Lavinia Woolf | The Adventure Travel Site

Must Visit Markets in Mongkok

Being Hong Kong’s most congested shopping district, markets in Mongkok has everything from toys, jewellery to caged birds. Without further ado, here are some of them!

Markets in Mongkok | Image Credit - Sdata, CC BY-SA 3.0 Via Wikimedia Commons — Markets in Mongkok | Image Credit – Sdata, CC BY-SA 3.0 Via Wikimedia Commons

Mongkok Wet Market

Are you a foodie? If you are in Hong Kong, look no further than the Mangkok’s Wet Market. One can find vegetables, fresh fruits and rows of pork ribs hanging from hooks. If tourists wish to take something home from this market, they have many choices.

Jade Market

This market has all kinds of jade, pearls, carvings, little statues or at least just a little knick knack to take home. Female guests have a lot to choose from and they may not feel hours are passing. If you are staying at Dorsett Mongkok Hong Kong, it is just a 10-minute walk to reach the Jade Market. In addition, it provides easy access to some of the best restaurants in Kowloon Hong Kong.

Gold Fish Market

You will not come across any street market like this! Several tiny shops display water-filled plastic bags with different kinds brightly coloured fish. It also includes many pets such as dogs, kittens, and turtles.

Ladies Market

This is probably the most famous market among many Mongkok market. Ladies will surely be spoilt for choice with all fashions knock-offs, watches and handbags. The market often gets busy in the evening.

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+

Experience 21 Jump Street Kuala Lumpur

This is not an article about the movie; this is about a trampoline park that can be found in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

About

Trampoline Parks are loved by people of all ages, as it takes one’s mind off everything but the instant, the moment where you are suspended in air, screaming in a mix of fear and joy.

Jump Street

Located near the Jaya One building, this urban play area is accessible from any 5 star hotel in KL the likes of Berjaya Times Square Hotel. You can book your session ahead of time, and it is best you get there at least 15 minutes before your time.

Going in

Basically, a warehouse turned into a trampoline park, the place is huge. They also offer trampoline lessons, with attractive discounts for students.

Things to remember

When you are jumping on a trampoline, never try to land on your head. Also, keep an eye out for jumpers near you; this is both for your safety and theirs. Empty your pockets before you jump; be it phones, wallets or keys. Follow the instructions carefully, no food or drink on the trampolines, and definitely no sitting and chilling on one either. Obvious rules would be fair play, no pushing or roughhousing with your friends or other jumpers when on a trampoline.

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+

Swimming with Dolphins in Glenelg

Glenelg, Adelaide is well known for its marvelous dolphin spotting adventures where the gentle creatures swim up to your boat and invite you to join them for a swim.

**Swimming with Dolphins| Img by: Britt Reints via Flickr, CC BY 2.0**

Glenelg

Adelaide has several coastal towns that are worthy of mention, but the family-friendly, seaside town of Glenelg is surely one of its most popular destinations. A lively mix of boutique stores, laid-back cafes and restaurants, and a beautiful beach are all just a short drive away from Adelaide’s city centre.

Accommodation

There are plethoras of hotels in Glenelg which range from budget to luxurious places such as Oaks Plaza Pier. Whether you are simply planning a day trip from the city or want to spend a few days here, there are plenty of choices to suit anyone’s budget.

Swim with the Dolphins

Of course, the main thrill is the dolphin cruise, which comprises of a day trip aboard a sunny catamaran. The vessel leaves Holdfast Marina at dawn and sets out to favoured dolphin sighting spots where unbelievably the mammals swim right up to your boat.

Swimmers and non-swimmers are encouraged to enter the water with the aid of a floatation rope and enjoy a swim and loads of fun with the amazing dolphins. Don’t worry all safety equipment and expert care is taken on this adventure.

Other Water Sports

Popular water sports activities in the area include Jet Ski rides along the shorelines while snorkelling expeditions are also available in the area. Surfers can catch massive point breaks while scuba divers explore the coral reefs that litter the seabed’s off the 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+

Best Adventure Activities to Try in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is becoming one of the most reputed cities in the world, with some truly unforgettable experiences for adrenaline junkies.

Drive an Exotic Sports Car

You can select from a series of exotic vehicles at the Yas Marina Circuit and receive training by a professional racing driver. The experiences available currently include the Aston Martin GT4, Jaguar F-Type, and the Chevrolet Camaro SS.

File:YasMarina1.jpeg — Pi3.124, YasMarina1, CC BY-SA 3.0

Ride the World’s Fastest Rollercoaster

The Formula Rossa, located at Abu Dhabi’s Ferrari World theme park, is the world’s fastest roller-coaster, with a top speed of 240 kph. You also get to visit the world’s first Ferrari-themed amusement park which is an additional experience right there.

Explore an Island Dedicated to Wildlife Preservation

This is definitely one of the best experiences Abu Dhabi has to offer, and the selection of adventurous experiences is astonishing, ranging from fat-biking to kayaking. You can go all the way and reside at an Abu Dhabi pool villa on the island, at one of the three Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Resorts.

