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Why Oman is a Beach Holiday Destination – Coast is Calling!

Contrary to what you might expect, Oman is so much more than a sparse and sprawling desert. With over 3000 kilometres of coast, it’s an incredible destination for your next beach holiday! Read on to uncover its best beaches!

Silvio Taverna, Salalah Beach, CC BY-SA 2.0

Salalah Beaches

Head towards the South of Oman for the dreamiest beaches. With stunning white sand, serene waters, and gorgeous cliffs, which hug the tide as it comes in, Salalah is a definite favourite on the beach circuit. Salalah Beach resort options are endless and include the likes of Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara which provides the perfect escape for a date with the sea!

Yiti Beach

If you’re looking for something closer to Muscat, Yiti beach is a wonderful choice. Famous for its tranquillity and stunning landscape. It’s a treat for those city dwellers who want a change of scenery and are craving a dip in the sea! it’s a great choice for swimming, or even camping with friends and family, so come prepared for some fun in the sun.

Al Sifah Beach

This beach is about an hour’s drive from Muscat, towards the eastern coast of Oman. Al Sifah beach is also a very popular choice amongst the locals for its natural beauty and gorgeous stretch of beach. It’s particularly famous for the stunning views of Sifah Mountain and its interesting rock formations, which make it a unique stretch of beach, worth visiting!

Parigi Waterfall in Bekasi

As an attraction most tourists are unaware of, the Parigi Waterfall in Bekasi City is perhaps the area’s best-kept secret in spite of it being compared to a smaller incarnation of Niagara Falls.

Visiting the Waterfall

Despite its location in the city, the Parigi Waterfall remains a hidden attraction in Indonesia’s Bekasi region. Those based at HARRIS Hotel & Conventions Bekasi or any other Bekasi hotel, however, can book a tour of this charming cascade that’s wide in shape and is thus compared to the iconic Niagara Falls.

Best Time to Visit

It is important to time the tour of the Parigi Waterfall as the locale is best explored during sunny conditions as the water discharge of the cascade can be too dangerous for visitors during the wet season. Photography enthusiasts will find the venue a stunning backdrop for their social media posts and holiday photos as the massive rocks and the wide waterfall is a visually arresting sight.

No Swimming

Although there is a natural pond at the base of the fall, it is not suitable for swimming or bathing due to the murky nature of the water.

Reaching the Falls

Backpackers and travel enthusiasts who are based at the heart of Bandung City will find that the journey to the Parigi Waterfall takes nearly three hours to complete as it is located 138km away from the city. Others may wish to stay over at Bekasi or the nearby Cikiwul Village and visit the falls at their own leisure. Located on the Purbaleunyi Highway, one must venture down Raya Pantura Street to reach the waterfall.

Tegal Wangi Beach in Bali

Named after the temple of the same name nearby, this hidden beach in Jimbaran is one of the best reasons to holiday in Bali. Here’s everything you need to know about this seaside haven.

Image credit-Unsplash,Giuliano Di Paolo,CC0

Scenic Location

Easily accessible for those based at FOX Hotel Jimbaran Beach Bali or any other Jimbaran hotels in the area, Tegal Wangi Beach can be reached via a paved road that is easy to spot from the main road. The walk from the winding road to the beach is less than 100 metres while those who drive down to the park can always park at the car park devoted to the Pura Tegal Wangi temple.

Major Highlights

Tipped to be a seaside paradise ideal for couples and solo travellers, Tegal Wangi Beach is spectacular at low tide and especially during the hour of sunset. This is why most locals and seasoned visitors head to the beach between 6 pm and 7 pm.

Photo-Ops

Surrounded by shrubs, the area is a popular venue for local wedding photoshoots due to the stunning backdrop the beach transforms into when captured on film. In addition to the photographers and newlyweds taking snaps in their wedding attire, one is unlikely to come across hordes of tourists in this relatively lesser-known beach hub in Jimbaran.

What to Expect

While the beach is ideal for swimming activities, only those with solid swimming skills should attempt to get into the water during low tide as strong undercurrents are a factor one must contend with in areas other than the small rocky pools.

