Author: Pushpitha Wijesinghe

Located on Lake Erie’s eastern shores, the city of Buffalo in the state of New York offers visitors a fascinating and fun holiday experience that can be enjoyed by the entire family. The Buffalo Zoo, the Herschell Carousel Factory Museum, the Walden Galleria, Shea’s Performing Arts Center and Albright-Knox Art Gallery are among the attractions one will find here. However, what makes Buffalo one of the most popular destinations in the region is the fact that it is only around 20 minutes from the spectacular natural wonder, Niagara Falls. Those wanting to do more than just observe the falls can take a Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour that offers a truly unique holiday adventure and an unforgettable Niagara experience.

Inaugurated in 1992, Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours have become one of the world’s most well known whitewater tours. Travelling across the Niagara River Gorge rapids at breathtaking speeds, the specialized jet boats provide a safe and secure experience that takes passengers to such thrilling sites as the Niagara Whirlpool and the Devil’s Hole Rapids.

The fast flowing water, cross currents and imposing waves that are hallmarks of the rapids provide the perfect backdrop for this high speed adventure. With its fleet of state of the art vessels equipped with a triple turbo diesel water jet system, Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours ensure that passengers enjoy the thrill of a lifetime which in no way puts their lives at risk. The tour has three departure locations, with two of them being Niagara-on-the-Lake and Niagara Falls that can be found on the river’s Canadian side. Lewistion, New York provides passengers with the opportunity to depart from the United States.

Thrill seekers planning to enjoy this adrenaline pumping activity can either embark on the ‘WET JET’ tour or try the ‘JET DOME’ tour. The ‘WET JET’ tour offers an exhilarating ride on the rapids that true to its name leaves passengers thoroughly soaked! Those wanting a more ‘dry’ experience can take the ‘JET DOME’ tour which features its namesake, Jet Dome boats that have special pneumatic doors which open up and offer spectacular views of the surrounding Niagara Gorge and the famous Whirlpool.

Those in search of a hotel in Buffalo New York that makes an ideal base for business and leisure travelers alike can stay at Millennium Hotel Buffalo. This modern Buffalo hotel stands adjacent to the famous Walden Galleria Mall and is only a short drive away from Niagara Falls.

Take the opportunity to visit the villages of Tenganan and Truniyan deep in the mountains of East Bali, the home of the Bali Aga said to be the original inhabitants of the island. See these isolated villages that had been cut off from the rest of Bali for a very long time and view an ancient civilization at work. Stone walls right round the villages kept intruders away. The only access was through four gates placed in each direction. With an ancient social system still in place individual property rights are not recognized here. The layout of all houses in the village of Tenganan follow a similar pattern with a flight of steps leading to a courtyard around which lie the sleeping quarters, kitchen and the store houses. A small space is set aside for a shrine where departed spirits may rest when they visit. The most surprising aspect is that the village of Tenganan is one of the richest in Bali owning huge tracts of fertile agricultural land that gives them abundant harvests, more than enough for their needs. This is also the only place that a dialect of the Balinese language is used.

Known for their special cloth dyeing and weaving techniques, the Bali Aga turn out complex tie and dye and double weave ‘ikat’ or ‘gerinsing’ cloth. Tenganan village is the only place that this complex weaving and cloth dying technique is practiced. The predominant colours here are red, neutral and black. With a deeply ingrained belief in the supernatural permeating every strata of society, the cloth is believed to have supernatural properties and is used in religious rites.

Tall, fair and slender in appearance the characteristic feature of the Bali Aga is their filed and blackened teeth. The superstitious say that they bring down the spirits of their ancestors through sacrifice and the bodies of their dead are left in the jungle to be carried away by spirits. They are ruled by a council of elders who also officiate as priests.

Among the many festivals and rituals of the Bali Aga is ‘mekare kare’ or ritual combat where participants use the serrated edges of pandan leaves to draw blood. These ritual fights are held during temple festivals and participants are well fortified with rice wine and fermented palm toddy beforehand. Those who draw blood first are the victors. Combatants defend themselves with wicker shields. All wounds are treated with traditional medicines.

Experience the incomparable beach location and the lavish, well appointed luxurious suites at Anantara Seminyak, Bali that sets the tone for a wonderful tropical holiday. Added advantages at these exceptional Bali resorts are their many excellent guest services that include pampering and soothing spa treatments at a wonderful rooftop location, some of the best dining options on the island with views to match and plenty of leisure activities to chose from; all ingredients that make up a wonderful holiday experience facilitated by this one of a kind Bali resort.

