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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+

Adventurous things to do in Maldives

The Maldives is made of over a 1000 small islands which are known for their breathtaking beauty. The islands’ beaches, culture, mild tropical weather, scenic beauty, and hospitality industry combine to make the Maldives one of the most tranquil destinations, but not to worry, these adventurous things to in the Maldives is just what you need for that adrenaline rush you need!

Diving & Snorkeling with Sharks!!!

Being home to fertile coral reefs breeding thousands of species of marine life, it is no surprise that the Maldives is home to some of the most exciting diving sites in the world. If you go to diving sites such as Shark Point, Manta Point, or Hammerhead Point you will get the opportunity of diving with sharks, turtles, manta rays and even whales! Diving is so popular in Maldives that any Maldives hotel; including the luxury Kandolhu Island Maldives, offer diving and snorkeling facilities.

Island Hopping

What is more adventurous that exploring secluded islands? There are many islands in the Maldives that remain uninhabited and completely taken over by nature. Exploring these islands is fun as well as exciting and you never know hidden secrets await you at these islands! Island hopping is immensely popular in the Maldives and many hotels and resorts offer you your own boat so you can hop on all the islands you want.

Speed!

If you are speed-freak then the water sports of Maldives are sure to give you all the excitement you need. You can ride of speeding jet skis, high powered glass-bottom boats, or ski on the water while being tugged by a speedboat! The speed, combined with the experience of exploring the waters and the islands of the Maldives is as adventurous as it can get.

Wreck Diving

Sharks aren’t your thing? No worries; just plot out the many wrecks on the seabed of the Maldives and take the plunge and explore these relics of the past. Wrecks such as the British Royalty are well worth visiting.

Adam’s Peak

The much venerated Adam’s Peak is regarded as Sri Lanka’s holy mountain, attracting a steady stream of devotees – in addition to many sightseers – who gladly make the demanding trek to the summit of the mountain. The focus of the reverence is the enigmatic feature that is found at the mountain’s peak, which Buddhists regard as the footprint of Buddha. Other religions provide their own interpretations of the sacred footprint. As you plan your visit to Adam’s Peak, an attractive choice of accommodation would be Nuwara Eliya holiday bungalows such as the appealing The Cottage by Jetwing. This attractive accommodation makes an ideal base from which to head out on your adventures.

Many Sri Lankans of all ages undertake the challenging climb to the summit of Adam’s Peak. For most the objective is to reach the summit in time for the sunrise which is a remarkable natural phenomenon that is shrouded in mystery. Most pilgrims also visit the shrine that may be found at the summit of the mountain.

You will find that the climb to the peak may be commenced from either Dalhousie or Ratnapura, with the former being the shorter and more popular option. You will have no problem locating the path to the top as you will find a host of souvenir stalls and teashops lining the route. As you commence the hike you will see a line of alluring lights stretching all the way to the top of the mountain.

The ascent to the top of the mountain takes some time, but you will find many tea shops and snack stalls on the way if you desire to replenish your energies. The objective is to reach the summit in time for the sunrise, when the sun projects the mountain’s shadow onto the billowing clouds and countryside below. Climbing Adam’s Peak is always a remarkable and rewarding experience that is sure to capture the imagination of the adventurous visitor.

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+

Jungle Trekking in Tioman Island

Tioman Island Malaysia has so much to offer in terms of beautiful environs, gorgeous beaches, glistening oceans and underwater adventures. Jungle trekking into the verdant folds of the island is by far one of the most popular. The best way to enjoy this activity is to base yourself close to the many Tioman attractions. A resort sitting on the golden sandy beaches of Tioman is the Berjaya Tioman Resort.
This fabulous tropical escape boasts beach frontage, access to an ocean thriving with all manner of marine life and misty blue hills in the background – What more could a soul long for. Well for instance the Berjaya Tioman Resort is complete with traditional Malaysian styles chalets and luxury suites which are hidden away in the lush folds of the resorts garden. Perfect for families, couples or individuals each room is tastefully furnished and promise the ultimate in comfort. Enjoy a range of leisure facilities aimed at the whole family. There’s tennis, cycling, snorkelling, diving, boat charters, an 18 hole golf course and a whole gamut of options. Look forward to the utterly relaxing confines of the Tioman resorts – spa; while jungle trekking is another leisure service offered by the hotel.
Jungle trekking in Tioman is a whole new adventure for the whole family. There are various trail options to choose from; for instance if you are travelling as a family there are short tracks that take you past lots of wildlife that promise to impress all members of the family.

