Xishuangbanna Dai Minority Park

Discover the unique traditions of the Dai ethnic community in the beautiful Yunnan Province of China. Learn of age old customs, and watch mesmerizing ceremonies that focus on long stemmed beliefs. The colourful festivities celebrated at the Xishuangbanna Dai Minority Park are indeed a treat to all visitors staying at a hotel Yunnan. If you wish to enjoy the beautiful province in absolute comfort do consider a stay at the Anantara Xishuangbanna Resort & Spa.

This amazing resort hotel in Yunnan blends in with the pristine beauty of the Yunnan Province. Snuggled up within a forest next to the Lusouo River the luxury Yunnan hotel boasts the best in comforts and amenities while giving you a taste of the areas rich culture and traditions. Expect typical Anantara hospitality here as you unwind at the spa; indulge in regional and traditional Dai dishes at the scenic restaurant or simply chill out at the pool. Accommodation is luxurious and utterly comfortable; choose from 80 deluxe rooms and 23 pool villas all boasting contemporary amenities and luxurious settings. Guests are offered village tours within Dai Park and excursions to Wild Elephant Valley and the White Pagoda.

Xishuang Banna in Yunnan is home to the country’s largest Dai community; which is why a tour of Dai Park is a must for a taste of age old customs and traditions. Located within a tropical rain forest the village comprises of typical bamboo huts which on its own is quite a treat to explore. Find out how the Dai use clever construction to heat the house and you may just be able to partake in a house building ceremony which is quite a serious affair involving food, drink and traditions.

Festival time is the best season to visit the Xishuangbanna Dai Minority Park make it in time for the Water Festival in April and you will be blessed with good luck all year round. Other colourful ceremonies include Opening the Door and Closing the Door Festivals in July and October, which are a reflection of the gentle nature and united front of this fascinating minority in gorgeous Yunnan.

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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Rainforest Trail

Hiyare Reservoir Rainforest is a small mysterious rainforest which has been known as an absolute paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, who are attracted to the area by its lush flora. There is plenty of lush and abundant flora. When compared with other national parks in Sri Lanka, Hiyare is more serene and peaceful with a quiet but large eco-system of plants, birds, insects and the occasional mammal such as deer or porcupine and many more types of small animals, Hiyare is seldom visited by tourists, so therefore its undisturbed, remote and peaceful. The Hiraye rainforest is situated within very close proximity to the Chaya Tranz Hikkaduwa Hotel, which one of the best Beach Hotels in Hikkaduwa. Hiyare Rainforest is one of the most important landmarks to discover in Hikkaduwa. The Chaya Tranz Hikkaduwa is located along the Southern coastline offering tourists a vibrant atmosphere of fun and adventure. This unique hotel provides guests with Southern Sri Lankan hospitality and unlimited beach life, the resort has been redesigned to reflect the easy going life style of Hikkaduwa with the luxurious touch of the Chaaya Hotel Chain. There are 150 superior, deluxe rooms and suites, and the resort also offers an assortment of facilities

Birds are the dominating species in the Hiraye Rainforest, there are 118 bird species, among which 13 are endemic such as the Sri Lankan Green Pigeon, Ceylon Rose, Two-spotted Threadtail and Black Ruby Barb. 29 mammal species are found here including the Mongoose, Purple-faced Leaf Monkey and Hog Deer, an extremely wary and nocturnal animal that is rarely seen in the wild by naturalists. There are also 78 butterfly species and 55 dragonfly species that can be seen peacefully fluttering among the lower foliage. Among the 34 reptile species, 14 are endemic reptiles such as the Sri Lankan Green Pit Viper and sub-species of the Indian Python.

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+

Boating in the Muthurajawela Marsh

Ceylon has undergone some diverse political and economic changes during the last four centuries due to colonisation. While the Portuguese controlled the coastal belt and handed them over to the Dutch in the late 17th century, the Dutch sought to establish their own legal system in the island. Subsequent to the British conquering the island and bringing the entirety of Ceylon under their control in 1815, the political, economic, social and cultural aspects of the island were significantly influenced leading to the development of the tourism industry in Sri Lanka from the latter part of the 20th century. With the development of the economy and infrastructure, Negombo hotels are greatly sought after due to their location and the easy access from the airport facilitated by the highway. While accommodation is available for almost all budgets, for a high-end luxurious stay, opt for Heritance Negombo.

