Author: Caliope Sage

Volcanic Air Safaris To Explore the Silenced Cruel Destroyers

The majesty of the fierce volcanoes that now lay silenced amid its tranquil and serene surroundings, witnessed from way up above is indeed a beautiful and priceless memory worth creating as the splendour of the vista that spreads beneath the great blue skies, when you roam amid the clouds of Rotorua, will certainly take your breath away.

Volcanic Air Safaris can be arranged to add the great flavour of excitement and the zest of thrill to your perfect holiday spent in the land of sublime beauty, New Zealand. On the shores of the Lake Rotorua in the Rotorua City Lakefront, you will find the Volcanic Air Safaris, conveniently located for every visitor to easily reach.

An extensive range of helicopter rides as well as floatplane rides are yours to choose from. The active volcano of White Island along with Mount Taraweera will be open for exploration from up above, while the scenic beauty all the way up to these attractions will leave you mesmerized indeed.

The White Island – Whakaari – Active Volcanic Landing and Walking Tour is indeed the highlight of the safari, where you would get the once in a life time opportunity to walk over to the border of an active crater lake. The journey will take you through the thrilling frights of steaming volcanic vents and hot streams giving you a daunting sensation of trespassing on a forbidden patch on the face of the Earth. Many colourful sulphur formations will however add much cheer to this place, which is the only undyingly active offshore volcano that New Zealand possesses. You will also have the opportunity to explore the abandoned mining ruins of this volcano which is a privately owned one, to heighten the thrill of your experience yet some more.

To witness in style the glory of the hidden treasures of Rotorua hotel such as Millennium & Copthorne Hotels NZ are ideal, as these encompass the true essence of luxury and opulence. Hotel in Rotorua such as this certainly provide ease and convenience to those who would like to explore the majesty of this land from way up above.

Top Diving Sites in Maldives Discovering the Hidden Treasures of the World Down Under

Life in its glorious forms takes place in this wondrous place of absolute pleasure, where you can indulge in the finest of luxurious experiences, basking in the glory of the vistas of the sea and sun. Beauty and charm lurk in every corner while sheer loveliness surrounds you, engulfs you in this place that dreams are made of. Maldives Islands certainly boast of riches and wonders of the ultimate paradise island.

One may also choose to explore the waves of the Indian Ocean that cover 99% of the country. It is indeed a treasure trove to those who find pleasure in the crash and fury, as well as the wild, strong currents of the high seas. Here in Maldives, scuba divers have found supreme bliss, since the early days of the 1970’s in the waters that still charm and allure the adventurous. Today, Maldives is recognized as one of the premiere scuba diving destinations in the world, where corals with beautiful and fascinating creatures of the sea lie carefully hidden to the eyes of the common man.

In Maldives, many diving sites are popular among different types of divers, based on the level of expertise needed to navigate the waters as well the beauties to be discovered in the world down under. In the Ari Atoll which is one of the largest atolls in Maldives, one will find many interesting diving sites. Broken Rock, where creatures such as puffer fish and moray eels abound, is rich with colourful corals while the Gangehi Kandu, which is for the advanced diver, is home to many species of sharks including gray reef sharks and the leopard shark. In Gangehi Kandu too, one will see coral reefs of many a shade. The Maaya Thila in Ari Atoll is a place for the beginner as well, where day and night time scuba diving takes place. The Mushi Mas Mingili Thila (Fish Head) is one of the most popular dive sites in Maldives, which has been declared as an official Protected Marine Area.

In the South Male Atoll, Cocoa Corner is one of the most popular places to see many shark species in their numbers, while the Guraidhoo Kandu South, which is strictly reserved to the advanced divers, is characterized by underwater turbulence, giving it the irresistible fascination of the dangerous.

The Banana Reef which was the first dive site to be recognized in Maldives and the Kuda Haa, on the North Male Atoll, are considered to be quite popular among the divers given its colorful and plentiful marine life. In the Addu Atoll, the 134 metre long beauty of the British Royalty, sleeping forever upon the sea bed, can be witnessed, giving one an eerie feeling of the horrors of the sea.

