Author: Pushpitha Wijesinghe

Blanco Renaissance Museum

Born in Manila, the capital of Philippines, on the fifteenth of September 1911, Don Antonio Blanco became the most well-known artist to live in Bali. His parents were Spanish, having migrated to Manila during the Spanish-American War, and Blanco felt a deep spiritual attachment to famous Spanish artists such as Salvador Dali and Miro. His affinity for art showed at an early age. While schooling he excelled at literature, arts and languages, but struggled at subjects such as science and math. As an adult, Blanco travelled to all parts of the world trying to perfect his craft before finally settling in the Indonesian island of Bali.
He was given an area of land in Campuan, Ubud by the King of Bali where he could live with his wife (the famed local dancer, Ni Ronji) and put up his studio. The artist’s mountain refuge was situated by the mighty Campuhan River and was a secluded paradise that the pair rarely left. Thus followed Blanco’s most prolific period where he produced many of his finest works of art. He won many awards and accolades from local and international bodies, including the Cruz de Caballero (the Spanish Knighthood), and became Bali’s most celebrated foreign artist.
During the last few years of his life he worked towards converting his studio into a museum. He passed away in the year 1999, just before the opening of his museum. The Blanco Renaissance Museum is one of Bali’s most important cultural attractions and tourists who want to take a day off from the beach should definitely try to visit it. The museum is not on any bus route and can be accessed by taxi. A small fee is charged for admission into the museum.
Being a premier tourist destination, the hospitality sector in Bali is well developed. One can easily find accommodation here to fit any budget. Tourists who visit the island looking forward to a relaxing vacation should consider staying at Bali spa resorts such as COMO Shambhala Estate Bali. This Bali spa resort is situated close to Ubud and offers an array of treatments designed to help guests relax and feel at peace. 

Australian Alps

Whether you have a taste for outdoor adventure, or history and culture, or even if you just want to see nature at its best, the Australian Alps is a must visit place. Stretching across a large distance, this great mountain range crosses several states and has 16 glorious national parks and reserves within its borders. It is well loved throughout the seasons, and regardless of whether it is snowing or a nice warm summer’s day there is always much to see and do on the Australian Alps. These Alps are packed with activities that would interest young and old alike.
The Australian Alps are best loved for the range of outdoor activities that they offer. In the winter they are a much revered spot among those who enjoy winter sports ranging from skiing to snowboarding. There are several sites within the range that are ideal for these winter activities and Charlotte Pass is the highest of these amazing ski slopes. In the summer the Australian Alps are popular for biking, hiking, horse riding or just driving along and its breathtaking scenery will be appreciated by all.
In the streams that flow along these picturesque mountains visitors can engage in canoeing, kayaking and rafting, making the area a haven for adventure lovers. There is rich history encompassed in the Alps such as the caves of ancient tribes and visitors can participate in tours based on aboriginal culture. For those who want to experience the splendour of nature there is a walking track 650km long that has some of the most breathtaking views in the whole continent. 
In addition to all this, there are plenty of places in the area to get a close glimpse of wildlife and see a variety of some of Australia’s best loved creatures. Kangaroos and wallabies inhabit some parts of these mountains along with much more exotic flora and fauna, some of which cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Along the Alps are many places for visitors to enjoy a good meal and there is fun for the whole family.
Since it is within easy access to many of these popular spots visitors often spend their stay in Melbourne hotels. For Melbourne accommodation that surpasses any other in terms of class and comfort, The Langham Melbourne is a popular choice among Australia’s visitors.

Cardrona Adventure Park

Situated in the Cardrona Valley, between Queenstown and Wanka, Cardrona Adventure Park is a place for hours of outdoor fun!  Overlooking the Wakatipu Basin there is a number of viewing points. Visitors can choose from a range of quad bike rides which have been designed to cater to all skill levels and ages. The brave ones can opt to ride monster trucks for some adrenaline pumping thrills. An exceptional Queenstown hotel  accommodation option, Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview offers the finest of comforts. This New Zealand Queenstown hotel is reputed for its hospitable service and ideal location.

White Water Rafting in Kitulgala

Sri Lanka may be an ideal place to enjoy lazy days by the beach, but this island paradise also offers plenty of adrenaline pumping thrills! White water rafting is one such activity and can be enjoyed in particular in the area known as Kitulgala, which can be found in the hill country region of the country. Situated around 80kms from the commercial capital Colombo, Kitulgala has around five rapids that have been graded 2 and 3. As you go along the rapids you will come across a variety of areas that have been named to give you an idea of the thrills in store; Killer Fall, the Rib Cage and Head Chopper to name but a few! Those visiting the region and looking for Kandy hotels from which to explore the area can stay at Earl’s Regency. This property belongs to Aitken Spence Hotels which provides hotels Sri Lanka in a variety of key location across the island. 

