Category: Land

Explore Under the Sea in Caribbean

The Caribbean conjures up scenes of paradise found where pristine beaches and palm laden lands lie interspersed on an azure canvas that is as delicate as it is breathtaking. As one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations for honeymooners and beach lovers this intriguing corner of the world has always been a hotbed of activity for water sports lovers all year round as the Caribbean oceans are also regarded among the world’s finest surfing venues.

Littered with stunning rock formations, abundant marine life and ancient shipwrecks, what lies beneath the Caribbean waters is just as intriguing as what lies above with rainbow-hued species and breathtaking corals occupying a submerged wonderland. One need not be an experienced diver to explore this captivating fantasyland under the sea as the tour operators in the Caribbean offer visitors a number of ways to get up close and personal with the brilliant marine heritage of the country.

A glass bottom boat excursion is often described as one of the easiest methods to explore the Caribbean sea bed as one need not even know how to swim to view the spectacular scenes of multihued coral lying beneath the surface. The glass bottomed ocean vessel takes visitors across several islands of the Caribbean in a cruise that can last up to several hours. The Atlantis Submarine is also on hand for more adventurous visitors and a typical tour takes passengers hundreds of feet beneath the ocean surface across much of the Caribbean including Grand Cayman, Aruba, St. Thomas, Barbados and Cozumel.

Helmet diving is another unique way to explore the underwater surface as anyone aged 5-85 can don the special helmet and climb down to the ocean floor using a ladder to walk among schools of fish and corals that lie between 10-12 feet below the waves. Avid snorkelers and scuba divers can also take a tour of the underwater wonderland the old fashioned way with diving gear rented from innumerable rental services on the beachfront and via hotels. Courses on scuba diving and snorkeling are also available at many hotels and diving schools in the islands.

Travellers on the lookout for an award winning hotel in the Caribbean should look to the COMO Hotels and Resorts conglomerate for all their accommodation needs. As a luxury hotel group with a number of elegant establishments all across the Caribbean, seasoned travellers could hardly imagine more eclectic spaces to spend their valued vacations.

Wat Naphrameru

Located close to the Klong Muang banks, Wat Naphrameru is an ancient temple that can be found in Ayutthaya. A great way to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ayutthaya and its many temples is by taking a Bangkok cruise tour such as those provided by Anantara Cruises Thailand. These Bangkok cruises let you experience the country’s rich heritage on traditional style barges and feature luxurious accommodation. Constructed in the early 16th century, Wat Naphrameru is still used as a temple and is where one can find a remarkable statue of Buddha. Dating back to 1505, this famous statue is adorned in gold leaf and is definitely worth seeing when in Ayutthaya. The temple also witnessed such significant events as the signing of a peace treaty in the 18th century between the king of Burma and King Maha Chakkraphat.

The Peak

It is a necessity that a visitor to Hong Kong should feel deprived if he doesn’t get a chance to go to The Peak. Ascend on the tram at sunset to this towering mountain and its looming view stations and enjoy the city being played on with many brilliant hues as sunlight dips into a fury of colours before converting into the dark of the night where the electric lights take over and spill out their own magic pattern against the velvety darkness.
Known as the Victoria peak or even more simply as The peak, this tall mountain is placed on the western part of the Hong Kong and captures a stunning view of the rest of the city, especially the view over the Victorian Harbour. The peak tower contains the sky terrace which is another excellent location to capture the best scenery. There are more great places to take an eyeful of scenery at Lions view Point pavilion as well as Lugard Road Lookout. The peak circle walk is an excellent way of taking in different angles of the view through a casual stroll while the peak galleria offers a viewing gallery that is as superb as the rest.

The Peak tram journey that takes you up on the ascent to the peak is as great as the end point, reminding you of the caption of success being a journey and not a destination. This famous funicular train ride offers an incredible experience as you get to glide past the tallest sky scrapers of the city and watch them disappear into the distant through your window as you ascend the peak. Dedicated to this excellent mode of transport that has survived for no less than a century is the Peak tram gallery that has stories to tell of the tram and its memorable incidents. The tram leaves for the peak from Garden road and can provide an amusing journey upwards. However, today the tram can be replaced by a taxi or even a car to reach the top.

