Tag: The Adventure Travel Site

Your Guide to Planning a Maldives Diving Adventure

Dive into Paradise

Planning a dive trip to the Maldives? Look forward to exploring stunning coral reefs, colourful marine life, and crystal-clear waters that create a diver’s dream come true. Here are five essential tips to help you make the most of your underwater adventure in the Maldives.

 

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Image by Dr. Ondřej Havelka (cestovatel) via wikimedia commons

Pick the Perfect Season

The Maldives offers year-round diving opportunities, but the best conditions are typically between November and April when visibility is at its peak. During these months, the water is calm, and you’ll have better chances of encountering majestic manta rays, whale sharks, and vibrant reef fish.

Choose a Resort with Diving Facilities

Stay at a resort like Milaidhoo Island Maldives, home to a five-star PADI dive centre. They offer expert-led dive excursions and comprehensive training courses for all levels. This ensures a seamless and professional diving experience while staying at a luxurious resort.

Plan Your Dive Spots in Advance

The Maldives is known for iconic dive sites such as Hanifaru Bay, Maaya Thila, and Banana Reef. Researching these locations in advance allows you to customise your itinerary with both beginner-friendly reefs and thrilling drift dives. When in the Maldives, things to do won’t end with diving—you can also explore vibrant underwater landscapes, discover hidden dive spots, and more!

Pack the Essentials

While many dive centres provide equipment, bringing your mask, fins, and dive computer ensures a comfortable and familiar experience. Don’t forget essentials like reef-safe sunscreen and a wetsuit for comfort during longer dives. When in the Maldives, things to do

Combine Diving with Relaxation

A Maldives dive trip isn’t complete without indulging in the luxurious offerings of its resorts. From overwater villas to rejuvenating spa treatments, make time to relax and soak in the serene beauty of this tropical haven.

Sky Tower Adventure – Thrilling Activities and Skywalk Views

Calling out adrenaline junkies and thrill seekers to have one awesome time at Auckland’s Sky Tower! Take a leap of faith with SkyJump before focussing your attention on perfecting your balance as part of the SkyWalk experience, with all of Auckland ahead of you.

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Image by ClaudiaTampa39 via wikimedia commons

Take the plunge from 192 meters in the air

Plummet down 53 floors for a total of 11 seconds at some 85 kph for one electrifying and truly unforgettable experience. The Sky Tower’s SkyJump not only exposes you to the elements but also gives you the perfect opportunity to enjoy a rush of adrenaline never felt before. Watch as the city’s nearby buildings rush up to meet you prior to you landing at the platform of SkyCity Plaza.

Have the walk of a lifetime

For a less intense activity that will still make your heart skip a beat, then do give the SkyWalk a try. With only safety lines and a full-body harness to work with, the SkyWalk will see that you cover the 1.2-meter-wide platform, 192 meters up in the air and minus any handrails to hold onto.

View Auckland from multiple levels

Soak in the appeal of Auckland from either of the two observation decks that are found at Sky Tower. The Sky Deck (220 meters) is the highest of the two and in turn, offers you views that would stretch out for as far as 82 km. The 186-meter-high Main Observation Deck, complete with glass flooring will give you a dizzying view straight down to the ground.

Ride the SkySlide

Be part of a 360º virtual reality tour that will have you soaring across the sky and sliding through glass tubes as you make your way around Sky Tower. Accessible at the Main Observation Deck, riding the SkySlide makes visiting Sky Tower one of the best things to do in Auckland City, which can be achieved by residing at Avani Auckland Metropolis Residences.

Walking Tours in Bangkok: Discover the City’s Hidden Corners

The city of Bangkok is undoubtedly a treasure trove of experiences for the eager traveller. From nightlife to food and even accommodation, this city offers a variety of options. One of the best ways to explore Bangkok is on a walking tour which allows one to really take in the surroundings. Here are a few spots you ought to stroll through on your visit.

Lumpini Park

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Image by Terence Ong via wikimedia commons

This attraction is not a missable one, however, it is often overlooked by travellers as they visit the most popular highlights of the city. Lumpini Park is known as Bangkok’s “Green Lung” as it is a refreshing patch of greenery in the midst of a concrete jungle. You’ll find elderly people practising Tai Chi and the best part is… you can even join them if you please. Boat rides are the perfect way to sink into serenity at the park’s lake. Don’t forget to keep an eye open for monitor lizards too.

Chinatown

Locally called Yaowarat, Chinatown is one of the most intriguing places to visit. Walk by and experience the lively ambience overflowing with culture, bustling streets and a whole host of markets. One of the highlights here is certainly the Chinese street food that you must try!

Charoenkrung Creative District

Get a dose of Bangkok’s creativity at Charoenkrung Creative District. Walk through colourfully painted streets and admire the vibrant art. Furthermore, visit some unique boutiques and art galleries too. The Creative District is just a 23-drive away from hotels like Maitria Mode Sukhumvit 15. 

