Category: Miscellaneous Adventures

Bali Safari & Marine Park

Experience the ‘wild side’ of the Island of Gods at the Bali Safari & Marine Park; here you can see animals from all around the world roaming freely in habitats similar to their natural environs. It is the perfect place to enjoy with the whole family and get up close with certain creatures too.

Where can it be found

Launched in 2007, the Bali Safari & Marine Park is located in the island’s Gianyar regency. Spread across a massive 40 hectare property, this popular attraction is open daily from 09:00am to 17:00pm. Be you staying at a budget rest house or boutique hotel Bali has to offer such as Alila Manggis planning a visit here is worth it.

File:Bali Safari & Marine Park.jpg
Walter Lim, Bali Safari & Marine Park, CC BY 2.0

The safari experience

This thrilling guided safari ride takes place on air-conditioned trams that drive through special open spaces. These areas have been carefully made to resemble natural habitats including those of Africa, Indonesia and India.

File:Bali Safari Animal 2.jpg
Yogwi21, Bali Safari Animal 2, CC BY-SA 3.0

The Wildlife

There is much to see on a safari ride at the park; on your adventures, you can glimpse everything from majestic Indian white tigers to Himalayan bears as well as African hippos, lions, camels, black bucks, baboons, elephants and a whole lot more!

File:Bali Safari Animal 3.jpg
Yogwi21, Bali Safari Animal 3, CC BY-SA 3.0

Highlights at the park

Not to be missed is ‘Ranthambore’ where you can see white tigers amidst a setting of an ancient Rajasthan fort and a special area where elephants are looked after. You also get several animal themed shows and even a chance to take photos with some of the friendly wild inhabitants.

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

Best things to do in Otaru

This scenic town in Asia has many things you can do, to while away your time during a weekend getaway with your loved ones.

Snow Light Path Festival

If you are in town during the month of February, don’t miss out on the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival. The city is decorated with lights and tiny snow statues and the festival lasts for 10 whole days. You’d feel like you are inside an old Dickens novel, it’s a must-see.

Otaru Canal Promenade | Image Credit - Markus Leupold-Löwenthal, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikipedia Commons
Otaru Canal Promenade | Image Credit – Markus Leupold-Löwenthal, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikipedia Commons

Visit the Canal

Hotels in the Asia Pacific almost always is close to water bodies, and the Park Hotel Group is no different, with the hotel being within travelling distance to the Otaru Canal. This canal has a rich history and is a part of many monumental times in the past. Take a walk along the path during a quiet evening and sit in one of the restaurants overlooking the canal.

Nikka Whiskey Yoichi Distillery

Known for being one of the best whiskey makers in Japan, they have a distillery in Otaru, and also provide tours inside the building, taking you through the process of whiskey making.

Sakaimachi Street

The central merchant street in Otaru, you can get your shopping done here, and walk to this street for the daily essentials too.

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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Guide To Minneriya National Park

A safari through the wilderness and rugged jungles of Minneriya National Park will offer you plenty of opportunities to see Sri Lanka’s gentle giants; the elephants!

Where is it?

Minneriya National Park is located in the North Central Province of the island. There are many ways to get here, either by bus, car or plane! As flying the fastest and most convenient way to travel to the park, you’ll be able to arrange a flight through Cinnamon Air. Those interested in driving can rent a car through the many car rental groups in Sri Lanka.

Minneriya National Park | Image Credit - Photnart, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikipedia Commons
Minneriya National Park | Image Credit – Photnart, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikipedia Commons

Elephants

The Sri Lankan elephant is a treasured beast on the island. The Minneriya National Park has approximately 150 – 200 elephants and The Gathering inside the park is known to be one of the largest wild elephant gatherings in the world.

Threats

Sadly, the Minneriya National Park faces a huge threat of being wiped out; the animals with it, due to human encroachment, overfishing, poaching, water pollution and the clearance of the forest.

Other animals

The other wonderful animals that reside in this park include the Sri Lanka leopard, deer, sloth bear, toque macaque, monitors, jungle fowl and much more.

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

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Guide to Wildlife Safari in Yala

The mesmerising and informative Yala Safari is something every visitor or native should experience at least once in their lifetime.