Descend from the dizzy height to enjoy some of the more earthly luxuries that Hong Kong can offer within the premises of a reputed Hong Kong hotel. A prime location close to major shopping areas, theme parks and other attractions as well as a range of suites and rooms to please the most discerning traveller and memorable culinary preparations will leave a visitor very much content if not delighted with his choice at Cosmopolitan Hotel Hong Kong. This Wan Chai hotel Hong Kong has in store for you is indeed a superb way to experience Hong Kong and its attractions with the most delightful comforts and services as found anywhere else in the world.

Diving with Whale Sharks in Samui

The Samui Archipelago is located off the southern side of Thailand in the Gulf of Thailand. It provides some of the best diving options as it is sheltered from the open ocean. Due to this the waters here are also calmer and warmer, providing excellent conditions for exploring what lies beneath. With the range of spots on offer it is the perfect destination for novices as well as advanced and more experience divers.

The other excellent condition the Samui Archipelago offers in terms of underwater explorations is its clear and consistent visibility. Due to this it is a popular destination amongst those keen on underwater photography and video filming the colourful and vibrant sea landscape.

The beauty of the Samui Islands extends from deep under the ocean up to the glorious skies. Above the surface, kissing the great tropical sun filled air is a paradise awaiting exploration: beaches, coves, mountains covered with greenery, all what you’d want to experience during a vacation. Under the surface there are more treasures to be explored. The waters are packed with ocean life: reef sharks, barracudas and other colourful tropical life swims about in abundance. The vibrant coral reefs and fascinating rock formation adds a wonderful backdrop. But most importantly you will have a chance of meeting one of the largest fish in the ocean: the whale shark.

The Samui Archipelago is an ideal spot for viewing these imposing creatures of the deep. On average, a whale shark grows to around 12 metres, though larger specimens have been spotted. While they are passive by nature, watching them glide beneath the ocean is sure to have your heart racing and provide a truly thrilling holiday experience that will last a life time. From March to October is generally considered the best period to view whale sharks.

Koh Samui features a range of PADI certified establishments providing dive equipment as well as guidance. If you are looking for accommodation, most offer their own dive facilities. Koh Samui resort, guest houses and budget accommodation can be booked through the Internet. If you are looking for a Chaweng hotel with luxurious comforts and a wonderful setting, Anantara Lawana Resort & Spa Koh Samui is an excellent option.

 

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

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Exploring the Best Beaches in Samui

Staying at a Koh Samui resort by the beach, such as Anantara Lawana Resort & Spa Koh Samui, is an ideal way to experience the island’s scenic coastal beauty. This Chaweng hotel is ideally placed on the Chaweng Beach itself and lets you spend lazy days soaking up the sun and having fun in the sand and surf. Chaweng Beach is popular for surfing and its nightlife, while there are a number of other beaches on the island worth visiting; Bophut Beach with its palm fringed shores, the laidback Lamai Beach, Choeng Mon Beach with its picturesque bays and Big Buddha Beach from where you can take a boat to Koh Pha Ngan island and experience the thrill of a Full Moon Party!

Kite Boarding and Wind Surfing

In Melbourne, those who love water sports are really at an advantage. The many beaches found in this city have just the right amount of waves to make activities like kite boarding and wind surfing ever so tasteful and popular.

Kite boarding and wind surfing are two activities that fall in the ‘high thrill’ category of water sports. Despite requiring quite a bit of skill it can be undertaken by anyone after a little bit of brushing up with professionals. The best part of Melbourne is that you can also get plenty of centers which provide a quick training which enables one to indulge in these sports.

A day out at the beach is a fantastic way to relax in Melbourne. Beaches here are clean, fun and perfectly safe to go for a swim or indulge in the array of water sports available. There are different spots known for different thrill levels. Whether you are an amateur or pro you can get a fun and fulfilling dosage of both kite boarding and wind surfing in Melbourne.

The city of Melbourne has so many other outdoor fun activities and water based activities to indulge in. Diving and snorkeling are also on the list and so is jet skiing and cruising. The beaches serve perfectly for a dip or a splash and make a sought out hang out spot that comes particularly alive during the weekends. The kids are busy building sand castles while the parents feel the kiss of the sun; a really perfect way to cleanse oneself from the week long stress of work.

