Author: Pushpitha Wijesinghe

The Sand Dunes of Mui Ne

The vast expanse of pristine white sand, unsullied by human feet, stretch out into infinity, seemingly merging in the distance with the clear blue sky overhead. In the wee hours of the morning, the sky receives the rosy blush of the peeping sun that is mirrored well on the white sand below. These sand dunes off the coast of Vietnam are yet another magnificent creation on the face of the earth and offer a breathtaking scenery of sunrise and sunset such as never before witnessed from any other corner of the world.
Mui Ne is a coastal town located in the south-eastern part of Vietnam in the Binh Thuan province. The fame of its exquisite beach stands to compete with the famous sand dunes of Mui Ne that are a tourist magnet in itself. From shimmering gold to pure white, there is a considerable variation in the dunes themselves and smaller red dunes are also to be found still further away. The best way to reach the dunes would be by jeep although it is not impossible with a motor bike.

The best times to visit these sites, in view of scenery as well as from avoiding the heat and sun exposure would be early mornings or evenings. One needs to be well equipped with water as well as sun protection and should have adequate fuel in the tanks of your vehicle as the distance is always more than predicted.  The dunes which are reminiscent of Arabian sands are a great place for sand sliding. While the white sand dunes appear deserted, the red sand dunes usually are crowded due to its easy accessibility by public transport. There is a place among the trees at the white dunes for a snack or a drink. A trip usually includes a visit to the fairy springs as well as the red sand canyons.

Any traveller passing this region can visit Hanoi, and find shelter in a renowned serviced apartment Hanoi. An apartment like Somerset Hoa Binh Hanoi can make a huge difference to your trip to this part of the city simply through its strategic location and its array of premier services. Being one of the reputed Hanoi apartments near Daeha Business Center, it definitely adds a lot to its attraction as a residential option for tourists and business travellers. With well furbished, refined living space, these apartments ensure a grand and comfortable way of living in an unknown city with strange familiarity.

Caves in Krabi, an insightful tour of Krabi’s spiritual history and culture

 Mystical, spiritual and mesmerizingly beautiful, local folklore narrates the magnificent limestone caves of Krabi. These caves display some of the most intriguing crystalline architecture and is home to beautifully crafted images of Lord Buddha and other spiritual items of worship. Deep within are collapsed caverns known as Karsts. Inside the Karsts are natural lagoons opening up to the heavens accessible only at low tides that seep through the endless tunnels of the caves. Among many Krabi Resorts an exemplary choice of stay is the Anantara Si kao Thailand . This Krabi Resort Hotel consists of lavish hospitality to ensure a memorable stay.

Wilpattu National Park

The beautiful island of Sri Lanka is famed for its amazing collection of flora and fauna. For all nature enthusiasts craving for some fantastic eco-tourism, the Wipattu National Park is a definite must visit attraction. Famed for its exciting leopard population, this protected area offers one of the most intriguing adventures amidst all the amazing things to do in Sri Lanka.

“Willu Pattu” is literally translated to ‘Land of Lakes’ and the park is named as such due its large collection of ‘Willus’ or natural lakes which make excellent habitats for crocodiles, buffaloes and other species. It is also a haven for a number of endangered populations which includes sloth bears, Asian elephants, water buffaloes and the Sri Lankan leopard. There is also a perfect array of bird and reptile species such as the painted stork, beautiful jungle fowls, owls, eagles, gulls, common cobras, Indian python, a number of turtle species, crocodiles and many others. Wilpattu National Parks stands as one of the oldest parks in the island which was recognized as a wildlife sanctuary in 1905 and was upgraded to the National Park status in 1938.

Among other things, the Wilpattu National Park is a historic place with a cultural significance. In the ancient books of Mahavensa there are records that in the year 543 BC a prince named Vijaya came ashore at Kudrimalai Point (translated to Horse Point), married the famous Kuweni and founded the now majority Sinhalese race. Today the park stands as a popular tourist attraction as it houses a fantastic collection of flora and fauna over a total area of 131,693 hectares making it the largest park in the whole of Sri Lanka.


Sri Lanka is a perfect destination for fantastic eco-tourism and has a number or beautiful relaxing spots throughout the island. The Wilpattu National Park is located somewhere in between the historic city of Anuradhapura and the city of Puttalam and would fit right in on a fulfilling tour of Sri Lanka. Stay at Club Palm Bay Marawila to enjoy the best of both worlds. With excellent service and picturesque surroundings, this is one of the best Marawila hotels and is also one of the finest beach hotels Sri Lanka proudly boasts as its own.

Scuba Diving In Samui

Offering a unique sightseeing adventure, scuba diving In Samui provides a fascinating journey beneath the waves and into a breathtaking underwater world teeming with marine and coral life. The Gulf of Thailand which is close to Samui offers plenty of diving opportunities, while experienced divers should check out such sites as the National Marine Park, Sail Rock and Koh Tao. Those who are inexperienced will find PADI courses available that offer scuba diving training. Those looking for a Samui hotel near the beach and which offers scuba diving can stay at Anantara Bophut Koh Samui. This luxurious Samui resort also offers a wide range of other water sport activities that can be enjoyed by the entire family.

