auburn | The Adventure Travel Site

Adventureland in Dubai

Dubai is well known for its leisure activities and family theme parks to help adventure lovers have the best time of their lives. Adventureland is an entertainment centre for young and old that has become one of the most popular Dubai tourist attractions. Dubai is home to some of the biggest high-end shopping centres and luxurious accommodation options such as Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort. It is also an extremely busy city in the entire Middle East.

Since a vast amount of the expatriate working community from across the world and their families live in Dubai, there are numerous cultural and fun activity centres that have been established to cater to their leisure activities. Adventureland in Dubai is known to provide innovative and quality leisure to an extremely diverse cultural mix. The theme-based entertainment centre was inaugurated in 2002 (February) on a massive land area to accommodate large crowds with an ever increasing demand for patronage each year. Some of the thrilling attractions you can enjoy here include Motorcoaster which is a rollercoaster running with motorbikes on many levels.

Due to high demand and lack of space to accommodate the massive crowds, the floor area of Adventureland was increased and it is today one of highly acclaimed, biggest & best indoor adventure parks found in the entire region. You will enjoy its latest look & feel depicting a fantastic jungle theme that is filled with characters of animals, modern trendy designs, murals and a spectacular sound system. Some of the diverse and thrilling rides the park offers include Asteroids, Tidal Wave, a roller coaster named Quantum Leap and a water ride called Log Jam. Besides these, you can enjoy many family adventure activities and kids’ rides here as well.

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.

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Vacation at Cape Tribulation

A dream vacation in the tropics could be a hike through a lush rain forest or a snorkeling excursion amongst a vast coral reef, teeming with colourful fish; however, for those looking for the ultimate tropical vacation, try finding a location that would include both experiences. That’s exactly what you get at Cape Tribulation, a small village sandwiched between the combined beauty of not one, but two World Heritage Sites, the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest.
To make the most of your trip, you can find lodgings at the nearby town of Port Douglas; holiday accommodation here ranges from a number of small inns and resorts to hotel apartments like the Oaks Lagoons. From there you can drive north to the only cable ferry in eastern Australia, the Daintree Ferry, which takes you straight to the Daintree Rainforest.
Located on the north side of the Daintree River is a sealed road that leads to Cape Tribulation. The road weaves through the thick Rainforest covered Alexandra Range, a spectacular area where the air is clean and scented with heady aromas wafting from the lush foliage around you. There are a few dramatic lookout points on the way and then finally, the greenery gives way to tropical beaches.
Cape Tribulation has plenty of excursions on offer such as bush walking, diving and snorkelling, kayaking, river cruises and even zip lining through the canopy. Explore the rugged landscape with 4WD safaris and then make your way to the pristine beaches and take in the beautiful reef just below the turquoise waters. There are several different tours for Cape Tribulation that leave Port Douglas on a daily basis, so you have your pick of fun activities to try. No holiday to Queensland is complete without paying a visit to the tropical paradise.

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Pasta Point

An archipelago of over a thousand islands should definitely offer some surfing opportunities; when you stay at one of the best Maldives resorts these can be described as unparalleled opportunities. The pristine blue waters that bless the shores of Maldives have been the main crowd puller to the country for dozens of years. The locals have brushed up on their hospitality and cuisine to make a mark beyond their natural gifts. However, the vistas that unfold along every coast, the cruises between atolls and the fine marine adventures that are promised to every tourist are difficult to compete with.

In order to make every marine aficionado’s surf dreams come true, the waves and waters that surround Maldives work overtime. The wave machines around the country help create more adventurous waves for surfers and include reef breakers, point breakers as well as beach breakers. The North Malѐ atoll has its own wave machine known as Pasta Point which is not too far from the iconic Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives and is more or less used exclusively by the dwellers at the hotel.

As obscure as the name may be Pasta Point is an amazing reef break which dishes out lefthanders which are unmatchable. The ideal time of the year to benefit from these four to six metre high waves is between May and August each year. The number of surfers who are given access to Pasta Point is regulated and capped at thirty; this makes it safer and more convenient for those who ride the waves. There are several other breaks within proximity of Pasta Point and can be accessed by boat, so once you have your fair share of the fun on the Pasta breaks, be sure to arrange a short boat trip to jailbreak or Honky’s which are right-handers and lefthanders respectively.

