Author: pushpitha

Hiking in Pasadena

Pasadena in California is an ideal place to explore, especially if you love the great outdoors and are looking to embark on some memorable hiking adventures. Nature lovers looking to stay at Pasadena hotels that let you truly appreciate the beauty of the region can choose The Langham Huntington Hotel & Spa, Pasadena. Located at the base of the scenic San Gabriel Mountains, this luxurious Business Hotels Pasadena is also within easy reach of Los Angeles. There are plenty of hiking spots to be found in Pasadena especially the areas along the Arroyo Seco River. Among the popular trails here are the Gabrielino Trail at the Angeles National Forest, the Millard Canyon Trail and the well known Rose Bowl Loop which take you past breathtaking scenery and offer an exciting day out. Also worth checking out are such trails as the Eaton Canyon Falls Trail and Mt. Wilson Toll Road Climb near Pasadena.

 

Experiencing Thrilling Water Sports in Singapore!

While Singapore’s theme parks offer one adrenaline pumping thrill after another, the country also provides plenty of opportunities for water sports at such areas as the Marina Barrage. If you are looking for well placed luxury hotels Singapore that is within easy reach of such water sport hotspots, then The St. Regis Singapore is definitely worth considering. One of the best 5 star hotels Singapore has to offer, this stylish property is only around 9.6 kms from the Marina Barrage where you can enjoy such water sports as kayaking, windsurfing and boating. Those in search of more laidback adventures can try their hand at sailing conducted by such organisations as PA Water Venture. If you are into wakeboarding then make sure to head to SKI360 where you can enjoy on water excitement at the country’s first cable-ski park.

Bungee Jumping

Bali is a perfect place for thrill seekers who would love to engage in exciting outdoor activities. After a tiring day out a boutique hotel Bali would be a perfect getaway in Bali. L Hotel Seminyak is one such Bali luxury hotel that would offer a home away from home for the travellers. When in Bali, Bungee jumping is a must try. There are cliffs that are 40 m above the sea level and once you do it, you are sure to love the next few jumps. This adventure is a true adrenaline rush. You will be guided by experienced bungee jumping instructors and with the proper equipments and practice the task is something unforgettable and exciting which would make your holiday to Bali a memorable one.

The Wrights Hill

Several astounding beautiful tracks wind their ways through the many little towns that make New Zealand. Most places boast immaculate beauty and make trekking both adventurous and relaxing. There is one particular location that has so much more than the mere benefits of trekking; it is the Wrights Hill. 28 different tracks make their way through Wright’s hill and to top it all, this spot is intriguingly historic. Being the location of the famous Wrights fortress, it is certainly a must see for all those visiting New Zealand.

The Wrights Hill is located in the Karori suburb of Wellington and is the home to the famous fortress built between the years 1942 and 1947 during the time of World War 2. The fortress is predominantly created underground and consists of an array of tunnels, plotting rooms, gun emplacements and magazines. At some points these structures go as deep as 50 feet underground. The fort installed 2 large 9.2 Mk guns but although it was indented to be used, the fort never saw action. The guns and the entire defense was a protection against the Japanese but strangely, after the war, the guns were fired and sold as scrap metal to the Japanese itself. The entire fortress has an eerie aura within its walls. It is open to public on particular days; the queen’s birthday and Labor Day are some of the days but through prior appointment the fortress can be opened for viewing on other days as well. Film industries have been attracted to this location thanks to the structure of the fortress and the sound effects within it and an entire New Zealand horror movie was shot within these walls.

In the surrounding you can find nature at its finest. Several parks, lush flora and rare fauna are all found here. The Wrights Hill also provides connections between the Makara Peak mountain bike park and the Polhill area.

When it comes to staying in Wellington New Zealand hotels are found in plenty. One of the most popular Wellington city Hotel, is the Copthorne Hotel Wellington Oriental Bay. This is one classy place that keeps you coming back for more.

Back to a golden history; Gold Fields Mining Centre

The guests at Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview will always have the opportunity to get a great view of the Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range. This New Zealand Queenstown hotel provides a quality service with modern accommodation, making it one of the bet Queenstown hotel accommodationoptions available.

