Category: Miscellaneous Adventures

Beach Reef Snorkelling in Abu Dhabi

The warm waters of the Persian Gulf coast are ideal for enjoying a spot fun in the sun with reef snorkelling in Abu Dhabi. Reef snorkelling is a wonderful way to enjoy the colourful marine-life that thrive in these waters and is offered at many 5 star hotels in Abu Dhabi. Those seeking luxury comforts in rustic settings should check out the Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Villa Resort, Abu Dhabi.

Located right on the beach of Sir Bani Yas Desert Island the hotel is surrounded by the rugged beauty and wildlife of the desert hinterlands. Inspired by Arabic fishing villages the resorts eco-friendly design takes you back to Bedouin times amidst modern luxuries. Enjoy a stay at any one of the well-appointed one bedroom villas, one bedroom pool villas or two bedroom Anantara Pool villas. Reef snorkelling is one of the fascinating and popular leisure activities one can enjoy here.

Abu Dhabi is well known for its warm waters boasting temperatures of 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Due to very low tide movements the visibility levels of Abu Dhabi’s seas span a depth of 15 to 30 feet making snorkelling a favourite pastime.

The colourful coral reefs that thrive in the warm waters are home to many species of marine life. Expect to spot the famous Hammour, sailfish, seahorses, eels and sea-anemones. A lucky few have spotted dugong and manatees.

The endangered Hawksbill Turtle too is native to these waters while exploring a shipwreck from Discovery Island or touring other desert islands are additional bonuses to be enjoyed.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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Had Chao Mai National Park

Covering 231sqkms of Trang provinces infamous coastline Had Chao Mai Marine National Park is home to an abundance of marine life and some endangered species. Staying at a Trang Resort is your best bet for touring the park and enjoying the powdery white beaches of Trang. Offering luxurious family accommodation is the Anantara Sikao Thailand Resort and Spa.

Located on the Andaman coast the luxurious hotel offers modern comforts amidst Thailand’s lush coastlines. Ideal for all holidaymakers the well-appointed 139 rooms, suites, pool villas and family rooms are great for relaxing in when you are not out snorkelling, diving or pampering yourself at the spa. Located right next to Had Chao Mai National park the hotel provides easy access to many other attractions.

Drive along the Andaman coast and drink in the pristine beauty of Trangs white sand beaches and quaint fishing villages. The marine park declared a protected reserve in 1981 is home to mangrove, beach, evergreen and limestone forests which stretch to the mountain tops.

Dotted with beautiful forested islands of Koh Muk, Koh Wan, Koh Chueak, Koh Pling, Kho Chao Mai and Koh Meng the park is 60% water where coral reefs and sea-grass beds thrive, offering shelter to Dugongs, prawns and fish.

The Chao Mai Cave to the south of the park, accessible by boat is a must see for its many chambers, floor to ceiling pillars and beautiful spring located on one of the top chambers.

Pass through a connecting cave and you can enjoy the white sand beaches of Had Yongling and Had Sang while ‘Moragot’ (Emerald Cave) on Muk Island accessible by swimming up in low-tide is so called for its emerald coloured pool. Discover much more as you explore exotic Had Chao Main Park.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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Amazing Mountain Biking Tour in Thailand: To get up close and personal with the land

When visiting the land of endless summers, the things to do and things to see will indeed be immense that it certainly will take your very breath away. The opportunities to find allurement and excitement are truly endless here in Thailand, with beaches to explore, sights to see and friendly, warm locals to meet. While staying at a centrally located hotel Hua Hin has such as Anantara Hua Hin Resort & Spa take time to explore the land of sheer beauty, and discover all her hidden secrets as you take on a mountain biking tour.

The plethora of transportation methods and modes that are available in Thailand will help you explore various facets of the place that will fill your heart with blissful delight. However nothing will beat a cycling tour on the least trodden and secret pathways of the land that lead straight to choicest adventures. Discoveries are to be made here and adventures are to be had here, and the best way to enjoy an adventure and discover things that you knew not of is to take a mountain biking tour in Thailand.

