Experience the wild side of Maldives under the crystal clear waters

Maldives is the unanimous choice if you are looking for an ultimate underwater experience. Its group of 1192 coral islands, which form 26 coral atolls and 80 islands, and which are home to many tourist resorts, have made the Maldives one of the most popular tourist destinations for water-based activities.

That said, tourism is a major source of income in the Maldives. You can easily find 5 star and 4-star resorts in Maldives. You will find more tourists than locals in these resorts. You have nothing to worry about regarding transportation, as speedboats will carry you across to your resort after you have touched down at Malé International Airport. It is simply a matter of choosing a hotel or a resort and planning your ‘underwater’ schedule.

Diving is the best option if you are looking to have an adventure under water. Most hotels and resorts offer diving equipment. If you are not so familiar with diving, you can take a diving course, which is abundantly available on the island. Note that you will most probably be required to pass a medical examination before you are allowed to dive. Most hotels such as Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives offer this medical examination on a complimentary basis.

Once under the water, you will spot creatures such as napoleon wrasses and eagle rays in addition to manta rays and whale sharks. You are also likely to meet the hammerhead shark, though they are a rare sight. In plain words, diving under the crystal clear waters of the Maldives will introduce you to a wide range of fish life amid magnificent coral gardens.

As the Maldivian water is crystal clear, you can see clearly up to around a good 40 metres away. And the Maldives is recognised as an ideal location for underwater photography as well. If you are interested in underwater photography, then the Maldivian waters offer not only rich wildlife but also other interesting sights such as shipwrecks. Wreck diving teaches you about how the marine system can gradually digest the remains of manmade products. It is interesting and ironic to see that coral reefs have grown over the hulls of shipwrecks, which were once the glorious man-made products. These coral reefs are now the home of many marine creatures.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Camel Trekking in Abu Dhabi

Riding a camel through the seemingly endless desert landscape while navigating its myriad of sand dunes as star tingles beckon your romantic side to savour each moment, can be a truly memorable experience. There are many desert oases that a keen traveller can traverse and one of the best is Liwa. Desert resort options in the area can be found at places such as Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara offering special tour packages to guests.

Camels are called ‘ships of the desert’ not simply because they are capable of enduring the harsh clime of the desert for days with minimal care, but also for the way they sway back and forth and side to side as they take careful steps on the sandy ground, as if they are sailing the rough seas like colossal ships. If you are the adventurous sort, catch the sunset ride with a small group. Riding a camel takes a bit of practice but the trick is to hold on tight and concentrate on enjoying the experience. Traversing the desert as the sun bids goodbye for the day is guaranteed to usher in an unforgettable experience as it is one of the best ways to view the startlingly beautiful desert landscape, from a height that is not too high or not too low.

Riding atop a camel is a chance to witness the vast desert from the perspective of an ancient trader who crossed the desert to make a living. If you’re lucky you may spot a gazelle, a lone desert owl or even a cunning desert fox. Once the camel starts ascending a dune, it becomes important to hold on to the saddle tight but the view is worth the while. Most camel ride organizers will be ready to welcome you to the top of the dune after your ride offering refreshing drinks.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Indulge in adventure at Milford Sound

Rudyard Kipling would not have thought twice when he named Milford Sound as the world’s eighth wonder.

Nestled on the west coast of the South Island, New Zealand, Milford Sound is a sight for sore eyes with its stunning natural features. It is a fiord located within Fiordland national park marine reserve. A recent international survey recognised Milford Sound as one of the top travel destinations in the world, in addition to being reputed as the most famous tourist destination in New Zealand.

The best way to experience Milford Sound is take a boat cruise. The cruises are available either during the daytime or night. If you need more kick of adventure, opt for sea kayaking or diving. As you dive deep down, you will come across a marine life unique to Milford Sound. Black coral, anemones and 11-legged sea stars are a few to name. A few metres away, you will see the underwater observatory at Harrison Cove.

If you are into trekking or hiking, try the Milford track. Starting from the northern end of Lake Te Anau, this track is spread across the picturesque wilderness of Milford Sound. You will reach the end of your journey with a boat trip from Sandfly Point to the wharf in Milford Sound.