Make a trip to the Goldfields Mining Center in Queenstown to witness a history that was based on gold, which took place during hundreds of years ago. Gold was first discovered in the area in the 1860s and the mining process had lasted for almost 100 years. A visit to this place will show you how the miners lived those days, the hardships they faced and the critical living conditions. If you’re lucky you will be able to find gold in the midst of virgin soil!

Splendid China

Shenzhen is a Chinese metropolitan with many exciting venues. Whether you are on leisure or business, Ascott Maillen Shenzhen offers many Shenzhen serviced apartments to keep you safe and comfortable during your visit to the city. This centrally located serviced accommodation Shenzhen lets you explore most of the entertainment, shopping and dining venues in the city. One of the must visit venues in Shenzhen is Splendid China, a host of replicas of China’s historical building, breathtaking sceneries and traditional practices. Splendid China also lets you get a glimpse of the whole country, its geographical significances and landmark edifices through its miniatures. These miniature exhibits are amidst breathtaking parks and gardens. A leisure stroll down those buildings is a relaxing experience.

WAKEBOARDING IN KOH PHANGAN

Everyone enjoys the thrills and chills of snowboarding and skiing. Now this can be taken to the next level when executed on water. Wakeboarding is a relatively new water sport but is now thriving is Australasia and South East Asia. Thailand harbors one of the biggest wake boarding opportunities. Wakeboarding involves one riding a wakeboard (similar to a snowboard) and being towed by a motorboat. The rider can execute different techniques and moves such as the ‘nuclear’ and ‘the melon’.

Wakeboarding at the time of it inception was referred to as ‘skurfing’. It was developed in parts of Australia where water sports are in abundance. The boards used in the sport are made of fiberglass and were later crafted to perfection by craftsman Bruce McKee. Wakeboarding has risen to fame since it came to fruition even reserving a spot at the World Games, and has been part of the trend sports category since 2005.

Koh Phangan is a wakeboarding heaven and has acquired the latest equipment to give riders the ultimate thrill as well as maintain their safety. Brands of the highest caliber such as Liquid Force, Hyperlite, O’Brien natural 139 and Jobe are used. 2004 Mastercraft X-Star motorboats(Harriet) and Yamaha outboard boats(Roberta) are used to ensure a smooth ride and the maximum wake boarding experience. Many guest riders such as Parks Bonifay who is an X-games, pro wakeboard tour champion and Vans triple crown champion perform the unthinkable, tricky maneuvers occasionally for crowds to enjoy.

The wakeboarding experience comes at an affordable price of 1200 bht for a 15 minute set and 3500bht for a 1 hour time slot. Rates differ from boat to boat. In order to fully enjoy the wakeboarding experience one can find accommodation in state of the art Koh Phangan hotels and Koh Phangan resorts, which are in close proximity to the wakeboarding sites. The Rasananda Koh Phangan Villa Resort & Spa offers luxurious accommodation and friendly staff and services to make your stay a memorable one. This offers 64 villas and spas with their own private plunge pool. Also a signature spa is exclusive to the resort. The resort is tucked away among palm groves and faces a beautiful pristine beach.

Elephant Cave in Ubud

Within the exotic city of Ubud, is a location that takes you way back in time to the amazing history, art and skill of the yesteryears of Ubud. It is called Goa Gajah; the Elephant Cave.

Goa Gajah is found in a steep valley just on the outskirts of Ubud. It is truly an intriguing wonderwork that has so beautifully been restored. It came to life over 700 years ago and only somewhere in the 1920’s it was rediscovered. It took another 30 years for the elephant cave to be fully excavated. The Elephant cave has deep rooted religious significance. Throughout the structure you will find an array of different shapes of demons, large and small with a number of different expressions. At the entrance of the cave you will see an enormous menacing face. This face somewhat resembles an elephant especially with the hair and the trunk like structure at the face that looks as though it is over its ear to the right. These similarities are what gave rise to the name ‘Elephant Cave’. Around this historical monument you can sense an essence of the past. The structures still looks very much intact and the craftsmanship on the sculptures seems so authentic and full of talent. Just in front of this very intriguing cave there are large rectangular bathing pools with massive gushing water fountains. All with a subtle charm of Ubud 700 years ago. For a wholesome and informative experience of the Elephant Cave, visit the location with a tour guide. These tour guides give you a wealth of important information about this era in Ubud at a very reasonable and nominal fee.

