Tag: things to do

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.

 

Scuba_Diver
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.

The Best things to do in Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan offers everything from beachside bliss to pulsating parties that make for unforgettable adventures day or night! Here are some of the top things to do on a holiday to this Thai island.

Spend Time at the Beaches

There are some amazing beaches to visit on the island including Haad Rin Beach where the famed Full Moon Parties take place each month. Other well-known coastal hotspots include Tong Nai Pan Noi Beach home to Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas, Mae Haad Beach and Leela Beach.

Image Credit: Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas

Enjoy Water Sports

Those wanting to do more than just laze on the sand in front of their Koh Phangan resort can try a number of water sports; snorkelling is popular as is diving at nearby Sail Rock. Kayaking is a great way to do some exploring, while activities such as wakeboarding and jet skiing offer more speed-induced thrills.

Image Credit: Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas

Explore Ang Thong Marine National Park

Koh Phangan is an ideal base from which to head off on excursions to the Ang Thong Marine National Park. Made up of 42 islands, this nature reserve offers lots to experience; explore secluded beaches and jungles, snorkel above pristine coral reefs and kayak amidst stunning backdrops of limestone cliffs.

Image Credit: Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas

Visit the Thong Sala Night Market

A “must visit” for foodies, the daily Thong Sala Night Market is one of the best spots to savour relatively cheap local dishes. Come the weekend, the Thong Sala Saturday Night Market is also worth heading to for not only food but to buy crafts, clothes and more.

Image Credit: Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas

 

Exploring the city of Kandy

Kandy, the hill city of Sri Lanka, is known for its religious significance due to the presence of Temple of Tooth. However, there is much more to this city, if you dare to venture off the beaten path.

Udawaththa Kele | Image Credit: <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Nyanatusita">Nyanatusita</a>, <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Udawattakele_Forest_scene_4.jpg">Udawattakele Forest scene 4</a>, <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/legalcode" rel="license">CC BY-SA 3.0</a>
Udawaththa Kele | Image Credit: Nyanatusita, Udawattakele Forest scene 4, CC BY-SA 3.0

Udawatta Kele Sanctuary

Declared a nature sanctuary in 1938, Udawatta Kele – meaning Udawatta Forest – is not a highly visited destination among the tourists. However, it presents a mystique aura and has multiple treks and trails where one can stroll through and enjoy the lushness that surrounds them.

Trekking

There are many trekking trails around Kandy both historic and scenic. They are definitely worthwhile exploring and travellers should base themselves in a place like Mahaweli Reach Hotel and spare a day or two to enjoy pristine areas not too far from the city.

City’s colonial past

A neo-gothic 19th century Anglican Church, a Victorian fountain, the 19th century Garrison Cemetery near the old palace, the WWI and WWII Commonwealth War Cemetery on Deveni Rajasinge Mw by the Mahaweli River are the remains from the city’s colonial past.

Peradeniya Botanic Garden

In Kandy, things to do are plenty. Devoting a whole morning to visiting the Peradeniya Botanic Garden, one of best such facilities in the region, will not be wasted as there is much to see besides enjoying its beautiful surroundings. Stroll around the picturesque 200-year-old Kandy Lake in the evening and walk along shaded paths in Udawatte Kele, the historic forest reserve overlooking the Temple of the Tooth.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+