auburn | The Adventure Travel Site

Night Golfing in Jakarta

There is no better way to spend an evening than to gather with friends on the greens of Jakarta under the city lights and enjoy the city centre golf course.

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More than just a sport

For many people, golf transcends sports and falls into the category of meditation. Alternatively, it can also just be a raucous good time that is perfect for relaxing with friends, family and colleagues.

Beyond the nine to five

The reality is that most people tend to play golf early in the morning to avoid being under the sun during the day. However, for those with day jobs, this is a rare opportunity so night golfing is an ideal alternative.

Pick your club

If you are a backpacker and staying at a hotel in Sudirman such as the HARRIS Suites FX Sudirman Jakarta, then you will find yourself in close vicinity to The Senayan National Golf Club.

There’s always a bite to eat

Always close at hand are various eateries that can provide a hearty meal for a hungry golfer!

Exploring the Ba Vi National Park

For those who love the great outdoors and nature, the Ba Vi National Park in Vietnam offers much to discover and here’s a look at what awaits.

Planning Your Trip

This site is around 50 km from Hanoi; serviced apartment options near the CBD like Somerset Hoa Binh Hanoi make an ideal base for excursions to this attraction, about a 75-minute drive away. The dry season, from November to April, is generally the best time to visit and at the year’s end, many photograph wildflowers here too.

What to Expect

The Ba Vi National Park was once a French hill station and is known for its rich biodiversity, idyllic scenery and cool climate; no surprises it’s a popular place for weekend visits. A rich storehouse of flora including medicinal plants used by the Dao ethnic group, the site also has varied fauna from birdlife to flying squirrels.

The Three Peaks

The park is set amidst Ba Vi Mountain with three peaks of varying heights namely the Dinh Vua, Tan Vien and Ngoc Hoa peaks. They form a crest which at its tallest point is often shrouded in clouds adding to its enchantment. Not to be missed is a hike to the summit to visit the Ho Chi Minh Temple and take in the stunning vistas.

Other Highlights

There are lots of trails for hiking and trekking through forests or up mountain slopes where you will find sacred temples, an ancient pagoda, tranquil streams and hidden waterfalls. An ancient French church, a scenic pine forest, a cactus garden, an orchid garden and the Ngoc Hoa Cave are some of the other sites of interest here.

Surfing at Seminyak Beach

Those who like to visit Seminyak beach and simply unwind may be missing an element of the experience that is priceless. Taking the time to catch a few waves will go a long way towards helping you have the best experience possible.

Where is Seminyak?

This stunning destination can be found right in the middle of South Bali. It is well worth a visit as it is prepared to meet and the needs and amenities of travellers globally.

Finding the right accommodation

If you are looking for a Seminyak hotel, there are plenty to choose from such as HARRIS Hotel Seminyak Bali that will be able to offer you comfort and closeness to the ocean.

Pick the right time to surf

Surfing is a seasonal activity. This means that when people are travelling, they will need to keep in mind the season by which the surf patterns abide to catch the best wave. Seminyak Beach is a treat because the area tends to offer waves all year round.

Eating and drinking in Seminyak

Food is never going too far from reach when you are relaxing in Seminyak, with this tourist town being filled with sunset bars & eateries.

Sigiriya and Dambulla in one day

Sri Lanka is a country blessed with the best of cultural and historical aspects. Sigiriya and Dambulla are two main attractions located very close to each other that should be visited while you are there.

Sigiriya

This is an architectural marvel done by King Kasyapa over 1500 years ago. But, believe it or not, the irrigational networks and engineering skills still amaze the world! It’s a rock fortress that has everything including swimming pools, audience halls, and gardens.

Dambulla

Dambulla is one of the most ancient cave temples in Sri Lanka. Inside these caves, you find many historical paintings and Buddha Statues that date back several centuries. It’s a temple in the country that has a mind-relaxing vibe.

What else to be covered?

If you have some more time left, you can also try out the Pidurangala Cave Temple. Since all these attractions are located closer to each other, you have the chance to cover all of them in one go.

Holidaying in Sigiriya

Cover both Sigiriya and Dambulla in one day and choose to spend the night at one of the Sigiriya hotels. There are many great options including Aliya Resort.

Travel Adventures in Sri Lanka

For many, Sri Lanka will always be a nation with stunning beaches, ancient kingdoms and lust wildlife. The memories made within this island are made for a lifetime of reminiscence.

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Farhath Firows,CC0

The outdoor adventures

As a nation with diverse landscapes, Sri Lanka offers visitors a taste of adventure to match their penchant. From hot air balloon rides to rock climbing, there is something for everyone.

Beauteous beaches

The sandy shores of Sri Lanka are truly irresistible. All you need is a few beers and a good book, and you are set for an evening and sunset for the ages. Many hotels near Colombo, such as the Pegasus Reef, are great places for this.

Rich cultural heritage

From the ancient kings to the majestic ruins, they left behind, Sri Lanka is steeped in a thousand years of history. With various UNESCO World heritage sites such as the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, you can spend a month looking through Sri Lanka’s ruins.

Cuisines to delight

When visiting this island nation, the elegantly spiced and decadently prepared dishes that grace the lunch tables are a major highlight. Whether you are dining at a humble home or a fancy restaurant, you are in for a treat.

The Most Beautiful Atolls in Maldives

The over 1,000 islands in the Maldives are spread across various atolls some of which are more stunning than the rest; here are such atolls worth exploring.