Image Credit - Walkers Tours
Image Credit – Walkers Tours

Where to go

Adventure tours in Sri Lanka are rarely planned without including a safari or two in it and of all the places to go to on the island, the Yala National Park attracts the most visitors every year. A Yala Safari can be arranged with the help of any travel agency, Walkers Tours, for example, and you will have a fun-filled day where you watch the wildlife in their natural habitats.

Image Credit - Walkers Tours
Image Credit – Walkers Tours

About Yala Safari Park

Being the second biggest national park in Sri Lanka, it is also known as the Ruhuna National park. Spreading over a massive 979 square kilometres, this reserve is home to many endemic animals and birds, and a few endangered ones too.

The Safari

They pride themselves on providing the best tours and safaris on the island and a guide will take you through the jungles as he explains and shares fun facts about every animal or bird you spot.

What to expect

The Sri Lankan leopard and the Sloth bear are the most sought-after animals, closely followed by the deer, elephants, and crocodiles.

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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Best Leopard Spotting At Yala National Park

Yala has become Sri Lanka’s most visited national park mainly due to the number of leopards that can be spotted during a jungle safari.

Image Credit - jetwingeco
Image Credit – jetwingeco

Important things to remember

As you will be stepping in to wild life territory, do keep in mind that you are the guests here and refrain from polluting or feeding any animals.

Why choose Yala

If you’re planning a leopard safari in Sri Lanka, then Yala National Park is definitely the place to go, as there it is one of the only parks on the island with a large number of leopards.

Safe and Responsible tourism

For those looking for a reputable service, tour agencies such as Jetwing Eco Holidays will be able to provide you with a safe and responsible safari tour, as some of the safari jeeps are known to create havoc inside the park, putting the animals’ lives at risk simply for a picture.

Other animals

While you may be keen to see leopards, these wild animals may not always be around when and where you want them to. Appreciate the chance of seeing other animals of the park like deer, sloth bears, elephants, crocodiles, birds and so much more!

Things to remember

You are not permitted to get off the vehicle at any point during the safari. The park will provide a tracker for every safari jeep. The park opens at 6am and closes at 6pm.

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

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Things To Do In Kalutara You Didn’t Know About

 

Kalutara in the dazzling western coast offers more than just golden beaches. Here are a few things to do in Kalutara, Sri Lanka that you probably didn’t know about.

Canoeing in Kalu River

a couple canoeing on a river
Canoeing is the best way to explore Kalu River

Gently flow along the Kalu Ganga (කළු ගඟ ) (River) which in Sinhalese means the “Black River”. According to local travel guides such as Travel Kalutara this can be done as a half day tour or overnight tour. Along the way, you’ll see verdant tropical greenery, exotic birds and cheeky monkeys who’ll make funny faces at you!

Water Sports

jetskiing is a motorized water sport
Jet Skiing – Photo via Pixabay

Where there’s a beach, there’s almost always a chance for some fun in the water. In Kalutara you can try out a number of watersports such as

  • Jet skiing
  • Water skiing
  • Bodyboarding
  • Banana or tube rides, to name just a few.

 

Fishing Trips

fishing trips in kalu river
Hope on to a traditional boat ( Oruwa) and go on a fishing trip

Have some fun and catch your lunch at the same time! There are many hotels and tour operators who offer deep sea fishing expeditions in Kalutara. Hunt for a variety of fish ranging from tuna to sailfish, dorado, mackerel, and even the humoungous Marlin!

Spa in Kalutara

anantara spa in kalutara
A luxury spa in Kalutara – Photo by Anantara Kalutara Resort

You need a good break, after all, that adventuring around right? So book a spa session at one of the many luxury hotels in Kalutara and be prepared to be pampered like a prince or princess with a wide range of holistic Ayurvedic treatments.

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.

Ubud Monkey Forest Bali -Kingdom of the Swingers!

Remember King Louie and his kingdom in Jungle Book? Though you won’t meet the ‘King of Swingers’, you will meet many of his subjects at the amazing Ubud Monkey Forest in Bali. So, quit ‘monkeyin’ around’ and read this!

