Category: Miscellaneous Adventures

Laem Son National Park

Laem Son National Park on Thailand’s west coast is noted for having a 100 km coastline, which is the country’s longest protected shoreline. The coastal section of the park extends from the Ao Ang Mountain in the north to Pak Triam Mountain in the south. Among the 315 sq km park’s many facets are beaches, coral reefs, sea grass beds, estuarine mudflats, mangrove forests, rainforests and 20 islets. The dominant type of vegetation, though, comes in the form of mangrove forests. The islets are all clustered along the shore of the park with the furthest being just 12 km away. All the islets are unspoiled and few have any permanent habitation. Above the high water mark of many of the coastal islets are beaches fringed by casuarinas, the dominant tree species along the coast.

It is also home to several species of birds that numbered 138 at the last count, fish, prawns, oysters and 30 types of mammals including the pangolin, tree shrew, crab eating macaques, lesser mouse deer, giant squirrel, banded langur, wild boar, yellow Rajah Rat, bush tailed porcupine, munjak, pig and stump tailed macaques. For bird-lovers, the best time to visit the park is between December and February. In recognition of the importance of its wetlands, the national park became a designated Ramsar Site in 2002.

Among the pristine and isolated beaches on the islets, the most accessible is the beach Hat Bang Ben, a long sandy stretch fringed by casuarinas. It is said to be safe for swimming year round. Several of the islets can be seen from the beach. During low tide some islands just across from Hat Bang Ben can be reached on foot. Most of the islets have forested hills, reefs for swimming and snorkeling, sandy or pebbled beaches and camping grounds. The bigger islets have minuscule populations, agricultural land and interesting terrestrial fauna that include wild pigs, horn bills, monkeys and snakes. Across from Hat Bang Beng is Hat Laem Son, which has a deserted beach. Sea turtles lay eggs on Hat Praphat’s casuarinas lined beach. The islets of Piak Nam Lai and Thao are famous for their crab eating long tailed macaques. Accessibility to the park by road is somewhat limited unless a private vehicle or other form of private transportation is hired. However, there are regular boats that run from Saphan Plaa to Ko Phyam pier every two hours during the high tourist season. Long-tail boats can also be hired to access the park and the islets.

In a famed location that has inspired many a movie and song, the Rasananda Koh Phangan Villa Resort & Spa provides its guests with many of the elements that have caught the imagination of visitors to the area. As one of prominent Koh Phangan resorts guests enjoy a range of high quality facilities and amenities, and it is one of the popular Koh Phangan hotels that provide serenity for a truly relaxing holiday.

Explore Bani Yas By Horseback

Sir Bani Yas Island is an island found roughly ten kilometres off the coast of Jebel Dhanna in Abu Dhabi. The island measures about five miles from west to east and about eleven miles from south to north, and is easily the biggest natural island in the country. The large island is home to many interesting attractions and is a delightful place to visit when holidaying in the United Arab Emirates. Although not very large in area, the island features some diverse landscapes that can be fun to explore by horseback.

Those who want to take a horseback tour of the gorgeous island should try Sir Bani Yas Stables. It is the go to place for horses, ponies and experienced riding instructors. The ponies are available for little children and there is a large paddock where kids can get pony rides. Horses are for adults with some riding experience. Those who do not know how to ride a horse need not fret as they also conduct classes here.

Since the island is home to a massive wildlife reserve (which was established in 1971) that spans nearly ninety square kilometres, one is bound to spot many birds, plants and animals during the ride. The island’s ever changing terrain will ensure that equestrians will have an interesting and memorable ride. The activity is perfect for adventure lovers and couples are sure to enjoy taking a sunset horse ride.

As a Middle Eastern country with ample resources the United Arab Emirates has excellent infrastructure and nowhere is the infrastructure better than in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. The largest of the seven emirates that make up the country, it offers tourists plenty of things to do. The emirate has plenty of upscale shopping malls, top notch restaurants and a range of accommodation options.

Tourists planning on vacationing here and are looking for villas in Abu Dhabi, can try the Anantara Al Yamm. The fine spa resort Abu Dhabi is situated on Sir Bani Yas Island and is a tranquil oasis amidst the wildlife reserve. Offering guests an authentic Arab experience, it is the ideal place to stay.

