Mount Nelson

Known as one of the oldest and one of the most prestigious suburbs in the city of Hobart, Mount Nelson also boasts an array of sightseeing attractions that must form part of your city-wide explorations the next time you’re in Hobart. Enjoy the sights of the city from one of the stylish serviced apartments Hobart has to offer its visitors, especially at the likes of the Somerset on the Pier Hobart. Its central location and gracious accommodation options make its Hobart serviced apartments an ideal choice for business and leisure visits. Mount Nelson is most famous for its sharp seven “bends”, which are essentially sharp corners taken by the road when ascending the mountain. The mountain and suburb derives its name from a botanist, David Nelson, aboard the good ship Bounty, who was loyal to the Captain, William Bligh, during the ship’s mutiny. Those who travel to the top of Mount Nelson will be treated to absolutely stunning vistas of the surrounding countryside. It is also the breeding ground of the Swift Parrot, an endangered species with only 1,000 pairs remaining. Hikers and nature lovers will enjoy embarking on the range of hiking trails that wind through Mount Nelson, especially the Truganini track, of special historical import, and the Skyline Reserve, which also affords several walkways. The Signal Station, situated at the very top of Mount Nelson, is a popular recreation site and reveals majestic views of the country below, with picnic areas dotted to unsheltered tables and a host of barbeque facilities, perfect to host an outing with family and friends. If you prefer not to bring your own food, the charming café located onsite offers a selection of delicious fare to snack on whilst you absorb the Tasmanian countryside unfolding all around you.

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.

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Kidzania Park Jakarta

Those tourists who come to Jakarta with families and little children have much to do with the young ones. Especially if they are on a holiday parents would be keen to give their small ones a real good time while also giving them an opportunity to learn a new talent or life skill. If this is what any parent has in mind, one of the best places to go to is the Kidzania Park, which is sure to be loved by any kid irrespective of their age as there are lots of fun activities for them to enjoy here.
It is ideal for edutainment as there are countless activities that revolve around play as well as education in an entertaining atmosphere where young ones are sure to enjoy while also learning various new things about diverse professions and life skills.
It is a great place to give small children some direction about their future and let them try out as many as 70 different professions which they may be interested in. Kidzania in Jakarta has been in operation since 2007 and as with other Kidzania parks elsewhere in the world here also there are several activities such as flight simulators and diverse fun and exciting attractions. It is a great game for participants as they learn the value of currency and how it can be used and it is also somewhat similar to a live monopoly game where they have to earn money referred to as Kidzos and then spend them.
Not only children but even adults can take part in the games here and there are extended hours on Mondays and the charges to enter vary depending on age. However during the school holiday season the charges to enter are almost double the fare.
For families staying at the various serviced apartments Jakarta during the school holiday season or at one of the many great luxury apartment hotels Jakarta such as the Citadines Rasuna Jakarta, this is definitely a must visit during the school vacation time to ensure that the children have a memorable holiday in this eastern capital of Indonesia.

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+

Explore Asia’s Windsurfing Haven in Tropical Paradise Maldives

Tipped to be Asia’s finest water sports hub the island archipelago of Maldives is a dream come true for divers, snorkelers and jet skiers the world over. But there is another water sporting activity that is fast gaining traction in the scenic lagoons of the country and that is windsurfing. With sunny skies all year round and persistent wind conditions prevalent for most of the year the calm watered island collective is literally tailor made for windsurfing excursions. Avid windsurfers and novices alike will be pleased to find that the weather and water conditions of the island collective are perfectly geared towards the sport which uses the power of the wind to glide and propel forward on ocean waters. Blessed with its fair share of sprawling lagoons the resort islands of the country are fully equipped to aid and assist travellers engaging in their water sport of choice.

Windsurfers heading to the Maldives should reserve accommodation in a resort island with a large lagoon as those with smaller lagoons typically do not offer windsurfing facilities although most do house water sports training centers and service providers for a variety of water based sporting activities. Resorts with large lagoons not only offer windsurfing gear and a large lagoon to test one’s skills on but expert guides and instructors to aid amateurs in navigating the waves and teach essential skills to beginners.

