Category: Land Extreme Sports

Wildlife Holiday at Muthurajawela Wetland

In the stillness, water splashes against the boat as you drift gently along. A peculiar bird call carries across the breeze, sometimes answered in return by another bird, a unique form of communication that humans are not privy to. Suddenly in your line of sight, you catch a flash of brown; you scan the skies and then you spot it; a majestic Brahminy kite soaring through the air, wings fully expanded, surveying the territory below. The Muthurajawela Wetland offers such outdoor adventures, perfect for bird watching enthusiasts.

A saltwater coastal peat bog which is the largest of its kind in Sri Lanka, the Muthurajawela Wetland is a protected sanctuary and is rich in biodiversity. This wetland is within easy reach of the coastal city of Negombo known for offering both luxury and budget hotels in Sri Lanka. Amongst the budget options, Hotel J Negombo is amongst the choices one can consider and is a little over half an hour drive from the Muthurajawela Visitor Centre.

Located in between the Kelani River and the Negombo Lagoon, Muthurajawela is one of the island’s most important wetlands and is part of a habitat that encompasses more than 6,000 hectares of mangroves and marshland. Within this thriving ecosystem, one can find around 190 plant species and more than 200 animal species, of which bird species number more than a hundred.

One of the best ways to explore and experience the natural heritage of the Muthurajawela Wetland is to take a boat ride along the waters. If you are into bird watching make sure you have a field guide book or a knowledgeable friend or guide who can identify the different birds you may come across. Keep your eyes peeled for varieties such as cormorants, purple swamp hens, common moorhens, common redshanks, lesser whistling-ducks and white-bellied sea eagles. Birds aside, you may also spot toque monkeys, water monitors and saltwater crocodiles, among the other animal residents that call Muthurajawela home.

Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+

Skydiving in Melbourne

Renowned as the cultural capital of Australia, the city of Melbourne is a dynamic mix of art museums, stately architecture, bohemian lifestyle and close-knit communities. Sports are an integral part of Melbourne culture, with cricket, rugby, tennis and horse racing being big events for the community; and skydiving is slowly becoming one of the much loved outdoor activities. All of this and more is one of the reasons visitors to Melbourne are heading out to the suburbs, like South Yarra, where you’ll find the closest skydiving centre in the city, Skydive Melbourne. Accommodation wise, there are plenty of hotels and serviced apartments in South Yarra, such as the Oaks South Yarra, which is located in close proximity to several well-known venues, including the centre. If you’re an Adrenaline junkie, this is the place to be. The sky diving centre lets you experience the thrill of jumping out of a plane at 14,000 ft, high above the beautiful shoreline of St Kilda beach. The centre provides a range of services, and tandem skydiving is their specialty. For all you first timers, tandem skydiving means you’ll be connected at all times to an instructor by a harness, so no experience is needed and you won’t need to worry about all the fiddly bits of the parachute. Once you sign up and pick an instructor, you’ll be put through some basic training, before boarding a plane and Port Phillip Bay for your first tandem skydive. Jumpers exit the plane at around 14,000 feet and then free-fall for an exhilarating 60 seconds, before the instructor pulls the parachute open. You can then take in the beauty of the city skyline and surrounding bay as you float for about 5 to 7 minutes. In addition to regular tandem jumps, the centre has several packages to choose from, for solo divers to group jumps which include skydiving video and GoPro photos.

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+

Hike up Mount Agung in Bali

The Indonesian island of Bali has become immensely popular amongst holidaymakers in the recent past. Its alluring beaches, lush forests and iconic landmarks have attracted many from across the world. Those who seek adventure and excitement combined with immense natural beauty will find hiking and trekking in Bali a wonderful experience.

There are several hiking trails that are considered to be some of the best trails in Bali. These include Mount Batur, an active volcano, from which panoramic views of the ocean as well as Lake Batur can be experienced. For those residing in a Candidasa hotel, the most convenient is undoubtedly Mount Agung, which can be accessed from nearby resorts such as Alila Manggis within an hour. However, for those who seek an adrenaline packed hike, Mount Rinjani is possibly the best option for this trek requires a three-day hike.