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Udawatta Kele Sanctuary

Kandy, the capital city of Sri Lanka’s hill country, is one of the most historic and fascinating destinations in Sri Lanka. Bearing the title as the last Sinhala Kingdom before British colonization, the city of Kandy is a hub of culture and history. The city is home to sacred and iconic attractions such as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, the Royal Palace of Kandy, and the National Museum of Kandy. The city is, therefore, a top tourist destination and with numerous hotels, including the likes of Hotel Hilltop Kandy.
Of the many things to do in Kandy, Sri Lanka, one of the most highly recommended activities is exploring the sprawling Udawatte Kele Sanctuary. The Udawatte Kele Sanctuary, located south of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, is one of the most oldest and historic forest sanctuaries in the hill country or Sri Lanka. With its thriving flora and fauna, unique attractions, and stunning beauty, the Udawatte Kele Sanctuary is, without a doubt, an attraction well worth visiting.
When the Kandy served as the seat of the Sinhala Kingdom in the 14th Century, this sanctuary was exclusively reserved for the enjoyment of the Royal family. Following British colonialism, this amazing forest lost its exclusivity. However, owing to its ecological value, in 1856, the forest was declared in the forest reserve. It was in 1938 that the forest was declared a forest sanctuary, a title it has retained ever since. The sanctuary spreads over 257 acres and is home to over 135 species of trees, species and shrubs, many of which have stood strong for at least 300 years. The forest is also inhabited by a number of mammals and reptiles. However, it is the avifauna that is the main highlight in terms of fauna, with the sanctuary being home to over 80 species of birds, including the Three-Toed Kingfisher and Yellow-Fronted Barbet. Other attractions of this awe-inspiring sanctuary are the Senkadagala Cave, the Garrison Cemetery, and the Kodimale Peak.

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Desert Adventures in Oman -Getting an adrenaline rush in the midst of a spectacular desert

A tourist hotspot for seekers of the Sun when the wild winters take over their native lands, Oman is frequented by many travellers. However, most are content to simply stay in a luxury hotel in Oman, do a bit of shopping visit a souq and overall spend their time within the limits of the glamorous city of Muscat. And yet, there is so much more to do in Oman, especially if you are one who is into adventure sports.
One activity that you can engage in is dune bashing. Akin to riding on a rollercoaster, you will be driven over and across the spectacular dunes of Oman, where a 4WD will traverse up and down these amazing creations of nature in ways that will keep you gripping your seat with white knuckles. An average dune bashing ride will last for about one and a half hours, a time that you are unlikely to ever forget. If you are confident of your abilities and wish to mingle with the dunes at a more personal level, you can try quad biking where you will tackle the sand dunes on your own on a quad bike. Closer to the elements than when dune bashing on a 4WD, a simple half an hour of this exercise will have your adrenaline pumping and yourself covered in sand. Be warned, though – quad biking is considered quite addictive. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself out in the sand the next day as well. For a milder adventure, you could enjoy a camel ride and pretend to be a participant in a story of 1001 Arabian Nights. Or try a new way of travelling altogether on the sand by taking on sand boarding, which is similar to snowboarding except it is on the sand. If you wish to make an ideal end to all these activities, you could opt for camping in the middle of the desert. You can either do it the traditional way with minimal amnesties or stay with Oman Hotels for a luxury camping experience. Whichever you choose, you are guaranteed to have a ball of a time.

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Ubud Rice Field Trekking

Ubud regarded as the cultural capital of Bali is cocooned in lush green hills, rice paddy terraces and verdant forests. The place is loved for its vivid display of arts and crafts that will prove to be a treat to any culture buff. As for rice field trekking that is simply the icing on the cake to your holistic journey in Ubud.

What is Rice Field Trekking – An Experience of Nature

A rice field trek will include visits to ancient temples, treks through misty mountains and rolling paddy fields as well as time for a refreshing plunge in the natural pools located around the area.