Mutante, Bali Indonesia Ubud Monkey Forest 01, CC BY-SA 3.0
Image Credit – Mutante, Bali Indonesia Ubud Monkey Forest 01, CC BY-SA 3.0

Where Monkeys Rule

Flickr user: D.Meutia //www.flickr.com/photos/dewimeutia/, Ubud Monkeys, CC BY 2.0
Image Credit – Flickr user: D.Meutia, Ubud Monkeys, CC BY 2.0

Also known as the Sacred Monkey Forest of Padangtegal, the Ubud Monkey Forest is one of the most popular attractions in Bali. This natural forest sanctuary is home to over 700 grey long-tailed macaques that have taken over the entire area as their kingdom. The locals believe that the forest is an important economic, educational, and spiritual conservation centre for the village.

How To Get There

Mutante, Bali Indonesia Ubud Monkey Forest welcome sign, CC BY-SA 3.0
Image Credit – Mutante, Bali Indonesia Ubud Monkey Forest welcome sign, CC BY-SA 3.0

The forest is located about 10 minutes away from Ubud City and an hour away from Denpasar, the capital city of Bali. There are plenty of options for accommodation – rooms and villas can be found within easy reach of the forest as well as high-end resorts like COMO Uma Ubud. If you’re driving there by yourself take the Ubud main road and go south towards Jalan Hanoman. This will lead you to a right turn towards the forest.

Monkeys Galore

William Cho, Bali – The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary (2688748308), CC BY-SA 2.0
Image Credit – William Cho, Bali – The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary (2688748308), CC BY-SA 2.0

Since monkeys are the main attraction here, there are many conservation efforts underway that include many studies and research dedicated to observe the monkeys’ diet, health, and breeding habits. The monkeys come very near tourists and this makes it tempting to touch and feed them, but you are advised against it. Why? Because they are wild animals and no matter how cute they look you always need to exercise caution. You are also advised to not wear any loose apparel or jewellery that the creatures will snatch from you.

Much More Awaits

Image Credit - っ, Pura Dalem Agung Padantegal 200507, CC BY-SA 3.0
Image Credit – っ, Pura Dalem Agung Padantegal 200507, CC BY-SA 3.0

There are three Hindu temples located within the Ubud Monkey Forest that are said to be built around 1350. They are the Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal or the Padangtegal Great Temple of Death, the Pura Beji Temple and the Pura Prajapati Temple. All of these temples have amazing statues and relics.

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.

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Travel Around Sigiriya -There’s Much More to See Here Than That Famous Fortress

Located in the central highlands of the paradise nation called Sri Lanka, is a town that gained quite an international reputation. Sigiriya, as it is named, is a wanderer’s delight. Why? Let’s find out!

The Eighth Wonder of the World

Eighth Wonder of the World | Image Credit - Wikimedia Commons, CC By SA 3.0
Eighth Wonder of the World | Image Credit – Wikimedia Commons, CC By SA 3.0

A sight of pure magnificence. Built during the 5th Century, the Sigiriya Rock Fortress is an impressive creation by the wayward King Kasyapa who committed patricide to gain the throne for himself. The fortress has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site due to being “one of the best-preserved examples of ancient urban planning”. Its international fame has resulted in throngs of crowds visiting the little town every year as well as the rise of many boutique hotels in Sri Lanka such as the Water Garden Sigiriya. Such hotels are also offering special tours that will take you through the highlights of the Sigiriya Fortress such as the Mirror Wall, the gorgeous frescoes, the water gardens and the gigantic lion’s paws which give the fortress its name.

An ancient Buddhist Monastery

The Pidurangala Monastery is located on the Pidurangala Rock which stands just a few kilometres away from Sigiriya. According to the ancient scriptures, when King Kasyapa was looking for a spot to build his fortress he found Sigiriya which was at that time occupied by Buddhist monks in meditation. He moved the monks to the nearby Pidurangala Rock and as a form of compensation for taking their former home, built a monastery there.

A Jumbo Spectacle!

