Category: Miscellaneous Adventures

Cuihua Mountain National Geopark

The Cuihua Mountain National Geopark is located in Xian City, Shaanxi Province of China and is one of the most scenic places in the country. It is such a diverse and large geo-park that is rivals parks both home and abroad. Covering a square mile area of 12.36, this well known site also has a peak of 8,543.31 feet which is a major tourist attraction as well.

The Cuihua Mountain National Geopark used to be known as the Imperial Forest Park or Imperial Garden during the Tang, Qin and Han dynasties. Today the site has developed into one of the most beautiful geo-parks in the world and has a rating of Grade AAAA for its scenic spots. Given its very unusual and unique topography, this park is also often referred to as a natural museum for geography and is thus visited by many geologists. It is the perfect place to learn about the environment, types of landslides and so on.

To make the park much more appealing for visitors, it has been divided into three sections. At the Tianchi Landslide Science and Recreation area you can have a load of fun with “water walking balls”, enjoy the view from a yacht and much more. The Yifangyuan Ecological area is the ideal location for sightseeing and visiting the forest gym section, also known as the Ganqiuchi Forest. One can also check out ancient pathways that were used during the trading period. Make sure to take in the amazing view of the pine trees and so much more when you are here. The district has some other fascinating sites worth seeing too such as ice caves, so make a day out of it and enjoy your China experience.

The Cuihua Mountain National Geopark is a great place to travel to with the family or to explore even by yourself. It offers an enriching experience and you are bound to love your time here. Finding Xian accommodation at well placed service apartments Xian has to offer is an ideal option for travellers looking to set off on excursions. Citadines Xingqing Palace Xi’an is an option worth considering and provides a comfortable and great stay.

 

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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Mount Nelson

Known as one of the oldest and one of the most prestigious suburbs in the city of Hobart, Mount Nelson also boasts an array of sightseeing attractions that must form part of your city-wide explorations the next time you’re in Hobart. Enjoy the sights of the city from one of the stylish serviced apartments Hobart has to offer its visitors, especially at the likes of the Somerset on the Pier Hobart. Its central location and gracious accommodation options make its Hobart serviced apartments an ideal choice for business and leisure visits. Mount Nelson is most famous for its sharp seven “bends”, which are essentially sharp corners taken by the road when ascending the mountain. The mountain and suburb derives its name from a botanist, David Nelson, aboard the good ship Bounty, who was loyal to the Captain, William Bligh, during the ship’s mutiny. Those who travel to the top of Mount Nelson will be treated to absolutely stunning vistas of the surrounding countryside. It is also the breeding ground of the Swift Parrot, an endangered species with only 1,000 pairs remaining. Hikers and nature lovers will enjoy embarking on the range of hiking trails that wind through Mount Nelson, especially the Truganini track, of special historical import, and the Skyline Reserve, which also affords several walkways. The Signal Station, situated at the very top of Mount Nelson, is a popular recreation site and reveals majestic views of the country below, with picnic areas dotted to unsheltered tables and a host of barbeque facilities, perfect to host an outing with family and friends. If you prefer not to bring your own food, the charming café located onsite offers a selection of delicious fare to snack on whilst you absorb the Tasmanian countryside unfolding all around you.

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 intends to visit them all someday.

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Roaming the Sands

Having seen it in the movies or in other people’s home videos, having a desert adventure to boast about is a must on a trip to Doha. If time is short adventurers can opt for an evening desert safari with a barbeque under the stars thrown or stay in a tented camp overnight to truly have a great adventure experience.