Thonburi

Once again another tourist gem, yet constantly overlooked, Thonburi offers a delightful experience. Discover hidden temples and traditional houses, some of which have now become museums. This charming part of Bangkok also offers great accommodation options if you are looking for where to stay in Bangkok.

Top Cultural Experiences to Enjoy in Botswana – Pick your adventure and get started! 

Being a country in South Africa, Botswana certainly does have a lot to offer travellers in terms of cultural experiences. For those swashbuckler travellers out there looking for some exciting experiences in this part of the world, consider some of these cultural expeditions.

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Image by SanDanceVR via wikimedia commons

Visit Traditional Villages 

How about starting out with a peek into the lives of the locals? Add a tour of a traditional village to your list of things to do in Gaborone and delve into the lifestyles of the people here. Explore mud huts, learn about traditional customs, and even find local crafts you can purchase as souvenirs. Gaborone Village located a short distance away from hotels like Avani Gaborone Resort & Casino is a great place to begin.

Festivals in Botswana

Some of the festivals held throughout the year in the country also provide great insights into the local culture. The Domboshaba Festival takes place in September and is a celebration of Kalanga culture, dance, music and crafts. The Kuru Dance Festival is another cultural experience of traditional storytelling, dance and music held in D’Kar.

Arts & Crafts Markets 

These markets showcase the local craftsmanship of the people of Botswana. You’ll find handcrafted baskets, beadwork and pottery for sale. These would be ideal souvenirs to take back home with you.

The Bushmen Experience

Known to be one of the oldest tribes in the country, the San people are also called Bushmen. A guided tour with this cultural group will provide insight into their unique hunting techniques and survival skills in the Kalahari Desert.

Kowloon Walled City –  Uncovering the Hidden History

The Walled City of Kowloon was once a very densely populated area and it was also known as the slum district of Hong Kong during colonial times. This labyrinth of buildings piqued interest when it appeared in an aerial photograph as a strangely architectures section of the city. Here’s a bit about the history that looms behind this seemingly post-apocalyptic set of structures.

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Image by Roger Price via wikimedia commons

Origins and evolution 

The Walled City used to be an old Chinese Military Fort and later became a place for squatters after WWII. With little to no government monitoring, this area quickly became a place of interconnected buildings about 10-14 storeys high. In 1990, this 6.4-acre place was home to over 33,000 people.

Living Conditions and Community

Despite its chaotic appearance, the city functioned with a degree of order. Residents established their own schools, shops, and healthcare facilities. However, the lack of sanitation and proper ventilation led to challenging living conditions. Narrow alleys, often devoid of sunlight, and a maze of pipes and wires characterized the city’s interior.

Demolition and Legacy

In 1993, the Hong Kong government commenced the demolition of Kowloon Walled City, citing health and safety concerns. By 1994, the area was cleared, and Kowloon Walled City Park was established in its place, preserving some historical artefacts. This is now an attraction not far from many a 4 star hotel in Hong Kong the likes of Dorsett Wanchai Hong Kong. The city’s legacy endures in popular culture, inspiring various films, books, and video games that depict dystopian urban environments.

Architectural Significance 

The Kowloon Walled City is a great example of human adaptability. It is a showcase of how humans are able to make use of constrained places to survive. Its existence challenges conventional urban planning paradigms, prompting discussions on the balance between regulation and organic growth in city development.

Hiking Adventures: The Best Hiking Trails in Sri Lanka

For those who love nature and are seeking out the best hot spots for hiking in Asia, consider visiting the island of Sri Lanka for an awesome experience. From stunning views to serene waterfalls and even ancient forests, this tropical island is packed with great hiking trails. Here are a few you ought to visit.

Adam’s Peak

The mountain is home to an ancient footprint which is believed to be Lord Budda’s by some and Adam’s by others. For those planning to hike this trail, the season begins on the full moon day (poya) in December and is open until Vesak in May. The hike usually begins at 2 am, you will reach the top by sunrise for a splendid view.

Ella Rock

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Image by Vyacheslav Argenberg via wikimedia commons

Ella Rock is a favourite among adventurers seeking a mix of challenge and reward. The hike takes you through lush tea plantations, misty forests, and scenic viewpoints. The trail can be steep, but reaching the summit provides stunning vistas of the Ella Gap and the surrounding countryside. This is also classed as one of the top places to visit in Sri Lanka with hotels from popular chains like Aitken Spence Hotels.

Sinharaja Forest

If you are planning on hiking with family this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the ideal place to be. With easy trails, look forward to seeing some endemic flora and fauna, exotic birds, butterflies, and little streams.

Pidurangala

Located near Sigiriya, this hiking spot offers an alternative hiking experience with fewer crowds. The trail is moderately challenging, and the summit rewards hikers with unmatched views of Sigiriya Rock and the surrounding plains. The sunrise from Pidurangala is particularly mesmerising, making it a must-visit for photographers and nature lovers.