Explore Mount Batukaru

Pura Batukaru is a haven for the soul not only for Balinese but also for everyone. Superb scenery along the road of the Penebel village and the mystical jungle where the temple is nestled gives the soulful experience to whoever visits this ancient site. Batukau, is Bali’s second-highest mountain at 2,276 m. It is the highest peak in the Bedugul volcanic area, but is dormant. Batukaru is worshipped by the Balinese, and has a temple, Pura Luhur Batukaru, devoted to it. Batukaru has a large crater, the largest on Bali, but this crater is open at the southern end, allowing the river Mawa to escape. It is this that gives it the name “Batukaru”, which means “coconut shell” in Balinese. There are many hotels and villas in Bali, however the Alila Villas Soori is one of the most Luxury villas in Bali. The area of Kerambitan, where Alila Villas Soori situated was at one time the seat of one Bali’s most important Royal families. This unique hotel is a haven for those who want to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Bali. Enjoy the refreshing and revitalizing mountain air, clean spring fed water and panoramic views to the coast of Bali from this elegant hotel.

Batukaru Mountain is the highest peak in the Bedugul area, located in Tabanan regency. It has to be mentioned that it is recommended to professional climbers only. Also the complete Trekking Tour takes a little bit longer than other Trekking Tours as the last part of the tour, close to the summit, becomes really challenging. Regular Tours start around 7.30 in the morning and you will be back at 4.30. This is enough time to explore the rain forest life such as wonderful butterflies, wildlife monkeys and amazing plants.

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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Explore Kintamani

Kintamani is considered as one of the most scenic regions of Bali. Located in the north east of Bali , the highlands breath taking. It is believed that a volcanic eruption around 30000 years ago created a caldera that is 3 Km long. Half of the caldera is taken up by the Batur lake with the remaining half being an active volcano. There are six ancient villages around the caldera of Batur. This area is considered as the Bali age villages , which have people who practice unique culture, lifestyle and live in unique houses. The kintamani region consists of the following villages such as Kedisan village, Trunyan , South Batur and middle Batur among others.

For those visiting the Kintamani region , perfect accommodation option could be the Ubud resorts. Not too far from Kintamani ,Ubud is itself a beautiful town set among rice paddy fields. The town was an important source of medicinal herbs , and hence derived the name Ubud , which int he local dialect means medicine. A much sought after place to stay amongst the tourist has been Alila Ubud. A perfect hill top get away Alila Villas sits between lush greenery and in the valley of Ayung River. The villa is designed with a fusion of the trade mark Balinese architecture as well as a hint of modern touch.

Visiting the Kintamani region from Ubud is not too time consuming. The Kintamani region’s Batur lake is the largest lake in Bali and provides the island with most of its irrigational needs. The day time is the perfect time to visit kintamani as the views are clear and the entire region is visible. A perfect time would be anytime between 10 am till 3 pm. The weather in the region tends to get a bit chilly and there may be drizzles and showers later during the day.

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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Yas Marina Circuit

Home to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix , Yas Marina circuit is located in Yas Marina island approximately a half an hour drive from the city , the circuit was declared a Formula One Track and opened its doors in 2009. The twenty one corner tracks winds through the island.

Having a world famous circuit , the accommodation options around the area are quite impressive. Villas in Abu Dhabi are a popular option among holiday makers. Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Villa Resort , has managed to be a popular option among tourist. The villas have been specially designed to go hand in hand with the delicate ecosystem of the island. The villas are perfect place to bask in the sun and enjoy the views at the comfort of these beautifully designed villas.

Having a capacity of 50000 the circuit has five grand stands , the circuit is the second formula one circuit in the middle east with the major events held at the tracks being the FIA formula One , Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, GT1 world, Gulf 12 hours. The circuit is complete with a media centre a team building and most of all the highlight is the Ferari world theme park.

Having a Grand Prix track of 5.5 km the fastest on this track has been Sebastian Vettel in 2009.

There are many activities for visitors to engage in around the tracks. The Yas beach is a perfect place to unwind and relax on its sandy shores. Also the Yas water world is perfect for the entire family to engage in fun activities and a visit to Ferrari world is a must visit as it is the home to the world’s fastest roller coaster. Another architectural marvel in the area is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center.