A Fusion of Spectacular Views and Adrenaline Spikes

One of the beautiful and serene islands located off the Gulf of Thailand is Koh Phangan. Considered to be one of the most popular destinations amongst backpackers and travellers, Koh Phangan is most famous for its Full Moon Parties on the Haad Rin Beach. Its scenic beauty, tranquil atmosphere and pristine beaches further make Koh Phangan a relaxing retreat as well.
One of the latest and most thrilling attractions of Thailand and its Islands is Canopy Adventures. This thrilling activity combines the sense of serenity of nature with the adrenaline rush of zipping through the air at great heights, to provide a truly magnificent and exciting experience the likes of which are not easily forgotten!
Thailand and its Islands are blessed with several lush tropical forests with thick canopies, which are of immense scenic beauty. The mountainous landscape of these forests provides an ideal terrain for zip lining over the thick canopy of greenery, to provide a thrilling and serene experience. Canopy adventures include trips through the thick canopy of these forests, while letting you marvel at the beauty and the serenity of the exotic and mysterious tropical forests, either through a serious of cable walkways suspended high up in the sky along the canopy line, or through a speeding zip line that offers you breathtaking bird’s eye views of the lush forests and splendid scenery. 
The cable walkways require absolutely no climbing experience, so anyone can engage in a thrilling walk high up in the air and bask in the mystery and beauty of the forests. For those with a thirst for adventure, the zip lines will provide a great thrilling and unforgettable experience, as you zoom through the air in an adrenaline pumping zip line while absorbing the serenity of the lush tropical scenery. So if you enjoy the serenity and beauty of nature, while also looking to have a bit of an adventure, this activity is the best choice for you.
Set amidst the relaxing ambience of Koh Phangan is the Rasananda Koh Phangan Villa Resort & Spa, one of the most tranquil Koh Phangan resorts. Belonging to the renowned Anantara group of hotels and resorts, this hotel offers accommodation in a range of suites and villas elegantly designed to fuse traditional Thai culture with tranquillity. With several fine dining restaurants, spa treatment and wellness services, and many fun filled leisure activities, this hotel promises to be one of the most relaxing and soothing Koh Phangan hotels.

Discovering the Thermal Wonders Of the Waimangu Volcanic Valley

Located in Rotorua, the Waimangu Volcanic Valley is known for its unique geothermal features and offers an outdoor adventure like no other. Popular amongst nature lovers, this picturesque area is home to a nature reserve and a wildlife sanctuary and is where one can also see lakes formed amidst steaming volcanic craters. There are tours that take visitors to some of the valley’s most well known attractions and there is even a cruise along Lake Rotomahana. Travellers in search of a hotel in Rotorua from which to explore the region can stay at Millennium Hotel Rotorua. This well placed Rotorua hotel also offers a range of luxurious comforts that make your stay more enjoyable.

Bangkok Skytrain

The Mass Transit System of Bangkok which is also popular as the BTS skytrain is a fast transit system that runs above the city. Along its way, the BTS system stops by over 32 stations where it runs both eastwards and northwards along the Sukhumvit line. The places of halt are Mo Chit and Bearing for Sukhumvit line and Silom, Sathon, Wongwian Yai, National Stadium and the Central Business District of Bangkok. At the time the BTS was built it was known as the Lavalin Skytrain because the Vancouver Skytrain was taken into consideration while constructing the BTS. Due to some influences from the higher authorities the Lavalin Skytrain was cancelled in the year 1992 giving the city’s traffic congestion as a reason.
After a few years they recognized the importance of Lavalin Skytrain and made arrangements for it to get back into function. Skytrain was a name given by the press after its re-establishment. The original depot of the BTS skytrain was beneath the Lumphini Park but it became a menace to the residents and had to be moved to Phahonyothin Road removing the Northeastern bus terminal to Mo Chit. This amazing Skytrain in the city was opened on the 5th of December 1999 with the participation of Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. In the beginning it was only 200000 passengers who took the train for a day and miraculously on the 9th of December 2005 a record of 500000 ticket sale was indicated. All the train stations belonging to the BTS system is built on elevated ground on three levels.
The street level facilitates access to the station through escalators and stairs. The next elevated level contains ticket booths, small shops and the gates to the trains. The third level of the system holds the rails and platforms. If you wish to travel around Bangkok on your next visit, the easiest mode of travel is to take the BTS skytrain. Not only the Sky train you can also try out some fascinating Bangkok Luxury hotels where you enjoy a range of modern comforts. The Peninsula Bangkok is an amazing Bangkok Hotel that visitors love to try out on their Bangkok visits.

Diving in Hikkaduwa: Discover the Mysteries of the Deep

The deep blue sea has been a constant and intriguing mystery since mankind began to frequent the Earth. Not only its waves and currents and its impact on the weather and atmosphere but also the almost alien sea life that frequent miles beneath the waters have piqued the inquiring mind of mankind for a long time. It is this inherent curiosity that draws eager travellers and tourists to the calm and beautiful waters of Hikkaduwa in Sri Lanka.