Windsurfing season in the Maldives officially falls in the Monsoon months in the country which falls between the period from May and October although beginners can engage in windsurfing practice sessions and learn the sport throughout the year. The windsurfing season however is reserved for those who are skilled in navigating larger waves and heavy wind conditions that are typical of the wet season. The clouds turn dark casting intriguing shadows on the ocean surface that is pummeled with strong winds for most of the day during the period making it a spectacular sight to behold let alone surf in. Some of the windsurfing highlights around the Maldives include the resort islands in Dhiggu, Medhufushi, Baros, Velassaru, Rihiveli, and Meedhupparu.

Travellers in search of luxurious Maldives bungalows should look no further than Anantara Veli Maldives for all their accommodation needs. Providing guests with a unique holiday experience this elegant Maldives resort pulls out all the stops when it comes to private vacations in paradise.

 

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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Sea Kayaking in Sanya

The little city of Sanya marks the very bottom of China. Located on the tip of the Hainan Island this city is known for the magic it creates in its waters. Adorned with the most colourful species, Sanya’s waters have long been attracting plane loads of travellers year around. The excellent climatic conditions of Sanya make its waters accessible in any of the 12 months of the year and its waters are ideal for all kinds of sports. In a nut shell if you love the water this is where you should be.

The place with all its wonders has been nicknamed the Hawaii of China and it lives aptly to its reputation. With stretches of beaches adorned by long and lanky palms, Sanya is a tropical paradise. After all you can do pretty much anything you want in this part of the world. Its waters are fantastic for swimming and with the excellent visibility it boasts, activities like snorkelling has become a popular favourite for those visiting here. Snorkelling gives you access to the many underwater treasures Sanya is so popularly known for. The colours, shapes and sizes of the exquisite collection of marine life are truly fascinating. If you are interested in observing this underwater Eden without getting wet yourself, glass boat kayaks is an excellent option. In this activity, kayaks are fitted with a glass bottom enabling one to enjoy the area’s many underwater treasures from the comfort of your kayak. Sea kayaking in this place whether it is with or without the glass bottoms is an absolutely relaxing activity. The breeze gently caressing your face, the sparkling blue ocean and the shoreline adorned with rocks ad palms nearby truly does wonders to your soul.

There are several locations around this place where you can rent kayaks on a per-ride or per-hour fee to enjoy this blissful activity in this region. Some of them include the Yalong Bay, Haitang Bay, Dadong Bay and Sanya Bay. They all have an excellent collection of water sports as well if you want to try any.

When it comes to staying in a Sanya hotel, choose the exotic Anantara Sanya Resort & Spa. This Sanya resort is exquisite in every way and affords some unmatched views of the ocean beside you.

 

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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Desert Safari & Dune Bashing

The United Arab Emirates boasts some of the most exquisite desert scenery. The endless expanses of sandy light brown are adorned by soft rolling dunes that look like velvet hills from a distance. The feel of these dunes is just as perfect as it looks and it really is hard not to fall in love with them. The desert side of the UAE is one of the most popular tourist attractions as it gives the perfect feel of authentic Arabia.

It is not just the exquisite scenery that the rolling dunes of Arabia are famous for; it is a region filled with fun and adrenaline pumping adventure. The desert and the dunes are fantastic locations to experience raw and authentic off road driving. Abu Dhabi affords plenty of tour packages that provide you with everything you need for a fun and adventurous desert safari. The Net Tours Liwa Safari found in Abu Dhabi is an excellent tour operator. This company provides tours that take you to the massive Rub Al Khali (Empty Quarter) that boasts the Moreeb Hill and massive 300 metre high sand dunes. The sunsets and sunrises here are truly out of this world.

The trip to Liwa takes around 2 hours from the capital Abu Dhabi. The tour is kick started with a thrill- a-minute spot of dune bashing that you can enjoy as the tour operators navigate a truly bumpy trail through the adventurous sands. 4×4 drive here is an experience like no other and will keep you geared up for a thrilling excursion. Before stopping for a snack, the tour will take you to famous spots in the desert such as the ancient Fossil Rock, the Saddle Rock and the Camel Rock. The safari party then takes you to old settlements and camel farms that will help you appreciate the desert lifestyle. The tour ends with an amazing night under the perfect desert sky adorned with millions of twinkling stars.

While staying in the region look to stay at luxury hotels Abu Dhabi has to offer such as Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara. One of the leading Abu Dhabi hotels, it offers a wide range of luxurious comforts and conveniences that make your stay all the more memorable.

