Lavinia Woolf | The Adventure Travel Site

Malaysian Grand Prix Travel Guide

Sepang started hosting the Formula 1 Grand Prix in 1999 and it quickly became a success due to several factors which boosted its allure. Sepang itself is a city of many attractions and this is the reason why people flock to Sepang even though the Grand Prix is no longer hosted here. Want to find out more about Sepang?

1). Why Sepang?

The Sepang International Circuit offered views unlike no other when it came to vantage points of the race and also, tickets were amongst the cheapest found on the Formula 1 calendar. While you’re ticking off things to do in Sepang if you happen to be looking for accommodation, there are several options, like Avani Sepang Goldcoast Resort for example.

2). Traits of The Track

The Sepang Circuit has offered for some adrenaline-inducing views with its wide, long straights that follow into tight corners which make for dramatic overtakes!

3). Deadly Weather

From 2001 to 2015 the races were consistently slotted in between March and April even though that is when the western monsoon came to town, bringing with it heavy rains which make for terrifying driving! Thankfully, this was later shifted.

4). Activities in Sepang

Take a break from the city, cars and head to GK Organic Farm where you will be taught how to select organic food! Or go to Flight Landing View, pull over and enjoy spectacular views of aircraft landing within close proximity!

Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting. Google+

A Thrilling Safari at Wilpattu National Park

Does your idea of an exciting holiday include the chance to encounter everything from stealthy leopards to regal elephants? If so, you will love a safari at Wilpattu National Park in Sri Lanka!

Leopards in Wilpattu | Image Credit: Senthi Aathavan Senthilverl, Sri Lankan Leopard at Wilpattu national park – (Brave Beauty), CC BY-SA 4.0

Getting There

The country’s largest national park, Wilpattu can be found on the northwest coast and is one of the best places for a wildlife safari in Sri Lanka. It is around 188 km from Colombo and 30 km from the town of Puttalam. The best times for a safari are generally in the mornings (6 am to 10 am) and evenings (3 pm to 6 pm).

Two of Wilpattu’s “Stars”

While on a safari, organised by travel specialists the likes of Nature Odyssey, keep your eyes peeled to spot two of Wilpattu’s most famous residents; the somewhat ponderous Sri Lankan sloth bear and the majestic Sri Lankan leopard! Seeing these creatures in the wild is truly unforgettable.

Not Just the “Supporting Cast”

Of course, it would be wrong to say that these are the only animals of significance you can spot here. On your safari, you may see cautious spotted deer, sunbathing mugger crocodiles, playful purple-faced langurs, unhurried pond turtles, unperturbed monitor lizards and not forgetting wise-old elephants!

Feathered Friends

The Wilpattu National Park features many lakes which attract a large number of birds too. Bird lovers have the chance to see wetland species such as whistling teals, purple herons and large white egrets. Endemic birds including the Sri Lankan junglefowl, Ceylon lorikeet and the red-backed woodpecker are also a part of the colourful avifauna here.

Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting. Google+

Travel guide to Hong Kong

Despite being known as a business hub, this is only part of Hong Kong’s fabric. There are a plethora of different sides to Hong Kong that contributes to its diversity and liveliness. Listed below are just a few places you must include in your itinerary.

Chi Lin Nunnery

If you’re interested in all things history related, you’ll find this attraction fascinating. This nunnery dates back to 1934, and not a single nail was used to build this nunnery. The main hall is the most fascinating part of the monastery. You can reach this attraction within 25 minutes from Hotel Purple Hong Kong or any other such Causeway Bay serviced apartments.

Hong Kong Museum of Art

A landmark art museum, this is where you’ll find a rather extensive collection of Chinese art. All of the masterpieces are well organized into their own thematic galleries. A mix of calligraphic scrolls, textiles, Qing ceramics, and contemporary canvases among several other things for you to witness.

Ladies’ Market

In Tung Choi Street, you can browse through a variety of different items found in stalls! You can put your bargaining skills to practice over here.

Hong Kong Park

This green space is extremely welcome amidst all the skyscrapers surrounding it. You’ll find leafy pathways and a mix of rock and gardens in this park. The Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware and Edward Youde Aviary are also found in the park!

Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting. Google+

Fun Adventures in Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka

If your holiday plan includes spending long days on the beach, surfing the waves, going on foodie tours and partying on the shore, then Hikkaduwa in Sri Lanka is the place for you!

South Coast Escape

This laid-back town can be found along the island’s south coast; it is around 98 km from Colombo, the commercial capital and is easy to reach via the Southern Expressway or by train. Hikkaduwa resort, hotel and Airbnb options abound offering accommodation for varied budgets.

