Category: Land Extreme Sports

Dune Bashing –Wild Driving in the Dunes

The vast stretches of rolling golden dunes have always been one of Oman’s biggest attractions. In fact a holiday in Oman is not complete without experiencing all the wonders that these vistas have to offer. There is feeling of being whisked away from the world when one is on these dunes. While exploring the authentic side of Oman, try staying at the Desert Nights Camp. This is one hotel in Oman which will give you the fullest experience of the authentic Omani World.

There is a blissful tranquility in the Omani stretches of Dunes. Unlike the UAE, Oman is more quiet and subdue, yet gives the same ravenous thrill with all its wonders. A popular activity on Dunes -anywhere where there is a desert- is dune bashing. Dune bashing is a sport where large 4 wheel drive vehicles are driven off road into the dunes. It might sound easy but it is not. In fact a lot of skill and technique is required to maneuver the vehicle around the many slopes and curves of the dunes. But rest assured all the hard work completely pays off for Dune bashing gives a thrill and adventure like no other sport.

In Oman one of the best places for Dune bashing is the Wahiba Sands at the Bidiya Village. Since Dune bashing is immensely popular in this area, there is plenty of 4×4 for rent, roaming the area. Unless you are an expert driver or have plenty of experience with dunes in the past, it is advisable to hire a professional driver. Omanis are found in plenty in this area who are more than happy to drive you around so that you can enjoy an optimum experience of Dune bashing. In addition to being your drivers on the desert, these Omani’s serve very well as guides and may even give you a sneak peek of a typical Omani desert lifestyle.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Hoi An Motorbike Adventures

Anyone who enjoys riding motorcycles will be delighted by the opportunities on offer in the central region of Vietnam. Starting out from Hoi An, the traveller will be able to traverse the exceedingly picturesque and tranquil landscapes of Central Vietnam, which are truly magical areas to explore. Visitors will be able to join the tours conducted by reputed specialists who will provide the necessary equipment and guidance. However first it would be important for one to choose a place to be based at. Hoi An hotels would serve as excellent venues to come home to and in particular Anantara Hoi an Resort with its well equipped rooms should definitely be considered.

The sheer diversity of the terrain and the spectacular sights on offer make this area an adventure and outdoor lover’s dream. Even if you opt for a single day’s excursion from the town of Hoi An, you will have the opportunity to observe different delightful vistas. You will traverse coastal flood plains filled with paddy fields, crossing tranquil rivers and verdant rainforests, exploring the pristine unsullied countryside of Vietnam.

Participants will be able to make their way through the country’s centrally located highlands which are inhabited by people of ethnic minorities. The amazing roads found here may be counted amongst the most scenic and attractive anywhere in the world, sweeping and winding their way through mountains and valleys. Every turn and bend will bring yet more breathtaking and mesmerizing vistas to your eyes, filling your senses with sheer pleasure and contentment. If you desire tranquil solitude, you will be delighted by this environment, as other motorists will be few and far between. Travellers who prefer the silent majesty of pristine rainforests will be spellbound by the verdant terrain, wreathed by the clinging mountain mists.

This part of Vietnam also boasts its share of manmade attractions, from rustic farming communities to fascinating remnants of ancient civilizations and even sites of conflict and battle. Part of the allure of this mesmeric environment is the amazing variety of terrains and road conditions. Visitors will have the chance to negotiate secluded back streets, swooping bends and switchbacks as well as muddy gravel tracks. The motorcycle enthusiast and even the general sightseer will find this to be the adventure of a lifetime.

Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.

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Go Dragon Cave Rafting across Taniwha Blackwater in Adventure Sports Capital Greymouth

Regarded as one of the most thrilling adventure sports activities available in Greymouth, Dragon Cave Rafting is no run-of-the-mill rafting adventure for the masses. As the capital of New Zealand’s West Coast Greymouth sits on the lips of Grey River and is renowned across the country for its diverse landscapes littered with caves and black waters. Also known as cave tubing a rafting tour in Greymouth is a once in a lifetime opportunity to raft across breathtaking rainforests while discovering the area’s most intriguing natural caves and the glow worms that call it home.
Ideal for those who wish to spend time uncovering Greymouth’s unchartered terrain Blackwater or Dragon Cave rafting adventures are perfect half-day excursions that are not just reserved for adrenaline junkies. Athletic holidaymakers however can experience the tour in a novel way as they have the option of reaching the river’s tubing section with a cliff jump and abseiling to the summit of the river’s rafting quarter. Other can also take a zip line ride across the rainforest’s verdant canyons for a scenic aerial route to the rafting site. This all encompassing tour allows adventure sports fans to engage in the popular activities of climbing, abseiling, ziplining and rafting in some of the most panoramic settings in all of New Zealand. Inexperienced rafters can walk to the tubing area through the rainforest. Thermal wear such as socks, rubber clothing, river boots, life jackets and helmets are all provided by the tour operators in addition to abseiling and ziplining gear prior to setting off for the starting point of the excursion.
Dubbed “Dragon Caves” due to Maori legends and folktales that are still told by local Taniwha communities the rafting tour across the blackwater lets participants to come face to face with the staggering beauty of rainforest river terrains. The vast complex of caves that are linked to countless Maori myths is also part of the itinerary while curious creatures known as Glow Worms occupy these ominous caves in their thousands and provide sparks of illumination on an otherwise dark interior landscape of the caves. Perfect for groups of travellers and families the tour operators in Greymouth also offer special children’s rafting packages for those who wish to take the young ones along on a rafting adventure.
Travellers in search of luxurious New Zealand hotels should look to none other than Millennium & Copthorne Hotels NZ for the best deals this holiday season. Offering guests a plethora of stylish establishments in the West Coast its signature rest in Greymouth is ranked among the best Greymouth hotels in the region.