As you travel on your two wheels you will see sights that the rest of the tourist world will never see. You will meet people and make connections that your friends back home will never enjoy. The lip smacking Thai cuisine will be savoured to your heart’s content, as you visit the secret places of the land that are forever hidden from the eyes of the common tourist.

Once you contact a local service provider, you will have a choice of selecting from a wide variety of packages, each catering to unique needs. If you choose to travel with a party, you can easily do so, and explore the wonderland with friendly strangers who will be equally enthralled as you, as each fascinating discovery is made. Alternatively you can travel by yourself if you wish, and enjoy an adventure that no one will ever know of. Opportunities are limitless and options are immense here in the blissful land of Thailand that invitingly lies, waiting to be discovered and loved.

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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Touring an Arabian Wildlife Park

The Sir Bani Yas Island is the largest island that belongs to the Emirate Abu Dhabi. It is a treasure-trove of wonders that boasts entertainment at its finest along with an array of natural attractions. In addition to the blissful white sanded beaches that border this island, the Sir Bani Yas is home to the Arabian Wildlife Park, the largest park of its kind in the country.

Occupying over half of the Sir Bani Yas Island, the wild life park is a must do for all those visiting the island. Authentic Arabia complete with the wild life is brought to life at the Sir Bani Yas Wildlife Park as it is home to a number of animals indigenous to the Arabian Peninsula. The endangered Arabian Oryx, the Sand Gazelle and Mountain Gazelle are among the Arabian treats available at the park. As the park boasts an authentic wild life setting the many inhabitants of the sanctuary are free to roam about here and even successfully multiply in numbers. If you are staying at the Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort, Abu Dhabi, you can get the hotel to organize a perfect wildlife excursion just for you. These resorts Abu Dhabi has goes one step further in ensuring guests have a holistic tour in their holiday destination.

Over 10,000 animals call the Arabian Wild Park their home and these include a number of hyenas and cheetahs as well adding a touch of excitement to your wildlife excursion. Apart from the wildlife, the park offers a series of fun and adventures activities such as, nature trails, mountain biking and exclusive outdoor dining experiences that enable visitors to maximally enjoy the wild side of Sir Bani Yas. Although the Arabian Wildlife Park is all fun and entertainment on the outside, it is in its essence created to conserve the true treasures of Arabia.

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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Moon Stone Mine

The south of Sri Lanka is so much more than its pristine coastlines and rich colonial history for even the Ceylon gems are part of this remarkable stretch of land. Precious and semi precious, the gems of Sri Lanka has received worldwide acclamation ever since it landed on the engagement ring of the late Princess Diana. Throughout the island there are several mines with a variety of famous gemstones. The mines in Sri Lanka make an interesting attraction since it provides an opportunity to explore the process of gemming from extracting the rock to polishing it to the sparkling stone that it eventually becomes.

Many tourists visiting Sri Lanka choose the south thanks to its fine collection of Sri Lanka beach hotels. If you are staying in one of the Ahungalle hotels a visit to the moonstone mine is an absolute must do. Moonstones are semi precious gems that feel cool and smooth and glows like a moon when polished. The highest concentrations of moonstones are found in the south of Sri Lanka, somewhere between the towns of Ambalangoda and Hikkaduwa. A little moonstone factory has been setup in this location where you can learn everything you need to know about a moonstone. You can even visit a moonstone mine here which is about 6 or 7 m long and watch the entire process from filtering out the stones, cutting them up to polishing them making them all shiny and ready to be sold. Moonstone mining is still performed in a traditional manner. Although machines suck out the water most of the digging is done by hand. Nearly 50 to 100 rough moonstones are mined each day but not all of them are of a saleable quality.

