Marina South City Park

A nation that is regarded small in comparison to others, Singapore is among the finest tourist destinations around the world. A land that is capable of giving its guests a soothing, relaxing experience as well as a time of great thrills and adventure, Singapore has many surprises up its sleeve, surprises that are appealing to everyone, from adults to children alike.

Perhaps its most well-known park, the Marina South City Park stands out among the rest as the foremost celebrated and prominent attraction in the region. Perfectly capturing the verdant nature known to the country, the glorious park is located in the Marina Bay area, in Marina South. Covering an area of 26.2 hectares, it was built on reclaimed land with the intention of establishing a premier park in the surroundings of its striking cityscape structures. Complementing Singapore’s balanced scale of preserving nature and progressing development, the location of the park encompasses the same essence of preserving its abundant nature in a city that is known as the new downtown of Singapore. A splendid city by nature amidst its many alluring attractions, the blend of nature and city lifestyle palpable within the area is further emphasized by its pseudo name referred mainly by the locals as the “City in a Garden” or “City of the 21st Century”.

The most stunning feature of the park belongs to its two-tiered pond. Large in size, the pond encapsulates a spurting fountain that shoots a jet of water reaching of about 18 meters high. Found in the most appealing spot of the park, the waterfront terraces located beside the pond offer the visitors a breathtaking view of the natural vegetation nestled amidst the surroundings of the pond.

Magnificent to look at, the sprouting waterfront is just one of the few stunning attractions in the park. Another attraction that is charming to behold is the sculptures in the park. Decorating the area these number of sculptures are incredible and are an overwhelming sight to the tourists. Encompassing the intricacy and art of craft that is involved in creating such sculptural beauties, some of the sculptures that could be seen are Spirit of Youth, Soaring Vision and Sculptural Fountain. Worthy of a visit, some of the sculptures are a dedication to the legendary heroes who have made an impact in the history of China. In addition to these sculptures, the park is also known for its disc sculptures and monumental sundial that revolves in the gusty breeze. The winds also make it suitable for children to indulge in kite-flying. A unique experience, there are also three large spacious areas, idyllic for special events.

For those who visit the park with their family, picnics in the midst of the beautiful nature could be arranged. One could also indulge in the steamboat buffet dinners that offer sumptuous meals, among the other delicacy shops available in the food outlets. Surrounded by rolling greenery in the tranquil surroundings of nature, hidden away from the bustling city life, Marina City Park paves the way to give a wonderful experience for spending your day leisurely in complete relaxation.

There are many hotels Singapore has to offer for those who are interested in undertaking a trip to this amazing land of adventure and relaxation. M Hotel Singapore is one such Singapore city hotel that is located nearby many attractions such as entertainment and shopping destinations.

Exploring Xian: A Distinctly Diverse Destination

Xian is referred to as a ‘living book of history’ since it boasts endless records of the significant changes that took place in the history of China. During ancient times Xian was better known as Chang’an and it is among the first few places that gave birth to ancient civilization especially along the Yellow River. With a history of more than 3,100 years of development, Xian was also the capital for 13 different dynasties.

All this makes Xian ultimately a great place to explore. With its cultural and historical importance, this unmatched tourist destination offers its visitors with many things to see and do. Apart from history, ancient monuments, artefacts and museums the city is also unique when it comes to shopping, dining and nightlife.

Positioned excellently towards the south of the Guanzhong Plain, Xian is surrounded by mountains and water. The city is home to many fascinating museums which are generally regarded as the best way to start exploring this exceptional destination.

Acclaimed as ‘the eighth major miracle of the world’, The Museum of Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses is a must see place here. At this site visitors will find 7,000 pottery soldiers, weapons and horses lined up in full guard for Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s tomb. The famous Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang even occupies a place on the World Heritage List. Built during the early years of the Ming Dynasty is the impressive City Wall which is also rated as a must visit place in Xian. Other great attractions include Bell Tower, Qinling Zoological Park, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Forest of Stone Steles, Drum Tower, Shaanxi History Museum, Moslem Street and much more.