Nigel Walters is a travel writer, who writes under the pen name, Fritzjames Stephen. His content is based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life.Google+

Kayaking in Miami Beach

Miami is a pulsating beach holiday destination offering a range of unparalleled adventures. Accommodation in South Beach Miami is of excellent standards and Metropolitan by COMO, Miami Beach is one exceptional hotel in South Beach Miami. It is a well known fact that the scenic Miami Beach offers plenty of opportunities for kayaking and canoeing. You have the options of either taking part in a naturalist guided tour or paddling solo. If you go kayaking in the evening you might get the chance to witness a breathtaking sunset or even catch a glimpse of dolphins gleefully frolicking in the Biscayne Bay. With many parks that rent out canoes and kayaks, indulging in this fun water sport has been made extremely convenient.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Snorkelling at Biorock Pemuteran Bay

Bali is indeed one of the most wonderful destinations on earth. With lush green paddy fields, blue ocean waters and friendly people, it is a great place to spend a holiday. One of the most popular activities here is snorkelling.

Biorock Pemuteran Bay is one of the most popular areas in the region to go snorkelling. It was a community driven reef restoration programme which commenced at the turn of the century in the year 2000 and over the past decade or so it has been a phenomenal success that has changed the lives of the people in the region as well as providing a one of a kind experience to those who come to this place. Pemuteran Bay is known to have some of the largest shallow reef areas in Bali. With less or almost nonexistent waves, the water is crystal clear and easy to see through making it an ideal setting to not only go snorkelling but diving as well.

Amongst the best snorkelling areas are Temple Garden, Temple Wall or Pura Tembok, Canyon Wreck, Kuburan Kapal and Chris’ Garden also known as Kebun Chris. Other sites where one can explore the world that lies beneath the waves include Pemuteran House Reef also known as Bio Rock, Close Encounters, Napoleon Reef, Deep Reef, Pulaki Reef and Gondol Reef amongst others. In these diverse sites one can be sure to spot snapper, batfish, frogfish, humphead parrotfish, lobster, shrimp, crab, pipefish, angelfish, crocodile fish, trevally, blue spotted rays, squid, sweet lips and fusiliers. There are also many nudibranches octopuses, reef scorpions, leaf scorpions and much more to be spotted in this diverse setting.

Occasionally it is also possible to spot a shark or two and also big rays. It has been reported that tiger sharks have been spotted in some areas during the rainy seasons. However, it is also safe and is and provides an unmatched variety of sea life for those who are interested to see the world under water.

For travellers looking for a Bali spa resort where to enjoy a time of personal pampering and rejuvenation, COMO Shambhala Estate Bali makes an ideal choice. This Bali luxury spa resort provides a range of wellness treatments that one can enjoy after a long day of snorkelling at Biorock Pemuteran Bay.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Pleasures of Exploration

It has been often said that cycling is one of the best ways to see and experience a country. Getting to know the natives, come in close contact with its culture and the landscape are the reason oft cited. The deeply rural area and forests around the Sigiriya fortress are great places to explore and to get acquainted with rural life in the dry zone, an area with its own particular characteristics.

There is plenty of excellent accommodation in and around Sigiriya that can be used as bases for explorations. Traversing the unpaved back roads of Sigiriya fortress by bike is the best way to experience the sights and sounds of the area. The Pidurangala archaeological site dated to the 1st and 2nd century BC just 2 km away from Sigiriya fortress is easily accessed on a bicycle. The archaeological remains and the cave temple atop the rock are noteworthy but what make the visit truly worthwhile are the gorgeous views of Sigiriya rock and the surrounding forests.

While bikers will find that the area immediately adjacent to the rock fortress is a forest reserve with endemic flora and fauna, further away they will encounter a mix of green paddy fields, irrigation canals, small reservoirs, patches of thorny scrub jungle, an occasional ‘chena’ where the forest has been burned to facilitate temporary agriculture and cattle grazing on grassy slopes. Taking a break by a canal to cool off is a lovely way to experience the rural surroundings of Sigiriya. The terrain is flat and is not too difficult to navigate on a bicycle. Bikers are also bound to come upon wildlife such as macaques, monitor lizards, small mammals, snakes, peacocks and water birds that are common on the forest tracks around Sigiriya fortress.