Adventurers venture out usually in convoys, 45 km south of Doha to enjoy the thrills of the desert. Dune bashing in a speeding 4×4 up and down the dunes and across a barren landscape littered with rocks and scrub is most people’s first introduction to the desert as well as the beginning of their Doha desert adventure. To anyone who thought that a desert was just a flat sandy area this is a good eye opener as the 4×4 races up steep dune crests and the next instant plunges down leaving a fluttery feeling in the stomach. Experienced and skilful drivers who wish to have a go at dune bashing can try it after a bit of practice. For those whose sense of adventure is tied up with action, sand boarding down the dunes, quad biking, riding twin seater buggies around dunes and trekking are other ways to enhance their experiences of the surroundings. Besides this, strange things happen in the desert outside Doha. Greyhound racing is one of them. Getting an expensive sports car bashed about in a rally and playing golf in the sand are other extraordinary experiences.

No desert adventure is complete without visiting a desert camp where the vastness and the solitude of the desert can be experienced underneath a star studded sky. In this case a camp by the Arabian Gulf. Interestingly this location is one of only two places in the world where sand dunes are found close to an expanse of water. Sitting on rugs around a campfire in the evening getting introduced to Arabic food and music and relaxing with a shisha afterward are essential parts of the Doha adventure experience. A camel ride before dinner where a reluctant beast has to be prodded to take up riders is an interesting diversion. Swaying atop the animal one can begin to understand the manner in which vast sandy spaces were traversed all those years ago. A horse ride over the dunes early in the mornings before the heat sets in or later in the evening is one of the best ways to experience the beauty and vastness of the desert.

Stay in one of the best locations in the city at Ascott Doha in close proximity to important commercial, business and entertainment destinations. Offering well designed studio, one, two bedroom and three bedroom apartments equipped with all conveniences desired by modern travellers, these Doha serviced apartments are the ideal living spaces for individuals, couples and families. When visiting the city choose these serviced apartments Doha to experience a relaxing stay where all needs are met.

Aladdin’s kingdom

Established in 1994 to promote Arabian culture through a fun and entertaining medium, the Kingdom of Aladdin amusement park enthralls park-goers of all ages and cultural backgrounds. Make this theme park part of your “to-do” list on a fun day out for the whole family as part of a stay at one of the stylish Doha serviced apartments in the heart of the city, such as the Ascott Doha. Situated near easy transport links, you’ve got the city in the palm of your hand to explore from one of the most elegant serviced apartments in Doha. Explorers of all ages are sure to love the mystical Kingdom of Aladdin theme park, also known as the “Family Fun Park of 1,001 Delights”, and also “Entertainment City”. Enjoy some fun rides such as the Ferris Wheel and Carousel for the younger crowd, and exciting bumper cars and go-karts for those looking for a little more action. Take a leap of faith on the trampoline, try your hand at air hockey, and challenge your best high scores at the video game arcade.  Budding artists will love bringing their imaginations to life on paper at the Print and Stamp section that allows a kid’s inner artist to bloom into fruition. Several restaurants located onsite will add a much-needed dose of fuel in between attractions. Be sure to call ahead before you visit, as some days are set aside for women and children below 12 years only, other days just for single men and boys above 12 years old, with the rest of the week set aside for the entire family.  With daily costume parades that allow ample photo opportunities, an amphitheatre that puts on the most fantastic shows, and a fireworks show to look forward to, the memories you make at The Kingdom of Aladdin theme park are sure to be cherished for a lifetime.

Whale and Dolphin Watching in Kalpitiya

There are few places close to the Colombo city which have been recognised as tourist destinations, but Kalpitiya in the Puttalam District is drawing a lot of attention since of late because of the whale and dolphin watching expeditions that are available there. The area is popular as a fishing district and has stayed away from the tourism spotlight up until a few years ago. A large number of locals spotted dolphins and whales off the coast of Kalpitiya and this drew attention to the beautiful town of Kalpitiya. There are several travels and tour companies that offer whale and dolphin watching expeditions all you will need to do is get yourself to Kalpitiya and just ask around.

Kalpitiya is around 170 km from the city of Colombo; it is located in the North Western province. It is a remarkable area because from one side it is surrounded by the Indian Ocean and from the other side it is enclosed by a lagoon. For nature enthusiasts this is a perfect setting, you can go on boat rides in the lagoon and explore the natural vegetation and also observe whales and dolphins out in the sea. For whale and dolphin watching the best place to set off from is the Alankaduwa beach.

