Lavinia Woolf | The Adventure Travel Site

Golfing in Doha – Tee Off in Style

Ever heard of all-year-round golf courses? Golfers can rejoice because there are plenty of those in Doha! Read on to uncover what you can expect before your tee-off time in Doha.

Central Accommodation

Whether you’re in town for business or pleasure, why not stay at one of the best hotels in Doha? With many choices of resorts, such as Al Najada Doha Hotel by Tivoli offer comfortable and convenient stays so you’re never too far away from a golf course too!

Image via Al Najada Doha Hotel by Tivoli

Beautiful Courses

The natural landscape of Doha makes for some stunning and unforgettable courses. From dunes, dramatic cliff edges and stunning ocean views, a walk around some of these courses will make you want to take up golf just for the views!

Doha Golf Club

Come and take a swing at the premier golf course in the country, the Doha Golf Club! This 18-hole course has been designed in keeping with international standards, and is perfect for both professional and avid golfers alike!

Education City Golf Club

Yet another club to visit is the Education City Golf Club. With plenty of facilities to challenge both professional and amateur players, this club is a must-visit when playing golf in Doha. There are also additional 6- and 9-hole courses for golfers to practice their swings before they tee off.

Underwater World Pattaya – Make A Splash!

The Underwater World is a great choice for those who want to learn more about life under the sea! Apart from frolicking amidst the waves and chilling on the beach, make sure you stop by this attraction to have yourself a superb time!

Hotels in Pattaya

Whether or not you’re travelling with a group of people, there are plenty of Pattaya resorts to choose from! Centrally located hotels such as Avani Pattaya Resort are a great idea since they are also SHA+ certified guaranteeing guests both comfort and peace of mind on their break!

What is Underwater World!

As the only aquarium in Pattaya, it makes it a worthwhile attraction to visit whether you’re travelling with kids or just young at heart and want to learn more about corals, critters and life under the sea!

Tunnels Galore!

With over 150 meters of large, see-through tunnels, visitors can experience marine life like never before! From coral gardens to an abundance of jellyfish dancing about in the water, it’s a surreal way to experience life under the sea, on land!

Zone Out!

Apart from the largest collection of jellyfish, the tunnels are divided into different zones. With a special collection of corals, sharks and stingrays, each area is replete with fun facts and information to ensure you leave knowing more about these mysterious underwater creatures than when you walked in.

The Elevated Tiger Cave Temple – A Home for the Monks, Religion and History

A visit to the Tiger Cave Temple is a mandatory checklist item during a stay in Krabi, the beautiful island of coral reef vistas, alluring beaches and breathtaking views. This Buddhist temple situated in the northeast part of Krabi is a worthy uphill climb.

Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Sua) — kallerna, Wat Tham Sua 9, CC BY-SA 3.0

The History of the Temple

Located only 33 minutes away from Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort, the Tiger Cave Temple, also known as Wat Tham Suea attracts guests from so many Ao Nang beach hotels. The story of the temple dates back to B.E. 2518 when a Jumnean Seelasettho, a Vipassana monk arrived at the caves to meditate, where tigers roamed around the cave. However, another legend states that a large tiger occupied the caves, and the temple was given its name due to the tiger paw prints on its walls.

Geographical Location

The Tiger Cave Temple, which is also a meditation centre is surrounded by a rainforest and mighty old trees that have stood the test of time. The surrounding grounds of the temple have been a source of ancient artefacts where Thanu artefacts had been discovered. However, the small caves in the Tham Sua region are not accessible to tourists.

Statues Worth a Click

The holy grounds of Wat Tham Suea are decorated with a statue that depicts the religious significance of the temple. The most prominent of all is the golden Buddha statue situated right at the top of the mountain. As one reaches the shrine at the top of the stairs, the statue, along with other temple buildings and the town of Krabi can be viewed.

The Stairway

Pilgrims and visitors can reach the top by climbing up the stairs or taking the lift at the left of the stairs. A recent update was made to the stairs which increased its number from 1,237 to 1,260. At an elevation of 278 metres, the Tiger Cave Temple is also home to monks. Monkeys are known to roam about the stairway and visitors are often warned to act cautiously around them.

Sunrise & Sunset Tours of the Mui Ne Sand Dunes – Landscapes of Magical Beauty

Amongst the most enchanting natural attractions in Vietnam, the Mui Ne Sand Dunes are wonderful sights to behold be it at dawn or dusk and here’s more on what awaits.

Where Are the Dunes?

These dunes can be found in Mui Ne, a charming coastal resort town in Southeast Vietnam known for its gorgeous beach and laidback atmosphere. You can stay at properties by the shore like Anantara Mui Ne Resort which organises excursions to the dunes. Jeep tours are popular, while bike rental options are available too for independent exploration.