Although this is an established tourist hotspot, Milford Sound is a small area. If you plan to spend a few days, best option is to book a hotel such as Oaks Shores or any other accommodation in advance. There is a limited number of Queenstown ski hotels, which you can check online for availability. As you travel around the village you will come across a number of cafeterias so that you can indulge in local cuisine.

Most tourists visit Milford Sound on a day trip. Just walking around the village will be an enthralling experience.

Kayaking is also equally enjoyable, as you will get to explore the hidden depths of Milford Sound. As you paddle along, you will likely spot creatures such as dolphins and seals in addition Fiordland crested penguin. Overnight kayaking adventures are also available for those who really love an adrenaline-filled adventure.

Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting. Google+

Rock Climbing in Tioman

Often regarded as a beach paradise for the masses Malaysia’s Tioman Island is also an activity hub that is not just reserved for water sports lovers. Rock climbers in particular will find the rugged rock faces of the island an enticing opportunity to engage in their favorite activity while vacationing in a Tioman island resort. Rock climbers heading to Tioman Island know that the principle mountainous area in the island is Gunung Nenek Semukut which is accessible for those based in the Berjaya Tioman Resort and other hospitality hubs in the area.

Famously dubbed the Dragon Horns engaging in rock climbing activities in Gunung Nenek Semukut is an awe inspiring experience but visitors should be aware that scaling this mammoth rock face is strictly for professional or seasoned rock climbers with experience in making such a challenging climb. The first attempt at climbing the seemingly insurmountable mountain saw Scotty Nelson and Nick Tomlin brave the challenge back in the year 2000. The mountain which is also known as the “Twin Peaks” or the “Twin Towers” the Dragon Horns are reputed to be the lengthiest rock climbing surface in Southeast Asia and the Malaysian Peninsula’s only big climbing wall. Those who wish to experience more accessible rock climbing encounters while in Tioman can head to Kg. Nipah which offers bouldering and slab wall climbing opportunities aplenty. Located near a beach the area is easy to navigate for fans of sports climbing and sandstone climbing challenges. The 30m climb can be achieved with nearly a dozen bolts. The area boasts 20 routes for sports climbers while throwing in a few 2-3 pitches trails as well.
Climbing instructors are available in villages and other areas of the island and those who wish to scale limestone cliffs will be spoiled for choice when it comes to the variety of rock climbing surfaces littering Tioman Island.

Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world. Google+

Catch the Waves at Surfers Paradise

Gold Coast, a city in Queensland, Australia, considered to be one of the most metropolitan cities in the region, is a top tourist destination. With its unique culture, stunning skyline, thriving nightlife and amazing sights and scenes, Gold Coast offers its visitors many opportunities to have unforgettable experiences. The city is also home to attractions such as the Dreamworld Theme Park, David Fleay Wildlife Park, the Q1 Tower, Main Beach, and Nerang River. With many hotels in Gold Coast, such as the Oaks Calypso Plaza, it’s not so hard to find business or family accommodation in Gold Coast as the city has developed its tourism industry to meet rising demands.
Although Gold Coast has numerous attractions, the most famous attraction in the city is the iconic Surfer’s Paradise. When a suburb is called “Surfer’s Beach” it is obvious that it is among the best places in Australia for surfing, which is why surfing enthusiasts and beach lovers from all corners of the globe visit this stunning coastal destination. With so much activity going on at Surfer’s Paradise, it is a destination that simply should not miss out on!
For decades, Surfer’s Beach has been the most popular attractions in Gold Coast. This stretch of beach at Surfer’s Paradise is excellent for catching the waves and spending countless hours surfing. The beach itself stretches undisturbed for a considerable distance and there is ample room for you to have fun and frolic at this amazing beach. In the summer time, the beach is a hot spot for surfers and anyone with any amount of surfing experience can go on and have a great time at the Surfer’s Paradise beach. While surfing is one of the more popular activities in Surfer’s Paradise, this suburb actually has its own lifestyle and culture. The countless restaurants, night clubs, bars, skateboarding parks and the exciting events make Surfer’s Coast one of the most fascinating places to visit.

Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world. Google+

Surf the Crystal Clear Waves of the Island Paradise Kandooma

Interested in chasing waves across the Maldivian archipelago? Start and end your tour at beautiful Kandooma. Home to excellent break points and irresistible waves, the resort is every surfer’s dream.

Visit South Male Atoll – The Breaks are Fabulous
Located within the South Male Atoll, Kandooma offers you less crowded beaches and the opportunity to surf almost alone. Head over to the island and slip into the laid back way of life predominant in sunny Maldives. There are plenty of Maldives surfing resorts to choose from and on Kandooma you get to enjoy a stay at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives.

Choose from Excellent Surf Points
Some of the best surf points of the South Male Atoll are located around Kandooma; best of all these top waves are almost forgotten by the masses of tourists heading out to the more popular North Male Atoll. However, to let you in on a little secret – the waves here are just as amazing and rewarding.

“Kandooma Right” a Swell to be Reckoned With
This is a fast-breaking right wave offering two take off points; one offers a basic start while the other provides a more precarious one for all adrenaline junkies. Offering a number of barrel prospects to enjoy, the waves break over a shallow reef to a distance of 100 metres. Best times to handle the waves are mid tide and at heights of 3 to 6 feet, it’s considered one of the best swells in Maldives.

Experience Tuckey Joes and Boatyards
On a fine day, this break can outdo any in the archipelago. The take-off is quite sudden with speed gathering up quite quickly. You have a number of barrels to experience on the long almost 200-metre run.

Natives and Foxys for Quick Reactions
This is a fast breaking wave that spills over shallow coral. Surfers skilled on backhand will love the fast paced action this waves offers. The break is 100 to 150 metres incorporating many barrels.

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

Pasta Point

An archipelago of over a thousand islands should definitely offer some surfing opportunities; when you stay at one of the best Maldives resorts these can be described as unparalleled opportunities. The pristine blue waters that bless the shores of Maldives have been the main crowd puller to the country for dozens of years. The locals have brushed up on their hospitality and cuisine to make a mark beyond their natural gifts. However, the vistas that unfold along every coast, the cruises between atolls and the fine marine adventures that are promised to every tourist are difficult to compete with.

In order to make every marine aficionado’s surf dreams come true, the waves and waters that surround Maldives work overtime. The wave machines around the country help create more adventurous waves for surfers and include reef breakers, point breakers as well as beach breakers. The North Malѐ atoll has its own wave machine known as Pasta Point which is not too far from the iconic Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives and is more or less used exclusively by the dwellers at the hotel.

As obscure as the name may be Pasta Point is an amazing reef break which dishes out lefthanders which are unmatchable. The ideal time of the year to benefit from these four to six metre high waves is between May and August each year. The number of surfers who are given access to Pasta Point is regulated and capped at thirty; this makes it safer and more convenient for those who ride the waves. There are several other breaks within proximity of Pasta Point and can be accessed by boat, so once you have your fair share of the fun on the Pasta breaks, be sure to arrange a short boat trip to jailbreak or Honky’s which are right-handers and lefthanders respectively.

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Hiking in Al Hajar Mountains

Trekking to North-eastern Oman will bring you to the wonderful Al Hajar mountain range which provides a wealth of tales to learn of. Having served as a barrier which prevented foreign invasions from overpowering Oman, this mountain range is by far the most stunning of its kind in order for adventure enthusiasts to set about for some hiking. Easily reachable from most Oman resort properties such as Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort, some of the more frequented hiking trails can be found in regions such as Jabal Shams and Jabal Akhdar where warm, searing temperatures would greet hikers by day before more freezing climes would tend to take over the minute the sun begins to go into hiding.

