Sumaira Narayan | The Adventure Travel Site

Nature and wildlife in Singapore

When you want a break from the non-stop shopping and entertainment excursions in the city of Singapore, head over to the idyllic surrounds of the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, one of four official nature reserves in the country. Meanwhile, if you are looking for a central 3 star hotel in Singapore to host your stay, the Days Hotel Singapore is an ideal economy hotel in Singapore that provides easy access to the nature reserve via the metro line. The Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is most famous for being a transit point for migratory birds, a recognition that has gained it international renown. Spanning around 130 hectares of untouched natural beauty, it was declared an ASEAN Heritage Park back in 2003. If you take care to treat lightly, you will come across crabs and mudskippers, including stunning sights of the Malayan water monitor lizard, so keep your eyes peeled and your camera at the ready. Avid bird-watchers should bring along their binoculars and watch out for the Curlew Sandpiper, Pacific Golden Plover, Yellow Bittern, Mongolian Plover, and more. If luck is with you, you might even see the resident family of Smooth Otters, or the rare Lesser Whistling Duck and Milky Stork. When you take a walk through the reserve, you will come across strategically placed “observation hides”, which are special viewing points situated away from plants and animals, but afford stunning views across the park. So make a trip to the Sungei Buloh Reserve part of your nature and wildlife excursion in Singapore.

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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Kite surfing

Although not traditionally known for its water sports offerings, the sultanate of Oman has seen a rapid boost in the tourism industry over the past few years, and it aims to please visitors from all corners of the globe, of a variety of temperaments. Ensure that you book a Muscat hotel with an excellent record of hospitality and luxury facilities for an utterly unforgettable holiday. Consider the Al Falaj Hotel which is among some of the best-ranked Oman hotels in the state. If you are an avid water sports enthusiast and you happen to find yourself in Oman, fear not, for the sultanate now offers visitors the chance to engage in that most fun of water sports activities: kitesurfing. If you are a seasoned pro, then you already know what this fun pastime entails. If you are intrigued and want to find out more, many have described it as an exciting sport that combines surfing, windsurfing, paragliding, gymnastics, and wakeboarding into one thrilling ride across the waves. A parachute is hitched to the rider’s back and the sport calls upon the power of the wind currents to propel riders across the foamy waves on a kite board or surfboard. With daily wind speeds above twenty knots and a balmy temperature of 28 degrees in a shallow lagoon spanning about eight kilometers, kite surfers are sure to experience a multitude of thrilling spills.

Ziptrek Ecotours

Embark on the most trilling adventure in your life when you soar high above the New Zealand landscape on a zip line, courtesy of Ziptrek Ecotours. Make these fun excursions part of your holiday itinerary at one of the stellar New Zealand Queenstown hotels such as the Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview. With fabulous views and gracious interiors, these apartments afford choice Queenstown hotel accommodation. One of the most sought-after thrills in the world of outdoor recreation can be found via a thrilling round of zip lining, powered by an impressive combination of treetop observation platforms, ground trails, suspension bridges, and of course, zip lines, which are steel cables that extend up to as high as 15 stories or more, and stretching up to 2,000 feet long. Zipliners are outfitted with a special, hardy harness that is attaches to the zip line cable with a pulley. At each platform point you descend the stairs until you feel the tension on the harness tethers, at which point you lift your feet and let fly down the cable on what could be the greatest adrenaline rush of your life, reaching speeds of over 50 miles per hour. It’s an experience you will never forget!

Skyline Luge Queenstown

What’s more exciting than bumper cars but safer than sky diving? Skyline luging, of course! And if you’re in New Zealand’s adventure capital of Queenstown, you must make the exciting Skyline Queenstown Luge part of your itinerary for fun and excitement. Consider staying at one of the luxury New Zealand Queenstown hotelssuch as the Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview. These stylish apartments set within breathtaking natural surroundings are an ideal example ofQueenstown hotel accommodation. Known as an absolutely thrilling ride for riders of all abilities and ages, the Skyline Queenstown Hotel should be your next destination when you are in the city. You will get to zip along the scenic track which is a considerably low-key ride over a gentle gradient, gradual bends, dips, and tunnels. For those wanting more thrills, the advanced track meanders down a gradient of steeper proportions and exciting banked corners, cuttings, dippers, and tunnels. So sit down, strap on tight, and let loose your inhibitions! Featuring the highest quality vehicles outfitted with an excellent steering and braking ensemble, you are always in control of the ride, and you will be able to change your speed or course at will. With 800 metres of pure, adrenaline-pumping fun, how can you resist the Skyline Luge in Queenstown?