Love elephants? Then this is your chance to see them in all their glory in the wild! The Minneriya National Park is located just 20-30 minutes away from the rock fortress. Why visit? Not only is the wildlife reservation placed among the top important bird areas in the country; but it’s also the venue for one of the most renowned of natural phenomena- the spectacular Minneriya Elephant Gathering!

Take A Glimpse Into The Past

Take a step back in time and find out the amazing history of the ancient citadel and the country at the amazing Sigiriya Museum. It features an excellent diorama of the Sigiriya fortress and offers a thorough overview while explaining its cultural importance.

Filled with wanderlust that seeks to explore distant shores and captivated by the colors and vibrancy of exotic cultures, Kanya Mae writes on the beautiful, exciting, and enchanting wonders of the world. She is a writer who not only has a passion for travel, but also has a background in fashion, art and media.

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Paro Taktsang, Bhutan’s revered tiger’s nest temple

Taktshang Monastery, Bhutan
Douglas J. McLaughlin (Photograph edited by Vassil), Taktshang edit, CC BY-SA 3.0

Bhutan is one of the most intriguing nations in the world, and a real rising star where international tourism is concerned. The unspoilt geography of the country is breath-taking in its beauty and provides a true escape into a natural paradise. As a result Bhutan is fast becoming one of the most visited places in the world with many of the nation’s attractions being featured in travel blogs such as Well Known Places.

A concept that is iconic of Bhutan is the paro, which is essential a mix between a temple and a fortress. There are many of these incredible structures to be found around the nation, but one of the most notable is the Paro Taktsang, which has become one Bhutan’s major cultural icons.

The temple was built in honour of Guru Padhmasambhava during 1692. This was due to the fact that this great spiritual leader, who some regard as the second incarnation of the Buddha had arrived to this site and meditated for a period of three years, three months, three weeks, three days and three hours in the 8th century. He had carried out his meditation within the thirteen ‘tiger-caves’

https://www.instagram.com/p/BUOLR08l3Xo/?taken-at=235524821

Taktsang translates into Tiger-Cave and there are many different legends that explain the origin of the name. Some say it is due to the thirteen caves that are present at the site.

There are others who would say that Guru Padhmasambhava rode to the mountain where the caves are situated on the back of a mythical tigress capable of flight.

Some believe that this tigress was the wife of Emperor Yeshe Tsogyal, and she transformed into this form to carry the sacred guru safely to the mountain. There’s a third myth that claims there was a Tiger Demon present within the caves.

Shrouded in mystical mythology this temple-fortress is definitely an essential visit if you find yourself in the captivating country of Bhutan.

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+

Living the island life in Fiji

Fiji is a beautiful island in the South Pacific Ocean. The shallow blue green waters surrounding the coast, palm fringed beaches filled with warm, puffy sand, the rejuvenating island breeze together with the golden sun brimming mostly throughout the year, Fiji is simply paradise.

This is a major tourist destination in the world due to its pristine beauty and serene setting. You can catch the numerous holiday packages with significantly rewarding offers inclusive of flights, holiday accommodation in Fiji luxury resorts, meals, tour vouchers and spa vouchers in spa resorts in the area such as InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa.

The natural splendor of Fiji tempts guests to stay longer and enjoy the island life. Who wouldn’t want to live in paradise and experience the simple beach bond way of life while on their summer holiday. The wonderful people of Fiji who are always known to wear a smile on their faces are guaranteed to make your stay here pleasant.

One of the key experiences that should never be missed when at Fiji is the ‘Cloud break, Mamanuca islands’; this is one of most challenging and exciting surfing waves around the world. This is a destination where it is surfable in all tides. The best winds blow from the south to southeast, between the months of march and October. And the tides are usually very high and should be accessed through a jet ski or a tow boat.

The great Astrolabe reef at Kadava is another vibrant marine wonder in the surrounding islands of Fiji. This is wonderful spot for scuba diving as the vibrant kingdom underwater stretches miles in the sea bed. Various rich marine life such as Billfish, Mahi Mahi and Tuna are available in the reef.

Other gorgeous destinations are must visit to complete the island adventure of Fiji are; the Sigatoka sand dunes national park, Viti Levu, Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple at Nadi, the Kula Eco park, the Navua river at Viti Levu and etc.

 

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