Attractions | The Adventure Travel Site

A Handy Guide to Colombo

A cosmopolitan city beside the coast, Colombo is Sri Lanka’s commercial capital and offers plenty to see and do. Here are some of the best places to visit and fun experiences that await.

Key Attractions

When it comes to sightseeing, there’s plenty to explore while staying at hotels in Colombo, Sri Lanka; those interested in history and art can visit the Colombo National Museum and the National Art Gallery. The Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple and nearby Seema Malakaya are two sacred Buddhist sites of interest, while the Independence Memorial Hall and the Viharamahadevi Park are popular attractions too.

AKS.9955, Seema Malaka side view 01, CC BY-SA 4.0

Beachside Getaways

For fun times by the shore, Mount Lavinia Beach in the city’s suburbs is a must-visit site. Located across from the property of Berjaya Hotels & Resorts, this beach is popular for relaxation and recreation. Also worth heading to are Wellawatte Beach and Galle Face Green, a large public park beside the ocean.

Retail Therapy

The One Galle Face and Colombo City Centre malls offer lots of shopping and feature international brands such as Armani Exchange, Charles & Keith, Mango and Aldo. Majestic City and Crescat Boulevard are amongst the other popular malls in Colombo, while the Pettah market provides bargains galore.

Foodie Favourites

No trip to Colombo is complete without savouring delectable local cuisine. Here are some of the top dishes in Sri Lanka one can try;

• Rice & spicy curry (meats or veggies)
• Kottu roti (a stir-fried dish with cut up godamba roti)
• Hoppers (bowl-shaped crispy pancake)
• Samosa (deep-fried snack)
• Isso wade (deep-fried snack with prawns!)

Ji-Elle, Sri Lanka-Egg hoppers, CC BY-SA 3.0

Beomeosa (Temple of the Nirvana Fish)

The Beomeosa is the head temple of the Jogye Order of Buddhism in Korea and is among one of the country’s most well-known religious locations. Perched on the slopes of the Geumjeongsan Mountain, it’s a place of peace and tranquillity – one which is well worth a visit if you’re ever in the area.

How to Visit

The easiest way to get to the temple is via train. Accessing the subway shouldn’t be too much of a hassle if you’re staying at a hotel or at one of the serviced apartments Busan has to offer, such as the Citadines Haeundae Busan. Once you get off at the Beomosa Temple subway station, you can walk the rest of the way up to the temple.

Temple History

The Beomeosa Temple was first established in 678 under the decree of King Munmu, and it stood strong for a number of centuries. This changed when during the Japanese invasions that took place during the latter half of the 16th century – the invaders nearly reduce the temple to ashes. However, several notable Buddhist monks lead the renovation of the temple during the early decades of the 17th century – ultimately restoring the Beomeosa to its former glory.

The Landscape

Visiting the Beomeosa temple can be quite the treat, not only because of what the temple itself has to offer but because of the scenic landscape that surrounds it. In fact, the Geumjeongsan Mountain is known for its “Three extraordinary sites”. These include the rock peak behind the hermitage, a giant rock formation that resembles a chicken, and the legendary golden well that lies at the very peak of the mountain.

The Temple Treasures

Now, of course, there’s plenty to see at the temple grounds too. For starters, you’ll run into the magnificent Il Ju Mun, the impressive gate that leads to the temple which is meant to represent the boundary between the mundane world and the spiritual. Within the temple you’ll find an array of brilliant bronze statues that depict Buddhist monks – these all surround a magnificent Buddha statue that lies in the centre.

Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre

Situated about 23 kilometres from Siem Reap, the Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre is certainly a place that one is bound to enjoy! It is a definite stopover when on your tour to Angkor Wat. Learn a thing or two about the delicate little magical butterflies!

Image credit: Sneha Abhyankar via wikimedia commons

How to get there?

If you are planning on visiting the butterfly farm and are travelling from one of the Angkor Wat hotels, the place is just a 41-minute drive away from properties like FCC Angkor Siem Reap. The drive to the farm is pretty enjoyable. You will pass by little Cambodian villages where the road comes to life with basket weavers and palm sugar vendors selling their items.

Entrance fee

The entrance fee is not much, $5 for adults and $2 for children under the age of 12, children under 3 walk in free. It is best to visit in the morning hours as the butterflies are mostly out during this time. A trip to the farm on a rainy day though will be pointless.

