Surfing

A Solo Traveller’s Guide to Bintan Indonesia

Bintan Island is a hidden gem located in the Riau Islands Province of Indonesia. With its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush forests, it’s an ideal destination for solo travellers seeking adventure and relaxation. Here’s a guide to help you make the most of your solo visit to Bintan Island.

Exploring Bintan Island

Bintan Island is home to numerous attractions, including the Pasar Oleh Oleh Bintan market where you can buy souvenirs and the Bintan Mangrove Discovery Tour where you can explore the island’s mangrove forests by boat. In addition to these, the island also boasts several historical sites like the Banyan Tree Temple and the Trikora Beach War Memorial.

Getting Around Bintan Island

There are several ways to get around Bintan Island, including renting a car, hiring a taxi, or taking a shuttle bus. For those who prefer a more adventurous mode of transportation, renting a motorbike or bicycle is also an option. Additionally, some resorts offer transportation services to and from the ferry terminal, making it easy for travellers to get to their accommodation.

Outdoor Activities

Bintan Island is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can go hiking, biking, or kayaking through the island’s lush forests and rugged terrain. The island’s beaches are also perfect for water sports like surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and jet skiing. For a more relaxing activity, visitors can try fishing, yoga, or meditation.

Food and Nightlife

Seafoods in Bintan – Photo by Jerry Shen on Unsplash

The Island is known for its delicious seafood, which is a must-try for visitors during their stay at any Bintan Island resort the likes of The Residence Bintan. The island has many restaurants serving fresh seafood dishes, including grilled fish, prawns, and squid. After a day of exploring the island, solo travellers can head to one of the island’s bars to unwind and socialize with other travellers for a more relaxing time.

Discover the Wonder of Sri Lanka’s Wild Side: Embark on Unforgettable Outdoor Adventures!

Sri Lanka is a lush island brimming with astoundingly diverse natural, heritage, and experiential endowments, and there’s no shortage of spine-tingling adventures to be savoured.

Jeep Safari in Yala National Park | img by Hanavihash via wikipedia commons (CC BY-SA) 4.0)

Wild Safaris

Whether it’s the lush forests, glistening plains, and windswept ocean vistas of Yala National Park, where you can snatch thrilling glimpses of leopards, fishing cats, sloth bears, crocodiles, and peacocks, or the dreamy sanctuary of Udawalawe with its gently gigantic elephant herds and kaleidoscopic community of bird species, Sri Lanka’s jaunty wildlife-rich jeep safaris are always eye-opening and exhilarating.

Aquatic Antics

From taking on the surf-perfect swells, spinning across the jewel-toned ocean in a banana boat, or peaceful sunset kayaking at Bentota to kitesurfing over blue-green lagoons and racing 4WDs across the mesmerising coastal dunes of Kalpitiya beach, you can do loads more than sunbathe and sip fruity drinks at Sri Lanka’s balmy wavefronts!

Whale Watching

Dramatically beautiful Mirissa, with its palm tree precipice, secret beach, and jungle-clad panoramas, is also Sri Lanka’s Whale Watching Capital; you can set sail into the deep blue and get up close and personal with majestically graceful blue, sperm, Bryde’s, and humpback whales, as well as enjoy the playful trajectory of the native dolphins. If you’re looking for epic places to visit in Sri Lanka, make sure that you go through travel blogs such as Truly Sri Lanka.

Highland Escapades

Whether it’s the legendary Flying Ravana zip lining rush, chasing Instagram-worthy waterfalls, scenic mountain biking, hiking panoramic peaks, or the world-famous Kandy to Ella train ride affording arresting views of undulating hills and tea-steeped valleys, Sri Lankan uplands hide plenty of thrills underneath the rustic glamour.

Best Adventure Sports in Qatar – For that much needed adrenaline pump

Doha is an interesting place to visit offering stunning attractions that will make all leisure travellers from around the world to stay in this wonderful city. Here are a few exciting sports to try out.

Image via Al Najada Doha Hotel by Tivoli

Desert Safari

You’ll miss a major part of your Qatar trip if you don’t go on a desert safari tour. The best time to enjoy the thrills and spills of a desert safari is in the evening since during the daytime it’s quite difficult with the scorching heat. Feel thrilling moments of a dune bashing session as you go by a 4×4 land cruiser. You’ll say ‘Do more!’

A game of golf

You might have known Qatar for its epitome of modern living and vibrant culture but now it comes as an appealing destination for the most discerning of golfers. Want to discover its incredible golf courses? Savour your stay with a host of social events, numerous leisure activities and dining options. If you are in search of one of the many best hotels in Doha close to the famous Doha Golf Club, try out an option such as Al Najada Doha Hotel by Tivoli which is located 25 minutes away from the club.

Watersports

You’ll find no better place to try out some coastal adventures other than Oman’s huge coastline. There are many environmentally friendly beaches where one can try out diving, jet skiing, snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddle boating and sailing.