Tioman Island | Swiss Cottage Tioman swiss-cottage-tioman.com — Tioman Island | Swiss Cottage Tioman
swiss-cottage-tioman.com

Nature lovers can take the trek across Genting and Paya Villages where you can absorb the traditions and culture of the simple island villagers, trek through the verdant rainforests, admire the unusual flora and fauna and explore the beautiful highlands, from where you are afforded with stunning views of the water below.
Adventure lovers can take on the jungle trak between the villages of Tekek and Juara the 7km rather isolated track is one for all nature lovers. This trek generally lasts around 4 hours and is well rewarded with sights of exotic birds, lizards, cheeky monkeys and unusual insects.

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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Water Excursions in Praslin

The island nation of Seychelles, located close to the African continent is famous all around the world and is considered safe for travelers apart from being exquisitely beautiful. One stay at a hotel Praslin Seychelles is all it takes to understand the warmth, hospitality and suitability of the country as a tourist destination. The island of Praslin is located to the northwest of the largest island of Seychelles and one of the relatively more populous of the islands. Nevertheless, some of the grand residences such as the Berjaya Praslin Resort are located on this island due to its unstinted beaches and green hilly terrain.
A few days in sunny Praslin entails an endless journey through water, in water, and around water. Therefore always pack plenty of beachwear, sunscreen lotion, sun hats, bath towels and shades when you head this way. You could commence with a quiet cruise in a medium sized boat; first along a river, then in the choppy sea and finally dock at a different island or a different part of Praslin itself. The scuba diving experience should not be missed while you are here as you would be able to find wreckages of ships many feet underwater in the area close to Praslin. The experts of the area will be able to guide you to precise locations and they would be able to let you rent their gear as well. Learn to paddle and pop up on your surfboard as the rippling waves are safe and challenging both. There are plenty of places that would offer surfing lessons if that is the next item on your ‘must – dos’.

Water excursions |Seychelles Cruises www.seychelles-cruises.com — Water excursions |Seychelles Cruises
www.seychelles-cruises.com

The river excursions are as attractive and popular as the ocean wave excursions with both calm flows of water and rapids with unexpected undercurrents. The rafting experience in Praslin would depend on your appetite for adventure or relaxation. You should choose a long winded float along a slow flowing river if you want to relax and don on all the safety gear if you hop into a raft where the waters are rough.

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+

Langkawi Cable Car

The duty-free archipelago of Langkawi located in the Andaman Sea and owned by Malaysia is populated sparingly with many of the tiny islands uninhabited. However, the main island of Langkawi where most of the action takes place is replete with the most resplendent opportunities for tourists where they get to take a number of rides in the sky and in the water, a 3D Art Museum and much more. The excitement doesn’t stop there as visitors can indulge in the comforts offered by a hotel in Langkawi while everything else goes on. This string of islands experiences good rainfall during the months of September and October and the vegetation is luscious. In spite of the millions of tourists that call over each year the island remains beautifully green throughout, a remark made quite often by those who reap the most benefits of staying at Berjaya Langkawi Resort.
The Langkawi cable car is unlike the usual rides in the sky as one can choose between taking a sky cab which is a tiny capsule that transports people along a steep incline for 440m. Each cabin which is known as a gondola can accommodate 06 passengers, but if you wish to you could request a private gondola. There is only one stop en route to the summit and it is best that you do not alight at this intersection since the top most cable car station allows you to enjoy the unhampered splendour of Mount Machinchang. Food and drink are not permitted during these rides which usually commence at 09.30 am each day and go on until 07.00 pm. The administration takes maintenance related matters very seriously, hence always check the availability of the cable car operation prior to scheduling your trip.

For those who find this enclosed cable car too mainstream, there is always the option to choose the glass Sky Glide. The glass panels on all sides permit the travelers to enjoy the scenic views of the mountain range as the unit moves up and down on a track.

