auburn | The Adventure Travel Site

Unveiling Dubai’s Hidden Gem: A Journey Through Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood

Dubai glitters with modern marvels, but amongst the skyscrapers lies a remnant of history – the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. This charming district transports you back to a bygone era, offering a glimpse into Dubai’s traditional way of life.

Echoes of the Past

Wandering through narrow alleys is one of the best things to do in Dubai, as these buildings are lined with coral and stone houses adorned with wind towers. Once a natural air conditioning system, these architectural marvels stand as testaments to the region’s ingenuity. Explore the Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House, a former residence of the ruling family, now a museum showcasing Dubai’s rich heritage.

أمين علوان, Saeed Al Maktoum House – photo with the area around, CC BY-SA 4.0

Museums and Art Galleries

Immerse yourself in Dubai’s cultural heritage through the numerous museums and art galleries housed in Al Fahidi. Explore the Dubai Museum, housed in the Al Fahidi Fort, to delve into the city’s fascinating past. Browse contemporary art at private galleries or discover traditional Emirati crafts at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding. If you’re staying at Anantara World Islands Dubai, make your way to the historic neighbourhood, it’s only a short car ride away.

Unique Cafes and Modern Boutiques

Take a break from your historical exploration and enjoy a cup of Arabic coffee at a charming traditional cafe. For a touch of modern Dubai, explore the trendy boutiques showcasing local and international designers. Al Fahidi offers a delightful blend of past and present.

Traditional Souks

Step into a world of spices, perfumes, and textiles at the nearby Shindagha and Deira Souks. Haggling is encouraged, adding a touch of local flavour to your souvenir shopping experience.

How to Enjoy Unforgettable Experiences in Desaru Coast – Making Memories to Cherish for a Lifetime

Desaru Coast isn’t just a beach destination, it’s a playground for exciting experiences! From sun-soaked adventures to thrilling waterparks and enchanting natural wonders, this idyllic hideaway in the Malaysian state of Johor offers something for everyone.

Spend Fun Times at the Beach

Enjoy a sublime sun-kissed shoreline, easily accessible if you buy a luxury villa at properties like Anantara Desaru Coast Residences. You can build sandcastles with the kids, strike up a game of beach volleyball or football, or unwind with some yoga on the sand. The ocean beckons for a refreshing dip, while you can also try water sports such as stand-up paddleboarding, kite surfing, or windsurfing during the season.

Enjoy the Thrills of Adventure Waterpark

Get your adrenaline pumping at the fun-filled Adventure Waterpark, a must-visit for families who have bought a nearby Desaru villa for sale. This aquatic wonderland features rides and slides catering to all ages and thrill levels. Take on heart-stopping plunges on “Kraken’s Revenge” or “Wild Whirl,”, experience one of the largest wave pools in the world, or simply drift down the lazy river for a leisurely float!

Visit the Firefly Valley Leisure Park

Experience the magic of nature at the Firefly Valley Leisure Park in Kota Tinggi, a short distance from Desaru Coast. As day turns into night, embark on a captivating river cruise to mangrove forests which transform into a wonderland right out of a fairytale; witness the mesmerising spectacle of thousands of fireflies illuminating the landscape with their bioluminescent glow.

Chongkian, Firefly Valley Leisure Park, CC BY-SA 4.0

Explore the Desaru Fruit Farm

Spread over 180 acres, the Desaru Fruit Farm offers a delightful escape into a world of tropical abundance. Explore orchards full of delicious local fruits like jackfruit, honey orange, water guava, and the king of fruits, durian! You can also sample raw honey straight from beehives, embark on a thrilling ATV ride, or keep the little ones entertained with a visit to the site’s fishpond and petting zoo.

Experience Abu Dhabi’s Thrilling Desert Adventures: Escape the city and discover a world of adventure!

Sparkling skyscrapers and opulent hotels may dominate Abu Dhabi’s skyline, but beyond the city’s dazzling facade lies a vast and captivating desert landscape. When in Abu Dhabi, things to do go far beyond the glitz and glamour of the city. This golden terrain offers a playground for adventure seekers, with activities that will ignite your senses and create lasting memories.

Unleash Your Inner Thrill Seeker: Dune Bashing Extravaganza

Experience an adrenaline rush with a dune-bashing adventure. Climb aboard a sturdy 4WD vehicle and conquer towering dunes, feeling the rush of excitement as you navigate the undulating terrain. Hold on tight as your experienced driver expertly maneuvers the vehicle.