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.

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Siam Ocean Park

Located below the swanky Siam Paragon shopping mall is one of South East Asia’s largest aquariums – the Siam Ocean Park. A must-see attraction of Bangkok, this aquatic wonderland which showcases hundreds of different marine species from around the world is sure to keep visitors spellbound. Covering an area of around 10,000 square meters or three Olympic sized swimming pools, Siam Ocean Park boasts aquatic exhibits from various depths around the world, including some transported all the way from the Amazon River. A 270-degree underwater tunnel holds some of the ocean’s deadliest predators while visitors have a chance to observe the mysteries of the Big Blue through a magnificent glass-bottomed boat. A petting pond awaits those who wish to get up close and personal with creatures of the marine world where visitors are allowed to feed freshwater fish from the Feeding Pier or have smaller fish ‘massage’ their feet at the Happy Fish, Happy Feet Pool.

An ‘open ocean’ enables visitors to view stingrays and giant groupers as well as an array of different types of sharks such as black-tipped, ragged-tooth and leopard sharks. Rocky Shore Talk, Shark Feeding, Diver Underwater Talk, Penguin Feeding, Animal Contact, Rainforest Zone Feeding, and Otter Feeding are other highlights of this unique aquarium. Children visiting Siam Ocean Park will be enthralled by the ‘Weird and Wonderful’ zone where they can see a rare collection of peculiar marine creatures, such as garden eel, striped frogfish, and gigantic spider crabs. A hi-tech 5D cinema treats guests to a scintillating display of light and music, as the translucent ‘Sea jellies’ glide around in the LED-lit tanks.

Providing both entertainment and education to visitors, Siam ocean Park allows guests the opportunity to witness the real operation in a Back of House tour. Here they can find out how this oceanarium and its fascinating shows are made, the special art of animal’s food preparation and how the water quality is managed.

For travelers who wish to explore the many tourist attractions including Siam Ocean Park, the Somerset Sukhumvit Thonglor Bangkok provides the convenience and comfort of a centrally located Bangkok serviced apartment. While providing easy access to the city’s famous shopping centers, business and financial district, restaurants and lively nightlife these Sukhumvit apartments are tastefully furnished and fully equipped to ensure a memorable stay.

Pearl Diving in Bahrain

Historically a popular pearl diving destination, Bahrain has been known all over the world for centuries for the finest of pearls that the world has got to offer. Seek Bahrain accommodation at a recommended executive apartment Bahrain is known for such as the Somerset Al Fateh Bahrain which allows you the opportunity to explore this fascinating land with ease. Before the discovery of oil, pearl diving was Bahrain’s main source of income and because of the lack of proper diving gear, the divers would stay submerged for about a minute and emerge with 8-12 promising looking oysters which would give them precious pearls. Now, pearl diving has become a popular activity that tourists like to engage in while they visit Bahrain. The rich oyster beds located at the bottom of the Bahraini seas make for exciting pearl diving adventures. There are many professional divers who provide for such excursions for those who are interested in pearl diving. And what’s more, according to Bahraini law, whatever pearls that the divers find are truly theirs to keep!

Roaming the Sands

Having seen it in the movies or in other people’s home videos, having a desert adventure to boast about is a must on a trip to Doha. If time is short adventurers can opt for an evening desert safari with a barbeque under the stars thrown or stay in a tented camp overnight to truly have a great adventure experience.

Adventurers venture out usually in convoys, 45 km south of Doha to enjoy the thrills of the desert. Dune bashing in a speeding 4×4 up and down the dunes and across a barren landscape littered with rocks and scrub is most people’s first introduction to the desert as well as the beginning of their Doha desert adventure. To anyone who thought that a desert was just a flat sandy area this is a good eye opener as the 4×4 races up steep dune crests and the next instant plunges down leaving a fluttery feeling in the stomach. Experienced and skilful drivers who wish to have a go at dune bashing can try it after a bit of practice. For those whose sense of adventure is tied up with action, sand boarding down the dunes, quad biking, riding twin seater buggies around dunes and trekking are other ways to enhance their experiences of the surroundings. Besides this, strange things happen in the desert outside Doha. Greyhound racing is one of them. Getting an expensive sports car bashed about in a rally and playing golf in the sand are other extraordinary experiences.

