Fritzjames Stephen | The Adventure Travel Site

Top Reasons to Visit Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a small island nation with a larger than life personality. The people and the places are so vibrant and full of life that you will never feel bored. Here is a set of reasons why.

The Heritage and the History

The history of Sri Lanka harkens back 2000 years, the myriad of kingdoms was rich and advanced, especially around the Cultural Triangle that was home to the ancient kingdoms of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya and Kandy. Each kingdom has left its mark on the land and it will baffle you.

The Sun, the Sea, the Sand

Sri Lanka is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Most inbound tour operators in Sri Lanka have found that tourists will almost always add a beach as part of their tour. It’s not to be missed.

Wildlife and Nature Resorts

Sri Lanka has a large population of wildlife including many animals that are endemic to the island. Explore the nature reserves and go on a dolphin or whale hunting mission. With operators like Tangerine Tours, the opportunities are endless.

Delicious Cuisine

Sri Lankan food comes in large portions and is always as colourful, vibrant and flavourful as its people.

The Diversity

Sri Lankans are a mishmash of people from various cultures, ethnicities and religions. They get along in harmony and are magnanimous in their hospitality to visiting guests.

Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+

Best Melbourne Travel Hacks

You’ll never get enough of travelling to Melbourne – and you’re bound to find new hacks each time you visit. Here’s a list for those looking to make their Melbourne experience better.

Queen Victoria Market| Img by: Johntorcasio via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Visiting Queen Victoria Market

Visit the market 20 minutes before it closes on a Saturday and you’ll be able to score yourself a number of different sweet deals. You might just about manage to get fruits, vegetables, cheese or fresh bakes if you are lucky. Just 11 minutes from Pan Pacific Melbourne and close by to other Melbourne hotels, getting here on time won’t be a task!

Tram Tracker

Download the app Tram Tracker available both on iOS and Android. This app gives you reliable updates on when the tram is due to arrive at your stop. You are free to personalize the app by selecting your most common stops!

Free coffee every Friday!

Market Lane holds public cuppings every Friday from 1 to 1:45 PM. Cupping is the coffee version of wine tasting and is a great opportunity to taste up to eight different cups of coffee!

Early riders get free rides

Your train journey is free if you get on and off before 7:15 AM on a weekday!

Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+

Why Sri Lanka is Ideal for Adventurous Travellers

Sri Lanka is the perfect vacation location for adventure-seeking travellers. There is plenty to do and most of it does not involve putting your life in mortal danger. Here are a few of the most adventurous experiences in Sri Lanka.

Wildlife Safaris

Sri Lanka has three major wildlife reserve, famous of which is Yala which is home to the largest density of Sri Lankan leopards in the world. There are also sloth bears, elephants, crocodiles and sambhurs not to mention the very many species of birds.

That’s only on land, at sea, there are all year round sites for dolphin and whale watching.

Kody8958, Play time for young elephants, CC BY-SA 4.0

Picturesque Train Rides

The three major long-distance train lines; Colombo – Jaffna, Colombo – Kandy – Ella and The Southern Coastal Line are some of the most picturesque train rides in the world. Hang out of the open doors for the best views and some breath-taking photography.

Chandimal Pathirage from Gampaha, Sri Lanka, Udarata Manike, CC BY 2.0

The Surf Party

The South and East of the country are not only packed with pristine beaches each more magical than the next, there are some great places to surf and really take on the waves. Surf all day and party all night for these beaches come equipped with a wild nightlife.

An Adrenaline Pumping Climb

Scale the beautiful blue-tinged mountains on a hike through the wilds or climb for the history and architectural wonder as it is in the case of Sigiriya and its rock fortress or Adam’s Peak; a holy site for all four major religions in the country.

There is plenty of adventure to be had and sometimes in the case of high-flying long-distance bus rides, you don’t have to go looking for it. Plan the perfect adventure in Sri Lanka with tour operators like Tangerine Tours.

Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+

Koneswaram Kovil, Trincomalee

The temple of Koneswaram has been renovated over the years and brought to the status it is today. The Hindu temple crawls over the edge of a cliff which is called Swami Rock and is the reason that Trincomalee got its name.

The Temple of a Thousand Pillars

It is estimated that the original Koneswaram temple which was known as the Temple of a Thousand Pillars was constructed circa 400 B.C. The legend has it that it was the mythical King of Lanka, Ravana had it built so his mother could offer her prayers to Shiva as her illness kept her from travelling to Mount Kailash in India. The original temple was also said to feature a thousand pillars each plated in gold, but it was destroyed and pushed into the sea by Portuguese invaders.

Getting There

The ruins of the former temple were found at the bottom of the ocean by divers including stone obelisks and idols which were restored into the new temple. You can see them and the solitary pillar from the original temple. Koneswaram is at the southernmost tip of the crescent that makes up Back Bay. It is only about 20 minutes’ drive from most resorts in Trincomalee.

