Author: Pushpitha Wijesinghe

Flight of the Gibbon

One of the most delightful ways to experience various encounters with nature, Flight of the Gibbon is a unique adventure tour that takes you through pristine and old rainforest located outside of Chiang Mai in Thailand. An ideal way to take in the stunning vistas of this precious Thai rainforest, the tour guides you through lowering stations, skybridges and 18 platforms letting you gain a firsthand experience of various layers of rainforest canopy. Traveller in search of a serviced apartment Bangkok will be pleased to find Anantara Baan Rajprasong, Bangkok surrounded by chic restaurants and lush parks. It is reputed for housing some of the finest Bangkok serviced apartments.

Kintamani Volcano

Located in Bangli Regency’s Kintamani sub-district, Kintamani is a region blessed with panoramic views and pleasant, cold weather. Surrounded by captivating natural beauty, Kintamani is a renowned tourist destination with the beautiful Batur Lake and the active volcano of Mount Batur known as Kintamani Volcano. Batur Lake is amidst six ancient Bali Age Villages, the locals of which have inherited a unique culture and lifestyle.  Among the villages that comprise Kintamani area are Kintamani, Sukawana, North Batur, Middle Batur, South Batur, Songan, Trunyan, Abang, Buahan and Kedisan.

Since 1800, Kintamani Volcano has erupted nearly 24 times and is still active. However, owing to the spectacular vistas surrounding it, the volcano and the Kintamani area have long been favoured by tourists.  The charming Batur Lake functions as the irrigation source for the famers in the nearby villages. Several restaurants are located in the area, fronting wonderful views of the lake and the volcano. Visibility of the mountain is at its best when the weather is clear, which is mostly during day time.

There are Kintamani Volcano tour operations offered for the convenience of tourists.  Some of these tours make their first stop to let visitors savour traditional Keris and Barong dance.  Traditional Barong dance showcases the conflict between good and evil and the spectacle ends with local priests rescuing a group of men from a frenzied trance where they attempt to stab themselves.

On the way tourists may also get the opportunity to visit the mysterious Elephant Caves temple which has served as a meditation site for Buddhist and Hindu monks back in its day. One may encounter skilled woodcarvers at Kemenuh Village as well as gold and silver smiths at Celuk village. The tours continue passing the Seribatu village where one can catch a glimpse of a local spice garden.

Visitors can opt to stay at an elegant Bali hotel such as Anantara Seminyak, Bali.  Boasting a prime beachfront location and an inimitably contemporary design, the hotel enjoys unparalleled ocean views. Complete with modern amenities it is among the finest Bali hotels, catering to both leisure and business travellers.

Phillip Island Nature Park

Phillip Island Nature Park is an award winning Conservation Park dedicated to international excellence in ecotourism and mainly nature conservation. Situated on Phillip Island, Victoria in Australia, this self-funding commercial attraction focuses on conserving and enhancing the environment of the Nature Park for present and future generations. It also attempts to keep a balanced environmental, social and economic outcome.
The iconic Penguin Parade, Australia’s most famous natural wildlife attraction also takes place at this park, in addition to Churchill Island Heritage Farm, Koala Conservation Centre and the Nobbies Centre. Home to spectacular coastal scenery apart from the unique wildlife, the park contains diverse habitats and environments for a host of fauna and flora including endangered species.
The popular attraction ‘the Penguin parade’ includes the world’s largest little penguin colony. These penguins are considered as not only the smallest but the cutest penguins in the world. With the arrival of dusk every day, over thousand of these penguins emerge from the ocean to march all the way across the beach until they reach sand dune burrows creating a sight that allures many visitors. To experience this amazing natural phenomenon, there is undoubtedly no better place than the Phillip Island Nature Park.
The Nobbies centre is another attraction at the park which presents a showcase of Australian fur seals in addition to the distinct marine life in the country’s Southern Oceans. Guests get the chance to have up close and personal encounters with adorable koala bears at the Koala Conservation Centre. Here you can witness wild koala bears in their natural habitat while strolling through the bushland of the conservation centre.
Churchill Island Heritage Farm is another attractive feature of the park, where visitors are taken back in time to relax amidst an interesting environment which includes a café, panoramic water views, lovely gardens, heritage buildings and of course various farm animals such as highland cattle, Clydesdale horses, ducks, sheep peacocks and chickens.
Visitors to the park will come across fine Melbourne Apartment Accommodation that is Somerset Gordon Heights. Nestled in the heart of the city, this serviced accommodation Melbourne boasts spacious comforts enhanced by stylish designs offering that warm residential feel you desire.

