A destination of luxury and sophistication, visit Qatar and experience this thrilling desert adventure that promises to offer an unforgettable experience and is packed with plenty of sandy adventures, from camel rides to dune bashing, amazing cuisine, and beautiful sunsets.
The Best Time to Visit
The best time to go on a desert safari is from October to April, which is late fall to early spring. It is in these months that the weather is the most pleasant unlike in the summer.
Camel Rides
Experience the best of camel rides which is a proud representation of Qatar’s culture. Enjoy a peaceful ride across the desert and get a sneak peek into the Bedouin way of life.
Dune Buggy Rides and Sandboarding
The highlight of the tour is the Dune bashing and Sandboarding as it will provide you with an exhilarating drive and glide navigating through the dunes. If you love the adrenaline rush, these activities are a must-try just for the challenge, experience, and picturesque views. After this thrilling experience, it is now time to head to the Al Najada Doha Hotel Apartments By Oaks for a relaxing stay as it is one of the best short stay apartments in Doha.
The Golden Hour is the perfect moment as the desert comes alive at sunset. The captivating beauty of the desert highlights the grandeur of nature creating picture-perfect moments for everyone.
Railay Beach, a stunning peninsula in Krabi, Thailand, is renowned for its world-class rock climbing opportunities. Experience the untamed beauty of the towering limestone cliffs, exciting routes, and breathtaking views, for a climbing paradise unlike any other.
Why Krabi?
Along the southwestern coastline of Thailand, Krabi offers some of the best landscapes for rock climbing. In particular, Railay Beach showcases a variety of routes, from easy beginner climbs to challenging pitch routes, ideal for all skill levels. More than anything, the breathtaking views of the Andaman Sea and surrounding islands provide an idyllic backdrop as you climb.
Book an excursion with one of the several tour operators or hotels nearby for experienced guides, transfers, and gear, such as with Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort.
Best Seasons for Rock Climbing in Krabi
Although Krabi proves to be an ideal climbing destination year-round, the dry season, from November to April, is the best time for rock climbing in Krabi, as minimal rainfall and comfortable temperatures grace Ao Nang. Things to do and see in the area are endless during these months; however, rock climbing offers some of the best opportunities to take in the natural wonders of Krabi.
In terms of clothing, the best options are light T-shirts or tank tops and leggings, since the gear might feel a bit uncomfortable when wearing shorts. Most importantly, if the gear is provided by the tour operator, be sure to check if all the equipment is functional and intact.
Railay Beach: A World-Class Rock Climbing Destination
Looming over the golden shores of Railay Beach, the limestone cliffs and stalactite formations offer an unforgettable rock climbing experience. The climbing walls are suitable for any climber, from Phra Nang Wall, featuring a range of routes from easy and challenging, to the 123 Wall, known for its steep and technical climbs, a popular choice among rock climbers in the region.
Dubai’s desert is a captivating blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Explore its golden sands through exciting activities and tranquil moments.
Dune Bashing: A Thrill in the Sands
For adrenaline seekers, dune bashing offers an exhilarating ride over rolling dunes in a 4×4 vehicle. If you’re based in the city, short stay apartments in Dubai the likes of Citadines Metro Central Dubai provide a convenient retreat after your adventure.
Step into the shoes of ancient traders by exploring the desert on a camel. This gentle ride offers a closer look at the vast landscape, giving you a true sense of the desert’s expanse.
Desert Camps: Embracing Local Culture
Spend an evening immersing yourself in the rich traditions of a desert camp. These camps are vibrant hubs where you can enjoy authentic Arabian music, savour a spread of local delicacies, and marvel at mesmerising performances like belly dancing or Tanoura spinning. Some camps also offer henna painting and falconry displays, adding to the cultural immersion.
Stargazing: A Quiet Desert Escape
As the sun sets, the desert transforms into a tranquil expanse, ideal for stargazing enthusiasts. Free from the city’s light pollution, the sky reveals a celestial masterpiece of countless stars. Whether you’re reclining on a cosy mat or using a telescope, the experience is profoundly calming and connects you with the universe in a way few other places can offer.
