Out of this World

Maldives, while being a favourite holiday destination for its relaxed and peaceful vibe and beautiful coastal scenery also plays host to thousands of visitors who come there to experience the fabulous underwater scenery. Excellent under water visibility, an incredible array of marine life and spectacular underwater landscapes add much to the diving experience.

Maldives is well geared to provide the best underwater adventures that anyone could have. Every resort island has a PADI certified diving school with UDI and PADI certified instructors and excellent quality, well maintained equipment for hire so that visitors may enjoy the underwater adventures in store beneath the waves. The natural coastal lagoons around resorts are perfect for diver training. The dive schools also teach courses in rescue diving, night diving and underwater photography that adds to the range of adventures to be had beneath the waves. While it is possible to dive in the coastal water off resorts, scuba diving off coastal crafts is one of the preferred ways to experience popular dive sites and to have that much vaunted underwater adventure at any time of day. Maldives is said to have more than 1001 dive sites and living aboard is the best way to get access to them. Night diving that is said to have a ‘completely different feel’ is another way of having a really great underwater adventure. Although visibility is reduced to only the beam of the torch, this is the best way to see some of the micro and mega fauna that are nocturnal, coming to life. Even the colours of the corals are said to be different. Some night diving tours offer special lamps and masks capable of detecting bio luminescence. Bumping into a shark in the dark while scary will definitely enhance the experience. Seasonal diving provides excellent opportunities for adventurers to view concentrations of specific marine species. These include large shoals of manta rays that gather to feed on plankton at Hanifaru Bay and sightings of Whale Sharks, mantas, hammerheads, eagle rays and schools of pelagic fish at Ari Atoll. Drift diving past some of the most spectacular underwater scenery of cliffs, channels, precipitous walls and caves is perhaps the greatest thrill of all.

Those who do not dive can also have their own underwater adventure. A whale submarine sets off from Male and non divers can enjoy great views of coral reefs and schools of colourful fish as it dives down to a depth of 100 meters.

Cocoa Island Maldives offers privacy, seclusion, gorgeous vistas and access to a range of water sports. But best of all, it offers beautifully designed and decorated spacious private overwater accommodation that many people rave about. As one of Maldives luxury resorts guests have access to a range of modern and exceptional services and facilities that make their stay here memorable. Experience an elegant yet laid back Maldives resort that offers a truly holistic holiday experience.

Experience Desert Safari

Desert Safari Dubai features some of the most exciting safaris you could embark on, that will transport you to the mythical and romantic landscape of the Arabian Desert, where the magic of the ages unfolds before your very eyes. The company will pick you up from your Dubai serviced apartments to spirit you away, and if you want to ensure quality Dubai apartment accommodation beforehand, Ascott Park Place Dubai is an excellent option. Desert Safari Dubai has a selection of four exciting desert safari option, three of which offer an exciting round of “dune bashing” that sees you travelling along the golden sand dunes of the desert in a rough and tumble excursion on a well-outfitted 4×4 off-roader.

Savour the splendid sunset and take a few memorable photographs to capture this amazing sight. Afterward, if you should so choose, you’ll be taken to an authentic desert camp where you can enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner under the stars. Be mesmerized by the enchanting performance of a belly-dancer afterward, whilst you sample some traditional Arabian coffee and fresh dates. You can also try out sand skiing, quad biking, a camel ride, and even stay overnight at the desert camp. With so much excitement to look forward to, book your desert safari in Dubai today!

Deep Sea Diving

Plunge into the aquamarine blue off the western coast of Sri Lanka in Beruwala, and explore a world of wonders lingering beneath the waves. Secure diving equipment and guides as part of an experience at any of the Sri Lanka boutique hotels dotting the coastline, and Saman Villas presents a quality choice of a luxury hotel Sri Lanka. Perhaps the best time of year to go diving off the south western coast is during the months of November through May. Be advised that the current is strong, so limit your dives to the morning and afternoon, before the pull gets any stronger. Strong currents also mean the area will be teeming with exotic marine life in voluminous shoals flitting and playing around you so bring your underwater camera to capture these moments! The best dive sites are located around an hour and a half away from the shore, and you can rent a boat to take you out there; inquire at your hotel front desk for more details. The water is crystal-clear, and the sun penetrates its depths up to 30 metres. And keep on the lookout for the magnificent whale shark as they swim in these waters during the season.