By the side of the factory is a small visitor center where you can learn about the gems in Sri Lanka. If you have taken a liking towards these stones there is even a gift shop where you can purchase anything from jewelry to souvenirs all with your favorite gemstones embedded in them.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

Uncover Leopard Trails on a Safari Tour of Yala

Travellers in search of well-situated hotels in Yala should look to The Secret Yala for all their accommodation needs. Offering guests a breathtaking base from which to explore Yala National Park this stylish rest offers modern luxuries in the heart of the wilderness.

Renowned as the most popular national park in the island Yala National Park is the second largest parkland of its kind in Sri Lanka. Spread out over 979km2 this sprawling enclosure is one of the country’s most coveted wildlife sanctuaries that were declared protected reserved as early as 1900. Located within 190 miles of the capital Colombo the vast expanse of forested landscapes is a hotbed of activity all year round as tourists and locals visit to explore its verdant confines and catch glimpses of its most famed inhabitants.
Well-known as a hub to witness the majestic Asian elephants and leopards, one of the must-have experiences on a tour of Yala is a safari excursion along its leopard trails. Available through a variety of tour operators leopard safaris in Yala are typically two day or 3 day excursions that also includes camping out within the wilderness at designated campsites. Equipped with modern necessities and comforts the camp sites offer cozy accommodation, with tour packages also including barbeque fare, traditional Sri Lankan meals and camp fires.

Setting off in the morning hours and then once more at the hour of dusk the leopard safaris offer once in a lifetime opportunities to witness one of the most fearsomely majestic big cats in the world. The male leopards of Yala National Park are known to be a confident group that often walks the leopard trails during various times of the day. Unfettered by the safari jeeps that scour the parkland all year long visitors will have plenty of opportunities to snap close range photographs of the creatures. Other highlights along the Yala leopard trails include spotting elephant herds, spotted deer, sloth bears and bird species the likes of Paradise Flycatchers, Blue-Tailed Bee-Eaters, Rose Starlings and Crested Hawk Eagles.

 

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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Willpattu National Park

Be it the elusive leopard or the iconic elephant, the Willpattu National Park in Sri Lanka is home to a wide range of exotic wildlife that can be seen when on a safari. If you are in search of a coastal base from which to head to this site consider Kalpitiya hotels such as Palagama Beach Kalpitiya, which organises safaris to this national park as well.

Located around 180 kms from the commercial capital, Colombo, the Willpattu National Park is the largest of its kind in the island. Encompassing the jungle and the northwest coast, the park is characterised by its many freshwater lakes that attract a wide range of wildlife. A perfect activity for the entire family, a safari at the park give you a chance to head off on a thrilling drive into the wild and spot leopards, elephants, water buffalos, spotted deer and more, all in their natural habitats. The lakes of Willpattu also attract a wide variety of birds making it an ideal spot for bird watching. As you embark on your adventures keep your eyes open to spot bird species such as cormorants, Sri Lanka junglefowl, eagles, gray herons and painted storks, all of which have been seen here.

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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Hammerhead Shark Point, a diving highlight

The beautiful seas of the Maldive Islands offer a host of attractive diving sites for enthusiasts of this pursuit. Amidst the crystal clear waters you will find a myriad of coral reefs as well as other locations where you will encounter an array of fascinating marine creatures. If you desire an appealing Maldives holiday resort which offers access to these local pleasures a discerning choice would be the Kuramathi Island Resort Maldives. This appealing accommodation offers attractively furnished rooms as well as considerate hospitality.

Divers will be enthralled by the opportunity to observe the intriguing hammerhead sharks at the well-known Hammerhead Shark Point at Rasdhoo Atoll. This is one of the few remaining locations on the globe where you will have the opportunity to dive with these enigmatic creatures of the deep which capture the imagination of the observer with their amazingly shaped heads.

Often a liveaboard will take you to the dive site, with company in the form of other divers. The best time to dive with the hammerhead sharks is at sunrise; accordingly you will have to enter the waters in the early dawn hours, at which time the tropical waters will have a comfortable temperature. A dive of about 30 m will be ideal to encounter these engrossing creatures of the deep.