Don’t miss the chance to gain a fresh perspective on Malaysia and its many allures with a fun road trip to Penang. If you are yet to experience the joys of such an escapade, here is a handy guide to help you plan the ideal excursion on four wheels!
Find a Suitable Car Rental
You can easily find car rental options at major airports like Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Driving to this destination and across the well-known Penang Bridge is all part of the adventure! Alternatively, you can hire a car from Penang International Airport as well. It’s also a good idea to rent a GPS though Google Maps is always an option to consider for directions.
Choose Ideal Accommodation
Look to be based in the capital at a hotel in Penang Georgetown that offers access to top attractions as well as a private car park. Consider a modern heritage hotel such as The George Penang by The Crest Collection which offers elegant rooms and suites with contemporary comforts. Such properties also have a pool, steam room, and a restaurant and bar, ideal when you need to unwind after a long drive!
Plan Your Itinerary with Care
Georgetown, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is best explored on foot, and you can look forward to seeing colonial attractions and street art. Once done, you can drive to key attractions in Penang depending on your interests. Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm is ideal for families, while coastal fun awaits at Batu Ferringhi Beach and foodie discoveries at Gurney Drive. You can also go on excursions to Penang National Park and Ayer Itam Village home to Kek Lok Si Temple.
Find Out More About Driving Locally
Keep in mind that you need to drive on the left side in Malaysia, while expats can use a foreign license for up to three months. International road signs are used here so understanding basic traffic signs will be easy. Also, consider downloading the Penang Smart Parking app ideal for finding the nearest parking spots and paying for them too.
Polonnaruwa is a treasure trove of ancient ruins and captivating history. This guide covers the must-see sites to make the most of your visit to this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Begin your exploration at the Royal Palace, built by King Parakramabahu the Great. This vast structure, originally a seven-storey building, now reveals the grandeur of ancient Sinhalese architecture. Walk through the impressive halls and imagine the palace’s former splendour during the height of Polonnaruwa’s golden age.
Gal Vihara – The Rock Temple
Gal Vihara is one of the city’s most iconic sites, famous for its four statues of Buddha carved into a single granite rock. Each statue showcases a different pose, reflecting unique spiritual meanings. The serene expressions on these statues are simply breathtaking and capture the peaceful essence of Buddhist art. After a day of exploring, finding a relaxing place to stay is key. Many Polonnaruwa hotels offer a comfortable retreat, and Hotel Sudu Araliyais a popular choice with its scenic location by the Parakrama Samudra reservoir.
Sacred Quadrangle
The Sacred Quadrangle is a compact area packed with stunning ruins, including the Vatadage, an ancient circular relic house. This area was once the heart of Polonnaruwa’s religious activities, and its intricate stone carvings and stupa structures make it a fascinating stop. Don’t miss it if you’re seeking the best cultural experience.
Rankot Vihara – The Majestic Stupa
No visit to Polonnaruwa is complete without seeing Rankot Vihara, the city’s largest stupa and one of the most impressive structures in the ancient city. Standing 55 metres high, this massive brick structure was built during the reign of King Nissanka Malla and reflects the grandeur of Sinhalese craftsmanship.
Jet Skiing in the Maldives: All You Need to Know for an Adventure on the Water
If you are vacationing in the Maldives and are looking for an adrenaline-filled adventure out on the waters surrounding the nation’s islands, jet skiing should be at the top of your list. Here are some of the key tips and information about jet skiing in the Maldives that you need to know.
Jet skiing is undoubtedly one of the most fun activities to enjoy in the Maldives. But it also has several benefits for your body. These include increasing blood circulation, burning calories and strengthening muscles.
Styles of Riding
There are two main ways of riding a jet ski – sitting down or standing up – depending on the style of jet ski you are using. Stand-up jet skiing is the tougher option and requires a higher learning curve and level of balance. On the other hand, sit-down jet skiing is much easier for beginners to grasp and the relevant jet skis for this are widely available.
