Attractions | The Adventure Travel Site

Five-day Indigenous Tour in Tropical North Queensland

Trek through thriving rain forests and explore the serene mangrove ecosystems of Tropical North Queensland to discover some spectacular locations. An indigenous tour will bring you up close with two of the world’s oldest living cultures: the Aboriginals and the Torres Strait Islanders.

Getting There

During your stay in Australia at one of the Middlemount service apartments the likes of Oaks Middlemount Suites, it’s a great idea to head out on a five-day indigenous tour in the Tropical North Queensland. Embark on a ten-hour road trip to Queensland, which promises mesmerising views.

First Two Days

Follow the footsteps of a local indigenous guide and embark on a day trek through the Daintree Rainforest, which would take you past coastal habitats, raging rivers, and gushing waterfalls. Expect excellent insights into the ancient herbal remedies from your guide. The next day, head over to Cooya beach to visit the fishing grounds of the Kuku Yalanji people to experience spearfishing techniques.

The Next Two Days

You can follow the art trail in Cairns and Laura to adore the Quinkan Rock art sites that feature hundreds of centuries-old rock paintings. Learn how to survive in the wild during the next day with a Pamagirri guide and practice on your spear-throwing skills.

The Final Day

During your final day, treat yourself to a night of cultural flavours. The traditional food cooked in an underground oven would produce hitherto unknown flavours on your taste buds as you savour them beneath the stars, listening to live aboriginal music.

A travel guide to Townsville

Townsville is now turning into a wonderful tourist hub. The quaint buildings, the old pubs and simply everything about the city is quite stylish which makes it alluring to visitors. Here are a few things to look out for if you plan on visiting.

Public Buildings

The private buildings are nice alright, but the public buildings have a charm of their own that’s even more amazing! The best example for this would be the Townsville Post Office which was built in 1886 with a clocktower that has been structured to the Early Victorian Classical Revival theme.

Viewpoints

When visiting Townsville, something you need to do is to see the city from above. Now, you don’t need one of those expensive helicopter rides for this. There are several viewpoints for this, the most popular one would be Castle Hill.

Botanical Gardens

There are 2 main nature parks in Townsville, Queens Gardens which is just 9-minutes away from Oaks Townsville Metropole Hotel is a wonderful spot with tropical flowers and trees. Anderson Park Botanical Gardens is a little further away and within the place is a lagoon, picnic spots, and a conservatory.

Places to stay

If you are on the lookout for places to stay, there are historic hotels as well for a bit of old-world charm and for a taste of modern-day living, Townsville accommodation apartments are always available.

Explore the Sacred Quan Thanh Temple

Quan Thanh is a beautiful temple that also goes by the name of Tran Vu Quan. It is a temple that is dedicated to the worship of HuyenThien Tran Vu who aided the Vietnamese in the fight against most invaders. It has changed a lot in the last 10 centuries. Learn more right here.

An Introduction

The temple is located in the West Lake near the north gate of ancient Thang Long. It is very easy to find from a hotel in Hanoi, the likes of Pan Pacific Hanoi as it is considered one of the four antique towns of Hanoi and everyone knows where to find it.

The Unique Architecture

The temple is a great place to visit if you are one of those people who are interested in the architecture of Vietnam’s historic buildings. The temple was influenced by both the Taoist and Confucianist sects of Buddhism, something that is more apparent with the Nguyen Dynasty.

How to Get There

Getting to Quan Thanh temple is easy if you make your way to the Ba Dinh district of Hanoi. There are various modes of transport to get there, which we can discuss below.

Going byBus

The cheapest way of getting to Quan Thanh is by bus. Hanoi buses are common and fast and cost 7,000 VND. It’s a great mode of transport especially if you find it hard to find your way around the city.

Other Modes of Transport

Other modes of transport include the most expensive which is a chauffeured vehicle or taxi as well as motorbike rentals or the Hanoi cyclo.

Into Sri Lanka’s Hill country

Touring the hill country of Sri Lanka and wondering what to do first? Here is a list of must-do activities while in the central highlands of the island.

Visit Tea Plantations

Known as the 3rd largest tea exporter in the world, the majority of Sri Lanka’s tea is produced in the hill country of the island. Some hotels in Nuwara Eliya Sri Lanka such as the famous Heritance Tea Factory are even built on these tea plantations. Ensure you visit one of them to find out the process of how tea is produced and packaged for export. Also, enjoy a hot cuppa while here.

