Category: Miscellaneous Adventures

Wildlife in Sir Bani Yas Island

If you love the outdoors and are looking for a unique wildlife adventure amidst haunting desert landscapes, then Sir Bani Yas Island in Abu Dhabi is the place for you. Those in search of Abu Dhabi beach hotels that are ideally located on the island can stay at Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara. This luxurious Abu Dhabi resort also offers nature and wildlife walks and drives that give you a chance to fully experience the island’s breathtaking natural beauty.

Home to thousands of free roaming animals, the Arabian Wildlife Park at Sir Bani Yas Island is a perfect place to start ones outdoor adventures. On your excursions in this stunning wilderness area you will comes across a wide range of wildlife including giraffes, gazelles, the Arabian Oryx, Urial sheep and red deer. You may even come across majestic cheetahs roaming the savannah which is truly a sight to behold. Guides can be hired to lead you through this thrilling journey of discovery as you explore this unique island and get up close views of its fascinating animal inhabitants.

 

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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Elephant Mountain

The Mountains of Vietnam are fit for the most soothing poetry. The aura of peace that it emulates makes it one of the most soothing attractions in the whole nation. Its popularity has been recognised and many resorts and bungalows have been built in such a way that a good mountainous view is guaranteed. There is one particular mountain that boasts a fascinating legend in addition to its unmatched beauty; it is the Elephant Mountain.

Many years ago there lived a man by the name of Mr. Lang. He was the Chief of the Lach community and was known for his kind heart, his intelligence and his bravery. His popularity grew the day he conquered two wild elephants that came from the village of La Ngu Ha. These elephants were actually disturbed creatures but after coming back with Lang to the village they transformed themselves and through his inspiration became better animals. One day Lang rescued the young maiden Biang who was actually the daughter of the Chief of the Sre community. Instantly the 2 fell in love and the entire village rooted for their big day. Especially the 2 elephants became very close to Lang and Biang. However sadly that big day never came as the 2 lovers came from different communities who did not believe in binding each other. The heartbroken lovers headed to the highest point of a mountain in the village and grieved till one day their souls fled the earth. The elephants upon seeing their lifeless bodies sat next to them and never moved which eventually led to their death as well. Legends has it that they became this 1753m mountain; hence the name Elephant Mountain.

The Elephant Mountain boasts some of the most breathtaking sceneries of Haiphong. During early mornings and late nights, coolness blankets the region. The location is famous for those seeking inspiration, just gazing at it can carry your burdens away. When you plan to visit the Elephant Mountain choose good hotels in Vietnam to come home to. The Harbour View Hotel Haiphong Vietnam is the finest of all Haiphong hotels as it is known for its luxurious ambience and unmatched views.

A day at the elephant orphanage in Pinnawala

Elephants are magnificent creatures that have roamed our lands for centuries. To witness them in their natural habitat, one should head over to the elephant orphanage in Pinnawala located in the Kegalle District. The sanctuary affords care and protection for orphaned wild elephants that are found in the nearby jungles. Indulge in air taxi Sri Lanka of which Cinnamon Air, operators of air taxi tours Sri Lanka offers ample opportunities for travellers to head over to the premise.

Large crowds of locals and foreigners are seen during the feeding of elephant calves and bathing sessions at the Maha Oya which are the major attractions at the orphanage. Pinnawala is home to over 70 elephants and acts as a breeding ground where some of the elephants are later handed over to private owners and Buddhist temples. Experience the majesty of these beasts at their ‘home away from home’ in Pinnawala.

Sanshan Islands

Suzhou is a major city in eastern China, located on the scenic Lake Taihu, with an impressive historical legacy that dates back more than 2,500 years. A beautiful city with a profusion of pagodas, gardens, stone bridges and canals, it boasts a delightful array of Suzhou accommodation and attractions ripe for experiential plucking. Visitors seeking Suzhou apartments will enjoy a stay at the Citadines Xinghai Suzhou offering luxury interiors and the ideal location close to many of the city’s attractions. When you fancy a break from it all, get on a bus or taxi and spirit yourself away to the enchanting Sanshan Islands, sitting pretty on the picturesque Lake Taihu, China’s third-largest lake that could almost double as a sea, as one cannot witness the opposing shore when standing on one side of the lake. Home to about 90 islands that all merit exploration, the San Shan Islands offer a unique allure in the form of a myriad paths that wind through forest and a few buildings. Visitors can even go orange plucking, so make sure you grab a few canvas bags to bring home a few kilos of the delicious fruit! The island is famous for its three hills, the largest of which has a pagoda on the summit, and a climb up there is worth the minimal effort for regular hikers to absorb the breathtaking panorama and tranquility from the top. There are a variety of charming little hotels on the island that can accommodate a meal or two, or you can help the local stalls by purchasing some refreshing juices or savoury snacks to fuel your island adventure. You can rent a bicycle cart for two and embark on your own adventure on the well-paved roads as well. The San Shan Islands present a charming alternative to the regular sightseeing options in the city, and it is definitely worth a visit. 