When visiting Melbourne choose a comfortable and classy to hotel to fully enjoy your stay here. There are many beautiful places to see and things to do in the city and having a good Melbourne accommodation to come home to is of pivotal importance. Of all the places, the Melbourne hotels are the best as they ensure a luxurious and comfortable stay. And even in hotel names if you are picky for the finest, choose The Langham Melbourne. This 5 star hotel has all the royal amenities that would make you want to stay longer and longer in this hotel.

 

Umanga Kahandawaarachchi is a passionate travel writer who writes under the pen name, Maggie Tulliver. Her field of writing covers a wide array of content and articles related to travel and hospitality industry.

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The beauty of Bhutanese wildlife at the Royal Manas National Park

Bhutan is a nation that has been considered an oasis among the rampant commercialism and industrial revolution that is sweeping the world today. Being a tiny landlocked nation, nestled on the hills of the Himalayas among some of the tallest mountains in the world, Bhutan is also renowned for its great natural beauty. The lifestyles of the Bhutanese people have also changed little over the last hundred years and the vast majority live off agriculture by traditional methods.

The country is also famous for calculating the living standards of its people using an index known as Gross National Happiness that shuns the western notion of material wealth. This has helped the preservation of the natural environment in this country and kept it safe from over exploitation.

The landscape of Bhutan is dependent largely on its topography and altitude changes. It can range from low lying grassland plateaus to alpine forests in the Himalayas. The wildlife changes according to the type of forest and Takin a species of mountain goat that is endemic to the region is found ubiquitously along the mountains.

The Royal Manas National Park in Bhutan was created in order to preserve this great natural heritage that the country had been blessed with. Its 400 square miles of land area has a varied geography ranging from low lying areas to mountainous parts that are covered with ice all year round. Among the animals that are to be spotted are the Bengal Tiger, Pygmy Hog, One Horned Rhinoceros and the Ganges River Dolphin.

Many of these species are endemic to the region and some such as the One Horned Rhino are listed as being endangered by wildlife conservationists. The Royal Manas National Park is located centrally within the country so that if forms a natural corridor for animals to migrate to other protected forests that are in the peripheral parts. A visit here is a must do for tourists at a Bhutan hotel. Wildlife enthusiasts staying in a Paro hotel such as Uma Bhutan can easily arrange transport to visit this great natural park that is a hotbed of bio diversity and a custodian of a unique eco system.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.

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Shopping in the moon light in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a city that has been established on the basis of international trade and its legacy as a port town in South East Asia. As in many parts of the region, locals of Hong Kong regard their markets as being at the centre of their lives and in a larger sense of the city. Markets in Asia are more than just a meeting place for producers and consumers; they have played an important role in the region’s culture and society.

The markets of Hong Kong are veritable melting pots of culture, as it is where traders from Europe, Asia and other parts of the world used to congregate. As such they were vehicles of cultural development and influenced everything from cuisine to clothing in the country. The Temple Street Night Market is one of the largest open air markets in Hong Kong and sees thousands of shoppers on a daily basis, of course the market much busier on weekends as many of the locals come to sample some of the street food and pick up some bargains.

The market is located in a historic part of the city and takes its name from the ancient Tin Hau Temple that is located along the main street. The temple was constructed during the Qing dynasty reign in China and has notable similarities with Taoist temples of the mainland.

The market opens around 2 pm in the afternoon, but most shoppers come here during the night. The market is particularly well known for men’s clothing though several stalls that peddle other items such as antiques, souvenirs, electronics and footwear are also seen. Items are very cheap and are a great place to buy a pair of knock-off designer jeans with out the premium price tag. The road side food carts are also popular among tourists especially those staying in Mongkok hotels Hong Kong as it is a convenient location for a quick dinner. Staying at a hotel in Kowloon such as Cosmo Hotel Mongkok is a great option for travelers that want to stay at the heart of Hong Kong’s entertainment district.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
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Ultimate Adventure in Paradise with Spidermonkey Climbing

The broad spectrum of activities available for tourists in Thailand is the main reason it is one of the hottest vacation destinations in the world. Visitors can navigate its crowded cities, enjoy South East Asian cuisine, see age old traditions in action, and escape to the beaches or tropical forests. The island of Ko Phi Phi Don gives tourists the opportunity to engage in most of these activities – including climbing the rock faces of its numerous cliffs.

