Land - The Adventure Travel Site

The Ngong Ping 360 Skyrail Ride: Enjoy 360 Views of Hong Kong

A cable car ride is one of the best ways to take in a city’s urban splendor and the same is true for Hong Kong’s Ngon Ping 360 cable car ride. As one of the most popular attractions in Hong Kong, the ride treats you to spectacular views of nearby attractions giving you a unique perspective that you’ll never forget.

About the Ride

Located on Lantau Island, just over an hour’s drive from the Dorsett Wan Chai Hong Kong, the cable car ride stretches more than 5.7 kilometres and includes options for a one-way trip plus a complete round trip. The ride is available on weekdays and weekends giving you plenty of opportunity to try it during your stay.

Types of Cabins Available

The cable car ride offers three types of cabins that you can choose from. The Standard cabin provides a cosy interior with large windows for panoramic views. The Crystal cabin features a translucent glass bottom for a more exciting ride. The Crystal+ includes fully transparent tempered glass on all four sides for a 360-degree unobstructed view.

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to enjoy a ride on Ngong Ping 360 is during the months from October to March when the weather is cooler and more suitable for outdoor activities. You’ll do well to avoid going on weekends and public holidays as you’ll encounter larger crowds on these days.

Sights to See During the Ride

One of the best things about Ngong Ping 360 is the several landmarks and sceneries that you won’t get to see from any hotel suite in Hong Kong. These include the picturesque coastal views of Tung Chung Bay, sprawling views of the Lantau North Country Park, and magnificent views of the bronze Tian Tan Buddha statue.

Exploring the Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple: Interesting Facts & Highlights for an Enlightening Tour

Located within the Chuk Yuen district of Kowloon, the Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple stands as a testament to the legacy of Master Wong Tai Sin, a well-recognised Taoist deity known for his extraordinary powers of healing. Here are a few interesting facts and features to know about this historical temple.

A Divinely Guided Construction

The temple’s construction is said to have been guided by divine inspiration. In 1912 a group of Taoist priests deciphered instructions in a divinely inspired text, detailing the location for a new temple to be constructed. This prompted the construction of the temple’s main altar which is now frequented by many visitors, including tourists staying at nearby hotels like Cosmo Hotel Hong Kong.

Architectural Design

The temple’s architectural features carry a blend of different Taoist principles, Buddhist elements and Confucian influences. Its layout reflects Chinese Feng Shui; water is symbolised through the Yuk Yik fountain, fire through the Hueng Pavilion, earth through the Earth Wall and metal through the Bronze Pavillion.

Wang Ling-guan Shrine

Visitors from any Hong Kong Wan Chai hotel are directed along a route that begins at this shrine which is dedicated to the guardian deity in Taoism, Wang Ling-guan. A detailed lacquerware statue depicts the deity as being the protector of the temple’s gates and entrance.

Chinese Zodiac Animals

The temple’s second worshipping platform is adorned with majestic dragons and cranes. It also features identical statues of kneeling Taoist priests with outstretched hands holding bronze oil lamps.

Top Photo-Worthy Spots at Hong Kong’s Avenue of Stars: Capturing Picture-Perfect Memories

Inspired by Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, Hong Kong’s Avenue of Stars is the iconic promenade on which the city’s popular entertainment starts are honoured. This sprawling promenade is where you’ll find intriguing statues and monuments that celebrate the city’s potential for artistic and aesthetic appeal. This also means there are plenty of photo opportunities along the promenade, including these picture-perfect locations.

Statue of Bruce Lee

The iconic martial arts master is unsurprisingly honoured with a 2-metre bronze statue that celebrates the actor’s unforgettable impact in Hollywood. Standing tall on the eastern section of the promenade, the statue is perfectly placed against the backdrop of Victoria Harbour, making it perfect for a photo opportunity.

Celebrity Handprints

As you stroll along the promenade just 20 minutes from the Cosmo Hotel Hong Kong, you’ll reach the Avenue’s signature highlight of red plaques that feature the handprints and signatures of Hong Kong’s top stars. Additionally, the Avenue features special floor lighting that adds a starry element to the plaques, making them perfect for a well-timed photo.

The Daughter of Hong Kong

Bruce Lee isn’t the only iconic statue standing tall on the Avenue. Anita Mui, a popular singer, actress and superstar known for her sophistication and independence has her own statue that visitors can interact with thanks to the powers of Augmented Reality.