Allures of a Rice Field Trek

Starting at a rustic north Ubud village the trek offers one a taste of the nation’s traditions and culture. You will visit Taman Sari Temple one of the oldest in the area home to a natural spring. Continue along the backroads across olden villages and stumble upon famous Bukit Temple. Along the way your guide will point out local plants such as cocoa, tamarin, soursop and coffee.

Rice Fields and Traditions

Your trek across the paddy fields promise to be quite a thrill. Watch as local farmers tend to the crops using traditional methods. The fields are made up of sloping terraces cut into the hills that exude quite a stunning effect. You will love the salubrious climes inundated with the trill of birds, refreshing breezes and breath-taking views.

Perfect Ending

After your trek to the paddy terraces you get a refreshing break and drink of sweet coconut water; right within the paddy fields. After which the trek continues to the valley where you cross the Wos River bridge to meet your pickup. This fabulous and soothing tour aimed at revitalising mind body and soul is offered by COMO Shambhala as one of the wellness activities practised in and around the holistic confines of Ubud.

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Saiq Plateau In Oman

Oman in the Middle East is not only a center of commerce- it has a vibrant and vivid history and Mother Nature has been very bountiful and gifted Oman with some unique natural features. The ancient township of Nizwa has historical, cultural and natural wonders and visitors will never lack things to do in NIzwa. Quite the contrary they will be hard put to choose between the many activities like visiting the Nizwa Fort and Souq and Jabrin Castle.. Being comfortable goes a long way in enhancing enjoyment of travel and for visitors to this region the Alila Jabal Akhdar with its spectacular setting combined with luxurious facilities would be an ideal choice.

Saiq Plateau is one of Oman’s unusual natural curiosities and is an upland plateau of vast extent in the Hajar Mountain Range with the Oman’s much loved limestone massif Jebel Akhdar (Green Mountain in Arabic ) rising skywards from the center. The plateau has an altitude of approximately two thousand meters above sea level and is north east of the historic township of Nizwa and bounded to the north by craggy mountain peaks and by the vertiginous Wadi Al Ayn to the south. Wild donkeys, lizards and birds populate the plateau while some ancient beehive shaped cairn tombs can be seen to the far left of the vast space. The road to the bottom of the mountain range is well engineered but the upward climb to the hills involves dramatic hairpin bends and only four wheel drives are allowed. Wild olive and juniper trees dot the wayside.

The Mediterranean like climate has resulted in the Saiq Plateau being farmed for over a thousand years and a wide range of fruits which do not adapt well to the climate of the lowlands are grown here and among them are peaches, pears, pomegranates and grapes. A wide range of roses bloom here and the fragrant damask rose grows near the summit of Jebel Al Akhdar.

Many traditional villages can be found in the area and are well worth a visit.

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.

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Hiking in Al Hajar Mountains

Trekking to North-eastern Oman will bring you to the wonderful Al Hajar mountain range which provides a wealth of tales to learn of. Having served as a barrier which prevented foreign invasions from overpowering Oman, this mountain range is by far the most stunning of its kind in order for adventure enthusiasts to set about for some hiking. Easily reachable from most Oman resort properties such as Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort, some of the more frequented hiking trails can be found in regions such as Jabal Shams and Jabal Akhdar where warm, searing temperatures would greet hikers by day before more freezing climes would tend to take over the minute the sun begins to go into hiding.

While hiking in this region would be better with the aid of a guide, journeying to these parts from wherever you maybe based would have to be done in a robust 4×4 which could easily navigate this terrain with no fuss at all. First up is the Balcony Hike which can be enjoyed in Jabal Shams and takes approximately 4 hours to complete though the views of Oman that will be at your disposal would quite simply leave you breathless. Though moderate in nature, this hiking experience will lead you past abandoned villages while guiding you across a well-marked out trail along the rim of a canyon. If you do keep your eyes peeled for sudden surprises then you will be treated to the odd sight of hidden waterfalls that only add to the charm of the journey. Next up would be the region demarcated as the Western portion of the Al Hajar Mountains that hold its own secrets and fascinations. Walking on top of cliffs and savouring the cool mountain air may seem like the best feeling in the world right now but do make it a point to venture deeper, into parts that have been lost to the modern world. Moving into the wadis in this part will lead you into a collection of old villages where no trace of life can be found but the stillness and eerie silence of these once thriving communities will welcome you to a side of Oman which has now been forgotten though in terms of a hiking experience, is “just up one’s street,” so to speak. However though carrying your camera would be a pre-requisite, so too would be your trusty canister of water as you must not be placed in a position where you would be caught out by the weather in these regions.