Among places to stay in Ubud, the Alila Ubud is by far the most popular. Facilities in Alila Ubud Bali are absolutely extraordinary. There is a simple charm about this hotel that is accentuated by a friendly staff and delicious cuisine. This Ubud hotelhas been a favorite for many years now. For an Ubud accommodation that is wholesome in everything you are looking for, choose Alila Ubud Bali, and you are sure to love it.

Beauty and Piety in the heart of South Thailand

Situated in the Surat Thani Province, in the South of Thailand, is the ancient city of Chaiya. The name Chaiya is attributed to many different legends and stories. Some say that it is derived from the Malay word ‘Cahaya’ by which it was once known. Others say that it is a breakdown of the name Srivijaya, as the city of Chaiya was the capital city during the Srivijaya rule during the 5th – 13th century. Some go so far as to say that during the ruling period of Srivijaya, Chaiya was the royal capital city. However many scholars disagrees with this fact to this date due to the non availability of factual evidence.

Being a devout Buddhist nation, the Chaiya city too has its share of Buddhist temples and monasteries. Certain inscriptions found in and around the area speak of the erection of three stupas by the Srivijaya King. It is thought that Wat Phra Borom That is one of them.

This temple is an excellent example of Srivijaya influence on architectural style and religious buildings and is thought to have been constructed over 1200 years ago. It is at the centre of a compound which houses several other Buddha images and Buddhist sculptures as well as the remains of two other stupas.
As far as history and architecture are concerned, the Wat Phra Borom That in Chaiya is an important, historical and cultural place to visit that attracts its fair share of visitors each year.

The surrounding area of Southern Thailand offers some of the most exquisite locations for a relaxing vacation and a Chaweng Hotel would be an ideal central location from which to base your-self to take in the splendor of this part of Thailand. More specifically a stay at a Koh Samui Resort which will ensure that you have the very best of what South Thailand has to offer including its pristine beaches and calming palm fringed ambiance.

A stay at a place such as Anantara Lawana Resort & Spa Koh Samui will provide you with a comfortable and luxurious service and amenities that will make your holiday a perfect one.

Water sports to explore in Hong Kong

When you think of Honk Kong many a time it is the business suits that come to mind; hardly ever the swim suits! But venture a little further outside the bustling city and you will discover treasures beyond your wildest imaginations. You will see things that will awe you and do things that will leave a permanent tattoo in your memory. This nation boasts one of the most exquisite coastlines. With perfectly pristine shores, it is almost haven for every imaginable water sport. So dip in or delve in and experience the time of your life.

The world of water sports available for you to indulge in is enormous and in Honk Kong you find it all; ranging from the most famous to the rarest. Among the many names, kayaking is something you would hear more often than not. There are some fantastic places to kayak throughout Honk Kong. Sai Kung is perfect for adventure lovers and then there is the Double Haven in the north east and also Lantau. Then there is the very popular sport of wind surfing but this is more season specific and taken up best in the autumn and winter months. And for those of you interested in exploring a literal underwater Eden, diving and snorkeling is the best sport to take up. There is absolutely stunning scenery under the Ocean of Honk Kong; and that’s not all, there are also plenty of fish, corals and even a number of islands with some excellent terrain. The all time favorite wakeboarding is another one of the must-do’s in Honk Kong. Almost every bit of water here in Honk Kong is almost perfect for this sport; you can also enjoy the edge of competition if you want by taking part in the Wake board open championships that take place in the month August every year.Kite surfing and jet skiing are also in this very long list; it just cannot get better in beautiful Honk Kong.

Wind down in the Cosmo Hotel Mongkok, the most popular hotel in Kowloon. Amongst all the Mongkok hotels only in the Cosmo, you will experience sheer luxury and will be treated like true royalty.