Beach fun

If you are not fond of any of these water sports activities, you can simply choose a deserted beach like Bimmah Beach to have a fantastic camping adventure. Have you ever heard of ‘Norway of Arabia’? Excited to know and explore it during your holiday? It is worth a visit!

Discover Malaysia’s Hidden Surfers’ Paradise – All About Desaru Coast

Desaru Coast is where the sun always shines, and the waves are magnificent. From October to March, Desaru becomes crowded with surfers from across the world. To put it in other words, it’s a surfers’ paradise. Get to know a little bit more about this gorgeous landscape.

Image via Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas

Local Attractions

Desaru Coast has the most spectacular sunsets, while Tanjung Balua Beach close to the Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas is known to be a more bustling beach with fun-loving people. There are many Desaru attractions around, such as the adventure waterpark and the fruit farm which are also worth visiting.

Learning How to Surf

You can find certified surf instructors who will provide you with private surf lessons in Wild Boar Bay. The smooth, 3-foot waves are easy to tread for beginners, and the experience is exhilarating. You will stumble upon many enthusiastic surfers from the local surf community. The Adventure Waterpark in Desaru Coast features a surf wall too, and it is a famous giant wave pool.

Natural Spoils

Wild Boar Bay which is only a 10-minute walk from your Anantara Villa has the most mesmerising views and natural spoils. You can surf, paddle, or indulge in a wholesome picnic with gourmet cheese and rich desserts after spending some time on the water. Take a walk down the beach on a peaceful evening to cherish the blissful moments.

Must-Try Adventure Activities in Maldives

If you’re looking to add some adventure to your getaway of beachside bliss in the Maldives, here are some activities that will add some exhilaration to your holiday.

benjamin-l-jones-XGygXrXUSGM-unsplash | Image by Benjamin L. Jones via Unsplash

Snorkelling

This water sport is one that the whole family can try and with the waters surrounding the islands home to thriving coral and marine life, you can look forward to many fascinating discoveries. For something truly memorable, stay at properties like Amilla Maldives Resort and Residences and go snorkelling amidst manta rays and whale sharks at Hanifaru Bay in the Baa Atoll during the season! You also get night snorkelling that offers a whole new perspective of life beneath the waves.

Scuba Diving

There are more marine marvels to encounter deeper underwater which is why scuba diving is amongst the best things to do in Maldives for adventure seekers. Stay at a resort that not only offers the needed PADI certification and training but access to key sites in the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. On your exploration, apart from vibrant coral, you can encounter butterflyfish, manta rays, eagle rays, nurse sharks, squirrelfish, stingrays, moray eels, turtles and more.

Dolphin Watching

Back above the waves, you can embark on a captivating dolphin-watching cruise at sunset. This time of the day makes excursions even more special as the skies radiate with colour as the sun slips below the horizon; best of all, is the chance to see dolphins swimming freely in their natural habitat without a care in the world. Amongst the memorable encounters, you can look forward to, is spotting playful spinner dolphins spinning or even leaping above the ocean waters!

Fishing

Those who love to fish are in for a treat since there are various activities to try including big game fishing; you get a chance to reel-in sought-after species like barracuda, sailfish, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, and barracuda. If you’re looking to experience something different, you can head off on a traditional sunrise fishing excursion to catch emperor fish or jackfish. Alternatively, you also get sunset fishing using the traditional Maldivian handline technique.

Surfing in Unawatuna

Those who come to Sri Lanka for holidays, never miss out on a trip to Unawatuna if they are into surfing. Unawatuna surfing is super great for both beginners and intermediates.

Unawatuna

Located in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka, Unawatuna is a coastal destination that’s immensely popular among world travellers. Thanks to properties such as Unawatuna Beach Resort owned by popular hospitality chain ‘Araliya Beach Resort & Spa‘, this beach town is 100% tourist-friendly.

Surf points

Dewata Beach (also known as Clossenburg Beach), Bonavista, Dalawella Reef, and Kabalana are some of the most popular surf spots available in this area. They all offer some decent waves.

What to take for your surfing tour

Unawatuna Beach | Image via Flickr by Iris Liu

Be it vests, shorts, or skinnies, make sure they absorb heat well enough. Do not forget to take good sunscreen with you because Unawatuna can be hotter and sunnier than you think!

Other things to do in Unawatuna

You can surely explore Galle- the ancient colonial city in Sri Lanka during your tour to Unawatuna. If you have enough time, you may also head to explore the Japanese Peace Pagoda and the Jungle Beach.

Try these exciting water sports in Maldives

Home to pristine beaches, the Maldives is the ideal location for water sports enthusiasts too. Here are some of these activities you can try out.

Snorkelling

Snorkelling is a fan favourite and easy to enjoy at resorts like Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives where you can explore the beauty of the Maldivian sea. From a wide variety of fish to colourful corals, snorkelling enables you to have a rewarding underwater escapade and the best thing is, no prior experience is needed.