Best Places to Jet Ski in the Maldives
The best thing about jet skiing in the Maldives is that there are several places to enjoy it. These include the North and South Male Atolls, Ari Atoll, Laamu Atoll and Lhaviyani Atoll. Since it is one of the more popular activities to do in the Maldives you can find jet ski activities and excursion opportunities through your hotel or resort.
Safety and Regulations
While jet skiing is all about having fun, it is important to stick to stay safe by following the right rules and regulations. If you are staying at any of theAdaaran Resorts, you can make an inquiry about general guidelines, but here are some essential tips to remember;
Make sure to have safety gear and life jackets before going out on the water
Stay clear of people in the water
Use the jet skis responsibly and avoid pushing the limits
Be mindful of wildlife you may encounter and be sure not to harm them
Exploring wildlife in Sri Lanka offers an enchanting journey into the heart of one of the world’s most biodiverse islands. Home to an array of habitats, from lush rainforests and sprawling savannas to pristine beaches and misty mountains, Sri Lanka boasts an impressive variety of flora and fauna. Visitors can encounter iconic species such as the majestic Sri Lankan elephant, elusive leopards, and vibrant birds in numerous national parks, including Yala and Udawalawe.
Yala National Park
Yala National Park, located in the southeast of Sri Lanka, is renowned for its stunning lowland dry scrub and rocky coastline, making it the premier national park in the country and arguably one of the best for mammals in Asia. With around 30 Sri Lankan leopards, a sub-species endemic to the island, the park offers an impressive leopard density of up to one cat per square kilometer in certain areas. During the palu tree fruiting season in June and July, sloth bears can often be spotted. Visitors may also encounter a variety of wildlife, including sambar and spotted deer, buffalo, wild pigs, mongooses, langur and toque monkeys, golden jackals, and Indian palm civets.
Udawalawe National Park
Udawalawe National Park, located just south of the central mountains, was established to protect the watershed of the expansive Udawalawe Reservoir. This park features vast grasslands, scrub jungle, and riverine forests, making it the best place on the continent for observing Asian elephants in their natural habitat, with sightings nearly guaranteed even on a single game drive. While the park offers limited opportunities for viewing other mammals, it is a delight for birdwatchers.
Sinharaja Forest Reserve
Located in the wet southwest of Sri Lanka, Sinharaja is the country’s premier rainforest, characterized by towering canopies that reach heights of up to 45 meters. Over half of the tree species found here are unique to the world, contributing to the region’s rich biodiversity. A notable highlight of Sinharaja is the mixed-species bird flocks, which can include around six endemic birds in a single group, such as the red-faced malkoha, green-billed coucal, and Sri Lankan blue magpie.
Wilpattu Park
Image via Wikimedia Commons – Chamrith, ‘Kotiya’ Wilpattu National Park, SriLanka, CC BY-SA 4.0
Wilpattu, the largest national park in Sri Lanka, is located in the dry lowlands of the island’s northwest and features a network of lakes, known as villus, which exhibit varying levels of freshness and salinity. The park reopened in 2003 after being closed for nearly 15 years, and wildlife is expected to gradually recover to its previous abundance. If you’re looking for things to do in Sri Lanka, or places to go, consider partnering with the Cinnamon Air brand.
The Dubai Canal, a remarkable artificial waterway, stretches for 3.2 kilometres, transforming the city’s urban landscape and connecting the vibrant Downtown Dubai area to the Arabian Gulf. This architectural marvel not only serves as a functional waterway but also offers a scenic route adorned with pedestrian bridges, charming walkways, and leisure zones.
Reaching the Boardwalk
The Dubai Water Canal Boardwalk is easily accessible from various points along the canal. Located near Sheikh Zayed Road, it can be reached by public buses, taxis, or your own vehicle. Ferries and water taxis also operate along the canal, making it easily reachable from the best luxury hotels in Dubai no matter what mode of transport you choose.
What You Should Know
The Dubai Canal is a hub of activity, featuring cycling lanes, footpaths, running tracks and seating areas along its scenic expanse. Powered by solar energy, its eco-friendly design includes streetlights and convenient charging stations for keeping devices powered while enjoying the view. The canal boasts nine marine stations, offering ferries, water taxis, dhow cruises, and abras (a traditional boat) which are ideal if you want to get a unique perspective of the city.
