Night Cycling in Singapore

Want to avoid Singapore’s daytime humid, warm temperatures? Then consider exploring this cosmopolitan city at night via cycling. You will be treated to stunning, brightly lit-up displays, and you can do so comfortably with a gentle breeze on your back.

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City highlights

Explore Singapore’s main highlights by cycling the Marina Bay route. The route takes you by Singapore’s electrifying skyline and famous attractions such as Gardens by the Bay, Singapore Flyer, Esplanade and the bayfront area. Consider venturing further to explore the Eastern Coastal Loop, including East Coast Park.

History lane

Many Singapore serviced apartments, the likes of Citadines Raffles Place Singapore, are located a stone’s throw away from the city’s famed Civic District. Historical landmarks, including City Hall, the museum, Supreme Court, and Bugis district, can easily be discovered via night cycling.

Nature routes

Alternatively, you can explore Singapore’s wildlife and nature reserves via the Northern Explorer and Western Adventure Loops. The former begins from Lower Seletar Reservoir Park and takes you by Mandai and Admiralty parks. The 12km Western Loop goes by Jurong Lake and Bukit Batok Nature parks. Consider cycling the North Eastern Riverine Loop, which begins at Punggol Park.

All you need to know

You can indulge in night cycling by renting a bike or joining a night cycling tour. It is best that you cycle with a group to avoid getting lost. Ensure you check your bike’s brakes, light functions, and the weather before heading out.

Things to Do in Mary Valley, Sunshine Coast

 

The appealing Mary Valley in the Sunshine Coast hinterland will be a delightful locality for visitors who appreciate nature and the countryside. There can hardly be a better place for a relaxed leisure trip with family or friends.

Traverse Along Mary Valley Scenic Drive

You will find that the Mary Valley Scenic Drive would be an excellent way to commence your exploration of this picturesque area. As you make your way along this drive, you will notice many appealing sights such as cattle grazing, pineapple plantations, rainforests, macadamia farms, undulating hills and so on; don’t forget to take your camera!

Enjoy Fig Tree Walk

Another pleasant experience in the locality would be strolling down the Fig Tree Walk. As you make your way down this walk, you will notice sights such as a splendid Moreton Bay fig tree and creatures like skinks and Wompoo pigeons as well as other birds. One of the Caloundra resorts to consider from which you could plan an excursion to Fig Tree walk would be Oaks Sunshine Coast Oasis Resort.

Visit the Dagun Growers Market

Visitors will find that the Dagun Growers Market which is held on Saturday afternoons would be a wonderful place for the food lover. Here, you will encounter an array of stalls offering locally grown organic foodstuffs, handmade items and freshly prepared treats. You can buy fruits and vegetables and enjoy pizza and wine as well.

Explore the Amamoor State Forest

Nature and wildlife lovers will be enthralled at the Amamoor State Forest which is considered a paradise for bird lovers. A highlight here would be the Platypus Walk where you may have the opportunity to spot these shy creatures. You may also choose to experience the pleasant Rainforest Walk that’s equally captivating.

Set Off on a Hike to Knuckles

Renowned as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Knuckles Mountain range has been famed for its human fist like appearance from certain angles. This magnificent gift of nature is located in the Kandy and Matale districts of Sri Lanka and is highly popular among hikers from all over the world.

Knuckles_mountain_range_-_Sri_Lanka
Thusitha Jayasundara, Knuckles mountain range – Sri Lanka, CC BY-SA 4.0

How to Get to Knuckles

While several access points allow you to reach Knuckles, the most popular entrance is in Matale. However, this solely depends on where you are residing at. If you plan to travel to Kandy on a vacation, the access point will not be over a journey of an hour or two to Hunnasgiriya, once again, based on the route that you choose to take. However, do visit the Kandy Escapes website for a deeper insight on how to adapt and prepare for the weather conditions in Kandy, if you wish to enter Knuckles from a Kandy access point.

How to Climb Knuckles

While Knuckles’ popularity attracts many hikers, it is only advisable that you climb the mountain range if you carry a considerable level of experience in the art. However, a guide must accompany you, regardless of your level of hiking experience, in order to avoid getting lost. Therefore, a qualified guide will direct you through the paths that should be taken.