Embrace the Serenity: Desert Camping Under the Stars

Escape the city lights and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the desert night. Join a desert camping experience and settle into a traditional Bedouin camp, adorned with plush carpets and comfortable seating. As the sun dips below the horizon, witness a breathtaking display of colours painting the sky. Guests staying at Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara can be part of this experience.

Explore the Past: Camel Trek Through History

Embark on a unique journey through time with a traditional camel trek. These gentle giants have been a vital part of desert life for centuries, and a camel ride offers a chance to experience the desert landscape at a slower pace. Connect with the rich history of the Bedouin people as you explore ancient desert routes and hidden oases.

Sandboarding Spectacle: Carve Your Way Down the Dunes

Channel your inner Olympian and try your hand at sandboarding. After mastering the art of balancing on the board, conquer towering dunes and experience the thrill of carving your way down the slopes. Sandboarding offers a fun and exhilarating way to explore the desert terrain and enjoy the vastness of the landscape.

Collinsalex2, Sandboarding on the dunes, CC BY-SA 4.0

Unveiling the Mysteries: Falconry Demonstration

Witness the ancient art of falconry and be captivated by the majestic power of these desert predators. Learn about the fascinating history of falconry in the UAE and observe a skilled falconer demonstrate the incredible hunting skills of these birds. This unique experience offers a glimpse into the Bedouin tradition of training and utilising falcons for hunting and companionship.

Exploring the Maldives – The Best Maldives Excursions

The Maldives offers a plethora of excursions that cater to both adventure seekers and those looking for relaxation. Here are some of the top excursions to consider for an unforgettable Maldivian experience.

Dive with Manta Rays

Diving with manta rays is a must-do activity in the Maldives. These marine creatures can be found in various dive spots, particularly around the atolls of Baa and Ari. The experience of watching these magnificent creatures glide gracefully through the water is truly mesmerizing. Manta ray dives are typically offered from May to November, during the southwest monsoon when plankton is most abundant, attracting large groups of mantas.

Dolphin Watching

Dolphin watching is another popular excursion in the Maldives. The best time for this activity is during the early morning or late afternoon when dolphins are most active. Excursions in Maldives usually involve a boat trip where you can see spinner dolphins performing acrobatic displays. The sight of these playful creatures in their natural habitat is delightful and offers great photo opportunities. Many resorts like The Residence Maldives offer dolphin-watching trips, ensuring you have a chance to witness these amazing animals up close.

Snorkelling Safaris

Snorkelling safaris are perfect for exploring the vibrant underwater world of the Maldives without the need for diving equipment. These safaris typically take you to several snorkelling spots where you can see colourful coral reefs, schools of tropical fish, and sometimes even turtles and sharks. The Maldives’ clear waters provide excellent visibility, making it easy to appreciate the beauty of the marine environment. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced snorkeler, these safaris offer a thrilling adventure.

Tobias Spitaler, Snorkeling (183990027), CC BY 3.0

Island Hopping

Island hopping is an excellent way to explore the diverse landscapes and cultures of the Maldives. This excursion allows you to visit local islands, uninhabited islands, and resort islands, each offering a unique experience. On local islands, you can immerse yourself in Maldivian culture, visit traditional fishing villages, and enjoy local cuisine. Uninhabited islands provide a perfect setting for a private picnic or a day of relaxation on a pristine beach. Island hopping tours offer a comprehensive way to experience the Maldives beyond the typical resort stay.

Spend a day in Doha for 24 hrs – A day in the life of Doha!

Doha, the capital city of Qatar, is a beautiful amalgamation of traditional Arabian culture and modern development. The city is an ideal destination for travellers who wish to experience the Arabian way of life while enjoying the luxuries of modern amenities. If you plan to visit Doha, here’s how to spend a day in the city for 24 hours.

Morning

Begin your day by visiting the iconic Museum of Islamic Art, which is a beautiful architectural masterpiece. The museum houses an extensive collection of Islamic art, including ceramics, textiles, and metalwork.

After the museum, head to the Souq Waqif, which is a traditional marketplace in the heart of Doha. Here, you can shop for traditional Arabian clothes, spices, perfumes and souvenirs.

Next, take a stroll along the beautiful Corniche promenade, which is a perfect spot for a morning jog or a leisurely walk.

Afternoon

For lunch, head to one of the many restaurants in the city that serve authentic Qatari cuisine. You can also opt for international cuisine if you prefer.

In the afternoon, visit the Katara Cultural Village, which is a hub for arts, culture, and entertainment. The village has various cultural buildings, such as an opera house, theatres, and galleries.

