Kayaking in Koh Phangan

How does a kayaking trip around the beaches of Koh Phangan sound? If this is what you seek to accomplish in Koh Phangan then you are surely in for a treat. Koh Phangan resorts such as Rasananda Koh Phangan Villa Resort & Spa would be a good place to stay from where you could hire a kayak. These Koh Phangan hotels would lead you to having the time of your life surrounded by calm seas and warm sunshine.

The area of Koh Phangan itself is linked with major fun-filled water sports activities out of which kayaking holds a special place. The waters off the west coast should be where one must go to in order to get the very best of kayaking experiences. One must be watchful so as to not get caught up with any ocean current for it is quite a battle to come out of. Areas such as Koh Ma and Wok Tum are the best places to start at while a trip to Haad Thian, Thong Nai Pan and Bottle Beach would certainly prove to be worth the trip. Be sure to not head out during the latter part of the day for the seas could make it extremely arduous to get back to shore.

Finding your Way

Koh Phangan, off the coast of southern Thailand is known for its idyllic bays, beaches and coves and the tropical landscape in its centre that is part coconut plantation and undisturbed stretches of rainforest. These natural features provide interesting jungle and beach walks.

Hiking is possible all over the island and there are many interesting trails. The central part of the island with its tropical canopy has barely visible mountain paths that are popular with hikers as are trails on the eastern part of the island that is still relatively underdeveloped. One popular trail runs from Haad Rin north to Haad Yuan on to Haad Thien, up to Thong Nai Pan and onto Haad Khuat or Bottle Beach. The route can become difficult in some spots and there is always the possibility of getting lost. An alternative is to ride a motorbike to the end of the concrete road at Haad Khom and then hike through the jungle and steep terrain to Bottle Beach. On the return, hikers can ride back to Chalok Lam in a taxi boat, take a 30 minute walk uphill to Haad Khom to pick up the bike or walk all the way from Chalok Lam. There is a good hike up to Phaeng waterfall in Phaeng National Park that is a steep 250 meter climb up a jungle trail. Walking up hill for about 15 minutes more takes hikers to Domesila look out that offers fantastic views. Khao Ra viewpoint, at 600 meters the highest hill on the island, can be accessed if hikers continue on this trail. The trail can be dangerous and difficult to follow. However there are GPS tracks to Khao Ra. Two trails lead to the top. The eastern trail seems to have fallen into disuse. This is a beautiful trail through jungle with big trees and waterfalls. The western trail goes through a cloud forest towards the top. Other interesting hikes to attempt is walking up 3 km, the full length of the Thaan Sadet waterfall in the north eastern part of the island as it is like a series of stepping stones. Thaan Prawet waterfall also in the north eastern part can be accessed from Thong Nai Pan Noi beach but the climb gets tougher as the trail moves further up. Several lovely spots on the way offer places to cool off and to take breaks. Wat Khao Tam lookout between Thong Sala and Haad Rin can be accessed via motorbike ride part of the way after which a short hike takes visitors up to the temple and the look out. Another interesting hike is to the lookout at Chalok Lam on the road to Haad Khom.

Things to remember when hiking, carry enough water and wear bug repellant, carry a GPS and map and return before sunset.

Savour the informal relaxing vibe at Rasananda Koh Phangan Villa Resort & Spa that offers an idyllic tropical getaway complete with palm trees, stretches of white sandy beach and blue sea. As one of prominent Koh Phangan hotels guests have a choice of accommodation comprising of suites and villas all with plunge pools and private spaces, the best places to start a laid back holiday experience. As one of much lauded Koh Phangan resorts all those who stay here will experience services and facilities that are considered amazing and go a long way to make that perfect holiday experience.

Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari

If you are in Auckland and you are craving a bout of communion with the most impressive citizens of the deep, whales and dolphins, take a cruise on the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park to watch these amazing beings frolic just a few feet away from you. Make a marine tour part of your excursion at a stylish Auckland hotel such as the Copthorne Hotel Auckland Harbour City. With a central location, it is an excellent hotel Auckland CBD to host your stay in the city, whether you’re here for business or leisure. Embark on a fun whale and dolphin safari to get up close and personal with the amazing citizens of the Hauraki Gulf. You will travel onboard a stylish Dolphin Explorer and you will be guaranteed a sighting, with a 75% view rate thus far. The Hauraki Gulf is a national maritime park that boasts a diversity of geographic and biological proportions, with an excess of 25 of the region’s 37 marine mammals being spotted here. This hefty number makes up nearly a third of the globe’s total species population. So flee the tiring confines of the city and relax on board an expedient cruise ship, and let your heart and mind soar as you witness the dolphins frolicking and playing by the prow of the vessel, and keep your eyes peeled for the telltale fan spray that signals the presence of whales.

Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and intends to visit them all someday.

