Sumaira Narayan | The Adventure Travel Site

Xiaomeisha Wonder World

If you’re looking for quality family entertainment to enhance your visit to Shenzhen, look no further than Xiaomeisha Wonder World, an aquatic paradise that’s designed to enthrall and amaze anyone from 6 to 60 and beyond. Plan on checking into a luxury Shenzhen serviced residence to ensure that all your hospitality needs are taken care of, and you’ll find such offerings at the Somerset Garden City Shenzhen. With close proximity to world-class dining and entertainment, a Somerset Shenzhen serviced apartment will provide you with an unforgettable stay.

If you’ve got a relaxing Saturday and no definitive way to entertainment the kids, head over to Xiaomeisha Wonder World, and plunge into a different world of watery excitement! This expansive theme park is China’s largest marine-based offering, and boasts nine aquariums and museums, an island and two gardens, all bustling hubs of optimal fun and enjoyment. The Fish aquarium is home to more than 500 different species of fish, fashioned in the form of a glass tunnel through which you get to walk through and observe the finned folk go about their daily play. Exotic species are highlighted in the Fish Tank of Treasures and the Multi-coloured Fish Tank. The Shark aquarium is a favorite with kids as it features more than 30 sharp-toothed hunters of the deep, such as the bull shark, lemon shark, zebra shark, nurse shark and the black and white tipped reef sharks. The Whale Shark aquarium houses an impressive specimen measuring almost 8.5 metres and weighing in at 3 tons. The Shell Museum features more than 600 varieties of delicate crustacean offerings encompassing fossils, shells and corals, as well as dinosaur eggs. Remember to visit the Home of Arctic Foxes, Polar Bears and the Museum of Science and Technology to really make the most of your time here.

Ninoy Aquino Parks & Wildlife Nature Center

Explore the Ninoy Aquino Parks & Wildlife nature centre for a fascinating glimpse into a unique nature park and conservatory located in the heart of Quezon City, the country’s wealthiest and most populous city. But when you’re seeking quality accommodation in the midst of world-class dining and entertainment, consider a stylish Manila hotel to host your stay, such as The Heritage Hotel Manila. With luxury interiors and a central location, this hotel in Manila is the perfect base from which you can enjoy the country’s many sights. Retreat to the unique surroundings of Quezon City to enhance your stay in the country, and whilst you’re there, check out the Ninoy Aquino Parks & Wildlife Nature Centure, named after Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., a national hero who lost his life fighting a dictatorship in place during the 60s, 70s and 80s. Within the verdant surroundings, you will discover a scenic lagoon, an intriguing aquarium as well as a fun playground for the little ones. There is also a lovely botanical garden onsite which is ideal for an afternoon stroll whilst you soak in the quality rays of the tropical sun. The park also has a wildlife rescue centre, where it oversees the care of sick, abandoned, injured and retreats citizens of the wild before releasing them into their natural habitats. Some of the inmates included various reptiles, mammals and bird species and you might spot some unusual species if luck is with you. A popular attraction is the park’s eagle reserve which is open overhead, so watch out for bird droppings in the midst of your appreciation. You will also get the chance to see some indigenous water monitors, crab-eating macaques, Palawan bearded pigs, binturongs as well as several species of birds. Spread over almost 160 acres, the Ninoy Aquino Parks & Wildlife Nature Center is ideal for a day trip with the family.

