Author: Caliope Sage

Kite Surfing in Mui Ne

The city of Mui Ne with its warm and tempting climatic conditions has been known over the years for its large expanses of rolling red sand dunes. Every year planeloads of tourists bask in the soothing beauty of these dunes and delve into the many adventurous activities lined up for those who have a taste to play in the sand. Just as exciting as the Mui Ne sands is the water. Being one of the windiest locations in the whole of South East Asia; Mui Ne happens to be a popularly sought out spot for wind surfing.

As the wind carries you pretty much anywhere your heart desires, wind surfing takes you to new heights in relaxation. It is an activity loaded with adrenaline yet has the soothing vibes of calm accentuated by the mighty waves that you will be cruising above. Wind Surfing has given rise to a whole new genre of madness; Kite Surfing. Kite Surfing is the beloved sister of wind surfing that come with attached kites. These kites adorn the ocean during the windy season in Mui Ne that falls between November and March. During this season, kite surfing is a wild trend in this part of the world. Thanks to the excellent winds, one can enjoy the full extent of this sport. Its popularity has given rise to several surf schools in and around Mui Ne, making it accessible to even the tempted beginner who would prefer trying it out. Most of the schools available in Mui Ne are certified by the International Kiting Organization, so if you are in Mui Ne and you want to try your shot soaring on the waves, rest assured you are in excellent hands. Some of the popular names in Kite Surfing Schools include Airwaves kite surfing school, Jibe’s and Wind chimes; all excellent schools that provide a range of different facilities and packages.

In addition to all the water sports you can enjoy, the beaches in Mui Ne are simply exquisite. While holidaying in this part of the world, stay at the Anantara Mui Ne Resort & Spa. This exotic Vietnam hotel is the finest beach resort in Mui Ne.

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.

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White Water Rafting in Rotorua

Located on the southern shores of the Rotorua Lake is the city of Rotorua. The name originates from the Maori word roto meaning lake and rua meaning two. So the name translates to second lake as it was the second lake discovered by the Maori chief Ilhenga. The region as a whole has 17 lakes which together are known as the Lakes of Rotura. All of these water bodies make this city ideal for white water rafting.
The waterfalls are graded up to 5 and the different gradings stand for the different experiences you will get on each of the falls. Kaituna is graded 5 which means your adrenaline pumping raft ride on this 7 metre waterfall is going to be nothing short of awesome. Wairoa is also graded a 5 so that your wild adventure can continue without missing any momentum. Rangitaiki is graded 3 or 4 so you ride might be slower but that gives you the right pace to observe the wonderful scenery. There is also Rangitaiki that is a grade 2 which is ideally suited for family fun times.
If you want something that gets your screaming out loud because of that mixed emotion of fear and excitement then try the Kaituna River ride offered by Kaitiaki Adventures. You will soar across 3 waterfalls covering a total of 14 rapids. This also includes Tutea Falls that is 7 metres high and is the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall.
There are plenty of other activities to do in Rotorua and the fact that it is just a 45 minutes drive away from Auckland makes it all the more appealing. The hot mud pools might be a first time experience for many. With plenty of swimming, fishing, water-skiing, trekking and other adventure to embark on the town might sound like gruelling fun. However Rotorua is also known as a spa town because of the number of pampering spas the city offers.
To experience all of these just make a booking at any of the Rotorua hotels today. The renowned Millennium & Copthorne Hotels NZ also has a hotel in this town. It features amongst the most visited and appealing New Zealand hotels.

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.

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Deep Sea Fishing in Abu Dhabi

Imagine a holiday where you can fish in the warm blue oceans of the Arabian Gulf in the Middle East and enjoy the best of hospitality and great times. All this and more is what awaits you in Abu Dhabi.

If it is catching big fish in the deeps seas or waiting patiently till you know for sure that your catch is hooked to your bait, that excites you and get your adrenaline rushing, one of the must do activities during a holiday to the Middle East to go on one of the much popular deep sea fishing trips. It is undoubtedly one of the most popular places amongst serious fishing enthusiasts.

For those who are keen on game fishing or even those who are keen to learn this exciting sport, Abu Dhabi is definitely a great place to try out this activity. There are numerous service providers who will not only take you to the best of fishing sites around the island, but also make sure that you catch some of the best underwater specimens of your life! What is more, there are many options ranging from state-of-the-art yachts to small boats to choose from for your fishing trip and varying trips ranging from half a day fishing trips to full-day adventures.

Even if you are new to this sport, there is nothing to worry as there are many lessons that you can take and with the expert guidance of the staff, you are sure to have a great time engaging in deep-sea-fishing in Abu Dhabi.

It is important to note that the government does not allow fishing without a license and you can avoid the hassle of getting a licence for a short period by using one of the service providers who already have the necessary licences.