Tangkuban Perahu in Bandung

Located approximately 25 kilometres from the Bandung city centre is a volcano that’s dubbed the Overturned Boat by locals due to its strange shape. The active volcano is a fascinating geological site in the area.

Reaching the Volcano

Those who are based at FOX Harris Hotel City Center Bandung or any of the best hotels in Bandung will find that driving to Mount Tangkuban Perahu is the easiest way to reach the venue on weekdays. The entire journey will take no more than an hour and a half as the volcano is located approximately 25 kilometres away from the heart of the city.

Tour Options

Rental cars and organised tours to the volcano are available through local tour operators while those who wish to use public transport methods can head to the Bandung’s Minibus Terminal to find minibuses heading to the volcano.

At a Glance

Tangkuban Perahu holds the distinct honour of being the only crater in Indonesia where visitors can drive right up to the rim of the crater. The strange shape and structure of the volcano set it apart from other famous lava spewers in Indonesia and Southeast Asia as the mountain truly does resemble a boat that’s been overturned.

Geological Impact

Although the beauty of Tangkuban Perahu cannot be denied, the volcano has had both positive and negative impacts on the Parahyangan Highlands also known as the Land of God. The volcanic activity in the area is directly linked to the fertility of the soil in the hills, which has made the area rich in nutrients and ideal for crop cultivation.

Important Facts to Know About Maldives Tourism When Planning Your Next Visit

Planning your next holiday to the stunning islands of the Maldives? Read on for some facts regarding the country’s tourism!

Regulations

As the Maldives is an Islamic nation, there’s a prevailing ban on bringing pork products and liquor into the country. Apart from those, firearms, drugs, and pornography are also off-limits. However, you can buy alcoholic drinks at your Maldives resort.

On Arrival…

Almost all tourists arrive by air from Velana International Airport; this is situated on Hulhule Island. After being cleared from the airport, you can head to your island resort; for instance, if you’ve booked your holiday at a resort like the Kurumba Maldives, you will be most likely arriving there by speedboat.

Best Time to Visit

November to April is considered the best time to visit the North Male Atoll, with minimum rainfall. However, this is when rains prevail in the South Male Atoll.

Travel Requirements

All tourists arriving in the Maldives require a valid passport although no visa is needed in advance. On arrival, all tourists with a valid passport will be granted a tourist visa of 30 days.

The mesmerising beauty of Zambia’s Victoria Falls – A spectacular view

Mosi-oa-Tunya is what the locals call it. The Victoria Falls in Zambia is indeed a wonderful creation of nature. It’s also one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world.

Image via Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara

The location

Located along the course of the Zambezi River, the Victoria Falls is an attraction visited by many guests who spend their holidays at any Livingstone hotel the likes of Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara.

It’s a massive creation

Did you know that Victoria Falls is even larger than Niagara Falls? It’s as twice as wide and deep as Niagara Falls.

The waters fall into a chasm

Although many waterfalls have an open basin on which all the waters drop, Victoria Falls has a chasm.

A little bit from the history

It was in 1855 that this waterfall was first discovered by a British explorer. He was also the one who named this beautiful waterfall ‘Victoria’ in respect of the Queen Victoria of the UK.

Attractions nearby

Those who come to enjoy the views of Victoria Falls also have the opportunity to explore many more. Victoria Falls National Park, Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park are located very close by.

The First-Timers Travel Guide to Phuket – It’s so much more than the beaches

Beaches are the first things that travellers remember when referring to Phuket. But it’s a holiday destination with so much more!

Timing

The best advice is to avoid the rainy season. So, it’d be best to schedule your tour from the end of November to April. The seas will also be so calm during this period.

Getting around

Phuket has an international airport. So, once you get there, travelling to your hotel and then travelling around is not a big deal. Many travel modes including the Smart Bus, minivan, and taxi are available for you.

Accommodation

You may stay at any of the Phuket luxury villas the likes of Anantara Layan Phuket Resort during your vacation. All beaches and other attractions are located within easy reach.