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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Shenzhen Minsk World

Get a taste of twentieth-century Soviet/Russian military life when you step aboard the Minsk, an immense aircraft carrier of Soviet and later Russian extraction that has been opened for public viewing and insight. Savour the Minsk and other attractions in the area from one of the luxury Shenzhen serviced apartments that offer a unique approach to hospitality. Of all the options for fine serviced accommodation Shenzhen has to offer its international visitors, you might want to consider checking into the Ascott Maillen Shenzhen as its central location and luxury interiors make it an ideal base for your time in the city. When you desire a break from the norm, take the family for an intriguing day out about the aircraft carrier the Minsk, which presents an interesting glimpse into the militant goings-on of a Soviet/Russian aircraft carrier. The Minsk was part of the Soviet military fleet that had to be retired due to a major accident, and underwent several changes in ownership before landing in the care of its current owner, CITIC Minsk. Since it officially opened to public showings in 2000, it has seen passenger traffic amounting to more than 5 million, and has generated revenue of 450 million yuan. Visitors will acquire the chance to see the island as well as the flight deck and the hangar. Other areas, such as the living quarters and the armaments have been modified to function as exhibits, and visitors will also encounter the staff, dressed in mock limitary uniforms, who will treat audiences to choreographed performances on the deck. Visitors may also take motorboat rides around the starboard side of the Minsk. A fascinating experience for military and history buffs alike, the Shenzhen Minsk presents a unique sightseeing opportunity when you’re next in the city.

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Godavaya Shipwreck

Plunge into a water world of wonder dating back to the 1^st century when you explore the famous Godavaya shipwreck, situated off the coast of Hambantota in Sri Lanka. Accommodation in the area is easy to come by, and the range of Tangalle hotels will make your Sri Lankan excursion truly worthwhile. Consider the Ranna 212 as a quality option of a Sri Lanka beach resort with attentive hospitality and a beautiful beachfront location for an idyllic sojourn in the tropics. The best way to get up close and personal with the Godavaya Wreck is via a scuba diving session, easily manageable since the southern coastline of Sri Lanka is famed for its pristine blue waters ideal for scuba diving. Some of the artefacts recovered from the site include red and black ware pottery that dates back to the first and fourth centuries. In addition, a majestic throne composed entirely of stone was discovered, along with ball clay, which is used as a source material for roofing tiles. Further excavations in the surrounding region revealed more treasures including the likes of pottery of Chinese and Persian extraction, an intriguing variety of Roman coins, various jewellery, bricks depicting marks of a mysterious guild in the shape of an “O”, as well as the remnants of a jetty, supported by stone pillars approximately 3.5 metres high. A large stone anchor was also discovered under water, lending credence to the theory that the area was an important location along the maritime Silk Route traversed by China and the Mediterranean.

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Holy Monkey Forest

Most nature conservatories maintain a strict, no-monkey-business policy when it comes to maintaining the cultural integrity of their grounds. However, with the Sacred Monkey Forest located in the town of Ubud in Bali, these folks make monkey business their life’s work. When you’re visiting the colourful isle of Bali for your own particular brand of play, consider staying at some of the luxury villas Bali has to offer its visitors. In particular, the Alila Villas Soori present a stunning selection of luxury villas in Bali that accommodate all manner of fun in the sun. Venture down to one of Ubud’s most popular cultural spots – the Sacred Monkey Forest which provides a sanctuary for several local species of primate, in addition to also hosting an ecological village as well as some beautiful Hindu temples. The forest sanctuary houses around 340 specimens of crab-eating macaque of various ages, with four groups located in specific territories within the expansive park grounds, spanning 27 acres. Nature lovers will feel as if they have stumbled upon a tropical paradise, as the grounds also feature 115 different species of trees under special conservation, as part of the area temple’s spiritual conviction of establishing harmonious relations with the natural environment. A group of monks have taken it upon themselves to guard and protect the trees in the forest, which they venerate via festivals and various ecological events. The forest is owned by the village of Padangtegal, and under the management of the Padangtegal Wenara Wana Foundation, the Sacred Forest and all it contains is promoted as a sacred site that presents an ideal locale for tourists to commune with nature.