Grab a Bite on The Way

As you climb up one of Sri Lanka’s most difficult mountain trails, hunger will not be too far away. Being a protected reserve prevents hotels and resorts from opening up in the Knuckles and therefore, food is likely to become a luxury during the course of your hike. Stock up what you need in a backpack and grab a bite whenever hunger takes you over.

Other Attractions

While setting off on an adventurous hike is what Knuckles is known for, the areas surrounding this mountain range host plenty of other attractions for hikers and tourists. Deep into the forest lies Meemure, a rural village of picturesque views, Kandy, the sacred city of the Temple of the Tooth and the Aluvihara Rock Cave Temple in Matale.

  

 

Water sports in Bentota

Surrounded by the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is an island nation with many tourist destinations inland. With rivers and lakes irrigating the fertile soil of the country, the country is known the world over as a water sports destination. Bentota, a town in the Southern Province, is loved by tourists visiting Sri Lanka. If you are planning to visit Bentota, here are some of the water sports you can enjoy.

Jet skiing

One of the most thrilling activities that there is, jet skiing is a popular water sport with tourists vising Bentota. Heading out into the ocean on a jet ski at unbelievable speeds and besting all the waves cannot be compared to anything else! If this is your first time trying to jet ski, get your hotel or a tour operator to find an instructor for you.

Diving

Diving is another activity you can enjoy during your time in Bentota. The best time to dive here is from November to May; this is when the visibility is at its best. Divers encounter a range of marine creatures on their excursions. Tourists can also find several diving schools all over the town.

Windsurfing

Visit Bentota from November to April for an unforgettable windsurfing experience. There are numerous academies where tourists can learn windsurfing. Those staying at 5-star hotels in Bentota can get their hotels to arrange lessons for them.

Snorkelling

Snorkeling
Snorkeling | Image by PublicDomainPictures via Pixabay

You can find snorkelling sites minutes from Cinnamon Bentota Beach. This is one of the best ways to admire the beauty of Sri Lanka’s marine life. Don’t worry if you are new to snorkelling, a professional guide can help you get the trick of it.

 

DIY Travel guide – Phan Nga, Thailand

Khao Lak is the perfect place to be if you want to relax peacefully without tourists and crowds lurking around. Unsullied by humans, this region of Thailand has many enchanting locations that you must visit at least once if you’re in Thailand. You can enjoy a spectacular skyline with mountains and see sunsets against the Andaman Sea.

How to get there

It is fairly easy to get to Khao Lak from any part of Thailand. Phuket is only an hour’s drive away. Out of the three population centres in Khao Lak, Bang La On is the best place for visitors because it is the most tourist-oriented. There are many food outlets, convenience stores and even McDonalds.

Where to stay

You can find many places to stay in Khao Lak. Since this area of the country is less “touristy” and more “Thai” you can find charming places for your vacation in Khao Lak Thailand. Resorts the likes of Avani+ Khao Lak Resort are also available if you’re looking for a more luxurious option.

Image via Avani+ Khao Lak Resort

White Sand Beach

This is a calm, serene strip of beach in Khao Lak. If you visit during the off-season, you’ll find that you’re the only person on the whole beach. It is recommended that you hire a motorbike and stay at the beach for as long as possible and make sure to catch the beautiful sunset.

Bamboo Rafting

Bamboo rafting down a river surrounded by pristine forests is an amazing experience. You can get a local tour guide to organize the trip for you and make sure that it is someone who knows the area well. It is a 30 min ride downstream and you get to stop for a swim as well.

How to have the perfect vacation – Phuket edition

You’re tired of being trapped inside the house for too long? If you’re plotting ways to get out, the best way is to escape to the tropical paradise of Phuket. However, if you’re a first-timer planning and figuring out the best way to spend your time there can be a bit daunting. This blog gives you a concise outline of how to make the best of your time in Phuket.

The first two days

You are likely tired and jet-lagged from the long-haul flight so it’s best to rest the first day and conserve your energy for some major adventures and fun soon. If you haven’t booked your Phuket resorts online, head towards a reputed and well-known resort in the area such as the likes of Avani+ Mai Khao Phuket Suites and Villas to avoid getting scammed. Have a relaxing dip in the pool and get some much-needed sleep and refuel for the adventures coming your way!

