Al Hamar

The desert Emirate of Dubai has over the years made a name for itself as a premier tourist destination, offering an array of noteworthy attractions. In Dubai you will have the chance to enjoy sensational shopping opportunities, a host of sightseeing attractions and a laidback cosmopolitan ambience. Visitors considering a tour of the Emirate interested in staying at a Palm Jumeirah hotel will be pleased by Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa. Such an accommodation will provide well-furnished rooms and courteous service and makes an ideal base from which to set out on one’s adventures.

A not to be missed activity when exploring the region is dune bashing and wadi bashing. Dune bashing involves powerful four wheel drive vehicles, dune buggies or quad bikes which are used to drive up and down sand dunes in the desert. Skilled drivers can do this competently, racing through the sand at great speed. It is certainly an experience to be treasured, which can only be enjoyed at a select few locations in the world.

Travellers to Dubai should take the opportunity to visit the immense sand dune known as Al Hamar, or Big Red. This well-known attraction is conveniently reached from Dubai city and may be visited in the morning or the afternoon. This colossal dune, no less than 300 feet in height, has slopes that are as steep as those of a ski run. The distinctive reddish colour of its sand is a result of a high content of iron oxide.

Al Hamar is a popular visitor attraction, luring a steady stream of leisure seekers, both local residents and tourists from abroad. However this does not detract from the pleasure of visiting this attractive leisure destination. If you lack a suitable four wheel drive vehicle you may hire an off road vehicle from a specialist company. You will also have the options of hiring a quad bike or a camel ride at the attraction itself, although you cannot actually ascend the dune in this manner.

All around the vicinity of Al Hamar you will see a host of little shops and kiosks which offer snacks and souvenirs. The visitors at the dune itself will all be in a joyous mood and you too will be enthralled by this marvel of nature.

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+

Hoi An Motorbike Adventures

Anyone who enjoys riding motorcycles will be delighted by the opportunities on offer in the central region of Vietnam. Starting out from Hoi An, the traveller will be able to traverse the exceedingly picturesque and tranquil landscapes of Central Vietnam, which are truly magical areas to explore. Visitors will be able to join the tours conducted by reputed specialists who will provide the necessary equipment and guidance. However first it would be important for one to choose a place to be based at. Hoi An hotels would serve as excellent venues to come home to and in particular Anantara Hoi an Resort with its well equipped rooms should definitely be considered.

The sheer diversity of the terrain and the spectacular sights on offer make this area an adventure and outdoor lover’s dream. Even if you opt for a single day’s excursion from the town of Hoi An, you will have the opportunity to observe different delightful vistas. You will traverse coastal flood plains filled with paddy fields, crossing tranquil rivers and verdant rainforests, exploring the pristine unsullied countryside of Vietnam.

Participants will be able to make their way through the country’s centrally located highlands which are inhabited by people of ethnic minorities. The amazing roads found here may be counted amongst the most scenic and attractive anywhere in the world, sweeping and winding their way through mountains and valleys. Every turn and bend will bring yet more breathtaking and mesmerizing vistas to your eyes, filling your senses with sheer pleasure and contentment. If you desire tranquil solitude, you will be delighted by this environment, as other motorists will be few and far between. Travellers who prefer the silent majesty of pristine rainforests will be spellbound by the verdant terrain, wreathed by the clinging mountain mists.

This part of Vietnam also boasts its share of manmade attractions, from rustic farming communities to fascinating remnants of ancient civilizations and even sites of conflict and battle. Part of the allure of this mesmeric environment is the amazing variety of terrains and road conditions. Visitors will have the chance to negotiate secluded back streets, swooping bends and switchbacks as well as muddy gravel tracks. The motorcycle enthusiast and even the general sightseer will find this to be the adventure of a lifetime.

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.

