Attractions | The Adventure Travel Site

Discovering Bintan Through The Years

Bintan, a tropical paradise nestled in the Riau Archipelago of Indonesia, is a hidden gem that beckons travellers with its pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and cultural mosaic. Located just a stone’s throw away from Singapore, this enchanting island offers a perfect escape from the bustling city life. Bintan is renowned for its stunning coastline, water sports, and a wealth of luxury resorts that cater to both adventure seekers and those in pursuit of relaxation.

A Once-Flourishing Trading Port

Centuries ago, Bintan held a prominent position as a bustling trading hub in Asia, drawing merchants from various corners of the world, including China, the Middle East, and India. These traders convened on the island to engage in commerce, with Indonesian merchants procuring spices from neighbouring islands, while foreign counterparts, notably the Chinese, brought goods such as tea, porcelain, and silk to Bintan. Owing to its strategically advantageous location, Bintan quickly evolved into a thriving nexus for both local and international traders.

The Struggle for Control

In the lead-up to its independence, Bintan underwent occupation by three different colonial powers: the British, the Dutch, and the Japanese. During the 18th century, the English East India Company took control of Bintan as an ideal port for maritime commerce. By 1911, Bintan came under Dutch colonial rule. The Japanese seized Bintan in 1942 as part of their regional expansion. It was only after Indonesia secured its independence in 1945 that Bintan was incorporated into the Riau province. This complex history has left an indelible mark on the island’s heritage and cultural tapestry.

The Transformation into a Tourist Hub

Situated just an hour’s ferry ride from Singapore, Bintan became the focal point of the Indonesian government’s ambitious endeavour to establish itself as a prominent tourist destination in the western region of the country. During the 1990s, a substantial influx of funds poured into Bintan, a vital development considering the island’s reliance on foreign investments for its economic growth – making it the focus of such additions to architecture as a Britain family terrace.

Bintan Today

In the present day, Bintan’s economy is significantly reliant on tourism. Its strategic proximity to regional urban centres such as Singapore, Jakarta, and Johor Bahru has propelled Bintan into the limelight as a prominent international tourist hotspot – with brands like The Residence Bintan appearing on its shores. Visitors, hailing from both domestic and international origins, are captivated by the island’s natural splendour and rich cultural history and heritage which made Bintan emerge as a destination replete with top-tier, world-class resorts and leisure amenities.

The Maldives for Adventure Seekers

The Maldives is famous for its stunning coastlines, vast coral reefs and exotic sea creatures. Apart from various water activities, travellers can experience all sorts of fun activities from sea walking to underwater dining!

img via pickpik

Snorkelling/Scuba diving

For those who want to discover marine and coral life, snorkelling is the best way to do so. Most resorts will have a house reef, making it easy to venture out and snorkel to your heart’s content. The Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve, Manta Point and Banana Reef are some of the best snorkelling spots in the Maldives. Scuba diving is another popular activity, with locations like Maya Thila, Coco Thila, and Kandooma Thila offering incredible coral reefs filled with abundant marine life. A Maldives diving resort such as the likes of Velassaru Maldives will be able to organise an excursion for experienced divers.

Underwater dining

Dining in the Maldives is anything but ordinary! Immerse yourself in the deep blue sea while enjoying a fancy star-class meal with guests like sharks and manta rays for company. If you are up for this unique meal, night try looking up restaurants like this to get your very own underwater dining experience.

Glass bottom boat ride

If you prefer a more relaxed beach experience, glass-bottomed boat rides are perfect for observing marine life and enjoying the comfort of a leisurely boat ride. Some excursions will include a cookout and time for swimming and snorkelling. It’s the ideal activity for all the non-swimmers of the group.

Sea walking

Sea Walking allows visitors to stroll along the sea floor and experience the undersea like never before, surrounded by nature beneath the waves. Naturally, those who attempt this must be able to swim, and with an instructor present, it is perfect for kids and adults alike. The best time for sea walking is from January to April.

