Rock Climbing in Tioman

Often regarded as a beach paradise for the masses Malaysia’s Tioman Island is also an activity hub that is not just reserved for water sports lovers. Rock climbers in particular will find the rugged rock faces of the island an enticing opportunity to engage in their favorite activity while vacationing in a Tioman island resort. Rock climbers heading to Tioman Island know that the principle mountainous area in the island is Gunung Nenek Semukut which is accessible for those based in the Berjaya Tioman Resort and other hospitality hubs in the area.

Famously dubbed the Dragon Horns engaging in rock climbing activities in Gunung Nenek Semukut is an awe inspiring experience but visitors should be aware that scaling this mammoth rock face is strictly for professional or seasoned rock climbers with experience in making such a challenging climb. The first attempt at climbing the seemingly insurmountable mountain saw Scotty Nelson and Nick Tomlin brave the challenge back in the year 2000. The mountain which is also known as the “Twin Peaks” or the “Twin Towers” the Dragon Horns are reputed to be the lengthiest rock climbing surface in Southeast Asia and the Malaysian Peninsula’s only big climbing wall. Those who wish to experience more accessible rock climbing encounters while in Tioman can head to Kg. Nipah which offers bouldering and slab wall climbing opportunities aplenty. Located near a beach the area is easy to navigate for fans of sports climbing and sandstone climbing challenges. The 30m climb can be achieved with nearly a dozen bolts. The area boasts 20 routes for sports climbers while throwing in a few 2-3 pitches trails as well.
Climbing instructors are available in villages and other areas of the island and those who wish to scale limestone cliffs will be spoiled for choice when it comes to the variety of rock climbing surfaces littering Tioman Island.

Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world. Google+

See a different side of Bangkok city by biking

Bangkok is a place that has made its mark in the hearts of many travel enthusiasts as a busy and well-commercialized city. However, the city actually holds a lot more than just the skyscrapers and the flourishing businesses. The greenery of this versatile place is just there, a reach away, if only you knew how to access it. For this purpose, a bike ride across the quaint roads of Bangkok that lead into greenery bordered lanes would be ideal. For those who wish to take up a bike rental during their holiday, many Bangkok resorts such as the Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort to name one, are likely to provide bicycle rental services.

Riding through the unseen side of Bangkok will take you through to the lush foliage filled rural areas that resemble ‘hutongs’, a type of narrow street or alley. Tiny roads with hairpin bends will keep you guessing what beautiful scenery awaits you around the next corner. You could either do the exploration of the countryside by yourself, or you could also employ the assistance of a guide who will be able to take you along some of the most hidden parts of Bangkok.

Santi Chai Prakan Park is home to one of the most peaceful and breathtaking riversides of the city. In order to get through to the park, you could cycle through Ratchadamneon Klang road and Khao San road. Once you reach the park you will get the distinctive feeling of having left the bustle of the city behind. When you exit the park and carry on into the suburbs of Bangkok, the change is dramatic and instant. Skyscrapers and traffic give way to little houses, shops and rivers with lanes bordered on both sides by huge trees, and beautiful temples whose architecture stands out among the colourful activity of the rural markets. Strike up a conversation with some of the locals and explore the countryside of this unexpectedly diverse city as you cycle your way through some of the most heartwarming sceneries you will ever come across.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Catch the Waves at Surfers Paradise