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+

Lipton’s Seat –Most Famous Viewpoint of Badulla and a very popular visiting Place

Lipton’s Seat is a most famous view point of Badulla district and popular visiting place close to Haputale Sri Lanka. Lipton Seat is an observation point and at least 7 districts can be seen in this location. On the way to Lipton Seat there is a popular tea factory called Dambethanna Tea Factory which is the largest tea factory of Badulla district. The air is crisp, fresh and unpolluted. The Bandarawela hotel is an Aiken Spence Hotel, and is known world –wide for their level of quality and international standards. This beautiful hotel is located amidst the beautiful natural world of the Hills, which is mystic and serene. The rooms at the hotel emanates old-world charm and is cozy and warm, offering incredible views of the breathtaking mountains and the scenery. There is also a wide variety of exquisite cuisine offered at the hotel, including wide spread buffets.

The view from here rivals that of Worlds End and on a clear day it is possible to see all the way to the coast. The most reliable time to get the view is in the early morning, the outlook is majestic and inspiring. The surroundings are utterly glorious. A small cafe that is perched on the cliff edge here, serves the best Samosa available in Sri Lanka. Lipton Seat has great views of the tea plantations north of Haputale. You still can visit this factory and buy the most authentic Sri Lankan tea you can ever imagine. Lipton’s seat is a panoramic overlooking destination in Sri lanka, Handapanagala lake, Chandrika lake, Uda walwe lake, Wedi hiti Kanda mountains, and also the hambanthota harbor located in the in the southern coastal area can be seen remarkably well. On the way to the Lipton’s Seat, you will also meet St. Catherines seat and Lemasthota Waterfall. St. Catherines seat is also a overlooking point in the Nayabedda estate which will provide a unprecedented and a stunning view of Bandarwela, Diyatalawa and the Uva valley to the Namunukula mountain range. March and August are the best months to enjoy and visit Lipton’s seat.

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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Phang Nga Bay Marine National Park

 

Phang Nga Bay is a 400 km bay in the Strait of Malacca between the island of Phuket and the mainland of the Malay peninsula of southern Thailand. Since 1981, an extensive section of the bay has been protected as the Ao Phang Nga National Park. Ao Phang-nga or Phang-nga Bay is one of the most frequently visited national marine parks in Thailand. The best place to stay, while visiting Thailand is the Point Yamu by COMO Phuket, which is a Phuket Luxury Accommodation. This unique hotel is located the tip of the Cape Yamu overlooking the Andaman Sea and the dramatic limestone’s of Phang Nga Bay. The rooms and suites at the hotel is elegant, exotic and contemporary, as the entire hotel has been designed by an Italian interior designer. The hotel also features two world-class dining restaurants.

The 42 limestone monoliths punctuating the bay’s shallow turbid waters not only act as a natural base to a rich variety of documented flora and fauna, including over 28 species of mangrove, 88 birds, 82 fish, 18 reptiles, 3 amphibians and 17 mammals, they also provide secure overnight anchorage and offer exhilarating adventures of discovery for their visitors. , private sailing yacht charters with experienced and knowledgeable crew can be booked on Phuket. If guests wish to learn sailing, there are several schools on Phuket that schedule internationally recognized tuition around the bay. Many of the islands, islets and rocky knolls harbor collapsed sea caves or, as they are called locally, ‘Hongs’ of varying sizes and – although too small for yachts to access – are ideally suited for canoe, kayak or dinghy. The Hongs can be obscured from view so take time to scan the craggy surfaces on the waterline, paying particular attention to anything that resembles an opening. Once inside, you may well find all manner of wildlife either on the limestone walls or in the elevated jungle above, winding caverns to explore, some even with secluded beaches and sheltered lagoons – ideal for a private picnic and a spot of swimming or snorkeling.