Image via Avani+ Mai Khao Phuket Suites and Villas

Third and fourth day

Now that you’re relaxed and in Vacay mode, head out to explore the Old Town and other attractions in Phuket. The Big Buddha on top of Nakkerd Hills, Wat Chalong, Wang Talang, and Old Town should be on your list of places to visit. After a long day of exploring and clicking pictures that put Annie Leibovitz to shame, you can relax at Khao Rang Hill or Patong Beach.

Fifth and Sixth day

Coral and Racha Islands are the offshore islands near Phuket. No journey here is complete without an excursion out there. You can either book a tour package or find a local guide and spend these two days exploring these scenic islands on the gorgeous Andaman Sea. At Coral Island make sure to try out all the water sports and have a hearty lunch by the beach. At Racha Island, you can go snorkelling to say hi to the shoals of colourful fish that make these islands their home.

Seventh and final Day

End your Phuket tour with a bang! Wake up nice and early and hike up to Karon viewpoint to catch a breath-taking sunset. After this and a hearty breakfast at your hotel, you can go ATV riding through mangroves and Phuket dirt tracks. While you’re still high from the adrenaline pay a visit to Hanuman World and take the thrilling zip lines there. Now that you’ve tried the best Phuket has to offer, make sure you make one last stop at an authentic Phuket massage to relax your nerves and refuel you for a normal life.

The perfect laid-back holiday – Krabi, Thailand

The best holidays are not the ones where you went to the most popular places or the most expensive ones; it’s those trips where you shared happy memories with your family, friends and loved ones with good food, great views and lots of love. Thailand is a very popular tourist destination famed for the gorgeous sunny islands and crystal blue waves. The country is brimmed with visitors no matter what time of the year so it can be hard to find a secluded, less busy spot for you to truly have that intimate experience. No worries – Krabi, Thailand is not a mainstream destination, but it still is one of the most beautiful places in the country. This guide aims to give a few tips about the best attractions and activities there.

Where to stay?

The most important part of any vacation is finding accommodation. You must be able to relax and enjoy a happy, safe time with your family. Luckily for you, there are many Ao Nang hotels that fit every kind of budget and offer amazing amenities such as swimming pools, spas and even diving excursions. If you want to splurge a little and treat yourselves to a fancy villa experience, resorts such as Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort is a good option to consider.

Image via Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort 

Getting to Krabi

It is super easy to get to Krabi as there is an International Airport there. However, if you’re arriving from another part of Thailand such as Phuket you can travel here by bus, and it only takes a few hours. There are also ferry services easily available to and from Krabi. Once you arrive at Krabi you can easily get to all your activities as there are many transport options available. If you’re only going to Krabi for one day, the most fun and quick way to get here is to catch a speedboat from Phuket.

The beauty of Krabi

Nicknamed the “Emerald of the Andaman” Krabi is a haven of natural beauty and breathtakingly fresh views. The unspoiled and secluded beaches are surrounded by tall limestone rocks and there are many caves, waterfalls and unique rock formations all along the graceful coastline. If you’ve read Life of Pi by Yann Martel, Krabi is very much like that gorgeous island Pi and Richard Parker wound up in; the only difference is that Krabi doesn’t eat you at night.

Things to do here

Most people come here to relax and enjoy a peaceful stay exploring the beautiful beaches and natural beauty. But there are great activities for tourists that are based on eco-tourism concepts. The most common and exciting excursion anyone can try is snorkelling. You can book a snorkelling day trip ahead of time and spend an entire day exploring the reefs, fish and Krabi’s diverse marine life in the offshore islands.

Phuket Experiences and Expeditions to Cherish

A vacation in Phuket is not just a walk by the beach. The city offers a bundle of exciting activities to tourists that are not only limited to the tropics of the island. Phuket is historically, naturally and artistically rich in its offerings to society, and a trip to this astonishing city should not miss these experiences.

Полина Славянская, Музей Thai Hua, CC BY 3.0

A History Like No Other

A walk down memory lane to Phuket’s incredible history will be an astounding experience. While Thailand had the fortune of being exempted from European colonisation, the country was a hub to begin new lives for many Portuguese, Dutch, British and French immigrants. This resulted in Thai culture, cuisine and architecture being infused into European forms, creating the perfect fusion of Western and Southeast Asian practices.

Visits to The Museum

Located less than an hour away from Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas, the Thai Hua Museum is a Sino-Portuguese building that houses stories from the past of Phuket. The exhibitions and documentary screenings at the museum will give you an insight into the Phuket-China connection spanning back to the days of the 13th century. Most tourists staying at Phuket resorts pick the Thai Hua Museum as their first stop out of many sites to explore and admire.