An early start will not only allow a greater area to be covered but it will also help to avoid the hottest time of day. Bicycles can be hired from almost all the hotels and guest houses in the area. As no travelling on the highway is involved a bike will be the ideal mode of transport to negotiate the narrow and unpaved rural tracts. Traveling by bicycle will definitely allow a deeper appreciation of the considerable natural beauty of the area. Proper safety procedures should be observed to avoid getting into uncomfortable situations.

Within easy reach of the archaeological and natural attractions of the area, Hotel Sigiriya offers well appointed accommodation and a range of services and facilities that make stays in this hotel in Sigiriya comfortable. One of prominent hotels Sigiriya it is the ideal place to relax in after a days’ sightseeing or traveling the back roads.

Windsurfing

Set amidst azure ocean waters, soft sandy beaches and refreshing ocean breezes, the island of Sri Lanka is a perfect place to enjoy a thrilling array of water sports including windsurfing. Look to stay at hotels Sri Lanka has to offer along the South Coast since this part of the country is well known for its idyllic shorelines that can be found in areas such as Kalutara. Amongst the leading Kalutara hotels, The Sands is well worth considering when in search of South Coast accommodation that lets you enjoy water sports as well.

Kalutara is one place in Sri Lanka that you can try your hand at windsurfing. This exciting water sport depends on wind power rather than motorised vessels. However, the lack of a speedboat is made up for by the power of the wind that propels the windsurfing board along the waves. While windsurfing can be enjoyed almost the whole year through in the South, November to April are generally considered the best months. One can hire out windsurfing boards and get lessons in this activity and be out on the waves in no time.

Kayaking in Maldives

Maldives has long made a name for itself as one of the top destinations in the world for water sports. With its incredible natural beauty and perfect conditions for almost any water sport this comes as no surprise. With the right amount of mix of both pleasure and activities, Maldives has the right balance to make your vacation one to remember. While the underwater activities like snorkelling and diving are popular for the close proximity they offer to the stunning marine life, there are plenty of water surface activities that offer a different level of excitement.

Water-skiing, wind surfing, kite surfing and surfing are more of the exciting activities. Bound to get your adrenaline pumping and your heart pounding, they are offered by almost all the major hotels. Arranging for them from your hotel also means that you don’t have to worry about equipment or an instructor.

Kayaking is another of the most popular activities and promises to be an unforgettable memory. Maldives has both tandem and single kayaks; both come with glass bottoms for those who want to occasionally gaze in to the water while paddling. This is most preferred especially in shallow waters as you can watch the breath-taking schools of colourful fish as well as corals all glide by under you.

Kayaking is also offered by island resorts in Maldives. For those looking for private retreats, the luxury resorts in Maldives have private lagoons or beaches. Maalifushi Maldives is located in the archipelago’s southwest regions and has one of the most beautiful beaches. With a number of uninhabited private islands, excellent breaks and the occasional sighting of sharks, it is the ideal retreat for honeymooners, families and adventure seekers.

The resort has a fine selection of overwater villas as well as on land accommodation. All of them have private pools and are cocoons of luxury and comfort. What makes the resort distinct is that it is in an otherwise undeveloped stretch of islands and also has its own culture. 18th century African slaves who settled here developed a dance to celebrate their new-found freedom and to date this ritualistic dance is performed during Eid festival.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

Jet Rides in Rotorua

If you have the need for speed and want to feel an adrenaline rush similar to that of driving Formula One cars then jet rides in Rotorua is the kind of activity that is worth trying. One place where you can enjoy jet rides is on Lake Rotorua and those in search of a nearby Rotorua hotel can stay at Millennium Hotel Rotorua. This hotel in Rotorua is walking distance from the lake and is an ideal starting point to your excursions in the region.

Jet rides take place on jet boats that can reach incredible speeds of up to 100kph in a little less than five seconds taking you on a thrill-a-minute ride on the water. Lake Rotorua is the perfect playground for this activity as these high-speed boats have plenty of room to perform a range of manoeuvres that add more action-packed excitement to the ride. Even at such high velocities one can enjoy the spectacular natural landscapes that surround, making jet rides in Rotorua an activity that you won’t soon forget.

Surfing in Bentota- Let the wind guides you to the shore

Bentota is the ultimate destination for water sports fanatics visiting Sri Lanka. The perfect tropical waters and the sprawling sandy beaches are the best to engage in numerous water sports. If you are a passionate surfer, do not forget to try out your skills in the exclusive waters of the Indian Ocean. If you are seeking Sri Lanka boutique hotels to accommodate, elegantly appointed Saman Villas is a top-rated luxury hotel Sri Lanka has in store for its visitors. Bentota beach, known as the wind-surfer’s paradise is ideal in its waves, turquoise waters and widespread sandy beaches and most of the amateur surfers could learn surfing in the gentle waters of the Bentota River and in the lagoon. Accompanied by the golden hues of the setting sun, an evening windsurfing session could give you the ultimate satisfaction in what you like the most.