Mountaineering trips in Queenstown

If your inner mountain climber is aching to trek across some of the most splendid ranges in the world bar none, make a mountain excursion part of an adventure in Queenstown, New Zealand’s excitement haven. Invest in one of quality New Zealand Queenstown hotels such as the Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview. With luxury interiors and gracious hospitality, it is an ideal example of Queenstown hotel accommodation to host your stay here. Summits Mountain Guiding is an excellent resource to tap when you want to explore the mountains of Queenstown at your leisure, as part of a group or a partnership. This renowned name in the trade offers an array of excursions to suit your lifestyle and preferences, including 2 day courses that teach you everything from climbing skills, ice skills, and 5 days courses for more advanced mountaineers who want to brave the icy heights in search of adventure and excitement. True professionals in the field can even embark on the signature 10-day advanced mountaineers course that will take you through some of the most stunning landscapes in the region. Featuring the expertise of trained mountaineers with decades of experience in navigating the mountains, you’ll be well looked after when you brave the NZ mountaineers as a rookie, or as a seasoned pro.

Milford Sound Scenic Flights

Visitors to the New Zealand adventure capital of Queenstown would be remiss if they did not take to the skies on one of the most breathtaking natural escapades in the area: a Milford Sound scenic flight. Make this exciting activity part of your vacation when you book into one of the panoramic New Zealand Queenstown hotels such as the Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview. With stunning visuals unfolding before you in all directions, you will feel transported to another realm at this stellar offering of Queenstown hotel accommodation. Billed as one of the most visually stunning areas in the world, Milford Sound will whisk you away into another realm of pristine natural beauty, especially if you charter a flight over this spectacular locale, courtesy of renowned tour operator Milford Scenic Flights. Take off from either Milford Sound itself, or from Queenstown for those of you who are basing your vacations there. In addition, you could soak in the wonders of Milford Sound by also indulging in a fabulous journey by luxury coach, as well as a scenic cruise along with the flight package. The company also features exclusive charter flights to the majestic Mount Cook, or to the glaciers. With an experienced staff and flight crew, your sojourn over the Milford Sound skies is guaranteed to be truly unforgettable.

Abu Dhabi Road Trips

Take to the wide open road heading out of Abu Dhabi, and see what adventures await you, when you embark on Abu Dhabi road trips during your visit to this splendid emirate. Ensure that you check into one of the fine resorts Abu Dhabi has to offer, with the Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villas featuring luxury Abu Dhabi villas that are perfect to host your stay here. If you’ve got a rugged 4×4 at the ready, head over to the town of Shawka, which is two hours away from Abu Dhabi and features a fun collection of wadis (sand dunes), and spectacular off-road trails that are adventures in and of themselves. Hitch a mountain bike to the back of your truck, as there are plenty of trails that are perfect to cycle through. The area also features the spectacular Al Shawka dam, so bring your camera for some perfect photo opportunities. You could visit some of the other emirates in the region, with Shajah presenting a delightful selection of experiences. It features over 20 museums – perfect for the culture vulture to explore to their heart’s content. Here, you will also find a thriving underground arts scene, and the Corniche is your best bet to soak up all these unique cultural experiences. Another emirate, Ajman, features a fabulous beach that is never crowded (owing to the lack of press), and the city itself is worth spending a day trip exploring. Afterword, head over to the market near the town of Al Dhaid, where you can pick up handicrafts, trinkets, odds and ends, and other traditional souvenirs that are perfect as gifts for yourself or the folks back home. If you are interested in learning about the history of Abu Dhabi, the Liwa Oasis, which is the birthplace of the emirate’s ruling families. With over 50 villages, as well as some date farms, it is a charm to explore. So when you have got a few days off, hit the UAE road and see where it takes you!

