Author: auburn

Top 5 things to do in Bali

Bali, a tropical paradise blessed with immense natural splendour, has long been a tourists’ favourite. Not only is it home to numerous attractions, it also offers plenty of things to do. First and foremost be based at a Nusa Dua resort such as the reputed he Laguna Resort & Spa Nusa Dua Bali which is noted as an exceptional luxury resort Bali has to offer. Why not take some time to interact with the friendly locals, sampling delectable local dishes at various eateries. Also make it a point to witness some of the colourful local festivals such as the Bali Arts Festival which features vibrant cultural performances and activities. A holiday in Bali would not be complete without learning some surfing on the Kuta beach; it is bound to provide the right amount of adventure to your vacation in this part of Indonesia.

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. Google+

Verdant Scenes

Among Bali’s sublime scenery is its rice terraces formed along the natural contours of hills. They impart a distinct emerald green tint to the landscape especially when the paddy stalks are fully grown. While the paddy fields that are found in the valleys of the island are attractive in their own right it is the rice terraces cascading down hillsides that offer the best photo opportunities and capture the imagination of visitors.

Some of these rice terraces and fields have been cultivated for thousands of years as rice has always been the staple food of the Balinese. Traditional rice terraces together with the rural landscape in some districts have even been nominated as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites. The most attractive rice terraces popular with trekkers are the well tended green fields of Tegallalang village in Ubud central Bali, the rice fields of Pupuan, Jatiluwih, Tabanan and Tirtagangga that are set off by borders of lush green trees.

Treks among the rice fields and terraces are part of the many walking tours available in Bali. These tours not only take visitors through the rice fields they are also an excellent way to be introduced to the culture, ecology, food and even archaeology of Bali. It is inevitable that a rice paddy trek will go through the village that owns and cultivates the paddy fields and terraces. Depending on the season visitors may have the opportunity of seeing rural folk at work ploughing fields, planting rice by hand, harvesting and threshing in traditional ways.

This is also an excellent way to get acquainted with Balinese mythology and religious beliefs as every paddy field and irrigation system however small has a divine connection and shrines and temples are common features close to and in paddy fields and along irrigation systems. Many villages also have temples they patronise close by and each home as its own shrine. Meeting villagers going about the daily chores, visiting a rural Balinese family and eating a traditional Balinese meal is part of such adventures. Many visitors comment on the absence of the usual city noises during these treks. They come away having witnessed an ancient way of life that has changed little over the centuries. Remaining hydrated throughout the trek under humid weather conditions is something to keep in mind.

Anantara Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa cascading down a lime stone cliff offers a dramatic setting from which to enjoy the surroundings. Among the many facilities and services at one of prominent Uluwatu hotels are amazing accommodation options ranging from superb contemporary two and three bedroom oceanfront and garden villas and oceanfront condos to themed dining venues and spa cabanas that offer heavenly rejuvenating therapies. As one of exclusive Bali resorts guests also enjoy conveniences that are particular to this property alone.

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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Ride the Rapids of Bali

Located between Java and Lombok is the popular Indonesian island of Bali. Considered to be one of Indonesia’s most famous tourist destinations, Bali offers a great combination of a tropical climate, stunning scenic beauty and a unique culture. Visitors of the island can enjoy its beautiful beaches, breath-taking landscapes and its many cultural attractions; inclusive of traditional and modern dance and arts.
Bali, being an exotic and tropical island, also offers a wide range of recreational and leisure activities to choose from. Of these one of the most exciting and exhilarating activities is white water rafting. White water rafting involves rafting through raging rapids and waves of rivers and is considered to be a truly adrenaline pumping extreme sport. If you enjoy riding the cool raging waters of tropical rivers with stunning tropical scenery in the background, then head on down to Bali and ride the rapids!
The island has many service providers and operators who offer white water rafting facilities, making it rather easy to plan our a day with the rapids. Bali has many famous white water rafting routes that travel through various jungles and other attractions, which give the white water rafting experience an adventurous aspect too.
Three of the best sites to engage in white water rafting in Bali are the Ayung River, the Telaga Waja River and the Melanggit River. One can experience the thrills of this sport at these rivers, as they all contain rapids which range from level 2 to level 4! Of these rivers the Telega Waja River is the most challenging and is sure to test your physical and mental strength. The white water rafting operators of the island are certified institutions and will ensure your safety while you engage in this exciting and thrilling activity, so you can go ahead and enjoy yourself to the maximum. So, for a thrilling and exhilarating experience in the area, ride the rapids of the rivers of this paradise.
Anantara Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa is one of the most sought after of Bali resorts that one might consider staying at. The resort affords a variety of fine restaurants, spa therapies and recreational and leisure facilities making it one of the most ideal Uluwatu hotels for a tranquil and soothing vacation.