Image Credit: Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Resorts

Desert Safari

A desert safari will always be one of the most popular and sought-after experiences Abu Dhabi has to offer. After tackling the dunes in an 4X4, visitors will be taken to a camp where they can experience quad-biking, camel-riding, belly-dancing and a heap of other sights and activities.

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+

Guide To Minneriya National Park

A safari through the wilderness and rugged jungles of Minneriya National Park will offer you plenty of opportunities to see Sri Lanka’s gentle giants; the elephants!

Where is it?

Minneriya National Park is located in the North Central Province of the island. There are many ways to get here, either by bus, car or plane! As flying the fastest and most convenient way to travel to the park, you’ll be able to arrange a flight through Cinnamon Air. Those interested in driving can rent a car through the many car rental groups in Sri Lanka.

Minneriya National Park | Image Credit - Photnart, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikipedia Commons — Minneriya National Park | Image Credit – Photnart, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikipedia Commons

Elephants

The Sri Lankan elephant is a treasured beast on the island. The Minneriya National Park has approximately 150 – 200 elephants and The Gathering inside the park is known to be one of the largest wild elephant gatherings in the world.

Threats

Sadly, the Minneriya National Park faces a huge threat of being wiped out; the animals with it, due to human encroachment, overfishing, poaching, water pollution and the clearance of the forest.

Other animals

The other wonderful animals that reside in this park include the Sri Lanka leopard, deer, sloth bear, toque macaque, monitors, jungle fowl and much more.

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+

River Safari in Galle Sri Lanka

Boat safari on Bentota River | Img. Crdt : Jetwing Hotels

Apart from the beach bound excitement, visitors of the west coast of Sri Lanka may engage in boat safaris in the many rivers flowing into the Indian Ocean. This is usually a laid back boat ride ideal for bird watchers and nature lovers.

Where to find river safaris
The Bentota river is popular for these outings and is only about one hour away from Galle; a key tourist city along the west coast of the island. Thus visitors seeking accommodation in Galle boutique hotels or other luxury accommodation such as Jetwing Kurulubedda may drive down for a relaxed nature infused experience.

Prices
The Bentota River is used by most hotels and resorts in the area for jet skiing and other water sports. Boats are stacked in the riverbank can be hired by those wishing to explore the river and its mangroves. A one hour excurision will cost you about Rs1500.

What to expect
The southern side of the river is infested with dense mangrove plantations. This is a lush green canopy screening the warm sun rays. You may catch a glimpse of kingfishers, vibrant butterflies lurking about and even huge water monitors chilling under the sun if you are lucky.

Keep in mind
Tourist boats are usually supposed to have life jackets. Do not get on a boat without life jackets and make sure to fasten your jackets before leaving the bank.

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 Around Sigiriya -There’s Much More to See Here Than That Famous Fortress

Located in the central highlands of the paradise nation called Sri Lanka, is a town that gained quite an international reputation. Sigiriya, as it is named, is a wanderer’s delight. Why? Let’s find out!

The Eighth Wonder of the World

Eighth Wonder of the World | Image Credit - Wikimedia Commons, CC By SA 3.0 — Eighth Wonder of the World | Image Credit – Wikimedia Commons, CC By SA 3.0

A sight of pure magnificence. Built during the 5th Century, the Sigiriya Rock Fortress is an impressive creation by the wayward King Kasyapa who committed patricide to gain the throne for himself. The fortress has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site due to being “one of the best-preserved examples of ancient urban planning”. Its international fame has resulted in throngs of crowds visiting the little town every year as well as the rise of many boutique hotels in Sri Lanka such as the Water Garden Sigiriya. Such hotels are also offering special tours that will take you through the highlights of the Sigiriya Fortress such as the Mirror Wall, the gorgeous frescoes, the water gardens and the gigantic lion’s paws which give the fortress its name.

An ancient Buddhist Monastery

The Pidurangala Monastery is located on the Pidurangala Rock which stands just a few kilometres away from Sigiriya. According to the ancient scriptures, when King Kasyapa was looking for a spot to build his fortress he found Sigiriya which was at that time occupied by Buddhist monks in meditation. He moved the monks to the nearby Pidurangala Rock and as a form of compensation for taking their former home, built a monastery there.

A Jumbo Spectacle!

Love elephants? Then this is your chance to see them in all their glory in the wild! The Minneriya National Park is located just 20-30 minutes away from the rock fortress. Why visit? Not only is the wildlife reservation placed among the top important bird areas in the country; but it’s also the venue for one of the most renowned of natural phenomena- the spectacular Minneriya Elephant Gathering!

Take A Glimpse Into The Past

Take a step back in time and find out the amazing history of the ancient citadel and the country at the amazing Sigiriya Museum. It features an excellent diorama of the Sigiriya fortress and offers a thorough overview while explaining its cultural importance.