While exploring the amazing attractions of Xian, dining plays an important role. Travellers can savour delectable Shaanxi snacks, sumptuous Guangdong cuisine, various types of foreign delicacies as well as famous Sichuan Cuisine. There are also innumerable shopping outlets in Xian which is the most noteworthy city in northwest China. There are various shopping centres, department stores, supermarkets, boutiques, craft shops spread right across the city. This ancient city even has bars, and discos for the younger and more energetic visitor to enjoy.

Meanwhile, the well planned out transportation network helps the visitor explore Xian with much ease. With its development as a captivating tourist destination, finding convenient yet world class accommodation is not at all a complicated issue. For instance, Golden Flower Hotel Xian which is a distinctive Xian luxury hotel is well known for providing its guests the opportunity to enjoy a memorable holiday with a host of modern amenities.

Diving in Si Kao

A pleasant little town by the sea, Si Kao is one of the best places for a holiday in Thailand. Undisturbed by the busy happenings of its neighbouring cities, life here meanders along at an easy pace. Many who travel to these parts are looking for one thing and one thing only, the gorgeous beaches. The first time visitor to the beaches of Si Kao will surely be enchanted by the beauty of the surroundings and the rich tropical environment that keeps the air crisp and the scenery spectacular. The lush greenery of the surroundings also attracts a variety of migratory birds and is home to several animal species.

Scuba diving is arguably one of the best ways to explore the mysterious depths of the deep blue oceans just off the coast of Si Kao. Visitors with a PADI Licence can hire all the gear they need at any of the scuba diving centres which can easily be found. Those who travel prepared to take the plunge need not hesitate to explore the depths of these plentiful waters. Visitors are encouraged to always dive with a partner or with a professional guide with a licence approved by the government. Be sure to check your gear before getting in the water to ensure a safe dive.

Guests residing at Anantara Si Kao, Thailand will have access to a well equipped PADI diving centre which offers training for divers on how to conduct themselves underwater and a brief description of how the underwater currents behave in certain times of the year. Those who book a private excursion will be able to select from 10 different dive sites and pick one that appeals to the adventurer in you. Discover mysterious caves, fish, corals and much more and make your holiday one to remember.

Travellers in search of Si Kao hotels offering easy access to the beach and some of the key tourist attractions of the city will find Anantara Si Kao, Thailand to be an ideal option. Known as one of the most preferred hotels in Si Kao, this charming rest features a number of useful amenities and modern facilities.

A bird’s eye view of a paradise isle

Relatively new to Sri Lanka, hot air ballooning is fast picking up as it provides some picturesque views of the county from a unique vantage point.

Known for its unblemished natural beauty and friendly locals Sri Lanka is considered as one of Asia’s best locations to go ballooning. With sprawling hills, cascading waterfalls, acres of well manicured tea plantations and long stretches of unspoiled beaches Sri Lanka truly is a haven for ballooning enthusiasts.

White water rafting a totally exhilarating experience

The adrenaline rush of white water rafting is by far one of the most exiting aspects of the sport for many. The ability to work with a team and maneuver through rapids is truly an amazing experience and one that I cherish dearly.

For the many who engage in the sport the thrill and being that much close to Mother Nature is what makes white water rafting even more special. The Gauley River which runs through 4 counties of the United States provides a unique setting for white water rafting enthusiasts.

The video depicts some highlights of what’s on offer when rafting on the Gauley River . Enjoy !!!!!!

Xtreme Skatepark


A relatively new pastime, skating in all its various forms has truly taken off with teenagers around the world routinely making their way through the streets of their hometowns. Capitalizing on this newfound trend the Xtreme Skatepark in Singapore provides a special area where skaters can practice their basics and work on their moves.

The park features a Combo Bowl, Vertical Bowl (for advanced users) and a Street Course that serve to provide a well rounded skating experience. It should be noted however that the park is not restricted to skateboards as cycles and inline skaters are also allowed.

Skating enthusiasts can practice a host of tricks including the ollie, axle stalls, grinding, and many other others. The course is more than capable of delivering a variety of surfaces for skaters to unleash their full repertoire of moves.

The Combo Bowl is a skating surfaced that is shaped like an actual bowl with different contours that can be used for to manoeuvre in to various trick positions for skateboarders, roller skaters and bikers. Its layout also allows users to move around the different parts of the bowl seamlessly to create their own array of tricks. The level of difficulty is suitable for those with an intermediate skill though all are welcome to try it.

