Sumaira Narayan | The Adventure Travel Site

Abu Dhabi Desert Safaris and Dune Bashing

Abu Dhabi – if the name conjures up images of tall, gleaming skyscrapers, exotic Arabian culture straight out of Arabian Nights and endless amounts of silica (sand in lay terms), then you are on the right track. The stellar emirate is also some to some excellent Abu Dhabi hotels that will surely enhance a visit to this region. The Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara is one of the most prestigious luxury hotels Abu Dhabi features and its expert blend of exotic tradition and contemporary amenities make it the ideal option for both leisure and business visitors. If you want a break from business meetings or are looking for a sightseeing experience out of the norm, why not embark on a desert safari that includes a thrilling bit of dune bashing? A range of courteous and professional local companies offer visitors the chance to camp out under the stars in the desert and experience the most thrilling off-road excursion they can experience in this unique landscape. Net Tours offers a great experience in the city of Liwa that is a two-horu ride from Abu Dhabi. The company’s rugged 4×4 will take you on an exciting round of dune bashings up and down the undulating Arabian sands. Enjoy some beautiful landmarks in the local terrain such as Saddle Rock, Camel Rock and the prehistoric Fossil Rock, before enjoying a light snack in the midst of the arid landscape. But don’t worry – the vehicles are 100% AC’d! From here, you head to some traditional desert encampments and a camel farm for a fascinating glimpse into the nomadic lifestyle that was the norm of Abu Dhabi’s original inhabitants before the discovery of oil. After a delicious lunch at a four-star Liwa hotel, enjoy some well-deserved downtime or check out some amazing livestock and animals before settling into your tend to enjoy a night under the stars. A desert safari is a one-in-a-lifetime experience so be sure to embark on one when your travels take you to Abu Dhabi.

Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and hopes to visit them all someday.

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Queenstown Ice Arena

Queenstown – the exciting and riveting adventure capital of New Zealand – offers all visitors the chance to hit the slopes, the lakes or the ice arena for some fantastic adrenaline-pumping action. Adventure seekers should also consider some quality New Zealand Queenstown hotel accommodation to rest and relax after a thrilling day of adventure. The Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview provides visitors with ideal Queenstown hotel Accommodation for the perfect way to wind down after all the action on offer round town. Take the whole family to the Queenstown Ice Arena for some chilling fun on ice that is safe and fun for all ages! The arena is equipped to let everyone from pro skaters to budding amateurs strut their skating stuff at very economical rates if you’re on a budget. Individuals can skate all day for $15 or the whole family can do so for $55. Open rain or shine or hail, the skating arena provides fantastic entertainment that is also an exhilarating workout! It also features a state-of-the-art LED lighting system that beautifully changes colours above your head while you and family and friends carve up new chills and thrills on ice! The arena is also home to several leagues in ice hockey, figure skating, and curling, and it also offers lessons for folks wanting to learn how to skate. Visit the onsite pro shop to pick up some fantastic ice skating and ice hockey gear, and the friendly and knowledgeable staff who work there will help visitors find what they need, featuring brands such as Easton, Mission and Bauer. So whatever your ice ethic, the Queenstown Ice Arena will give you an experience you’ll never forget!

Rotorua Thrill Rides

The North New Zealand town of Rotorua is a bubbling hot bed of activity – both literally and figuratively. For visitors to soak in the unique features of this town, a quality Rotorua hotel is the way to go for an ideal base in the city. The Millennium Hotel Rotorua is an ideal hotel in Rotorua that features stunning views of the rugged countryside as well as stylish interiors and amenities that pamper guests with unparalleled hospitality. Rotorua has long been a spa and resort town since the 1800s, primarly due to the geothermal activity simmering beneath the landscape, and it is a famous tourist hot spot. For adrenaline junkies and thrill seekers, Rorotua offers one-of-a-find thrill rides using a range of vehicles and technology designed to get the heart racing and grins flashing. Embark on an exciting off-road adventure in a massive 4×4 through dense jungle terrain. With a professional guide at your back, experience steep descents and climbs, encounter messy mud pits and artful tactical bends as you test your limits as a driver! Then try to navigate the truck through a bridge of poles over a creek…how will you get over this? Or, for a bumpy ride that’s tonnes of fun for all ages over 14, go raceline karting that is a true test of ability and courage on New Zealand’s longest A-rated kartsport circuit. Experience the adrenaline rush as the cart goes up to speeds of 100km/h and you jostle for position with the other racers and feel the g-force kick in as you turn that tight corner. It’ll really test your concentration, skill and speed reflexes! Or, take a quad bike ride and experience New Zealand’s scenic landscape in a way you’ve never seen before! Lake Rorotua and the amazing bush trails look completely different when you’re racing past them on the back of a quad bike! Or if you want to experience thrills as a family, then take the Rotorua Duck Tour, which takes you across Rotorua’s sights onboard a WW2 amphibious “duck” through land and sea. Check out Lake Rotorua, Sulphur, The Museum, Blue Baths, Mokoia Island and various points of geothermal interest. The excursion goes on through the stunning lake region where you’ll get to experience the “Duck’s” amphibious qualities as it SPLASHES DOWN on Lake Tikitapu and Lake Okareka before going on to a quaint little mountainside township where you’ll be treated to spectacular views of Mt. Tawawera. So whatever thrill ride you prefer, Rotorua delivers a fantastic range of excitement!