The hammerheads will soon arrive, often in the form of schools of many individuals. If you are lucky you will encounter large, perhaps 4 m long individuals, which will inspire awe with their impressive proportions. Hammerhead Point features a number of undersea caverns and overhangs which are interesting to explore. On your dive you will also encounter such marine creatures as dolphinfish, dogtooth tuna, sailfish and black snapper.

Hammerhead sharks are not usually dangerous to humans, and feed on fish, particularly stingrays. As these sharks possess eyes located on the sides of their distinctively shaped heads they can easily see and capture their chosen prey.

 

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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Bird Handling

Falcons have been used as a hunting weapon by the Bedouins in Abu Dhabi’s Liwa desert region for centuries. Taking falcons out into the desert on hunting expeditions lasting several days was how rulers kept in touch with tribes at one time. Although they are not used for practical purposes anymore, falconry is now a popular sport in the Liwa desert although using them to hunt wildlife is restricted. Sporting birds are taken out into the desert each day as they have to be flown and trained daily. The main species of falcon being used for sport are the saker and the peregrine. One of popular luxury hotels Abu Dhabi, Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara offers a selection of desert based leisure activities that include falconry.

The bird’s eyes are covered with a hood during the acclimatization process to keep it calm. Out in the desert when the hoods are removed the birds soar up into the air reveling in the wide open spaces. A GPS transmitter attached to their tail feathers keep track of movements. The falcons are capable of flying at 200 miles an hour and are efficient hunters in open terrain. Training comprises of the bird’s handler whirling a feathered, baited lure until the falcon dives for it. When the bird catches the lure it receives a reward. Later the falcon is trained to dive on a live prey. This time the handler lures it away before it can get its talons into the prey, getting the bird used to not killing the prey immediately. When the sun goes down over the desert, it is time for the falcons to go back to their roost. At the end of the sporting season some falconers release the birds into the wild after embedding a micro chip for identification. The capturing and training of falcons need patience, skill and even bravery as they are dangerous raptors. They have to be trained for months before they can be used for sport.

 

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Caliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered.

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Explore Mui Ne’s Natural Wonders on a Tour of the Red and White Sand Dunes

Travellers in search of a luxury resort in Mui Ne will be more than pleased with the stylish Anantara Mui Ne Resort & Spa. Offering guests a resplendent hideaway with spa facilities this cozy rest is the ideal base for holidaymakers.

Tipped to be one of Vietnam’s most intriguing tourist attractions the red and white sand dunes of Mui Ne are a geological anomaly that is worthy of exploration. Frequented by locals and travellers alike this captivating stretch of sand dunes have expanded to become one of the most popular tour options in central Vietnam.

Located on either side of a massive lake the White Dunes are situated the farthest from Mui Ne city centre and is considered the most arid area in all of Southeast Asia. Dubbed Bau Trang in the local tongue the White Dunes is a miniature desert with the Lotus Lake serving as its only body of water. Lotus flowers gaze up from the water source that is anything but a mirage and creates a sharp contrast with the sandy confines of its location. A series of cafes are pine trees are on hand to offer shade and refreshments as well as a quiet space for picnics, if one should so desire.

The Red Dunes on the other hand are easier to reach and is located close to the touristic heart of Mui Ne. Littered with small slopes and red hued sand the venue is a hotbed for local photographers and videographers who use the venue’s rich, textured landscapes as the back drop for music videos and the like.

Visitors can take a jeep tour across both dunes or opt for a more eco-friendly bike tour or motorbike tour and explore the area in its entirety with guides providing valuable information on the venues. Sledding activities are also popular at both dunes with sleds for adults and children available for rent nearby. Visitors can also go for a swim at Lotus Lake and enjoy the breathtaking scenery from a different vantage point.

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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