Melbourne Skydeck and The Edge Experience

The Melbourne Skydeck is found in the Riverside Quay and is a viewpoint like no other, offering visitors a 360-degree view of the stunning city skyline.

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Some facts about the Melbourne Skydeck

Since its opening, the Melbourne Skydeck has seen close to six million people passing through its doors. If you are staying at any of the apartments on Elizabeth Street such as the Somerset on Elizabeth Melbourne it is well worth taking a trip to take in the views.

The Vertigo Experience

While the name implies a horrifying experience, there is no real danger involved. It is a great opportunity to stand in front of a green screen and take a photo that looks almost as if you are falling off the building.

Visiting the Melbourne Skydeck

The attraction is open every day from 10 am to 10 pm so be sure to visit to catch a stunning sunset or take in the view as the city of Melbourne prepares for the night shift.

The Edge Experience

This is an activity that places you in a glass cube that sticks out from the side of the building and really puts you on the edge of your seat.

Unforgettable Scuba Diving in Bali

While Bali offers plenty of fun on the beach, don’t forget there’s much to discover beneath the waves too! Here’s more on scuba diving in this enchanting destination.

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Dive Centres

Beginners or those looking to get an additional certification will find plenty of dive centres on the island; choose one that offers PADI and / or SSI training and certification. Ideally, be based by the coast with options including a hotel near Ngurah Rai Airport for travel enthusiasts like HARRIS Hotel Kuta Tuban Bali.

Best Time to Go

Scuba diving in Bali can be experienced year-round though generally, May to September, the dry season, is considered the best time; you can still enjoy this activity at other times when it doesn’t rain, while destinations like Pemuteran and Menjangan Island are popular places to visit the whole year through.

What to Expect

There’s plenty to encounter on your underwater adventures be it thriving coral reefs, fascinating marine species or even intriguing shipwrecks. Apart from a myriad of colourful tropical fish, you may also come across larger denizens of the deep including manta rays, sea turtles, various species of sharks and the elusive mola-mola or sunfish.

Diving Hotspots

There are diverse dive sites in Bali, each with something different to offer. On the east coast are popular spots at Tulamben and Amed where you will find shipwrecks, some dating to World War Two. Menjangan Island and Pemuteran on the north coast are also well-known for diving as are Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan.

Encounter Dolphins at Kiluan Bay in Lampung

A memorable experience awaits those going dolphin watching at Kiluan Bay in Lampung, Indonesia, where you can watch these marine mammals swimming wild and free.

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Planning a Trip

Kiluan Bay is in the Lampung Province on the island of Sumatra’s southern tip. For accommodation in Lampung, hotel options catering to budget travellers including families can be found at properties like POP! Hotel Tanjung Karang Lampung in Bandar. The bay is around 80 km away and is a three to four-hour drive.

The Excursion

There are boat operators at Kiluan Bay offering dolphin watching excursions on various types of boats with varying capacities ranging from four to eight passengers. Dolphins are best spotted in the mornings between 6:00am and 10:00am, though you may see them again in the evenings from 4:00pm to 5:00pm.

A Marvellous Sight

This bay is on the migration route of dolphins which makes it an ideal spot to observe pods of these playful denizens of the ocean only after around a 20-minute journey off the coast. Spinner dolphins and common bottlenose dolphins are the two species widely spotted swimming wild and free amidst the waves.

Other Experiences

Kiluan Bay is best visited from April to September and the peak time for dolphin watching is usually from June to July. There are plenty more things to do here as well including snorkelling or fishing in the bay and if you’re lucky, spotting turtles. Within easy reach is Gayau Lagoon, a natural pool that’s worth visiting too.

Night Golfing in Jakarta

There is no better way to spend an evening than to gather with friends on the greens of Jakarta under the city lights and enjoy the city centre golf course.

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More than just a sport

For many people, golf transcends sports and falls into the category of meditation. Alternatively, it can also just be a raucous good time that is perfect for relaxing with friends, family and colleagues.

