Catalina Forbes | The Adventure Travel Site

Surf Trip to Arugam Bay

Surf's Up In Arugam Bay — Surf’s Up In Arugam Bay | Image Source : Penthouse Travel

Sri Lanka’s east coast delivers up a perfect blend of sand, sun and waves, with no place better for surfing than the fishing village of Arugam Bay. World famous as a top surfing destination, Arugam Bay attracts surfers from around the world with its various surf breaks and isolated beaches. Located 320km from Colombo, a surf trip to Arugam Bay, or A-Bay as the locals call it, takes more than a little bit of planning; the fastest and easiest way to get there is by booking an Air Taxi. Sri Lanka has quite a few air taxi operators and the most popular tour operators like Cinnamon Air, have several ongoing offers for travel to the East Coast.

Once you have arrive and settled down in one of the many guesthouses and hotels along the coast, there are several surf points to choose from Main point, considered to be the best surf spot by many, to Whiskey Point located further north which is ideal for beginners as well. Elephant Rock and Peanut Farm are two other well-known spots near isolated beaches south of the Bay and if you head further south you’ll see Okanda, a surf spot surrounded by the dense jungle of the Kumana National Park.

While Arugam bay is more commonly known now for its surf culture and laid back hippie vibes, there is a wide range of activates to try besides surfing. There are several lagoons and beaches around Arugam bay if you just want to relax as well as cultural attractions such as historic temples and ancient ruins of Buddhist monasteries. If you’re a wildlife enthusiast the Kumana National Park is perfect for bird-watching and elephants. A trip to Arugam Bay with its natural break points and sunny beaches is the ideal vacation for anyone looking for Sri Lanka’s best surfing spot.

Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world. Google+|Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Fun things to do in Glenelg

Situated along South Australia’s azure Holdfast Bay and only a twenty-five-minute tram ride away from the city center, is Glenelg. The well-known tram has been carting passengers to and fro, from Glenelg to Adelaide’s North Terrace, since the 1920’s. With the delightful atmosphere of a little seaside village, hotels at Glenelg are a treat for a family looking for a getaway.

Head to the beach to paddle, swim or get a solid dose of vitamin D. Take the kids along to The Beachhouse, a short walk from Oaks Plaza Pier, which is an old-fashioned amusement park that features dodgem cars and bumper boats, as well as, arcade games like pinball and air hockey. Take a bicycle or simply hike The Federation Trail. Work your way around Holdfast Bay with its rows of beachside cottages. A few colonial buildings and a World War II air raid shelter can be seen on the trail, which are a throwback to a past era. End up at Kingston Park Coastal Reserve and you will come across the historic Kingston House.

Adults can browse for souvenirs at the charming little boutiques or track down some cheap eats on Jetty Road or head to Holdfast Marina for an elegant meal accompanied by a spectacular sunset. Alternatively, you can set sail to take in the sunset from a fifty-eight by thirty-two-foot high-performance sailing catamaran. Glenelg Golf Club is a private golf club that is ideal for a round of golf but just as good for a winning weekend breakfast. If you happen to be visiting for the Christmas holidays, catch the annual Christmas pageant. Earlier on in the year Glenelg plays host to a jazz festival and the City to Bay Fun Run.

Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world. Google+

A weekend adventure in Brisbane

Embark on an adventure in Brisbane, the riverside city and capital of the sunny state of Queensland. It is one of the fastest growing cities in the country and also one of the friendliest towards visitors. Brisbane CBD hotels are booked up all year round as a result of the fantastic attractions and fabulous weather. A pair of walking shoes is all you need to get started, as Brisbane is a destination that should be discovered on foot. The heart of the city is where you will find the biggest concentration of restaurants and eateries, shops and boutiques, bars and pubs, as well as hotel and apartment accommodation like Oaks 212 Margaret. The Brisbane River, with is avoidable presence, takes pride of place in the heart of the city and the hearts of the people.

Visit the seventeen hectares of parkland, a dedicated recreational space that offers hiking trails, playgrounds, gardens and The Wheel of Brisbane, a Ferris wheel that towers over South Bank at a height of sixty meters. Explore the shopping and dining opportunities at Little Stanley Street or visit the iconic Eagle Street Pier, the core of Brisbane’s food scene.