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. Google+

Kayaking at Khao Daeng

The green waters of the Khao Daeng trail are ripped apart by the speeding kayak, as the paddles beat down the helpless mass over and over again, as it pushes you forward to reveal her wonders, fringing on the shores. Kayaking at Khao Daeng is truly a great experience to have, as sweat begins to glow on arm and brow and wonders of nature are admired and beheld.

Khao Daeng is famous for the adrenaline rush that its kayaking experiences render to the bold ones who venture in to her deeps. The mangrove trails fringing the shores are wonderfully rich with wild life and habitats of the creatures who call it their home. This sight of the life of the wild is a bonus on offer to the ones who kayak at Khao Daeng and its memory will be cherished for years.

For many finned and winged creatures, this mangrove is a familiar place, as they sleep here, bring up their young here and feed here. Creatures in the form of Mud Skippers and Crabs lie safely submerged in her green water cover while Kingfishers and Egrets are spotted by man, spotting those lying low and making a feast of fine things in their own heartless way. Monitor Lizards lurking around gleefully will also be spotted by the lucky ones.

Finding accommodation in and around this place of absolute bliss is not too difficult as it is a famed tourist destination. Hua hin, owns a pristine stretch of beach while many reaching exciting spots such as the Khao Daeng route are easily reached from the city, hence it is a most frequently visited destination in the great country of Thailand.

Luxury and comforts also await those who choose to stay at the many five star Hua Hin hotels. Out of these, Anantara Hua Hin Thailand Resort is in the lead and is undoubtedly a recommendable hotel. Hua Hin beckons with its many experiences and enjoyments, complemented by the warmth and tradition of the great people of Thailand and can be explored to ones heart’s content, to take back home memories to cherish for a lifetime indeed.

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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One of Maldives’ Best Dive Sites

Located just south of Sri Lanka is the archipelagic nation of Maldives. Considered to the one of the most popular tourist destinations is the world, the Maldives is home to some of the best beaches and coral reefs in the world. With a thriving hospitality and tourism industry, the Maldives is a great place to enjoy hours at the beach and engaging in aqua activities and indulging in exotic tropical comforts.
The waters of the Maldives are clear and turquoise. The waters are warm due to the tropical climate of the Maldives, and are home to a great number of underwater attractions such as coral reefs and marine life; making it a great place for diving. However divers are not only limited to seeing corals and fish in the waters of the Maldives, and can even explore some of the mysterious wrecks in the Maldives, one of which is the wreck of the Skipjack II.
Located just east of Felivaru Kandu, the wreck of the Skipjack II is one of the Maldives most popular wreck diving sights. This Japanese ship, which was used by the Felivaru tuna canning industry, was decided to be scuttled in 1985, and was to be towed out deeper for this purpose. However, before the ship could be towed out into the sea, a fire erupted on the ship due to scuttling process, and the ship was abandoned before it was towed in deep sea. Therefore the Skipjack sank, stern-first, is the shallow waters of the Maldives. The waters were so shallow that the ship’s stern hit the seabed and dug into the sand, making the wreck stand vertical with its bow end sticking out of the water. A dive to this wreck promises to be both exciting and thrilling and will let divers witness the well intact structure of this hulk of a wreck.
Nestled on one of the beautiful islands of the Maldives with white sandy beaches and overlooking clear turquoise water is the Anantara Naladhu Maldives. Belonging to the internationally reputed Anantara Resorts and Hotels, this Maldives hotel offers accommodation in a range of villas, pool houses and ocean houses, equipped with a range of luxury amenities. Guests can also enjoy a host of recreational and leisure facilities, spa treatment, and exquisite culinary delights, making it one of the most recommendable Maldives island resorts.

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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Enjoy Arabian Adventure Tours

Arab is known for bringing heaps of memorable experiences with its striking contrasts and unique surprises. If seeking a hotel in Doha give Millennium Hotel Doha a try, as a Doha hotel of this calibre always ensures a delightful stay. If you intend to make the most of your holiday be it a solo adventure or family getaway, Arabian adventure tours are a must try. The tours will include a camel ride along the dramatic sand dunes. Savour exotic regional cuisine as the dusk sets in. Desert camping is also an option during when you will be entertained by the performance of a belly dancer as you feast on traditional delicacies.