Gold Coast, a city in Queensland, Australia, considered to be one of the most metropolitan cities in the region, is a top tourist destination. With its unique culture, stunning skyline, thriving nightlife and amazing sights and scenes, Gold Coast offers its visitors many opportunities to have unforgettable experiences. The city is also home to attractions such as the Dreamworld Theme Park, David Fleay Wildlife Park, the Q1 Tower, Main Beach, and Nerang River. With many hotels in Gold Coast, such as the Oaks Calypso Plaza, it’s not so hard to find business or family accommodation in Gold Coast as the city has developed its tourism industry to meet rising demands.
Although Gold Coast has numerous attractions, the most famous attraction in the city is the iconic Surfer’s Paradise. When a suburb is called “Surfer’s Beach” it is obvious that it is among the best places in Australia for surfing, which is why surfing enthusiasts and beach lovers from all corners of the globe visit this stunning coastal destination. With so much activity going on at Surfer’s Paradise, it is a destination that simply should not miss out on!
For decades, Surfer’s Beach has been the most popular attractions in Gold Coast. This stretch of beach at Surfer’s Paradise is excellent for catching the waves and spending countless hours surfing. The beach itself stretches undisturbed for a considerable distance and there is ample room for you to have fun and frolic at this amazing beach. In the summer time, the beach is a hot spot for surfers and anyone with any amount of surfing experience can go on and have a great time at the Surfer’s Paradise beach. While surfing is one of the more popular activities in Surfer’s Paradise, this suburb actually has its own lifestyle and culture. The countless restaurants, night clubs, bars, skateboarding parks and the exciting events make Surfer’s Coast one of the most fascinating places to visit.

Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world. Google+

Snorkeling in Pigeon Island

The Pigeon Island is pretty much the most well known and visited marine national park among those in Sri Lanka. The reason for this is the fact that the park is overflowing with some of the most enchanting coral reefs as well as aquatic life forms. The name of the island is derived from the fact that there are hundreds upon hundreds of rock pigeons that come here during their mating season. The island is positioned about a kilometer away from the very popular Nilaveli beach in Trincomalee. With over 200 types of fish and many different coral reefs it is no brain teaser that the island has recently begun to draw the attraction of snorkeling enthusiasts from all around the world. The snorkeling tours almost always come with a skilled guide who will ensure your safety as you marvel at the blacktip reef sharks, hawksbill or green turtles that can be spotted commonly in the island.

The tour also consists of a boat ride to Pigeon Island which will take you about 15 minutes usually. The snorkeling expedition will last for about two hours during which you can freely study the staggering aquatic life of the Indian Ocean off the shores of Sri Lanka. Swim alongside schools of beautiful fish and feast your eyes on the beautiful coral reefs that thrive in abundance here. The best time to take on this recreational activity is cited as between nine in the morning and two in the evening as this is the time when the visibility in water is the best. There are many Trincomalee hotels such as Trinco Blu by Cinnamon along with many others that offer this activity, or are located in close proximity to the shores. All of the activities that take place underwater are fully monitored and done under the supervision of PADI licensed instructors so as to ensure your safety while you enjoy the aquatic scenery.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Camel Rides in Oman

Of the many attractions that Middle Eastern countries such as Oman offer, the most memorable may be a camel ride. In Oman, sightseeing opportunities are aplenty with a relaxed ride through the desert exposing you to a myriad of dunes and ancient places of interest. Holiday options such as Desert Nights Camp Oman offer travellers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the sights and sounds of the desert, making memories that will last a lifetime.

Your adventure in the desert may comprise of camel rides, dune racing and much more. Camel rides are a favourite as it suits everyone, from those who have a knack for adventure to those who would enjoy a relaxed ride taking in the sights around. The “ships of the desert” as they are oft known, camels are built to handle the extreme, harsh conditions of the deserts. Yet, when opting for a camel ride, ensure you go through the right agents so that you know the camels belong to those who take good care of them. Imagine how you would feel when you get to know the very camel you rode in subject to severe cruelty by their owners!

Camels were domesticated thousands of years ago by traders to transfer them across deserts. Besides as a mode of transportation, camels also provided milk, meat, wool and leather, thus becoming an integral part of Arabians’ lives. Today, many locals use camels as a source of income by facilitating camel rides for tourists. At times, there have been reported instances of some camels being ill-treated and subject to harsh living conditions. Camels that are used in tourism are usually well looked after. They are fixed with a sturdy saddle that can carry two people at once.