Walking food tours are a fabulous way to spend an afternoon, whether you enjoy chocolate, craft beer or just food in general. Food festivals are also becoming a popular Brisbane tradition for celebrating cuisines and cultures.

If you run into the ‘Brisbane Greeters’, a group of chatty and helpful Brisbanites, they will be happy to share directions, advice and quick tips for the best spots to visit, places to eat and thing to see and do. If you like marine wildlife, head to Moreton Bay, the ideal lookout for spotting dolphins, whales and turtles. Or if you are otherwise inclined, get yourself a dose of culture along Grey Street, home to Queensland Performing Arts Center, the Queensland Art Gallery, the Gallery of Modern Art, the State Library of Queensland or the Queensland Museum and Science center.

Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world. Google+

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud; Tales of Reincarnation

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud covers about 27 greenery filled acres of land which provides a serene home to over 600 long-tailed macaques. These monkeys are classified into 4 groups in accordance with the areas of the park that they occupy. The sanctuary is an eminent cultural and spiritual landmark that hosts about 10,000 visitors each month. The sanctuary is owned and operated under the leadership of the Padangtegal. The forest itself is sacred to the villagers and there are a few sacred sites located within the reserve that draws from the Balinese Hindu beliefs revolving around death and reincarnation. The Temple of Death, Temple of Cremation and Holy Springs Bathing Temple are among the few sacred sites inside. The area is also home to many Ubud Villas such as Alila Ubud Bali and many other lodging service providers that cater to the large crowds that visit the sanctuary on a monthly basis.
If you are wondering how monkeys fit into the life and death beliefs of Indonesia, the Ramayana epic gives you all the answers. The epic goes on to say that Sita the wife of Rama is abducted by the evil king Ravana. Rama is said to have enlisted the help of Sugriva and Hanuman who both resemble monkeys, to bring her back safely. Hanuman and Sugriva battle many antagonistic monkeys ruled by Ravana before they finally bring Sita safely home. The villagers, who believe in the religious lore, both love and hate the monkeys which they feed daily and revere. At the same time, their mischief which escalates to stealing household items of the villagers also turns the villagers’ reverence into malice when the monkeys attack and bite them, becoming a menace to the village.

Shehera Fioni is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Catalina Forbes. Her content is based on many thrilling escapades offered to travellers across the world.

Google+

Explore the Mysterious Peaks in Beautiful Mauritius

Pristine beaches, lush green peaks and emerald green lagoons make up the tropical paradise that the island of Mauritius has become world famous for. A medley of contrasting colours, cultures and fragrances, the diverse landscapes of Mauritius make for an unforgettable holiday, whether it’s a family adventure or soul searching getaway.

Apart from the white sandy beaches and Mauritius Resort and luxury hotels that provide a selection of exciting water sports and other activities, like the InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort for example, another attraction here is the mesmerising peaks rising up in the distance and capturing the imagination of all who visit this wonderful island. The island is home to mountain ranges, isolated peaks and plateaus, all remnants of a big volcano which erupted millions of years ago. The jagged, mountains covered in dense jungle, invoke a sense of wonder at first glance. Despite appearances, the mountain ranges are not very high and for the adventurous travellers, it’s possible to go rock climbing and canyoning on certain peaks.

Mauritius Intercontinental | Mysterious Peaks Mauritius //mauritius.intercontinental.com/discover-mauritius — Mauritius Intercontinental | Mysterious Peaks Mauritius
//mauritius.intercontinental.com/discover-mauritius

The Mauritius Mountains are named according to their shapes e.g. Lion Mountain in the Grand Port Range was named by locals who likened it to the creatures shape while Montagne Blanche has been named after the greyish white colour of the rocks found on the mountain. Some mountains also important culturally and historically; the Le Morne Cultural Landscape, is a rocky mountain that extends out into the Indian Ocean and was used as a shelter by runaway slaves through the 18th and early years of the 19th centuries. Sheltered by the isolated and almost inaccessible precipices, the slaves formed settlements in mountain caves and on the summit.
The mountain was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the area around it is protected by law. Travellers can still visit and explore the historical Le Morne Mountain and many others like it with their own fascinating stories to tell. With everything from exotic beaches to thrilling mountain range expeditions, the island Mauritius is the perfect tropical paradise.

Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world. Google+

Cruising and Fishing in Abu Dhabi

Generally, a holiday in the Middle East entails camel rides, traversing through deserts over sand dunes, some shopping for electronics and recreation at theme parks. However, that may have been in the past; now with the advent of 5-star hotels Abu Dhabi, a plethora of opportunities are available for those who reside at Eastern Mangroves Hotel and Spa by Anantara or any other luxurious accommodation. The capital city of the highly acclaimed United Arab Emirates is cosmopolitan, commercialized and advanced, yet it is also steeped in its own culture, thus offering a wide mix of options to tourists.

For instance, if you are more of a night creature, you can engage in the boat riding adventure under the star spangled sky in a traditional dhow where you will be served a lavish meal while you enjoy the Abu Dhabi skyline from the lulling waves or the expanse of water of the Gulf Sea. The quest in search of pearls is a great learning experience in addition to being a relaxing voyage over the waves for over one and a half hours. There is a competent guide who unravels the stories of the past with respect to pearl discovery and everyone is shown how a pearl is extracted from a natural oyster. There are special tours for fishing which usually commence in the wee hours of the day and such a tour typically requires four hours. There are mariners who will provide their expertise, equipment, boat and even the fishing bait should you make a hurried decision to go fishing.

One can choose between dhows, speed boats, and yachts depending on the type of journey and the occasion. The organizers of the sea riding facilities have a diverse range of services on offer including deep sea fishing, BBQs, swimming, snorkeling and even hosting birthday parties or wedding receptions on board. They also arrange team building activities followed by a camping trip for corporate entities.

Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world.Google+

Strive to Discover Amazing Natural Wonders in Mauritius -An assortment of sea, sand and everything in between

Mauritius, a lone island located in the Indian Ocean, boasts of world’s most picturesque and unique natural wonders – from sparkling waters to dormant volcanoes to culturally rich natural wonders, the island is a destination that fits the definition of word “amazing” in every way.
As an island, the waters of Mauritius is world renowned. If you are to stay at a Mauritius resort such as InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort, you will be lulled to sleep, woken up and constantly be accompanied by the soothing sound of waves kissing the shore; and be treated to a mesmerizing view of the Indian Ocean, sparkling with the rays of tropical sun on it.

Mauritius | Ourplnt ourplnt.com — Mauritius | Ourplnt
ourplnt.com

Venture inland and a plethora of wonders await you. Seven Coloured Earths, naturally occurring colourful geological phenomena that are also the most famous spot for tourists in Mauritius is one place you must visit. Located on the Chamarel plain, this is an area of sand dunes where sand is of seven distinct colours: red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple and yellow. With the shifting wind, the coloured sand arranges themselves in captivating patterns, with different colours spontaneously settling in different layers. The dunes never erode, and this nature’s magic can be witnessed in a handful of sand from the dunes as well.
Plunging 300 feet into an opaque pool of cooling water, Chamarel waterfall was once called “paradise” Mark Twain. Surrounded by the lush vegetation of Black River Gorges, the waterfall is formed by St. Denis River. You are offered two equally captivating viewpoints to admire this cascading beauty: an upper deck located at Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth Reserve, and the bottom of the waterfall where a plunge into cool ultramarine waters of a shallow pool with is also possible.
Culturally speaking, Grand Bassin, a natural pool formed at the crevice of one of Mauritius’s many dormant volcanoes is prominent. Hindus flock here in numbers, especially during Maha Siva Rathri festival, as it is believed to be connected to holy river Ganges. The area surrounding the Crater Lake is scattered with temples and statues, allowing a glimpse into a harmonious blend of nature with man-made structures.
Be it the sea, the sand or something else altogether that you seek for, Mauritius offers a unique and unusual assortment of natural wonders that can cater to any palate.

Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world. Google+

Self-Guided Walk in Abu Dhabi

A booming tourist destination in the Middle East is Abu Dhabi. Competing with its fellow Emirates, it still has managed to be in the forefront in terms of tourism. One of the best ways to explore and make the most of a city is to stroll around it; one’s self is the best tour guide. When considering Abu Dhabi as your next holiday destination, one of the key questions that pop up in one’s mind is accommodation during the stay. Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara is an excellent choice to stay while here as this beach resort Abu Dhabi is located on the famous Sir Bani Yas Island the hotel is nothing but a symbol of luxury, offering many indoor as well outdoor activities to complete the exotic vacation.
A self-guided walk in Abu Dhabi should be able to cover most of the important landmarks in the city. One of the places to make a stop would be the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, an iconic landmark that has 82 impressive white domes.