Hikkaduwa Beach

Golden sands bordered by azure waters await at Hikkaduwa Beach where soaking up the sun is a way of life! Beachside resorts the likes of Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon offer the ideal coastal base to also enjoy diverse dining and the happening nightlife scene in and around the beach area.

Ocean Escapades

Hikkaduwa also features thrilling water sports; there are some excellent waves for surfing especially for beginners, while snorkelling lets you explore the local marine national park home to assorted coral and marine life. For more in-depth exploration you can go diving to hotspots the likes of Black Coral Point and Kirala Gala.

More Adventures

There’s much more to do in Hikkaduwa; you can visit the nearby Seenigama Muhudu Viharaya, which is a temple on a small island, see turtle conservation in action at the Sea Turtle Hatchery & Rescue Centre and indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments. There’s always something new to discover!

Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting. Google+

Jeddah’s Best Art Galleries

Taking a stroll around the streets of Jeddah is enough to discover plenty of art galleries featuring Middle Eastern creativity. Here are some of the best art galleries that you should not miss.

Tahlia Street Galleries | Image Credit : Ahmed Abdulbasit (Pakistan), Jeddah galleria, CC BY 4.0

Arabian Wings Gallery

Known as one of Saudi Arabia’s largest galleries the Arabian Wings Gallery boasts over 1500sqm of space to create the illusion of endless space. Making full use of its huge girth this gallery is a treat to explore up-and-coming artists as well as established names such as Damien Hirst, Banksy, and Heba Amed.

Athr Gallery

The Athr Gallery is one of Saudi Arabia’s classiest and most celebrated galleries in Jeddah for contemporary art. It displays montages, ink drawings, photographs, sculpture, scripture, and abstracts. The works of renowned Saudi Arabian artists are displayed at this venue located at Tahlia Street, which is 11 minutes away from Ascott Sari Jeddah, one of the best Jeddah apartments in the city.

Darat Safeya Binzagr Gallery

This gallery was established to accommodate the work of Saudi Arabian artist Safeya Binzagr and while it continues to showcase a wide selection of the artist’s work, there are other displays too covering and exhibiting the work of international and local artists.

Al-Alamia Gallery

The exhibits at this gallery are wholly enchanting; there you are treated to stunning landscapes, floral painting, authentic Islamic artwork and lots more. There is also a fine selection of celebrated Arabic artists work up for sale, which gives you a chance to take home some unique masterpieces.

Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting. Google+

Best Things to Do on Koh Phangan

Be it lazing around on a pristine beach, enjoying local delicacies or even having some fun in the wild, Koh Phangan is what you are looking for! Here’s what you absolutely can’t miss out on when on holiday on this atoll that is a part of Thailand.

Beach hopping

White sand, clear blue waters and a whole bunch of fun water sports is just what the beaches of Koh Phangan have to offer. Don’t forget to book up a room with Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas or any other stunning Koh Phangan resort for some self-pampering. Also, you simply have to experience a moon party at Haad Rin Beach.

Image Credit: Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas

Waterfall hunting

Experience the way the locals have fun by paying a visit to the waterfalls that are favourites among all tourists visiting Koh Phangan. Head over to Paradise Falls and have some splashy fun with the local kids. Remember not to make the mistake of visiting in the dry season!

Night market

Where better to find a night market than in Thailand? The Thong Sala Night market is an absolute must visit! If you are up for a culinary journey, then hit the night market to find all sorts of cuisines to entice your taste buds.

File:Thongsala - Food market - panoramio.jpg — lanjan, Thongsala – Food market – panoramio, CC BY-SA 3.0

Slip N Fly

It’s all about the thrills and spills at Slip N Fly! Slide down water slides and into the plunge pool or enjoy a game of water volleyball. This is an ideal spot to hang out with friends and family.

Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting. Google+

Explore Sri Lanka’s Wildlife

As one of the world’s greatest Biodiversity hotspots, Sri Lanka, is an excellent place to witness wildlife. The island has numerous, amazing wildlife sanctuaries, here are some top spots.

Yala National Park

Being the second largest national park in Sri Lanka, the Yala National Park has been a favourite hotspot among many tourists who visit the country. If you want to spot a leopard, there will be no better place than this! Sloth bears, elephants, and many other creatures can be experienced up close. This dry zone park is just one of the rustic wildlife reserves Nature Odyssey and other leading tour operators in Sri Lanka cover.

Wilpattu National Park

Wilpattu is undoubtedly one of the, if not the most, beautiful wildlife park in the country. Situated about 30km from Sri Lanka’s ancient capital, Anuradhapura, Wilpattu is the nation’s oldest national park and its largest one. The National Park’s most prominent feature is its unique complex of more than 50 natural lakes, called ‘Villus’ which largely contribute to both its natural beauty and its lush fertility.

