Author: pushpitha

5 scuba diving tips

Scuba diving is one of the best ocean bound activities to engage in when you’re in Sri Lanka. Here are 5 things to keep in mind for a smooth diving experience.

Scuba Diving | Photo via Pixabay by joakant , CC0 Public Domain
Scuba Diving | Photo via Pixabay by joakant , CC0 Public Domain

Getting down
If you’re finding it a bit hard to stay under water with your diving equipment, fix your gaze towards the ocean bed, and slowly breathe out while imagining that your body is getting heavier. If you feel “floaty”, you are doing it right.

Always recheck your pressure gauge reading
This is often explained by diving schools or activity providers especially in the Passikuda, Unawatuna or Mirissa beach hotels such as the Esprit d’ici Hotel Mirissa. Anyway, if you miss it all you have to do is take three breaths off your regulator with your gear on while looking at your gauge. If the needle does not point away from the full position, then the air is on and if it bounces back up, the air is not on.

Trust your instincts
When in the water you are on your own. Therefore, if you feel uncomfortable diving deeper, don’t do it. Simply stick to your comfort zone and relax your mind.

Slow down
Diving into the pristine ocean can be exciting, however don’t rush or you’ll scare the fish away, so slow down and enjoy the view.

Keep a log
Keep a record of all your diving experiences to plan your next trip diligently. This is also a perfect way to re-visit your underwater adventures when you are old and grey.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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Thrilling water sports on Lake Wakatipu

New Zealand is one of the countries in the extreme South of the Southern Hemisphere and blessed abundantly with natural beauty. Thousands of tourists make their way across the world to enjoy the beauty of this country. Filled with greenery, mountains and scenic sites the country’s landscape is a true treat to the eyes. Among the places to check out while visiting New Zealand is Lake Wakatipu, the longest lake in New Zealand taking the shape of an inverted “N”.Located in Queenstown the lake and its surroundings are picturesque. The lake attracts large number tourists due to the various activities that take place and there are various other attractions in and around Queenstown. Hotel, motels, hostels have been providing excellent accommodation options to all its visitors. Since the lake is one of the main attractions here, there is no shortage of places to stay. Among the options available one that has been noted mostly by past guests is Oaks Shores.

There are various water-related sports activities that take place on the lake such as kayaking, three wheel aqua bikes, and paddle boats are all available on hire here. There are also standup paddle boats that are available for hire. Water sports centers offer self-hire or can be hired with professionals to guide you throughout the way. One that cannot be missed is a ride on the Skyline Gondola.

The lake is also famous for being featured in the Lord of the Rings movie. There are various myths and a famous one is associated with the rise and drop of the water levels, which happens due to temperature drops are believed to be the breathing of a giant living under water. Why not test the waters yourself?

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.Google+

Rock Climbing in Bali

Located on the western end of the Lesser Sunda Islands of Indonesia is the island of Bali. Known for its development in both traditional and modern forms of dance and arts, Bali is one Indonesia’s most popular tourist destinations. The island’s rich culture, history, ecology, scenic beauty, and overall serene ambience are some of Bali’s most notable features, making it one of the most popular islands in the region. A brand of luxury wellness resorts that offers a host of wellness activities and leisure activities is COMO Shambhala.
Bali has gained a reputation for being a hub for adventure sports owing to its terrain and topography being suitable for a range of such activities. Of all the adventure activities that can be done in Bali, one that is challenging and thrilling is rock climbing. Rock climbing is not for the faint hearted, but if you have what it takes to take on the jagged surface of the rocks and want an adrenaline rush the likes of which you have never experienced, then you are sure to love the rock climbing routes of Bali.
Rock climbing is quite popular by adventure seekers in Bali, and thus, the island has many rock climbing routes. One of the most popular is the route up Gunung Agung; Bali’s tallest mountain. This rock climbing route is challenging and promises to be one of the most adventurous activities you will engage in while in Bali. There are many other rock climbing and bouldering routes all across the beachfronts of Uluwatu, Jimbaran and Kuta. Since most of the beaches are surrounded by cliffs, there are many great places for rock climbing. Many of these cliffs also offer some truly spectacular views, which is an added incentive to head on up the top. Other less popular locations such as Songan and Pecatu are also known for their rock climbing routes. Be informed that getting a local guide is extremely advisable to avoid taking any unnecessary risks.