Experiences

Head to Kata Beach, and do nothing. This will grant you all the relaxation you’ve been longing for a long time. Do not miss out on exploring the Big Buddha, Phuket Old Town, Wat Chalong Temple, and the night markets in the area.

Island Hopping

If you are planning to spend a longer vacation in Phuket, you may also go island hopping. James Bond Island, Koh Phi Phi, and Similan Islands are worth exploring.

An Expert Travel Guide to Phuket – What to look forward to

Phuket is an island that is part of Thailand and indeed is one of the most exciting destinations for those seeking an adventurous escape into bliss. Here are a few things to know about this absolutely beautiful island.

A beach paradise

If you love the beach, then you’ve certainly selected the right holiday spot for you. There’s plenty of sun, gorgeous beige sands and blue, blue waters lapping against the shores. Not to mention, there are plenty of beachside restaurants serving up great seafood and chilled beverages.

Visit the elephants

The gentle giants of the jungle are treated with great care in Thailand and this is evident at the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. The elephants are cared for here and guests are even allowed to observe them up close and interact with these wonderful creatures.

Party, party, party

Are you a party animal? Well, Phuket’s got some good news for you! There are plenty of beachside clubs with popular DJs playing in the evenings. Dance to those beats by the ocean in the warm breeze with a cooler in hand.

Stay

Since Phuket is quite a popular destination among travellers, a Phuket resort isn’t difficult to come by! Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas and other hotels on the island offer a memorable, luxurious experience for your stay.

Explore the Beautiful Kokkilai Lagoon & Bird Sanctuary

The Kokkilai lagoon is an estuarian lagoon and this brackish water makes it a perfect nesting spot for birds and wildlife. To help convince you to take this excursion here is some information about the lagoon and the excursion before you board the boat.

The Lagoon

The lagoon is situated in the North-Eastern part of Sri Lanka and has a very interesting makeup of mangroves, mudflats seagrass beds providing the perfect habitat for those birds who call it home.

Getting There

A very short drive from the hub of the Northeast – Trincomalee, one can base themselves at a hotel such as Trinco Blu by Cinnamon which is one of the popular resorts in Trincomalee.

Birds Galore

The lagoon was dubbed a designated wildlife sanctuary in the 1905s. It is unique in that it is one of the largest nature reserves for both native and migratory birds not only in the North East but in Sri Lanka. You can be sure to be bowled over by the sheer volume of birds on your visit!

The Boat Ride

You can rent a little boat, called a dingy and venture into the lagoon. If you’re lucky you may even chance upon a crocodile or witness some elephants on the lagoon banks. Make sure you pack an umbrella though since the little boats don’t offer a cover of their own.

Experiencing Maldivian Culture & Life – Captivating Island Insights

For a truly enriching holiday in the Maldives, you should look to experience local culture and life and here are some ways you can do just that.

Image via Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas

Local Island Visits

While you will no doubt love relaxing at your Maldives pool villa, also make time to visit a local island (if pandemic-related guidelines allow for such excursions). This is an ideal way to soak up the local culture and witness traditional livelihoods; some islands also have museums where you can learn more about the days of old.

Sail the Seas

Local life is linked to the sea and fishing and this can be experienced on excursions on a traditional or luxury dhoni, a local boat. Such journeys are offered at resorts like Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas where one can try traditional Maldivian fishing at sunset; dhonis are ideal to enjoy some dolphin watching too!

Maldivian Cuisine

The cuisine is part of the culture and dishes in Maldives offer flavour-filled culinary discoveries. To help visitors truly gain an appreciation for local food, some resorts have immersive cooking classes worth joining; you will get hands-on guidance on making key main dishes utilising local ingredients or even a traditional dessert.

Below the Waves

The rich marine biodiversity in the Indian Ocean waters that surround the islands here is a part of the country’s natural heritage. Some resorts have a bio centre with a resident marine biologist so that guests can learn about this precious ecosystem, while guided snorkelling and diving are also on offer for marine life encounters.