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Coronet Peak Adventure

Adventure seekers in New Zealand can rejoice on Coronet Peak, the pinnacle of skiing in the country’s adventure capital of Queenstown. Accommodation can be uncovered in the form of a five star Queenstown hotel such as the Millennium Hotel Queenstown. The elegant interiors and gracious hospitality make it a quality option of a luxury hotel Queenstown has to offer its skiing and outdoors enthusiasts. Located just 25 km away from the heart of the town is Coronet Peak, but its attraction as a premier skiing destination has seen it host a variety of enthralling festivals and it is known as the country’s best example of a prime “powder package” – the perfect outlet for ski fans to launch their skies and fly. The Peak boasts stellar facilities, such as a high speed chair lift that’ll quickly transport you up the 1,650 metre height of the mountain which you can ski with grace. The top will treat you to spectacular views of the surrounding rugged country, with prime sights of Lake Wakatipu, the Crown Range and the Remarkables. The area underwent a significant facelift and now boasts an excellent self-service café, as well as a store where you can rent quality ski and snowboarding gear, with training schools located onside as well. Coronet Peak was NZ’s first ski field but is now a competitive international venue with past events such as the Winter Festival and the Compaq 50K Endurance on its roster. The ski season runs from June through October so strap on and head on up today for some non-stop flight action off the slopes.

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Boating In Negombo

Looking for an interesting excursion while in the city of Negombo? This charming coastal town, situated a few miles away away from the Colombo International airport offers curious tourists an exciting array of activities for some quality cultural immersion. However, boating is a popular and much-loved excursion here and should be a “must-try” addition to any cultural itinerary.

Fishing boats are available for hire and take visitors on rides through the small fisheries and villages scattered along this fishing village. Sailboats take around one hour while charter boats can be hired for half-day or full-day tours on board these vessels under the helm of an experienced captain. Although the fishing experience is exciting, steering down the Kalu Ganga is a boating experience not to be missed while in this historic coastal city. Make your way past lush greenery, and witness exotic birds both migratory and native, as well as mammals and lizards, while admiring the lifestyles of the residents that is weaved around the river, for a boating experience here that is nothing short of a true adventure.

The breathtaking Negombo Lagoon is a main attraction, with its prolific mangrove swamps attracting numerous birds and sea gulls, along with an intriguing shipwreck that has formed an artificial reef for the exotic fish that swim here. Boating on the lagoon is an unforgettable experience, and visitors are able to choose from either boating on the small rivers that connect to the lagoon or on the canal. And while you indulge in this relaxing experience you can also indulge in a bit of angling firsthand, and catch some sail fish, tuna, and many more species for a seafood extravaganza to be enjoyed later on.

Graced with some of the best beaches on the west coast of Sri Lanka, Negombo will no doubt keep you coming back for more. Whether you want to indulge in a bit of fishing with the balmy sea breeze bushing your skin, sail away on a fishing boat or explore the deep blue waters of the lagoon, Negombo will not disappoint you. Book into a renowned Negombo Hotel that offers the best of Sri Lankan hospitality, which is what you’ll discover at Jetwing Blue. From the minute you walk into its premises, this is one such Beach Hotel Negombo has to offer that promises to pamper all its guests. Equipped with the finest amenities and friendly staff who would gladly assist you with arranging excursions, this hotel will certainly add to an unforgettable Sri Lankan experience.

Wild Elephant Sanctuary in Xishuangbanna

Xishuangbanna is one of China’s most vibrant autonomous prefectures as it is home to the Dai ethnic community, which presents an intriguing facet of China’s multicultural ethnic spread. It is also home to the Wild Elephant Sanctuary, amongst other fascinating sites in this unique region of the country. Whilst you’re here, check into a quality hotel in Yunnan that guarantees you all the comforts of home laced with attentive hospitality. Perhaps try the Anantara Xishuangbanna Resort & Spa for an unforgettable experience at a luxury hotel Yunnan offers its international visitors, and undertake of the exciting excursions offered. Visit the Wild Elephant Sanctuary, which is located roughly around 47km away from the capital city of Jinghong. You’ll encounter these magnificent beings of the animal kingdom within the lush settings of the Mengyang nature reserve, which is a host to the native wild Asian elephants that roam the landscape. Having had their numbers dwindle due to excessive poaching, this community of wild elephants is the last remaining community of them in the entirety of the country. Immerse yourself in a serene natural valley whilst you hunt for glimpses of these elusive creatures, and soak in the lush tropical rainforest interspersed with sparkling streams for a true experience in paradise.