In Negombo, there are a myriad of attractions and activities that would enthral a newcomer to Sri Lanka ranging from the intricate Dutch canal systems and the energetic local bazaars to the Negombo Beach and the Muthurajawela Marsh. The Marsh itself is quite extensive and covers around six thousand hectares including the Negombo Lagoon. Therefore, Muthurajawela is home to a diverse eco-system that sustains a myriad of wild species ranging from water birds and butterflies to crocodiles and pythons.

A boat ride through the Marsh would also allow tourists to see a number of native fish species including some which are endangered, as well as the Star Tortoise. The natural surroundings of the Marsh, particularly due to the lofty flora, provide the area with canopies and a sense of being in a forest. Given this diversity and the breathtaking natural beauty, a boat ride through the Marsh is an activity one should not miss out on when in Negombo.

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. Google+

Moranbah – “The Mining Town” – The Youngest Town in Queensland, Australia

The Industrial Revolution ushered in an era of development and advancement that led to the rapid increase in modes of transport. As a result, mining towns became an increasingly popular phenomenon especially in places such as Germany where historical communities were found in Lower Saxony, North Rhine Westphalia, Bavaria and Baden Wuttemberg, in the United States of America and Australia. Mining towns in the state of Queensland in Australia were found in Blackwater, Middlemount, Moranbah, Mount Mulligan and Willows Gemfields. One such town, Moranbah, is found in the Isaac Region and was established in 1969.

This mining town can be explored by any traveller staying in Moranbah hotels and one should not be deceived into imaging the town as one which has not been touched by modernity. Moranbah is peppered with a number of entertainment facilities such as AFL, a skate park, off road racing and motocross as well as quality accommodation such as the Oaks Moranbah.

Given that it was established only in the 20th century, this town is unsurprisingly one of the youngest towns in the state even though it was explored by colonial powers in 1845, specifically by Ludwig Leichhardt. Though the town was initially established to provide miners and their families with a place to reside in that was close to the mines, Moranbah experienced rapid growth in the late 20th century. Being one of the youngest towns in the state, it has been the subject of investigative journalism where many assessed the impact of the industry on the rural population

For tourists visiting the area, the mining town holds greater attraction in that the Peak Range National Park is located in the vicinity. The Park, established in 1983, is also noteworthy, especially for environmentalists and nature enthusiasts as types of plant and animal species have been identified there.

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. Google+

Whale Submarine

A cluster of islands home to a population that is just over three hundred thousand, the twenty six atolls that make up the Republic of Maldives is a beloved holiday destination. When staying in a Maldives resort hotel, it would truly be a shame not to explore the beautiful blue tinged world that exists beneath the calm azure ocean surface. While the adventurous and experienced dwellers choose to dive and explore pristine coral reefs teeming with marine life as well as abandoned wrecks, the more laid back opt to snorkel and experience the all that the ocean has to offer. Others choose to swim in the calm waters that surround the islands and enjoy the glowing plankton that often lights up the waters at night. Exploring the clean and clear Maldivian waters can therefore be done in a multitude of ways but the most recent and convenient option remains the Whale Submarine.

Quite contrary to its name, the Whale Submarine is not for those who simply wish to observe whales. It is a submarine that provides patrons with a forty five minute experience of seeing the beautifully diverse underwater world comfortably and without getting wet. While hotels such as Anantara Veli, Maldives will be happy to arrange the tour, once booked, patrons will be picked up from a rendezvous point and taken to the point of submergence.

Once aboard, be prepared to be stunned by the variety of colours, shapes and fish that reside quietly beneath the calm blue surface. The experience also includes beaching close to a cave which will allow patrons to witness the myriad of marine life that takes up residence there and, if one is really lucky, White Tip Reef Sharks! So far the Whale Submarine has dived over seven thousand times and has provided close to three thousand lucky tourists the experience of a lifetime.