Rock climbing in these regions is an emerging trend, and it looks like there is plenty of room to grow. The southern islands of Phi Phi, which is already a popular destination due to its beaches and tropical settings, have been attracting climbers for the past few years. The non-volcanic island of Ko Phi Phi Don is largely made of limestone and sports cliffs that are ideal for climbers. Even the bay of Nui is dotted with rocks that rise above the blue sea. There are around 50 routes over 5 interesting crags, and these have been developed over the years. As the cliffs overlook the coast of the tiny island, the views are amazing. Access to this island is only available by boat through Phuket or Krabi.

Safety is the most important factor in this activity where a small slip can have disastrous consequences. So it is vital that visitors who are not experts or are not carrying their own gear get the best help that the island has to offer. Spidermonkey Climbing, found in the main village, is a favourite due to the locals’ professional knowledge and friendliness, and caters for beginners and experts alike.

Half a day’s climbing at the end of Tonsai beach will give beginners a chance to learn basic techniques, take in the view and take a relaxing walk back from the 12- 40 metre climbs available. If you are looking to polish up your climbing skills and learn new techniques, the three day course is suitable. This course introduces customer belay, leading a climb, and if possible, multiple – pitch as well. For a more formidable climber, the multiple pitch course offers two experiences. Either climb the 100 foot Tonsai Tower in 4 pitches, or practice and improve your skill on various other double pitch routes. Renting your own gear is only advisable for experts who know the art of climbing. Whichever way you choose you are sure to end up gazing at the clear blue waters of Tonsai, with a spectacular view over the island.

After you have exhausted yourself in scaling these vertical overhangs, enjoy the rest of Thailand in a Bangkok Cruise Tour. Float down the river Chao Phraya on a 100 year old rice barge that is refurbished for luxury with Anantara Cruises Thailand. Take in the scenery of Thai temples and Buddha statues along the river as the personal crew attends to all your needs. These Bangkok cruises are the perfect way to relax in style after an exhilarating tour of rock climbing.

 

Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.
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Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade

While natural landscapes sometimes inspire travellers to try new things and experience new places, there are some manmade landscapes that do not fall too far behind. A vibrant skyline is one such sight that can be breathtakingly beautiful; this is what you will feel about the view that the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade offers, of the amazing Hong Kong skyline and the Victoria Harbour. The well located walkway is a modern cultural hotspot in the lively city, bursting with activity and always full of life. The site is a dream come true for visitors, for while it is an ideal spot to relax in, it is also complete with an array of novel experiences.
Along the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade visitors will come across a colonial style clock tower that has been operating for nearly a century. It is a favourite among the many photographers who visit the site to click delightful images. Visitors can also check out the Space Museum, the Museum of Art and the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. While at the first attraction you will enjoy a scientific learning experience, the latter two offer a view of both local antiques and performing arts, fantastic for visitors looking to learn about the city’s rich culture. The site is perhaps most famous for the Avenue of Stars, where visitors will find imprints of local celebrities’ palms in stars on the ground, as well as sculptures and souvenirs on sale. Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee are among the stars featured here.
Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade is also frequented by visitors who want a romantic experience, and when seen by night, travellers will understand how the walkway serves this purpose despite the crowds it attracts. There are a range of interesting places to dine at, with an array of cuisines to try out. Each night a spectacular sound and light display known as the Symphony of Lights is put on, on the skyline opposite and is very entertaining to watch. It is the ideal backdrop for a relaxing evening. The site is well loved by photographers, sightseers, cyclists and joggers, and is a place that visitors must head down to when in Hong Kong.
When holidaying in the city visitors can indulge in a Hong Kong boutique hotel that will help make their stay more enjoyable, and ideal for this is Cosmo Hotel. All the comforts that visitors will need are available at this 4 star hotel Hong Kong along with fine service.