The City Skyline

Another great photo opportunity is difficult to miss on the promenade, and it’s none other than the picturesque Hong Kong City skyline. The row of towering buildings and skyscrapers bordering the waters of the harbour make the promenade one of the best spots for photography and sightseeing tours in Hong Kong.

A Fun Family Day Out at River Wonders in Singapore – Discover the Wonders of the Wild

If you are looking for a family adventure in Singapore that’s packed with thrilling discoveries and animal encounters, then, River Wonders is a must! With everything from river-dwelling creatures to Amazonian vibes, this unique spot is an experience the whole family will love.

Planning Your Trip
River Wonders is part of the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, where you will also find the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, and Bird Paradise, perfect if you want to keep the wildlife fun going! Getting there is easy if you are based at properties like Dao by Dorsett AMTD Singapore. You can take the MRT to Khatib Station and hop on the Mandai Khatib Shuttle, or easily catch a taxi from CBD-based serviced apartments in Singapore. Pro tip: download the Mandai app, it’s got all you need to plan your family’s day smoothly.

Different Zones to Explore
This attraction brings rivers from across the world to life in different zones similar to natural habitats, each with its own amazing animals. For example, the Amazon Flooded Forest is home to friendly manatees and giant otters, the Nile River zone has goliath tigerfish, and the Ganges River features the intriguing Indian gharial. Oh, and don’t forget Kai Kai and Jia Jia, two lovable pandas at the Giant Panda Forest!

Amazon River Quest

amazons — Image by leondeniscf from Pixabay

For a bit of jungle excitement, hop on the Amazon River Quest, a boat ride that feels like a true adventure through the Amazon River. As you glide along, keep those eyes peeled because you might spot a giant anteater, a jaguar, or a Brazilian tapir amidst the foliage! This one’s a family favourite, with enough mystery to keep the kids guessing.

Other Highlights
Check out the River Discovery Tour where a guide will lead you through the park’s highlights, sharing fascinating animal facts and a behind-the-scenes look at how creatures are cared for. If your kids love manatees (and who doesn’t?), the Backstage Pass: Manatee Mania is an absolute winner; get up close with these gentle giants, join in their training sessions, and even hand-feed them!

Conquer the Clouds: An Adventurer’s Guide to Trekking Hantana – The Stunner of the Upcountry

Maybe it was the allure of the beaches and the ocean that compelled you to visit Sri Lanka. After all, Sri Lanka is known as a tropical country extending an invitation for adventurers seeking fun in the water. But there’s another side to this island nation: the upcountry, dotted with mountains and streaked with hiking and trekking trails. Hantana is one of the most beautiful and serene places you will find anywhere, with sprawling mountains shrouded in mist and mild weather that’s the perfect tonic for sun-weary souls.

Best Time to Go

The best time would be the dry season from December to April when there’s no risk of rainfall and therefore the trails are not slippery. Plus, the dry season brings the most spectacular views, ensured by the clear skies. The monsoon months add a lush vibrancy to the green tracks, but trekking can become a bit challenging.

Accommodations

You can choose from a range of accommodations, including budget, mid-range, and luxury, catering to all budgets and taking into account all preferences. Consider what you want to do during your time in Hantana and ask yourself if you’d like to include some sightseeing in Kandy, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka that’s close by, in your itinerary, and then pick a place. Those enthusiastic about exploring the fringing destinations as well as trekking in Hantana might want to check out Theva Residency.

Trails

Hantana offers several trekking trails, from easy to advanced.

The Hantana Peak Trail is the most popular; it leads you to the summit and takes about four hours to complete. The Hantana Tea Estate Trail, on the other hand, is a more leisurely trek that leads you through beautiful tea plantations. Meanwhile, there’s a scenic trail that passes by waterfalls within the Hantana range.

Tips

Make sure you’ll be at ease during the trek by wearing comfortable clothing and sturdy hiking shoes. Don’t forget to bring water or wear sunscreen – even though the climate is mild, you still need sunscreen. Do not litter the trails or disturb the wildlife. Consider joining a guided tour if it’s your first time trekking in Hantana.

Experiencing wildlife

Exploring wildlife in Sri Lanka offers an enchanting journey into the heart of one of the world’s most biodiverse islands. Home to an array of habitats, from lush rainforests and sprawling savannas to pristine beaches and misty mountains, Sri Lanka boasts an impressive variety of flora and fauna. Visitors can encounter iconic species such as the majestic Sri Lankan elephant, elusive leopards, and vibrant birds in numerous national parks, including Yala and Udawalawe.