Beyond the nine to five

The reality is that most people tend to play golf early in the morning to avoid being under the sun during the day. However, for those with day jobs, this is a rare opportunity so night golfing is an ideal alternative.

Pick your club

If you are a backpacker and staying at a hotel in Sudirman such as the HARRIS Suites FX Sudirman Jakarta, then you will find yourself in close vicinity to The Senayan National Golf Club.

There’s always a bite to eat

Always close at hand are various eateries that can provide a hearty meal for a hungry golfer!

Exploring the Ba Vi National Park

For those who love the great outdoors and nature, the Ba Vi National Park in Vietnam offers much to discover and here’s a look at what awaits.

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Planning Your Trip

This site is around 50 km from Hanoi; serviced apartment options near the CBD like Somerset Hoa Binh Hanoi make an ideal base for excursions to this attraction, about a 75-minute drive away. The dry season, from November to April, is generally the best time to visit and at the year’s end, many photograph wildflowers here too.

What to Expect

The Ba Vi National Park was once a French hill station and is known for its rich biodiversity, idyllic scenery and cool climate; no surprises it’s a popular place for weekend visits. A rich storehouse of flora including medicinal plants used by the Dao ethnic group, the site also has varied fauna from birdlife to flying squirrels.

The Three Peaks

The park is set amidst Ba Vi Mountain with three peaks of varying heights namely the Dinh Vua, Tan Vien and Ngoc Hoa peaks. They form a crest which at its tallest point is often shrouded in clouds adding to its enchantment. Not to be missed is a hike to the summit to visit the Ho Chi Minh Temple and take in the stunning vistas.

Other Highlights

There are lots of trails for hiking and trekking through forests or up mountain slopes where you will find sacred temples, an ancient pagoda, tranquil streams and hidden waterfalls. An ancient French church, a scenic pine forest, a cactus garden, an orchid garden and the Ngoc Hoa Cave are some of the other sites of interest here.

4 Most Beautiful Beaches in Sydney – Relax or Take a Dip in a World of Aquatic Adventures

Beaches in Sydney are frequented by locals and tourists from near and far. These are the places one can visit if ever they crave downtime with plenty of space to relax.

Bondi Beach

Located just a 15-minute drive away from properties like Oaks Sydney Castlereagh Suites via Moore Park Road is Bondi Beach. It is one of the most popular beaches in Australia and one can find a range of trendy cafés, restaurants, and shops here. The views of Bondi Beach are quite pleasing to the eye.

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Bronte Beach

Bronte Beach is yet another scenic escape that you must visit while holidaying at your apartment hotel in Sydney. It’s an easy coastal walk from Bondi Beach and is quite popular among surfers. Swimmers are usually thrilled at the prospect of taking a dip at the famous rock pool at this beach.

Manly Beach

You’ll be spoilt for choice when you’re on the beautiful Manly Beach. Whether it’s surfing on its waves or snorkelling to explore its colourful depths, there’s something for everyone here.

Balmoral Beach

Balmoral Beach is found on the scenic north shore of Sydney. It boasts enclosed swimming areas, which makes it popular among families.

Why Oman is a Beach Holiday Destination – Coast is Calling!

Contrary to what you might expect, Oman is so much more than a sparse and sprawling desert. With over 3000 kilometres of coast, it’s an incredible destination for your next beach holiday! Read on to uncover its best beaches!

Silvio Taverna, Salalah Beach, CC BY-SA 2.0

Salalah Beaches

Head towards the South of Oman for the dreamiest beaches. With stunning white sand, serene waters, and gorgeous cliffs, which hug the tide as it comes in, Salalah is a definite favourite on the beach circuit. Salalah Beach resort options are endless and include the likes of Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara which provides the perfect escape for a date with the sea!

Yiti Beach

If you’re looking for something closer to Muscat, Yiti beach is a wonderful choice. Famous for its tranquillity and stunning landscape. It’s a treat for those city dwellers who want a change of scenery and are craving a dip in the sea! it’s a great choice for swimming, or even camping with friends and family, so come prepared for some fun in the sun.

