Snorkeling and Kayaking at Hoi Ha Marine Park

If navigating through calm waters amidst a backdrop of aesthetically pleasing rainforest landscapes suits your fancy, if diving into the depths of these pristine waters and embarking on an underwater adventure through a dreamscape consisting of a myriad of colours appeals to you, then there is a magical place where your dreams are awaiting to be discovered. This place is the Hoi Ha Wan national park, at the heart of Hong Kong, at the north of the Sai Kung peninsula. Hoi Ha Wan national park, also known as Jones Cove, is a sheltered that is famous for a handful of factors including her pristine unspoilt waters, breath-taking scenery, and most importantly, her highly rich biodiversity. The park contains Hong Kong’s largest coral colonies, and is one of the most treasured and protected places in the nation. Access however, is not at all restricted to this heavenly retreat, and a visitor can easily embark on one the most unforgettable adventures of their life by taking a kayaking and diving tour the park specializes in.

If you wish to embark on an international voyage to this incredible locale, there are many accommodation options to choose from ranging from luxury hotels to more budget-friendly options such as the Dorsett Mongkok Hong Kong, which despite being considered a budget hotel in Hong Kong, provides all the necessary amenities of her five-star counterparts.

The Hoi Ha kayaking and diving adventure kicks off from the tiny village, also known as Hoi Ha, where a twenty minute kayak ride along the exquisitely forested shorelines of Hoi Ha Wan into the heart of the park, where the kayaks are abandoned at one of the mooring buoys. After the donning of the essential diving gear, you’ll be able to dive into a magical underwater realm populated by coral, crabs, sea-stars and many species of under-water fish.

So an underwater adventure is what you seek, look no further than Hoi Ha Wan Park, in Hong Kong.

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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Asah Waterfalls

The island of Pulau Tioman, sitting off the east coast of Malaysia, enjoys hot and sunny weather during most of the year. The monsoon season brings heavy rain and large waves from October until January; this is when the surfers alight in Tioman. Resort properties offer discounted rates and operate at low capacity. Between May and August, when rainfall is minimal, is when the tourists arrive in crowds.

The mountains, lush foliage, warm climate and ocean views make it a great destination for a relaxing holiday. Tioman Island is known for the beautiful waterfalls that make up a big part of the natural beauty of the island. The most famous of the waterfalls is Asah Waterfall; it is also referred to as Mukut Waterfall because it is in the vicinity of the village of Mukut. Visitors can opt to stay overnight at the Berjaya Tioman Resort, located on the island’s sandy shores with the towering mist covered mountains beyond, to soak up the tranquillity of this beautiful island.

Hiking to the top of Asah Waterfall is an option if you remember to bring along the appropriate footwear. The walk is long and can be challenging for some but the scenery is breathtaking. Listen to birds calling and admire the trees and vines as you climb to the top. If you are in luck you may even see monkeys and other wildlife along the way. There are strategically located shops and rest spots for climbers to survey the landscape as well as get a drink and catch their breath. The residents of Mukut Village are friendly and welcoming, they are also happy to sell food and souvenirs to tourists who want a snack or to pick up a memento of their trip.

 

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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Boat Rides at Bolgoda Lake

Sri Lanka is a tiny island that has much to surprise and delight visitors, in the way of natural beauty. Despite being famous for endless tropical beaches and turquoise seas, there are vast lakes, high peaks and thick forests if one is to venture inland.

Bolgoda Lake is believed to be the largest natural, fresh water lake in Sri Lanka. The body of water spans three hundred and forty seven square kilometres but only reaches a maximum depth of fifty feet. It is located on the outskirts of Colombo, the country’s capital. The Lake consists of North Lake, which is the larger portion, most of which is located in the Colombo District; South Lake is situated in the Kalutara District. The Bolgoda Ganga is the river which connects the two bodies of water. Bolgoda Lake connects up to the Weras Ganga Basin, the neighbouring coastal suburb of which is home to the ever popular Mount Lavinia Beach overlooked by the old colonial Mount Lavinia Hotel.

