Short Break Hong Kong: So Much to Do, So Little Time

Visiting Hong Kong for a short stay or spending a few hours in the city before catching your next flight? Instead of choosing to spend that time in the airport, step out and experience Hong Kong at its best. Once you land in Hong Kong, make your way to the Airport Express Train through which one can access the Hong Kong Central Station in just below half an hour. Alternatively, one can choose to travel via the double-decker Airbus which is operational even at night. Once in the city, one can choose between taking the ferry and opting for the underground train service, buses or trams.

For tourists travelling with families, the Ocean Park is filled with an exciting array of sights, activities and games that will keep both children and their parents entertained. The Ocean Park is home to a shark tunnel, a butterfly house as well as a large marine theatre and is complete with a number of games and rides. Visitors to this marine park also have the opportunity of seeing pandas and killer whales. Finally, wrap it all up with an exhilarating roller coaster ride that will send thrills up your spine! Another ideal attraction would be Hong Kong’s Disneyland where children could take a ride to Tarzan’s Tree house, watch the Festival of the Lion King and even meet their favourite Disney movie characters!

For those who wish to immerse themselves in the hybrid culture prevalent in the city, a visit to the temples hidden away in street corners and tucked away in the hills would surely provide you with much needed moments of peace and tranquillity. Alternatively, one could opt to get away from the hustle and bustle of a city that never sleeps by climbing Victoria’s Peak for the view at the summit of the mountain, of Kowloon, Hong Kong and the Victoria Harbour will surely be worth the climb.

For those who love shopping, the Temple Street Night Market is an experience like no other where various trinkets, souvenirs and unique clothing can be found for extremely low prices. One could also opt to make the most of a short stay by taking a two hour harbour cruise to enjoy the sights of the city from a unique point of view or explore Macau, the oldest European Settlement in this part of the world which is also a World Heritage Site.

Luxury hotels in the city are as varied as the activities and attractions available ranging from modest accommodation to five star hotels. For the discerning traveller, choosing to stay at one of the Peninsula hotels provides you with finest accommodation, the most diverse dining options and the best service in the city.

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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Skating in Abu Dhabi

Until recent times, the scorching day time temperatures of Abu Dhabi made any formation of large bodies of frozen water an extreme improbability. But for this city that extracts black gold from its sands to become one of the wealthiest cities in the world, the improbable is not impossible! The Ice Rink of the Zayed Sports City is an example of how such deeds can happen in this oasis at the edge of the Empty Quarter.

The ice rink is one of two in the country, and is the largest of them, with a capability of seating 1,200 people. Recreational skating times are open to the public while time slots are allocated for ice hockey and figure skating teams. The rink is becoming an increasingly popular attraction with not just tourists but locals as well, many of whom have never even laid eyes on snow. The special ‘Learn to Skate’ programme offers coached lessons – individual and group – for beginners of all ages. Although you may fall down a couple of time in the precarious edges of skates, a few lessons with professionals are sure to have you gliding on ice, like it was second nature.

Once you are on your feet and moving smoothly, skating enthusiasts can try out figure skating. The Abu Dhabi Figure Skating Team, based at the rink, teaches the artful yet athletic movements to members. They can prepare you for the Desert Open Figure Skating Championship and other such local and international competitions or just appreciate the graceful musical interpretations for fitness.

The gigantic structure of Zayed Sports City is also where you will find the Abu Dhabi Ice Sports Club, an amateur group of ice hockey players. The youth programmes are open for youngsters with all levels of skill to learn and enjoy one of the fastest and most exhilarating sports in the world. Skating in the Olympic size rink will transport all from the blazing heat of the desert into a winter wonderland.

This and other wonders of the Middle East can be enjoyed in style if you stay at one of the Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Middle East. These elegant and luxurious Middle East hotels provide an ideal setting for exploring the exotic and extravagant region. Situated in convenient locations these properties are ideal for travellers in search of well placed UAE hotels for business or leisure.

Exploring Nature Trails in Dambulla

Located in Sri Lanka’s Central Province, Dambulla is an area which not only has a rich cultural heritage, but one which is blessed with stunning natural beauty. Those looking for Sri Lanka hotels in the region can stay at Heritance Kandalama, an awe-inspiring example of eco-friendly hotel design. Belonging to Heritance Hotels & Resorts, this unique Sri Lanka hotel is set amidst lush green landscapes and is an ideal starting point to embark on your adventures.