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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Explore to your heart’s content

The playground of Townsville, Image Courtesy: sureplay

Although home to over 2500 people, it is the furry residents of the Magnetic Islands, along with its breath-taking beauty that allures the traveller. The Magnetic Islands are located offshore Townsville, in Queensland and comprises of a total area of 52km2. There is much to do here, and much to see, that it is a favourite destination of everyone, no matter their type of accommodation. Townsville – of which the Magnetic Islands is the playground – offers many places to stay, for example Oaks M on Palmer, all located within easy reach of the islands.

Northern Australia’s largest colony of koala bears reside in the Magnetic Islands, among the eucalypt forests and the rugged landscape. In fact, two thirds of the island is a National Park that is home to 166 different species. You can simply stroll under the canopies, enjoying the nature and carried life it offers as there are 25km of walking tracks snaking through the park.

If you are on the lookout for something more than a mere walk into nature’s wonders, if you are seeking a bit of a thrill, there are plenty of activities available on the island. You can get on a boat and ride around the island on boat trips; go on a guided tour to find out the history, culture and importance of the island; engage in water sports – jet skiing, scuba diving; fish for salt for species in the gorgeous waters that surround the island; play golf; or hire a topless car and wander to your heart’s content.

The Magnetic Islands is an amazing destination that somehow manages to enthral every type of visitor. From watching cuddly koalas to walking under glorious greens to plunging into the wondrous waters of the island, there is much to explore here, to your heart’s content.

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+

Venetian Pool

The Venetian Pool is the only swimming pool on the National Register of Historic Places. Located in the city of Coral Gables, founded in the nineteen twenties, it is a city 45 minutes south of Miami.

The Venetian Pool is a public pool but looks nothing of a sort because of the Venetian-style lagoon carved out of a coral rock. This former rock quarry was turned into the Venetian Pool in 1924, then called the “Venetian Casino,” and has remained the most beautiful and unique public pool in the country. Palm trees surround the Venetian Pool and the roaring waterfall drowns all sounds of traffic out – there’s not a building in sight. Even if you are staying in a luxury hotel in Miami Beach such as the Metropolitan by COMO, Miami Beach take some time to take a dip in the Venetian Pool.

The pool is filled with fresh water from an underground aquifer, which is surrounded by the original coral rock. The surrounding of the pool is unlike any other with caves, waterfalls and little nooks carved into the coral and sandy area where you can enjoy being dry. What stands out the most about the pool is that the water used is free of any chemicals and it is refilled from the fresh water from artesian wells.

The Venetian pool is very popular amongst kids and young locals who reserve it for birthday parties and special holidays. For young children and beginners you find the shallow kiddy area connected to the main pool by the island. You also get dark caves and waterfalls, which are located on the far side of the pool.The Venetian pool is a lovely place to catch up on reading or lounge on in the sun and a good alternative to the beach.

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+

Diving with Manta Rays in Maldives

The wealth of sea life in the Maldives makes it one of the top diving destinations in the world and one of its biggest underwater attractions is the manta rays. Getting the chance to swim with manta rays is one of the most memorable experiences you can have; they move so gracefully, almost like an aquatic ballet, gently soaring through the tranquil blue waters.

Growing up to 9 meters wide, these exotic looking sea creatures assemble in large numbers annually, between May and June in several locations around the Maldives, even swimming quite close to numerous Maldives Resorts and hotels. The manta rays gather here to feed on the abundance of plankton and can be seen at “cleaning stations” near reefs, where the small cleaner wrasse fish remove parasites and clean gill cavities.
Most of the luxury resorts here, like the Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas, offer special snorkelling and diving excursions to watch the manta rays in their natural habitat. It’s not unusual to sight large schools of over 100 manta rays feeding in the shallow surface waters. These extraordinary feeding masses are unique to the Maldives and are considered one of the world’s most remarkable natural underwater events.

Manta rays are naturally inquisitive creatures and are not bothered by human presence; they may even approach and swim around you, that is if you can control your enthusiasm and stay still for long enough to enjoy the spell binding sight. However, be warned, in areas heavily frequented by divers, they have become very wary and won’t come near you but you can still enjoy the sight of them swimming around. If you’re lucky enough to experience the truly magical feeling of being in the midst of these beautiful sea creatures as they glide through the water, consider your Maldivian retreat well spent.

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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