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Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari

If you are in Auckland and you are craving a bout of communion with the most impressive citizens of the deep, whales and dolphins, take a cruise on the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park to watch these amazing beings frolic just a few feet away from you. Make a marine tour part of your excursion at a stylish Auckland hotel such as the Copthorne Hotel Auckland Harbour City. With a central location, it is an excellent hotel Auckland CBD to host your stay in the city, whether you’re here for business or leisure. Embark on a fun whale and dolphin safari to get up close and personal with the amazing citizens of the Hauraki Gulf. You will travel onboard a stylish Dolphin Explorer and you will be guaranteed a sighting, with a 75% view rate thus far. The Hauraki Gulf is a national maritime park that boasts a diversity of geographic and biological proportions, with an excess of 25 of the region’s 37 marine mammals being spotted here. This hefty number makes up nearly a third of the globe’s total species population. So flee the tiring confines of the city and relax on board an expedient cruise ship, and let your heart and mind soar as you witness the dolphins frolicking and playing by the prow of the vessel, and keep your eyes peeled for the telltale fan spray that signals the presence of whales.

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Rotorua Geothermal Experiences

To experience one of the most amazing Geothermal Wonderlands on earth, visit Rotorua. Rotorua is a treasure trove of heat-based attractions fresh and steaming from the earth. Geysers sprout out from a number of different locations each with its own unique magnificence and the heat you experience here has a sense of purity to it. So natural and pristine, the feel of the warm water has a soothing effect on the muscles and works perfectly for relaxation

Geothermal activity is actually created out of heat formed from beneath the earth that sprouts out as Geysers or bubbles away through mud pools. The Geothermal activity in Rotuarua is only one of the many attractions it is blessed with, for this is one city that is completely adorned with some of nature’s finest creations, and undoubtedly, one of its most rare. The impact of volcanic activity that lasted thousands of years sculpted Rotorua with precious gifts, rendering each of its landscapes stunning beyond all reason.

In addition to boasting fantastic scenic appeal, Rotorua’s geothermal activity is a massive crowd puller. There are five major areas throughout the city where one can witness fantastic geothermal activity and the Lady Knoxx geyser in Waiotapu tops it all. You can witness the largest geyser in the country here and within 500 other hot springs. The Lady Knoxx also happens to be an excellent location to enjoy some authentic Maori culture. Then, there is the Tikitere also known as the Hell’s Gate. As it is rightly named, the location exhibits some of the fiercest geothermal activity with its boiling whirl pools and the massive hot waterfall that happens to be the largest of such waterfalls in the Southern Hemisphere.

Then there is Waimangu and Waiotapu, both of which pay ample tribute to large volcanoes that have erupted several years ago. The areas boast exotic scenery, sparkling lakes and the Waiotapu also happens to be the location of the Tapu thermal wonderland. The Orakei Korako – The Hidden Valley is also a truly amazing place to visit and is many a times considered one of the best thermal areas in the world. When it comes to deciding on ideal accommodation from the many New Zealand hotels that dot the pristine landscape, consider checking into one of the many Rotorua Hotels. With gracious hospitality and elegant interiors, you are sure to be spoiled in these elegant properties.

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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Cycling tour to Sigiriya

The vibrant tropical isle of Sri Lanka bursts to life with fresh vigour when you explore it via two wheels, as you will get up close and personal with the friendly locals, scenic surrounds, and ancient artefacts such as the impressive sites in and around the ancient city of Sigirya. When you are booking your holiday in Sri Lanka ensure you partner up with travel professionals Sri Lankan Dreams as they offer a competitive set of tours to Sri Lanka that are guaranteed to be unforgettable. Cycling tours are some of the best ways to explore the country further, as you will have access to many places not on your run-of-the-mill travel itinerary. You will be peddling along the famous “King’s Route”, which was established more than 1,000 years ago. The ancient city of Sigiriya simply demands a trek to the top of the famous “Lion’s Rock” fortress, which reveals the majestic landscape unfolding before you with swathes of green and blue. You will also come across several huge Dagobas (Buddhist stupas) that are second in size to the pyramids of Giza. Travel to Dambulla nearby and soak in the aged splendour of the cave temples that are home to some of the world’s finest specimens of ancient Buddhist art, both in sculpture and mural form. Cycling tours to the region are usually part of a larger cycling itinerary, so you will also get to ascend the cool hills of the central region, take a peddle on the wild wide with visits to local nature reserves, and cycle by the south western sea as you make your way back to the starting point in Colombo.

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