Mount Agung, located in East Bali, is an active volcano in Indonesia. Therefore, prior to planning a trek, it makes sense to make enquiries as to its stability. With the distinction of being one of the highest volcanoes in the country, it is last known to have erupted over 50 years ago. This volcanic mountain is also of immense spiritual significance and therefore, trekking or hiking is prohibited when certain ceremonies take place.

Given the challenging and unpredictable terrain, it is best to hire the services of a guide when planning a trek. Such a service is usually offered at a flat rate inclusive of any fees and permit costs. Along the trek also be prepared to see the Mother Temple of Bali, the Besakih Temple. There are a number of climbing routes to choose from: one can opt for a 7-hour ascent from Besakih, from Pura Pasar Agung Temple or from Duku Bujangga Sakti. Each trail has its own benefits, but it also depends on what one wishes to experience. For instance, the route from Besakih will take you to the summit of Mount Agung, and if you choose to climb through the night, you can reach the summit in time for sunrise.

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

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Exciting water sports in Bali

Famous as the ‘Island of the Gods’, the exotic landscapes of Bali continue to attract thousands of travellers to its pristine shores, dense mountainous interior and ancient hillside temples, each year. The seas around Bali in particular are a favourite for avid water sport enthusiasts, with the majority of sporting action taking place around the Benoa peninsula. Surfing still remains the main attraction, with most of the best breaks located near large resorts in Kuta, like the Holiday Inn Resort Bali Benoa, for example, one of the many 5 star resort in Bali.

Board riding comes in several forms aside from surfing; there’s paddle boarding and body boarding, to other challenging forms like windsurfing and kite surfing. Most of the resorts and several tour operators provide day packages for adventure seekers looking for a thrill. A more recent addition to the lineup is parasailing around the shore. Parasailing successfully combines the exhilaration of speed with gorgeous panoramic views over the crystal blue waters and shoreline; and unlike other water sports, training is not necessary so anyone can do it.

If you would rather be under the water than on top, deep below, off Bali’s shores, are some of the best diving and snorkelling sites in the world. As one of a string of islands that makes up the Indonesian archipelago, Bali’s waters are home to majestic coral reefs and abundant marine life. Underwater diving sites also include drop-off walls and shipwrecks.

A new addition to line up of water sports in Benoa is water Jetpack rides. These amazing kits are designed to use the force of water to thrust you up to 10 meters high. After a quick briefing from your instructor, the jetpack is strapped on to you, and you can start ‘flying’ around the coast for the allotted time. The devices can push you up in a fixed position, or allow you to move in any direction you want. Other thrilling activities include walking on the seabed and white water rafting along Bali’s main rivers.

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

Adventurous things to do in Maldives

Maldives, a nation of infinite beauty that it has been called a paradise by many a traveller. So if you’re an adventurous soul who is lucky to be travelling to these wondrous islands, there are enough and more adventures to fill your appetite. You’ll be delighted to know that most of these adventures are centered on the crystal clear waters that Maldives are world-famous for.

First off, before you set out it is essential you plan and book a Maldives hotel, the likes of the Kandolhu Island Maldives; that organizes tours and excursions as part of their facilities as then you will save time and energy from the hassle of organizing the excursions yourself. Next, talk with the concierge at the hotel and plan out a package where you will be able to enjoy some of the most adventurous activities.

Snorkeling and diving is undoubtedly on the top of the list. Maldives is blessed with an abundance of colorful coral and marine life that makes going under the waves seem like an exploration into a whole new world. If you book one of these with your hotel, you will be taken on a high-speed boat ride to top diving sites such as the HP Reef, Manta Point, and Banana Reef to swim with manta rays, sea turtles, and a whole lot of other extraordinary sea creatures!

With its profusion of marine life Maldives makes the ideal destination for fishing trips, but to add adventure to the scene, try out Night Fishing! After the sun sets, get on aboard a nocturnal escapade to reel in a big catch that you can cook and eat right on the boat itself!

If you’re not the one to have fun on the waves, island hopping is the best chance for a bit of adventure in the Maldives. Talk to your hotel or tour operator to get on board an island hopping cruise. Visit remote and sometimes uninhabited islands and live your dreams of the life Robin Crusoe!

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+

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+