Parkour

Also sometimes known as “Free running” Parkour is a recreational sport which involves running, climbing, rolling through roof tops, walls or any other obstacle in the way. Although some purists distinguish between Parkour and “freerunning” they both have similar techniques. Parkour can also be described as a method of movement that focuses on maximum free flowing movement in order to get from A to B.

Extreme Mountain Biking

For many of us a mountain bike is a simple two wheeled contraption designed to get us from one point to another. But for some it’s an instrument to test the limits of gravity and physics. Extreme mountain biking involves immense courage, practice, patience and self reliance.

Below is a short clip that illustrates the complexity of the sport. It gives a good indication of the skills required to be a top extreme mountain biker.

Exploring Cebu Island


In the centre and a bit towards the south of Philippines sprawls a long strip of island called Cebu Island, the capital of Cebu Province set in the Central Visayas Region. Cebu City, the capital of the Cebu Island, is a commercial hub and houses a bustling international port. The Cebu Island is packed with scores of tourist attractions including great beach resorts, historical sites and diving spots.



The earliest Spanish settlement in Philippines is recorded in the Cebu City, which is also considered the oldest city of the country. Cebu City is also called the Queen City of the South, as it used to be a prosperous commercial and trade hub even in the past. A sightseeing tour in Cebu is certain to take you back to the 16th century, the time when Spanish seafarers first settled here.



Cebu City nestles many colonial buildings and religious venues influenced by the Spanish. One of the most famous religious and historical attractions here is the Magellan’s Cross. It was installed under the direction of Ferdinand Magellan, following his advent to Cebu Island. Presently a new cross is exhibited at the chapel called the Kiosk, in the vicinity of the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino. The original cross is secured within another wooden cross and rests on a concrete pedestal in the heart of the Kiosk. The interior of the Kiosk’s conical dome display some striking murals depicting stories of the baptism.



The next door Basilica of Santo Nino, also called Basilica Minore del Santo Nino, is considered as the oldest church in the country, with a baroque facade built in the 16th century. The Santo Nino, a statue of the Child Jesus, is enshrined here. The basilica houses a fine museum displaying antiques, statues, large rosary, Santo Nino’s cloak, gifts and vestments. Cebu boasts of one of the oldest and smallest Spanish ports known as Fort San Pedro. The city is also home to Asia’s birthplace of Catholicism, the Cebu Cathedral.



Mactan Island sits only a few kilometres from Cebu Island and serves as a great tourist attraction in Philippines. In Mactan you will come across a lifelike statue of Datu Lapu-Lapu holding a tribal shield and a sword. He was a daring chieftain of Mactan Island who fought with his fellowmen against the Magellan’s army and suppressed them during the Battle of Mactan. The monuments Magellan Shrine and Lapu-Lapu Shrine in Mactan were built to commemorate this battle.



Mactan Aquarium in the Lapu-Lapu City in Mactan Island is an excellent place to explore a wide variety of fish and learn more about them. You will see sharks, star fish, corals, jelly fish, urchins and numerous exotic fish representing marine life from the Filipino portion of the Coral Triangle. This triangle is a territory in the Pacific Ocean and is recognized as a global hub for marine diversity.



Mactan hosts more than 70 diving spots to view thriving coral reefs. You can take a glass boat ride, scuba dive or snorkel to explore the vibrant corals, the home of myriads of elusive beings. Mactan and many islands near Cebu Island provide great beaches to sunbathe and simply relax.



Things to see and do in Cebu Island are countless, and range from sightseeing historical sites with Spanish influences to exploring the rich underwater habitats. You can easily find accommodation at an exclusive Cebu resort spa like Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa Cebu. Enjoy this resort’s sumptuous comforts while indulging in the warm tropical sun, turquoise sea and the dazzling white beaches in Cebu.

Snorkelling

Snorkelling is a popular pastime that is indulged by many around the world and Cairns is no exception in this regard. A popular destination for this pastime, this city has a lot to offer through its clear waters. It also has the distinction of providing some of the most easily accessed reefs in the world.

Visitors can cruise just under the surface of the pristine water and relax as they take in the many sites that lie upon this new horizon. Various forms of marine life can be seen swimming to and fro while the spectacular coral reefs found here are also breathtaking.

Snorkelling is popular among many due to the fact that only the ability to swim and good fitness are essential. Beyond that no additional training is required unlike diving and it presents a perfect way to relax in the water. When talking of the water in Cairns, it’s extremely clear, and provides good vision of all the beauty that lies beneath the waves.

Travellers will find that various tours are on offer, each of which provides a different scope of activities. When travelling to Cairns, visitors have the option of booking various water activity related tours. These will vary from just snorkelling to a comprehensive range of activities including deep sea diving. Some of the operators will allow you to jump straight off the boat in to the waters while others start off by simply walking in to the waves from an island or cave. Another interesting offering provided by some operators is the option of snorkelling back and forth between two floaters allowing visitors to snorkel and rest whenever they choose.

Being one of the many luxury hotels Cairns, travellers choosing to stay at Shangri-La Hotel The Marina Cairns will experience an enhanced level of comfort. This Cairns hotel also features an ideal location that provides convenient access to major transport options.