Scuba diving can be experienced to its fullest extent while enjoying luxury accommodation in Maldives. A Maldives resort such as Anantara Dhigu Maldives will give one a holiday to remember, lost amidst sheer luxury and absolute oceanic beauty.

 

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Caliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered.

Google+

Looking Underneath

Sanur is the coastal stretch of Denpasar city in south east Bali. It is one of the island’s earliest resort areas which now offers a pleasant seaside atmosphere with a calm and relaxed vibe. The sea around Sanur is protected by a coral reef offering calm waters, making the 5 km beach suitable for the whole family. Although there are other more famous dive sites in Bali, Sanur is still a popular diving destination and some of the most experienced dive operators carry out their business from Sanur.

The main attraction of Sanur beach other than the white sand is its constantly calm water and an underwater world of interesting landscapes, colourful corals and reef fish about 300 meters off shore. All this and more make it a snorkelling and diving destination very much in demand.

The three well known diving and snorkelling sites of Channel or Dog Point, Penjor Reef and Jeladi Willis are found here. Although set close together each site has its own different characteristics. What is common to all of them is an abundance of marine life, easy accessibility and sites suitable for both novice and experienced divers.

Jeladi Willis, a ten minute boat ride away, offers a gentle dive beginning at around 3 meters and dropping 20 meters to a flat sandy bottom. As the current is known to be rather strong, diving during low tide is the best option here. Visibility is around 5 to 15 meters adequate to offer views of large coral formations, nudibranchs, stingrays, nurse sharks, scorpion fish, octopus and more. This is also a favourite spot for night dives.

Channel or Dog Point, situated to the east of Sanur is a very popular diving and snorkelling site particularly because of easy access, just five minutes by boat. Located in a coral edged channel, the site slopes gently until it opens out into a large sandy area on the seabed at 20 meters. All the dive schools in town take their trainees for training dives and refresher dives here. The sites attraction include views of myriad marine life including sweetlips, spotted clown fish, star fish, trigger fish, blue spotted sting ray among others.

Penjor Reef is one of the best diving snorkelling sites close to shore. Its variety of corals and marine life is amazing and is recognized as one of the best dive sites in Bali.

Advocating a holistic approach to health and well being, COMO Shambhala Estate Bali offers a series of programs targeting rejuvenation through specially formulated spa treatments, diets, serenity, exercise and cultural activity. Guests at this Bali luxury spa resort are advised to stay at least for three nights to derive the full benefit of the programs. Have a truly exclusive and unique experience at this Bali spa resort that has made promoting overall wellness their goal.

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Caliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered. Google+

A day out at the Elephant Safari Park

Bali, the Indonesian Island is one of the most magical places on earth that one would come across. The island is rich with natural beauty, culture, historical importance and bright and vibrant life styles. The charming town of Ubud, is part and parcel of this beautiful island. This area holds a variety of attractions that would lure any visitor to revisit. Ubud Monkey Forest is a sacred place while fascinating, temples, monuments and much more can be found while exploring this beautiful town. The Elephant Safari Park is the other amazing place that one could visit while in Ubud.

Elephants are fascinating and magnificent animals that are the largest animals to roam on earth, but they are nearing towards extinction. All countries who own these giant creatures put huge efforts to protect them. The same can be witnessed at the Elephant Safari Park at Ubud where visitors get the opportunity to enjoy a complete experience with these animals. The park has been home to the elephants for more than a decade, and still is well maintained and clean. Visitors get the opportunity to just stroll on the walkway and experience the lifestyle patterns of these mammals while they eat, bathe sleep and do various other activities in their natural habitats.

