort

Kalpitiya has a range of accommodation to fit any budget. Depending on what kind of Kalpitiya windsurfing holiday you’re after, you’ll want to base yourself at established hotels or resorts, like Dolphin Beach Resort for example, that offer easy access and trained professionals that will guide you on a kitesurfing adventure.

Whales, Dolphins and Dives

The best time for whale and dolphin watching as well as diving is between December and April. Being a little more remote than the south coast, this means you’ll have far more private experiences in the deep blue.

Kitesurfing

Packages vary at each hotel or kitesurf school, but a reputed place will offer you certification on completing your lessons, allowing you to rent kiteboarding equipment anywhere in the world.

Beyond the Beach

Rent a bicycle and explore the countryside, join a yoga class or embark on a day’s outing to Wilpattu National Park further north, a stunning and less congested National Park teeming with sloth bear, leopard and other wildlife.

 

 

Pala-U Waterfall of Hua Hin

If you thought Hua Hin was all about lazing around on golden beaches with azure waters, well, you were right! But that’s not all there is to it, Hua Hin is a place the ignites the spirit of adventure and Pala-U waterfall is definitely a must-see.

Location

This beautiful waterfall is surrounded by vibrant green trees looking picturesque with an earthy background. It is located in none other than the largest national park of Thailand, Kaeng Krachan National Park. The park is just 63 kilometres away from the city and is an enjoyable journey as well.

User: (WT-shared) Onyo at wts wikivoyage, Ngerdmau Waterfall, CC BY-SA 4.0

Entering the sanctuary unobtrusive

Arrive at the park and you’ll have to pay a sum of 400 baht to enter. You are sure to find an expereince that was certainly worth the price! The vegetation here is thriving and hues of green decorate the woods here. Try to spot the unobtrusive wildlife here. When it comes to things to do in Hua Hin, hiking this trail is simply unmissable.

Listen to the call of nature

Pala-U forest reserve is home to a lively ecosystem. The waterfall here has about 15 tiers and goes under the same name as the park. Of these 15 tiers of waterfall, tourists are usually encouraged to visit just the first 3 as the rest might be dangerous.

How about a stay?

The only way to experience nature even better is a stay over at the reserve. Now you might have already booked into hotels like Avani+ Hua Hin Resort in the city, but a comfortable stay is possible here as well. You can either pitch a tent or book one of the small houses available here.

 

Beach Travel in Marawila

Located around 30km away from Negombo Beach, Marawila is a secluded stretch of coastline that is perfect for travelers who appreciate a bit of seclusion and privacy. Take in the picturesque sights of pristine beaches, lush tropical plantations, and tranquil lagoons all in quiet comfort.

Relax at the Beach

Undoubtedly, Marawila’s white sandy beaches are its star attractions. As mentioned, most of the beach areas are secluded, letting you relax and bask in the tropical sun in peace. That being said, the area isn’t completely deserted by any means, you will find a number of cafes and clubs dotted around if you’re looking for some company.

Photo by form PxHere

Go Exploring

Marawila is located in close proximity to a number of exciting travel destinations – particularly some of the island’s premier natural hotspots. Sri Lanka’s largest national park the Wilpattu is only a couple of hours’ drive away, and then, of course, there is Negombo town to the south. Any reputed Marawila beach hotel in Sri Lanka will include these destinations in their itineraries – like Amagi Beach for example – so be sure to consult with them too!

Take a Dive

The calm blue waters that lie beyond Marawila’s beaches are home to an impressive array of marine life, especially in the coral reefs found in the shallows. Jump in the water and go snorkeling to get up close and personal with a fantastic variety of fish and other sea creatures.

Photo by form PxHere

Try Some Toddy

Marawila has a thriving community of local toddy tappers, often spotted atop coconut trees going about their business. Toddy itself is a mildly alcoholic drink that bears a similar taste to cider. So then, after a long day spent at the beach or exploring, why not relax, unwind and sip some freshly brewed toddy?

 

Beruwala Fish Market

With all there is to see in Beruwala, a noisy, smelly fishing harbour might not seem like your typical tourist destination. However, if you are looking for things to do in Wadduwa, you shouldn’t miss out on the inimitable charms of the Beruwala Fish Market.