Bungee Jumping

Imagine the freedom, the absolute liberation of jumping off a cliff or a bridge? The exhilarating adrenaline rush of not knowing how or when you will move through air? And unlike a doomed end, the strong elastic cord assures a safe return. Bungee Jumping, feared and loved by many is only for the daring and the brave of heart. Bali is home to some of the best Bungee sites. Stay at a Bali Hotel within easy reach of a Bungee jumping location. A renowned Bali Resort that would be perfect to stay at while experiencing your thrilling adventure is Anantara Seminyak Bali, the pinnacle of Balinese comfort.

Snorkelling In Bali

Bali is Indonesia’s popular island getaway. For city dwellers looking for a break from the dreary monotony of the cityscape, Bali offers a refreshing change of scenery. The island has some of the best beaches in the world and enjoys year round sunshine. Coupled with a laidback take on life, the tiny island (it takes less than a day to drive around the entire coast!) is a haven of rest and relaxation. With a multitude of things to do, the city equally welcomes thrill seekers, shoppers and sun worshippers.

Many of the most popular activities on the resort island centre around the ocean. The sparkling waters around Bali play host to a plethora of colourful aquatic life. Tourists who would like to experience this magical underwater world should consider going snorkelling. Famous diving spots include Tulamben, which has its own sunken shipwreck, the US Liberty. Tulamben is adjacent to the Coral Gardens, and both sites are teeming with marine fauna. Padang Bai, is one the city’s finest reefs and is home to turtles, colourful angel fish and even reef sharks. To witness the eerily majestic manta rays, one should head over to Nusa Penida. However, when it comes down to sheer diversity, nothing beats Amed. The beach is located near a traditional village, and the crystal clear waters are always a riot of colour and activity.

There are plenty of places that provide facilities for diving and snorkelling. The fee typically covers the rental on diving equipment, the boat trip and a crash course on safety procedures. Since the course also provides training, it is suitable for complete beginners. Snorkelling is a terrific activity for families and couples. One can even rent an underwater camera and capture all the fun digitally.

Tourists looking for some help in choosing a diving operator can look to their hotel for some guidance. There are quite a few luxury resorts in Bali most offering comprehensive facilities. Travellers looking for luxury hotel resorts can try the Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas. Each of these resorts presents an oasis of serenity, perfect for those looking for some pampering.

Rumassala Mountain Hike

Visitors to Sri Lanka will be captivated by the varied attractions that this island has on offer. Renowned as the pearl of the Indian Ocean, it is the perfect panacea for both the leisure and business traveller seeking adventure and relaxation. Known as a hospitable nation, its lush landscapes and stunning scenery together with its colorful culture and tradition will create an appealing blend to all who visit.
As a country situated in the tropics, both sunshine and monsoonal periods bring a blend of ideal habitat for ample wildlife and beautiful environs. The southern coastal cities of Sri Lanka provide numerous prospects for visiting historical, cultural and scenic attractions. Also noteworthy are the many peaks located in these areas which provide an ecological diversity that is rich in plant life.
Visitors should not miss an outing to the Rumassala Mountain. Perceived as a remarkable area for its unique eco system, it houses many floras distinct to this locale. Historically called Buono Vista, in the ancient classic known as Ramayana this mountain originated as a result of the monkey chief ‘Hanuman’ dropping a part of the great Himalayan range. According to the chronicle, he was on route carrying herbs for his master the King Ravana. To this date the mountain is famed for its flourishing medicinal plants and rare herbs.
Echoing the words of the world renowned scientist Dr. Arthur C. Clark, this locale is remarkable due to a magnificent variance resulting from a meteorite incursion many years ago. Despite these divergent beliefs, the mountain offers spectacular vistas of the surrounding area including the Galle Fort and the translucent Indian Ocean. Thus a hike to the Rumassala Mountain will provide rich dividends in terms of scenic beauty and ancient realization.
Visitors to Sri Lanka’s southern city of Galle will be spoilt for choice when selecting accommodation from the many Sri Lanka hotels dotting this coastal belt. For those choosing to spend their vacation in Galle hotels celebrated for their striking location and superlative architecture, a sojourn at the Jetwing Lighthouse will not be disappointing. Providing breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean, this hotel avows with its alluring ambience, stylish interiors and exceptional dining and cuisine options. Excellent recreational activities including conference facilities meld seamlessly with elegantly appointed rooms assuring guests of a soothing experience.