There’s plenty to see on the way as you must drive through Fort Frederick. The last leg of the journey must be made on foot. You can see remnants of ancient history relative to the temple. If you are staying at Trinco Blu by Cinnamon, leaving the resort around 8 or 9 in the morning would give you ample time to explore before the sun gets too unbearable.

Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+

Thrilling Wildlife Tours & Safaris in Sri Lanka

From stealthy jungle cats and majestic marvels of the deep to gentle giants on land and feather-filled finery, Sri Lanka certainly offers some unforgettable wildlife tours & safaris!

The King of the Jungle

The Sri Lankan leopard is the island’s undisputed apex predator. Spotting this regal and elusive creature is often the highlight for those on adventure tours in Sri Lanka; the best places for leopard safaris would be the Yala and Wilpattu national parks.

The Rulers of the Sea

Sri Lanka has also become a prime destination for whale watching. Wildlife tour specialists the likes of Nature Odyssey offer safaris to Trincomalee and Mirissa where you can spot whales including the largest creature to have lived on our planet; the mighty blue whale! You also have the chance to spot sperm and killer whales along with bottlenose and spinner dolphins.

The Iconic Gentle Giants

Seeing the Sri Lankan elephant in its natural habitat is a true joy. A visit to the Minneriya National Park between June and September gives you a chance to witness “The Gathering” of elephants that can sometimes number up to 300! The Udawalawe and Wasgamuwa national parks are also prime locations for elephant safaris.

The Guardians of the Sky

Sri Lanka has over 400 recorded bird species including endemic and migratory birds some of which make their journey here from Siberia! Key sites for bird watching include the Kumana and Bundala national parks, the Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary and the Sinharaja Forest Reserve.

Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+

Putrajaya Challenge Park

One of Asia’s most extensive extreme park facilities, Putrajaya Challenge Park was open to the public in 2009 and is situated in a 30-hectare park in Putrajaya’s Precinct 5, accessible from any of the hotels in Putrajaya. It has three attraction divisions:

Rock Climbing

The indoor rock-climbing complex is situated within a 2,100 sq. ft. gymnasium. It’s trapezoidal climbing walls are up to 20 metres tall. The complex is divided into 6 zones; zone A Expert Bouldering Wall, Zone B Beginners Bouldering Wall, Zone C Expert Lead Wall, Zone D Top Roping Wall, Zone E Speed Climbing Wall, and Zone F Intermediate Lead Wall. There’s also a complex for children.

Skate Park and Thrill Park

The Skate and Thrill park have been designed for skateboards, inline skating, BMX biking, stunt biking and rollerblading. You can hire a bike at the location which has a concrete contoured area, a dirt track and slop style jumping. Entrance is free.

Mountain Bike Trails

The Mountain Bike Trail is 9.1 km and customised to suit the bikes. The trail is considered “very technical and one of the best in Asia” by mountain biking enthusiasts. The trail twists through a former rubber and palm oil plantation. They rent bikes as well as have 6 courses graded from easy to moderate and difficult.

When to Go

The Putrajaya Challenge Park is an 11-minute drive from Dorsett Putrajaya on the Jalan P5. The skating track and the biking trail are open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and entrance is free, while the entrance fee for the Rock-Climbing gym is fairly reasonable.

Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+

The Garden of Stars

Located in the Tsim Sha Tsui district of the Kowloon Peninsula, Avenue of Stars is Hong Kong’s version of the Walk of Fame with panoramic views and a dramatic skyline. It has recently been renovated.

Avenue of Stars| Img by: Wing1990hk via wikimedia commons| CC BY 3.0

The Walk of Fame

The Avenue of Stars was designed as a public space in 1982, but gained more and more popularity, quickly becoming the most visited location for tourists and locals alike in Hong Kong. It became so famous and collected such a lot of foot traffic that it needed some renovation.

Renovation

The Avenue of Stars was part of the $ 2.6 billion, Victoria dockside renovation project which also involved a flagship shopping mall, a new concept of luxury living with 287 residential units on 14 floors, a 66-floor skyscraper for offices, an ultra-luxury addition to its international hotel chains and outdoor public spaces.

Cheng and Corner

The project was helmed by Adrian Cheng of New World Development and James Corner, the founder of James Corner Field Operations, urban design and landscape architect.
The Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront was iconic during the colonial times and then disregarded for the rest of fast developing Hong Kong, so it was Adrian Cheng’s idea to update the location and bring it to the 21st century, according to James Corner.
The canopy has been extended to feature trellises and trees and 800 times more shade in keeping with the heat and humidity in Hong Kong so visitors would want to linger.