White Sand Dunes

When it comes to catching a captivating sunrise, head to the White Sand Dunes within easy reach for those staying at a beachside Mui Ne resort. The desertscape with its pristine sands and lakes is made even more beautiful in the light of the morning sun; you can even hire a quad bike or for something truly unforgettable, take a hot air balloon ride.

Red Sand Dunes

Once evening draws near, plan a visit to the Red Sand Dunes where a spellbinding sunset awaits. The sand with its reddish and brown colour lends to the allure of this sight which makes for great Insta posts too. To add to your experience, locals hire out sleds that you can take up to one of the dunes for a fun ride down!

The Fairy Springs

As part of your tour of the Red Sand Dunes in Mui Ne, you can also visit the nearby Fairy Springs, well worth exploring too. This idyllic stream is set amidst impressive rock formations that create an enthralling backdrop; you can remove your footwear and enjoy a leisurely stroll in the stream which is only around ankle-deep in water.

Top Outdoor Activities in Sir Bani Yas Island – Captivating Discoveries, Exciting Adventures

Lying off the coast of Abu Dhabi is the enchanting island of Sir Bani Yas which apart from sublime seclusion and beachside bliss, offers lots of outdoor escapades for the whole family.

Wildlife Drives & Nature Walks

The key attraction is the Arabian Wildlife Park home to over 17,000 free-roaming animals. Those staying at properties like Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort can enjoy guided wildlife drives and nature walks here to spot some of these amazing creatures; highlights include the iconic Arabian oryx as well as giraffes, gazelles, ostriches, flamingos, hyenas, mountain sheep and even cheetahs.

Image via Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort

Other Popular Activities

Of course, Sir Bani Yas offers many more captivating activities in Abu Dhabi; you can embark on wadi walks traversing past imposing rock corridors and striking salt domes, ride the dunes atop Arabian stallions or mares or use pedal-power to explore off-road trails while mountain biking. Resorts here also offer archery, a great way to get in touch with your inner Hawkeye or Robin Hood!

Archaeological & Natural Attractions

Apart from wildlife, the island is also home to 42 distinctive archaeological sites as well as natural wonders that make the landscape here even more intriguing. You can go on a guided exploration of such attractions including a Nestorian Christian monastery that is said to go back to 600 A.D; don’t miss seeing the salt domes too which are around 20 million years old!

In the Water

There are lots of fun-filled things to do on Sir Bani Yas Island amidst the surrounding waters as well. An activity the whole family can try, snorkelling offers a glimpse of a fascinating underwater world home to protected reefs and thriving fish species. You can also look to go kayaking amidst the mangroves to spot diverse birdlife and enjoy more exploration while stand-up paddleboarding as well.

Why Oman is a Beach Holiday Destination – Coast is Calling!

Contrary to what you might expect, Oman is so much more than a sparse and sprawling desert. With over 3000 kilometres of coast, it’s an incredible destination for your next beach holiday! Read on to uncover its best beaches!

Silvio Taverna, Salalah Beach, CC BY-SA 2.0

Salalah Beaches

Head towards the South of Oman for the dreamiest beaches. With stunning white sand, serene waters, and gorgeous cliffs, which hug the tide as it comes in, Salalah is a definite favourite on the beach circuit. Salalah Beach resort options are endless and include the likes of Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara which provides the perfect escape for a date with the sea!

Yiti Beach

If you’re looking for something closer to Muscat, Yiti beach is a wonderful choice. Famous for its tranquillity and stunning landscape. It’s a treat for those city dwellers who want a change of scenery and are craving a dip in the sea! it’s a great choice for swimming, or even camping with friends and family, so come prepared for some fun in the sun.

Al Sifah Beach

This beach is about an hour’s drive from Muscat, towards the eastern coast of Oman. Al Sifah beach is also a very popular choice amongst the locals for its natural beauty and gorgeous stretch of beach. It’s particularly famous for the stunning views of Sifah Mountain and its interesting rock formations, which make it a unique stretch of beach, worth visiting!

Parigi Waterfall in Bekasi

As an attraction most tourists are unaware of, the Parigi Waterfall in Bekasi City is perhaps the area’s best-kept secret in spite of it being compared to a smaller incarnation of Niagara Falls.

Visiting the Waterfall

Despite its location in the city, the Parigi Waterfall remains a hidden attraction in Indonesia’s Bekasi region. Those based at HARRIS Hotel & Conventions Bekasi or any other Bekasi hotel, however, can book a tour of this charming cascade that’s wide in shape and is thus compared to the iconic Niagara Falls.