A fun way to experience the lake is to take a boat trip and discover all the natural wonders, which includes mangrove forests. Paddle boats and row boats are available for those looking to splash about in the water. This is especially fun for kids. A few hours out on the lake is also recommended for bird watchers as the lake is rich in biodiversity and attracts many species of the feathered kind. The lake has a small island that can be booked by private groups for a picnic or party. There are other small islands that were used by ferrymen in olden times. In fact the lake provided a hunting and recreational ground for British Officers who were stationed in Colombo, during British rule.

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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Zipline Canopy Adventures in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is possibly the largest and most culturally noteworthy city in Northern Thailand. It is the capital city of the region. It is located about 700km from Bangkok, and is packed with rainforests, hilltops and ancient monasteries, making it one of the popular destinations in the country.

When travelling to Northern Thailand, of the variety of hotels in Chiang Mai, consider staying at the Anantara Chiang Mai Resort & Spa, to be placed close to the city’s attractions.

Besides its cultural heritage, Chiang Mai is renowned for its zipline canopy adventures. Connecting the tall treetops of the mysterious Mae Takhrai Park is the multi award winning Chiang Mai zipline canopy adventure tour. Named the “Flight of the Gibbons”, on this adventure, you get to experience the adrenaline rush induced by covering over 7km of ziplines. Asia’s longest single ‘flight’ (800m) is a key highlight here, offering travellers amazing views of the Mae Taeng River. Of the 33 stations, some reach over 70m from ground level, giving you the ultimate thrill as you soar through observing gibbons and other wild creatures in their natural habitats.

Just outside the city centre is the Chiang Mai Eagle track zipline that is located between three hill tribe villages. With over 35 platforms and 16 ziplines, the Eagle Track is very popular among thrill-seekers.

Zipline tours usually cost between 1,500 to 4,000 Thailand Bhats, depending on the intensity of the adventure and when you book them. The best part is these adventures also include visits to tribal villages. To make the adventure a more rounded one, you can even include options such as white water rafting, cycling, kayaking and rock climbing.

These adventures are all conducted without hindrance to the forestry, thus making them eco-friendly and sustainable.

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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Samui Bungy Jump

There are various activities taking place year around in Samui that keep the tourist coming to the island. Samui Beach Resort is considered to be one of the primary attractions for tourists. However apart from that there are various other thrilling activities happening in this Thai island! Visitors often are often over whelmed by the amount of accommodation choices they are presented with by Samui. However one of the names that has been repetitively pronounced by past travelers has been Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort. Set on one of the beaches in the area, this Samui beach resort overlooks the pristine waters of the Indian Ocean and has a welcoming atmosphere set at all times to all its guests.

Among the numerous activities bungee jumping is rated as a high adrenaline pumping heart rate raising activity in Samui. The Samui bungee jumping experience includes being shot up in the air, free falling and bouncing up and down into a plunge pool. Up in the air the views are astounding as one can catch a glimpse of some of the most picturesque sites of the tropical island and of the Chaweng beach. The operators of the jump have been in the business for well over a decade and boast of a 100 % safety record. There have been around 50000 customers to the engage in the jump. There is no age restriction to take part in the jump however there are certain restrictions on weight. Definitely an activity worth trying while in Samui.

Samui has some of the best beaches in Thailand and it is also known for its night life. The Samui parties have been featured in many magazines world over. To complete the Thai island experience why not lie around soaking up the golden sun on the extensive beaches Samui has to offer as well as get that heart rate up and running.

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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Things to do in Yala

Wildlife is undoubtedly one of the biggest assets that the paradise island nation of Sri Lanka flaunts. From the many wildlife parks and reserves spread throughout the country there is none other that is as acclaimed as the Yala National Park. Best known for its wide variety of animals and also for having one of the highest leopard densities in the world, Yala presents a range of activities for those ardent explorers.

Now before you set out to quench your wanderlust in Yala, its imperative that you find a comfortable accommodation among the plethora of hotels in Yala Sri Lanka. Almost hidden in the verdant jungle land, is The Secret Yala by The Secret Hotels, a premier hotel that’s conveniently just 10 minutes away from the park.