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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Surfing in Mirissa

With a sheltered beautiful beach in the South of Sri Lanka, Mirissa is located away from the bustles of the city; Mirissa is where life is slow paced. It is where, with amazing sunsets, you can rest and relax on the sandy beach on a tropical holiday. Mirissa is known as one of the major surf points in Sri Lanka. Mirissa beach offers waves for nice turns. The beach is clean and clear and a great start off point for a run into the waters. The blue waters offer a good ride for beginners and experienced surfers. Mirissa beach is an unpopulated beach. The deep blue waters of captivating Mirissa is also home to magnificent Blue Whales, Sperm Whales, Orcas and many species of Dolphins. The CASA Colombo Collection Mirissa is the most luxurious hotel out of all the luxury Mirissa Hotels. This hotel is grand and lavish, but also the simplicity and serenity of the hotel is quite refreshing. The Casa Collection Mirissa hotel is an award-wining 6 star boutique hotel. They offer world-class cuisines and elegantly and tastefully decorated suites, offering views of the sparkling blue ocean ,the lush wilderness and the golden sun-kissed beaches,

Mirissa is a point break location with intermediate level waves. Local surfers can be considered to be average to good. Best waves can be experienced early morning and late afternoon. Morning periods are considered to be the best. Mirissa is an exposed reef break that has reasonably consistent surf, although summer tends to be mostly flat. Offshore winds blow from the north. Groundswells more frequent than winds wells and the ideal swell angle is from the southwest. While the main focus in Mirissa is on beach life and surfing, many interesting places to visit are close by. Tea- and rubber plantations, the market town of Matara and the Yala National Park with its exciting wildlife are just some examples to choose from. Compared to Hikkaduwa surfing is still fun without real line ups and consistent waves. Best times for surfing in Mirissa is from October to March.

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. Google+

Getting to know people and culture in Indonesia

The nature of Indonesian national culture is somewhat similar to that of India, multicultural, rooted in older societies and interethnic relations, and developed in twentieth century nationalist struggles against a European imperialism that nonetheless forged that nation and many of its institutions. There is no one unified Indonesian culture as such, but the Hindu culture of the former Majapahit empire does provide a framework for the cultural traditions of the central islands of Sumatra, Java and Bali. This country is rich in heritage and culture. There are a great number of hotels and resorts in Indonesia, but the Ascot Kuringam Jakarta is one of the best of the luxury Service apartment in Jakarta. The Ascott Kuningan Jakarta is located on a prime business location providing easy access to many of the city’s shopping, dining and entertainment venues. The 185 appointed apartments rooms are lavishly and elegantly designed, with a fully equipped kitchen, dining and luxury bathrooms. There are also a number of recreational activities such as swimming, basketball, badminton, fully-equipped gym and many more other facilities.

The legal system is based on the Old Dutch penal code, social life as well as the rites of passage is founded on customary or “adat” law, which differs from area to area. ”Adat” law has been instrumental in maintaining gender equality in Indonesia. Indonesian art forms are greatly influenced by religion. The famous dance dramas of Java and Bali are derived from Hindu mythology and often feature fragments from the Hindu epics such as Ramayana and Mahabharata. As a whole the people are artistic by nature and express themselves on canvas, wood, metals, clay and stone. The batik process of waxing and dyeing originated in Java centuries ago and classic designs have been modified with modern trends in both pattern and technology. Generally people in Indonesia are friendly, easy going and helpful.

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. Google+

Minneriya National Park

Minneriya National Park is a national park in North Central Province of Sri Lanka. The park has 8890 hectares, and is located between Habarana and Polonarruwa. This park consists of mixed evergreen forestland scrub areas and is home to Sri Lanka’s favorites such as Sambar Deer, leopards and mainly elephants. The Hotel Sigiriya is a luxury Hotel in Sigiriya, which gives an opportunity to marvel at the grandeur and mystique of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Fabulous and scrumptious culinary cuisine will be offered at the hotel. Guests can get pampered at the Spa and by the Ayurvedic professionals. The hotel will give a unique experience that is guaranteed to make you relax and unwind. Guests will be enthralled by lush green landscapes and the rich cultural heritage.

