Tamborine Mountain

The Tamborine Mountain region has quite a rich history and is home to stunning national parks and rainforests. Read on to find out what you can do when you’re here!

High up in the skies!

If you’re up for a great start, you have the chance to witness the stunning sunrise from above the Tamborine mountain – Hot Air Balloon Scenic Rim takes you up into the sky, gifting you with awe-inspiring 360 – degree views of the landscape. After you’ve completed your things to do in Broadbeach, head over here, which is less than an hour away!

simone.brunozzi, Tamborine Mountain 3, CC BY-SA 2.0

On top of the world!

Don’t miss out on the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk – which will give you the full idea as to how beautiful Mount Tamborine really is. You can wander among the treetops and follow the path that leads you to the cantilever that stands 30 metres above, offering sweeping views of the area!

Chase waterfalls

Make an early start from your hotel or apart-hotel such as Avani Broadbeach Gold Coast Residences and put on your walking shoes as you go exploring the waterfalls! There are several paths you can follow, so pick the one you feel like you’ll enjoy the most!

Korkut Tas, Curtis Falls Mt. Tamborine – panoramio, CC BY-SA 3.0

 

Best Ways to Get Around Doha, Qatar

If you are travelling to Doha, Qatar, and wondering how to get around, this brief guide will come in handy! Here are some of the options available to you.

Doha Metro
Doha Metro | Image Credit : Asianchamp2, DohaMetroRedLine2019, CC BY-SA 4.0

Taxis & Ride-hailing Apps

Transport via taxi is one of the most convenient ways to get around especially when the heat tends to be overwhelming! Those arriving at the Hamad International Airport can use metered Karwa taxis to easily access properties the likes of Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels by Tivoli with are only around a 15-minute drive away. Additionally, ride-hailing apps such as Careem and Uber are also available.

Car Rental & Chauffeur-Driven Options

Alternatively, you can look to rent your own car at the airport which offers great flexibility, though it helps to plan ahead. Of course, you have the option of making use of chauffeur-driven services which are convenient when embarking from hotels in Doha on some extensive sightseeing.

Doha Metro

The newly developed and still expanding Doha Metro is a rapid transit system that came into operation in 2019. This service currently operates three lines (Green, Gold and Red) with the central interchange station located in Msheireb in the downtown area. Amongst the destinations served are the Corniche, Katara, Hamad International Airport and Souq Waqif.

Bus Services

Mowasalat Karwa operates state-owned buses which run along an extensive network that covers many parts of Doha. These air-conditioned buses generally run from five in the morning to midnight, while the main hub is the Al Ghanim Bus Station.

10 Adventures in Langkawi

An archipelago of 99 islands, Pulau Langkawi is situated off the western coast of Malaysia and is surrounded by the pristine waters of the Andaman Sea. It is a collection of adventurous wonder for every kind of traveller and here are some of the things you can do there.

1. Langkawi Skybridge
At 660 meters above sea level, this is the best place to get unhindered panoramas of Langkawi. It can be easily accessed from any of the Langkawi resorts so be sure to ask at your front desk.

2. Kilim Karst Geoforest Park
One of the most enjoyable things to do in Langkawi and highly encouraged by resorts such as Berjaya Langkawi Resort, the Geopark is a unique mangrove forest which is also home to the most magical-looking limestone formations.

3. Payar Island Marine Park
Consisting of 4 uninhabited islands, the Marine park is surrounded by a lush coral reef and is great for snorkelling.

4. Hiking in Langkawi
Take a jungle walk through the rainforests of Langkawi and get up close and personal with the wildlife.
5. Island Hopping
There are 99 islands and if you’re not island hopping around at least 10 of them, you’re not doing it right.

5. Telaga Tujuh Waterfall
The Seven Wells waterfall is a sight to behold, with seven natural pools formed by the cascading water. It’s okay to bathe in too.

The History of Nuwara Eliya

There are only vestiges of it left in the town today, but Nuwara Eliya was once an uninhabited network of forests and meadows shaded by Pidurutalagala, the tallest mountain in Sri Lanka. Here’s the history you did not know.

The History
Though now you would be finding all kinds of accommodation in Nuwara Eliya, the city was born completely of British influence after it was discovered to have climates that were comfortable and agreeable to the colonial planters.

The City of Light
The area, which was afterwards named Nuwara Eliya, or “city of lights,” was first visited by John Davy in 1819.