Best Time to Visit

It is important to time the tour of the Parigi Waterfall as the locale is best explored during sunny conditions as the water discharge of the cascade can be too dangerous for visitors during the wet season. Photography enthusiasts will find the venue a stunning backdrop for their social media posts and holiday photos as the massive rocks and the wide waterfall is a visually arresting sight.

No Swimming

Although there is a natural pond at the base of the fall, it is not suitable for swimming or bathing due to the murky nature of the water.

Reaching the Falls

Backpackers and travel enthusiasts who are based at the heart of Bandung City will find that the journey to the Parigi Waterfall takes nearly three hours to complete as it is located 138km away from the city. Others may wish to stay over at Bekasi or the nearby Cikiwul Village and visit the falls at their own leisure. Located on the Purbaleunyi Highway, one must venture down Raya Pantura Street to reach the waterfall.

Tegal Wangi Beach in Bali

Named after the temple of the same name nearby, this hidden beach in Jimbaran is one of the best reasons to holiday in Bali. Here’s everything you need to know about this seaside haven.

Image credit-Unsplash,Giuliano Di Paolo,CC0

Scenic Location

Easily accessible for those based at FOX Hotel Jimbaran Beach Bali or any other Jimbaran hotels in the area, Tegal Wangi Beach can be reached via a paved road that is easy to spot from the main road. The walk from the winding road to the beach is less than 100 metres while those who drive down to the park can always park at the car park devoted to the Pura Tegal Wangi temple.

Major Highlights

Tipped to be a seaside paradise ideal for couples and solo travellers, Tegal Wangi Beach is spectacular at low tide and especially during the hour of sunset. This is why most locals and seasoned visitors head to the beach between 6 pm and 7 pm.

Photo-Ops

Surrounded by shrubs, the area is a popular venue for local wedding photoshoots due to the stunning backdrop the beach transforms into when captured on film. In addition to the photographers and newlyweds taking snaps in their wedding attire, one is unlikely to come across hordes of tourists in this relatively lesser-known beach hub in Jimbaran.

What to Expect

While the beach is ideal for swimming activities, only those with solid swimming skills should attempt to get into the water during low tide as strong undercurrents are a factor one must contend with in areas other than the small rocky pools.

Tangkuban Perahu in Bandung

Located approximately 25 kilometres from the Bandung city centre is a volcano that’s dubbed the Overturned Boat by locals due to its strange shape. The active volcano is a fascinating geological site in the area.

Reaching the Volcano

Those who are based at FOX Harris Hotel City Center Bandung or any of the best hotels in Bandung will find that driving to Mount Tangkuban Perahu is the easiest way to reach the venue on weekdays. The entire journey will take no more than an hour and a half as the volcano is located approximately 25 kilometres away from the heart of the city.

Tour Options

Rental cars and organised tours to the volcano are available through local tour operators while those who wish to use public transport methods can head to the Bandung’s Minibus Terminal to find minibuses heading to the volcano.

At a Glance

Tangkuban Perahu holds the distinct honour of being the only crater in Indonesia where visitors can drive right up to the rim of the crater. The strange shape and structure of the volcano set it apart from other famous lava spewers in Indonesia and Southeast Asia as the mountain truly does resemble a boat that’s been overturned.

Geological Impact

Although the beauty of Tangkuban Perahu cannot be denied, the volcano has had both positive and negative impacts on the Parahyangan Highlands also known as the Land of God. The volcanic activity in the area is directly linked to the fertility of the soil in the hills, which has made the area rich in nutrients and ideal for crop cultivation.

Beyond Angkor Wat, discover the beauty of Siem Reap – Explore the city

The ancient essence of Angkor Wat has not changed to this day despite the urban developments that have taken place throughout the years. The city of Siem Reap emanates the same beauty of culture and history. Let’s take a look at a few things in detail.

Places to visit

There are a couple of places that you ought to visit on your journey in Siem Reap. Check out the Angkor National Museum, the floating village and even embark on a refreshing hike through the paddy fields. Don’t forget to visit the temples located in the city as well.

User: Jensre at wikivoyage shared, Siem Reap Museum, CC BY-SA 3.0

Explore the culinary delights

If you are a keen foodie, then begin by exploring the street food here in Siem Reap. If you want a bit of a high-end option, any luxury hotel in Siem Reap offers fine dining with international cuisine available. Cafes and restaurants also line the streets as you walk past.

Entertainment

Ever heard of the Cambodian Circus? Well, if you do happen to visit, check out this amazing young talent in Siem Reap. Khmer boxing and Aspara dancing shows are also a highlight in this city. You can inquire with local hotels such as Anantara Angkor Resort on where to be for the experience.

Stay

This city has many places to stay from hostels to luxury hotels and even budget hotels for the traveller who is concerned about their wallet. Make your booking in advance to be entitled to great discounts and deals on food and accommodation.