The Waterfall Display
Located on the Sheikh Zayed Road Bridge at Exit 4, the Dubai Canal Waterfall is a major attraction, drawing visitors with its dazzling show of water and lights in the evenings. The design of the waterfall is such that it is set to shut off automatically when a boat gets close. Consider dropping by to see this spectacle for yourself, as it makes a great excursion especially if you happen to be staying at centrally located properties like Paramount Hotel Midtown.
The Dubai Water Canal features five striking pedestrian bridges – and a few of them connect to either side of the canal. Among them, the Tolerance Bridge, named in honour of International Tolerance Day, stands out as the first suspended bridge of its kind in the United Arab Emirates. The other bridges connect Jumeirah Road, Al Wasl Road and Sheikh Zayed Road.
The Taybeen Museum in Al Khobar offers a nostalgic journey that transports one back to the golden days of the 70s, 80s, and 90s. From vintage collectables to old memorabilia, this site is a treasure trove of items that evoke feelings of joy and connection.
Planning a Visit
Located in the charming city of Al Khobar in Saudi Arabia, close to Azizyh Beach, the Taybeen Museum is easily accessible by taxi or private car from properties like Somerset Downtown Al Khobar. It welcomes visitors from Monday to Wednesday and Saturday between 4:00 P.M and 10:00 P.M, while on Thursdays and Fridays, it stays open from 4.00 PM till 11:00 P.M. Note that it remains closed on Sundays.
An Amazing Personal Collection
The museum is a private venture by Majid Al Ghamdi, who began his collection in 1992 at just eight years old. What started as a hobby has blossomed into a 300-square-metre museum featuring over 10,000 items that stir nostalgia! From classic toys to retro memorabilia, the collection is a heartfelt reflection of simpler times, inviting all to step back in time.
Some of the Highlights
Those heading to this attraction from centrally located Al Khobar apartments can expect to find an eclectic mix of items from the 1970s to the 1990s, sparking memories of yesteryear. From Star Wars figurines and Sesame Street characters to old record tracks, candy packaging, posters, cameras and a display of the evolution of Coke bottles, this museum has it all!
Bringing People Together
Apart from offering a unique experience, the Taybeen Museum also helps to bring people together, regardless of background, through shared memories. The joy of reminiscing about a time when life was simpler creates a universal connection. Parents can also introduce their children to items from their own childhood, adding a beautiful generational bond to the visit.
Much like its neighbouring Emirates, Abu Dhabi’s stunning desert landscapes offer an exhilarating escape into the heart of the Arabian Peninsula. A desert safari is a must-do, providing unforgettable experiences and a glimpse at life among the dunes, away from the city skyline.
Finding a Tour Operator
To embark on your desert adventure, start by researching reputable tour operators. Look for those that offer comprehensive packages, including transportation, activities, and knowledgeable guides, to avoid any unnecessary additional costs and save on your trip, along with hotel deals in Abu Dhabi. Many companies operating in Abu Dhabi’s downtown district provide customisable options and essential desert activities, including Abu Dhabi Desert Safari, a short drive from Oaks Liwa Executive Suites Abu Dhabi.
Dune Bashing & Quad Biking
Once in the desert, the thrill of adventure awaits. Hop into a 4×4 for an adrenaline-pumping ride over the rolling sand dunes, driven by an expert guide. For a more hands-on experience, try quad biking through the sands, an exciting way to explore the vast terrain, although not for the faint of heart.
Aside from the high-octane desert sports, traverse the dunes atop a camel, guided by an expert and breathtaking views. Camel tours are the perfect opportunity for taking in the sandy landscape at a more leisurely pace, allowing you to keep an eye out for local wildlife in the process, including elusive sand foxes, gazelles, and a variety of bird species.
For a truly immersive experience, consider an overnight stay in a traditional Bedouin camp. These camps offer classic Emirati dishes for dinner, complete with cultural performances and story-telling, a perfect ending to a day of adventure in the stunning dunes of Arabia.
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