Dive Into A World of Art

The dynamics and vibrant colours of contemporary brushstrokes define modern art in Thailand. Phuket is a shelter for both local and global art for those who appreciate it. Make sure to make pit stops at galleries like Patong Inn Art, The Phuket Gallery, Kampon Art Gallery and most importantly at the Wua Art Gallery, which is owned by local artist, Mr Zen.

A Wildlife Expedition

A sanctuary to over 10% of the fauna of the world, Thailand hosts more than 285 mammal species in their natural habitats. Khao Phra Thaeo National Park, Khao Sok National Park, Sirinat National Park and Similan Islands National Park are undoubtedly some of the top places to visit to get a glimpse of the terrestrial and aquatic animal lives of the country.

Adventure Experiences in Sri Lanka

Adventure lovers will be in their element in Sri Lanka as the island nation offers many exciting outdoor experiences for active visitors that are sure to captivate and delight.

Image credit- Unsplash,achinthya dinoli,CC0

Climbing Adam’s Peak

A unique adventure experience in Sri Lanka would be ascending the sacred mountain known as Adam’s Peak and catching the sunrise from its summit; there are several available trails by which to access this mountain featuring different levels of difficulty. To learn more about such places to visit in Sri Lanka, check specialist travel websites like Truly Sri Lanka.

Bicycle tours & water sports

Another appealing adventure excursion in Sri Lanka would be embarking on a bicycle tour in the environs of the town of Bentota along lanes that are flat, quiet and shaded. Bentota also happens to be a hub for water sports and you can take part in everything from jet-skiing and banana boating to water-skiing and surfing.

White water rafting

Drawing adrenaline junkies from around the world, white water rafting in Sri Lanka is not to be missed. You can experience this exhilarating activity along the Kelani River in the area known as Kitulgala set amidst stunning natural beauty. Some excursions will additionally include jungle trekking and visiting hidden rock pools too.

The hill country

There are plenty of thrilling adventures in the hill country of Sri Lanka. Here, you can go mountain biking and hiking amidst picturesque surroundings and mist-shrouded mountains such as the Knuckles Mountain Range. Other destinations like Nuwara Eliya and Ella are popular too and feature tea plantations to explore as well.

Deep-sea fishing

A deep-sea fishing excursion would be another exciting adventure experience that you could enjoy in Sri Lanka. Your fishing trip will take you into the expanses of the Indian Ocean where you could cast for the likes of tuna, snappers, barracuda, groupers, wahoo and so on; this is sure to be an absorbing escapade worth trying!

An Essential Krabi Travel Guide – Coastal Charm and Exciting Escapades Await

The province of Krab in southern Thailand offers the perfect getaway full of beachside bliss and thrilling adventures and here are some insights into this enchanting destination.

Best Time to Visit

There’s something to do here year-round; that said, the cool season (November to February) which is the peak season offers the best weather, though rates will be higher. The hot season (March to May) is when temperatures pick up and you will get occasional downpours too. The rainy season (June to October) brings showers though not all the time and you can still enjoy plenty of sunshine along with lower rates.

Where to Stay

The main town and Ao Nang Beach are two places you can stay at though, to escape the crowds, consider a Koh Lanta-based coastal hideaway at a Krabi resort; pool villa options are on offer here at properties like the SHA Extra+ certified Avani+ Koh Lanta Krabi Resort that features a private beach along with diverse dining, a spa and kids’ club.

Image via Avani+ Koh Lanta Krabi Resort 

Top Beaches

Krabi is an excellent destination for some beach hopping with several idyllic shorelines to visit. Ao Nang Beach is a tourist hotspot, while Railay Beach set amidst limestone cliffs isn’t to be missed either. Equally enthralling are the Laem Kho Kwang and Phra Ae beaches on Koh Lanta where you can soak up the sun and catch magical sunsets.

Things to Do

Intrepid travellers have much to enjoy as well; one can make the ascent up 1,237 steps to the Tiger Cave Temple, explore Mu Koh Lanta National Park and visit the Klong Thom Hot Springs and Emerald Pool. You can also embark on island-hopping excursions to places like the Phi Phi Islands and Four Islands and go diving, snorkelling, kayaking and fishing too.