Rare opportunity to experience desert on a personal level Abu Dhabi

The mention of a Middle Eastern country brings into mind endless sand dunes and deserts, camels and infrastructure that is majestic. Abu Dhabi is among the popular tourists destinations in the Middle East. Abu Dhabi excursions include exploring its vast deserts that have so much to offer in terms of adventure. If you base yourself at a place such as Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara you can enjoy such experiences amidst Arabian luxury.

There are various tour operators offering various types of desert safaris. They are all different from one another and some can even be tailor made according to individual requirements. Abu Dhabi desert safaris attract both tourists and locals alike. One can choose to travel and explore the desert on camel back or opt for dune driving or wadi bashing.

For those who prefer to be up and active with the rising of the sun, there are morning packages offered. Most packages take a minimum of four hours, which includes dune bashing, sand skiing and camel rides. Options are also available for meals and relaxation in the campsites in the respective deserts.

The evening desert safaris are much cooler in terms of temperature and offer great memories to take back with you be it of star studded skies or spectacular sunsets. This again will take around four to six hours. Most people prefer to pick packages that include dinner and perhaps others perks such as belly dancing , smoking a shisha and just relaxing in the tents of the campsite.

The desert safaris are also an excellent way to learn more about the landscape as well as some of the rare flora and fauna found within these deserts. A trip to the UAE would not be complete without experiencing its deserts.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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Samui Bungy Jump

There are various activities taking place year around in Samui that keep the tourist coming to the island. Samui Beach Resort is considered to be one of the primary attractions for tourists. However apart from that there are various other thrilling activities happening in this Thai island! Visitors often are often over whelmed by the amount of accommodation choices they are presented with by Samui. However one of the names that has been repetitively pronounced by past travelers has been Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort. Set on one of the beaches in the area, this Samui beach resort overlooks the pristine waters of the Indian Ocean and has a welcoming atmosphere set at all times to all its guests.

Among the numerous activities bungee jumping is rated as a high adrenaline pumping heart rate raising activity in Samui. The Samui bungee jumping experience includes being shot up in the air, free falling and bouncing up and down into a plunge pool. Up in the air the views are astounding as one can catch a glimpse of some of the most picturesque sites of the tropical island and of the Chaweng beach. The operators of the jump have been in the business for well over a decade and boast of a 100 % safety record. There have been around 50000 customers to the engage in the jump. There is no age restriction to take part in the jump however there are certain restrictions on weight. Definitely an activity worth trying while in Samui.

Samui has some of the best beaches in Thailand and it is also known for its night life. The Samui parties have been featured in many magazines world over. To complete the Thai island experience why not lie around soaking up the golden sun on the extensive beaches Samui has to offer as well as get that heart rate up and running.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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Get Close to the Endemic Elephants in Malaysia

Elephants, one of the most majestic species that continue to roam the earth in modern times, face a multitude of issues that threaten their continued existence. In the African and Asian continents, for instance, elephants are often hunted and killed for ivory, while in other parts of the world, elephants are also captured and sold for a variety of purposes. Furthermore, one of the fundamental concerns faced by this species is the loss of its natural habitat due to the growth in the human population, human settlements and destruction of the natural environment. The final outcome of these threats is the increasing fragmentation of elephant communities, leading to the isolation of the young calves. A number of organisations around the world have attempted to remedy such issues through the establishment of elephant orphanages, and the Kuala Gandah Elephant Orphanage Sanctuary is one such example in Malaysia.

Located close to Kuala Lumpur, the Kuala Gandah Elephant Orphanage Sanctuary was established by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks of Malaysia in 1989. For tourists staying at hotels such as AVANI Sepang Goldcoast Resort, visiting this sanctuary is a must. Other things to do in Sepang include opting for a Mangrove River Cruise, exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Historical Malacca and visiting Banghuris Agro.

As the Sanctuary is a fairly popular attraction for those visiting Malaysia, and given that the Kuala Gandah Elephant Orphanage Sanctuary regulates admissions based on daily quotas, it is recommended that tourists and visitors make advance bookings to avoid disappointment. Visitors to the Sanctuary will have the opportunity to watch elephants being fed and washed while also having the opportunity to ride an elephant into the river.