The Street Course is an open stretch of skating space that is littered with all kinds of props that can be used for tricks including handrails, stairs, ledges and gaps. There are ramps that allow for more seasoned skaters and riders to move in to the more difficult areas which are more demanding.

The Vertical Bowl is reserved only for advanced riders and skaters as the level of dexterity balance and raw skill that is required is fairly high. This 3.6 metre bowl is a channel with difficult corners that are not for the faint hearted. The Vertical Bowl is used as by competitors as a means for warming up before performing in an actual tournament.

Xtreme Skatepark presents an ideal destination for those wishing to indulge in some thrilling skateboarding, inline skating or cycling during their stay in Singapore. For guests seeking a lavish accommodation, the Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore presents an ideal choice. Guests of this luxury hotel in Singapore will enjoy a level of comfort and service that ensures a pleasurable stay in the city.

Colombo

Colombo posses a natural harbour and has been a port of call for more than 2,000 years. It was often the landing point for many traders and since then has remained a major financial and business city for Sri Lanka. This capital city is a rich source of entertainment in all forms, dining, shopping and site seeing.

With its glorious past and hopeful future, Colombo brings forward an exotic cocktail of elements that are hard to resist. Find remnants of its glorious past in pockets around the city, healthy doses of greenery, bargain deals be it for hotels, shopping or dining and nightlife that rouse the senses.

Colombo shopping is definitely a worthwhile effort, buyers can pick from a few of her shopping malls like Crescat Boulevard, Majestic City, Odel and Liberty Plaza. Known to be a country that mass produces export garments, clothing shops are not hard to find. Shoppers can expect to find clothing for all seasons along with a wide array of shoes and other accessories that would fit any purse. From international to local designer labels, from street vendors in Pettah to air conditioned malls and everything in between, shopping in Colombo will never fail to delight you.

Dining in Colombo is also a delightful occurrence, from street hawkers to fine dining, this capital city has more than its fair share of options. Sri Lankans love their food, and it’s no surprise that you can find just about any type of cuisine, made to varied tastes and flavours that will leave you wanting more. Take a pick from Sri Lankan, Chinese, Italian, German, Japanese, Thai, Indian, Vietnamese and so many others when you dine in a Colombo restaurant.

Nightlife in Colombo is also another reason to rejoice, from its myriad of restaurants, local theatre performances, bars and nightclubs. Colombo can be easily traversed from one end to the other in a reasonable period of time, and the nightclubs are usually segregated to areas that are close to the 5 star hotels in Colombo.

For some sight seeing of cultural and historical significance, Colombo is plentiful in colonial architecture, temples, museums and galleries. Bordering the west coast of Sri Lanka, this capital city may not be teeming with skyscrapers or could be referred to as a metropolis, but her demure and pulse is something that is just waiting to be appreciated.

When looking for Colombo hotels, why not try any of the accommodations available from the John Keells Hotels Group?

A paradise called Fiji.

Holidaying in Fiji is a true escape to paradise and any traveler’s dream come true. This tropical paradise is a group of three hundred plus islands located in the Pacific Ocean filled with many attractions and activities to offer.

The only trouble you are ever going to encounter when visiting Fiji is making up your mind on what to do, because so much of activities are offered where ever you visit. If sight seeing is your fancy a tour to the nearby islands, the museums or the parks and landmarks are a good idea to learn more about Fiji itself.

If experiencing the culinary expertise of Fiji chefs is to your liking, you are in for a treat. With many five star restaurants, teashops and diner’s open 24 hours you can always sooth your appetite when ever you please. The food itself being influenced by the Indians, Chinese, Australians and many more is exotic and unique as Fiji it self.

For the more adventures types, why not try white water rafting at Navua River to get your share of an exciting adrenaline rush. Want to spend your time at the ocean? Go deep seas diving among the beautiful species of exotic fish and coral formations that can be found all around the Fiji Islands, it is one experience sure to leave you breathless.

If nothing above suites you, play golf in the most scenic of golf courses that can be found. Most are facing the blue ocean or the majestic mountain which makes it almost dream like. Shopping sprees at the local shops are sure to be a treat with so much at offer. The souvenirs and local handicraft shops must be visited before you leave to get your hands on some unique Fijian merchandise.