Hikkaduwa is a popular destination both among locals and foreigners who seek to experience the marvels of the sea life amidst the peaceful and scenic beaches. The location is also ideal for surfing and is a well known surfing destination as well. The beach is also home to exquisite sea life thanks to its beautiful corals which protect the bay area from waves and was the first reef to be declared a marine national park. Scuba diving in Hikkaduwa is a marvellous experience for one could enjoy the beauties of the underwater with damsels, butterfly fish, barracuda, boxfish, and more swimming in and out of the magnificent coral reefs. There are a number of diving facilities dotted along the Hikkaduwa beach which are accessible for a small fee.

If one’s objective of visiting the island is to experience its wildlife, a number of national parks including Yala and Wilpattu are ideal to satisfy one’s quest. Whereas, one may opt to enjoy the marvellous sea life surrounding the island, unparalleled to any other experience, in which event the shores of Galle is where you should go.

In this small island, scenic beaches are not its only attraction. Sri Lanka hotels have the unique advantage of being able to offer diverse experiences to any traveller thanks to the island’s relatively small area and its ability to transform surroundings from being warm and temperate to cool and mild within only a few hours. Galle resorts are especially designed to give you the best access to the beautiful shoreline and are guaranteed to give you an experience you will never forget. However, if you wish to opt for accommodation inland yet with quick access to the beach, Jetwing Kurulubedda is an ideal choice for it is nestled in a serene location but within a few minutes of the island’s shoreline.

Explore the Hiyare Rainforest

A visit to the beautiful tropical island of Sri Lanka is full of possibilities, and the country is alive with things to see and do. From the paradise beaches that surround the island to its fresh hill country full of lush greenery, holiday makers are never short of ways and places to spend their time. Yet one of the country’s most glorious natural blessings is its serene rainforests, so richly populated with varieties of flora and fauna; entering these green havens is similar to entering a new world. These exquisite forests are well preserved and uninhabited by man, thus seeing them is an honest reflection of what nature is, at its best.

For an exciting tropical experience visitors can explore the Hiyare Rainforest. The forest is a short drive from the city of Galle, a popular destination for tourist from all parts of the world. It is on the boundaries of the Hiyare reservoir, which regularly keeps the forest rich and vibrant. The population of wildlife that calls the forest home is always active though they do nothing to disturb the peaceful ambiance that fills the area.

Anyone will enjoy the calls of the birds resounding in the treetops, and realize that they are definitely in one of the world’s most exotic locations. For naturalists and avid nature lovers the visit will be surreal as the forest is home to hundreds of species, from birds, insects and fish to reptiles and mammals. The variety of trees and plants in the forest too is extensive, some of which are endemic to the glorious island, Sri Lanka.

Visitors can explore the Hiyare Rainforest by trekking through it or hiking, while enjoying the stunning surroundings. For those who enjoy travelling across the water, boat rides are available too and are a popular way to enjoy this serene forest. Animal lovers can stopover at the animal rescue centre where injured animals are given care and attention before being rehabilitated into the wild. Visitors will be astounded by the diversity of nature when visiting the picturesque Hiyare Rainforest.

Where better to spend such an engaging holiday than at one of the best Sri Lanka hotels available? Jetwing Lighthouse is a great choice and one of the premier Galle hotels, enjoyed immensely by those visiting this part of the island.

Explore Phuket the Adventurous Way

Thailand, an oriental nation located in the Indochina Peninsula, is a country which is known for its rich culture, colourful society, thriving tourism industry, and vibrant nightlife. Cities such as Bangkok and Phuket are some of Thailand’s most popular cities which attract tourists due to their exciting and attractive features and laidback and relaxed atmosphere.
The island of Phuket, known as “The Pearl of the Andaman Sea”, is known for is extravagant style, nightlife and its scenic beauty. One of the most interesting features of Phuket is that it offers a variety and exciting and adventurous activities, which are sure to add a little bit of adrenaline fuelled fun to your vacation. The tropical climate and geography of the island further make these adventure travels in Phuket all the more entertaining.
Most of these activities can be done on the island itself, while a few can be done on the mainland. Phuket offers thrilling adventure activities such as white water rafting, speed boating, sea canoeing, elephant trekking, ATV tours, jungle safari’s and fishing tours, which are sure to add a heap of fun to your vacation. The island specifically caters to tourists, so there are ample organizations and institutions that provide the services, facilities and equipment necessary for these exciting activities. One can even embark on adventure tours to intriguing islands such as Coral Island and James Bond Island which are popular hotspots among tourists due to their scenic beauty and exciting attractions. So if you are interested in adding a bit of a thrill to your vacation, embark on an adventure tour in Phuket and have a truly amazing and memorable tropical experience.
For an action packed and fun filled vacation in Phuket stay at Thanyapura Phuket, a unique sports club Thailand. Located in the heart of Phuket, Thanyapura Phuket is a collections of properties centrally located, all of which provide a unique experience. There is the Leisure & Sports Club; offering a variety of sports, recreational and wellness activities, the Mind Centre; which utilizes psychology and neurology to strengthen and enhance emotional and mental balance, and the Phuket International Academy Day School. It is sure to cater to your every need, and is an excellent Sports Training Thailand for a family vacation.