These Dambulla trails go through the wilderness and forests and let you not only witness the beauty of nature, but also indulge in some fun activities such as bird watching. Also worth exploring while in Dambulla are the Rose Quartz Mountain range and the ancient Iron Wood Forest.

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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Thrilling and Fun Activities to do in Koh Phangan!

The island of Koh Phangan offers plenty of fun in the sun and surf that can be enjoyed by the entire family. These activities are best experienced while staying at Koh Phangan hotels by the beach such as Rasananda Koh Phangan Villa Resort & Spa. One of the leading Koh Phangan resorts it is ideally located along the picturesque Ton Nai Pan Noi Beach and offers a wealth of recreational pursuits; discover the stunning world that lies beneath the waves on snorkelling and diving excursions, explore lush forests while on an elephant trekking tour and hike through mountain jungles. Other activities that you can enjoy when in Koh Phangan include a visit to its oldest temple, Wat Phu Khao Noi, diving at the Ang Thong Marine Park, heading to the Mountain Cave Monastery or Wat Koh Tham Temple and making a trip to the Phaeng Waterfall.

White Water Rafting in Bali

Located on the western end of the Lesser Sunda Islands of Indonesia is the island of Bali. Known for its development in both traditional and modern forms of dance and arts, it is one Indonesia’s most popular tourist destinations. The island’s rich culture, history, ecology, scenic beauty, and overall serene ambience are some of Bali’s most notable features, making it one of the most visited islands in the region. Those looking to soak up the island’s stunning natural beauty can stay at Alila Villas Uluwatu, a hotel offering Bali luxury villas, ideally located high upon limestone cliffs overlooking the ocean. This stylish yet elegant hotel provides a range of wellness based amenities, along with a wide variety of hospitality and leisure services making it an excellent hotel to experience Bali resort villas.

Owing to its geography and thriving tourist industry, the island offers tourists a wide range of leisure and adventure activities. One such activity which is both adventurous and adrenaline-pumping is white water rafting. Being home to several rivers with raging rapids and swells, it is sure to offer you a truly heart-pounding rafting experience, the likes of which you will not forget!

White water rafting, considered by many to be one of the more extreme water sports, invites you to ride the raging torrents and rapids of a river flowing in full force. Apart from being tossed about and being splashed by the waves as you challenge the currents of the river, the activity offers a great deal of fun and excitement. Bali has several rivers flowing through green forests and other beautiful natural scenery which is an added bonus of taking part in this activity. Battling through the rages of a flowing river is no easy task, and is sure to be challenging, yet it is the satisfaction of rising up to this challenge that has kept many people coming back for more.

Two of Bali’s most popular rivers for rafting are the Ayung River and the Telagawaja River, which flow through beautiful scenery and pack a lot of adventure. These rivers are also known for their heart-stopping river drops and raging rapids which are sure to give you an unforgettable adrenaline rush! Rafting Centres such as SOBEK Adventure Rafting, Ayung River Rafting, and Bali Adventure Tours will offer you the equipment you need, along with trained professionals who will ensure your safety and guarantee you have a superb rafting experience.

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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Diving in Naladhu

The beautiful Maldivian Ocean is known for the many surprises it boasts underneath its surface. Above and below, Maldives is a paradise in all angles. If you are looking for peaceful accommodation, Naladhu Maldives is a renowned Maldives hotel that has attracted guests from all over the world. Ask them how it is and you will never get a bad review. Naladhu helps you explore the Maldives and its array of many treasures. It provides ample facilities and packages ensuring that you make the best use of your time. When it comes to the Maldives Island resorts the Naladhu is one of the best.

After savoring much of the sun kissed shores delve in to this magical sparkling blue ocean and enjoy an aquatic world like no other; where sizes, shapes and colors all await to give pure Maldivian underwater eye candy. In Naladhu diving is more exciting than in any other place around the world. Here you can get on site PADI Dive Centers that offer the complete range of scuba certification courses. There are plenty of classes as well that trains you to explore the Maldivian Ocean whether you are an amateur or a professional. You can even try advanced options like wreck diving and Rescue Diving that ensures the first timer and the fanatic an experience like no other. Each day the dive center takes up around four dives in a number of different locations. And that is all thanks to the spectacular Naladhu island because in just a half-hour radius of this spectacular island, there are over 15 fantastic world-class dive sites to explore. Above all, the best part is that each dive in Naladhu is a guided affair; where you have trained by the professionals leading you on to ensure you see it all; all the species and colors that this ocean is so famous for. In Naladhu you will also have a few peers diving with you to share the moment of great sights. The center in Naladhu provides you everything and anything you need in relation to diving, they can even arrange a gourmet lunch of your choice. All you have to do is to go and have a good time.