The active visitor will find a multitude of outdoor activities to be enjoyed in Manila. Amongst these sightseeing is naturally a highlight in this historic city with prominent sites including the Malacanang Palace and Museum, Cultural Center of the Philippines and San Agustin Church. Shopping is a popular diversion in Manila with an array of merchandise on offer. Sports enthusiasts will not be at a loss as there are many sporting facilities in the Philippine capital.
Discerning visitors desiring a quality Manila hotel will be pleased by The Heritage Hotel Manila, an excellent hotel in Manila which offers well-furnished accommodations and attentive service.

Bali is becoming increasingly popular for both surfing as well as windsurfing. For any adventure traveller looking for windsurfing in Bali, some of the best spots are the Tanjung Benoa, Sanur as well as Nusa Dua beaches. However it is advisable to have an instructor, especially for beginners.

Balina Beach is located on the western shore and it is a renowned surf spot. Here the wind is really strong, and blows on the side. The bottom of the shore is not too shallow and the waves are well known for their long ride. Though the waves can be huge they are not considered dangerous. The best approach here is to go out from the left side of the river and to keep an eye out for the shore break. It is also important to keep in mind that the winds slow down near the bay.

Sanur is perhaps the most famous spot for windsurfing. The wind is stronger here than anywhere else in the Island. In the dry season the whole stretch around the beach at Sanur is great for surfing. The southern part of this beach also offers ideal conditions during the wet season. Sometimes there are waves that go as high as 10 feet making it a great spot for both wave riding and jumping and there are ample side shore winds making this possible.

There is another dark sand shore known as Gangga Beach. It can be located just past Tabanan. Here the wind is sometimes quite strong and can even go faster than the wind in Sanur. However, it is not recommended for amateurs since the big swells can be dangerous for those not experienced to such conditions.

Another spot that is good for windsurfing is Tulamben. Located towards the northeast of the island, it is better known as a diving destination though it is also very windy. There is great power in the winds that blow here and surfers can also enjoy a scenic view of the volcano from the sea making it an extra special destination. Surfers have a number of luxury hotels in the island to choose from. Anantara hotels, resorts & spas are among the best luxury hotel resorts in the region and help ensure surfers have a luxurious and memorable vacation.

An all-time favourite, Ceylon beer has appealed to palates of not just Sri Lankans but Europeans as well. One of the most popular exports of the country, Ceylon beer dates back to the 1800s and it was in the breathtaking city of Nuwara Eliya, where the Ceylon Breweries was first set up.

With sparkling lakes and cascading waterfalls, surrounded by acres of tea plantations, the foreign Scottish population eagerly made this city their home in the 1800’s. The only thing they missed in this idyllic haven was some good beer to warm up those chilly evenings! Hence Sir Samuel Backer stepped forward and on the foothills of ‘Lovers Leap’, set up the country’s pioneering breweries. Little did Backer fathom the extent to which his humble breweries would expand to.

The breweries have grown and gone on to produce excellent brands like ‘Carlsberg’ and ‘Lion’. Nothing but the best of ingredients are used; a spring above the breweries supply pure crystal clear water, and the malt and hops are imported into the country from the finest native destinations. Ceylon Breweries soon became popular for excellent quality that has been savoured by a number of countries in the international world.

Today the breweries still stand at the foothill of ‘Lovers Leap’. As it has been in operation since 1884, its historical value combined with the epic scenery that surrounds it makes this place a popular tourist attraction in Sri Lanka. In fact the city of Nuwara Eliya itself is a must visit destination in the country. Blessed with beautiful and stunning landscapes, lush green tea plantations, scenic gardens and so much more, the city stands as one of the most relaxing and picturesque destinations in the island. It also has an almost English feel with colonial type houses and pleasant chilly weather.

To truly savour this ‘Garden of Eden’, travellers should look to find cosy and comfortable Nuwara Eliya accommodation which lets one enjoy the surrounding beauty. Giving guests a chance to be swept away into delightful colonial times, Jetwing Warwick Gardens offers luxurious accommodation where one can unwind and relax. A restored colonial mansion surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, it stands out as one of the finest of Sri Lanka hotels.