Bali’s magnificent volcanoes

Bali is a beautiful island that is one of the 33 provinces that make up Indonesia. The island’s main source of income is the tourism industry and as such, possesses a multitude of attractions in order to entice every kind of visitor into experiencing their rich culture and scenic beauty. 
This charming island’s primary religious majority is Hindu and its history, culture, and architecture has been heavily influenced by this majority. Many temple ruins are scattered across its area such as the temple Pura Taman Ayun. This beautiful place greets tourists with a moat of lotus flowers and surrounds itself on three sides with a water garden. Moss grows on the temple’s faded and chipped walls and provides a very pleasant ambiance for the culturally and aesthetically conscious tourist.  In addition, the Tirtha Empul temple is Bali’s most revered temple because of its holy water, which Hindus use for purification. This temple attracts many tourists to its door because of its historical and cultural significance as well as its splendid structure and beautifully adorned gardens. These temples are merely a few of the many architectural wonders available to those who wish to delve into Bali’s rich culture. 
Apart from Bali’s manmade constructs, there are also the scenic wonders such as Bali’s white sandy beaches and its tremendous volcanoes that are available to visitors. Various tours are available that take tourists to the main volcanoes such as Mount Agung, which is still active and is used by both casual visitors and veteran mountain climbers. Two routes have been constructed, one from Besakih which makes its way up to the western peak, and the other route which begins from Pura Pasar Agung, near Selat and continues to the southern peak. The climb is quite long often with an overnight camp, so acquiring a guide form either Besakih or Pura Pasar Agung would be advisable.
 
Once the climb atop the volcano is complete, visitors can visit restaurants and the villages that habituate the craters. Upon the climb down one would naturally long to relax for either a brief respite or perhaps the rest of one’s stay on the island. There are numerous Bali resorts that are available.  The Uluwatu hotels are quite luxurious and serene in arrangement, and none epitomize this design ethic more than the Anantara Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa. This ideally located and ingeniously designed hotel and spa provides the perfect place for one to unwind after the long trek. In addition, one can organize further excursions via the hotel and experience even more of what Bali has to offer. 

Hot Air Ballooning With Air Magic

Ever thought of soaring in the skies like a bird, enjoying the panorama that unfolds below through a bird’s eye view and taking in the sunset from up above? Imagine the sprawling greenery of the paddy fields below, the rivers snaking along the bed of the earth and the setting sun in the distance, the familiar landmarks take a different shape from up above; wind in your ears, soft chirping of the birds that fly by to their nests and you feel completely weightless as time seems to stand still. The scenery will surely take your breath away and let you truly enjoy the stunning natural landscapes.

That is the typical experience for visitors taking a sunset hot air balloon ride in southern Sri Lanka! Enjoying a hot air balloon ride at one of the many destinations in the country where Air Magic operates from is indeed an excellent way to make sure that the trip to this emerald island is an even more special and cherished one, full of memorable stories and sights that the visitor can recount to friends and family.

Hot air ballooning is becoming increasingly popular both amongst foreigners and locals in this charming island nation. Air Magic offers a number of hot air balloon rides at a number of places across the country such as Kandalama, Galle, Sigiriya, Dambulla and Ahungalla. A ride in a hot-air balloon is also a great gift idea for friends and family if one wants to provide them with a unique and breathtaking experience to last a lifetime.

For tourists visiting the historic city of Galle with its ancient fort that still stands proud, an aerial view from a hot-air balloon is sure to provide a unique perspective of the city below. There are a number of Sri Lanka hotels here to choose from that provide a diverse array of facilities and experiences to make your stay a truly memorable one. Jetwing Kurulubedda is one such special place located off a river. One of the best Galle resorts, it is sure to provide you a laidback holiday with a luxurious atmosphere in a relaxed and typically Sri Lankan setting. 

Kayaking on the Persian Gulf

The capital city of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi is a gateway to the Middle East. This exotic city has embraced all modern luxuries while retaining its core cultural values. Home to the head offices of many international oil companies, Abu Dhabi is a city where businesses thrive. However, this alluring city also has some amazing desert islands which are home to fascinating wildlife. Off the western coast of the city nestled in the Persian Gulf, you will find eight enticing islets home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Even the name Abu Dhabi means Father of Gazelle, probably referring to the free roaming Arabian Oryx.

Kayaking is one of the most rewarding activities you can engage in while visiting the Desert Islands. It is extremely relaxing to go kayaking on the calm waters near the mangroves, and enjoy the dazzling beauty of a sunrise or sun set. Usually kayaking is organized at different times of the day and also on full moon nights, so as to give the visitor a magnificent view of the islands and their surroundings. You will be able to see colourful flamingos enjoying the sun and wild gazelle grazing on the shore apart from other rare birds and fish who call the Desert Islands and the mangroves their home. Most of the resorts in the Desert Islands will provide you with equipment and a guide to make your kayaking adventure both memorable and safe

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There are a host of activities to busy yourself with apart from kayaking while visiting the Desert Islands. These include snorkelling, diving, trekking, boating, mountain biking and many more. You can also embark on a romantic boat ride at sunset and absorb the dazzling Arabian scenery. The Desert Islands also contain an archaeological site which dates back to 6th century AD.
Abu Dhabi resorts will pamper you with exotic Middle Eastern hospitality. If you are looking for luxury Abu Dhabi hotels are the best place to indulge in a wide array of luxurious comforts. Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara is one such option where you can relax both your mind and body, and simply dive into a mesmerizing exotic Middle Eastern vacation.