Google+

Swim In Bimah Sinkhole

Regarded as one of the world’s most stunning naturally formed sinkholes the Bimah Sinkhole is an Omani national treasure in its own right. Occupying pride of place within Hawiyat Najm Park (which literally translates to Meteor Fall Park in the native language) the Bimah Sinkhole is a picture perfect tourist attraction one is likely to find on a postcard rather than the heart of a desert. Easily accessible to travellers driving from Qurayat to the city of Sur the locale is situated just off the main highway, with Tiwi a few kilometres away. Tourists vacationing in the country’s capital Muscat need only drive 1.5 hours to reach the famed natural wonder situated near the Al Sharqiyah region.

Travellers on the lookout for a luxury resort in Oman to base themselves at will be more than pleased with the resplendent accommodation at Alila Jabal Akdhar. Ideally situated in a strategic location this elegant rest provides contemporary amenities for both business travellers as well as holidaymakers. Once settled in, make sure to plan a trip to Bimah Sinkhole.

Formed due to the natural erosion of a limestone cavern the sink hole was created when the rocks dissolved due to extended contact with water to reveal the crevice that is known as a “sinkhole”. Locals however prefer the legend of a meteorite falling on the rock’s surface to create the curious geographical anomaly. Connected with the ocean through a submerged tunnel the turquoise and emerald hued waters within the sinkhole is in fact sea water although the venue resembles a fresh water lake in appearance. A mere 550m from the ocean the turquoise pool inside the Bimah Sinkhole is nearly 20m deep and 40m wide. A miniscule fish species is also believed to occupy the pool and harmlessly nibble the toes of swimmers when in contact.

Accessible through a series of concrete steps that lead visitors from the top of the highway to the base of the crevice known as the Bimah Sinkhole the venue is a popular stopover point for shutterbugs hoping to capture the staggering beauty of the locale. Surrounded by limestone cliff faces, taking a dip in the sinkhole is a magical experience for travellers as the sheer majesty of the towering cavern and its crystal clear waters is breathtaking to say the least.

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+

Discover Singapore’s Latest Wildlife Reserve on a Tour of River Safari

Quietly nestled in between the Lion City’s foremost wildlife reserves, the Singapore Zoo and the Night Safari enclosure lies the country’s latest addition to an already illustrious list of attractions for nature lovers. Built at a cost of $160 million, River Safari is home to the globe’s most expansive freshwater aquarium as well as the largest panda showcase in Southeast Asia. Boasting one of the world’s most extensive collections of freshwater fauna, River Safari houses more than 6000 creatures which include 40 endangered species of wildlife. As the famed home of Singapore’s famed resident Pandas Jia Jia and Kai Kai a tour of the River Safari is a must-have experience for all holidaymakers visiting the Lion City. Based on the world’s iconic rivers the state-of-the-art wildlife sanctuary occupies a vast expanse with the Upper Seletar Reservoir serving as the backdrop.

 

Having opened its doors to the public in early 2014 the 12 hectare space is also the home of the Amazon Flooded Forest and the Squirrel Monkey Forest although its chief attraction is the famed Giant Panda Forest where Singapore’s only resident Giant Pandas reside. As ten year loans from China the magnificent creatures named Jia Jia and Kai Kai occupy a specially built climate-controlled area of River Safari while a special variety of bamboo is also grown by the zoo’s own 86,000 square foot cultivation region to feed the furry inhabitants.
The Mississippi River at River Safari explores the world of beavers and endangered Mississippi paddlefish and alligators while the Congo is home to the world’s biggest freshwater puffer fish. Tiger fish and finned birchirs occupy the River Nile while the Ganges is littered with goonch catfish, crocodilian Indian gharial and soft-shell turtles. The Murray River in contrast boasts inhabitants the likes of barramundi, crab fish and the nearly 2m long Murray Cod.
The Mekong River is home to giant freshwater stingrays and Mekong catfish while giant salamanders occupy the Yangtze River. In Wild Amazonia visitors can hop on board the Amazon River Quest where spider monkeys, Brazilian Tapirs and jaguars await while the Amazon Flooded Forest ecological showcase is equally engaging.
Refreshments are available at the River Safari Tea House and the Mama Panda Kitchen while memorabilia and souvenirs can be purchased at the River Safari Shop or House of Kai Kai & Jia Jia.