No desert adventure is complete without visiting a desert camp where the vastness and the solitude of the desert can be experienced underneath a star studded sky. In this case a camp by the Arabian Gulf. Interestingly this location is one of only two places in the world where sand dunes are found close to an expanse of water. Sitting on rugs around a campfire in the evening getting introduced to Arabic food and music and relaxing with a shisha afterward are essential parts of the Doha adventure experience. A camel ride before dinner where a reluctant beast has to be prodded to take up riders is an interesting diversion. Swaying atop the animal one can begin to understand the manner in which vast sandy spaces were traversed all those years ago. A horse ride over the dunes early in the mornings before the heat sets in or later in the evening is one of the best ways to experience the beauty and vastness of the desert.

Stay in one of the best locations in the city at Ascott Doha in close proximity to important commercial, business and entertainment destinations. Offering well designed studio, one, two bedroom and three bedroom apartments equipped with all conveniences desired by modern travellers, these Doha serviced apartments are the ideal living spaces for individuals, couples and families. When visiting the city choose these serviced apartments Doha to experience a relaxing stay where all needs are met.

Horse Racing in Doha Qatar

The Arab world has always taken great pride in their horses. Horses have been part of the Arab culture since the days of wars. In order to determine the best and fastest horses for war, the practice was to organise races. This practice still continues but out of a sense of pride and prestige and as a sport.

The Qataris take great pride in their prowess in breeding horses that are champions and much sought after world over. To this end in 1975 the Racing and Equestrian Club (REC) in Doha, Qatar was established under the leadership and sponsorship of His Excellency Sheikh Mohamed Bin Faleh Al Thani.

Pure bred and thorough bred horses are reared for prime racing events including those that are held at the REC almost every Wednesday and Thursday during the months from October to May each year. These horses have the most luxurious facilities that cater to their every whim and fancy. These facilities include a rehab centre, top of the range turf and sand tracks, many training facilities, state of the art stables, a pool, ambulance and most importantly a dedicated team of workers who lovingly care for the horses and ensure that they are in good shape and are fit to race.

The REC is extremely serious in its passion for horses and is the official sponsors in one of the most glitzy and prestigious international horse racing events – the Qatar Prix L’Arc de Triomphe. This event attracts a large number of serious horse racing enthusiasts and an even larger number of television viewers.
The REC in Doha has built up an impressive reputation in the quality and superiority of its pure and thoroughbreds and caters to a range of racing events held at its premises.

Those interested in these animals, in horse racing and those that are simply curious at such a facility should take the opportunity to visit the REC. If you hope to travel there and are looking out for a hotel in Doha then choose from a large selection of luxuriously comfortable, conveniently located options such as the Millennium Hotel Doha. Its extensive range of facilities and top of the range amenities make it an excellent Doha Hotel to base yourself from.

Aladdin’s kingdom

Established in 1994 to promote Arabian culture through a fun and entertaining medium, the Kingdom of Aladdin amusement park enthralls park-goers of all ages and cultural backgrounds. Make this theme park part of your “to-do” list on a fun day out for the whole family as part of a stay at one of the stylish Doha serviced apartments in the heart of the city, such as the Ascott Doha. Situated near easy transport links, you’ve got the city in the palm of your hand to explore from one of the most elegant serviced apartments in Doha. Explorers of all ages are sure to love the mystical Kingdom of Aladdin theme park, also known as the “Family Fun Park of 1,001 Delights”, and also “Entertainment City”. Enjoy some fun rides such as the Ferris Wheel and Carousel for the younger crowd, and exciting bumper cars and go-karts for those looking for a little more action. Take a leap of faith on the trampoline, try your hand at air hockey, and challenge your best high scores at the video game arcade.  Budding artists will love bringing their imaginations to life on paper at the Print and Stamp section that allows a kid’s inner artist to bloom into fruition. Several restaurants located onsite will add a much-needed dose of fuel in between attractions. Be sure to call ahead before you visit, as some days are set aside for women and children below 12 years only, other days just for single men and boys above 12 years old, with the rest of the week set aside for the entire family.  With daily costume parades that allow ample photo opportunities, an amphitheatre that puts on the most fantastic shows, and a fireworks show to look forward to, the memories you make at The Kingdom of Aladdin theme park are sure to be cherished for a lifetime.