Established in 1994 to promote Arabian culture through a fun and entertaining medium, the Kingdom of Aladdin amusement park enthralls park-goers of all ages and cultural backgrounds. Make this theme park part of your “to-do” list on a fun day out for the whole family as part of a stay at one of the stylish Doha serviced apartments in the heart of the city, such as the Ascott Doha. Situated near easy transport links, you’ve got the city in the palm of your hand to explore from one of the most elegant serviced apartments in Doha. Explorers of all ages are sure to love the mystical Kingdom of Aladdin theme park, also known as the “Family Fun Park of 1,001 Delights”, and also “Entertainment City”. Enjoy some fun rides such as the Ferris Wheel and Carousel for the younger crowd, and exciting bumper cars and go-karts for those looking for a little more action. Take a leap of faith on the trampoline, try your hand at air hockey, and challenge your best high scores at the video game arcade. Budding artists will love bringing their imaginations to life on paper at the Print and Stamp section that allows a kid’s inner artist to bloom into fruition. Several restaurants located onsite will add a much-needed dose of fuel in between attractions. Be sure to call ahead before you visit, as some days are set aside for women and children below 12 years only, other days just for single men and boys above 12 years old, with the rest of the week set aside for the entire family. With daily costume parades that allow ample photo opportunities, an amphitheatre that puts on the most fantastic shows, and a fireworks show to look forward to, the memories you make at The Kingdom of Aladdin theme park are sure to be cherished for a lifetime.
Author: Sumaira Narayan
Windsurfing in Bentota
The exciting beachside locale of Bentota on Sri Lanka’s scenic southern coastline is regarded as being one of the best water sports capitals in the nation. The best way to enjoy the thrilling activities in the region is to book with a Bentota hotel that can provide the equipment to ensure a memorable holiday, such as the AVANI Bentota Resort & Spa which is a quality Bentota resort to host your stay in the city. Indulge in an exciting round of windsurfing during your time here, for an unforgettable excursion. There are ample opportunities to rent out boards and sails, with the Sunshine Water Sports Centre and the Club Intersport being the main rental outlets in the area. In addition, if you want to try out this sport for the first time, the Sunshine Water Sports Centre boasts the island’s exclusive VDWS-certified surf school that will set you up with the appropriate training and professional certification to adeptly engage in this thrilling water sport. The best season for windsurfing is during the months of November through April so plunge in today!
Boat Ride in Madu River
Sink into a tropical paradise when you make your stay at one of elite Sri Lanka villas that enjoy the lush surrounds and sweet bird song only found in the most idyllic of localities. Sample the delights of Saffron and Blue by Jetwing which offers the quintessential Sri Lanka luxury villa to make for an unforgettable holiday on Sri Lanka’s beautiful southwest coastline. Whilst you are here, embark on a boat ride in the idyllic surrounds of the Madu River in Balapitiya and discover a wondrous ecosystem primed for exploration and appreciation. It is the country’s second-largest wetland dotted with 32 islands, two of which house 215 families. A site of immense biological, ecological, and aesthetic importance, it features 303 plant species and 248 invertebrates, it is considered to be one of the last remaining examples of virgin mangrove forest in the country. The main product that emerges from this natural paradise is peeled cinnamon as well as cinnamon oil. Madu Ganga functioned as an important water transport line that connected the cities to the ancient Sinhala Kingdoms, prior to British Colonization. It remains an integral part of the country’s natural and cultural heritage, and a visit to Madu Ganga is definitely a must-do on any travel itinerary in the area.
