Author: Pushpitha Wijesinghe

Discover Shenzhen’s Highest Peak atop Breathtaking Wutong Mountain

Ranked as one of the most breathtaking locales in all of Shenzhen, the cloud-piercing Wutong Mountain range is a lot more than the province’s highest peak. Looming over the skyline at an impressive height of 944 meters the tallest mountain in all of Shenzhen also occupies a lush area spread out over 32 square kilometres. Declared a provincial scenic spot by the Guangdong Provincial Government back in 1993 this breathtaking venue has been attracting visitors from far and wide since time immemorial.


Placed at the edge of Lianhua Mountain which has two other peaks measuring at 692m and 706m the Wutong Mountain range is also considered one of the Xinan Eight Landscapes with mesmerizing views over neighbouring Hong Kong, Dapeng Bay and Yantian Port. Offering climbers lush green landscapes and views of stunning ocean vistas, the Shijian Stone and Mojian Stone on Wutong Mountain are also some of the other highlights of this scenic hilltop location. It is said that the Shijian Stone on the mountain is twenty times larger than that in Suzhou Huqiu while the waterfall flanked by bamboo trees, age old trees and striking scenery is also an attraction in itself.

As the main water source of the Shenzhen River, the Wutong Mountain is literally covered in natural evergreen broad-leaved forest vegetation while the small spring from its central summit cascades in to the Heavenly Pond. Traveller embarking on a hike up the mountain can also stopover at the lover’s trees collection at the base of the mountain which consist of nine ancient trees entangled together. A celestial armchair is also found in the shade of the trees and couples are frequently seen praying at the venue for the gift of eternal love.

Upon reaching the summit climbers can catch a glimpse of the stunning main entrance area and the Wutong Scenic Clouds Area while the Feng Gu Ming Qin region and Biwu Xifeng quarter are equally captivating. The forest conservation region and the East Lake Park are also worth exploring although the Fairy Lake Botanical Garden is the preferred venue of most regular visitors to the mountain.

Travellers in search of luxury Shenzhen serviced apartments will find no finer alternative to the Ascott Shenzhen Maillen. Ideally located within 10 minutes of Sea World and the New Times Square, it boasts of having some of the finest apartments Shenzhen and counts among its most conveniently situated apartment complexes.

Elephant Safari Hua Hin

An ideal way to explore the Thai countryside, an elephant safari in Hua Hin offers an unforgettable outdoor adventure. A great experience for the whole family, elephant safaris take passengers on a fascinating trek through jungles, mountains and forest trails aboard these gentle giants who can navigate the bumpy terrain with ease. While passengers are seated on wooden seats atop the elephant, a mahout usually rides up front on the neck. Those heading to the region and searching for luxury Hua Hin hotels can stay at Anantara Hua Hin, Thailand. One of the best Hua Hin resorts, this modern property also offers such outdoor activities as elephant safaris.

Underwater Adventures

The islands of Maldives are blessed with all the necessary elements that make for a remarkable beach holiday including, wonderful weather, azure warm waters, excellent dive sites, exotic marine life, comfortable boats and superb safety systems. The needs of both novice and experienced divers are catered to with the availability of top quality rental equipment and professional dive instructors. Delve into the underwater world of Maldives and be mystified as you discover its fascinating beauty. You can also indulge in Liveaboard Dive Tours. Snorkelling proves to be an underwater adventure just as thrilling. A standout among all Maldives island resorts is the ideally located Naladhu, Maldives. Offering spacious and elegantly appointed villas, it is the perfect alternative to a Maldives hotel.

Engineering Marvels

Every year millions of people use the Tsing Ma Bridge without actually getting a close look at this engineering marvel. This 1377m bridge spanning the busy Ma Wan Channel is the express roadway to Hong Kong international airport on Lantau Island and the world’s largest suspension bridge carrying six lanes of vehicular traffic on one deck and two railway lines on another. The span is the largest in the world carrying rail traffic. Since its completion in 1997, the bridge has remained a renowned landmark of Hong Kong.