To experience and truly discover Fiji you need to explore Fiji from the luxury resort in Yanuca Island, with its pristine white beaches and palm trees making it a divine and heavenly place to stay in. Yanuca Island resort is the best place to stay and pamper your self Fiji style. And none can compete with the services and truly magnificent accommodation on offer at the Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort and Spa, Yanuca, Fiji Islands.

Nature Walk in Sentosa



Calling Singapore a famous tourist destination is an understatement, this country has an unbelievable array of offerings for the leisure, adventure, nature and business traveller. With the convenience of being a transit point to major cities around the world, top notch Singapore luxury hotels, mouth-watering dining possibilities, with the plus point of being a shopper’s paradise, Singapore is a force to reckon with.

It is hard to believe that Sentosa Island which was just merely a fishing village, is now a popular Singapore tourist attraction that draws crowds in by the millions every year. This 500 acre island has 70 percent of its area covered in a secondary rainforest, whilst residing within its branches and undergrowth are monkeys, monitor lizards, peacocks, parrots as well as generous findings of fauna and flora.

Housed in former monorail station is the Sentosa Nature Discovery. This Sentosa attraction is a hands-on interactive learning experience. This popular Singapore attraction is both an outdoor and indoor discovery programme that covers the exotic and natural wonders of the island. Check out the Imbiah forest reserve that can be explored by a 1.8 kilometre elevated boardwalk. Whilst walking through this nature trail in Singapore, visitors can spot interesting vegetation like the carnivorous pitcher plants and Tembusu trees amongst others and over 20 species of birds that exist within this secondary rain forest.

Whilst at the Sentosa Nature Discovery, visitors can explore other popular Sentosa attractions like Dragon Trail, Images of Singapore, Tiger Sky Tower, Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom that are close by. For a leisurely lunch or a quick bite to eat, the Subway Restaurant can be found close by, offering a delightful range of chilled beverages and a spectacular view is the Tiger SKYBAR.

Scratch beneath the surface of this metropolis and you will find a utopia of pleasures that is just waiting to be explored. To enjoy the best that ‘The Lion City’ has to offer, check in to a reputed Singapore luxury hotel which will provide you with modern facilities and an unmatched comfort level. The Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore gives discerning guests a chance to experience the pleasures of Chinatown and Orchard Road within the plush settings of one of the best luxury hotels in Singapore.

Elephant Trekking

The elephant is regarded Thailand’s national animal and by being so, this gentle giant is a symbol of royalty, culture and strength to its nation. Many tour guides in the country use the mighty tuskers as a transportation method for travellers interested in seeking out the many attractions within the jungles and the marshlands of Thailand. One particular place where these giant jumbos are seen in abundance is Koh Samui, an Island off the east coast of Thailand. Koh Samui is Thailand’s third largest island and it boasts many events, recreational activities and attractions for a discerning traveller.

A popular past time in Koh Samui is “Elephant Trekking”, travellers looking forward to a thrilling tour around the island can ride on the back of a grand elephant and enjoy its breathtaking attractions amidst the jungles, and tropical lands home to picturesque plantation fields and plant life. Many tours and treks are available for the ardent visitor and some of these tours include a full day eco adventure around the islands coconut plantations, beautiful jungles and its attractions.

A noteworthy attraction known as “The Buddha Magic Garden” situated in Khun Nims – a village in close proximity to Koh Samui is also included in the expedition. At this destination, visitors will be able to see the extraordinary garden that was sculptured by stone. The magic garden also boasts a panoramic view of the island and its tropical forest. Other captivating tours such as the ox cart ride along the rice fields, jeep safari’s, jungle walks, nature canoeing and the rubber tapping demonstrations are among the extensive half day programs that are sure to leave you yearning for more.

Apart from the exciting tours, travellers can also partake in a variety of entertainment activities such as elephant shows, monkey dances and Thai cooking shows. If you are looking for pristine hotels in Koh Samui that overlook the alluring ocean where a serene atmosphere is guaranteed, then a stay at the prestigious Anantara Lawana, Koh Samui will be a preferred choice. This lavish Koh Samui hotel offers guests with luxurious amenities and hospitality for a memorable stay.