Visiting the Elephant Sanctuary is an exciting and interesting experience, especially for animal lovers, and is indeed a must-visit for tourists visiting Malaysia.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.
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Safari World Bangkok

Safari World Bangkok offers an exciting wildlife experience, fun and entertainment to all visitors irrespective of their age and nationality and is a popular choice amongst leisure parks that you will find in many a travel guide. Bangkok attractions such as this one can be enjoyed by the whole family making it such a top choice. While enjoying a stay at well placed properties like Anantara Sathorn Bangkok Hotel, visitors can take a tour to this amazing Open Safari Park and Marine Park near Bangkok.

Safari World Bangkok consists of an open zoo with a Safari Park and a Marine Park. Safari Park is an 8 kilometer long land where animals roam freely in a beautiful African jungle setting. It is home to many species of wild animals like lions, tigers, zebras, camels, antelopes, gazelles, rhinos, ostriches and hundreds of animals from all over the world. Further, a large herd of giraffes roam around the feeding area. Feeding giraffes is another exiting thing as giraffes are always hungry! It is really an exciting experience to drive amidst free roaming wild animals, watching lions and tigers at close range from vehicles.

The Marine Park is a traditional zoo; a part of the giant theme park has a vast collection of land and sea animals as well as birds. One can take a cruise river ride through the jungle to see crocodiles and gorillas. There are exciting shows daily with water skiing, Hollywood cowboy stunts, with many shows by animals like dolphins and sea lions, orangutan boxing, hundreds of exhibits featuring white tigers, fantasy carp garden, crocodile garden, tapir kingdom and many more.

Thus the wilderness of Safari World is a great way to spend the day away from the city and enjoy the nature and wildlife in style.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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Full Day Diving Safari in South Male Atoll

Maldives is one of the most picturesque islands of the Indian Ocean. Being a popular tourist hub, this island nation welcomes thousands of tourists annually. Maldives is well equipped with an array of accommodation options. Among them the luxury resort Maldives gain significant prominence. One such resort that has been a noteworthy choice among visitors has been Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort. The over water villas are perfectly appointed above the turquoise waters and offer maximum comfort and luxury.

Maldives has most of its tourist activities centered on the waters surrounding it. One of the activities popular among the tourist visiting the South Male Atoll is to engage in diving. Considered to be one of the best dive sites in Maldives, the South Atoll is perfect place to spend the day diving. South Male is considered to be one of the best diving sites mainly because of the astonishing array of marine life. The currents that flow through the channel support a large number of marine lives. The atoll is blessed with colorful caves and overhangs. Coco Thila is considered to be a typical south male dive site. Another site to explore would be Guraidhoo Kandu which supports abundance of life.

There are very few live-boards cruising that take place in this part of the country. Very few dive boats venture out here making it one of the less explored yet less disturbed regions.

Some of the interesting sites include Vaadhoo Caves, located on the northern tip there are various caves and there is a chance to spot bigger visitors such as the White tip sharks, Tuna as well as Turtles. Another site would be Kandooma Point, which is a great site to dive when the current goes inwards where the big groupers such as Tuna and Sharks enjoy the fast flowing waters.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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Gunung Raya

Langkawi, is an archipelago of a hundred and four islands scattered in the Andaman Sea, about thirty kilometres off the northwest coast of Malaysia’s mainland. The Westin Langkawi Resort and Spa offers a truly luxurious experience in a stunning natural setting. The picturesque islands are one of the most sought after tropical getaways in South East Asia.
Despite the indisputable beauty of the location, the history of Langkawi Island is shrouded in myth and legend. Gungung Raya is Langkawi’s highest peak, standing tall at around two thousand eight hundred and sixty feet. The mountain has a tale of its own. The locals believe the two soaring peaks Gunung Raya and Gunung Mat Cincang were once two giants named Mat Raya and Mat Cincang who ruled the land. Legend goes on to explain that Mat Raya’s son was to marry Mat Cincang’s daughter. A fight broke out between the giants on the wedding day and a large gravy pot that was thrown, overturned and is now Langkawi’s main town named Kuah, which means gravy. The two giants turned into two mountains facing each other; while a neighbour who came to settle the dispute also became a peak, Bukit Sawar, standing between them.
The mountain is located towards the centre of the Langkawi. Gunung Raya’s summit is accessible by car or foot and boasts breath taking views of the rest of the island and the surrounding seas. Visitors can buy a ticket for ten Malaysian Ringgits to climb to the top deck of an observation tower. The deck has a lounge which sells drinks though the ticket price includes a cup of ginger tea. A government complex is located at the top along with the MEASAT Satellite Control Centre, neither is open to the public.

 

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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