Built closer and similar to their natural habitats you would come across elephants walking down the paths that you do, without even a second glance to the passersby. Elephants painting their own masterpieces would be a sight that anyone would definitely want to witness. To add more colour to your trip take a ride on one of these gentle animals which has been the vehicle for many kings for thousands of years. The teak wood chair is comfortable and safe and will help you enjoy the cool forest surroundings around you. There are stalls that sell souvenirs, gifts, elephant paintings, carvings, clothing and much more, so that you could do a bit of shopping to take home some sweet memories.

After visiting these great and gentle creatures, go back and relax at one of the magnificent accommodation facilities in the area. Hotels in Seminyak are varied but W Retreat & Spa Bali Seminyak is one of the best. This 5 star hotel Seminyak is modern, elegant and would pamper you throughout your stay with its great hospitality, modern amenities and much more.

On the Wild Side

Sir Bani Yas Island Abu Dhabi, the largest natural island in the Emirates is also the site of one of the region’s largest wildlife reserves, the 4,200 ha Arabian Wildlife Park. Established in the 1970s careful conservation, re-vegetation and ecological management has made it the home of more than 10,000 free roaming animals and millions of trees and plants. The world’s largest herd of Arabian Oryx, varieties of antelope and gazelles, giraffes, different types of deer and sheep roam free as do predators such as hyenas and cheetahs. These are among its 30 species of mammals and more than a hundred indigenous species of birds that are part of the amazing collection of wildlife here. The aim of the park is to have only indigenous animals. All the animals within the park are indigenous to the Arabian Peninsula. Non indigenous species are being removed along with human interferences such as roads and old irrigation pipes. Sir Bani Yas Island is located 250 km southwest of Abu Dhabi and 9 km from Jebel Dhanna the crossing point. The island offers a range of nature based activities that include many interesting ways to see the wildlife such as the world’s first zero emission buses, purpose built viewing platforms, cruising and sailing itineraries on the Arabian Gulf, 4×4 nature and wildlife drives accompanied by naturalists and guided nature and wildlife walks.

Nature & wildlife walks are accommodated on the eastern side of the island. Small groups of no more than seven persons walk through the bush for 1.5 hours with a special guide and learn about the flora and fauna as well as to observe Giraffe, Beisa Oryx, Axis, Urial and Red Deer feed, gather in family groups, play or lie in the shade of toothbrush trees that form a major part of the park’s vegetation. However the walk is subject to weather conditions. A guided Wadi Walk in a dried up riverbed is another way to catch the wildlife. This takes walkers through the naturally formed salt domed hilltops in the middle of the island. The banks of the dried up river and geological formations contain ancient fossils and minerals. The Arabian Wildlife Park endeavours to provide an authentic environment for the free roaming wildlife resulting in an exceptional experience for visitors.
Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villas located within the Arabian Wildlife Park offers the dream getaway for wildlife enthusiasts. Accommodation comprises of some of the coziest yet luxurious Abu Dhabi villas in one and two bedroom configurations and equipped with pools overlooking the desert wilderness. Stay in one of exceptional resorts Abu Dhabi to experience a unique wildlife sanctuary offering both land and ocean based experiences while enjoying the comforts of Anantara hospitality.

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Caliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered.

Google+

Extraordinary Experiences

The Caribbean comprises of over 700 islands, islets, reefs and cays. The region is renowned for its diversity of terrestrial and marine flora and fauna amongst which is eight percent of the world’s coral reefs. With all these natural resources at its disposal, the region offers unparalleled sightseeing opportunities. Additionally many historic landmarks going back several centuries add to the sightseeing experience.

One of the most enduring pictures of the Caribbean is its gorgeous beachfront scenery from pristine white sand dotted with palm trees to the pink sands of the Bahamas, the black sand of St Lucia lapped at by clear warm blue water. Although some Caribbean beaches are a little rougher than others, they all provide sightseers with stunning views, idyllic places to laze in the sun and valuable opportunities to indulge in some water sports.