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Rotorua Hunting and Shooting

Rotorua is home to a pristine landscape that opens up a wide range of adventures to the outdoor enthusiasts, from mountain biking and off-roading to hiking and big-game hunting. First though, visitors should set up shot at a prime hotel in Rotorua to provide the perfect backdrop for some serious hunting action. The Millennium Hotel Rotorua offers its visitors the unique experience of a first-class Rotorua hotel with its contemporary amenities and scenic location, which gives you the perfect opportunity to scout some game. For visitors wanting to get intimate with the beautiful landscape around them, Basic Instinct Hunting and Fishing will set you up with the right tools and guidance needed for a successful hunt that’ll see you land some quality venison for dinner. Basic Instinct operates out of the deepest respect for the land that is inspired by the hunting principles of the indigenous community, the Maori, who made the land their own and treated it with the honour and respect it deserves, when taking its gifts found in abundance. Basic Instinct provides seasoned hunters and would-be hunters excellent training in the arts of deer stalking and pig hunting in the Mamaku mountain range, and the packages also include bush training, to acclimatize hunters with the unique features of their surroundings. The Mamaku camp is located within half an hour of Rotorua’s city centre and it offers hunting and eco-tours, a landscape of 240 pristine acres to land the best game, an area for camping, BBQing and a kitchen, quality game such as stag, deer and rabbits, as well as a rifle range and clay shooting for you to refine your aim before you head out to take advantage of the freedom hunting available in the country. The company also conducts ecological and cultural tours within picturesque settings that offer up some spectacular photo-ops, and the site is easily accessible by both car and helicopter. So if you’re a hunting enthusiast, head over to Rotorua and book with Basic Instinct for a quality hunting experience!

Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and intends to visit them all someday.

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Mountain Biking in Rotorua

The New Zealand town of Rotorua is set in the midst of a rugged landscape with pristine forests and majestic mountains, which makes it an ideal location for all kinds of fun outdoor sports, such as hiking, off-roading, and the perennial favourite: mountain biking. Adventure bikers would be well taken care of at a quality Rotorua hotel such as the superb Millennium Hotel Rotorua. Featuring stylish interiors and luxury amenities, this quality hotel in Rotorua is the perfect place to relax after an exciting day of peddling the mountain bike trails. Mere minutes away from the city proper is the rugged and lush Whakarewarewa Forest, which is home to a 70km network of riveting trails to be discovered, explored and conquered on your trusty steed, the mountain bike. The trails offer numerous possibilities of outdoor explorations to bikers of all levels: beginner, intermediate and advanced, spanning family groups and expert riders. Ride your way through beautiful species of native ferns flourishing beneath the impressive canopies of the tall Doug Fir, Redwood, Radiata, Eucalyptus and Larch trees that cover the landscape with their imposing presences. In the midst of the trail, you’re offered tantalising glimpses of the scenic lakes and the sombre figure of Mount Tarawera rising in the distance. Whether you’re a fan of cros-country biking or downhill biking, the amazing landscape will offer hours or days of fun in this mountain biking heaven. Because of its stellar natural offerings, Rotorua has hosted mountain biking competitions such as the Worlds Mountain Bike and Travel Championship in 2006 and the Single Speed Nationals in 2008. So grab your bike and gear and come ride the trails of Rotorua into a world of excitement and adventure!

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Glass Bottom Boat Ride

The Maldives has long been synonymous with sparkling white beaches and glistening blue seas home to a vibrant collection of flora and fauna. Come nose-to-nose with these fascinating creatures via a ride on a Glass Bottom Boat, which many of the Maldives resorts are happy to organize for your viewing pleasure. The Kurumba Maldives is one of many fine luxury hotels Maldives features for its discerning visitors, and offers a range of exciting activities for those ready to explore the Maldivian deep – with or without swim gear! While the country offers you the opportunity to experience the vibrant world underneath the waves in the form of a scuba dive or snorkelling, if you don’t feel up to donning a swimsuit, there is another option. The Glass Bottom Boat ride is an excellent way to delve into the decadent turquoise deep without the hassle of getting even a pinky wet. These unique vessels will give you the chance to relax and witness the colourful fish swimming and then shooting into hiding in the vibrant coral reef. And if you are truly lucky, you might even spot an elusive shark, a shy moral eel or even an impressive manta ray. So bring your cameras and be prepared to dedicate a few gigabytes of memory capturing the amazing sights of the Maldivian seas to take home!