Taman Safari- A must experienced adventure

Located in West and East Java and in Marina Beach, safari parks in Bali are a must- explored attraction. When you are going on an exciting adventurous holiday in Indonesia, it is always desirable to reserve your comfortable and convenient serviced residence in Jakarta, as there should be a luxurious place to get back to after an exhaustive safari. Ascott Jakarta is one of the top Jakarta serviced apartments you can try out when you are on a safari vacation. Taman safari has about 2,500 animal species including elephant, giraffe, bear, hippo, zebra, tiger and cheetah. Taman safari is a perfect excursion for a wildlife enthusiast as it not only lets you spot wild creatures but also gives you the opportunity to witness rare birds and experience a bio-diversified sanctuary.

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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Challenge Rafting- Queenstown

Travellers to Queenstown should opt for centrally located Queenstown hotel accommodation at an elegant family hotel Queenstown such as Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront. During your stay, make it a point to experience some thrilling outdoor fun with an activity such as river rafting. The tour company Challenge Rafting offers a selection of fun filled half day trips on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers. Whilst a rafting trip along the Shotover River is ideal for ardent thrill seekers, Kawarau River is the best option for the novices to this exciting activity. The offered trips include refreshments, sauna/hot shower, specialist on-river clothing and courtesy coach transfers.

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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Kottawa Rainforest Reserve

Sprawled across 37 acres in the heart of the emerald isle’s southern coast, lies one of its most secluded nature reserves. Located along the road to Udugama this tranquil quarter of Galle in Sri Lanka is known as the Kottawa Rainforest Reserve and serves as one of the island’s most verdant lowland rainforests. Travellers to the region in search of luxurious Galle hotels can choose Jetwing Lighthouse for all their accommodation needs. Providing guests the best in modern amenities in the ‘Down South’ area of the island, this stylish rest is one of the finest Sri Lanka hotels on the coastal belt.

Relatively unknown to the visiting multitudes to the island, the isolated Kottawa Rainforest Reserve is well worth the visit for nature lovers in search of breathtaking natural beauty off the beaten track.

Displaying all the features of a lowland rainforest, the area’s vegetation mainly consists of wet evergreen trees that tower above the canopies of other plants that struggle to feed off the sun’s ray due to the dense foliage above. The lack of sunlight penetrating the lower reaches of the rainforest has lead to a great propagation of Dipterocarpus variety plants and other fern species which occupy the forest bed in addition to orchids that depend on large tree trunks for nourishment.

An impressive 170 species of trees are believed to inhabit the Kottawa Rainforest Reserve of which a hundred have been identified as those endemic to Sri Lanka alone. More than 80 non-endemic tree species are also found in the rainforest and have been labelled with their botanical name for easy identification. As a part of the Kottawa Kombala Conservation Forest which occupies an impressive 1,800 hectares, the Kottawa Rainforest and Arboretum is a highlight for wildlife enthusiasts touring Galle; the Kottawa Arboretum showcases well over 70 species of winged beauties from all across the world.

The endemic bird species which have been identified to number around a dozen include the spot-winged thrush, yellow-fronted barbet, grey hornbill, brown-capped babbler and the Sri Lankan spurfowl. Stunning butterflies are another attraction at the venue as Tree Nymph, Birdwing and Blue Oakleaf butterflies are abundantly found here. Giant squirrels, purple-faced leaf monkeys and toque monkeys are also frequently spotted in addition to non-venomous Sri Lankan snake varieties and lizards.

Fascinating Expeditions to Male

The selective traveller seeking one of the quality Maldives island resorts will find an ideal choice in Naladhu Maldives. This superior Maldives hotel offers well-furnished interiors and courteous hospitality to meet the demands of any visitor. Travellers to the Maldives should make it point to explore the capital Male. There are numerous places of interest, and shopping in the vibrant markets is always an attraction. There are also many monuments and buildings of historical and cultural interest. The numerous streets are pleasant to explore, and you will find exotically appealing goods as well as traditional Maldivian foods which are always a delight to sample.