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Ski Dubai

Almost all of Dubai’s achievements have been record-breaking successes; for instance, the sensation Burj Al Arab, which holds the title as the world’s first seven-star hotel; Deira Gold Souq – one of the largest gold bazaars in the world, Dubai Mall – the world’s largest shopping mall and the list goes on and on. The rapidity with which Dubai has and is developing is in itself a wonder to witness and is sure to guarantee new and exciting fascinations every day, which are sure to entrance visitors of all ages.

On that note, it would be apt to introduce the bewildering yet intriguing Ski Dubai- the first ever indoor ski resort in the Middle East to bring the Swiss Alps and Rocky Mountains to you when you fancy some adventures in the snow. Every possible kind of snow-related activity can be engaged at Ski Dubai such as skiing, tobogganing, snowboarding or simply having fun in the snow, making snowmen and throwing snowballs. For the born adventurers, Ski Dubai offers five different ski runs of varying difficulty and length with longest run being 400 metres.

The sheer magnitude of this attraction is equivalent to three football fields that is 22500 square metres of real snow-covered land, available all year round! Adding to the excitement are the suitably themed restaurants St. Moritz Café and Avalanche Café that offer mouth-watering snacks when you fancy a burst of energy in between skiing and snowboarding. Located inside the Dubai Mall of the Emirates, there are qualified ski instructors to help guide the way if you’ve never skied before, and the latest addition of the Snow Penguins that perform the adorable Penguin March is sure to delight even the most cold-hearted of individuals.

A luxurious room with a beautiful, breathtaking view – now wouldn’t that be the perfect icing on the cake? Well, the solution is instantaneous in the form of the Grand Millennium Dubai which is one of the top ranking 5 star hotels Dubai. Offering a range of ten differently-styled rooms such as the Superior Room, Royal Suite, and the Club Room, the Grand Millennium Dubai strives towards excellence and makes every visitor’s stay a memorable one. It is an excellent choice of a Dubai luxury hotel that strives to ensure the highest standards of quality and service.

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+

Jebel Hafeet Mountain

Although Abu Dhabi city is the most sought-after destination in the emirate, the city of Al Ain, located close by, presents its own charms worth investigating, such as the Jebel Hafeet Mountain, one of the highest peaks in the region. However, Abu Dhabi is your best bet to check into a quality hotel in Abu Dhabi that takes care of all the details whilst you explore the country. The Kingsgate Hotel Abu Dhabi is a fine option for a luxury hotel Abu Dhabi has to offer its visitors. The Jebel Hafeet Mountain is one of the emirate’s most scenic spots and it’s the perfect locale for a fun family outing. Make sure you go in the evening, though, as it’s too hot to explore during the day. It offers a fantastic view of the city, especially at night time when the twinkling lights resemble a fairytale wonderland glimmering in the distance. However, if climbing 1,249 metres is not your idea of a good time, relax and unwind at the Green Mubazarrah, a well-developed tourist site that is popular with families. Featuring natural hot water springs that have been redirected to form swimming pools and Jacuzzis, it is the perfect place to rejuvenate the body. There are both outdoor and indoor pools with separate facilities for women, and men and children. The indoor pools charge a fee but are worth it as they’re cleaner than the outdoor pools. The park area features numerous picnic areas that have been outfitted with grills, so bring a picnic basket full of goodies and start grilling! There are also excellent playground facilities for the little ones to run around in. With fun activities for the whole family, Jebel Hafeet is the perfect oasis for relaxation in the desert.

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