The Location

Getting to the fish market is a relatively simple affair if you’re staying over at a nearby hotel – for example, The Blue Water Hotel and Spa. First, get yourself to Beruwala, then simply take a tuk-tuk or cab to the Beruwala Harbour which is only around 3km away.

When to Get There

The fish market begins to come alive in the early hours of the morning, and this perhaps the best time to go visit too. You’ll find fisherman loading up their gear, boats readying up for a day of seafaring and the crisp ocean sunrise sneak up over the horizon.

Choose Your Fish

There’s an abundance of fish varieties to choose from if you’re in the mood for buying. You’ll find piles of mackerel, sardine and seer piled up all around the market floor – careful not to step on them! There are also bigger catches, like sharks, rays and giant tuna.

Get it Prepared

Once you pick out your fish, you can hand it over to certain fishermen who’ll have it prepared for you – essentially gutting and filleting your purchase. Take this opportunity to get to know the locals, most of them are quite friendly and might show you a thing or two about how fishing works in Beruwala.

 

 

Mekong River Cruises Guide

The Mekong is one of the largest rivers on the planet; flowing through several South East Asian countries, it has had a tremendous impact on the culture of these countries and their people. A cruise along this great river can be the adventure of a lifetime and we’ve put together a quick guide to help you plan the perfect river cruise.

Why Visit the Mekong River

A cruise along the Mekong will take you on a journey that spans countries and cultures. You’ll encounter everything from ancient ruins to traditional fishing villages. What’s more, the Mekong river basin boasts an astounding degree of biodiversity – second only to the Amazon.

Taking a Day Tour

If you’re strapped for time, a day cruise might be ideal for you. If you’re visiting the Mekong via Laos, Luang Prabang is where you want to go. There should be many Luang Prabang cruise tours to choose from. For instance, Mekong Kingdoms offers sunset cruises with dinner, as well as visits to Pak Ou cave and Kuang Si waterfall. Alternatively, you can experience Cambodian culture via a day tour through Kampong Cham.

Visiting the Delta

Located in Vietnam, the Mekong Delta region is ripe with natural beauty and exotic wildlife – a cruise along this stretch of the river is guaranteed to be filled with spectacular photo ops. This option also lets you experience Vietnamese culture first-hand, and the chance to try out authentic Vietnamese cuisine.

A Luxury River Cruise

Choosing a luxury cruise lets you enjoy all the sites and experiences the Mekong relaxed, pampered and in quiet comfort. Most luxury cruises travel between Siem Reap and Ho Chi Minh City or Phnom Penh. Taking these routes means you’ll encounter everything from beautifully crafted pagodas and temples to endless rice fields and charming floating markets.

 

 

Dolphin and Whale Watching in Kalpitiya

Have you seen dolphins playfully swimming or perhaps a majestic whale coming up to the surface? If not, you have a very good chance of doing so when in Kalpitiya, Sri Lanka!

Planning Your Visit
The island’s northwestern coast is where you will find Kalpitiya, around 170 km from the commercial capital, Colombo. This area has fast become a popular destination for both locals and tourists; with accommodation options, the likes of Dolphin Beach Resort also organising excursions out to sea, dolphin and whale watching has never been easier to do.

Spotting Dolphins
There is much to look forward to on your adventures in Kalpitiya; dolphin watching includes getting the chance to see huge pods of spinner dolphins as they swim, play and sometimes leap into the air! The great thing is, you may see other dolphin species too such as Risso’s, bottlenose, humpback, Fraser’s and spotted dolphins.

Giants of the Deep
Truly unforgettable is the chance to spot the largest animal to have ever lived on earth; the mighty blue whale. Whale watching in Kalpitiya even gives you opportunities to witness other kinds of such gentle giants as well; these include sperm, minke, dwarf sperm and melon-headed whales.

Picking the Season
While you are by no means guaranteed sightings (especially whales), there are seasons where your chances are greatly increased. For dolphin watching, the months ranging from October till March are best. When it comes to whale sightings, November to April is generally considered the best period in Kalpitiya.

 

 

Explore the Madu River

Sri Lanka is renowned for its natural beauty, from its sprawling national parks to its picturesque hillsides, but perhaps the best example of this is the entrancing scenery seen along the Madu River.

The Location

One of Sri Lanka’s most fragile yet important eco-systems, the Madu River is around 70km away from Colombo. You can easily reach the area by taking the well-developed Colombo-Galle highway if you’re travelling from the capital. If you’re staying at a resort or boutique hotel in Galle – as an example The River House – you should still be able to get there in under an hour.