While hiking in this region would be better with the aid of a guide, journeying to these parts from wherever you maybe based would have to be done in a robust 4×4 which could easily navigate this terrain with no fuss at all. First up is the Balcony Hike which can be enjoyed in Jabal Shams and takes approximately 4 hours to complete though the views of Oman that will be at your disposal would quite simply leave you breathless. Though moderate in nature, this hiking experience will lead you past abandoned villages while guiding you across a well-marked out trail along the rim of a canyon. If you do keep your eyes peeled for sudden surprises then you will be treated to the odd sight of hidden waterfalls that only add to the charm of the journey. Next up would be the region demarcated as the Western portion of the Al Hajar Mountains that hold its own secrets and fascinations. Walking on top of cliffs and savouring the cool mountain air may seem like the best feeling in the world right now but do make it a point to venture deeper, into parts that have been lost to the modern world. Moving into the wadis in this part will lead you into a collection of old villages where no trace of life can be found but the stillness and eerie silence of these once thriving communities will welcome you to a side of Oman which has now been forgotten though in terms of a hiking experience, is “just up one’s street,” so to speak. However though carrying your camera would be a pre-requisite, so too would be your trusty canister of water as you must not be placed in a position where you would be caught out by the weather in these regions.

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Snorkelling Tips

Snorkelling Tips
Snorkelling Tips

 

 

 

The Maldives is an island paradise situated in the Indian Ocean, a sweet escape from your nine-to-five life. Its tropical nature, white sands and clear blue waters provide for the perfect atmosphere for some relaxation and rejuvenation.
In the midst of the calm and serene setting, fun and adventure is not far-fetched if you’re staying at a water bungalow in Maldives. Island resorts and hotels, such as Anantara Veli Maldives Resort, offer a variety of activities to engage in the beautiful surroundings.
One of the many outdoor resort activities available is snorkelling. Without the burden of having to lug around heavy scuba equipment, one can explore the turquoise lagoons in a safer and easier manner through snorkelling, engaging with the vast underwater world amongst the extraordinary marine life it has to offer.
As always, practice makes perfect even when it comes to snorkelling and the most vital pointer to keep in mind is to stay relaxed and to avoid over analysis. Your mask should at all times fit your face perfectly and the best way to figure this out is to hold the mask against your face and inhale through the nose. If the mask fits and stays in place without having to hold it, you are good to go because if air seeps through always remember the water will too.
Pick a pair of fins that give you a snug fit but make sure they aren’t too tight for this may lead to cramps. Another important pointer is the art of defogging as snorkelling is not fun if you don’t get to see anything clearly. Some prefer gel products for their lenses whilst others use a drop of baby shampoo washed with some ocean water. Crushed leaves have also been used to do the trick, so really it’s what works best for you.
Lastly, always practice your breathing before you dip into the water. Wear your mask on and inhale through the tube and remember not to bite it, keeping your teeth and jaws rested at all times.

Maggie Tulliver is a passionate travel writer. Her field of writing covers a wide array of content and articles related to travel and hospitality industry.  Google+

Mountain Biking in Abu Dhabi

Mountain Biking in Sir Bani Yas Island
Mountain Biking in Sir Bani Yas Island – Abu Dhabi

Sir Bani Yas Island, located on the Arabian Gulf is one of the largest natural islands of the United Arab Emirates. The Island, located off the shores of Abu Dhabi is home to around 36 archaeological sites, including a 4000-year-old circular tomb, a watch tower, a mosque amongst others. Sir Bani Yas Island forms one of eight other islands which form the Desert Islands. Owing to be an ideal retreat, the island provides adventurous activities catered to by Sir Bani Yas Island hotels, where visitors can choose from archery, land sailing and mountain biking. Most hotels, like Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort, would provide a designated riding route which will be categorized into a non- strenuous path or a path that is more suitable for advanced riders.

Mountain biking through the rugged Arabian wilderness has become a popular past time of visitors to the island, as they are treated to spectacular sceneries of towering mountains and wild animals. Sir Bani Yas Island has been developed as part of Sheikh Zayed’s ‘Greening of the Desert’ programme, which was designed to provide a safe habitat for the country’s endangered wildlife species, where thousands of trees were planted and animal species like Gazelles, Oryx, Llamas and Ostriches were introduced to the island’s wildlife preserve. Therefore, bike riders are sure to see some of these wonderful beasts in their habitat.

Mountain biking is, therefore, the best way to explore the island as riders can cycle through wadis or access some of the lesser travelled paths, while simultaneously working out. Most bikes are complete with a carriage which allows for children under five to partake in this activity as well, ensuring that the entire family has a great time.

Be sure to always wear the helmet provided, and carry sunscreen as the Arabian sun can be harsh and is no friend to unprotected skin.

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+