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Mekong River Trips

Vietnam’s Golden Triangle region of Chiang Rai connects the country with Myanmar, Laos and Thailand, and it used to enjoy infamy as the world’s locus of opium production. However, the region has been mostly cleared up now and travellers have rebranded it as an intriguing tourist destination with a world of exotic sights to experience. Ample regional lodging is available via a fine selection of Chiang Rai hotels of which an excellent choice is the Anantara Golden Triangle Thailand. Its seamless blend of traditional Vietnamese culture and modern luxury make this property an ideal hotel Chiang Rai offers to all its visitors. Sail along the magical, mystifying Mekong River on a sumptuous cruise boat to experience Cambodian and Vietnamese river culture first hand, while luxuriating on a superbly outfitted vessel. An RV Mekong Prestige Cruise offers you an ideal cruise that starts from Cambodia’s bustling capital city of Phnom Phenh and heads towards Tan Chau, where you’ll cross the border into Vietnam with stops at the unique cities of Sa Dec and Cai Be before culminating in My Tho, Saigon. Witness the various attractions of the beautiful Mekong River Delta such as the Cambodia Flaoting Palace and the intriguing Cai Be floating market, where you can pick up some interesting knick-knacks for the folks back home. You’ll also get the chance to see an authentic floating fish market that will treat you to an on-water cooking demonstration. In addition, enjoy the quaint sights of Sa Dec and the beautiful gothic French cathedral in Sai Be on your way. The crew aboard the vessel will enrich your knowledge of Vietnam and Cambodia and will also serve you some fantastic fusion cuisine inspired by Asian and Western culinary traditions for a truly unforgettable experience on the Mekong River.

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Feeding catfish at Thewet Pier

Bangkok is one of the major tourist destinations in Southeast Asian and boasts many exotic wonders to draw in tourists by the millions each year. It is home to the beautiful Chao Phraya River, which harbours an exciting array of attractions on the river banks that are a delight to explore, especially via a Bangkok cruise tour. Step aboard a century-old rice barge made from solid teak restored to a splendid river boat offered by Anantara Cruises Thailand and be transported back in time on the water as you discover the many enchanting sights courtesy of one of the finest Bangkok cruises available. Encounter the wonders of the Dusit district en route, and you can even interact with the wildlife as you step off and discover Tha Thewet Pier, which is a famous locale for feeding the numerous catfish that flourish in the area. Visitors can purchase bags of bread pieces or whole slices to treat the catfish, and this is an activity enjoyed by both locals and foreigners. If you’re in the Dusit district and want to explore the area further, there are a range of attractions that are a welcome breath of fresh air from the tourist traps located in the inner city. The Thewet Flower Market is the perfect place to pick up a set of unique flowers and plants as it offers an exciting collection of exotic blooms. Located close by on Khao San Road is the Wat Indraviharn temple, which houses one of the tallest Buddha images in Thailand, standing 32 metres tall. The Wat is also a treat to experience and its detailed murals are exquisite to behold. The Dusit district is a unique little cultural enclave ideal for visitors not wanting to tread the beaten path, and who are looking for something a little out of the ordinary.

Abu Dhabi Archery

Abu Dhabi is a splendid emirate that forms part of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and it is home to a fascinating array of activities for the cultural and curious tourist. If you wanted to try your hand at archery, there are a range of clubs as well as a spa resort Abu Dhabi features that offer visitors the chance to channel their inner archer. The Anantara Al Yamm which provides its guests with premium accommodation at its beautiful villas in Abu Dhabi also offers lessons and equipment for visitors to try out this long-cherished Arabic tradition. For those serious archers dedicated to the sport, the Abu Dhabi Archers Group provides a community of support for archers looking to get into the field, or serious shooters. Top archers can take part in the Top Archers Competition, which targets top archery dogs to crown champions on the range. The group does not have official status yet; however, it does provide the opportunity to gather and practice at the Al Forsan Archery range, which offers ten lanes and the best equipment to try one’s luck at a distance of 5 to 60 metres, depending on preference and ability. The range also offers Re-curve and Compound bows if archers do not have their own. The range provides arm guards, releases and tabs too, so head on down for a practice round or two!

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Moon of Pejeng

Bali is one of Indonesia’s most vibrant and culturally rich islands. It sees millions of visitors every year, all clamouring to participate in, partake of and appreciate all the festivals, shopping, beaches, entertainment and surroundings. A unique town for the adventure-seeker is Ubud, and lodging comes in the form of eclectic Ubud accommodation such as the Alila Ubud Bali whose elegant interiors and stylish amenities are a treat to experience. Of the many accommodation options, it is a superb Ubud hotel that pampers guests with warm island hospitality. Bali is home to many ancient and intriguing artefacts, of which one is the Moon of Pejeng, otherwise known as the world’s largest single cast bronze kettle drum in the world. It is the biggest surviving relic derived from Southeast Asia’s Bronze Age period, and is considered to be a highly sacred monument to the local people. It is believed that the drum was used in early rituals for rice cultivation. It is 186.6 metres in length and the dynamo of the tympano is 160 centimetres in diameter. It is housed at the Pura Penataran Asih Temple in the Petauan River Valley, which is where complex rice irrigation first started in the country, originating in South Bali. The drum is almost two thousand years old and was constructed by the Dong Son people. It is the largest and most complete example of the Pejeng drums found in Bali and Java and is a fine spectacle of the country’s illustrious past to behold.

Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and intends to visit them all someday.

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