Evening

In the evening, you can watch the mesmerising sunset over the desert from the iconic Torch Tower. You can also enjoy a delicious meal at the tower’s revolving restaurant. A meal with a stunning view is always welcome – as the saying goes, you eat with your eyes.

Night

Finally, you can end your day at the Al Najada Doha Hotel Apartments By Oaks, one of the many serviced apartments Doha offers. There are many hotels located conveniently in the city’s heart that offer luxurious amenities and services for you to choose from.

Cruising Down the Dubai Creek or Marina – An Aquatic Adventure to Cherish

Garnering a reputation as a commercial city of ultramodern architecture, luxury shopping and endless entertainment, Dubai has made its mark as a highly sought-after tourist destination. Cruise down the waterways in the city that never sleeps as you choose the Dhow Cruise as your next entertainment activity in Dubai.

What Is It?

Reflective of the city’s history of sailing vessels that carried goods to the Arabian Gulf, the Dhow Cruises in Dubai are often led by dhow captains waiting to earn an extra buck from tourism, a result of the increasing popularity of container vessels to transport goods and services, compelling them to turn to other sources of income. This offers tourists of 5-star resorts in Dubai as well as other hotels an opportunity to secure an action-packed cruise featuring dinner, functioned by several operators.

Features

The Dhow Cruises are located within city limits, neighbouring most lodgings like Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort. Daytime cruises are often inclusive of a sightseeing tour of the city from the Dubai Creek or the marina while the night-time cruise features music and a buffet amidst blinding lights. While the basic offerings in all Dhow Cruises are similar, guests are advised to compare packages and prices of different operators prior to confirming the cruise.

Image via Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort

Your Options

Your options for the Dhow Cruise lie in the night-time and daytime, at the Dubai Creek or marina. Contemporary travellers are likely to prefer the option of a Dhow Cruise at the marina where sights are glamorous and modern, while the old souls may savour memories cruising down the Dubai Creek beside the historic centre of the city.

The Ideal Time

Dubai is a city blessed with sunshine all year round, making a tour of the city rather tolerable at any time. However, November through April is the ideal time for a vacation, if one wishes to avoid excessive amounts of heat. While cruise prices tend to rise during this season, the packages remain the same. Most operators offer both daytime and night-time cruises with a range of features to choose from.

Your Kayaking Adventure in Abu Dhabi – A Journey Through the Still Waters

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE is not only a commercial city known for its skyscrapers and oil exports but is also an active tourism destination offering an excitement-filled vacation to travellers all around the world. Kayaking has become a recent favourite among the many activities offered to visitors in Abu Dhabi and here are some of the top kayaking spots in the city to explore.

Photo by Hillebrand Steve, USFWS on Pixnio

Kayaking in the Mangroves

A vacation at Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort is a guaranteed pass to plunge into a range of water sports. Therefore, kayaking in the mangroves has become one of the most sought-after activities in Abu Dhabi for leisure and entertainment. Kayaking through the mangroves is a doorway to catch glimpses of migratory birds, rare animals, mammals and vibrant marine life.

Private Adventures

Private kayaking adventures can often be organised by the resort, hotel or tour company by contacting a help desk. A tailored tour to glide your way into kayaking is perhaps the best method to explore the waters at your own pace. All private kayaking adventures will be guided by a professional who will allow tourists to move at a comfortable pace and offer advice on adventure goals and interests based on one’s experience level.

Sir Bani Yas Island Kayaking

Sign up for some nature-based sightseeing in Sir Bani Yas Island as you kayak your way to aquatic pleasure. The waterways amid the thriving mangroves of Sir Bani Yas Island reconnect with the sea, offering breathtaking sights of rare creatures, and migratory birds, as well as a sneak, peek into the marine life along the way.

Louvre Abu Dhabi

The routes, packages and tours that offer kayaking experiences to tourists are many. Louvre Abu Dhabi is not only a museum that represents the contemporary Arab world but also a hub of excitement for its visitors. The museum offers guests an opportunity to go kayaking around the museum in the stillness of the Arabian Sea. This unusual tour offers a new perspective of the museum as one circle around this marvellous structure.

Set Off on a Desert Hike – A Beginner’s Tips for Survival

Explore the desert landscape for a thrilling ride in the golden dunes on a sunny day. While these terrains will offer an action-packed adventure to whoever chooses to venture out into the desert, it is also important that one is equipped and dessert-ready for a hike.

Stay Hydrated

It is no secret that your desert adventures will not involve any natural source of water. Therefore, staying hydrated is among the most important factors to adhere to, when setting off on a desert safari from your vacation lodging at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara. The harsh environment in the desert gives minimal shade and is likely to be a scorching experience, therefore, carrying plenty of replenishing juices, water and snacks to munch on will help keep you hydrated and energised to explore miles and miles into the desert.