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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Drive Jebel Hafeet in Abu Dhabi

Enjoying the distinction of being the capital and one of the largest cities of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi is a city which has made leaps and bounds in the past century. Following its rapid development and the administration’s integration of numerous parks and landscaping endeavours, the city is now lush with greenery creating a pleasant contrast from its formerly desert like surroundings making it a wonderful place to visit. When visiting the United Arab Emirates, a number of places such as Sir Bani Yas Island, Jebel Hafeet and the springs of Al Ain merit a visit. For those who wish to reside close to a wildlife reserve, Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort, Abu Dhabi, is one of the best options available due to its location. This Sir Bani Yas Island Resort is sufficiently isolated but provides its guests the option of meandering to mainland and visiting attractions such as Jebel Hafeet which is located close to the city of Al Ain, on the border of the United Arab Emirates.

While being the most well known mountain in the UAE, it is not the highest. However, the access road named the Jabal Hafeet Mountain Road makes for a brilliant drive and is unsurprisingly the destination for road cycling competitions. From the peak of Jebel Hafeet the view is tremendously awe-inspiring as the desert extends miles and miles into every direction. However, an unlikely attraction has sprung up at the foot of the mountain named Green Mubazarrah which is a lake surrounded by a significant amount of lush greenery due to hot water springs.

Known as one of the best driving roads in the world, driving up the Hafeet Mountain Road is an experience many motor enthusiasts would cherish and enjoy and is definitely an activity that should be experienced when in Abu Dhabi.

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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Sky Club Paramotor Hua Hin

With the term ‘Bucket list’ entering popular vernacular, many people have constructed a list of activities and experiences they wish to have and places they wish to visit. For those staying in hotels in Hua Hin Thailand, Sky Club offers patrons an opportunity to fulfil one such dreams and tick off a bucket list entry! Suitable for the adventurous few who seek an adrenaline filled experience, paragliding provides patrons with the opportunity to defy gravity and enjoy a unique vantage point akin to a bird’s eye view of the world. Many who seek out paragliding do so in iconic cities such as Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and Heidelberg, Germany for it provides them with a beautiful view of the cities.

Sky Club Asia based in Hua Hin and Phuket seek to take this experience one step further. Providing a blend of aviation and leisure activity, Sky Club Asia offers patrons the opportunity to paraglide, not in a traditional sense but in a modern and convenient manner. For those residing in a hotel such as Anantara Hua Hin Resort & Spa, Sky Club based in Hua Hin can be contacted for an excursion. Patrons can choose from a variety of options depending on the time they wish to spend, their budget and the type of experience they wish to have.

To enjoy a paramotor flight, patrons need not have had previous experience in aviation or even in paragliding for Sky Club facilitates the flights with experienced and professional pilots. The experience itself is quite safe and all that you need to do is to sit back, relax and enjoys the bird’s eye views of the city and the vast oceans. For a truly spectacular experience, opt for a twenty or thirty minute flight during sunset and be enthralled as the dying golden rays illuminate Dolphin Bay, Sam Roi Yod National Park and witness Hua Hin in a whole new light.

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. Google+

Wuzhizhou Island Tourism Zone

With the holiday season upon us, holidaying is one of the most persistent thoughts on one’s mind. With the frost bitten cold of winter, celebrating Christmas and heralding the new year in a tropical climate is something many are opting to do and what better place to bid adieu to the past year than in some of the best islands in the world. According to sources such as the National Geographic, islands such as Fair Isle in Scotland and the Isles of Scilly in England are some of the most beautiful and naturally diverse islands in the European continent but for a truly tropical vacation, Bali in Indonesia and the Wuzhizhou Island off the Chinese coast of Hainan are ideal.