 

Travellers in search of trendy hotels in Singapore should look no further than the Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Singapore group. Providing guests with the best in contemporary amenities the stylish Singapore hotels under this flagship hospitality conglomerate offer unforgettable vacations in the Lion City.

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.Google+

Go Dragon Cave Rafting across Taniwha Blackwater in Adventure Sports Capital Greymouth

Regarded as one of the most thrilling adventure sports activities available in Greymouth, Dragon Cave Rafting is no run-of-the-mill rafting adventure for the masses. As the capital of New Zealand’s West Coast Greymouth sits on the lips of Grey River and is renowned across the country for its diverse landscapes littered with caves and black waters. Also known as cave tubing a rafting tour in Greymouth is a once in a lifetime opportunity to raft across breathtaking rainforests while discovering the area’s most intriguing natural caves and the glow worms that call it home.
Ideal for those who wish to spend time uncovering Greymouth’s unchartered terrain Blackwater or Dragon Cave rafting adventures are perfect half-day excursions that are not just reserved for adrenaline junkies. Athletic holidaymakers however can experience the tour in a novel way as they have the option of reaching the river’s tubing section with a cliff jump and abseiling to the summit of the river’s rafting quarter. Other can also take a zip line ride across the rainforest’s verdant canyons for a scenic aerial route to the rafting site. This all encompassing tour allows adventure sports fans to engage in the popular activities of climbing, abseiling, ziplining and rafting in some of the most panoramic settings in all of New Zealand. Inexperienced rafters can walk to the tubing area through the rainforest. Thermal wear such as socks, rubber clothing, river boots, life jackets and helmets are all provided by the tour operators in addition to abseiling and ziplining gear prior to setting off for the starting point of the excursion.
Dubbed “Dragon Caves” due to Maori legends and folktales that are still told by local Taniwha communities the rafting tour across the blackwater lets participants to come face to face with the staggering beauty of rainforest river terrains. The vast complex of caves that are linked to countless Maori myths is also part of the itinerary while curious creatures known as Glow Worms occupy these ominous caves in their thousands and provide sparks of illumination on an otherwise dark interior landscape of the caves. Perfect for groups of travellers and families the tour operators in Greymouth also offer special children’s rafting packages for those who wish to take the young ones along on a rafting adventure.
Travellers in search of luxurious New Zealand hotels should look to none other than Millennium & Copthorne Hotels NZ for the best deals this holiday season. Offering guests a plethora of stylish establishments in the West Coast its signature rest in Greymouth is ranked among the best Greymouth hotels in the region.

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+

Ballooning in Dubai

On the 21st of November 1783, Jean Francois Pilatre de Rozier made history by launching the first manned flight utilising a hot air balloon. At the time, hot air balloons became largely popular as a unique mode of travel, a mode that was unavailable until that time. With a number of changes and adjustments through the centuries, hot air balloons have developed a different popularity in the 21stcentury: tourism. Hot air ballooning tours are now being offered in almost every country as an essential component of the tourism industry.

Most tours allow its patrons to witness the sunrise by taking off in the dead of the night. As a result, tourists often have the wonderful experience of watching a glorious sunrise and the slow but marvellous changes of the colours of the sky. For those visiting Dubai, this experience is just as unforgettable. One such hot air ballooning tour is offered by Ballooning Adventures Dubai and will commence north of Al Ain in the Desert Oasis.

Those considering exploring this option of sightseeing should know that children below five years of age are restricted from going on the tour. However, the tour is not a short one: it lasts for approximately four to five hours. As a result, ensure that you make time for the tour when making an itinerary. The tour is open to around twenty two people a ride. Therefore, it is likely that your entire family will be able to take it at one time. You should also be prepared to pay eight hundred and fifty dirham for children and nine hundred and ninety five dirham for adults.