The English Influence
The English were pleased to discover that the climate agreed with growing English vegetables and began to grow strawberries, lettuce and other produce that were consumed by the colonists.
This evolved into growing coffee which was later switched to tea. Both of these experiments were extremely successful. And resulted in the upcountry being dubbed “The Tea Capital of Sri Lanka.”

The Plantation Connection
Since the local populace refused to work on the plantations, the British brought labour over from India and settled them in slums on the estates. Today their descendants make up the demographics of upcountry Tamils who are different from the Tamil population in the North and East of Sri Lanka that was native to the country.
Today, Nuwara Eliya grows vegetables and tea but has evolved into a quaint and beautiful resort town. Resorts like Galway Heights are great places to spend a vacation.

 

Fun Adventure Sports in Phuket

If you are looking for a holiday that’s thrilling and full of adventure, then Phuket has plenty to offer! Here are some of the best activities that you can try.

Kayaking & Stand-up Paddleboarding

An activity that is perfect for exploration, kayaking & stand-up paddleboarding provide a great cardio workout too! In Phuket, real estate, hotel and resort options can be found beside the coast where you can enjoy these family-friendly water sports amidst stunning natural beauty.

Image by Bruno /Germany from Pixabay

Scuba Diving

A water sport that takes you to magical underwater worlds, scuba diving in Phuket offers an unforgettable escapade in the Andaman Sea. Be you staying at beachside resorts or residing in private villas such as those at Layan Residences by Anantara, you can easily plan diving excursions; destinations like Phi Phi Island and Anemone Reef are rich in coral and marine life worth witnessing.

Image by Laura B from Pixabay

Bungy Jumping

Bungy jumping is an adventure sport that will give you plenty to scream about! Jungle Bungy Jump close to Patong is where you can try this activity and enjoy the thrill of leaping off a platform 50 metres in the air. Those afraid to do it solo can always choose the tandem bungy jump option.

Ziplining

Here’s your chance to soar through the trees and experience that Tarzan-like feeling! Ziplining in Phuket can be tried by the whole family and lets you speedily zip through lush forests or jungles. Be it at Flying Hanuman or Cable Jungle Adventure, ziplining offers a unique perspective of the island’s natural scenery too.

Image by AaronHM from Pixabay

 

Why Sri Lanka is a Trending Destination in the World!

Sri Lanka is a trending destination with more and more people paying attention to the little island that is known by so many names including paradise island. Here’s why:

Whale Watching
Whale Watching | Image Credit : DammikaD, Whale watching in Mirissa, CC BY-SA 4.0

1. It’s Wild

Dive into the oceans to see whales and dolphins all year long. Sri Lanka is the best place to go on marine safaris and that’s not all, there are also over 5800 elephants in the wild and the largest density of leopards in the world.

2. Cricket in Galle

There’s always plenty of cricket to go around, and where better to enjoy a match than in Galle under the shadow of the Dutch colonial fort?

3. The Ministry of Crab

There’s an entire ministry of crab! It is a restaurant where you can eat gourmet styled Sri Lankan chili crab – an expensive and delicious delicacy. It is one of the most visit places suggested by tour agencies like Walker Tours.

4. Atmospheric Caves

Take a tour in Sri Lanka and discover the magic of ancient kingdoms in cave paintings, from Dambulla and its depictions of Buddhism to the prehistory of the Fa Hien Caves.

5. Take a Train

Taking a train in Sri Lanka is unlike taking a train in any other country thanks to their sprawling and scenic routes. It’s all about the journey not the destination!

The Best things to do in Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan offers everything from beachside bliss to pulsating parties that make for unforgettable adventures day or night! Here are some of the top things to do on a holiday to this Thai island.

Spend Time at the Beaches

There are some amazing beaches to visit on the island including Haad Rin Beach where the famed Full Moon Parties take place each month. Other well-known coastal hotspots include Tong Nai Pan Noi Beach home to Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas, Mae Haad Beach and Leela Beach.

Image Credit: Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas

Enjoy Water Sports

Those wanting to do more than just laze on the sand in front of their Koh Phangan resort can try a number of water sports; snorkelling is popular as is diving at nearby Sail Rock. Kayaking is a great way to do some exploring, while activities such as wakeboarding and jet skiing offer more speed-induced thrills.

Image Credit: Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas

Explore Ang Thong Marine National Park

Koh Phangan is an ideal base from which to head off on excursions to the Ang Thong Marine National Park. Made up of 42 islands, this nature reserve offers lots to experience; explore secluded beaches and jungles, snorkel above pristine coral reefs and kayak amidst stunning backdrops of limestone cliffs.