After settling down, it’s time to set off and explore! The Yala Safari undoubtedly tops the list of the many things to do in Yala. Parked near the entrance to the park are many safari jeeps you can hire. The best time to enter the park is when the park opens just after 6:00am or after 4:00pm when animals resurface after taking cover from the sun. During your safari you will get to see a wide range of truly remarkable creatures such as elephants, sloth bears, colourful peacocks, wild boar, massive crocodiles, endemic and migratory bird species and of course Yala’s crowning glory, the magnificent Sri Lankan Leopard.

Pay a visit to ‘the hill of the quiet mind’- Chiththala Pabbatha or the Sithulpawwa Rajamaha Viharaya that’s situated deep within the Yala National Park. This ancient Buddhist monastery houses number of rock caves, pagodas, chapter houses and ponds. The walls of these caves are adorned with many beautiful paintings.

Take a stroll along pristine sands to relax and stretch your legs. The primary beach spot in Yala that’s open for public was once the location of a bungalow that was tragically wiped out by the 2004 Tsunami along with its occupants. Today, as you stroll through the beach you can see the remnants of the devastation the monument built to honour them.

 

 

Filled with wanderlust that seeks to explore distant shores and captivated by the colors and vibrancy of exotic cultures, Melissa Somawardana, concealed under the name of Kanya Mae, writes on the beautiful, exciting, and enchanting wonders of the world. She is a writer who not only has a passion for travel, but also has a background in fashion, art and media. Google+

Wildlife Safaris in Yala National Park

There is an expectant thrill in the air. Hushed silence interspersed with the occasional song of birds drifting through the breeze. All is still, eyes drawn upwards, waiting with bated breath. Through the foliage there is slight movement. Yellow and black seamlessly blending with brown and green and the gentle rustle of leaves. And then the prize sight that all have been waiting for, shows himself, surveying these new subjects to his vast kingdom; the kingdom of the Sri Lankan Leopard!

Such is an experience one may have the chance of enjoying when on a wildlife safari at Yala National Park. While it is not the only national park in Sri Lanka, it is definitely one of the most famous due to the fact that it has a high population of leopards. An easy way to explore the park would be to stay at nearby Yala hotels which organise wildlife safaris. Cinnamon Wild Yala is an ideal option in this regard.

Leopard safaris are best undertaken early morning or in the evenings for this is the best time to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, be it lazing in the trees to sunning themselves on the rock. If you are lucky you may even see leopard cubs, playfully investigating their surroundings, heirs to this wild kingdom. But leopards are by no means the only star in this wildlife spectacle.

The iconic Sri Lankan Elephant can be seen in their herds wandering around the park from wild tuskers to mothers with their young. Keep your eyes out for sloth bears that are also amongst this ‘wild cast’ and by no means a mere supporting actor. Other cast members of the wild include wild buffalo, toque macaques, jackals, spotted deer, crocodiles and not forgetting the vast array of winged creatures that frequent the skies above such as crested hawk eagles and black-necked storks.

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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Diving in Tioman

Coral reefs are the underwater equivalent of rainforests, but unlike their earth-bound counter-parts, coral reefs are extremely rare, and account for only 0.1% of the ocean’s surface area. Out of this tiny percentage, over ninety percent of coral reefs are located in the Indo-Pacific region. This is why it is no surprise that one of the most popular diving hotspots in the world is considered to be in the area surrounding Tioman Island, a small landmass located thirty miles off the east coast of the Malaysian peninsula. There is many a Tioman resort that has capitalized on the wondrous coral reefs that surround the island and offer a variety of diving programs. One such resort is Berjaya Tioman Resort that is truly noteworthy for their sheer scale of dive programs.

There are up to twenty dive sites for a visitor to choose from, such as Renggiss Island, Golden REef and Tiger Reef. Each of these sites is teeming with a variety of life, ranging from countless varieties of coral fish to turtles. Divers can further discover the beauty of sub-marine wonders beneath the seas surrounding the Tioman Island by discovering the incredible rock formations that indulgent with soft and hard varieties of coral.