The History of the Wetlands

According to ancient historical accounts, the Madu River has played an important role in the country’s history. Most notably, the mouth of the river and the surrounding wetlands were once the sites of an epic battle in which the forces of King Parakrambahu II repelled an army of invaders from Kerala.

The Wildlife

The river and the surrounding mangrove forest are a haven for a rich cast of wildlife. If you ever decide to take a boat safari down the river, you might just see some of these wonderful denizens – these include mugger crocodiles, over 50 different species of butterfly and up to 111 unique bird species.

The Local Industries

A trip down the Madu River will also provide the opportunity to observe some of the local industries that are based around the river. You can observe Sri Lankan fisherman expertly hunt for prawns in the water, or you can visit the aptly named Cinnamon Island to observe the traditional process of peeling cinnamon.

 

Water excursions in Wadduwa

The town boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka. The graceful golden sands strewn with palm trees are perfect for sunbathing. However, water sports are a tourist’s main reason for visiting Wadduwa.

Windsurfing
This is one of the most daring sports you can try in Wadduwa. The coming together of sailing and surfing, windsurfing is a must-try water sport – especially, if you’ve chosen a Wadduwa resort for your holiday.

Whale watching
Sri Lanka is known for frequent sightings of whales. Tourists staying at Taprobana Wadduwa are treated to whale watching excursions.

Snorkelling
Waters around this small coastal town are ideal for snorkelling. Snorkelling is a popular pastime in Sri Lanka, and you must definitely give it a try.

Diving
For those who are drawn to the magic of the ocean, diving is the best water sport to try while in Wadduwa. You will be a few feet below the surface of the water and in direct contact with the enchanting marine life.

A Quick Guide to Surfing in Southern Sri Lanka

Looking to combine a holiday with some surfing adventures? Then, make plans to head to Sri Lanka’s south coast where you can enjoy sun, sand and most importantly, surf!

When to Go Surfing

While surfing on the south coast may be one of the top things to do in Sri Lanka, you do need to visit during the right season. The best period to ride the waves on the south coast if from November to April when conditions are at their most consistent. Ideally, head out before eleven in the morning or later in the evening.

Top Destinations

Beginners will find Weligama an ideal place to visit, while intermediate and experienced surfers will have plenty to look forward to in Midigama. Advanced surfers will also enjoy the waves at Hikkaduwa though it can get crowded. Checkout local travel sites such as Truly Sri Lanka for more insights on activities like surfing.

Surfing Hotspots

Surfing| Img by: Amila Tennakoon via Flickr, CC BY 2.0

The main break at Hikkaduwa has some of the biggest swells on the south coast and the size of the waves can reach between six to eight feet. Those looking for longboard waves will enjoy Lazy Left in Midigama, while Kabalana in Ahangama features big walls as well as barrels for you to conquer.

Rentals & Lessons

While it may not be practical to travel abroad with your longboard in tow, the good news is that there are places to rent them in Sr Lanka along with shortboards too. While you will also be able to find instructors at the major surfing hubs, surf schools have been set-up in certain locations as well.

 

Bottle Beach Koh Phangan

Bottle beach is revered as one of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand. If you’re looking for a quiet, relaxing and laid back time in Thailand – Bottle Beach in Koh Phangan is where you need to be!

Overview

The remoteness and tranquillity of Bottle Beach is one that plenty of visitors enjoy. Most of the visitors visit the beach just as a day trip, but to truly savour everything this location has to offer – a longer stay is recommended.

Christian Fernandez Gamio (Golfer70), Koh Phangan BottleBeach 22, CC BY-SA 3.0

How to get to Koh Phangan

This beautiful island doesn’t have its own airport, which means that you’ll have to reach the island through a boat trip. Otherwise, you can try travelling to Surat Thani by bus or train and then get to the island through a boat. Lomprayah, Seatran, Raja Ferry are a few of the service providers you can opt for!

What to expect

Despite being quite difficult to reach, it’s the most rewarding beach in Koh Phangan! The beach is quite secluded, except for a handful of resorts as not many people make the journey to this spot. The sand is as soft as it gets and the water is extremely clear, even on gloomy days! With enough effort and help from your hotel in Koh Phangan, the likes of Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas, this treasure isn’t too hard to find!