This particular company also offers to provide free transport from one’s accommodation in Dubai to the pickup site making the tour not only enjoyable and entertaining but convenient as well. When selecting a Palm Jumeirah hotel to reside in, keep in mind Anantara Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa which is an excellent option. Located only a forty five minute drive from the Airport, guests will have the opportunity to experience fine dining and select from a variety of cuisines.

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+

 

Potters of Koh Kret

The history of pottery can be traced back centuries and the oldest evidence of its existence was found at the Xianrendong Cave in the Republic of China. Archaeologists continue to discover such evidence across the globe indicating its popularity worldwide. However, due to the use of fire and also considering the lengthy period of time necessary for shaping the clay, archaeological evidence indicates that pottery came into existence subsequent to humankind achieving a sedentary life. This, in combination with the discovery of fire lead to the development of pottery with potters creating vessels using a variety of techniques such as hand shaping, firing, glazing and later on, kilns. Through such methods, different varieties of pottery such as earthenware, stoneware and porcelain were created.

The island of Ko Kret located in the vicinity of Bangkok Thailand is well known for pottery. Located on the Chao Phraya River, tourists and travellers can enjoy examining the various styles and different types of pottery at the Museum of Kwan Aman Pottery. This museum is home to a collection of Mon design ceramics, which are ancient and considered quite valuable as the Mon people were considered to be talented potters. The museum itself is open from 9am to 5pm daily and is definitely worth a visit for it provides an intriguing insight into an integral component of the lifestyle of the locals. For those who choose to visit the Assembly of Pottery Craft a demonstration of how these creations are made awaits them and tourists will also have the convenient opportunity to purchase such vessels as souvenirs or to give as gifts once they return.

Those who wish to visit the village can opt for a Bangkok cruise tour, namely the Chao Phraya Express on Sundays for the price of just three hundred baht. Such Bangkok cruises allow tourists to visit villages such as Ko Kret with minimum hassle and conveniently. Given the cultural diversity and rich heritage the Thai are privy to, the country is filled to the brim with exciting and intriguing landmarks and places of interest. Ensure that you soak in the local culture by opting for Anantara Cruises that provides tourists with the opportunity to mingle with the locals and see the sights both conveniently and comfortably.

 

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+

Wind Surfing in Maldives

Endless stretches of clear blue skies spreading above lapis lazuli blue waters of the ocean that borders pristine white sands, creates the perfect setting where life takes on a form that is beautiful, mesmerizing and truly wonderful. The ideal romantic hideaway it is, with the sea and sand complementing the finest luxuries and comforts offered to you lavishly on this land of golden sunshine. Some may argue that it is indeed the ultimate beach getaway. Maldives Islands of undisputed loveliness lies invitingly on the waters of the Indian Ocean, waiting to be discovered and to be loved. Maldives also has plenty of resorts such as Kurumba Maldives which is one of the leading diving resorts Maldives which can be considered if you wish to discover ultimate luxury while also enjoying the ultimate pleasure of windsurfing.

Maldives Islands are certainly a favorite holiday destination for many across the world. The ultimate combination of the loveliness of its dazzling beaches and the blue green waters is found to be a thing of truly irresistible appeal by many. However basking in the glory of its surreal beauty is not the only enjoyment available on these magical shores. The waters of the Indian Ocean that cover a greater part of the country are open to many water sports to those adventurous folks who holiday here.

Wind surfing on the crystal clear lagoons of Maldives is truly a breathtakingly wonderful experience. The salty breeze playing harsh with you as you glide on the polished surface of the ocean while the golden sun beats down on you heightening the truly tropical sensation is an experience truly worth having indeed.

Many resorts that Maldives Islands is richly abounding of will certainly provide the facilities to engage in the sport provided that their lagoon is large enough to support windsurfers. These resorts along with the water sport centres dotting the shore provide material needed for windsurfing as well so one need not go through the hassle of bringing along their own equipment. Beginners too can safely learn the sport given the expert guidance and customized equipment that is available here.