MacRitchie Nature Trail

Nature lovers are in for an unforgettable treat when they visit MacRitchie Nature Trail which is surrounded by lush vegetation and lined with old rubber trees. Make a Singapore hotel reservation at a well known Singapore city centre hotel such as Copthorne King’s Hotel Singapore to enjoy easy access to a plethora of attractions including the MacRitchie Nature Trail itself. Dating back to 1867 this reservoir is complete with walking trails and boardwalks stretching through the forest. MacRitchie’s two highest points; Bukit Kalang and Bukit Peirce are connected by an aerial free standing suspension bridge. What makes MacRitchie Nature Trail ideal for a leisurely stroll is not only its tranquil natural surroundings but also its close proximity to places of interest such as Singapore Island Country Club.

 

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Mutianyu Great Wall

Located in the historic Huairou County, the Mutianyu Great Wall winds its way over 1.4 miles through grassy green mountains and scenic high ridges enabling spectacular views for all those who cross this path. Somerset Grand Fortune Garden Beijing is a preferred luxury apartment in Beijing in which one can seek accommodation when visiting this grand structure as these serviced apartments Beijing are known to pamper its guests with first class amenities and comforts throughout the years. first built in Northern Qi Dynasty, the Mutianyu Great Wall was later on further strengthened in the Ming Dynasty, Tan Lun and Qi Jiguang with the aim of guarding a strategic pass against enemy forces. Measuring at 23 to 26 feet high and four to five yards wide, this magnificent structure practically indestructible because of its unique design is partly made from granite.  With 22 watch towers distributed at close intervals along the wall, the Mutianyu Great Wall is indeed a monument worth visiting at least once in their lifetime.

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Calliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered. Google+

Wild Elephants Valley

Elephants are animals that are capable to capture the attention of both adults and children at the same time. These massive mammals have faces the threat of extinction. Hence, people in various countries have taken measures to protect these majestic beasts. As a result, many wild life parks have erupted around the world dedicated to elephants. Asian countries like Sri Lanka, Thailand, and China are some of the places where elephants can still be found. Especially in Asian countries, these majestic creatures have a cultural importance as well. For example, for the Dai people, one of the ethnic groups that live in Xishuangbanna, China, these mammals are a symbol of good luck, longevity and might.


As a result of this cultural importance and the fact that these beasts are moving towards extinction, the Wild Elephants Valley, also known as Yexiang gu, is created for their protection. Elephants can be seen wondering freely and frequently in this area. The city Xishuangbanna is known as the “Kingdom of Elephants”; around three hundred of these kinds can be found in the area. This park has become a major attraction and a major source of income to the residents. Equally attracting locals and foreigners, this valley amazes all that who set foot in it.
If you want to get a good glimpse of these majestic and massive mammals, the best time to visit is during dawn or dusk. Special viewing platforms have been created for the convenience and the safety of the viewers. There would be rivers and streams flowing through the forest adding beauty to the surroundings. The sound of water trickling and the soft chirping of the words would be signs of tranquility that one would experience in this location. Enjoy the lush greenery that spreads through 369 hectares apart from enjoying and observing the day-to-day activities of the huge elephants that have made this park their home. There would be a special trained elephant show in order to entertain the kids especially.


After spending some good time within the boundaries of the Wild Elephants Valley, retreat to a Hotel in Yunnan of your choice. This Hotel Yunnan, the Anantara Xishuangbanna Resort & Spa is considered one of the best hotels that would be able to provide a complete holiday to any guest. The many facilities that are offered and the spacious and cozy rooms would add more value to your trip in Xishuangbanna.

 

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+

Thu Bon River

The Thu Bon River is a gorgeous river that flows through Hoi An in Vietnam. Located in Central Vietnam, it flows northwest through several villages creating a picturesque view as it forms the border between Suy Xuyen and Dai Loc. The valley of Thu Bon has been the center of the Champa culture that existed in Vietnam from 700 BC.