Google+

Desert Biking

How about speeding across the golden sand dunes of Oman on board a bike? Seem interesting? Travel to Oman and experience the thrills and spills of desert biking that will give you a whole new perspective of a holiday in this country. Choose the luxury of a hotel in Oman that will be more than happy to assist you in planning your day’s journeys. Desert Nights Camp which comes across as one of the most sought after of Oman hotels would be a great place to come home to after a day out in the searing heat.
Go over the dunes at breakneck speed on your bike which is part of quad biking which is the term by which such an activity is referred to. Weave your way through the twists and turns that are sure to leave you covered in the golden sands of Oman. Leave the comfort of your hotel and savour the joy of this engaging experience that is bathed in hours of excitement and adrenaline. The seemingly infinite sands would pose the greatest of challenge to those looking for a different twist to their holiday in the charming surroundings of Oman. So what’s stopping you from grabbing the nearest quad bike and beginning an adventure you would always want to come back to.

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+

Rotorua Geothermal Experiences

To experience one of the most amazing Geothermal Wonderlands on earth, visit Rotorua. Rotorua is a treasure trove of heat-based attractions fresh and steaming from the earth. Geysers sprout out from a number of different locations each with its own unique magnificence and the heat you experience here has a sense of purity to it. So natural and pristine, the feel of the warm water has a soothing effect on the muscles and works perfectly for relaxation

Geothermal activity is actually created out of heat formed from beneath the earth that sprouts out as Geysers or bubbles away through mud pools. The Geothermal activity in Rotuarua is only one of the many attractions it is blessed with, for this is one city that is completely adorned with some of nature’s finest creations, and undoubtedly, one of its most rare. The impact of volcanic activity that lasted thousands of years sculpted Rotorua with precious gifts, rendering each of its landscapes stunning beyond all reason.

In addition to boasting fantastic scenic appeal, Rotorua’s geothermal activity is a massive crowd puller. There are five major areas throughout the city where one can witness fantastic geothermal activity and the Lady Knoxx geyser in Waiotapu tops it all. You can witness the largest geyser in the country here and within 500 other hot springs. The Lady Knoxx also happens to be an excellent location to enjoy some authentic Maori culture. Then, there is the Tikitere also known as the Hell’s Gate. As it is rightly named, the location exhibits some of the fiercest geothermal activity with its boiling whirl pools and the massive hot waterfall that happens to be the largest of such waterfalls in the Southern Hemisphere.

Then there is Waimangu and Waiotapu, both of which pay ample tribute to large volcanoes that have erupted several years ago. The areas boast exotic scenery, sparkling lakes and the Waiotapu also happens to be the location of the Tapu thermal wonderland. The Orakei Korako – The Hidden Valley is also a truly amazing place to visit and is many a times considered one of the best thermal areas in the world. When it comes to deciding on ideal accommodation from the many New Zealand hotels that dot the pristine landscape, consider checking into one of the many Rotorua Hotels. With gracious hospitality and elegant interiors, you are sure to be spoiled in these elegant properties.

Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and hopes to visit them all someday.

Google+

Hamilton Underground Adventures

The caves of New Zealand are perhaps one of its most renowned features. A blessing that was created through time, these caves in addition to being an amazing natural wonder also happen to make a fantastic natural playground. Offering you an array of fun and thrilling activities, these underground adventures are certainly a must not miss in Hamilton.

The glow worm covered underground attraction has many a times been the highlight of travel magazines. That is right; the Waitomo caves are adorned with 1000s of sparkling glow worms that make quite the blissful adventure for anyone enjoying a boat ride on the waters of the caves. The plethora of visitors who enjoy the caves every year made it the most attractive feature of Hamilton so much so that a lot of effort was put into making it better and even more exciting than it naturally is. Adventurous activities became incorporated into the underground experience making it all the more popular for those tourists craving for a little adrenaline rush. Among the most strange and exciting limestone formation accentuated by the eerie glow of the glow worms amidst sheer darkness, any activity you indulge in becomes one exciting rollercoaster. The best part about theses underground adventures is that whatever level of adrenaline you enjoy you can find an activity to perfectly suit your taste. The intense activities underground that can be enjoyed are black water rafting and zip lining through the many narrow passages of the caves. The Tumu Tumu and the Lost World are particularly famous for this sort of activity. For those of you who prefer a more relaxing activity indulge in the 25 minute guided boat ride under the magic of the glow worms and prepare to experience the ultimate dose of tranquillity.

New Zealand without a doubt is a treasure trove of wonders. For those of you keen on holidaying in this part of the world there are many excellent New Zealand hotels to choose from. When it comes to picking from the many Hamilton hotels, the most popular choice is the Millennium & Copthorne Hotels NZ. The fantastic services you will enjoy here make it the best of all hotels.