Many hotels and resorts have facilities for these activities or have contacts of service providers. If you are staying at an Abu Dhabi Resort, or one of the Abu Dhabi Beach hotels such as the Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara, make sure you make use of this great opportunity to catch the game you always wanted.

 

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.

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Siam Ocean Park

Located below the swanky Siam Paragon shopping mall is one of South East Asia’s largest aquariums – the Siam Ocean Park. A must-see attraction of Bangkok, this aquatic wonderland which showcases hundreds of different marine species from around the world is sure to keep visitors spellbound. Covering an area of around 10,000 square meters or three Olympic sized swimming pools, Siam Ocean Park boasts aquatic exhibits from various depths around the world, including some transported all the way from the Amazon River. A 270-degree underwater tunnel holds some of the ocean’s deadliest predators while visitors have a chance to observe the mysteries of the Big Blue through a magnificent glass-bottomed boat. A petting pond awaits those who wish to get up close and personal with creatures of the marine world where visitors are allowed to feed freshwater fish from the Feeding Pier or have smaller fish ‘massage’ their feet at the Happy Fish, Happy Feet Pool.

An ‘open ocean’ enables visitors to view stingrays and giant groupers as well as an array of different types of sharks such as black-tipped, ragged-tooth and leopard sharks. Rocky Shore Talk, Shark Feeding, Diver Underwater Talk, Penguin Feeding, Animal Contact, Rainforest Zone Feeding, and Otter Feeding are other highlights of this unique aquarium. Children visiting Siam Ocean Park will be enthralled by the ‘Weird and Wonderful’ zone where they can see a rare collection of peculiar marine creatures, such as garden eel, striped frogfish, and gigantic spider crabs. A hi-tech 5D cinema treats guests to a scintillating display of light and music, as the translucent ‘Sea jellies’ glide around in the LED-lit tanks.

Providing both entertainment and education to visitors, Siam ocean Park allows guests the opportunity to witness the real operation in a Back of House tour. Here they can find out how this oceanarium and its fascinating shows are made, the special art of animal’s food preparation and how the water quality is managed.

For travelers who wish to explore the many tourist attractions including Siam Ocean Park, the Somerset Sukhumvit Thonglor Bangkok provides the convenience and comfort of a centrally located Bangkok serviced apartment. While providing easy access to the city’s famous shopping centers, business and financial district, restaurants and lively nightlife these Sukhumvit apartments are tastefully furnished and fully equipped to ensure a memorable stay.

Pearl Diving in Bahrain

Historically a popular pearl diving destination, Bahrain has been known all over the world for centuries for the finest of pearls that the world has got to offer. Seek Bahrain accommodation at a recommended executive apartment Bahrain is known for such as the Somerset Al Fateh Bahrain which allows you the opportunity to explore this fascinating land with ease. Before the discovery of oil, pearl diving was Bahrain’s main source of income and because of the lack of proper diving gear, the divers would stay submerged for about a minute and emerge with 8-12 promising looking oysters which would give them precious pearls. Now, pearl diving has become a popular activity that tourists like to engage in while they visit Bahrain. The rich oyster beds located at the bottom of the Bahraini seas make for exciting pearl diving adventures. There are many professional divers who provide for such excursions for those who are interested in pearl diving. And what’s more, according to Bahraini law, whatever pearls that the divers find are truly theirs to keep!

Trekking in Gunung Agung

Trekking in Gunung Agung is an experience no traveller in Bali should miss; not only does this volcano hold an incredible spiritual significance to the locals, it also is the highest point on this beautiful island offering a spectacular view to anyone willing to take on the excitement filled hike to the rim of the volcano. If you’re a true thrill seeker, the six-hour hike to the peak which allows you breathtakingly beautiful views is well worth the while.
The shorter, more straightforward hike starts off at the car park of Pura Pasar Agung, where there are plenty of guides waiting. At the gates, one can join the guide in an offering to the gods, asking for protection and a safe return while lighting incense sticks for one of the shrines. After this the true hike begins; including a trek through dense alpine rainforest, followed by a steep climb on the first rocky surface, where the forest has thinned and offers a taste of the view at the rim. The last part of the trek is steep and slippery, but it is truly worth it, because at this point the view begins unfolding in every direction. Ahead of you stands the peak of Gunung Agung while on one side the are the mountain ranges of Bali. On the other, two thirds of the island including the beautiful coastline can be seen unfolding before your eyes. The trek may be tiring, but the beautiful view awaiting you at the rim is worth the trouble.
Although the shorter hike is less tiring, the longer hike is well worth the extra trouble. It takes about six hours in total, and if you want to make it to the peak to witness the sunrise you will have to start the climb at around midnight. The hike starts off at Pura Besakih, which is a vast collection of temples on the mountainside. After a walk of an hour or so, a strong torch will come very much in handy as you navigate the dense rainforest without the light of the moon. Following this is the tough, slippery walk straight up the mountain, 2,622km up. After a short rest at this ‘base camp,’ you take on the most dangerous part of the climb, where it is important to be wary of the cliffs. Once this part of the hike is done, you are rewarded with a view of a beautiful tropical sunrise in a way that only those who take on the mountain can truly enjoy.
Trekking in Gunung Agung is an experience that no television screen or photograph can truly describe. The tough trek is a small price to pay for the view, and if one decides to experience this climb, it is important to go prepared. A strong torch, or better yet a head torch is necessary for the rainforest trek, proper shoes; especially for the walk on the volcanic rock, don’t forget water, snacks, a warm jacket and a few other things necessary for the hike. Last but not the least, a thirst for adventure as well as plenty of determination.
There are plenty of hotels in Seminyak to relax in after an exhausting hike, but to truly pamper yourself, a 5 star hotel Seminyak such as the luxurious W Retreat & Spa Bali Seminyak should be at the top of your list.