The Banteay Srey Butterfly Farm

Guess you can say that this is where the butterflies come out to play! The guides here are well versed on the subject, however, their English might be a little difficult to understand. This farm actually exports butterfly pupae and hosts butterfly exhibitions in zoos all over the world!

The butterfly cycle

On your tour of the farm, each stage of the butterfly life cycle will be explained to you. The guide will also give you a glimpse of each stage of the cycle. Butterfly eggs, caterpillars and even cocoons have been put into climate-controlled containers. Furthermore, you can learn about the various types of Cambodian butterflies as well.

Traveler’s Guide to Sepang, Malaysia

Until the KL International Airport was built in Sepang, and several other projects such as the Sepang F1 racing Track and Cyberjaya came up here, it was known to be a sleepy town that was earlier into rubber plantation.

Getting in Sepang

Since there is an International Airport located here, you can now enter this city by plane. For the journey from the Airport to your Sepang hotel, it’s always better to hire a car and travel, as it’s safer and faster too.

Things to see and do

Sepang International Circuit which is located close to properties such as Avani Sepang Goldcoast Resort is one main attraction in the city, that is never missed by tourists generally. In addition, there are also other places such as Bagan Lalang Beach which you can visit during your days there.

Craig, Sepang international circuit qualifying 2, CC0 1.0

Events in Sepang

In addition to the world-famous Sepang International F1 & Moto GP Racing, there are also some other events happening in Sepang. Thaipusam and the Chinese New Year are just some of them.

Keeping in touch is easy here

In Sepang, dealing with the internet is always easy and fast. You find Wi-Fi hotspots in almost all shopping malls and food courts. Buy a local SIM card and make local calls at cheap rates too.

A Complete City Guide to Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang is relatively a small town, but for a small town like this in geographical terms, it has so much to see and do. French Colonial streets, temples and bustling night markets are just some of them.

When to go to Luang Prabang?

Between November to May falls the best time to visit Luang Prabang, and this is also the period during which every hotel in Luang Prabang gets fully booked with guest reservations. The weather is so pleasant at this time and is suitable for every sightseeing activity that you wish to undertake.

松岡明芳, Phou si Luang Prabang Laos プーシーの丘ラオス・ルアンプラバーン DSCF6777, CC BY-SA 3.0

How to get around?

As mentioned, Luang Prabang is a small town and you can simply get anywhere on foot. But if you are visiting any places outside, you can use a hired bicycle, Tuk-tuk or a taxi for your convenience.

What to see and do?

If you are staying at properties such as Avani+ Luang Prabang there are several places nearby that you can visit such as the Night Market, Mount Phousi Viewpoint and the Mekong River. In addition to that, you may also take a Lao cooking class or witness the alms ceremony to the monks.

calflier001, LUANG PRABANG MARKET LAOS FEB 2012 (6992417213), CC BY-SA 2.0

How about the costs?

An average mid-range traveller will have to spend around $80 as his daily cost including food, transport, sightseeing and accommodation costs. If you are a backpacker, you can actually settle for less.

Top 5 Places to Visit in Botswana

Botswana is one of the go-to locations for safari-goers. It’s home to all members of the famous Big Five, which include the lion and African elephant. It’s also a region steeped in ancient traditions and a culture based around the bush. Here are five locations you should visit if you find yourself here.

The Okavango Delta

Born out of the Okavango river and surrounded by the dry expanse of the Kalahari Desert, the Okavango Delta is a fantastic location teaming with games. Here, during the flood season, a large portion of the land gets submerged under several feet of water, this presents the unique opportunity to go on safari via a traditional canoe or kayak.

Joachim Huber, Okavango Delta, Botswana (2675181510), CC BY-SA 2.0

The Gaborone Nature Reserve

Though comparatively small compared to most reserves, this park’s claim to fame is that it’s situated inside Botswana’s capital city. Many of Botswana’s resorts surround the park, making it remarkably easy to visit. For example, you can try your luck at the slots in the Avani Gaborone Resort & Casino and then take a short drive to view some wildlife – all on the same day!

Mokolodi Game Reserve

This is another park that’s located very close to the country’s capital. It is, however, significantly larger and home to a far wider variety of games. Rhino tracking is a highlight at this reserve where successful breeding programs have ensured the species’ continued survival.