Boat rides on this river are a famous excursion among the locals as well as tourists. The traditional way across the river is on board the local boats referred to as Sampan. There is however several better maintained tourist boats that function on the river. Most boats are steered by women. Tourists love the experience of local culture and lifestyle while these boats pass through rural villages and communities who live mostly off fishing, in little fishing huts on the banks of the river.
The time of sunset is a beautiful time to take a tour aboard a Sampan. Especially before 7 o’clock in the morning and after 16.30 in the evening, are good times to catch a great glimpse of the far stretching river and life around it. The full moon festival is a celebration that sees the area come alive with good cheer and festivities, although there is a fare hike during these days, one that’s incomparable to the once in a life time experience of this beautiful festival.


Most locals only speak Vietnamese, so you might feel a bit lost. However you will be amazed at what a long way, eye contact and hand gestures could go here. Negotiate with the Sampan women and you will even get a longer ride than usual and cover more ground or should we say river, than usual.
While you discover the interesting culture surrounding the river Thu Bon and the fascinating river itself, stay at a Luxury Hotel Vietnam that will truly add to your experience of Vietnam. A Hoi An Spa Resort that truly believes in pampering its guests is the Anantara Hoi An Resort. This gorgeous hotel, offers a truly authentic experience within a luxury ambience, while it extends its hospitality to cater to every holidaymakers need.

 

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+

Khao Nang Phanthurat Forest Park

The Khao Nang Phanthurat Forest Park is paradise for the nature lover. With captivating scenery and an array of chirping birds providing the perfect backdrop, the Khao Nang Phanthurat Forest Park makes the perfect niche for relaxation.

The Khao Nang Phanthurat has the best of all sorts of natural wonders. The area in its entirety is covered by cave-ridden limestone hills and thick forested greenery. Inside the park, you can find an interesting walking trail that stretches up to 3km. This trail takes you through some of the most gorgeous scenery that is adorned by an array of beautiful flora and fauna and plenty of natural rock formations.

Surrounding the park beauty already dawns, for the trip to the park is more like a prologue for what you find in the park. The many limestone quarries that you will meet on the way leading to the mountains are very artistic and are quite fascinating to look at.

The Khao Nang Phanthurat Forest Park has two important mountains called Khao Chomprasart and Khao Chaolai. These are situated between 60-372 meters above sea level. The mountain has a unique shape that is noticed by everyone visiting the park. Both the mountains together resemble a great giant lying on her side. It really comes as no surprise that the park was named Nang Phanthurat because in Thai Folklore this is the name of a famous female giant.

Every where you turn, the park is adorned by ever green forests and mixed deciduous forest. Year round the park enjoys a healthy green landscape and is home to an array of different species that includes plants, animals and birds. The park with its soothing ambience makes an excellent location for a picnic or a jog.

When it comes to staying in one of the Hua Hin hotels, the beach hotels Hua Hin Thailand has are a popular choice. There is something so serene about the Thai beaches that it actually reflects the ambience you will experience at the Khao Nang Phanthurat Forest Park. For the best of all the beach hotels, stay at the exoticAnantara Hua Hin Thailand Resort .

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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Pidurangala Rock

It is doubtful whether any other dry zone in the world possesses this many memories, temples and popular tourist sites; the area of Sigirya in Sri Lanka, where the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, which is often referred to as the eighth wonder of the world, is a well patronized tourist destination. The rock fortress claimed global recognition through its murals, inscriptions, gardens, irrigation system and the lion formations at the entrance.

The historical narrations reveal that the Sigiriya rampart and the adjoining rock, Pidurangala, were both inhabited by Buddhist monks who engaged in meditation during the era that King Kashyapa wished to make Sigiriya his royal house. The chronicles further divulge that King Kashyapa completed the Pidurangala Monastery Complex according to the ‘Panchavansa’ concept, where a bo tree, a chapter house, an image house, a meditation chamber and a dagoba are included within the temple premises. The monks who resided on the Sigiriya Rock were given lodging at the Pidurangala Rock and the monastery was the king’s royal temple.

