Author: Pushpitha Wijesinghe

Adrenaline Forest which is ideal for both family and group visits, is an enthralling adventure park positioned in the centre of the forest. This park which is known to be a challenge against gravity and balance is situated in Spencer Park just 15 minutes away from the Christchurch CBD.

Providing endless fun and entertainment for the entire family, Adrenaline Forest offers the visitor the chance to test their strength and persistence. Adrenaline Forest is full of surprises, excitement and has plenty of fun filled activities such as an aerial obstacle course which is 20 metres above ground. There are also six pathways which are about 2 kilometres long. These pathways are created in a way that is extremely difficult to progress. These pathways alone occupy an area of four hectares of the forest.

Way up in the tree canopy, daring visitors are provided the chance to securely pass through as much as 100 testing activities while being fastened by an overhead safety wire. Adrenaline Forest can be explained as an adventure park that offers multi-level obstacle courses set way above ground. Participants are ensured to come across rope bridges, flying foxes and Tarzan swings all set up in the tree canopy.

Adrenaline Forest giving that adrenalin rush that suits all ages and sizes and experience is not at all necessary. Since comprehensive instruction and safety measures are provided, visitors will have to have no doubt when it comes to safety. Furthermore, participants are well attached while participating in all activities above ground. There are also safety leaders present at the site through out the day. Approximately three hours at the park and visitors can accomplish all obstacle courses at Adrenaline Forest.

The best way to be a part of the excitement at Adrenaline Forest is to stay at an accommodation located in close proximity such as Copthorne Hotel Christchurch Durham Street which is a luxury hotel in Christchurch that features a blend of modern comforts and warm hospitality for a pleasant stay.

Scottsdale is known for its upscale nightlife with an eclectic blend of nightclubs, theatres, jazz clubs and restaurants serving up a delightful array of entertainment for just about every age group. As part of Arizona you can expect to see a marvellous blend of cowboys, deserts, the iconic Grand Canyon, shopaholics, golf courses and libertarians. Arizona is a great place to be, to experience that typical western charm America is so famous for. The New York Times once explained Arizona as “a dessert version of Miami’s South Beach” and as having “plenty of night partying and a buzzing hotel scene”. Arts and culture is very much celebrated affair in Scottsdale, and they are known to have the largest concentration of museums and art galleries open to the public. Scottsdale Art Festival is a popular attraction that takes place every year. And here, you can find several districts and areas dedicated to arts and galleries such as, Scottsdale Arts District that can be segmented to Main Street Arts District, Marshall Way Arts District and Old Town District. No matter your reason for visiting Scottsdale Arizona, you are sure to be pleased with the excellent selection of entertainment options available to you.

Beside the landmark Grand Canyon every tourist will visit whilst in Arizona, there is yet another tourist attraction that is worthwhile visiting – Sonoran Dessert. Standing opposite the Mohave Dessert and straddling the border of Mexico whilst overlapping in to Arizona and California is the diverse ecosystem that makes up the Sonoran Desert. Taking a look at the life that exists in this desert, there are 60 identified species of mammals, 350 bird species, over a hundred reptilian species, 20 amphibian species, native fish that amount to 30 species, over 2000 native plants and over a 1000 species of bees alone. The Sonoran Desert that borders Mexico and Tucson is also known to the natural habitat for jaguars in the whole of the United States. Whilst there is much plant and animal life in the desert, Sonoran is also home to seventeen aboriginal American cultures, making it a great place to explore.

Planning a trip to Scottsdale? Locate yourself in an exclusive boutique Scottsdale resort when you make a reservation at Millennium Resort Scottsdale McCormick Ranch. Their intimate setting, wonderful dining options and luxurious accommodation are all the trimmings for a perfect holiday. Access over a hundred golf courses from Millennium Resort Scottsdale McCormick Ranch along with numerous other tourist attractions, and be rest assured that you made the right choice.

When thinking of a vacation in Abu Dhabi, tourists should not miss an opportunity to explore the desert landscape that surrounds this emirate. A popular tourist activity is to take a desert walk or join a tour group that would guide one through this fascinating landscape.

To begin one’s desert walk why not start at the largest Arabian oases located at the Empty Quarter – the Liwa Desert. The desert is famous for the Bani Yas tribe who has a long line of descendents who have made their homes among these surroundings.

The tribe is considered as the descendents of the Bedouin forefathers of the present generation of rulers of Abu Dhabi. With palm fringed roads and freshwater pools to enjoy, the Liwa Desert offers excursions, which are close by to the city.