Explore Mineriya National Park

When one thinks of Sri Lanka’s national parks, Yala or Udawalawe may come to mind first, but Minneriya National Park is an underrated reserve that offers a unique and captivating wildlife experience that is unforgettable.

Minneriya_National_Park,_elephants_gathering | img via wikipedia commons

The Gathering of Elephants

Minneriya National Park in Sri Lanka is renowned for hosting one of the largest gatherings of Asian elephants in the world. During the dry season, which typically spans from June to October, herds of elephants, ranging from dozens to over three hundred, congregate near the Minneriya Tank (reservoir).

Diverse Wildlife

While elephants take the spotlight, Minneriya is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including leopards, sloth bears, sambar deer, spotted deer, and a variety of bird species. Birdwatchers can enjoy spotting eagles, owls, and aquatic birds in the park’s wetlands.

Scenic Landscapes

Beyond its wildlife, Minneriya boasts picturesque landscapes, with the Minneriya Tank as its centrepiece. The park’s mix of dry tropical forest, grasslands, and wetlands creates a beautiful backdrop for your safari adventure. Experience these incredible vistas with the knowledge of travel guides from Ceylon Tours.

Cultural Significance

Minneriya is not only a natural wonder but also holds cultural significance. The area surrounding the tank was once part of an ancient civilization, and remnants of this historical past can still be found within the park.

Morocco with Kids

Are you dreaming of an exotic family adventure that combines culture, history, and stunning landscapes? Look no further than the scarlet haze of Morocco. Here is a list of essential tips and family-friendly activities to make your Moroccan trip unforgettable.

Explore the Imperial Cities

Start your journey in the captivating cities of Marrakech, Fes, and Rabat. These cities are a treasury of history and culture, with bustling souks, stunning palaces, and vibrant street performances that will captivate both parents and children. You can also find the best places to stay in Marrakech, including properties such as Riad Elegancia, which are perfect for the family.

Sahara Desert Adventure

A desert excursion is a must for families. Set off on a camel trek into the Sahara and spend the night under the starry desert skies in a traditional Bedouin camp. It’s an unforgettable experience that will leave kids and adults alike in awe.

Embrace Moroccan Cuisine

Moroccan cuisine is a delight for the senses. Encourage your kids to try authentic dishes like tagine and couscous. Don’t forget to indulge in treats like Moroccan pastries and the iconic mint tea. Exploring local flavours is a fantastic way to immerse the family in Moroccan culture.

Souk Shopping Fun

Moroccan souks are a vibrant, colourful, and bustling shopping experience. Encourage your kids to engage in the art of bargaining for souvenirs. Teach them to appreciate handmade crafts, from leather goods to intricate ceramics.

Train Trip To Khao Sok National Park

Travelling across Thailand can be a treat! The lush landscape and fine trains will make your journey worthwhile. Experience the beauty of Thailand and its incredible wildlife, from tigers to elephants!

Get to Hua Lampong

If travelling from Bangkok, go to Hua Lampong first to catch your train. You can get to Hua Lampong via different bus lines. If not, hop into a taxi from Suvarnabhumi Airport or Don Mueang Airport to get where you need to go.

Find your train

Although Thailand has an extensive public train system, chances are that you won’t be able to find a direct train from Bangkok to Khao Sok! Plan to get off at the nearest station in the town of Phun Phin next to Surat Thani, 100 km from Khao Sok.

Boarding the train

Plan to reach Hua Lampong at least 30 minutes ahead of your departure time. Know that for some compartments, you will have to buy tickets in advance at the station or a travel agent. However, if you arrive early, you might be able to get a second-class seat.

Train times and Arriving

You can find the allotted train times at Hua Lampong. If not, book ahead via a travel agency in Bangkok. Once in Surat Thani station, find a travel operator to arrange your transport to Khao Sok. A minivan or a car is an option to consider. You can also find luxury villas in Koh Samui like those at the Santiburi Koh Samui, when looking for a place to stay.