Lakes, rivers, waterfalls, forests and natural landmarks of the Caribbean isles are the other much lauded attractions. Among them are active and dormant volcanoes in the Lesser Anitilles group of islands. The most visited is probably La Soufriere the ‘drive in’ active volcano in St Lucia. The regions’ different forest types with flowering plants and tree species are also a joy to explore. Many have hiking trails. St John’s National Park in US Virgin Islands and El Yunque the 28,000 acre rainforest in Puerto Rico are some of these. Limestone caves are also among the popular natural attractions here while Harrison’s Cave in Barbados is one of the most visited. The largest of its kind, visitors board an electric tram to explore the vast cave system that has spectacular stalactites and stalagmites, a 40 foot waterfall and clear pools and streams.

Among the waterfalls is Diamond Mineral Falls in St Lucia. The result of underground sulphur springs, the waterfall is famous for changing colours throughout the day. Dunn’s River Falls Jamaica, a series of waterfalls dropping from 600 feet is a very popular natural attraction.

The Caribbean’s coastal and underwater scenery as well as marine life is probably its biggest attraction. The caverns and tidal pools among the huge boulders by the sea in the British Virgin Islands referred to as The Baths is a favourite with snorkelers and explorers. Sting Ray City in the Grand Caymans where divers encounter hundreds of tame stingrays at 12 feet has been an extremely popular sightseeing destination for a long time. Non divers get to ride out to a sand bar to snorkel or just stand in the shallow water among the sting rays. Bio Bay a shallow bay surrounded by mangrove forests in Vieques is famous for its micro organisms that emit a blue green light reportedly stronger than a flashlight. Sightseers can swim, kayak or take a trip on an electric boat to see this astounding sight. Buck Island Reef in St Croix has been called ‘the finest marine garden in the Caribbean Sea’. This extraordinary coral reef system is made up of several species of hard coral supports more than 250 species of fish and other marine creatures including leatherback, green and hawks bill turtles. One of the most prominent underwater sights however is the Belize Great Barrier Reef, the longest in the Americas.

The abundance of colonial historic sites means that the Caribbean offers some of the most interesting historic sightseeing. The colonial cities of Havana, Trinidad, the Dominican Republic and Haiti, the fortifications of St Juan Puerto Rico, the city of Willemstad in Curacao, St Kitts Brimstone Hill Fortress and the town of St George in Bermuda are the most prominent Caribbean historic destinations. The sites date from end of the 15th century to the 17th and 18th centuries.

Accessed only by boat, Parrot Cay Turks & Caicos provides much sought after privacy and seclusion and offers a thousand ha area and a mile long beach to explore and enjoy the sun and sea. As the only Turks & Caicos beach resort guests can enjoy spacious modern accommodation and a relaxed lifestyle. This Turks & Caicos Luxury resorts offers exceptional services and facilities and Asian inspired therapies to sooth, restore and nourish and guests leave knowing they have had a one of a kind holiday experience.

 

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Caliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered.

Google+

Horse Riding in Amman Jordan

Jordan is quite proud of its long lasting history of horse riding. And therefore, Jordan would indeed be the ideal place to engage in some serious horse riding.  Millennium Hotel Amman is a good hotel in Amman Jordan in which to seek lodging while at this desired excursion as this Amman hotel would provide you with all the comforts you need after a satisfying day out. Jordan is well known for its gorgeous majestic steeds and for a short romp ahead, Princess Alia Riding Centre or the Arabian Horse Club. However, for a memorable horse riding excursion, head out of town to Jelad and its  Country Riding Centre of Jordan which features beautiful countryside trails leading you through curious thickets, sprawling deserts and hilly forests.