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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Stones You Never Knew Existed

Bangkok, the most popular and developed city of Thailand, is the capital of the country and one of the most famous tourist destinations in Southeast Asia. Home to over eight million citizens of Thailand, this bustling city and its unique culture are indeed rather extraordinary, thus attracting tourists from all over the globe. Bangkok’s diverse society, lively commercial street, cultural attractions, and thriving nightlife are some of its major highlights.

A rather strange, yet uniquely iconic, landmark of Bangkok is the Rare Stone Museum. Like its name suggests, this museum is dedicated to showcasing some of the most amazingly shaped and rare rocks and stones of the earth, as has been regarded as a rather intriguing experience. The museum houses a collection of over 100,000 unique stones and other artefacts, thus ensuring that you will have loads to see at the museum.

The Rare Stone Museum is located in the Pathum Thani Province and was established by Banyong Lertnimitr. The entire collection of the museum is privately owned by Lertnimitr who has acquired these unique stones and artefacts over the years. The museum was established in 1999, and ever since has been one of the most unique and fascinating museums in Bangkok. One can witness a large variety of various rocks and stones of different minerals, colours, shapes, and sizes, that are sure to leave you amazed that such stones even existed! One of the highlights of the museum is a rather interesting black rock that resembles two penguins kissing. Although the museum is predominantly dedicated to stones, one can also witness a range of other interesting artefacts such as old but stylish ashtrays, cigarette lighters, and other miniature objects considered to be of good luck in Thai culture. This museum is truly one of the most different yet spectacular landmarks of Bangkok, and therefore a visit to it is definitely warranted.

Overlooking the sparkling Chao Phraya River is the Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort and Spa, one of the most reputed 5 Star hotels in Bangkok. Boasting the high standards and traditions of the Anantara group of luxury hotels and resorts, this Bangkok resort offers tranquil accommodation in a range of plush rooms and suites. The tranquilly of this resort is further complemented by the luxury facilities provided by the resort, which include the Anantara Spa, a host of exquisite restaurants, and many wellness and leisure services.

Bangkok Klongs

A lively and thriving cosmopolitan city, Bangkok is a stellar Southeast Asian locale that expertly caters to both leisure visits and corporate trips. Visitors to this splendid experiential haven should treat themselves to one of fine 5 star hotels in Bangkok especially one offering a stellar Bangkok resort experience for travellers seeking a welcome getaway in the tropics. You will find luxury interiors on the waters at the Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort & Spa which will make for an unforgettable stay. If you want an adventure that is off the beaten track and on the waters of Bangkok’s rivers, explore the offerings of Bangkok’s unique klongs. Other than making you giggle, the name is synonymous with floating markets and numerous tourist attractions set into the banks of Bangkok’s main rivers, as “klong” translates to “canal”.

Bangkok’s history has it crisscrossed with a variety of different klongs that has earned it the nickname Venice of the East”. The canals played an important role in Bangkok’s infrastructure as it was a point of commerce through the floating markets, and they were also used as transport routes. Modern-day Bangkok has seen these fascinating and iconic waterways filled up to make way for roads, but the city’s Thonburi district still retains its older klongs. Central Bangkok sees the Klong Saen Baeb, which is a major transportation route due to the city’s immense road congestion. Modern floating markets are mainly tourist attractions, and the most famous is the Damnoen Saduak market occurring every day until noon. So make sure you experience a part of this iconic feature of the Bangkok landscape.

Nha Trang

Vietnam is a great place to explore for the traveller who wants to see Asia. There are many popular locations to go to and well known cities that many tourists travel to. Nha Trang is one of them. It is the capital of Khanh Hoa province and located by the coast. Thus, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country. On the north it is bounded by Ninh Hoà district, on the south by Cam Ranh town, on the east by the South China Sea and on the west by Diên Khánh district.

The main attraction here are the beaches, and the mild mid temperature that lasts though out the year makes it a perfect place to go in the East for a beach holiday. Catering to the travellers who come here from around the world, there are a number of hotels and resorts, shopping areas, tourist attractions, eater parks and amusements parks established not only in the main land but also in the islands that are situated close by. The area is also well known as it is a stopover for the yacht races that take place every year. What’s more is that there have also been several cruise ships stopping by in this city.

For the tourist wondering what to do in Nha Trang, there are a diversity of things to do, go and see. With many islands located close by, it is possible to spend a day hopping from island to the other and seeing their unique beauty and make friends with the locals. There are also water sports such as snorkelling, diving, jet skiing, swimming the much more to do here.

Down Cho Dam Market there is even a tourist information centre which will provide holiday makers ample information on what to see and do in this place. If one wishes to enjoy a traditional Vietnamese dish of dinner or lunch there are great places serving amazing local food. One of the things that one must try out here is the bird’s nest soup, which is considered to be the best in the region. The traveller can explore this while staying at a Vietnam hotel or a resort in Mui Ne such as Anantara Mui Ne Resort & Spa.