The Central feature of the park is the ancient Minneriya Tank which was built in the 3rd century by the King Mahasena. The Tank is an incredible place to observe the elephants who come to bathe and graze on the grasses, as well as a huge flock of birds that come to fish in the water. Among the reptiles that can be seen are the Red-Lipped lizard and Skinhal, both are endemic to Sri Lanka as well as endangered. Minneriya National Park mainly affords the opportunity to sight herds of Elephants throughout the year. May to October is the best period to visit Minneriya National Park in view of the famous Gathering of the wild elephants. Gathering is the largest known meeting place of Asian Elephants in the world. During this period herds up to 300 elephants are seen at the 8,890 hectare park within a few square kilometers of the Minneriya Reservoir. This amazing Gathering was listed as Number 6 in the Lonely Planet’s Guide to Natural Wildlife Spectacles of the World.

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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Visit the kingdom of the giants at Mirissa

Down the Southern Coast of the island one can find a small coastal town , Mirissa, a popular destination for whale watching in Sri Lanka. One can catch a glimpse of the beautiful whales , large groups of dolphins when travelling in the seas off Mirissa.

There are many tour organizers who take visitors into the sea on whale watching cruises. One of the pioneers in this regard would be Jetwing Travels. They have perfect packages centered around the whale watching and Dolphin watching experience. They do airport pick ups to providing accommodation as well as taking visitors on whale watching cruises that are experiences of a life time as they enable visitors to dine on the deck and are unforgettable experiences.

The whale watching season in Sri Lanka is from November to April while the peak is from December to March. The ideal time to go on a tour would be the early hours. Some of the most beautiful blue whales, Bryde’s whales, Sperm whale , Killer whale and Pilot whales. There are different types of Dolphins found in these waters , such as the Spinner Dolphins, bottle nose Dolphins , Risso’s Dolphin , Stripped Dolphin.

The Sri Lankan coast guards are on constant alert during the peak seasons to ensure the safety of the tourists and locals.

Mirissa is not too far from Galle and Hikkaduwa , which are other busy towns in the Southern belt of the country. Galle boasts of the world famous Galle fort , a declared UNESCO World Heritage site as well as Hikkaduwa popular for its corals and the sandy beaches.

Whale watching in Sri Lanka is a not to be missed experience for those visiting Sri Lanka.

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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Snorkeling in Maldives

All the islands in the Maldives are coralline. These reefs commonly surround a lagoon and have been described as the biggest natural swimming pools in the world. The lagoons have flat, sandy bottoms which are relatively shallow and great for children. The clear water ensures excellent underwater ensues excellent underwater visibility for divers and snorkelers. The pristine coral reefs have the most incredible underwater life that can never be imagined. A kaleidoscope of florescence colored fish in an underwater garden of coral reefs is certainly a spectacular sight. Ellaidhoo Island is a safe distance away from the busy world, this bit of private paradise is located on the eastern fringes of North Ari Atoll. The Ari Atoll, the largest of 22 natural atolls that make up the Maldive Islands, is located in the western side of the Maldives. Ellaidhoo, blessed with a spectacular offering for marine enthusiasts, is known over the world as the dive island in the Maldives. The Chaaya Reef Ellaidhoo is one of the most luxurious Maldives Beach Resort. This luxury hotel is all about pampering and spoiling their guests, with a luxury of comforts. The hotel is on a beautiful sun-kissed beach, giving access to the sparkling turquoise ocean.

The older, larger islands in the chain have developed a layer of soil, made up of decomposing vegetation. Mangroves and banyan trees are plentiful along with the national trees, the classic coconut palm. The vegetation supports a rich bird life. Animal life on the island is also plentiful. There are over 100 species of indigenous flora, although there are 600 species on the islands. Turtles, practically Hawksbills, breed in the waters around the Maldives. Guests will be able to observe these remarkable creatures while also actively contributing to the conservation of these unique animals. Maldives has over 700 fish species. The islands has some incredible dive sites, which are often located in the channels between atolls where the speed of water movement allows for excellent drift diving. The islands have magnificent coral reefs and sparkling crystal clear lagoons. The island is also renowned world over, for its natural beauty. The best time to visit the islands, is in December.

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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