Image Credit: Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas

Visit the Thong Sala Night Market

A “must visit” for foodies, the daily Thong Sala Night Market is one of the best spots to savour relatively cheap local dishes. Come the weekend, the Thong Sala Saturday Night Market is also worth heading to for not only food but to buy crafts, clothes and more.

Image Credit: Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas

 

Most thrilling wildlife safaris in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s diverse wildlife is renowned globally, therefore it is no surprise that a vast number of visitors make sure they visit at least one of the national parks in this paradise island. Listed below are a few national parks for your itinerary.

Image credit- Pixabay,GregMontani,CC0

Yala National Park
The most famous national park in Sri Lanka, Yala is situated in the south-east region of Sri Lanka and is the second-largest park on the island. Situated roughly 300 kilometres from Colombo, several Sri Lanka holiday packages, such as the ones offered by Tangerine Tours, include this popular wildlife park. You are sure to spot an excellent range of wildlife here in Yala!

Wilpattu National Park
Located 26 kilometres from Puttalam, the park covers 425 square feet of the coastal area. Wilpattu is also one of the oldest and largest national parks in Sri Lanka. You’ll find plenty of dense shrubbery and grasslands covering this park, with its main attractions being endemic sloth bears, leopards, barking deer and elephants.

Wasgamuwa National Park
Providing refuge to countless displaces wild animals, this national park earned its place in 1984. Here is where you’ll spot a large number of elephants if you’re looking to spot them. Bird watchers find this national park rather fascinating as well, as it is considered one of the best bird-areas in Sri Lanka.

Adventurous things to do in Pattaya

If you are after some extreme thrills, then Pattaya in Thailand is the destination for you; from soaring in the sky to being hurled at breathtaking speeds, there’s never a dull moment here!

Skydiving

Enjoy the exhilaration of freefall from 13,000 feet on an unforgettable tandem skydiving experience at Thai Sky Adventures Co., Ltd. within easy reach of Travelodge Pattaya. As you feel the freedom of flight, not to mention speeds of up to 220 kph, you can channel your inner Superman or Supergirl!

Image by szanyierika97 from Pixabay 

Bungy Jumping

Equally exciting is bungy jumping at Xbungy – Pattaya Bungy Jump, one of the best places to visit in Pattaya for extreme sports enthusiasts. Reaching a height of 197 feet, it is the country’s highest bungy jump and provides an unforgettable adrenaline rush. Note: screaming optional during the jump!

Human Slingshot

Another attraction at Pattaya Bungy Jump is the Human Slingshot; you will be strapped to a full-body harness that will be stretched along silicon bungy cords till it reaches the point of launch… think of the Angry Birds concept! Once let go, you will be hurtled at rates of up to 150 kph as you are propelled back and forth at dizzying speeds.

Flyboarding

Moving from land to water, flyboarding gives you a chance to hover up to 15 metres in the air on a special board that is bound to make you feel like Iron Man (R.I.P Tony Stark). Once you get the hang of it, you can do some “tricks” and dive into the ocean and “fly” back up again; suffice to say you’ll love it (3,000)!

 

Tips for first-time visitors to Seychelles

Seychelles is a beach destination that every one of us would love to travel to during our vacations. And if you get the chance to, make sure you take it- but know the basic guidelines first!

image via Max Pixel

Take a smartphone with you

Since most of the houses and shops at Seychelles do not have addresses, finding where you should need to go to can be a little difficult. So, you need Google Maps and to support Maps, you need a smartphone. A local sim card can be bought from shops, and you may arrange a data plan too.
But, since almost all Seychelles beach resort has wireless internet connections, you don’t really have to worry about internet usage when at the resorts.

You don’t need to worry about accommodation

Most of the places you can choose for accommodation are a stone’s throw from the beach and you’ll love it. There are plenty of good hotels and resorts such as Avani Barbarons Seychelles Resort at which you can enjoy your vacations to the fullest.

You can always use busses

Taking a Bus will always be the cheapest and easiest method to get around in Seychelles. Yes, the roads can be jammed with traffic sometimes, but using public transportation saves you money – big time.

Know where you can shop at

Make sure you take home something as memories when you go back from Seychelles, ending your beautiful vacation. Victoria’s City Center is one option that you can try out for a perfect shopping experience.