The Kgalle Hill

A popular destination among rock climbers and hikers, Kgalle Hill is one of Botswana’s major landmarks. Visitors who make an hour’s climb up the hill will be treated with a breathtaking view of the surrounding area complete with a stunning sunset in the evening.

Great facts about Koh Samui

Koh Samui is indeed a tropical haven for most of the tourists visiting Thailand. This island has many entertaining features and here are just some of them.

Koh Samui has a privately-owned airport

Bangkok Airways do own an airport on this island and if facilitates daily direct flights to and from Koh Samui. This has made accessibility to Chaweng beach resorts much easier and faster as well.

There are two main landmarks on the island

Yes, there are many places to see in Koh Samui but, specifically, there are two, that visitors hardly miss. They are the Big Buddha statue and the Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks.

Maksim Sundukov, Big Buddha in Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai), CC BY-SA 3.0

Chaweng is the heart of this island

Chaweng is known to be the most popular and liveliest beach you find on this island. To facilitate tourist requirements such as accommodation, dining, and nightlife, there are good options around Chaweng such as Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort that provide world-class services. It was a fishing community back then Today, this island is passing a tourist era, but back then Koh Samui relied on fishery and coconut cultivation.

Roma Neus, Chaweng-Noi Samui 2013 may – panoramio (2), CC BY 3.0

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.

Explore Denpasar

Denpasar, the capital city of Bali, is a hub of art, culture and tradition. The site of the annual Bali Arts Festival, Denpasar is a popular and important stop for most travellers touring through Bali, and it’s full of its own unique sites and attractions.

Getting Around and Accommodations

Denpasar’s central location makes it easily accessible from the major tourist locations in the South; areas like Kuta and Seminyak can be reached within 30 minutes – provided the traffic isn’t too bad. The local taxi services are reliable and can be used to access most parts of Denpasar. There is also a bus service in Ubung which connects Denpasar with the other major cities of Bali. There’s plenty of accommodation options to choose from as well, particularly in Seminyak. Hotels such as the Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach are full of amenities that’ll keep you comfortable in-between your excursions in the city.

Brush up on History

Denpasar is a city that boasts a long and storied history; a fact that becomes readily apparent when visiting the main square. Here you’ll find the office of the Governor, the Bali museum and the very first hotel opened in Bali – aptly named the Bali Hotel. The imposing Bajra Sandhi Monument lies at the heart of the square and visitors can venture inside it to learn more about the Balinese’s struggle with colonialism via beautiful dioramas.

Experience Balinese Art and Culture

Denpasar is also a great location to experience Balinese arts – from paintings to music and dance. By venturing to the city’s eastern suburbs you’ll be able to visit the Bali Art’s Centre. Visitors can Balinese art like the famous woodcarvings and traditional garbs at the centre’s art museum. Various dance and music numbers are also performed at the amphitheatre during regular intervals.

Visiting the Market

A trip to Denpasar would not be complete without a visit to the curious Pasar Badung Market. The main stalls are all located in a vintage three-story building, while the surrounding area is full of all manner of goods and even has a small temple. This is the perfect place to treat your palate with some exotic Thai seafood or for picking out a souvenir.

Pasikudah Excursions and Attractions

Almost all the tourists who have been to Pasikudah Beach will agree with the fact that it is one of the safest beaches in Sri Lanka- located in the Eastern province of the country. The scenic beauty that this beach holds is also priceless.

Pasikudah- in a gist

Pasikuda| Img by: anjana.sudam via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Pasikudah is already a tourist destination in the country with many star-rated hotels the likes of The Calm Resort & Spa Pasikuda. Although the beach is 35 km away from the main city Batticaloa, since there are many Pasikuda hotels all the way, holidaying in Pasikudha is now not an issue at all.

Pasikudah Bay

Pasikuadah Bay is so unique and rich in its value that it was once proposed as a Marine Sanctuary as well. There are many scattered coral reefs fringed in the outer bay and it also has many other coral communities as well.

Batticaloa Lagoon

Although the Batticaloa lagoon is about 32km away from Pasikudah, it’s a must-visit before leaving the area, or the country. There are many islands within this bay such as Buffalo Island, Bone Island and Puliyantheevu Island which are connected with long bridges from the lagoon.

Minneriya National Park

Minneriya National Park is a little distant from Pasikudah, but this experience is very exciting. It’s one of the most interesting wildlife sanctuaries in Sri Lanka and you will be able to see magnificent wild elephants all throughout your safari.