The Floating Village

The village built on wooden stilts and planks rises above the water surface appearing to float upon it. The Floating Village in Phuket has become the centre of attraction to the many tourists visiting the region. The little bloating bazaar lined with multi hued shops are fill of life and cheerful people. The canoe rides available take you through the labyrinth like waterways creating a sense of adventure. A Phuket Resort that is known to be an ideal centre point to explore the district is Anantara Phuket Thailand. It stands tall among the many Phuket Villas as a place of serene bliss and star class amenities.

Speed boating in Bophut


A coastal area of the Thai island of Koh Samui, Bophut is ideal for those looking for a relaxed holiday destination by the sea. Home to a laidback beach and the fascinating Fisherman’s Village, the area also offers such activities as speed boating. A great way to explore the region, speed boating in Bophut is also popular with extreme sport enthusiasts. Many speed boats set off from Bophut Pier and can be taken to such popular destinations as Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. Those heading to the island and looking for a luxury Samui resort, can stay at Anantara Bophut, Koh Samui. Offering the very best facilities and services of a premier Samui hotel, this modern resort also has speedboats that can be used on deep sea fishing excursions.

Parasailing in the Maldives

The Maldives offers an idyllic location in which visitors can enjoy a wide range of exciting water sports. One such activity is parasailing, which takes you on a rip-roaring parachute ride in the sky while being pulled along by a high-speed boat. Apart from the adrenaline rush, parasailing also provides some of the most breathtaking views of the islands. Those looking for a memorable holiday can stay at Maldives luxury hotels, offering the very best in comfort and modern amenities. One such option is Anantara Dhigu, Maldives, a luxury Maldives resort that also offers such activities as parasailing.

Queenstown Cycle Tours

New Zealand is a tourist destination where serenity and tranquillity resides. While most vacation spots are overcrowded and noisy, the land of the Kiwi’s remains solitary and quiet. It is not that the country is unpopular; it is simply because there is an abundance of attractions to witness so that tourists do not have to bump into each other wherever they go. Instead they can focus on the magical landscapes and the spectacular cultural experiences the country is known for.

Queenstown is undoubtedly a favoured destination within the country, attracting nearly 2 million visitors a year, most drawn by its natural splendour and fantastic year round events. Built around Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by majestic mountains, this idyllic place is a haven, perfect for rest and relaxation. The little town also has quite a big reputation as a venue for adventure sports. Thrill seekers will find everything from bungee jumping to sky diving available here. In fact, a popular recreational activity and a terrific way to sightsee is by taking a cycle tour.
There are several places that offer cycle tours, and there is sure to be a programme for everybody. The most basic of the tours takes visitors on an exploration of the alpine mountainside. Tourists can cycle down winding roads, and enjoy the crisp, clean air and unspoilt surroundings. If riding around and enjoying the picturesque scenery sounds too tame, one can opt for more adventurous packages, which includes hiking and kayaking as well. Heli-biking is another great option, where riders are taken to the top of a mountain by helicopter and then speed down mountain trails on sturdy mountain bikes. The best part about the cycle tours is that one does not have to be an outdoorsy person to enjoy it, and it can be especially enjoyable to do with a group of friends.

For an accommodation Queenstown New Zealand, Kingsgate Hotel Terraces Queenstown is the ideal option. Staying in such a hotel accommodation Queenstown will allow guests to catch a glimpse of the magnificent vistas surrounding the hotel.