Filled with wanderlust that seeks to explore distant shores and captivated by the colors and vibrancy of exotic cultures, Kanya Mae writes on the beautiful, exciting, and enchanting wonders of the world. She is a writer who not only has a passion for travel, but also has a background in fashion, art and media.

Google+

Snorkelling Trip to Khai Island

Angelique800326, Snorkel-xel-ha, CC BY-SA 3.0

Khai Islands are located about 10 km from Phuket. Comprising of three small islands; Khai Nok, Khai Nai and Khai Nui, each island is blessed with an abundant number of marine life. The sands at Khai Islands are picture perfect – almost as if popped out of a postcard, with white soft sands and clear blue water that allures you from the moment you set your feet down. The waters around each island are safe and ideal for swimming and snorkelling and the white sandy beaches are best for relaxing and basking under the warm glow of the sun.

If you’re staying at a Phuket resort, you must take a traditional long tail boat ride to the Khai Island for a snorkelling adventure. Some accommodation providers such as COMO Hotels & Resorts, offer day time excursions for those who wish to explore the beauty of marine life living within the warm tropical ocean waters. A boat ride from Phuket should take on average 45 minutes to Khai Islands. A planned tour will first take you to Khai Nui which is surrounded by the colourful reefs that are teeming with fish like eels, clownfish, giant clams and many more. After you spend a couple of hours exploring and snorkelling here, you’ll be transported to the second island known as Khai Nok. This island is the best place to buy some fresh seafood, which will then later be grilled on a BBQ, as you unwind and relax with a chilled beer or a refreshing cocktail by the side of the beach. You can also rent jet skis and go for a spin on the azure waters around the islands. Khai Nai is the largest island of the three, while Khai Nui is comparatively the smallest.

Tourists who spend the day snorkelling here are advised not to feed the fish and leave as little a mark as possible so as not to damage the natural environment and its eco system.

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+

Beginners guide to windsurfing

With its clear water, agreeable wind conditions, and lagoons which surround many of the coral islands, the Maldives has earned itself a name as a windsurfing hot spot. The sport has slowly grown over the years to become a much loved Maldives tourism attractions, with several resorts ideally situated, such as the Adaaran Prestige Vadoo, for instance, to provide ample conditions for guests interested in trying windsurfing. The best time to try windsurfing is during the wet season, between May to October, when the weather conditions are much windier.

Windsurfing is a combination of sailing and surfing – because of the ability to be pulled at high speeds across a great distance, unless experienced, the activity should never be attempted without an instructor nearby. When the sport first began, windsurfers reached modest speeds, and only close to the shore. Nowadays, with more developed sailboards, windsurfers can reach a speed of up to 40 knots and cover great distances over sea.
A basic sailboard has a board and a sail rig. Steering is done, much like a normal sail, by moving the sail to adjust with the wind. The practice is similar to sailing, in terms of technique. A beginner will start on a large board with a small sail. Once skill with activity increases, the board size can be reduced, while the sail size can vary based on weather conditions. Because windsurfing is more aligned with sailing than surfing, learning to windsurf takes longer than other water sports.
Once mastered, windsurfing has several sub-disciplines to choose from, these include freestyle, big wave and course racing, to name a few. One of the best things about this sport is that it can be enjoyed at any age. As long as you have an experienced instructor to guide you, accidents are rare.

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+

Bangkok Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya River

Bangkok river cruise — Bangkok River Cruise , Photo by eGuide Travel via Flickr, (CC BY 2.0)

In Bangkok and wondering what to do next? Well, instead of taking your family or significant other out for dinner on the town, why not take them out for a lovely meal out on the waters of Thailand’s main river, the Chao Praya! Tours along the river are operated both by independent operators as well as by tourist hotels and resorts. If the one you are staying at doesn’t organise ones of their own, ask them to help you find a trusty independent tour operator to take you.

These cruises along the river usually include stopovers at popular tourist attractions such as the Grand Palace complex and Wat Arun which look positively radiant at night, all lit up! The fare on offer is typically delicious local Thai cuisine which is offered buffet style to passengers. The great views of the illuminated capital against the back drop of a dark night sky can be observed as you cruise along the river. This creates a great ambiance befitting of a romantic date night or even a relaxing evening out with friends and family.

Most of the independently organised river cruise tours include some sort of a shuttle service between the embarking point and your accommodation, especially if your accommodation is somewhat of a well-known one. Even if you aren’t staying at a resort, and are instead residing at one of the service apartments in Bangkok, give the tour operator a ring to see if they can provide roundtrip transfers from your location to the vessel as part of your package. If, for example, you are lodging at a riverside apartment complex such as Chatrium Residence Riverside Bangkok, many independent tour operators are likely to have you on the list of places to which they offer pick up/drop off facilities. So make a booking for a little river cruise the next time you’re in Thailand’s capital and craving for some good food, great views and one hell of a time.