Hong Kong’s Green Direction

Hong Kong has taken a green direction as of late with Salisbury Garden and the Avenue of Stars, a welcome change. It was reopened to the public on the 30th of January 2019 after a three-year hiatus. It is roughly a 30-minute drive from Dorsett Hotels & Resorts.

Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+

First Timer’s Guide to Hong Kong

A place filled with urban beauty while harbouring scenic natural beauty at the same time, the description fits none other than Hong Kong! If you are a first-time traveller to Hong Kong, then read through to find out about experiences you cannot miss out on!

Dennis Tang, View of Hong Kong from Victoria Peak, CC BY-SA 2.0

Ferry rides
The famous Star Ferry offers rides on 3 unique ferries. The fun fact is, these ferries have been given 3 wonderful names; Morning Star, Celestial Star and Twinkling Star. What makes these Stare Ferries stand out is it’s their 1920s theme that allows the traveller to experience a ride as if it were back in time.

Tsim Sha Tsui
An awesome location to visit on your travels to Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui East Promenade is unquestionably one that can’t be missed! Sone of the main attractions in the area are; Clock Tower, Hong Kong Cultural Centre and Hong Kong Space Museum. Places to stay include hotels like The Murray Hong Kong with excellent facilities available.

Lamma Island
This small island is just13sqkm of land is covered in rich greenery and is a popular escape with tourists and locals alike. The place is perfect to wind down away from the hubbub of the city. Even the population is just about 5000 people which makes it less crowded.

Shopping in Hong Kong
As one of the Asian countries that vaunt a rich culture, shopping in Hong Kong is more than just an agreement among the buyer and seller. Shopping here is one of the most loved leisure time activities by the locals. Therefore, you may find malls with your favourite brands and great deals. Some of the best hotels in Hong Kong offer special packages for shopaholics too.

Museum Bahari of Jakarta

Indonesia is a vibrant country to visit and its capital, Jakarta is a fascinating place to explore. Museum Bahari of Jakarta is ideal for you to go through the sprawling treasures of the rich maritime heritage.

Sunda Kelapa | Image Credit : Danumurthi Mahendra from Indonesia, Pinisi Sunda Kelapa, CC BY 2.0

Significance

The Museum Bahari highlights the legacy of Indonesia’s maritime industry. The museum is a symbol of the nation’s maritime activities, even to the present day. 45 minutes away from Citadines Rasuna Jakarta is where you’ll find this museum.

What to see

Visitors to this museum will see an entire range of maritime equipment and vessels, that were used by various nations across Indonesia. Historic spice warehouses built by the Dutch East India Company in the 1600s is what the museum occupies. Sadly, in January 2018, a fire ripped through the heritage buildings causing much damage to the collection. Nevertheless, the museum is open to the public with what was salvaged, enough to warrant a visit. For those of you looking to get away from the comforts of Jakarta serviced apartments and are interested in unique things, you’ll leave the museum awestruck!

Other things to do

The visit to the museum is combined with a few other things as well, as it is a 15-minute walk from Fatahillah Square, where you’ll find the entrance to Jakarta’s historic harbour, Sunda Kelapa. Located on the same street, you’ll find Menara Syahbandar, the harbourmaster’s tower which was built in 1839 by the Dutch.

Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+

A visit to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

If you have an interest in elephants or simply are an animal lover, make sure that you visit Sri Lanka’s splendid Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. Here are some facts about this wonderful place.

Image result for Pinnawala — Bernard Gagnon, Pinnawala 01, CC BY-SA 3.0

About
The Orphanage has the distinction of featuring the world’s most numerous herds of tame elephants. You will find more than 80 elephants here including males, females, and calves. The Orphanage was created to provide protection and care for the many baby elephants who are lost, orphaned or abandoned by their mothers. These orphans, usually still dependent on milk, would otherwise not survive in the wild.

Getting there
The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage located close to Kegalle plays a significant role in rehabilitating and ensuring a safe future for elephants that have been badly affected by the human-elephant conflict. If you plan to travel from your hotel accommodation the likes of Birds Park Polgahawela you are sure to be at the orphanage within two hours, making it one of the best things to do in Kurunegala.

What to see
Around eighty elephants roam freely in the premises. They are guided by their mahouts who seem to know the art of communicating with them. The elephants are fed and bathed at specific times. You could be part of these daily rituals. As the elephants comfortably splash around and play with each other, you can watch, a safe distance away and hope those sprinkles of water reach you.

Get personal with jumbos
The jumbo bath times are 10am-12 noon and 2-4 pm. Make sure to perfectly time your visit, so as to be a part of this memorable experience. Endearing and huggable, baby elephants are the centre of attention at the orphanage. Bottles and bottles of milk are gulped down by these precious beings.