Diving with Sharks in the Paradise Isles of Maldives

As a breathtaking collection of numerous tiny islets, the archipelago of Maldives is a beach holiday destination like no other. Renowned for its vibrant coral reefs, diverse marine species and abundant natural wonders, this destination is an avid diver’s dream come true. With its ocean floors littered with age old shipwrecks, this diver’s Mecca has long been considered one of the finest diving destinations in Asia. But thrill seekers of a different kind are also heading down to the island collective for an adrenalin pumping experience of a lifetime.  
Known as one of the few holiday hotspots in the globe to offer safe shark diving excursions, the Maldives leaves no stone unturned in the sphere of oceanic exploration.  Home to a plethora of shark species numbering well over 25 varieties, the country offers seasoned and novice divers the opportunity of a lifetime to share the same space and swim past one of the most majestic creatures and predators in the ocean.
Whale Sharks, the largest fish species on the planet are commonly spotted in the Maldivian waters as hoards of these 40 foot long creatures swim close to the surface. Abundantly visible during the months of July and August, the Whale Shark hotspots in the country include Hanifaru Bay and Baa Atoll. Grey Reef Sharks are also commonly sighted especially around dive sites concentrated in Cocoa Corner and Maaya Thila where the creatures hunt frequently. White Tip Reef Sharks are also popular among divers navigating the ocean floor as are Hammerhead Sharks that are found in waters around Rasdhoo Kandu.

Other shark species that are sighted during diving excursions in Maldives include Silvertip, Snaggletooth, Tiger, Sliteye, Nurse and Silky sharks. Variegated, Star Spotted Smooth Hound and Black Tip Reef sharks are also frequently spotted in the islands.

Travellers in search of Maldives luxury hotels should look no further than the stylish Anantara Dhigu Maldives. Offering guests a secluded island hideaway like no other, the resplendent coastal setting, luxurious accommodation and wide range of contemporary comforts and conveniences available at this Maldives resort helps one have a truly memorable holiday experience.

Get up close and personal with the animals at the Singapore Night Safari

The Singapore zoo takes the experience of visiting a zoo to a whole new level. The Night Safari is certainly one of the attractions that make the experience a memorable one.

Situated on 40 hectares of land, the night safari habitat has been created to resemble typical rain forest conditions which form the natural habitat of all 1000 odd animals found within the safari area. Containing 120 species of animals, the night safari is home to the one horned rhinoceros, tigers, lions, deer, tapirs, leopards, fishing cats, monkeys, orang utans, hyenas, owls, birds, and other numerous animals.

Unlike other nocturnal animal houses, the Singapore Night safari is open only at night and allows visitors to wander through three trails or take a tram ride through a 3km stretch and observe the animals and their behaviour in a largely natural environment. Rather than separating people from animals using cages, glass enclosures and hot wires designed as twigs and camouflaged natural barriers are the barriers of choice. In this way it is possible to be at arm’s length and sometimes even closer with an animal such as even a tiger!

The trails and trams each offer unique sites as there are areas where both cannot go together. A trail walk followed by a tram journey may be the ideal option for those wishing to gain maximum exposure to the animals. The Creatures of the Night show is also a spectacular one held each night and early attendance will guarantee prime seating. This show features pythons, owls and other interesting animals and is complemented by entertainment items such as fire eating, tribal dances and more.

The entire night safari area is illuminated by a special lighting effect that resembles moon light, in order to ensure that the animals are not disturbed and the visitors too can easily observe them. Although the temptation to use flash photography is high, visitors are cautioned not to do so as such practices will only serve to scare the animals away.

When visiting Singapore for business or pleasure, the Night Safari is a must visit. Accommodation in apartments in Singapore is also the preferred choice especially when taking a long vacation. Visitors have a range of service apartments Singapore to choose from. Somerset Orchard Singapore is an excellent apartment hotel offering elegant accommodation.

Canopy Adventures in Koh Phangan

Offering unforgettable holiday experiences, the Canopy Adventures in Koh Phangan provide visitors with a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with the island’s lush tropical rainforests! Designed with cable walkways that let you walk among the tree tops and zip lines that take you on exciting journeys between the foliage, this fun outdoor activity is set amidst breathtaking natural scenery and can be enjoyed by young and old alike. Travellers looking for Koh Phangan hotels that offer luxurious accommodation in an enchanting coastal setting can stay at Rasananda Phangan Island Resort & Spa Thailand. One of the region’s best Koh Phangan resorts, it also has a spa which offers a variety of rejuvenating treatments and therapies.