Climb the Adam’s Peak

Sacred to all those in Sri Lanka, the Adam’s Peak climb is one that must be done at least once in your lifetime. Although a little tiresome, once at the top you will definitely not regret it. Begin your climb at night and witness one of the most magical sunrises in Asia once you reach the summit. The hike is approximately 3.5 hours to the top.

Hike the Knuckles Mountain Range

For those who love a bit of adventure in the wild, then hiking the Knuckles mountain range in the hill country of Sri Lanka is well worth it. The rugged mountain range is a land of mystical appeals and offers breath-taking views to those who seek it. A half-day trek is about 8km and a full day trek is around 18km.

Go, Waterfall Hopping

The hill country of Sri Lanka is no short of waterfalls. In fact, it is here that you will come across some of the most gorgeous waterfalls on the island. With over 100 waterfalls to choose from in the central highlands, the top three worth mentioning are Bambarakanda Falls (the highest falls in Sri Lanka), Ravana Falls, and Diyaluma Falls.

The Culture of Saudi Arabia

The Saudi community is enriched by its unique customs and values that were unbelievably preserved through its journey towards modernisation. The uniqueness of Saudi culture stems from a civilisation that dates back to over one million years.

Language

Arabic, the official language of Saudi Arabia, is one of the oldest language groups in the world. It consists of a variety of dialects, one of which is the Gulf dialect. English is also a widely spoken language in the country.

Music, Dance & Poetry

One of the most prominent folk rituals in Saudi Arabia is the “Al Ardha,” which is considered as the country’s national dance. It is a form of a sword dance that is based on Bedouin traditions. The variety of folk music called “Al sihba” has its roots stemming from Al Andalus. Poetry took a significant place in the Saudi Arabic culture and was used as a means of preserving tradition, values, and history during the olden days.

Cuisine

Saudi Arabian dishes are similar to that of the other countries in the Arabian peninsula and display influences of Turkish, Persian, African, and Indian cuisines. Pork is not consumed, and other meats are obtained following halal rules. Delicious Arabian delicacies can be enjoyed during your stay at one of the Al Khobar apartments belonging to properties such as Ascott Corniche Al Khobar.

Festivals

The oldest of all the festivals in Saudi Arabia is the Janadriya Festival, which is the most traditional as well. It features camel races and strives to embrace other aspects of its proud heritage. Riyadh festival offers its visitors a shopping fiesta where they can shop for a myriad of things. The Saudi Food Festival is one of the longest-running food exhibitions in the country.

Interesting Facts about Botswana

Botswana is one of the most beautiful and wild countries found in Africa – and that really is saying something. It is home to some of the continent’s most majestic wildlife as well as untamed expanses like the Kalahari Desert and Okavango Delta. So, here’s a few facts you might not have known about this hidden gem of a travel destination.

The Safari Capital

Botswana is renowned for its great safari adventures, but it truly is astounding just how many wildlife reserves the country has. For example, if you’re staying at one of the Botswana resorts found in the capital city of Gaborone – say for instance the Avani Gaborone Resort & Casino – you’re just a 20-minute drive away from a game reserve!

The Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – is undoubtedly Botswana’s biggest attraction. Surrounded by the dry expanses of the Kalahari Desert, the Delta is a beacon for a myriad of wildlife who seek hydration – these include animals like hippos, lions, and cape buffalo.

The Resident Elephants

Botswana actually has the largest population of African elephants on the continent! Massive herds are known to roam national parks like Chobe and nomadic herds are known to constantly traverse the Kalahari.

A Wild Land

Botswana is roughly the size of France in terms of area. However, it only has 2 million people living in it compared to France’s 66 million. The low number of humans is one of the chief reasons that wildlife tends to thrive in the country, there’s plenty of wilderness for them to call home.

Galle Dutch Fort of Sri Lanka

The Galle Fort or the Dutch Fort is one of the most popular attractions in Sri Lanka because of its historical facts as well as its stylish looks.

Galle Fort Sri Lanka — calflier001, GALLE FORT SRI LANKA JAN 2013 (8580286004), CC BY-SA 2.0

The location
Needless to say or describe, the Dutch Fort is in Galle, Sri Lanka, and is, of course, the main landmark that the city has. It is, of course, one of the best places to visit in Galle according to what is mentioned on popular travel sites such as Truly Sri Lanka as well.