The best way to get a perspective of Hong Kong’s magnitude and view its many magnificent landmarks is to take a cruise in Hong Kong harbor, one of the world’s busiest and most impressive natural harbors. Take the Tsing Ma Bridge Cruise that starts from Kowloon Pier 3 or from Pier 9 in Central Hong Kong Island that sails outwards to the North West. Be enthralled by the urban spectacle of world famous high rises of well known banks and commercial establishments crowding the waterfront while sipping a glass of wine, glide past the naval base at stone cutters island and Hong Kong’s oldest typhoon shelter in Yan Ma Tei, see countless container vessels, junks, sampans, pleasure boats skimming the water against the amazing backdrop of Hong Kong Island, see traditional boatyards, the Tuen Mun Expressway and the world’s busiest container terminal nearby. See busy Tsing Ma Bridge as an imposing landmark by day and lit up with fairy lights in the night silhouetted against the glittering skyline. Enjoy the diversity of Hong Kong at every turn.

In the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui, a cool calm space, a refuge from the eternal buzz of the city. Citadines Ashley Hong Kong offers comfortable, up to date accommodation, facilities and amenities for the leisure and business travelers. In an advantageous location just minutes away from transport links and with easy access to shopping and restaurants, these Hong Kong serviced apartments offer guests a good alternative to hotels. Friendly and efficient staff coupled with well equipped clean comfortable accommodation and high speed broadband internet access makes this Hong Kong apartment Hotel a very viable place for long or short stays.


Huashan Mountain, a scenic delight

Within easy reach of the city of Xi’an lies the famed Huashan Mountain. It is revered as one of China’s five most sacred mountains. The mountain derives its name from the Chinese word ‘hua’ which means ‘flower’; it is said that the five major peaks of the mountain resemble a flower in bloom. In addition to its lofty peaks the mountain is well known for its breathtaking landscapes, massive crags and steep narrow pathways. The mount is identified as a holy site for Taoists, with the numerous temples located here having attracted the presence of emperors in years past.
The visitor will find the Jade Spring Temple (Yuquan Yuan) situated at the foot of the mount. It is one of China’s most significant Taoist temples with architectural motifs reminiscent of South China’s classical gardens. It features several pavilions with a pond at its centre. Highlights at this site include the Wuyou Pavilion and the boulder known as ‘Huixin Rock’. Alongside this rock the visitor will encounter the ‘Qianchi Zhuang’, a set of steep steps which are the primary means of pedestrian access to the upper reaches of the mountain.
Further steep paths lead the visitor to the spectacular North Peak, which is called Cloud Terrace Peak as it seemingly stands among the clouds, with sheer drops on all sides. The peak stands an imposing 1,614 metres high, but in its lower reaches luxurious vegetation may be seen, making it a delightful spot for a rest.
Visitors should make it a point to visit Jade Maiden Peak which contains a renowned Taoist temple. According to tradition a maiden from a noble family fell in love with a rustic youth, gave up her privileged life and spent the rest of her life with her lover at this location.
Another highlight is the Green Cloud Temple, which is also called the Holy Mother Temple containing statues of the Three Sacred Mothers. Here the visitor will see a huge stone which appears to be being cut with an axe. A massive axe referred to by legend may also be seen.
When selecting Xi’an accommodation an excellent choice would be the Citadines Central Xi’an, excellent serviced apartments Xi’an which provide convenience, comfort and attentive service.

Go Karting in Koh Samui

Koh Samui is a place where the sun shines over the majority of the year with a promise of clear skies and endless moments basking under the sun. Whether you like to sit back and soak up the rays perfecting your tan or enjoy the outdoors by partaking in some water or land sports, Koh Samui offers all this and so much more. The full moon parties are legendary and everyone from the rich and famous to the humble backpacker have all danced the night away under the silvery moon. Enjoy the local cuisine and ample seafood served in the many local cafes and restaurants that dot the islands.

One of the best means of having a fulfilling holiday is to spend time either on the water or by the turquoise blue waters of Koh Samui. However, there are a great many options for land sports here as well. Among the popular ones to consider are badminton, muai thai, bowling, bungee jumping, abseiling, tennis and football. Golf is also a popular sport around Koh Samui. Popular golf courses include Santiburi Samui Country Club, Royal Samui Golf & Country Club, Samui Golf Club & Diving Range and Lamai Driving Range.

Go Karting in Koh Samui is an excellent activity for active people of all ages. The Go Karting track is located just past the Ring Road traffic light and offers three different types of Go Karts. The fast Go Kart is referred to as ‘Speed’, on which you can race at a maximum speed of 100 kilometres per hour and just three inches off the ground. The safety standards of the track are high, and people can be assured of a fun and safe ride. There are slower vehicles for those who are new to the sport and just want to try it out.