Minneriya National Park

A park that is always covered in most popular adventure tours in Sri Lanka, Minneriya is best known for its large population of migratory elephants. The park is also home to diverse species of birds, reptiles, amphibians, and even fish. The surroundings too are quite beautiful with dense shrubberies and vast grassy plains.

Bundala National Park

This park is well-known as a wildlife hotspot for aquatic bird life! The most impressive aspect of the park is its terrain made up of sand dunes, scrub jungle, salt pans, lagoons and long stretches of coastline.

Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting. Google+

The Enchanting Sinharaja Rainforest in Sri Lanka

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sinharaja Rainforest is a rich storehouse of biodiversity home to an array of endemic flora and fauna. If you love communing with nature this is definitely a place you should explore!

Planning a Trip

This rainforest can be found in the south-west part of the island; it can be reached via Ratnapura, Deniyaya or Rakwana depending on where you are coming from. Of course, to fully utilise your time here choosing accommodation options like The Rainforest Ecolodge – Sinharaja which lies at the fringes of the reserve is a good idea.

Exploring the Trails

Those staying at a Sinharaja eco lodge Sri Lanka has to offer can look forward to spending lots of time trekking through the rainforest. The two main trails here are the Mulawella and Sinhagala trails, both of which offer a wonderful chance to experience the beauty of this World Biosphere Reserve.

Birdlife

The Sinharaja Rainforest is ideal for birdwatching and in fact, 21 of the country’s 26 endemic bird species have been recorded here. Keep a look out for sightings of the Ceylon grey hornbill, Ceylon wood pigeon, Ceylon blue magpie, Layard’s parakeet and Sri Lankan junglefowl to name but a few.

Other Wildlife

On your adventures, you may spot other endemic creatures as well including the torque macaque, purple-faced leaf monkey and giant squirrel. The rainforest is also home to many butterfly and reptile species too which add to its allure.

Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting. Google+

Awesome Things to Do in Koh Phangan

From spending lazy days on the shore to making foodie discoveries and dancing till dawn under a full moon, Koh Phangan is an island full of adventures just waiting for you!

Beach Exploration

Being an island, Koh Phangan is blessed with some truly gorgeous stretches of shore, ideal for some beach hopping. Haad Yao, Haad Salad, Haad Yuan and Thong Nai Pan Noi Beach home to Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas are amongst the beaches you can look to explore.

Experience Moon Parties

Of course, no mention of things to do on Koh Phangan is complete without highlighting its legendary Full Moon Parties. Haad Rin Beach becomes party central each month with its heady mix music and dancing on the shore which attracts revellers from across the world. What’s more, the island hosts Half Moon and Black Moon parties too!

Visit the Thong Sala Night Market

When it comes to this market, think less retail therapy and more food therapy! The Thong Sala Night Market is a must visit for foodies who can sample a huge range of authentic Thai dishes. Be it savoury, spicy, sour or sweet, the selection here is fantastic and will appease meat lovers and vegetarians alike.

Learn Muay Thai

Koh Phangan is a great place to learn the traditional martial art of Muay Thai which is very much a part of Thai culture. Since you utilise your hands and legs in a variety of attack and defence techniques, it offers a great cardio workout too!

Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting. Google+

Visiting a rainforest- a practical guide

If you’ve never thought of going to a rainforest, you should! These unique biomes burst with bright flashes of colour and busy buzz. Know these tips before visiting a rainforest.

Wildlife in Sinharaja Rainforest | Image Credit : Jayne Stockdale, White-bellied Blue Flycatcher in Sinharaja National Park, CC BY-SA 4.0

Climate

Staying true to its name, ‘tropical’ rainforests are both humid and warm. For instance, when you are not under the protective canopy the sun can be quite strong. Generally, tropical rainforests receive plenty of rainfall with different air circulation patterns.

Wildlife

Needless to say, rainforests are tremendously rich in wildlife. Majority of these animals live in the forest canopy and animal life is subtle and fleeting. If you stay at a Sinharaja eco lodge in Sri Lanka the likes of The Rainforest Ecolodge, you’ll be able to witness diverse species of exotic animal life here. A good guide can make you experience an educational and fascinating journey.

Plants

More than two-thirds of plant species in the world can be found in tropical rainforests. Once you enter a rainforest, you will notice that most of its trees grow closely spaced and straight up into the high canopy. Although you may find fallen flowers on the forest floor, you will not see many flowers in most of the rainforests.

Be observant!

Walking along a rainforest with an open mind will help you find differences between the rainforest ecosystem with that of a normal forest that you’ve seen. While walking make sure not to get entangled in vines or trip over roots.

Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting. Google+