Cycling on the Corniche
A popular pastime that unities friends, family, and partners during the busy work week is a spot of cycling on the Corniche. Despite the arid heat, this activity is fast gaining popularity on one of the most scenic areas in the emirate. Make this sport a must-do activity to enhance your stay at a stylish hotel in Abu Dhabi such as the Kingsgate Hotel Abu Dhabi. With gracious hospitality and charming interiors, a stay at this luxury hotel Abu Dhabi will prove utterly unforgettable. For fitness fans or those looking for a unique way to while away the afternoon and evening, peddling down the eight kilometer stretch of the Corniche. You don’t need to own your own set of wheels; many shops in the area will let you rent them in a variety of sizes and shapes for a very reasonable fee. The Fun Ride Sport Shop features an impressive range of rides, which include tandem bikes, four-wheelers, two-wheel peddle cars, and a special one for ladies who wear Abayas. An hour’s use will set you back a mere Dhs 20, with Dhs 15 for kids, or 15 hours of use for Dhs 200 – an absolute steal. You will need some valid ID and a refundable deposit of Dhs 100. You can ride out on your own, or enlist a guide who will point out various places of interest along the way – perfect if it’s your first time in the Corniche. Tour companies such as the Noukhada Adventure Company will be happy to set you up with bikes, helmets, and a guide for only Dhs 150 per person. Peddling down the cornice is fantastic fun, but make sure you carry enough loose change, as many vending machines scattered throughout the strip take only exact change. When you’re finished, kick your feet up and relax at one of the myriad coffee shops gracing the Corniche, as you more than earned that latte.
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.
Surfing in Kalutara
Kalutara offers pristine golden beaches and sparkling sapphire waters that are a welcome treat to plunge into to cool off from the tropical heat. The area is also home to a fine array of luxury beach hotels Sri Lanka such as The Sands which is one of the finest Kalutara hotels in the region. Adventure junkies will be more than pleased at the exciting array of water sports available in Kalutara, where you can try everything from windsurfing and parasailing to jet-skiing and body surfing. No matter what hotel you make your stay at, it is sure to feature ample water sports offerings designed to thrill. In addition, the area is home to an idyllic stretch of beach that is perfect to relax on, when the waves get a little much. Catch up on that novel you’ve been meaning to finish since forever, and sip a refreshing cocktail while you’re at it. The kids will enjoy building sand castles whilst you soak up a fantastic tan indicative of a truly unforgettable vacation. Kalutara is also a fascinating cultural enclave to explore, with the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery, Richmond Castle, the Sinharaja Rain Forest, and the famous Kalutara Vihara being within easy reach.
Beaches in Nusa Dua
The island of Bali is a vibrant location on the Indonesian landscape that is a tropical paradise for visitors from across the globe. An area fast gaining popularity is Nusa Dua, a pristine peninsula located on the tip of southern Bali. Soak in the tropical ambiance of the island from a luxury Nusa Dua resort guaranteed to provide you with a welcome getaway. A luxury resort Bali can be found at The Laguna Resort & Spa for an unforgettable vacation within the sun, sand, and surf at Nusa Dua. The name can refer to the peninsula as a whole or an exclusive enclave reserved for mainly tourists that offers prime swimming conditions in a safe and controlled environment. If you’re looking to break out of the cage, Nusa Dua proper also offers a few choice spots ideal for beach activities and sightseeing. The peninsula’s largest public beach is Geger Beach, also known as Pantai Geger, complete with clear turquoise waters for optimal swimming and water sports. It is also rather cool compared with other beaches in the area, as it is one of the few beaches that face the east, which also boosts the sea temperate more than other seaside locales. For a scenic spot of island adventuring, head over to Serangan Island (also known as Turtle Island), which is a turtle conservatory. You can rent a boat from Nusa Dua and indulge in a glass-bottom boat ride to come face-to-face with the vibrant marine life lingering just below the waves. Or simply laze on the pristine white sands of the beach and soak in some quality rays for that iconic tropical tan for a true immersion with the locale’s landscape.
Leopard Safari in Yala
An adventure into Sri Lanka’s wild awaits you, when you embark on an exciting Leopard safari in Yala National park. A safari into this unique landscape should feature in your Sri Lanka travel plans, and you can explore the various Sri Lanka tours offered by many reputable travel professionals on the island, with Jetwing Holidays being an excellent choice. Come face-to-face with the ever-reticent and majestic predator of Sri Lanka’s wilderness: the Leopard. The best time to spot this magnificent feline is early morning or again at sunset. The Leopard stalks the grounds in a confident gait, and the younger males have no qualms about approaching the jeep directly, opening up a world of spectacular photographic opportunities, so snap away! This unique being is only one of fascinating local flora and fauna sure to cross your path during your trip out here. You will also be able to spot the sambar, spotted dear, jackals, mongooses, sloth bears, and the most vibrant birds that are sure to delight all bird-watchers, with Rosy Starlings, Crested Hawk Eagles, Blue-Tailed Bee-Eaters and Paradise Flycatchers amongst the many species winging through the trees. So go on a leopard safari in Yala to discover the island’s most intriguing predator!