Dragon’s Back Hike

The Dragon’s Back hike consists of a section from the much larger “Hong Kong trail”, which spans from the east of the city to the far west. The trail connects two mountains, the Wam Cham Shan and Shek O peak, and meanders around these two peaks, creating the image of a dragon’s backbone. The trek is not very physically demanding, but it can be utilised for a quiet stroll on any sunny afternoon. It is beautifully maintained and also well-indicated, making it almost impossible to get lost in, which is a fear among all hikers and expedition lovers alike. Featuring picturesque views and gorgeous verdure, the trail is within close proximity to the hustle and bustle of the city. However, the serenity of the hike is well preserved.

The Dragon’s Back winds through the Shek O Country Park, in which one can take a detour to check out the Clearwater Bay and an archipelago of uninhabited islands in the South China Sea. In addition, the park is home to a very rare species of deer, barking deer, so hikers should keep their eyes peeled for these shy creatures. Visitors are advised to wear track shoes rather than slippers or sandals due to certain rocky terrain and steep areas, which may be difficult to get across.

Good weather usually graces the path with lovely cloud spells and warm sunshine. However, since the trail is open with little tree coverage, visitors are advised to come prepared for exposure to sun, wind, and occasional rain. The bay of Tai Long Wan marks the end of the trail and offers prime surfing with waves reaching several metres high across all seasons, which makes it a haven for surfing buffs. Cafés in the area provide a welcome respite for relaxation after an adventurous day of hiking the Hong Kong hills. The Dragon’s Back trail is easily accessible via a bus ride, the No. 40 local bus from Causeway Bay to Shek O stop, for a fare of about HKD 10.

Visitors seeking accommodation in a Hong Kong hotel should considerCosmopolitan Hotel Hong Kong. This stylish and elegant Wan Chai Hotel Hong Kong features spacious suites that offer the best facilities, and a plethora of rooms to choose from.

Canoeing in Quy Nhon

Discover the scenic delights of Quy Nhon when you go canoeing in Quy Nhon, where you will get to journey to an idyllic island just off the coast. Your Quy Nhon hotel would be happy to set you up with all the necessary facilities, and the AVANI Quy Nhon Resort & Spa is one such resort Quy Nhon has to offer that will spirit you away on a charming adventure, so book today! Sink into the lush tropical verdure of your surroundings with a canoeing excursion that will spirit you away to your own private island for an afternoon of rest, relaxation or fun and frolic under the tropical sun. Depending on the tour offered, you will be able to enjoy a delightful picnic lunch on a sublime stretch of sand that is yours for a day or afternoon. I addition, you will be able to indulge in a spot of hiking to explore the landscape and take pictures to earn the envy of all at home. So embark on a canoeing tour when you’re in Quy Nhon to enhance your stay in the city!

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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Hiking in Emeishan

Known for its rich culture and stunning natural landscapes, Emeishan provides an idyllic getaway in southwest China perfect for those who love hiking. Travellers in search of well placed Emeishan hotels from which to head off on their adventures will be hard pressed to find one with a better location than Anantara Emei Resort & Spa, China. This Sichuan hotel is conveniently situated in the foothills of Emei Mountain which is an ideal place to embark on hiking excursions.

Steeped in history, Emei Mountain is in fact home to a wide range of ancient temples and monasteries set amidst awe-inspiring backdrops featuring picturesque waterfalls, trees and lush greenery that make hiking here all the more memorable. As you explore this area look to head to such sites of interest as the Wan-nian Monastery, the Leiyin Monastery and Jiu Lao Cave. Not to be missed is a visit to the Golden Summit which apart from being a UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its towering golden Buddha statue and the spectacular views of what is known as the sea of clouds. Hikers looking for a change of scenery can also make their way to Exiu Lake where one can soak up the rich natural heritage of Emeishan.

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+

Whitewater Rafting

The province of Bali in Indonesia has been a travel haven for decades, with its pristine natural beauty and its highly developed arts and culture. It has something to suit every traveller’s requirement, be it a quiet stay at the beach, a voyage of discovery in traditional dance and crafts or even an adrenaline-packed thrill ride!

The island of Bali is home to a stunning array of birds, sandy beaches, immaculate waters, water sporting activities; specially whitewater rafting in the rivers streaming through this beautiful island managing to add more excitement to a routine holiday. The Ayung River, which is the longest river on the island, starts off from the central mountains and flows approximately 75km to empty itself into the Badung Strait. It takes a scenic path on its descent from the mountain peaks, and it is turning out to be a key driver of adventure tourism in the area with travel companies offering whitewater rafting expeditions on these waters for the more active tourist.

