Tag: Adventure

Indulge in adventure at Milford Sound

Rudyard Kipling would not have thought twice when he named Milford Sound as the world’s eighth wonder.

Nestled on the west coast of the South Island, New Zealand, Milford Sound is a sight for sore eyes with its stunning natural features. It is a fiord located within Fiordland national park marine reserve. A recent international survey recognised Milford Sound as one of the top travel destinations in the world, in addition to being reputed as the most famous tourist destination in New Zealand.

The best way to experience Milford Sound is take a boat cruise. The cruises are available either during the daytime or night. If you need more kick of adventure, opt for sea kayaking or diving. As you dive deep down, you will come across a marine life unique to Milford Sound. Black coral, anemones and 11-legged sea stars are a few to name. A few metres away, you will see the underwater observatory at Harrison Cove.

If you are into trekking or hiking, try the Milford track. Starting from the northern end of Lake Te Anau, this track is spread across the picturesque wilderness of Milford Sound. You will reach the end of your journey with a boat trip from Sandfly Point to the wharf in Milford Sound.

Although this is an established tourist hotspot, Milford Sound is a small area. If you plan to spend a few days, best option is to book a hotel such as Oaks Shores or any other accommodation in advance. There is a limited number of Queenstown ski hotels, which you can check online for availability. As you travel around the village you will come across a number of cafeterias so that you can indulge in local cuisine.

Most tourists visit Milford Sound on a day trip. Just walking around the village will be an enthralling experience.

Kayaking is also equally enjoyable, as you will get to explore the hidden depths of Milford Sound. As you paddle along, you will likely spot creatures such as dolphins and seals in addition Fiordland crested penguin. Overnight kayaking adventures are also available for those who really love an adrenaline-filled adventure.

Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting. Google+

Exploring the Less Travelled Routes in Oman

 

There are many aspects of the Middle-East that are overlooked due to the rise of her exquisite metropolis landscapes. In addition to the many breath-taking cities, the Middle-East has much more in store to offer, especially in terms of secluded serenity, especially when it comes to the Sultanate of Oman, and her stunning Southern reaches.
Oman is a nation that, although as not as glitzy as the United Arab Emirates, still has much to offer other than indulgent pursuits. Hotels in Oman, Muscat especially, are diverse in terms of luxury and comfort, with all-rounded options such as Ruwi Hotel Oman.
One thing Oman has to offer in bountiful, are beaches. Some places boast to have kilometers of unspoilt beaches, Oman however has thousands of miles of secluded beach stretches. One of the most scenic voyages that can be undertaken by the residents of the Gulf is a trip to the Salalah, the Southern capital of Oman. The drive occurs over the duration of three to four days, allowing one to either camp or seek accommodation at the various pockets of civilization one would encounter during the trip.
The drive to Salalah is the summit of serenity, with hardly a vehicle to be seen even during peak season. There’s a selection of routes one can take, even ones that run alongside seemingly endless stretches of beach. The Salalah region isn’t as hot as metropolitan Oman, and therefore has a unique assortment of flora and fauna. Salalah is also a place of immense heritage and history, with various ruins and archaeological sites in plentiful to visit.
So if you wish to embark on a most unique adventure amidst sun, sand and serenity, maybe a drive to Salalah from Oman’s capital of Muscat is worthy of consideration.

Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+

Rock Climbing in Tioman

Often regarded as a beach paradise for the masses Malaysia’s Tioman Island is also an activity hub that is not just reserved for water sports lovers. Rock climbers in particular will find the rugged rock faces of the island an enticing opportunity to engage in their favorite activity while vacationing in a Tioman island resort. Rock climbers heading to Tioman Island know that the principle mountainous area in the island is Gunung Nenek Semukut which is accessible for those based in the Berjaya Tioman Resort and other hospitality hubs in the area.

Famously dubbed the Dragon Horns engaging in rock climbing activities in Gunung Nenek Semukut is an awe inspiring experience but visitors should be aware that scaling this mammoth rock face is strictly for professional or seasoned rock climbers with experience in making such a challenging climb. The first attempt at climbing the seemingly insurmountable mountain saw Scotty Nelson and Nick Tomlin brave the challenge back in the year 2000. The mountain which is also known as the “Twin Peaks” or the “Twin Towers” the Dragon Horns are reputed to be the lengthiest rock climbing surface in Southeast Asia and the Malaysian Peninsula’s only big climbing wall. Those who wish to experience more accessible rock climbing encounters while in Tioman can head to Kg. Nipah which offers bouldering and slab wall climbing opportunities aplenty. Located near a beach the area is easy to navigate for fans of sports climbing and sandstone climbing challenges. The 30m climb can be achieved with nearly a dozen bolts. The area boasts 20 routes for sports climbers while throwing in a few 2-3 pitches trails as well.
Climbing instructors are available in villages and other areas of the island and those who wish to scale limestone cliffs will be spoiled for choice when it comes to the variety of rock climbing surfaces littering Tioman Island.

Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world. Google+

Rare opportunity to experience desert on a personal level Abu Dhabi

The mention of a Middle Eastern country brings into mind endless sand dunes and deserts, camels and infrastructure that is majestic. Abu Dhabi is among the popular tourists destinations in the Middle East. Abu Dhabi excursions include exploring its vast deserts that have so much to offer in terms of adventure. If you base yourself at a place such as Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara you can enjoy such experiences amidst Arabian luxury.

There are various tour operators offering various types of desert safaris. They are all different from one another and some can even be tailor made according to individual requirements. Abu Dhabi desert safaris attract both tourists and locals alike. One can choose to travel and explore the desert on camel back or opt for dune driving or wadi bashing.

For those who prefer to be up and active with the rising of the sun, there are morning packages offered. Most packages take a minimum of four hours, which includes dune bashing, sand skiing and camel rides. Options are also available for meals and relaxation in the campsites in the respective deserts.

The evening desert safaris are much cooler in terms of temperature and offer great memories to take back with you be it of star studded skies or spectacular sunsets. This again will take around four to six hours. Most people prefer to pick packages that include dinner and perhaps others perks such as belly dancing , smoking a shisha and just relaxing in the tents of the campsite.

The desert safaris are also an excellent way to learn more about the landscape as well as some of the rare flora and fauna found within these deserts. A trip to the UAE would not be complete without experiencing its deserts.

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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