Other activities that you can indulge in when you visit Kalpitiya is to go diving or snorkelling along the reef. Since the sea around this region was least damaged by the tsunami of 2004 there is a rich variety of marine life dwelling here. After a diving or snorkelling outing check out the fishing community residing in the coastal areas, you can observe fisherman at work going out in the morning or bringing in their catch by night. The fish markets are also an interesting place to visit, you can choose from a delectable array of sea food at this market and you can be assured to strike a good deal for your purchase. The town was once colonised by the Dutch and remains of the Dutch Fort is a sight to see.

The best way to travel to Kalpitiya is by hiring your own vehicle and preparing for a road trip. Check out Sri Lanka car rental companies for some great offers on 4WDs and cars. Even an airport taxi in Colombo Sri Lanka can offer a package deal on a trip to Puttalam. Try out Malkey Rent A Car where you can choose from a fleet of vehicles as it has some good deals for rental.

 

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.

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Beaches in Nusa Dua

The island of Bali is a vibrant location on the Indonesian landscape that is a tropical paradise for visitors from across the globe. An area fast gaining popularity is Nusa Dua, a pristine peninsula located on the tip of southern Bali. Soak in the tropical ambiance of the island from a luxury Nusa Dua resort guaranteed to provide you with a welcome getaway. A luxury resort Bali can be found at The Laguna Resort & Spa for an unforgettable vacation within the sun, sand, and surf at Nusa Dua. The name can refer to the peninsula as a whole or an exclusive enclave reserved for mainly tourists that offers prime swimming conditions in a safe and controlled environment. If you’re looking to break out of the cage, Nusa Dua proper also offers a few choice spots ideal for beach activities and sightseeing. The peninsula’s largest public beach is Geger Beach, also known as Pantai Geger, complete with clear turquoise waters for optimal swimming and water sports. It is also rather cool compared with other beaches in the area, as it is one of the few beaches that face the east, which also boosts the sea temperate more than other seaside locales. For a scenic spot of island adventuring, head over to Serangan Island (also known as Turtle Island), which is a turtle conservatory. You can rent a boat from Nusa Dua and indulge in a glass-bottom boat ride to come face-to-face with the vibrant marine life lingering just below the waves. Or simply laze on the pristine white sands of the beach and soak in some quality rays for that iconic tropical tan for a true immersion with the locale’s landscape.

Bird Watching in Kumana

The tropics of Sri Lanka make it an ideal destination for bird watching with the Kumana National Park being one of the prime locations for nature lovers to indulge in such an outdoor adventure. Found approximately 391 km southeast of Colombo, the park is easily accessible by choosing to stay at any luxury hotel Sri Lanka has to offer. Even Sri Lanka boutique hotels such as Saman Villas Bentota can be chosen as a favourable choice of accommodation to come home to.
The park comprises of mangrove swamp sections, karan ferns, kumbuk trees and wetland areas that serve as ideal breeding grounds for a host of bird species that flock in large numbers. When scouring the area one must keep in mind to visit the Kumana Villu which is a swamp lake where numerous water birds such as spoonbills, egrets and pelicans may be sighted. Be sure to take your binoculars with you for you might capture sights of the migrant birds that arrive here. These include the malabar trogon, yellow-footed green pigeon and the greater racket-tailed drongo. Amongst the 255 species that are known to inhabit the area, the black-necked stork and great thick-knee can be seen during the months of April to July. The best time to head over would be during the initial half of the year where the waterholes are full to the brim. After a trip to Kumana one will be left with an abundance of memories to take back home.