Mount Panshan

Located along the Hai He River, Tianjin is China’s sixth largest city. A city that reeks of history, Tianjin offers many fascinating sites for the traveller to enjoy. Jinmen Shijing, or Tianjin’s top ten attractions include the Huangyaguan Great Wall, Gu Wenhua Jie, Dule Temple, Water Park, Haihe River, the Dagu Emplacement, the Hotel and Food Streets, Tianjin TV & Radio Tower, Zhonghuan Cailian and Mount Panshan.

Also known as the ‘First Mountain East of Beijing’, the majestic Mount Panshan covers an area of over 100 square kilometers and is located about 110 kilometres away from Tianjin. The mountain which is listed among China’s top fifteen mountains is blessed with stunning natural beauty as well as plenty of historical sites. The mountain is famous for its beautiful peaks, jade pine trees, crystal clear waters and strangely shaped rocks. The beautiful scenery from various sections of the mountain, the serenity and oneness with nature make this a popular attraction for anyone visiting Tianjin.


The mountain also features a cluster of over 150 historic temples built during various eras of Chinese history. The four main temples include the Wanfo Temple (Ten Thousand-Buddha Temple), Tiancheng Temple (God Proposing Temple), Wansong Temple (Ten Thousand-Pine Temple) which gets its name from the nearly 11,000 small Buddha statues in it, and the Yunzhao Temple (Cloud-Hiding Temple). A thirteen floor high ancient dagoba is located nearby the Tiancheng Temple and is the tallest structure on the mountain.


Somerset Olympic Tower in Tianjin offers spacious comfort and stylish accommodation facilities in the heart of the city’s central business district. Business or leisure travellers looking for Posted on Author Pushpitha WijesingheCategories Miscellaneous Adventures

Exploring Sabah: Paradise of Borneo

Sabah is a stunning Malaysian State, situated towards the northern area of the beautiful island of Borneo. Among the country’s largest states, Sabah occupies the second position and its capital is the well known Kota Kinabalu.

In ancient times, this paradise of Borneo was better known as the “Land below the Wind” since it is located beneath the typhoon belt. When it comes to diverse tourist attractions, Sabah is no exception. For instance, it is home to the 4,101 metres high Mount Kinabalu, different types of flora and fauna and even one of the largest rainforests in the world. It is also a culturally diverse destination with 31 indigenous groups of people such as Kadazans, Kedayans, Rumanau, Rungus, Bajaus, Minokok and much more.

Sabah is a geographically varied destination with three of Malaysia’s highest mountains located towards the western area. The jungles here are categorised as rainforests and features various plants and animals. Kinabalu National Park is Sabah’s most prominent attraction that was listed a World Heritage Site in year 2000 mainly for its richness in plant variety. The central and eastern part of Sabah usually features low mountains and plains whilst Kinabatangan River is the most notable highlight in this particular area. Among Sabah’s many other significant wildlife regions are Danum Valley, Imbak Canyon, Maliau Basin as well as Tabin. Its national parks such as the Sepilok Orang-utan Sanctuary and the Crocker Range Park are exceptionally popular among travellers. The fascinating Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park and Pulau Sipadan are also worth visiting.

Sabah is home to many important and sacred places of worship such as the majestic Sabah State Mosque in Kota Kinabalu. Other attractions in this intriguing destination include Sabah Foundation Building, the small town of Kota Belud, Tuaran, Penampang, Sandakan, Gomantong Caves, Semporna and Kudat.

It is easy to access Sabah since its capital receives a large number of international flights. The transport network here is also extensive with buses, rail, taxis and even boats readily available. The best way to enjoy the tranquillity and lushness of Sabah is to stay at a well appointed Kota Kinabalu luxury resort such as Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa Kota Kinabalu that offers luxury and elegance for a memorable stay.

Exploring Harbin: The Pearl on the swan’s neck

Occupying the tenth slot among China’s largest cities, Harbin is a sub provincial city positioned towards Northeast China. Also renowned as the capital of the Heilongjiang Province, this traditional Chinese city plays a vital role in politics, art and culture and the financial system of the North-eastern part of the country.
Nicknamed as ‘The Pearl on the swan’s neck’ due to its shape, Harbin is known by locals as a ‘Manchu’ which means a place for drying fishing nets. It is also popularly known as ‘Ice City’ due to its long winter season. Well known for its trade with Russia, the strategically positioned Harbin is recognised also as the fashion capital of China since most contemporary designs arrive here even before Shanghai. Therefore, those visiting this unique city will find a fusion of Chinese and Russian culture.