Kite Surfing
The popular sport of kite surfing is a happy combination of wakeboarding, surfing, paragliding, windsurfing, and some good ‘ol gymnastics to result in one completely awesome water sport enjoyed by first timers and sought after by professional kiters. This exciting water sport is a feature of many a Maldives island resort and your kiteboarding expectations will be surpassed at a Maldives luxury resort such as the Adaaran Prestige Vadoo, which will be happy to set you up with equipment for a fun session out under the sun. Beginners in this fun sport can enjoy it all year round, whilst pros will enjoy it best during May to October which features ideal natural conditions for the most thrills. One of the most exciting experiences is gliding across the crystal-clear waters of the lagoon and witnessing the vibrant marine life teeming beneath the waves. You’ll be able to catch sight of multi-hued fish and even sting rays, if you’re lucky. For the best gliding over water, you’ll want to ensure that you surf on islands that feature lagoons and generally stay away from those fringed by corals.
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.
Wadi Tiwi
If you’re in the mood to commune with nature and explore the natural wonders of the Omani landscape, the Wadi Tiwi is a splendid gorge that has been carved into the mountains, flanked by soaring cliffs and runs down into the sea. Explore this and other features of Oman when you make your base at one of the stunning Oman hotels in the city of Muscat, such as the Al Wadi Hotel Sohar. With a central location and welcoming hospitality, this Oman hotel is sure to please you. Escape the bustle of the city and head to Wade Tiwi, which is home to a charming array of traditional desert villages that are framed by lush expanses of date and banana plantations, with bubbling streams meandering through the landscape. Close to about five kilometers into the gorge, you will encounter the idyllic community of Harat Bidah, featuring quaint dwellings of another age and towering walls of stone. If you fancy a drive that will give you an inspiring adrenaline rush, five kilometers out of Wadi Tiwi will bring you to the village of Mibam, which is located at the end of a rough stretch of road (used here loosely), and is the perfect excursion into the Omani wilderness if you’re coming in on a four-wheel drive vehicle.
Christmas in Bali: A Tropical Christmas
As December draws near, the spirit of Christmas seeps into people’s hearts with shopping malls decorated in Christmas colours: red and green, the sidewalks slippery with frozen snow and a general feeling of excitement in the air. Traditional Christmas celebrations will involve decorating a Christmas tree, leaving out cookies and milk for Santa, hanging of stockings on the chimneys and of course, cradling cups of hot chocolate in an attempt to insulate oneself from the cold. While this form of Christmas has its own intrinsic charm, opt for a different experience this December and make your way down to Bali, Indonesia to celebrate your own tropical Christmas.
Although the main demography of Indonesia is composed of non-Christians, Indonesia celebrates Christmas as a holiday with pomp and splendour. Similar to decorations done in Europe, Balinese shopping malls too resort to decorating the interior with the traditional Christmas colours and the exterior with sparkling, bright lights creating an feeling of excitement and thrill.
The best way to kick-start your Christmas in Bali is to first do your Christmas shopping as gifts are sold only until stocks last. Once your Christmas shopping list is ticked, tourists can opt to partake in the general spirit of Christmas by taking a walk around the city, exploring the markets and the malls, and perhaps singing a few rounds of some carols as well. Celebrating Christmas in Bali is just as exciting as celebrating it in a cosmopolitan European nation, excepting the cold climate for resorts, hotels and clubs organise a series of parties, Christmas events and more to celebrate the holiday.
Depending on which beach resort in Bali you opt to reside in, you may be lucky enough to enjoy a true feast during the Christmas week. If you opt for a hotel in Nusa Dua, you may be able to enjoy special Christmas foods and traditional deserts as well as complimentary eggnog. Enjoy your tropical Christmas to the fullest by opting to stay at a hotel the calibre of Westin Resort Nusa Dua Bali which is a hotel that will cater to your every need during this special holiday season and deck your vacation with unforgettable memories.
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. Google+