Xishuangbanna wildlife

Often referred to as the A Green Gem in the Imperial Botanical Crown” or the “Kingdom of plants”, Xishuangbanna located in the Yunnan province in the south of China, with its rolling evergreen mountains and breathtaking scenery is a thriving ground teeming with vibrant wildlife. Book yourself a hotel in Yunnan to better explore this region and Anantara Xishuangbanna Resort & Spa is an ideal hotel Yunnan has to offer that would allow you to explore the depths of this wildlife paradise. Amongst the exotic orchids, Chinese parashoreas and giant lianas, one finds a myriad of vibrant butterflies flying amongst the green. One often also sees troops of monkeys and apes playing in the shadows, often swooping down from amongst the trees while some of China’s rarest animals such as the Asiatic elephant, Indian wild ox, white-cheeked gibbon, Indo-Chinese tiger, chevrotain, peacock pheasant, binturong, brown-headed hornbill, and green peacock can be seen here as well which is are rare opportunity that should be cherished for a lifetime.

 

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Calliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered.

Google+

Knuckles Mountains

Located in the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka between Matale and Kandy districts, the folds and peaks of this extensive range of mountains stand, resembling the knuckles of a clenched fist which has in turn earned it its name. There is much to explore within these mountains and there are also plenty of hotels Sri Lanka has to offer in the environs which enables you to experience these mountains at ease. Earl’s Regency is one of the most preferred Kandy hotels which allow you all the comforts and peace of mind for such adventure. Harbouring a variety of flora and fauna mostly endemic to Sri Lanka and to the Knuckles Mountain Range, these scenic mountains are considered to be a climatic microcosm of the rest of Sri Lanka. Referred to as The Dumbara Kanduvetiya meaning mist enclosed mountain range by Sinhalese residents of the olden days, the Knuckles Mountain Range is characteristic of thick layers of cloud that often robes the striking landscapes.

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Calliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered.

Google+

Out of this World

Maldives, while being a favourite holiday destination for its relaxed and peaceful vibe and beautiful coastal scenery also plays host to thousands of visitors who come there to experience the fabulous underwater scenery. Excellent under water visibility, an incredible array of marine life and spectacular underwater landscapes add much to the diving experience.

Maldives is well geared to provide the best underwater adventures that anyone could have. Every resort island has a PADI certified diving school with UDI and PADI certified instructors and excellent quality, well maintained equipment for hire so that visitors may enjoy the underwater adventures in store beneath the waves. The natural coastal lagoons around resorts are perfect for diver training. The dive schools also teach courses in rescue diving, night diving and underwater photography that adds to the range of adventures to be had beneath the waves. While it is possible to dive in the coastal water off resorts, scuba diving off coastal crafts is one of the preferred ways to experience popular dive sites and to have that much vaunted underwater adventure at any time of day. Maldives is said to have more than 1001 dive sites and living aboard is the best way to get access to them. Night diving that is said to have a ‘completely different feel’ is another way of having a really great underwater adventure. Although visibility is reduced to only the beam of the torch, this is the best way to see some of the micro and mega fauna that are nocturnal, coming to life. Even the colours of the corals are said to be different. Some night diving tours offer special lamps and masks capable of detecting bio luminescence. Bumping into a shark in the dark while scary will definitely enhance the experience. Seasonal diving provides excellent opportunities for adventurers to view concentrations of specific marine species. These include large shoals of manta rays that gather to feed on plankton at Hanifaru Bay and sightings of Whale Sharks, mantas, hammerheads, eagle rays and schools of pelagic fish at Ari Atoll. Drift diving past some of the most spectacular underwater scenery of cliffs, channels, precipitous walls and caves is perhaps the greatest thrill of all.

Those who do not dive can also have their own underwater adventure. A whale submarine sets off from Male and non divers can enjoy great views of coral reefs and schools of colourful fish as it dives down to a depth of 100 meters.

Cocoa Island Maldives offers privacy, seclusion, gorgeous vistas and access to a range of water sports. But best of all, it offers beautifully designed and decorated spacious private overwater accommodation that many people rave about. As one of Maldives luxury resorts guests have access to a range of modern and exceptional services and facilities that make their stay here memorable. Experience an elegant yet laid back Maldives resort that offers a truly holistic holiday experience.