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Mountain Biking in Abu Dhabi

Mountain Biking in Sir Bani Yas Island – Abu Dhabi

Sir Bani Yas Island, located on the Arabian Gulf is one of the largest natural islands of the United Arab Emirates. The Island, located off the shores of Abu Dhabi is home to around 36 archaeological sites, including a 4000-year-old circular tomb, a watch tower, a mosque amongst others. Sir Bani Yas Island forms one of eight other islands which form the Desert Islands. Owing to be an ideal retreat, the island provides adventurous activities catered to by Sir Bani Yas Island hotels, where visitors can choose from archery, land sailing and mountain biking. Most hotels, like Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort, would provide a designated riding route which will be categorized into a non- strenuous path or a path that is more suitable for advanced riders.

Mountain biking through the rugged Arabian wilderness has become a popular past time of visitors to the island, as they are treated to spectacular sceneries of towering mountains and wild animals. Sir Bani Yas Island has been developed as part of Sheikh Zayed’s ‘Greening of the Desert’ programme, which was designed to provide a safe habitat for the country’s endangered wildlife species, where thousands of trees were planted and animal species like Gazelles, Oryx, Llamas and Ostriches were introduced to the island’s wildlife preserve. Therefore, bike riders are sure to see some of these wonderful beasts in their habitat.

Mountain biking is, therefore, the best way to explore the island as riders can cycle through wadis or access some of the lesser travelled paths, while simultaneously working out. Most bikes are complete with a carriage which allows for children under five to partake in this activity as well, ensuring that the entire family has a great time.

Be sure to always wear the helmet provided, and carry sunscreen as the Arabian sun can be harsh and is no friend to unprotected skin.

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Hikkaduwa Coral Reef

The popular coastal town of Hikkaduwa with its endless sunny skies, white sands and surf has long been regarded as a back-backer’s haven for travellers heading down the coastline. One of its major attractions is the stunning coral reefs which helped promote the town as a top destination for snorkelling and scuba diving in Sri Lanka. Attractions aside, this really is a beautiful reef and unlike the other reefs found along the southern coastline, the coral reefs near Hikkaduwa are the most diverse and easily accessible.

Due to the wide range of bio-diversity among the reefs, it was declared a marine sanctuary in 1979 and later a Marine National Park. The main coral reefs can be found in calm, shallow waters near a lagoon, making it a perfect snorkelling excursion for anyone who wants to attempt it without any previous experience. The reef begins nearby to the fishing harbour and extends out about 4km south. Up to 60 species of coral has been recorded so far with over 170 species of marine life. Tropical fish like angel fish, butterfly fish, snappers, parrot fish and more can be seen frequently swimming among the corals whilst schools of trevally fish are typical found swimming in shallow lagoons along with a few turtles.
The best way to experience the reefs is to go with a guide who can take you to all the best spots along the corals and explain the differences between the vast formations of corals and marine life. If you’re staying at one of the hotels along the coastline like the Cantaloupe Hotels, the hotel will usually arrange a trusted guide to accompany you. For scuba divers, venture out beyond the shallow reef where several deeper reefs and rock formations can be found, teeming with marine life. There are even a few old shipwrecks that over the years have turned into artificial reefs, providing sanctuary for corals and reef fish. The best time to visit the Hikkaduwa coral reefs is between November and April when the seas are calmer and sunny skies are aplenty.

Hikkaduwa coral reef, Img Credit:[Sophie Thomas]

Damon Starky is a creative nomadic travel writer, who is well informed and experienced on a wide range of interests that would connect to the needs of any type of traveler. Google+