Complete Guide to Khao Sok National Park

If you are planning on visiting the Khao Sok National Park soon, but are quite lost on the planning part of it, don’t worry. Read on!

Explore the Verdant Rainforest

Khao Sok is famous for housing an ancient rainforest, which is a biodiversity hub that brims with exotic flora and fauna. Walk through dense greenery as you look in awe at the magnificent limestone cliffs. While here, do keep an eye out for wild animals such as gibbons, elephants, and the hornbill!

Go on a Cheow Lan Lake Adventure

Go right to the middle of the park to discover Cheow Lan Lake, an expanse surrounded by stilted peaks. You can kayak or take a boat ride here if you want a serene experience while holidaying at SAii Koh Samui Choengmon or any other property offering Koh Samui beachfront villas.

Marvel at the Limestone in Sok River and Caves

The Sok River lets you go on a canoeing journey, where you will slowly glide past tall limestone karsts and green river banks.

Discover the Vibrant Underwater World

While Khao Sok National Park is known for its lush rainforest and stunning landscapes, it also offers a unique opportunity to explore the underwater world. Consider taking a snorkelling or diving excursion in the nearby areas to discover the colourful coral reefs and diverse marine life that inhabit the waters.

Photography Safari

There’s no doubt in anyone’s mind that the country of Kenya is beautiful. Filled as it is with natural wonders, flora or fauna, it’s plain to see that it’s blessed with bounties of many different kinds. It’s things like this that lead the stray wildlife photographer, or nature enthusiast, to chase after these simple pleasures of life and capture them on analogue or digital film, immortalizing them as part of the planet’s history at a given point in time. Well-known for nature experiences and safaris, what better place to chase after nature than the very country of Kenya?

Amboseli National Park

As many might agree, there is something especially calming and special about seeing one of the Earth’s most majestic creatures, the elephant, in its natural herd, roaming around the brown-green plains that it loves. At Amboseli Park, that’s exactly what you get and more – on clear days, you’ll also have the mighty Mount Kilimanjaro providing an especially impressive backdrop to these lovely animals.

Nairobi National Park

The only park in the world situated within a national city, this option provides any avid photographers with some things to think about! If you’re interested in taking a few shots of Nairobi and its natural environs, consider the convenience of such a short drive in comparison to many other camping safaris in Kenya, and the great numbers of 400+ bird species to capture here!

Maasai Mara National Reserve

The most popular wildlife reserve in Kenya, consider touring this place with reputed tour companies like SkySafari if you’re contemplating a visit! It’s home to one of the most awe-inspiring spectacles, the Great Wildebeest Migration, and is one of the great Wonders of the World. It’s a great place to visit at all times of the year and provides a unique landscape that we have become so familiar with thanks to popular culture.

Samburu National Reserve

Our final choice on the list – the Samburu Reserve. Situated in Northern Kenya, it is home to the “Special Five” – the Somali Ostrich, Gerenuk Antelope, Grevy’s Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe, and Beisa Oryx – excellent species to capture on your camera. It’s also home to other less unique species, although no less enjoyable to capture, such as leopards, cheetahs and other big cats that make their home here.

Exploring the Knuckles Mountain Range

For adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts, Sri Lanka’s Knuckles Mountain Range offers a trekking experience like no other. Nestled in the central highlands of the island nation, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

Breathtaking Scenery

As you embark on your trek in the Knuckles, prepare to be captivated by the stunning scenery. The range is named after its series of peaks that resemble a clenched fist. Lush green forests, cascading waterfalls, and mist-covered valleys create a dramatic backdrop. You can see this picturesque mountain range from hotels in the area such as Hunas Falls Hotel Kandy.

Varied Terrain

The Knuckles offer a range of trekking options, from gentle walks to challenging hikes. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced trekker, there’s a trail for you. The terrain includes rugged paths, dense forests, and river crossings, ensuring an adventure suitable for your fitness level.