Yala National Park

Yala National Park, located in the southeast of Sri Lanka, is renowned for its stunning lowland dry scrub and rocky coastline, making it the premier national park in the country and arguably one of the best for mammals in Asia. With around 30 Sri Lankan leopards, a sub-species endemic to the island, the park offers an impressive leopard density of up to one cat per square kilometer in certain areas. During the palu tree fruiting season in June and July, sloth bears can often be spotted. Visitors may also encounter a variety of wildlife, including sambar and spotted deer, buffalo, wild pigs, mongooses, langur and toque monkeys, golden jackals, and Indian palm civets.

Udawalawe National Park

Udawalawe National Park, located just south of the central mountains, was established to protect the watershed of the expansive Udawalawe Reservoir. This park features vast grasslands, scrub jungle, and riverine forests, making it the best place on the continent for observing Asian elephants in their natural habitat, with sightings nearly guaranteed even on a single game drive. While the park offers limited opportunities for viewing other mammals, it is a delight for birdwatchers.

Sinharaja Forest Reserve

Located in the wet southwest of Sri Lanka, Sinharaja is the country’s premier rainforest, characterized by towering canopies that reach heights of up to 45 meters. Over half of the tree species found here are unique to the world, contributing to the region’s rich biodiversity. A notable highlight of Sinharaja is the mixed-species bird flocks, which can include around six endemic birds in a single group, such as the red-faced malkoha, green-billed coucal, and Sri Lankan blue magpie.

Wilpattu Park

Image via Wikimedia Commons – Chamrith, ‘Kotiya’ Wilpattu National Park, SriLanka, CC BY-SA 4.0

Wilpattu, the largest national park in Sri Lanka, is located in the dry lowlands of the island’s northwest and features a network of lakes, known as villus, which exhibit varying levels of freshness and salinity. The park reopened in 2003 after being closed for nearly 15 years, and wildlife is expected to gradually recover to its previous abundance. If you’re looking for things to do in Sri Lanka, or places to go, consider partnering with the Cinnamon Air brand.

Everything to Know About Dubai’s Water Canal

The Dubai Canal, a remarkable artificial waterway, stretches for 3.2 kilometres, transforming the city’s urban landscape and connecting the vibrant Downtown Dubai area to the Arabian Gulf. This architectural marvel not only serves as a functional waterway but also offers a scenic route adorned with pedestrian bridges, charming walkways, and leisure zones.

Reaching the Boardwalk

The Dubai Water Canal Boardwalk is easily accessible from various points along the canal. Located near Sheikh Zayed Road, it can be reached by public buses, taxis, or your own vehicle. Ferries and water taxis also operate along the canal, making it easily reachable from the best luxury hotels in Dubai no matter what mode of transport you choose.

What You Should Know

The Dubai Canal is a hub of activity, featuring cycling lanes, footpaths, running tracks and seating areas along its scenic expanse. Powered by solar energy, its eco-friendly design includes streetlights and convenient charging stations for keeping devices powered while enjoying the view. The canal boasts nine marine stations, offering ferries, water taxis, dhow cruises, and abras (a traditional boat) which are ideal if you want to get a unique perspective of the city.

The Waterfall Display

Located on the Sheikh Zayed Road Bridge at Exit 4, the Dubai Canal Waterfall is a major attraction, drawing visitors with its dazzling show of water and lights in the evenings. The design of the waterfall is such that it is set to shut off automatically when a boat gets close. Consider dropping by to see this spectacle for yourself, as it makes a great excursion especially if you happen to be staying at centrally located properties like Paramount Hotel Midtown.

The Footbridges

Image via Wikimedia Commons – Vicharam, Dubai Water Canal, CC BY-SA 4.0

The Dubai Water Canal features five striking pedestrian bridges – and a few of them connect to either side of the canal. Among them, the Tolerance Bridge, named in honour of International Tolerance Day, stands out as the first suspended bridge of its kind in the United Arab Emirates. The other bridges connect Jumeirah Road, Al Wasl Road and Sheikh Zayed Road.

A Trip Down Memory Lane at the Taybeen Museum in Al Khobar

The Taybeen Museum in Al Khobar offers a nostalgic journey that transports one back to the golden days of the 70s, 80s, and 90s. From vintage collectables to old memorabilia, this site is a treasure trove of items that evoke feelings of joy and connection.