 

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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Dambulla Cave Temple

Visiting Sri Lanka on a leisure holiday? Then first and foremost base yourself at one of the hotels in Sigiriya Sri Lanka such as Aliya Resort & Spa. Ideally located resorts in Sri Lanka ensure ease of access to prominent local attractions.
A scared site home to the world’s most highly praised cave complex consisting of colourful rock paintings and Buddha images, Dambulla Cave Temple is a significant historical and religious landmark in the island of Sri Lanka. Also referred to as the Dambulla Cave Temple, is it located in the central part of the country. Being Sri Lanka’s best-preserved and largest cave complex, the rock soars to a height of about 160 metres over the landscape. There is said to be over 80 documented caves around with its top attractions being spread over five caves containing paintings and statues.

Sailing in Doha

Traveller to Doha has a plethora of must try activities. It is essential to find an ideally located Doha Qatar hotel such as Kingsgate Hotel Doha, an exemplary hotel Doha has to offer. Sailing is considered to be one of the world’s oldest sports. Now you can indulge in this exciting leisure activity when in Doha. Additionally you also have the options of rowing, windsurfing, kayaking and kite-boarding which said to be a surface water sport in which you will use a board with foot-straps and a large controllable kite that propels you and the board across the water. Whatever the sport you choose to indulge in be sure to apply sunscreen and wear a pair of sunglasses and a hat, since it is usually quite sunny in the region.

Wildlife of Bali Calling to Her Admirers in the Many Voices of the Wild

Hidden in the westernmost end of the Lesser Sunda Islands, lies the beautiful island of Bali, wrapped in her charm of the sea, with a voice of the wild untamed. Although Bali is the smallest province of Indonesia, it is the largest tourist destination of the country, and has been so for many decades in the past.

This little island is indeed a treasure trove for those who love the four legged or winged creatures that call the forest their home. Some creatures that roam the deep green jungles are endemic, some are endangered, while the rest are beautiful too to behold in their comforting abundance. Almost 14% of Bali is sacred to these creatures to roam free, undisturbed by their common greatest enemy, the man. These initiatives have ensured that the wildlife of Bali, is a thriving one.

The many little balls with colorful feathers that chirp on leafy branches and pick up fallen twigs to build their crude nests, are all relatives of the family of around 280 species of birds in Bali. Out of these, the Bali Starling with her black tipped tail is one especial, as the bird is critically endangered and endemic. Sacred Kingfisher, Stork billed Kingfisher, Sea Eagle, Lesser Adjutant, Dollarbird, Black Racket-tailed Treepie, Black-naped Oriole, Java Sparrow, Crested serpent-eagle, Yellow- vented Bulbul and the Great Egret are some of the many wonderful feathered creatures that roam the Balinese skies.

Mammals including the wild Banteng, Javan Rusa deer, Wild Boar, Indian Muntjac, Leopard Cat, Sunda Pangolin and Black Giant Squirrel inhabit the forests of Bali. However its greatest treasure, the majestic creature called Bali Tiger that was endemic to the island, was driven to extinction by poaching and habitat reduction in the year 1930. It is however unforgotten by the Balinese, while the skins and bones of the last of the kind sprawl lifelessly in museums around the world.

Squirrels and Monkeys spread their witty cheer amid the trees in their numbers while snakes such as King Cobra, Reticulated Python and Water Monitor along with spiders govern with fear. Bats remain well represented and are worshipped too, at Goa Lawah (Temple of the Bats) by the locals.

The waters of Bali also provide a home for many marine species like Hawksbill Turtle, Giant Manta Ray, Bumphead Parrot Fish, Hammerhead Shark, sea snakes and Dolphins.

The beauty of Bali can be explored while indulging in the opulence of the many hotels of the island. Out of these Uma belonging to the luxury hotel group of COMO Hotels and Resorts is highly recommendable, being an award winning hotel as well.

Explore Wildlife in Singapore

Singapore is a destination most renowned for its modern tourist attractions. However there is also a good diversity of wildlife in the region. It is crucial to find a centrally situated luxury resort Singapore if you plan on making the most of your holiday. An ideal choice in this regard is W Singapore Sentosa Cove, a truly exceptional Sentosa resort Singapore has to offer. Despite the country’s rapid urbanization, it has managed to preserve the majority of its fauna in a number of nature reserves. You can expect to witness nearly 60 mammal species, about 164 resident bird species, almost 108 species of reptiles which includes roughly 60 snake species. Also be sure to catch glimpse of amphibians, yet another set of species which adds to the local wildlife diversity.

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. Google+