Some of the key factors to look for when booking a camel ride are whether the camel allocated for you can carry your weight comfortably, does the camel look healthy, have they been fed adequately, is the riding equipment (i.e. saddles, mouth bits, harnesses etc) in pristine condition and the nature of the trek.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Cycle at Picton Botanical Gardens

Sydney, the capital city of the state of New South Wales in Australia, is one of the most developed and popular cities in the world. This urban city is known for its rich culture and exciting attractions making it a premier tourist destination. Sydney has also gained a reputation for its development in performing arts and entertainment, while also being home to cultural and recreational attractions of all kinds. Accommodation in an apartment hotel in Sydney, such as the Oaks On Castlereagh, is ideal for families and groups of travellers.
There are many parks in Sydney, but one that is known to be one of the most peaceful parks Sydney has to offer is the Picton Botanical Gardens. Established in 1986 and located on Regreme Road, the Picton Botanical Garden is a luscious garden with many species of trees, plants and flowers. The relaxing ambiance of the park has made it an attractive location for many Sydney locals who just want to spend a few hours in quiet contemplation or take a quiet stroll through the greenery.
The Picton Botanical Gardens is known for its walkway that goes through the park, passing some of the most scenic and popular areas of the park. The walkway spans a distance of 9km and is on a flat surface. Beside this walkway is a cycling path that is regarded as being a recommendable place to cycle. If you enjoy cycling and wish you cycle through a scenic garden, then cycling through Picton Botanical Gardens is just the thing for you. As you cycle you will pass through the beautiful lawns of the gardens, the rows of trees and hedges, the popular areas where families are having BBQ’s, and through the gardens’ tennis courts and oval. All in all, cycling down the Picton Botanical Gardens is a great outdoor experience that is relaxing and refreshing.

Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting. Google+

Surf the Crystal Clear Waves of the Island Paradise Kandooma

Interested in chasing waves across the Maldivian archipelago? Start and end your tour at beautiful Kandooma. Home to excellent break points and irresistible waves, the resort is every surfer’s dream.

Visit South Male Atoll – The Breaks are Fabulous
Located within the South Male Atoll, Kandooma offers you less crowded beaches and the opportunity to surf almost alone. Head over to the island and slip into the laid back way of life predominant in sunny Maldives. There are plenty of Maldives surfing resorts to choose from and on Kandooma you get to enjoy a stay at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives.

Choose from Excellent Surf Points
Some of the best surf points of the South Male Atoll are located around Kandooma; best of all these top waves are almost forgotten by the masses of tourists heading out to the more popular North Male Atoll. However, to let you in on a little secret – the waves here are just as amazing and rewarding.

“Kandooma Right” a Swell to be Reckoned With
This is a fast-breaking right wave offering two take off points; one offers a basic start while the other provides a more precarious one for all adrenaline junkies. Offering a number of barrel prospects to enjoy, the waves break over a shallow reef to a distance of 100 metres. Best times to handle the waves are mid tide and at heights of 3 to 6 feet, it’s considered one of the best swells in Maldives.

Experience Tuckey Joes and Boatyards
On a fine day, this break can outdo any in the archipelago. The take-off is quite sudden with speed gathering up quite quickly. You have a number of barrels to experience on the long almost 200-metre run.

Natives and Foxys for Quick Reactions
This is a fast breaking wave that spills over shallow coral. Surfers skilled on backhand will love the fast paced action this waves offers. The break is 100 to 150 metres incorporating many barrels.

Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+

Taling Chan Floating Market

Bangkok is one of the most prosperous cities in Asia, and since the recent boom in business began in the 1980s, what was once a small trading post has been transformed into a sprawling metropolis by the emergence of business activity. Although Bangkok is a popular tourist location for her unique culture carved out of a rich history laden with traditional arts and customs, the rise in tourism is causing this very culture and heritage to seemingly disappear. Fear not however, for there is one place where one can truly enjoy a descent into Thai history and culture, untouched by the hands of globalisation, a place called the Taling Chan Floating Market.

A visit to the Taling Chan Floating Market is very easy, since it is one of the fifty districts that make up Bangkok, and located only a short distance away from popular places of accommodation such as the Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok, a popular Luxury Hotel Bangkok has to offer.