Planning a Visit

Located in the charming city of Al Khobar in Saudi Arabia, close to Azizyh Beach, the Taybeen Museum is easily accessible by taxi or private car from properties like Somerset Downtown Al Khobar. It welcomes visitors from Monday to Wednesday and Saturday between 4:00 P.M and 10:00 P.M, while on Thursdays and Fridays, it stays open from 4.00 PM till 11:00 P.M. Note that it remains closed on Sundays.

An Amazing Personal Collection

The museum is a private venture by Majid Al Ghamdi, who began his collection in 1992 at just eight years old. What started as a hobby has blossomed into a 300-square-metre museum featuring over 10,000 items that stir nostalgia! From classic toys to retro memorabilia, the collection is a heartfelt reflection of simpler times, inviting all to step back in time.

Some of the Highlights

Those heading to this attraction from centrally located Al Khobar apartments can expect to find an eclectic mix of items from the 1970s to the 1990s, sparking memories of yesteryear. From Star Wars figurines and Sesame Street characters to old record tracks, candy packaging, posters, cameras and a display of the evolution of Coke bottles, this museum has it all!

Bringing People Together

Apart from offering a unique experience, the Taybeen Museum also helps to bring people together, regardless of background, through shared memories. The joy of reminiscing about a time when life was simpler creates a universal connection. Parents can also introduce their children to items from their own childhood, adding a beautiful generational bond to the visit.

Hong Kong’s Golden Bauhinia Square – A Must-See Attraction on Your Wan Chai Adventure

As the early morning sun rises over Victoria Harbour, busloads of tourists can be seen flocking to Bauhinia Square—a stunning open area centred around a monument of a glistening Bauhinia bloom. Located along the coastline of Wan Chai, Hong Kong, discover the legacy and importance of this iconic attraction, and experience local culture along the way.

A Symbol of Hong Kong’s History

The Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai is an iconic landmark that symbolises Hong Kong’s unique history. The defining golden centrepiece was a gift from the Chinese government to commemorate the 1997 handover of Hong Kong from British to Chinese sovereignty, a symbol that can also be found on the flag of Hong Kong. This gleaming sculpture represents prosperity and unity; a must-visit for history enthusiasts before the term of Chinese sovereignty ends in 2047.

Getting To The Square

Located near the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, the square is most accessible by public transport. Take the MTR to Wan Chai Station, followed by a short walk along the pedestrian footbridge. For those staying at a nearby 4 star hotel in Hong Kong, the journey may be even shorter, with properties such as Dorsett Wanchai Hong Kong located only a 15-minute walk from the square. Alternatively, hop on a ferry to Wan Chai Pier for a scenic route.

Flag Raising Ceremony

One of the most popular activities at the Golden Bauhinia Square is the daily flag-raising ceremony, held every morning. Consider arriving early before 7:45 am to secure a good viewing spot, as the crowds can grow quickly.

Other Attractions In The Area

Explore the nearby Hong Kong Arts Centre and Wan Chai Promenade for waterfront views and local arts, or savour the flavours of local cuisine at nearby restaurants.

A Day at Ocean Park – Family Adventures in Hong Kong

Escape the heat and the bustling city with a day out by the waterfront of southern Hong Kong. Located along the coast of Won Chuk Hang, discover exciting rides with ocean views, learn about various wildlife, and much more.

Where is Ocean Park?

The park graces the southern waterfront of Hong Kong Island, and is accessible by several modes of public transportation. The most popular way to get to Ocean Park is by taking the South Line of the MTR, or via a short drive from hotels near Ocean Park Hong Kong—consider staying at a property like the Dorsett Wanchai Hong Kong for added convenience.

Admission & Opening Hours

The park is open 6 days a week (Wed-Mon) from 10 am to 7 pm, although opening days and hours may differ, so be sure to check the official site before booking your tickets. These tickets can either be purchased online or at any 7-Eleven convenience store, with prices starting from HKD 239.

The Grand Aquarium

Dive into a magical underwater world at the Grand Aquarium, home to over 5,000 marine creatures, including stingrays and sharks. Kids will love the 360-degree water dome and interactive exhibits that blend education with fun.

More Wildlife

Meet some of Asia’s most fascinating wildlife, including giant pandas and red pandas, at the Amazing Asian Animals Exhibit. Then, hop over to Adventures in Australia to encounter koalas and wallabies in a recreated Aussie habitat.

Exciting Rides

Enjoy family-friendly rides like the marine-themed carousel and the merry-go-round at the Waterfront, or take a cable car to the Summit for thrilling roller coasters and spectacular views.