Biodiversity

The Knuckles Mountain Range is a biodiversity hotspot. During your trek, you’ll encounter a diverse array of flora and fauna. Keep an eye out for colourful bird species, elusive leopards, and unique plant species found nowhere else on Earth. Trekking in Kandy is especially famous for the vibrant biodiversity one can encounter.

Cultural Encounters

The area surrounding the Knuckles is home to indigenous communities. Interact with locals and gain insight into their way of life. You may even have the opportunity to enjoy a traditional meal, adding a cultural dimension to your trekking adventure.

Visiting Yala National Park

The Yala National Park is immensely popular among tourists and locals alike, and it is primarily due to the leopards that roam around the park. The park provides a safe haven for elephants and other species, as well as reducing the amount of negative encounters locals have had with them over the years. Here’s your guide to visiting this national treasure.

About Yala National Park

Yala National Park is divided into five zones, out of which only Zone 1 and Zone 5 are accessible to the public. If you’re interested in spotting leopards, then Zone 1 is the best choice as it has a high density of leopards. On the other hand, if you’re looking for picturesque landscapes and diverse birdlife, then Zone 5 would be the better option. Prioritize your choice based on your wildlife interests to make the most of your visit.

Leopard Safari Thrills

Leopard in the wild on the island of Sri Lanka — Image via Wikimedia Commons – Byrdyak, Leopard on stone in Yala National Park, CC BY-SA 4.0

Yala is renowned for its high density of leopards, making it one of the best places in the world to see these majestic big cats. Experience a Yala National Park safari adventure as you search for leopards, as well as other fascinating wildlife such as elephants, sloth bears, and various species of deer.

Accommodations

There are many eco-friendly lodges and resorts available near Yala National Park that offer a comfortable stay amid nature. These accommodations typically organize guided safaris and excursions. Enjoy a comfortable stay at a property such as Kithala Resort before setting off on your memorable journey.

Gal Oya National Park

Sri Lanka is celebrated for its natural beauty and diverse wildlife, and the Gal Oya National Park is a hidden gem that promises an off-the-beaten-path adventure for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. Situated in the eastern part of the island, this park offers a unique experience, mainly due to its large reservoir, which is central to its ecosystem.

Getting to Gal Oya National Park

Reaching Gal Oya National Park can be an adventure in itself. The park’s entrance is accessible from various locations, but most visitors choose to start their journey from Ampara, which is the nearest major town. You can hire a local guide or join an organized tour to explore the park.if you want to try your hand at camping or wildlife safaris there are plenty of Gal Oya Sri Lanka Hotels that offer a glamping experience such as Wild Glamping Gal Oya.

Boat Safaris on Senanayake Samudraya

What sets Gal Oya National Park apart is the vast Senanayake Samudraya reservoir that runs through it. It’s one of the few places in Sri Lanka where you can embark on a boat safari to spot wildlife. As you glide across the calm waters, keep your eyes peeled for elephants swimming between islands, diverse bird species, and perhaps even the elusive crocodile.

Land Safaris and Wildlife Encounters

Aside from boat safaris, the park also offers traditional land safaris where you can observe elephants, leopards, deer, and a variety of birds in their natural habitat. The park’s unique landscape, consisting of grasslands, forests, and water bodies, provides a diverse range of environments for wildlife to thrive.

Birdwatcher’s Paradise

Gal Oya National Park is a haven for birdwatchers. With over 150 species of birds, including raptors, waterfowl, and endemics, it’s a fantastic destination for ornithologists and anyone with a love for avian life. Keep your binoculars handy as you explore the park to catch glimpses of these feathered wonders.

Cultural Encounters

Apart from its abundant wildlife, Gal Oya National Park is also home to indigenous communities, such as the Vedda people. Engaging with these communities can provide a unique cultural perspective and an opportunity to learn about their traditional way of life.

Conservation and Respect

As with any natural habitat, it’s crucial to respect the environment and the animals that call Gal Oya home. Follow the guidance of your guides and be mindful of park regulations to ensure the continued preservation of this pristine wilderness.