Al Sifah Beach

This beach is about an hour’s drive from Muscat, towards the eastern coast of Oman. Al Sifah beach is also a very popular choice amongst the locals for its natural beauty and gorgeous stretch of beach. It’s particularly famous for the stunning views of Sifah Mountain and its interesting rock formations, which make it a unique stretch of beach, worth visiting!

Parigi Waterfall in Bekasi

As an attraction most tourists are unaware of, the Parigi Waterfall in Bekasi City is perhaps the area’s best-kept secret in spite of it being compared to a smaller incarnation of Niagara Falls.

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Visiting the Waterfall

Despite its location in the city, the Parigi Waterfall remains a hidden attraction in Indonesia’s Bekasi region. Those based at HARRIS Hotel & Conventions Bekasi or any other Bekasi hotel, however, can book a tour of this charming cascade that’s wide in shape and is thus compared to the iconic Niagara Falls.

Best Time to Visit

It is important to time the tour of the Parigi Waterfall as the locale is best explored during sunny conditions as the water discharge of the cascade can be too dangerous for visitors during the wet season. Photography enthusiasts will find the venue a stunning backdrop for their social media posts and holiday photos as the massive rocks and the wide waterfall is a visually arresting sight.

No Swimming

Although there is a natural pond at the base of the fall, it is not suitable for swimming or bathing due to the murky nature of the water.

Reaching the Falls

Backpackers and travel enthusiasts who are based at the heart of Bandung City will find that the journey to the Parigi Waterfall takes nearly three hours to complete as it is located 138km away from the city. Others may wish to stay over at Bekasi or the nearby Cikiwul Village and visit the falls at their own leisure. Located on the Purbaleunyi Highway, one must venture down Raya Pantura Street to reach the waterfall.

Tegal Wangi Beach in Bali

Named after the temple of the same name nearby, this hidden beach in Jimbaran is one of the best reasons to holiday in Bali. Here’s everything you need to know about this seaside haven.

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Scenic Location

Easily accessible for those based at FOX Hotel Jimbaran Beach Bali or any other Jimbaran hotels in the area, Tegal Wangi Beach can be reached via a paved road that is easy to spot from the main road. The walk from the winding road to the beach is less than 100 metres while those who drive down to the park can always park at the car park devoted to the Pura Tegal Wangi temple.

Major Highlights

Tipped to be a seaside paradise ideal for couples and solo travellers, Tegal Wangi Beach is spectacular at low tide and especially during the hour of sunset. This is why most locals and seasoned visitors head to the beach between 6 pm and 7 pm.

Photo-Ops

Surrounded by shrubs, the area is a popular venue for local wedding photoshoots due to the stunning backdrop the beach transforms into when captured on film. In addition to the photographers and newlyweds taking snaps in their wedding attire, one is unlikely to come across hordes of tourists in this relatively lesser-known beach hub in Jimbaran.

What to Expect

While the beach is ideal for swimming activities, only those with solid swimming skills should attempt to get into the water during low tide as strong undercurrents are a factor one must contend with in areas other than the small rocky pools.

The mesmerising beauty of Zambia’s Victoria Falls – A spectacular view

Mosi-oa-Tunya is what the locals call it. The Victoria Falls in Zambia is indeed a wonderful creation of nature. It’s also one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world.

Image via Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara

The location

Located along the course of the Zambezi River, the Victoria Falls is an attraction visited by many guests who spend their holidays at any Livingstone hotel the likes of Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara.

It’s a massive creation

Did you know that Victoria Falls is even larger than Niagara Falls? It’s as twice as wide and deep as Niagara Falls.

The waters fall into a chasm

Although many waterfalls have an open basin on which all the waters drop, Victoria Falls has a chasm.

A little bit from the history

It was in 1855 that this waterfall was first discovered by a British explorer. He was also the one who named this beautiful waterfall ‘Victoria’ in respect of the Queen Victoria of the UK.

Attractions nearby

Those who come to enjoy the views of Victoria Falls also have the opportunity to explore many more. Victoria Falls National Park, Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park are located very close by.