Large lagoons that are not crowded with snorkelers and swimmers where the coral bed is not quite thick will provide the best of windsurfing experiences that you will never forget here in Maldives, the land of ultimate indulgence.

 

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+

Lal Bagh

The well-known Lal Bagh, which translates as ‘Red Garden’ is a popular botanical garden located in the southern section of Bangalore. This attractive park was constructed under the decree of the monarch of Mysore, Hyder Ali and was completed during the rule of his son and successor Tipu Sultan. Interestingly Lal Bagh is thought to have been modelled on the Mughal Garden which at one time stood proudly in Sira, a location which was once part of the Mughal Empire.

Lal Bagh is considered noteworthy for featuring an excellent glass house where a yearly flower exhibition is held. The garden is also renowned for containing the most extensive selection of tropical plants in India. It also features a lake as well as an aquarium, and is recognized as one of Bangalore’s foremost visitor attractions.

Lal Bagh extends over a vast extent of no less than 240 acres, making it without question one of the major botanical attractions in the subcontinent. Its most significant flower show is conducted on January 26th, or Republic Day; a number of other floral exhibitions are also held at this venue.

In total the visitor will find more than 1,000 varieties of flora here, including some trees which are more than a century old. One of the garden’s most esteemed exhibits is some unusual varieties of plants which were brought over from Afghanistan, Persia and France. The garden displays aesthetic beauty, having been landscaped with elements such as flowerbeds, lawns, fountains and lotus pools. Many of the exhibits are labelled for convenient identification. The visitor will see that a tower constructed by the founder of the city, Kempe Gowda is located within the garden. Another significant attraction at this site is the fascinating Lal Bagh Rock, which is an ancient rock formation considered to be amongst the oldest on the globe.

Another noteworthy attraction which will draw the interest of the visitor is the folk fair which is conducted at the gardens on the second as well as the fourth weekend of each month. At this event you will be able to see local folk music, dance and plays.

The selective visitor considering 5 star Bangalore hotels will find an appealing choice in the Alila Bangalore. One of the outstanding Bangalore luxury hotels this fine rest offers attractive accommodations and courteous hospitality.

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+

Jungle Bungy Jump in Phuket

Imagine plunging down the sky of Phuket; plunging into a pool of water while being caressed by the lush scenery on your way down; imagine the thrill, imagine the sheer rush. All your imaginations can become one giant reality as you plunge down into nothingness in the amazing exciting and thrilling activity of Bungee Jumping. For those of you crave this adrenaline, this sheer maddening thrill then Bungee Jumping will make you feel like you are on the top of the world. In fact you literally plunge from the top of the world and the drop is remarkable. Hundreds of visitors from around the globe visit Phuket for Bungee Jumping because in Phuket you get the scenic appeal and the fantastic tropical climate, all this combined makes Bungee jumping in the jungles of Phuket an unmatched experience.

For some of you the idea of Bungee Jumping might be completely new for it is not a common activity that is offered in every city in the world. As the name has it Bungee Jumping is a jump or a fall. You are strapped to a chair on a crane and risen 50 meters from the ground. At this point you will be given a moment to absorb the breathtaking bird’s eye view of beautiful Phuket adorned with dense forests and sparkling beaches. Once you have taken all this bliss in just jump. As you fall, enjoy the sheer kick of adrenaline shroud you and scream away to glory. As gravity pulls you down with remarkable force you are sure to experience the adventure of a lifetime. The feeling is certainly unmatched and absolutely euphoric. You need guts to try out Bungee Jumping and you need to love your adrenaline. Even the slightest fear or faint heartedness cannot be tolerated in this sport. If you prefer ascending rather than descending try the Superman. Just as thrilling, here you are strapped on the ground and shot 60 meters into the air. Talk about Exciting!

After overdosing on the adrenaline, wind down in Anantara Phuket Villas. This Phuket Resorts are the finest Phuket Beach Resort there is.

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+