The scenery is quite spectacular, with the rapids making their way through rice terraces and idyllic tropical island scenery complete with lush rainforests. Life jackets, helmets, and other standard safety equipment are available as a norm with service providers who also provide guides for expeditions. The time of year in which travel is planned and the water levels in the river will result in varying intensity of the rapids and the white-water rafting experience.

Book your next stay at a Nusa Dua resort and experience the best of the sun, sea and the sand as these lovely sea view resorts would take you on a holiday journey to suit your wildest dreams. With good times spent come happy memories, so click some lovely pictures when you’re at your luxury resort Bali to fill your photo albums or show off to your friends with some amazing photos taken in the beautiful backdrops of the clear Bali Sea. The Laguna Resort & Spa Nusa Dua Bali is one such star class hotel that brings the best of Bali to your feet, and its luxury interiors and welcoming hospitality are sure to make for a memorable holiday during your time here.

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+

Bungee Jumping in Koh Samui

All of you who want to enjoy a good dose of adrenaline to complete your holiday experience should indulge in the ultimate bungee jumping adventure. Bungee jumping is so not for the faint hearted, for it calls for sheer guts and an ability to absolutely conquer the heights. 50 meters high up in the air you will be perched and then with not an ounce of warning you will plunge into the vast abyss of space with gusts of wind all around you. For those of you who love this adrenaline rush, Chaweng will give you more than you could ever ask for. Gorgeous scenery, perfect climatic conditions and what not, the jump from 50 meters in the sky will feel like a plunge into paradise. The experience, the sheer beauty and the absolute thrill of the fall is absolutely euphoric.

The pleasure of bungee jumping comes with a whole new dimension to adrenaline fuelled fun. Your adventure begins by being strapped into a bungee and thereafter being transported to the top of the crane. Higher and higher the crane will rise giving you a bird’s eye view of the beauty you will fall into. From this point after absorbing as much of the spectacular view as you can- all you have to do is drop off; drop off into nothingness; drop off into the joy. For those brave hearted souls who have tried it, this is absolute bliss. A heads up before you plunge head first is letting your bungee master know how far you want to plunge into the pool below. A popular depth is chest height and always enjoys the biggest cheers.

So for those brave hearted warriors out there, head to Chaweng this year to enjoy the magnificence of bungee jumping and if you love it but cannot come up with that sort of courage, there is nothing to despair for there is still the reverse bungee called the superman here in Chaweng. In this you will be buckled on the ground and will be shot 60 meters into the air; very thrilling nonetheless.

After an adventurous day out, come home to the Anantara Lawana Resort & Spa Koh Samui. This Koh Samui Resort is the best hotel in Samui.

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.

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Sea Kayaking in Maldives

If you are looking for a fun and exciting adventure in the Maldives that can be enjoyed by the entire family, then sea kayaking is the thing for you. Those in search of Maldives luxury resorts that provide such activities should consider staying at Baros Maldives which offers a variety of kayaks for you to try including clear bottom ones. This well known resort offers plenty of other water sports as well as letting you go diving in Maldives.

Sea kayaking provides an ideal way in which to explore the waters around the islands. Some kayaks are for single users, while others can have two occupants which are ideal for family excursions. Kayaking not only affords an opportunity to head out to sea, but also visit other nearby islands where one can enjoy a day full of fun and frolic. Head off during sunset and witness up close the spectacular sight of the sun dipping below the horizon. Not to be missed is a chance to set off on a clear bottom kayak which provides fantastic views of the fascinating and colourful world that lies beneath the waves.

Diving Sites in South Male Atoll

The Maldives is home to a series of enchanting islands that are sure to lead you on a journey of great discovery. Diving perhaps is one of the most sought after of activities available at these isles and the South Male Atoll features prominently as an exciting destination to engage in this sport. A Maldives resort such Velassaru Maldives which is also known for its scuba diving Maldives has to offer will be a good place to kick start your holiday at.

From all the dive sites choose the Velassaru caves which afford memorable views of resting stingrays and a host of other species that live in and around this area. If you’re a beginner then an ideal destination would be Vaadhoo Hourereef which is nestled between Finolhu Falhu and Vaadhoo. Witness schools of trevally swim to and fro as you go deeper and deeper. For the more serious diver, perhaps the Dhigu Thila would be of benefit. Known for its strong currents, the thila is adorned with tiny coral formations and is truly a sight for sore eyes. The Balcony found to the north of Ranfaru paves the way for one to encounter a diverse range of tropical marine life such as eagle rays, barracudas and sharks. Other important areas worth heading over to would be Yacht Thila, Cocoa Corner and the Middle Reef.

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+