If you are based at a surf resort in Maldives, you can also look forward to thrilling rides on the waves. Ideally, stay at a property in the North Male Atoll that offers access to key surfing hotspots like Pasta Point and other world-class waves, where from March to October, you can experience the best conditions.

Wakeboarding

Want to glide on water? If yes, wakeboarding is just for you. Step onto your wakeboard, hold onto a line attached to a specially designed boat and ride the waves in style with plenty of speed too! If you are into extreme water sports, consider wakeboarding to have an exhilarating time.

Kayaking

This is a fantastic way to enjoy the tranquillity of the surrounding ocean. Kayaking allows you to view the coastline from a different perspective — all you need are a kayak and a double-bladed oar. Considered a top water sports activity in the Maldives, kayaking is not only peaceful but also provides a good cardio workout.

Jet-Skiing

If you want to take part in an electrifying adventure, consider jet-skiing. Get on a powerful jet-propelled watercraft and glide across the sea at high speed! Ideal for adrenaline junkies, jet-skiing is considered an energetic activity to engage in – alone or with a partner.

Banana Boating

Banana boating is a fun activity you can take part in with a group of friends or your family. For people who seek excitement and entertainment, this is a must-do activity in the Maldives. As the name suggests, the banana-shaped and often yellow-coloured boat / water sled can accommodate up to 10 people and is speedily pulled by a speedboat through the foamy blue waters.

Best Adventure Activities in the Maldives That Challenge the Daredevil in You

Adventurers heading to the Maldives may be surprised to find the sheer variety of thrilling activities on offer. Here’s a rundown of some of the country’s top activities for active visitors.

Catamaran Sailing

Although there are a great many sailing adventures accessible to visitors based at Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives or any similar Maldives beach hotels, none are quite as exciting as catamaran sailing. Offering one the chance to sail across the azure blue waters of the archipelago on board a vessel that is not as easy to navigate as a modern-day yacht can prove to be the experience of a lifetime for those who dare.

Parasailing

Those who wish to take to the skies and catch a glimpse of paradise from a unique vantage point should sign up for a parasailing tour of the coast. Available through a plethora of local tour operators and resorts, the thrill of being suspended above the waves is a feeling that is difficult to describe and replicate outside a beach paradise such as the Maldives.

Scuba Diving

Often listed among the best scuba diving hubs on the planet, no trip to the Maldives would be complete without travelling through the underwater caves, channels and shipwrecks that litter the seafloor of the archipelago. From HP Reef to Banana Reef and Manta Point, the large number of excellent dive sites makes this water sports activity a true adventure. The best time to visit the Maldives for a diving holiday is from December to March.

Kitesurfing

The idyllic lagoons of the Maldives are perfect for kitesurfing excursions for both seasoned surfers and novices.

5 Informative Facts That You Must Know About the Maldives

The Maldives is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world, particularly among honeymooners. The island nation boasts a rich history, delicious cuisine, and a range of exciting activities.

The Maldives Is Located Close to the Equator

The Maldives is located quite close to the equator. And this means that sun rays will shine almost directly on you while you’re relaxing at your Maldives resort. So, make sure to bring plenty of sunscreen to protect your skin!

The Maldives Was Initially a Buddhist Nation

The Maldives was only converted to Islam in 1153 A.D. and today it stands as a proud Muslim nation. So, make sure that you leave any other religious texts, pork products, and alcoholic beverages at home when you’re about to head towards Kurumba Maldives or any other resort in the country for a splendid tropical vacation.

The Maldives Boasts Over 1000 Islands

The Maldives is formed out of 1,192 coral islands that are grouped in 26 atolls. These are peppered over the Indian Ocean over an area of roughly 90,000 square kilometres.

The Maldives’ Sand Is Smooth as Can Be

Usually, the beaches are made of sands that are made from quartz. However, the Maldives’ beaches contain sands that are extremely fine as they are coralline in origin. Coralline beaches are quite rare and represent less than five percent of the world’s beaches.

Surfing at Seminyak Beach

Those who like to visit Seminyak beach and simply unwind may be missing an element of the experience that is priceless. Taking the time to catch a few waves will go a long way towards helping you have the best experience possible.

Where is Seminyak?

This stunning destination can be found right in the middle of South Bali. It is well worth a visit as it is prepared to meet and the needs and amenities of travellers globally.

Finding the right accommodation

If you are looking for a Seminyak hotel, there are plenty to choose from such as HARRIS Hotel Seminyak Bali that will be able to offer you comfort and closeness to the ocean.

Pick the right time to surf

Surfing is a seasonal activity. This means that when people are travelling, they will need to keep in mind the season by which the surf patterns abide to catch the best wave. Seminyak Beach is a treat because the area tends to offer waves all year round.

Eating and drinking in Seminyak

Food is never going too far from reach when you are relaxing in Seminyak, with this tourist town being filled with sunset bars & eateries.