Bainunah Roundabout Fountain is one of the other pit-stops worth making, located on the Bainunah Roundabout by the Zalamat Garden the fountain is considered both breathtaking and miraculous and perfectly complements the surrounding.

Abu Dhabi Corniche is yet another exciting place to explore on a walking tour. The 6-kilometer-long road is a not to miss when visiting Abu Dhabi. This is considered to be the border of the city and has many gardens along the way.
There are many other interesting landmarks and attractions in this beautiful Middle Eastern City for you to explore.

Shehera Fioni is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Catalina Forbes. Her content is based on many thrilling escapades offered to travellers across the world.
Google+

Diving in Doha

Doha is the capital city of the State of Qatar and one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region. The city is renowned for the wide range of shopping, dining and luxury accommodation settings it offers tourists. However, an often underrated attraction in Doha is the amazing diving opportunities it serves.

Due to its popularity among tourists in Doha, hotels you can choose from vary in price, service and luxury. For a fine mix of all three, consider staying at the Banana Island Resort, Doha, by Anantara. It places within close proximity to leading dive centres in the region as well.

The city is home to seven popular dive sites, all of which are accessible via PADI certified dive instructors from a number of centres in the region. The Old Club Reef (OCR) and New Club Reef (NCR) are both situated close to the Mesaieed sealine, about half hour away from Doha. The former is an artificial reef and is approximately 16 metres deep. NCR is about 20 metres deep. OCR and NCR are both rich in marine life and home to resident fish types such as Arabian Blue Angel Fish, Sergeant Major, Groupers, Batfish, Barracuda, Spangled Emperors, Twobar Seabream and much more. Other similar dive sites that immerse you in the regions rich marine life are the Inland Sea and Eel Garden.

Fans of wreckages are in for a treat as well. The Pericles Shipwreck of Al Ed-Al Gharbi is 35 metres deep. Here divers get to see an enormous sunken shipwreck with plenty of exploration opportunities. Its massive propeller is sure to leave you in awe. The Al Ed-Al Sharqi sea line, about an hour and half from the city, boasts of another huge sunken shipwreck called the MO Wreck. About 25 metres deep, this wreck is also home to some beautiful fish species.

Shehera Fioni is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Catalina Forbes. Her content is based on many thrilling escapades offered to travellers across the world.

Google+

River & Wildlife Experiences in Zambia: The Adventure of a Lifetime in South Luangwe

Africa is a land that is synonymous with adventure and wild-life, and there is no better way to experience the glory of an African wilderness quite like a safari, and there is no safari quite like a Zambian safari in South Luangwa. The Luangwa region is iconic for its spectacular scenery and wild-life amidst an unforgiving and rugged wilderness. Despite this, the safaris in Luangwa are renowned for providing a comfortable voyage into some of the harshest yet most beautiful terrains of Africa.

You can enjoy your stay in Luangwa in a variety of ways, one is by spending it at one of the area’s many lodges in the heart of the wilderness, if you wish to venture even deeper, the accompanying professionals will set up a camp for you to intimately experience the African wilderness. If the first two options are a tad too extreme for you, there you can go for a luxury hotel such as the Victoria Falls Hotel Zambia by the renowned Anantara Hotels, Resorts Spas where you can comfortably enjoy the river and wild-life experiences in Zambia amidst five-star luxury.

The safari providers in the area have decades worth of experience as well as recognition and will uncompromisingly provide you the best, and safest, experience you can hope for. The South Luangwa National Park encompasses almost ten thousand square kilometers and plays refuge to over four hundred species of birds and more than sixty different species of mammals. Leopards, Elephants and Crocodiles in particular are known to gather in large numbers in South Luangwa Park. The dry season from April to October is the best time for a visit, since the rivers dry up and the animals wander towards the lagoons where water is plentiful.

So if you seek a safari adventure like no other, head on to South Luangwa for a voyage you will surely cherish for a lifetime.

Shehera Fioni is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Catalina Forbes. Her content is based on many thrilling escapades offered to travellers across the world.
Google+