The significance
It is a World Heritage Site declared by UNESCO and this very clearly depicts how important the Galle Fort is. According to a statement by UNESCO, it is one of the few amazing attractions in the world that show characteristics of both European and South Asian architectural styles.

A bit from the history
Although it was the Portuguese who started building the fort in the 16th century, the Dutch were the ones who made extensive modifications in the 17th century. When the British came in later, they too made some improvements here.

Important attractions inside
The Dutch Reformed Church, the Old Dutch Government House, The Residence of the Commander are also some important attractions you come across near this main attraction.

Top Attractions in Hanoi

If you’re vacationing in Hanoi, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding new and exciting attractions to visit. From ancient historical landmarks to sprawling marketplaces – there’s much and more to do in Vietnam’s wonderful capital city.

Nicolas Lannuzel from Singapore, Singapore, Hanoi opera house. Made as a copy of the Opera Garnier in Paris (22334215449), CC BY-SA 2.0

The Imperial Citadel

Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Imperial Citadel is an important historical landmark. It once served as the ruling centre of Hanoi in ancient times and remained as such for over 8 centuries. If you’re staying at a major hotel Hanoi has on offer – say for example the Pan Pacific Hanoi – the citadel should just be a short walk away. Meaning, there’s no reason to miss out on this fantastic attraction!

Water Puppet Theatre

The ancient form of art that is water puppetry is still well and alive in Hanoi. The original – perhaps the best – theatre in town is the Thang Long Puppet Theatre. Here, you can watch whole casts of puppets sing, dance, and re-enact famous tales of the country’s past.

The Perfume Pagoda

The Perfume Pagoda is a series of Buddhist temples believed to have been constructed in the late 15th century. These continuously stretch upwards along the incline of the Son Mountains. As you begin your own ascent, you’ll find the serene surrounding lend a peaceful atmosphere to this fantastic attraction.

Dong Xuan Market

The Dong Xuan Market is the largest shopping precinct you’ll find in Hanoi. After a long tour of all the city’s sights and attractions, this is the perfect place to pick out some souvenirs and memorabilia to remind yourself of all the adventures you had in Hanoi.

Significant historical attractions in Kandy

Needless to say, Kandy is a city in Sri Lanka that is of great cultural value. It has many places of historical significance too, and here are just a few of them.

Sri Dalada Maligawa

This a highly religious place for Buddhists where the sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha has been kept. In the month of July-August, hotels in Kandy Sri Lanka get crowded with tourists from all over the world, as the Temple conducts its annual procession ‘Dalada Perahera’.

Sri Dalada International Buddhist Museum

When you go to the Dalada Maligawa from your place of accommodation such as Cinnamon Citadel Kandy, do not also forget to visit its museum located just behind the main shrine. You can see a number of exhibits such as letters, diary entries, and old gifts that the temple has received.

Knuckles Mountain Range

Knuckles Mountain Range is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its beautiful landscapes and also for the scientific importance it holds. You may engage in mountain biking, hiking, or caving around this great place.

British Garrison Cemetery

This is one of the few places in Kandy with a colonial touch. It is indeed a great experience to move around the 163 graves it has and to read the details that the gravestones say with pride.

The Lovers Leap

Trincomalee in Sri Lanka is already popular among tourists for being the destination housing the famous Hindu Temple ‘Koneswaram’. But that’s not the only attraction the city has, it also has the Lover’s Leap.

The location

The Lover’s Leap is located in the town of Trincomalee which is already a tourist destination in Sri Lanka. With many great resorts, the likes of Trinco Blu by Cinnamon this destination is winning hearts of many; and attractions like this make them fall in love with the name ‘Tinco’- over and over again.

The story behind it

One of the main stories about this cleft comes from Ramayanaya. According to it, this cleft is made by king Ravana and that’s why some people used to call it ‘Ravana’s cleft’ as well.

Another story about this place

Another popular story is that a lady named Francina Van Reed dropped herself into the sea from here after losing her loved one. There are, however, some arguments refusing this belief- but it is a story left untold and unconfirmed in the history of Sri Lanka.

General instructions for your visit

You may get to this place by taxi or a tuk-tuk from your resorts in Trincomalee. And as this cleft is just a few meters away from the Koneswaram Temple, so you may admire both of them at once.