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+

Cycling tour to Sigiriya

The vibrant tropical isle of Sri Lanka bursts to life with fresh vigour when you explore it via two wheels, as you will get up close and personal with the friendly locals, scenic surrounds, and ancient artefacts such as the impressive sites in and around the ancient city of Sigirya. When you are booking your holiday in Sri Lanka ensure you partner up with travel professionals Sri Lankan Dreams as they offer a competitive set of tours to Sri Lanka that are guaranteed to be unforgettable. Cycling tours are some of the best ways to explore the country further, as you will have access to many places not on your run-of-the-mill travel itinerary. You will be peddling along the famous “King’s Route”, which was established more than 1,000 years ago. The ancient city of Sigiriya simply demands a trek to the top of the famous “Lion’s Rock” fortress, which reveals the majestic landscape unfolding before you with swathes of green and blue. You will also come across several huge Dagobas (Buddhist stupas) that are second in size to the pyramids of Giza. Travel to Dambulla nearby and soak in the aged splendour of the cave temples that are home to some of the world’s finest specimens of ancient Buddhist art, both in sculpture and mural form. Cycling tours to the region are usually part of a larger cycling itinerary, so you will also get to ascend the cool hills of the central region, take a peddle on the wild wide with visits to local nature reserves, and cycle by the south western sea as you make your way back to the starting point in Colombo.

Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and intends to visit them all someday.

Google+

Skydiving in Queenstown

Take to the skies with NZONE and “embrace your fear” when you fall from the sky in an exciting, adrenaline-pumping bout of skydiving – only in NZ’s adventure capital of Queenstown. After adventuring in the skies, you’ll want to ensure that you’ve got a quality Queenstown hotel waiting for you back on earth. The Millennium Hotel Queenstown is an excellent choice of a luxury hotel Queenstown has to offer all adventure goers. True pioneers in Tandem Skydiving, NZONE is your number one skydiving company with a sea of experts in the field, each of them boasting a record of over a thousand jumps over the course of their career with the company. Their mission: to deliver the ultimate skydiving experience to all customers whilst maintaining the highest safety and quality standards. Under the guidance of true experts with ample experience in the skies, the company’s safety record is second to none, and has earned it the country’s “Supreme Tourism Award”. So what are you waiting for? Take a leap of faith and fly the New Zealand skies with NZONE, for an experience that will blow your minds!

 

Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and intends to visit them all someday.

Google+

Packrafting in Queenstown

Adventure nuts, get ready to embark on an exciting expedition into New Zealand’s wilderness, courtesy of a packrafting tour via local pioneers Expedition X, the country’s first professional packrafting company. Make sure you land a Queenstown hotel that is equally as rewarding, such as the Millennium Hotel Queenstown – easily a prime luxury hotel Queenstown has to offer adventure junkies. When you want to explore the wilderness of one of the most pristine natural spots in the world – New Zealand – then Expedition X will whisk you away on the adventure of a lifetime. Plunge first hand into the rivers, lakes, and mountainous landscapes of NZ, as you find yourself in the middle of hard-to-reach natural enclaves with nothing but food and camping gear to entertain you. Tailored for true explorers, these adventure tours are truly a one-of-a-kind immersive experience that is guaranteed to transport your imagination. With a wide array of tours available, from low-level, one-day excursions to week-long expeditions, you are sure to find a foray suitable for your lifestyle. With professional guides leading the way, you are in the safest of hands as you embark on the most unforgettable tour of New Zealand’s wild and untamed landscapes.

Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and intends to visit them all someday.

Google+

Heli Biking in Queenstown

The city of Queenstown boasts some of the most breathtaking scenery. Grassy plains, rugged terrains, rolling hills and sparkling rivers are some of its many natural wonders. People come from all over the world to bask in the picturesque ambience of Queenstown and the city in return ensures that it is fully loaded with plenty of activities that give you some of the most fascinating views of this paradise. A favourite among both locals and tourists alike is the Heli Biking.

As the name has it Heli Biking gives you a double dose of an immaculate helicopter ride and an adventurous biking opportunity to follow. A ride in the sky and a ride through lush scenery are both fantastic ways to appreciate the beauty of a city and each one comes with its own set of unique perks. The Heli Biking adventure starts off with a one of a kind helicopter ride that gives you breathtaking birds eye views of the entire city.

From so high up in the sky you can see how each natural wonder of Queenstown complement the other giving you the picture perfect scenery. Most of the time the flight takes you above The Remarkables as the views of this mountain range is truly unmatched. Relax in the ambience of the sky and prepare to be thoroughly thrilled by the biking adventure that follows. The 18 km of biking that awaits you is really something else. Starting on the rolling ridgeline, the biking trail continues into wild flowers that will literally take your breath away. Next, experience the Alpine single track that was created by the gold miners in the 19th century; it still retains its charm of the yesteryears. Finally conclude your journey in the rough and wild 4WD road that takes you down to the picturesque Gibston Valley (Valley of Wines) in a sheer 1500m vertical descent.

Heli Biking is the ultimate adventure in the city and demands a good Queenstown hotel to come home to. A popular name is the Millennium Hotel Queenstown. This luxury hotel Queenstown has boasts some fantastic views of the city mirroring your experience with such an adventure.

 

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+