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+

Sailing in Oman

Sailing has been a favourite pastime of the Omanis for centuries, a valued and treasured heritage that has been their pride and joy. Try an Oman Muscat hotel to get the most of this Omani experience. The most recommended would be a Muscat hotel such as the Millennium Resort Mussanah of which the reputation precedes it. As a means of rekindling the proud maritime heritage of the Omanis, their Ministry of Tourism has introduce Oman Sail, an initiative that aims to encourage the current Omani generations to indulge in this national pastime. Historically a seafaring nation, it is easy to see why the wide open ocean has so many allures for Oman. It is hard not to launch oneself across the waters picturesque coastline facing the Gulf of Oman and the glistening Arabian Sea as it lies beckoning the lovers of the sea to its bosom. Sailing is also a favourite pastime of visitors who visit Oman as it is easy to see that they too tap in well into the irresistible call of the sea.

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+

Guangzhou Ocean World

Providing a valuable space for marine research and education, the Guangzhou Ocean World provides hours of education and fun for all those who visit it. Look for a Guangzhou serviced apartment which would render getting about the town easier and a recommended place of accommodation would be Ascott IFC Guangzhou offering luxurious serviced apartments Guangzhou is quite proud of. Covering 13,000 square meters, the Guangzhou Ocean World is a cheerful mishmash of stories of evolution of marine life coupled together with colourful displays of shoals of fish and other fascinating aquatic life forms. Occupying the latest technology, the Guangzhou Ocean World exhibits more than 200 species of fish and many other rare ocean creatures not to be witnessed anywhere else. It is truly a delight to witness these creatures playing amongst vibrant corals while one can also witness carnivorous marine creatures such as shark hunting for their next meal amongst the reefs.

Batticaloa Lighthouse

Also known as the Land of the singing fish, Batticaloa is a small town that harbours many wonders within it. The Batticaloa Lighthouse located near the estuary in Palameenmadu is one such gem that is a must-visit when in the region. Look for a Sri lanka Beach Resorts to lodge in during the stay and Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa is a recommended Sri Lanka resort located within the area ideal for a comfortable stay. Standing 28 metres high, this structure built in 1913 by the British makes a beautiful sight against the brilliant blue skies. Once on top, the visitors are treated to beautiful panoramic views of the scenic Batticoaloa district consisting of lush green hedges, whitest of sands and the bluest of oceans. Fondly referred to as the Muttuwaran lighthouse by the locals, a name that translates into “where the lagoon meets the sea”, it is located exactly where the lagoon meets the Indian ocean. Consisting of five windows and one observatory deck, the Batticaloa Lighthouse makes for a place not to be missed if one happens to be passing the region.

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+

Fishing in Negombo

This charming coastal town located at the mouth of the Negombo lagoon is the ultimate place to go fishing in Sri Lanka. There are many Negombo Sri Lanka hotels in which the visitors can lodge in while in this town known to be a traditional fishing village which still preserves its charm. A recommended hotel in Negombo offering budget accommodation would be Hotel J which allows its guests the opportunity to discover the region at their own pace. Fishermen trying to make a living out of the bounty of the lagoon are a common sight dotted across the town during the first hours of the day. It’s a fascinating sight to watch these fishermen bring in their catch of the day to be auctioned off at the fish market, while the pulling of the ma-dela is also a common sight to be witnessed in the morning, a truly a cultural delight to be experienced in all its rawness. However, you can do your own fishing here as well as professional game fishing and deep sea fishing tours are offered in the wide open seas known for its profusion of game fish for the enthusiastic angler. Fishes commonly found a bit further off the coast would be jackfish, barracuda, Indian mackerel, barracuda, Spanish mackerel, seer and tuna while grouper, snapper and emperor can be found close to the coast.

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+