Places to see in Hoi An

Hoi An is a charming little enclave of culture and history, nestled in Vietnam’s south central coast. Here you will encounter ample smiles, iconic history, and fun shopping for a delightful experience of Vietnamese culture. Hoi An accommodation options won’t leave you wanting for quality and visitors should sample a luxury Hoi An hotel in the region, one of which comes in the form of the Anantara Hoi An Resort. This elite riverfront property features luxury that expertly blends tradition with modernity for a world-class hospitality experience. Explore Hoi An’s world of eclectic attractions, which range from historically impressive to locally interesting. Hoi An’s old town is a UNESCO World heritage Site, as it is one of the best preserved examples of a Southeast Asian port of trading spanning the 15th-19 centuries. The site is best experienced via walking, and visitors will get the chance to witness the beautiful 18th century Japanese Covered Bridge, a splendid example of Japanese architecture, and the impressive Quan Kong temple, built in the early 17th century to honour a famous general of the Chin Dynasty. Shopaholics will be overwhelmed by the sheer choices of cheap shopping available in the city, especially concentrated in the areas of Hai Ba Trung, Phan Chu Trinh and Hoang Dieu.

But don’t be tempted to lavish all your spending money on one place; ignore the frantic pressure to buy and keep walking; you’ll find better alternatives elsewhere. Try and buy a unique item from each shop; a pair of pants from one, a skirt from another, for variety. You’ll also delight in the treasure houses filled with unique handmade pottery, jewellery, furniture, quilts, embroidered sheets, the list goes on. One intriguing option is Hoa Nhap Handicrafts, which employs local and disabled craftsmen and women who create some beautiful pieces. Hoi An is truly a unique locale home to an eclectic array of experiences that beg exploration.

Orana Wildlife Park

A mere 10 minutes drive from Christchurch Airport, the Orana Wildlife Park is New Zealand’s only open range zoo that serves as an idyllic destination for locals and tourists to meet some of the country’s most fascinating and talked about species of wildlife. Founded in the year 1976 and managed by the Orana Wildlife Trust, ‘Orana’ which is the Maori word for ‘welcome’ covers an impressive 80 hectares of thick vegetation that affords its inhabitants an environment that resembles their natural habitat. Crowds are known to flock to its premises to catch a glimpse of the country’s national bird which is the kiwi along with other species of birds and reptiles.

Those on holiday in Christchurch would do well to schedule a trip to Orana Wildlife Park which is home to over 400 mammals from 70 varied species. A feature of the area is that it consists of banks, streams and moats that act as barriers for those wanting to see these animals in a natural way. The animals found here originate from New Zealand itself while the rest represent the Americas, Africa, Asia and Australia. Ideal for a day out with the family, the park will leave kids in awe while offering adults valuable information on some of the world’s most treasured and sought after animals.

For the ultimate wildlife adventure explore Orana’s behind the scene tours that will take you up close with a range of predators that roam separate sections of this enchanting landscape. Hop on board a special vehicle that will lead you to the premises of the ‘King of the Jungle’. Witness these majestic creatures feeding as part of the park’s ‘Lion Encounter’. Why stop there? Select the ‘Meet a Cheetah’ tour where you can marvel at the fastest land carnivore; the cheetah. You are also offered the luxury of feeding the park’s Sumatran tigers and journeying onto the Black & White Lemur Island where you can offer each playful little lemur their afternoon tea. In terms of an educational centre, the Zoo School provides students with interactive learning sessions administered by its on-site teachers.

Searching for the perfect place to stay? Then choose from a luxurious selection of New Zealand hotels of which Millennium & Copthorne Hotels NZ would be ideal. Pamper yourself in the warmth of these Dunedin hotels before heading over for a once in a lifetime adventure at New Zealand’s very own Orana Wildlife Park.

 

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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Ride on a Seabob Cayago Water Rocket

The Maldives has gained fame as one of the most sought-after honeymoon locations in the world; its crystal-clear waters and warm island ambiance affords new couples an intimate opportunity to commemorate a new chapter of their lives together. The Velassaru Maldives presents the ideal choice of a Maldives resort to cater to a honeymoon getaway or simply a welcome vacation. If you’re seeking a singular Maldives island hotel that pampers its guests with stellar service, and exquisite dining and entertainment options, the Velassaru Maldives is it. Amongst the many beach activities you can enjoy here, take an exciting ride on a Seabob Cayago Water Rocket. Presenting underwater adventurer with the ideal power tool for scouring the deep, the Seabob is the latest trend in underwater exploration. Although saddled with a hefty price tag of USD 14,000, the hotel will provide you with these fascinating gadgets that come with an impressive battery life of four hours for optimal deep-sea browsing times.

The Seabob can also be used to gain a dolphin’s eye view of the sea as you zip along the surface of the waves in this unique little invention. The impressive price tag is courtesy of the fact that this is a relatively new technology, primarily in use by the US Navy Seals on missions as well as tourists such as yourself who can experience all the fun without footing the bill. One of the most intriguing features of the Seabob is the fact that it’s completely silent, which means you’ll be able to get up close and personal with the vibrant and intriguing marine life without scaring all of them away. A truly unique mode of exploration, try out the Seabob to experience a new dimension of underwater viewing.