Looking for a luxury Samui hotel for your next business or holiday in Koh Samui? Anantara Bophut, Koh Samui is set right on the ocean front giving guests some breathtaking views. The services and amenities on offer take care of all the little details and ensure a memorable stay in paradise. Inspired by the charm of an ancient Thai village, this Samui resort is a beautiful escape that is enhanced by seamless service and warm hospitality.

Speed Boating In Koh Samui

Where the water is in shades of turquoise and startling blue you may find Koh Samui. There are many islands that may feel and look like paradise, but Koh Samui is close to the real thing. As part of the out laying islands of Thailand, this island is home to luxury hotels, full moon parties and perfect escapes. Located about 700 kilometres from Bangkok, visitors would need to take a flight to get here. Made up of a network of 40 islands, one of the best ways to spend a holiday here is out on the water or island hopping to find the perfect cove for a picnic.

There are many things that make Koh Samui a special place for a holiday whether for a romantic getaway or a trip with the family. Some of the popular water sports to enjoy in the island include, canoeing and kayaking at Mae Koh and Angthong National Park. Those who like to set sail in to the ocean will find many vendors offering boats for rent. Jet skiing is quite popular among the water sports carried out in the waters surrounding the island. Kite boarding is an action packed water sport that is taking the world by storm and is readily available here. Other sports include, swimming, diving, snorkelling, fishing, deep sea fishing, deep sea diving, wind surfing and body boarding.

Speed boating in Koh Samui is yet another activity that any member of the family would enjoy. There is an annual boat racing competition that takes place annually around the islands. The three classes for the races are IRC1, IRC2 and Multihull. Visitors to the island during this time of the year will enjoy watching the races.

Situated right on the ocean front is Anantara Bophut Koh Samui. This luxury Koh Samui resort is located on Bophut Beach and offers a great number of activities and facilities for a memorable stay. Whether your penchant is to surf your heart out or lay by an infinity pool that overlooks the mesmerizing view, you will find it at this Samui hotel. Some of the water sports one can indulge in while staying at this hotel are kayaking, deep sea diving, deep sea fishing, snorkelling and speed boating.

Three Countries in One Day


Known as the Golden Triangle, the area encompassing Burma, Vietnam, Laos and Thailand offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience diverse cultures. Nearby Chiang Rai is an ideal place to base oneself and enjoy excursions that lets one see three countries in one day. A great chance to explore Burma (also known as Myanmar) Laos and Thailand, such excursions lets travellers visit ancient temples, rustic villages and historical sites set amidst the stunning natural beauty of the region. Those heading to the area can stay at such Chiang Rai hotels as Anantara Golden Triangle, Thailand. This premier Chiang Rai resort offers luxury accommodation and is an ideal base from which to explore the Golden Triangle.

Extreme Adventure in Maldives

While the general image of the Maldives is of pristine beaches where one can just laze back and soak up the sun, this popular holiday destination also offers a range of exciting activities for young and old alike. Outdoor enthusiasts looking for some extreme adventure in Maldives can choose from a variety of water sports that one can easily find at various island resorts. Windsurfing, water skiing, knee boarding, deep sea diving and wake boarding are just some of the many extreme sports that visitors can enjoy while on holiday. An ideal place to experience some of these activities, Anantara Veli, Maldives is a luxury Maldives resort that offers such water sports as diving, parasailing, windsurfing and kayaking. This expansive resort also has well appointed and stylish Maldives bungalows.

Longtail Boat Trips


With the quaint splendour of a rustic town amidst captivating vistas, Chiang Rai is a historic town having long been a travellers’ paradise. Blessed with unparalleled beauty it is home to a range of attractions and offers a variety of activities for visitors to indulge in. Among such activities are elephant riding, cycling and long-tail boat trips. Popular as the ideal way of getting acquainted with the local lifestyle, learning about their tradition and cultures, long-tail boat trips are so uniquely fun and carry you on a delightful journey to a world of tranquillity and historical allure. These trips lets one enjoy life at their own pace. Among Chiang Rai hotels, a preferred choice is Anantara Golden Triangle, Thailand. With elegantly appointed rooms and suites, this Chiang Rai resort offers an array of unique dining options.