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Roberto Nickson,CC0

Baa Atoll

A UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, the Baa Atoll truly stands out in the Maldives. 5 star resorts here provide the perfect opportunities for exploration; these include Amilla Maldives Resort and Residences from where you can snorkel with manta rays in Hanifaru Bay, dive to sites rich in coral and marine life and picnic on secluded sandbanks.

North Male Atoll

Located near the main international airport, the North Male Atoll is another picturesque atoll within easy reach of Male, the capital. One can surf in the waves off Thulusdhoo Island, while there’s plenty of underwater wonders too; popular sites range from the well-known Banana Reef and Manta Point to the intriguing Victory Wreck.

Ari Atoll

Another great atoll for snorkelling and diving in Maldives, the Ari Atoll provides much to discover amidst its scenic islands and underwater landscapes. The reefs here are thriving, home to vibrant coral and diverse marine life including turtles, moray eels and whale sharks, while culture can be experienced on local islands like Rasdhoo.

Lhaviyani Atoll

The Lhaviyani Atoll has more wonderous sights to behold including the stunning 30-km-long reef between the Selhlhifushi and Aligau islands. The Shipyard is a site with two wrecks home to lovely corals and species like butterflyfish and Napoleon wrasse, while on Naifaru island, you can see beautiful mother of pearl artefacts.

Best Guide on Planning the Perfect Mekong River Cruise

A Mekong River Cruise can expose you to a number of great experiences. Most of these will be completely new to you, and of course, 100% authentic.

Mekong River

With an unimaginable length of 2700+ miles, the Mekong River is considered the longest in south-east Asia. It flows across many countries including Thailand, Laos, Myanmar and China.

Highlights to be covered

Attractions that you can spot during the experience may vary on the path you choose. But the most popular among all are Ho Chi Minh City, Angkor Temples and Luang Prabang.

Experiences

It’s not just about admiring the temples and ancient cities. You also get the chance to visit floating villages, floating markets and countless number of paddy fields.

Choosing your cruise

Mekong river cruises have different durations. Depending on your availability, budget and desire, you may choose the cruise type. There are 14-nighs cruises, 3-day cruises and 7-day cruises that you can choose from.

Cruise partners

If you think of enjoying a Luang Prabang cruise, you may opt for reputed options such as Mekong Kingdoms. Dining, entertainment and education opportunities with them are just priceless.

Pidurangala rock hike in Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

Pidurangala Rock is one of the best-hiking destinations that Sri Lanka has to offer. The trek up is full of amazing sights to see and you get treated to an amazing view of the surrounding landscape once you reach the top – here’s a closer look at what this hike is like.

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The History

Pidurangala was first established by King Kashyapa – the same king who commissioned the famous Sigiriya Fortress found close by – and was to serve as a Buddhist monastery and holy site. Pilgrims from all across the kingdoms would make the trek up the mountains to offer tribute and receive blessings.

The Way Up

There are plenty of Sigiriya hotels in the vicinity – for example, the Aliya Resort Resort and Spa – that will include a hike up Pidurangala in their itinerary. Do keep in mind that the hike can be a bit challenging – granted the reward is well worth it.

The Pidurangala Temple

Before you reach the top of the rock, you’ll first come across the Pidurangala Temple. While most of the temple has now unfortunately fallen into ruin, the massive Reclining Buddha Statue still remains and makes for an impressive sight.

The View

The view from the top of Pidurangala is simply amazing – from up here, you’ll get a great look at the nearby Sigiriya Fortress and well the endless expanse of forests and distant mountains that spread around in all directions.

Diving in Jeddah

There is a world of excitement waiting for all the divers out there in Jeddah. This article lists down a few of the most amazing dive sites in the seas here.

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Sebastian Pena Lambarri,CC0

Sharm Obhur

You can enter this dive site right from the shores. The reef is easy to explore and perfect for beginners. You will see clown fish, turtles and eels. Maybe a Bullshark or 2 as well if you are lucky.

Abu Tair

If you are an experienced diver, you can try exploring the Staphonos shipwreck in Abu Tair. This was a cargo ship that carried cables, steel beams and chains, thus it is also called the Cable Wreck.

Abu Faramish

This spot is known for, yet another wreck called Ann Ann. The ship sits upright even to date with many of the rooms intact. You can also see the toilet in the ship which divers find quite interesting.

Jebel Al Lith

If you’ve already tried out all the activities, there are to do at your Jeddah accommodations the likes of Spectrums Residence Jeddah, its time you searched for some thrills. Jebel Al Lith offers a dive site which just happens to be the territory of the whale sharks!

Unusual Things to Do in Kandy

Kandy is one of the most amazing places to visit in Sri Lanka and is known as the cultural capital of the country. Here are a few things you can try out to experience the city better.

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Kirsty barnby,CC0

Visit the Temple of The Tooth Relic

Yes, this is the most iconic attraction here and it doesn’t really seem like an unusual thing to do. But ever thought of visiting in the evening? There are special rituals being carried out on some days after dusk, so you can inquire with your hotel in Kandy, Sri Lanka before your visit.

Visit a spice garden

Ask around and you’ll find your way easily to the spice garden. It is usually one of the free things to do here in Kandy. You will come across plants like vanilla, cocoa, citronella, turmeric and much more.

Take the train to Ella

So, one of the most scenic train rides in the world would be the ride from Kandy to Ella. Try your best to hitch a ride and check out Ella as well.

Visit a gushing waterfall

If you stay at a hotel like Hunas Falls Hotel Kandy, the sound of the water will reach your ears no sooner you step out. Go on a tour and explore this wonder of nature, Hunas Falls.