Because the island is located close to the city of Sanya, visiting Wuzhizhou Island from resorts such as Anantara Sanya Resort & Spa is fairly convenient while the island itself is located a mere twenty five miles or so from the closest airport. While visiting Yalong Bay, believed to be the best bay in China, ranks high on the list of things to do in Sanya, making a trip to Wuzhizhou island is something many environmentalists and nature buffs are inclined to do. This desire can be attributed to the biodiversity that thrives on the island which is also home to rare species of threes such as the Dragon Tree. Given that the island is considered home to over two thousand species of plant and tree life, it is truly an environmentalist’s haven.

In addition to the diverse plant life, one of the highlights of the island is its beach front. Primarily attributable to sea visibility which allows tourists to dive and view up to twenty seven metres below the surface, tourists and locals alike consider the Wuzhizhou Island a treasure. Enjoy well preserved coral reefs teeming with sea cucumber, lobsters, tropical fish and a myriad of marine life when in Wuzhizhou.

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 travelers.

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Baiyun Mountain The snowy white peaks in Guangzhou city

The Baiyun Mountain or White Cloud Mountain is one of Guangzhou city’s eight sights recommended to visit. Located on the north of the city it is a famous site that has inspired many artists, scholars and poets to create some great work.

When sunrises after the rains a wreath of airy clouds circles around the mountain and the name White Cloud Mountain derives from this. The complete area of the White Cloud Mountain is approximately 28 square kilometers and it consists of thirty peaks. The star scraping ridge which is known as the first peak under the southern sky is about three hundred and eighty meters high. When you stand on the summit you get a spectacular view of the beautiful Guangzhou and you can see the spellbinding Pearl River flowing through the city.

The Baiyun Mountain is a popular historic attraction in the city of Guangzhou. This is an area that is great to relax while you explore the city’s significant attractions. Since Baiyun is one of the eight must see sites in the city the other seven includes the Pearl Tower, Mo Xing Ling, Ming Chun Valley, San Tai Ling, Luhu Lake, Fei E Ling and He Yi ing.

There is much to discover within the city of Guangzhou and there’s no better way to do so but by finding accommodation within close vicinity. Guangzhou Apartment Hotel is a great choice for travellers from around the world. If you seek fully serviced luxury residence to stay during your visit to Beijing then try the Ascott Guangzhou. With easy access to the city’s business areas, shopping malls, dining spots as well as the main attraction sites this is the best in terms of location. You will be swept away by the fabulous services standards and facilities that await those who stay at the Ascott.

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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Cultural Holiday Experience in Kandy

Kandy, is the last kingdom of our island, where once kings used to rule. Kandy is steeped in cultural heritage and natural beauty, historic monuments, enchanting forests, great rivers, breath taking vistas and picturesque mountains and valleys. Kandy is one of the most peaceful cities in the island, with its quaint city of old-world charm and ancient history. This city is mostly suited for rest and relaxation, and with its rich heritage, there is a lot of ancient and cultural places that one can visit. One of the best Kandy hotels to stay over, when visiting Kandy is the Cinnamon Citadel hotel. This hotel is one of the best of the luxury hotels in the hills of Sri Lanka, it is ideal for whose seek rest and relaxation and to those who come in search of the treasures of this ancient city. This hotel is one of the most unique hotels, designed with fused retro chic design with the rich heritage of this ancient kingdom.

The most important place that one should visit is the Temple of the Tooth, it is considered as the Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist relic- a tooth of the Buddha. The entire temple covers a large area as well as the main shrine and other temples and museums within the complex. Also, the World Buddhism Museum contains photographs, displays which illustrates Buddhism around the world. There are also Devales, four kandyan devales to the gods who are followers of the Buddha. The National Museum features royal regalia and reminders of Pre-European Sinhalese life. The museum also features the old Tusker the stuffed animal himself. It is a fascinating place, it is a well worth a look for the artefacts alone.
Walk over the main wall and admire the views of the gardens which are great photo opportunities. The Kandy Lake is also a beautiful and a peaceful setting that one can walk around and just relax by. There is also a very large shopping complex, called the Kandy shopping complex which has one of the most of the best brands in 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. Google+