The main reason the Taling Chan Floating Market is appreciated is for its sincerity to Thai culture that makes it stand apart from the bigger floating markets that adorn the cityscape. A foreign tourist can easily traverse the market without having to book a tour or becoming overwhelmed by legions of people.

The food in the Taling Chan Floating Market is iconic Thai seafood, ranging from massive Shrimp to Blue Crabs and large fish, typically prepared on small boats using smaller barbeques. If you’re uncomfortable eating on the floor, many restaurants have little plastic tables and chairs placed for the convenience of the guests, although these would tend to fill up fast when during the hours after 12pm.

So there you have it, the Taling Chan Floating Market, the go-to place should you choose to taste a sincere slice of Bangkok.

Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting.

Google+

Tips for Jungle Trekking in Habarana

Habarana is a quiet village in the central part of Sri Lanka with a small population, some jungle and a number of Sri Lanka resorts. The Sri Lankan hoteliers have been ingenious in selecting Habarana as a popular base station for sightseeing and touring; roads lead from Habarana to the eastern coast of Trincomalee, Sigiriya and Dambulla two cultural landmarks are within proximity and even the former kingdom of Polonnaruwa is accessible within about an hour’s drive. As a standalone destination, Habarana’s two greatest attractions are the jungle landscape and the serenity of an unpolluted township. Even at a location such as Cinnamon Lodge Habarana which is by the main road that connects Habarana to the rest of the country, there is much tranquility and freedom from the world.
The jungle treks are fascinating affairs which are typically for one night and two days. The jungles are not modified by man, hence one can experience very primitive ways of living under the shades of the tall trees amidst some shrubs and camping by a lake. There are many lakes, rivers and other bodies of water in and around the area, some of which have played a pivotal role in irrigating the country. Kayaks are thrown into these flowing streams to give every expeditor a taste of water adventures. Bird watching, jungle trails and learning to make Sri Lankan dishes are a part of the tour.
Generally, a BBQ is held in the night and the freshest of fish would be available for grilling. Simple camps are set up with a few tents and a small fire. An early start each morning helps as the humidity is very high in the afternoon in spite of the dense jungle. Being comfortably and appropriately dressed makes it much easier for everyone to enjoy the outdoor experience with a spot of climbing, wading and scrambling through. Since the facilities available have been kept to a bare minimum such that the natural feel is not lost, if there is any specific medicine or type of pillow or protection you require, it is best that the guides are informed or that you provide them for yourself while being respectful to the others who are joining you.

Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+

Longtail Boat rides in Dubai

Dubai has a reputation for offering its tourists an amazing array of experiences and attractions, and one of the latest additions is the Longtail Boat Ride to the Dubai Marina. Offering a sightseeing experience with a Thai twist, a Longtail Boat ride is sure to be highly memorable.

Longtail Boats

The longtail boat is a mode of water transport traditionally hailing from Thailand. The long and slender body of the boat is covered by a thick canopy and is powered through the waters by an engine at the rear. Apart from the canopy above, the boat is open on the sides, making it a perfect vessel for sightseeing tours.

Longboat Rides in Dubai

The Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort, a popular Palm Jumeirah hotel, recently offered, for the first time in Dubai, sightseeing tours on longtail boats to enhance the experience of their patrons. Thus, visitors to the resort can climb aboard the beautifully crafted ‘Ruea Hang Yao’ longtail boat and head out along the coast of Dubai. The boat is constructed completely out of wood and boasts a predominantly oriental design – a nod to the Thai origins of longtail boats. The boat ride promises awe-inspiring views of Dubai’s spectacular and ever changing skyline. The boat ride costs AED 120 for a return trip and is fully worth the cost.

From the Palm Jumeirah to the Dubai Marina

The longtail boat ride starts from the Palm Jumeriah and goes along the coastline of Dubai to the scenic Dubai Marina. The views of the skyline of Dubai from the longtail boat are simply amazing and you will get a great opportunity of witnessing some of the beauty of the Palm Jumeirah itself, as well as several other reclaimed islands along the coast of Dubai. Make sure you take a camera along with you because you are definitely going to want to take a few pictures of this picturesque boat ride.

Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+