One of the best places to start the expedition of exploring Harbin is the Central Avenue which is a distinctive pedestrian walkway. It features many Russian style clothing stores, cafes and restaurants and is immensely popular among tourists during winter. Away from the town area, visitors will find the fascinating Siberian Tiger Preserve that plays a major role in protecting the endangered Siberian Tiger which is also the world’s largest felid. Occupying a total area of 1,440,000 square metres, the park provides shelter to more than 500 pedigree Siberian Tigers.
Those seeking some fun and excitement while in Harbin would find Sun Island Park an obvious choice. Ideal to visit during summer and winter, the Sun Island Park features a science museum, gardens, and forests and during winter the park hosts thrilling ice festivals. Some of the finest saunas, in the country are found here in Harbin. For shopping the Hongbo Shichang, is an unmatched place that sells an all encompassing range of products.
The charming city of Harbin is a perfect place to enjoy a memorable holiday getaway whether its summer or winter. The best way to explore the wonders of this diverse city is to stay at a Harbin luxury hotel. For instance, Shangri-La Hotel, Harbin is an ideal accommodation choice for those who wish to discover the fascinating Harbin attractions while experiencing warm hospitality and professional service.

A Deserts Walk To Remember


When thinking of a vacation in Abu Dhabi, tourists should not miss an opportunity to explore the desert landscape that surrounds this emirate. A popular tourist activity is to take a desert walk or join a tour group that would guide one through this fascinating landscape.

To begin one’s desert walk why not start at the largest Arabian oases located at the Empty Quarter – the Liwa Desert. The desert is famous for the Bani Yas tribe who has a long line of descendents who have made their homes among these surroundings.
The tribe is considered as the descendents of the Bedouin forefathers of the present generation of rulers of Abu Dhabi. With palm fringed roads and freshwater pools to enjoy, the Liwa Desert offers excursions, which are close by to the city.
The Liwa Desert is a popular tourist destination mainly due to its location, towards the south of Abu Dhabi the dessert forms a border with Saudi Arabia. Locals describe the desert much like a sentinel guarding the entrance from the Southward end of the emirate. Almost as if it were made to guard the Empty Quarter’s edge. This is also, where the largest sand desert in the world is to be found, it is known as the Rub Al Khali.

If you are on your way to the desert to indulge in a desert walk, it is hard not to notice the small quaint little towns and villages that have sprung up. Tourists will also notice that there are even a few farms that have emerged against the backdrop of the sand dunes.

On arriving at the desert or while travelling there, a unique aspect of this mysterious landscape is the changing colours of the desert sand. This will become more apparent when one sets foot on the sand. The most beautiful is towards the end of the evening when the sands begin changing from golden to red against a backdrop of a setting sun.

To be able to truly appreciate the culture of the desert, tourists should consider spending a few days at an Abu Dhabi resort. One such as the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, situated in the Liwa Desert will definitely be an experience that will not be forgotten. Decked out in very traditional and local motifs the atmosphere created here, will take tourists back to the days of camping out in the desert, and unlike other Abu Dhabi resort hotels, the views are absolutely breathtaking.

A Rocking Good Time among the Rolling Rockies

Ideally located in the American heartland amidst snow capped landscapes and towering mountains lays captivating Colorado. Renowned for its high altitudes and picture perfect sceneries, Colorado is fast gaining popularity as a holiday hub that is not limited to skiing. The Centennial State as it’s known to locals goes far beyond being a glorified ski resort town to a vibrant vacationing hotspot for the masses.

Famed for its unspoilt natural wonders, Boulder, Colorado offers a wide range of attractions for the discerning traveller. The University of Colorado Museum of Natural History and the stunning Eldorado Canyon are must-see locales in addition to Boulder Falls, Boulder Creek Path and the Leanin’ Tree Museum of Western Art. The Boulder County Farmers Market is perfect for those who are looking for some local flavour while the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse is also worth a visit.

For most of the world, Colorado means one thing, the location of one of the world’s most spectacular sights, the Rocky Mountains, and it is justifiably so as nothing dominates the Colorado skyline like this iconic mountain range that is as mysterious as it is breathtaking. Sprawled across a land area of 4800km the Rocky Mountains’ highest point Mount Elbert in Colorado is elevated 14,440 feet from sea level. It is believed that the Rockies were formed mainly due to waterways and it is a little known fact that rivers fed by the Rockies supply water to one fourth of America’s population.

With ample opportunities to go hiking, trekking and camping it is no wonder that travellers from all over the world flock to witness the splendor of this soaring natural wonder and its national park. The Rockies are at its best during those hot summer months when the Rocky Mountain National Park, Pikes Peak and Yellowstone National Park are in full bloom while the Grand Teton National Park, Royal Gorge and Glacier National Park also offer engaging excursions.

Well-known attractions within the Rocky Mountain National Park include the idyllic 45 mile high-altitude drive along Trail Ridge Road in addition to the hiking trails down Longs Peak. The Forest Canyon Overlook and Copeland Falls are preferred spots among seasoned guests while the Moraine Park Museum and Alpine Visitor Center offers charming trinkets and souvenirs to take home. Other points of interest such as Sprague Lake and the Bear Lake Trailhead are also not to be missed when one is visiting the Rocky Mountain National Park.

For those who are looking for a Boulder hotel close to all the activities the Rocky Mountains have in store, look no further than the Millennium Harvest House Boulder. Conveniently situated, this comfortable rest provides quality service and hospitality that will surpass even your wildest expectations.