The Liwa Desert is a popular tourist destination mainly due to its location, towards the south of Abu Dhabi the dessert forms a border with Saudi Arabia. Locals describe the desert much like a sentinel guarding the entrance from the Southward end of the emirate. Almost as if it were made to guard the Empty Quarter’s edge. This is also, where the largest sand desert in the world is to be found, it is known as the Rub Al Khali.

If you are on your way to the desert to indulge in a desert walk, it is hard not to notice the small quaint little towns and villages that have sprung up. Tourists will also notice that there are even a few farms that have emerged against the backdrop of the sand dunes.

On arriving at the desert or while travelling there, a unique aspect of this mysterious landscape is the changing colours of the desert sand. This will become more apparent when one sets foot on the sand. The most beautiful is towards the end of the evening when the sands begin changing from golden to red against a backdrop of a setting sun.

To be able to truly appreciate the culture of the desert, tourists should consider spending a few days at an Abu Dhabi resort. One such as the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, situated in the Liwa Desert will definitely be an experience that will not be forgotten. Decked out in very traditional and local motifs the atmosphere created here, will take tourists back to the days of camping out in the desert, and unlike other Abu Dhabi resort hotels, the views are absolutely breathtaking.

The tropical atolls and lagoons of the Maldivian archipelago are loved all over the world as a destination with unparalleled natural beauty when it comes to the shallow tropical seas, lush greenery of beach vegetation and of course, and the bountiful life of the reefs. That being said, the true attraction of the region remains the breathtakingly beautiful Coral Reefs, teeming with vivid and varied tropical sea life and breathing life to the oceanic ecosystem to thrive and propagate.

In actuality Coral Reefs are massive colonial organisms made up with millions of tiny polyps, whose limestone based shell form the structure of the reef itself. Corals come in mind-boggling varieties of shape, size and colour spread across 200 different species, and taking a plunge in the shallow warm seas off the Maldives atolls you will come across most of these variants blossoming in all their glory.

You shouldn’t forget that the colourful reefs of coral is also the home of a plethora of tropical sea life including sponges, molluscs, crustaceans and an amazing variety of fish from small and brightly coloured parrotfish to reef sharks with their sinister stare, so be ready for an undersea world of life and wonder like no other.

At Maldives, the Coral Reefs take up formations and shapes rarely seen elsewhere in the world. One such formation is the composite ring form known as the ‘faros’, which encircles entire atolls. Ideal place for a snorkelling adventure or going scuba diving, the Maldivian Coral Reefs of today have recovered in great part from the tsunami devastation in 2004. The awesome natural bounty of the Coral Reef also makes it an ideal spot for some underwater photography, where basic equipment can be rented out from the islands. While in Maldives, you will be able to witness some of the most successful programs of coral repopulation in the world, where thousands of square meters lost to the reefs has been re-grown with much effort from the islanders who are beginning to comprehend the importance of the Coral reef to their livelihood and environment.

Almost any Maldives hotel or one of the many Maldives Island resortsprovides tour opportunities to enjoy the magnificence of the coral reefs. At places close to the reefs like the Nalandhu, Maldives you can have the best experience of diving and adventure among the majestic corals of the archipelago.

Beyond the surface of the crystal clear waters just as the glistening sunrays strike upon its endless facade, the underwater life existent in the beaches are evident. The ocean glowing in the sunlight, the beauty of the lucid waters of Maldives teem with its diversely rich marine life, stunning travelers with a myriad of species ranging from colours, sizes and shapes. Having such an amazing marine life, afar from what the eye can see, Maldives offers diving as a water sport activity, giving its visitors an opportunity to witness the underwater life, in a more closer and personal manner.

Perhaps one of the best places to indulge in diving, Maldives has long hailed as the reputed destination to explore the natural swimming pool that surrounds it. Having more sea than land with its turquoise lagoons, incredible reefs and beautiful atolls, the island is the perfect place to start your diver training.

Gaining such popularity in the water sports field, it is no surprise that almost all the resorts around the island offer an extensive variety of water sports. One of them being diving, there is a dive school maintained in every resort that offers courses and training to beginners. Compared to receiving an international standard of teaching, Professional Association of Diving Instructors is perhaps the most leading institution. Having sprouted around Maldives, the association has received wide recognition, providing its standard courses in their number of training agencies.