Image via Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara

Choose Off Times

Whether you are setting off on a desert safari or a hike, the rule of thumb is to avoid peak hours. Summer heat in the deserts usually climbs up to three digits and will not treat one kindly. Therefore, expert hikers choose their timings wisely. The ideal times for a hike in the desert would be early morning or late afternoon when there is shade and less heat.

Protection is Key

A desert’s biggest threat to a hiker is the sun. Therefore, the right items of clothing and sun protection should be chosen to survive the heat. Be sure to include sunscreen, sunglasses, hats and loose-fitting synthetic clothes to keep you protected from the scorching sun. It is advisable that sunscreen be applied every 1-2 hours in order to avoid sunburns and poisoning.

Be on the Lookout

A desert is not simply an empty land of grains but also a home for some of the most poisonous creatures known to man. Therefore, desert hikers are often warned to be on the lookout for rattlesnakes, scorpions, poisonous lizards and tarantulas who can camouflage themselves in the desert dunes. Therefore, do a thorough check of your sleeping bag before use and avoid sticking your hand in any wet or cold places.

Solo Traveling in Ao Nang, Krabi – Enjoy the Solitude!

Located in Southern Thailand in Krabi Province, Ao Nang is a small town filled with adventures for a solo traveller. The vibe is amazing, and the people are always welcoming. Here are some tips to make your journey of solitude easier.

Where to Stay

Solo travellers are more than welcome on the island, and there are plenty of Ao Nang beach hotels that will happily accommodate you. Try resorts like Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort where you can find good deals for solo travelling, while you indulge in freedom and relaxation.

What to Eat

You can try all the Thai food and a few local fusion dishes during your stay in Ao Nang. Most restaurants will look simple and humble; however, the taste of the food will blow your mind! The authentic dishes made with fresh ingredients and island spices will keep you craving for more.

What to Visit

You can try visiting a few Buddhist temples for a relaxing meditation experience to cleanse your mind. Kayaking is another way to enjoy the beauty of nature on a serene ride. A walk down the beach or taking a fishing boat with the locals on a sailing adventure.

What to Keep in Mind

You will be safe and treated with the best hospitality though be mindful to be respectful of the locals, the Thai Royal Family and Buddhism as well as other religions. Rudeness will be strongly frowned upon or even get you in trouble legally in some cases, so be on your best behaviour!

Holidaying in Pattaya – Thailand’s Most Coveted City!

Pattaya is an all-inclusive city nestled on Thailand’s eastern gulf. This vibrant destination is home to a host of sandy beaches, stylish hotels and resorts, night markets, clubs, theme parks and religious sites giving you a slice of fun, luxury, comfort and relaxation. Read on to find out about some of the most coveted attractions of this heavenly city.

Explore the beautiful Koh Lan

Koh Lan is a beautiful island nestled 7km away from Pattaya. There are ample boats to reach this stunning island from Pattaya at different intervals of the day. Even though the island is quite small, there are at least 6 different beaches, each one boasting its own charm and aura.

Terry.lives.in.tokyo, OCT2010VN 246, CC BY-SA 3.0

Take a trip to Khao Chee Chan Buddha Mountain

Khao Chee Chan also known as Buddha Mountain is a popular tourist site located in Chon Buri Province. Famous for its enormous sculptural image of Lord Buddha, this landmark site is visited by tourists across the border each day. The place is open from 8 am to 6 pm every day and make sure that you are dressed appropriately before paying a visit.

Immerse in the nightlife at Walking Street

There is no better place to relish the shimmering city lights and go wild to the tunes of music than at Pattaya Walking street. This 500m long street welcomes no vehicles after 6 pm making it the perfect place for a memorable time. Teeming with nightclubs, beer clubs, restaurants and go-go bars, the night lives on till morning in these lively streets. If you are spending your staycation at one of the most stylish Pattaya resorts the likes of Avani Pattaya Resort, you can simply walk into these buzzing streets whilst enjoying the glimmering neon lights and singing to the tunes of good music.

Enjoy a blissful day in the water parks

No trip to Pattaya is complete without a little bit of adventure and fun at the city’s many water parks. These waterparks are brimming with everything from water slides, swimming pools and pool bars, to obstacle courses and children’s playgrounds. These water parks including Ramayana Waterpark, Splashdown water park and Pattaya waterpark are the places to be if you want to share some fun frolics with your friends or family.