The variety of diving courses available at the Tioman islands is as diverse as the coral and creatures that surround them. The courses range from basic open-water classes, to advanced open-water classes, as well as night-time dives. Safety is paramount and all of these courses are certified by the Professional Association of Diving Instructiors, also known as PADI. If coral reefs and underwater life do not interest you, then perhaps the dozen plus shipwrecks that are a staple of the diving tours might. The Tioman Island also has a dense rainforest for visitors to explore. So if you happen to be in Malaysia, take a trip to the Tioman Island and witness sights that are truly one of a kind.

 

Nigel Walters is a travel writer, who writes under the pen name, Fritzjames Stephen. His content is based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life.

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Highlights of the Purple Mountain in Nanjing

Approximately three hundred kilometers up the Yangtze River from Shanghai is Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu province. It is the second largest city in Eastern China. Nanjing served as the nation’s capital through the early part of the Ming dynasty and again in more recent times during the twentieth century. The city today, is one that is forging ahead as an industrial hub, however there is much history, culture and art that would interest leisure tourists to Nanjing. Hotel properties range from top tier luxury resorts to budget options for the economical traveller.

Among the many attractions around Nanjing is the Purple Mountain. It is located about a half hour’s drive from Baijia Lake, around which many of the region’s best hotels can be found, including Citadines Baijia Lake Nanjing. The Purple Mountain is a sacred location that has much significance in Chinese history. It is the final resting place of emperors and outstanding heroes that hailed from over ten dynasties. The mausoleum of Sun Yat-sen, the first president of the Republic of China is located here; as is the mausoleum of Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang, the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty on Meihuashan Mountain, to the west. The Purple Mountain Observatory can also be found nearby on Tianbao Mountain. Much of China’s modern astronomical study is carried out here. There is also a strong belief that this is where you must visit if you want to wish upon a shooting star and have your wish come true. A number of famous cultural relics also dot Purple Mountain and the surrounding peaks.

The two best times to visit the Purple Mountain are during spring and autumn. Plum blossoms on Meihuashan Mountain are in full bloom in spring, while the red leaves on Qixia Mountain create a fiery glow in autumn.

Things to do in Ella

Seemingly unperturbed by the flourishing tourism industry in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, Ella retains its charm and delicateness. Streams, waterfalls and plantations are aplenty while this much-loved village is also dotted with human habitation. It is amidst this atmosphere of tranquility that 98 Acres Resort & Spa is located. The luxury it affords could be unproblematic ally paired with the abundance and beauty of nature that envelops the resort. It is no wonder then that it has gained popularity as one of the top-notch honeymoon hotels in Sri Lanka. You could be a honeymooning couple, an adventurer or simply a solitary wonderer, Ella beckons you to travel down paths perfumed with airs of secrecy and wonderment.

In case you feel that climbing Adam’s Peak also known as ‘Shripadé’, is a daunting task, you can hike to little Adam’s Peak which is located in Ella. The climb is certainly less arduous and more enjoyable. Satisfy your craving to hike, by also climbing the Ella Rock. As it is a steep climb, it would be best to be adequately geared and prepared with energy boosters. If you want help with figuring out the geography of the area, hiring a guide would be the best option.

Want to understand the production process of the best tea in the world? A visit to the Halpewatte Tea factory would prove useful. In addition to the guided tour of the tea factory, you will be also served a hot, delightful cup of tea. The tea would certainly refresh you to the point that you crave spice. Pay a visit to the Ella spice garden where you will be privy to all the secrets of creating a heavenly meal, Sri Lankan style. Learn, cook and eat to your heart’s content.

A little bit of legend is an essential ingredient to a perfect trip. According to the famous Indian epic Ramayana, the strategic king of Lanka, Ravana, lured Sita out of the protection of her husband Rama and their homeland, India. Once in Lanka, Ravana is supposed to have hidden Sita in the Ravana Ella Cave. It is a spot that can be visited when vacationing in Ella. Arrange for the Ramayana trail tour from Colombo and explore both Ravana Ella Cave & Falls.

Nigel Walters is a travel writer, who writes under the pen name, Fritzjames Stephen. His content is based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life.

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