Those who enter Maldives as novices and embark on one of the many diving courses offered; often go back to their homeland as experienced and trained persons. Those who do not have any diving experience to speak of have nothing to worry as the diving courses offered are extensive depending on each resort, where all the equipment will be provided.

A thrilling and adventurous activity by nature, diving is considered an adrenaline rushing experience. Embracing the teaching methods, guests can easily experience the remarkable splendour of the underwater beauty of the coral garden and fascinating species. A must do activity, there are many courses that include beginners, advanced and specialized.

Having their own diving site, the schools provide a variety of facilities and equipments such as snorkels, masks, wetsuits, drysuits, fins, compressors, BCD, diving knives, and dhonis which are fitted with tanks. Among other diving equipments, schools also provide octopus regulators. Offering a list of guidelines to the divers, the instructor goes through the requirements and rules. Before heading to the water, the equipments are checked more than once, ensuring safety and reliability. Those who participate in PADI courses are offered certificates after the completion of the training. The five day course which includes around nine on field diving lessons will make certain that you have enough knowledge to dive without any further training. In addition, there are a number of theory lessons.

There are many Maldives resorts available for those who are searching for a villa in Maldives. Anantara, Kihavah is one such resort that offers luxury and privacy to its visitors. Guests staying here are bound to have an amazing time as it offers a number of amenities such as a spa, infinity pool and great fine dining options.

In the centre and a bit towards the south of Philippines sprawls a long strip of island called Cebu Island, the capital of Cebu Province set in the Central Visayas Region. Cebu City, the capital of the Cebu Island, is a commercial hub and houses a bustling international port. The Cebu Island is packed with scores of tourist attractions including great beach resorts, historical sites and diving spots.

The earliest Spanish settlement in Philippines is recorded in the Cebu City, which is also considered the oldest city of the country. Cebu City is also called the Queen City of the South, as it used to be a prosperous commercial and trade hub even in the past. A sightseeing tour in Cebu is certain to take you back to the 16^th century, the time when Spanish seafarers first settled here.

Cebu City nestles many colonial buildings and religious venues influenced by the Spanish. One of the most famous religious and historical attractions here is the Magellan’s Cross. It was installed under the direction of Ferdinand Magellan, following his advent to Cebu Island. Presently a new cross is exhibited at the chapel called the Kiosk, in the vicinity of the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino. The original cross is secured within another wooden cross and rests on a concrete pedestal in the heart of the Kiosk. The interior of the Kiosk’s conical dome display some striking murals depicting stories of the baptism.

The next door Basilica of Santo Nino, also called Basilica Minore del Santo Nino, is considered as the oldest church in the country, with a baroque facade built in the 16^th century. The Santo Nino, a statue of the Child Jesus, is enshrined here. The basilica houses a fine museum displaying antiques, statues, large rosary, Santo Nino’s cloak, gifts and vestments. Cebu boasts of one of the oldest and smallest Spanish ports known as Fort San Pedro. The city is also home to Asia’s birthplace of Catholicism, the Cebu Cathedral.

Mactan Island sits only a few kilometres from Cebu Island and serves as a great tourist attraction in Philippines. In Mactan you will come across a lifelike statue of Datu Lapu-Lapu holding a tribal shield and a sword. He was a daring chieftain of Mactan Island who fought with his fellowmen against the Magellan’s army and suppressed them during the Battle of Mactan. The monuments Magellan Shrine and Lapu-Lapu Shrine in Mactan were built to commemorate this battle.

Mactan Aquarium in the Lapu-Lapu City in Mactan Island is an excellent place to explore a wide variety of fish and learn more about them. You will see sharks, star fish, corals, jelly fish, urchins and numerous exotic fish representing marine life from the Filipino portion of the Coral Triangle. This triangle is a territory in the Pacific Ocean and is recognized as a global hub for marine diversity.

Mactan hosts more than 70 diving spots to view thriving coral reefs. You can take a glass boat ride, scuba dive or snorkel to explore the vibrant corals, the home of myriads of elusive beings. Mactan and many islands near Cebu Island provide great beaches to sunbathe and simply relax.

Things to see and do in Cebu Island are countless, and range from sightseeing historical sites with Spanish influences to exploring the rich underwater habitats. You can easily find accommodation at an exclusive Cebu resort spa like Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa Cebu. Enjoy this resort’s sumptuous comforts while indulging in the warm tropical sun, turquoise sea and the dazzling white beaches in Cebu.