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+

Mu Ko Phetra National Park

Mu Ko Phetra Marine Park is located in the Andaman Sea side of Thailand and is one of the largest marine parks in the country. There are around 30 islands that belong to the park and some of these islands are known to be nesting grounds for turtles that lay their eggs on the beach. Since the national park includes islands from the southern part of the Trang Province and the northern area of the Satun Province there is a variety of flora and fauna found here. The site is an excellent place to visit from sunrise to sunset. Visitors can begin the day by exploring the colourful coral reef which is home to rich marine life. Then set off on a trekking tour observing some curious animals and birds in the tropics.

The area has some of the typical features of Thai’s tropics such as steep limestone rocks and white sandy beaches so it is perfect for those who want to go for a hike. The limestone is believed to be at least 470 million years old and they reach up to 200m in height providing a spectacular view of the Andaman Sea. There are a lot of water based activities one can participate in while at the park; snorkelling, diving, swimming and kayaking are some of them. If you are feeling tired then it is best to take a ride on a cruise boat or go on a ferry. Some of the islands have been restricted to the public and you need to be with a recognized tour guide if one wants to see certain locations in the area.

One will notice that there are different types of forests scattered across the islands; rainforests, open forests and mangrove forests. The mangrove forests are in the muddy areas, near the lagoons; there are open forests on the beachfront filled with lush vegetation. The rainforests are found in the interior of the islands, and you need to travel further inside to see them. What is also fascinating are the different animal species and aquatic life you see here. Monkeys, wild pigs, bats, pythons and Indian monitors are abundant. Turtles, Brahminy kites, collared kingfishers, and reef egrets are also frequently sighted. If you are looking for a place to stay so you can visit the marine park then you should try to check into Krabi resorts. You can also consider staying at a Trang resort which makes an ideal base to explore the area. When visiting the region consider staying at Anantara Si Kao Thailand which features villas overlook the stunning Andaman Sea.

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.

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Tel Moreeb

The deserts of the UAE not only offer visitors a chance to witness the sheer beauty of the barren landscapes that abound, but also take part in thrilling adventure sports too. Believed to be the tallest sand dune in the world, Tel Moreeb is one such desert attraction and can be visited while staying at a hotel in Abu Dhabi. When in search of accommodation Abu Dhabi has to offer consider the luxurious Eastern Mangroves, Abu Dhabi which provides an ideal base for business and leisure alike.

Plan a trip to the desert area known as the Empty Quarter where you will find the imposing Tel Moreeb sand dune. Situated around 25 kms from the Liwa Oasis, Tel Moreeb is aptly referred to as the ‘Scary Mountain’ since it is more than 300 metres in height and features an incline of 50 degrees. A popular spot for motorsport enthusiasts, Tel Moreeb attracts those interested in quad bike and four wheel drive vehicle excursions. One of the best times to visit this area is during the event known as the Moreeb Hill Climb which takes place each February and which gives you a chance to see dirt bikes and other vehicles in action.

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+

Happy Valley

How about leaving behind the monotony of work and stepping out for a well earned break? Well then think no further than the Happy Valley Shenzhen which is by far China’s most visited and enjoyed amusement park. Located in the Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Happy Valley can easily be reached by choosing a Shenzhen serviced apartment. Do consider a serviced apartment Shenzhen has to offer by staying at Somerset Garden City Shenzhen.

Covering an impressive 86 hectares, Happy Valley is made up of nine themed sections which include Typhoon Bay, Sunshine Beach, Mt. Adventure, Gold Mine Town, Spanish Square, Cartoon City, Playa Maya Water Park, Happy Times and Shangri-la-Woods. Opened in 2002, the park serves an array of exciting and absorbing rides that would make anyone want to come back a second time. Voyage through the dense forests of Mt. Adventure and arrive at ‘The Space Shot’ which will take you up to a height of 60 metres in the air where you can savour a few seconds of the surroundings before being hurtled down at an amazing speed. Take the little ones to Cartoon City where they are sure to be kept company by the numerous fairy tales on show. For jaw-dropping excitement, take on ‘Shooting the Chute’ which is the world’s highest fall located at Typhoon Bay.

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+