The mound with a slightly stubby surface is visible from the road that takes you to Sigiriya, but after the glamour and wonders that the latter affords, the environment itself seems to dull into oblivion. The monastery which is spread over an area of 13 acres would have been an ideal abode for meditating monks as it offers ample solitude and silence. This remains true to date and since there is no influx of tourists, the incumbent monks are able to engage in religious activities with ease. It is easy to get lost in thought at this site and imagine life lived in another day and age, in the silence and sacredness of this site.
Only those who are well informed visit the Pidurangala Rock, even while they holiday ever so close to it at a hotel in Sigiriya. Inform your tour guide that you are well aware of the overshadowed treasure that sits a whisker away from hotels Sigiriya has to offer and insist on a tour of it. With the daunting view of the world renowned rock garrison, Hotel Sigiriya, is one of the top favourites among those visiting the area.

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+

Yala Safari

The Yala National Park is a major national park in Sri Lanka. Spanning an area of almost one thousand square kilometres, it is the second biggest national park in the country and is the most widely visited. No trip to the tropical island can be considered complete without a visit to Yala; after all, the park is home to some of the country’s best loved and most elusive animals. It was established in 1900 as a wildlife sanctuary and was only designated as a national park in 1938. Although the park is made up of five blocks, only two of them are open to the public.

Yala boasts a rich biodiversity and is home to numerous animals. This includes elephants and leopards, the two icons of Sri Lankan wildlife. The park’s leopard population is huge and although the animal is notoriously shy, leopard sightings are a common occurrence. In total, it is home to about forty four mammalian species including sloth bears, wild water buffalos, civets and macaques. Reptilian species are numbered at forty five although the number could be much higher. Of these five species, the Sri Lankan krait and the Wiegmann’s Agama, are endemic.

However, it is the avian populace that makes this a truly memorable place. Yala is home to over two hundred types of birds of which six are endemic. Tourists who want to experience the island’s natural bounty will definitely have to take a trip down to Yala. The exotic and lively inhabitants are sure to make any visit here one to remember.

Although small in size, the tropical island contains many attractions and the best way to visit them all is by using Sri Lanka tour packages. Taking such tours will eliminate all the hassles of planning and travel so that tourists can have a fun, stress free vacation. Shanti Travel Sri Lanka offer holiday packages Sri Lanka that covers all the major attractions. They show a side of the island that only locals get to enjoy and is the ideal option for foreigners who want a taste of the real Sri Lanka and its enchanting cultural, historical and natural heritage.

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+

Banana Reef, Maldives -The Perfect Getaway

Maldives is undoubtedly one of the most breathtaking destinations in the world which offers a myriad of choices with holidaying, diverse cuisine, all year sunshine, amazing resorts, spas and many more. Maldives is also famed as an underwater delight among travelers for its mesmerizing coral growths. With panoramic views of the mystic ocean, Maldives ensures to present you memories of a lifetime.

If you are looking for a fantastic dive and snorkel in lagoons, then the banana reef in Maldives is the ideal location for you. Banana reef which inherits the name due to its unusual shape is the first dive site to be discovered in Maldives and is still one of the best among tourists. The dive can be from 5 meters to 30 meters if you are up for it, with many more mesmerizing traits including a pinnacle and some overhangs. This abundant and vibrant coral garden attracts an extensive variety of fish including squirrelfish, bannerfish and oriental sweetlips .Adorned by magical lagoons and pristine crystal shores, banana reef of Maldives is a divine paradise island with an abundance of luxurious amenities with a wide range of hotels around the banana reef.

That is not all that the banana reef of Maldives offer. You could experience the reef’s drop off, deep gutters, steep overhangs, underwater tunnels and caves and if you are in luck you could catch a glimpse of various exotic fish including sharks, barracudas and grey reef sharks.

The waters of Maldives offer an array of activities like underwater adventures, personal boating activities, riding the waves and many more. A diving safari is ideal to explore the stunning reefs with lots of soft corals, small canyons and overhangs giving you a unique experience or else you could simply snorkel leisurely on the edge of the lagoon while deep dives are offered too!

The banana reef of Maldives offers you an ideal holiday experience where you can dine and pamper yourself to no end. If you are looking for accommodation in Maldives, do not forget to try Anantara Dhigu Maldives and make your stay here one of your cherished holidays. With endless choices from adventure to relaxing on a powdery white sandy beach, this Maldives resort would provide anything you prefer to make your visit just that much better.

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Calliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered. Google+