Posts Tagged ‘Paradise’

Coral paradise

Coral paradise
Sail kayaking off the coast of Belize near South Water Caye, an island located 23 kilometres offshore directly on the barrier reef.

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Lanta Yai – a Paradise for Your Indulgence

If you are looking for a secluded desert island, with lush green vegetation, pristine beaches and a aqua marine ocean then you don’t have to look to far off the Thai coast. Ko Lanta Yai which is located near the Andaman Islands on the Andaman Sea fit the description of thousands of romantic movie settings and would even make Daniel Defoe re-script “Robinson Crusoe.” Despite being close to the Phi Phi Islands off the west of Thailand the islands are for administrative purposes classified under Krabi Province. It is just a classification though, for once you arrive here all ties with the outside world are severed and all that remains is you and the deep blue ocean.

Despite its miniscule proportions (its only 30 km long and 6 km across), the Lanta Yai Island offers a diverse range of recreational activities to indulge in. It is popular for scuba diving as the rock and coral formations around the island serve as a home for many species of marine life. Experiencing a ride on a traditional Thai Long tail boat is also something no tourists should miss; nothing can beat rowing out to the vast expansive ocean and being so close to nature.

Lanta Yai is mostly frequented by tourists who want to get away from the crowded party oriented beaches of Phuket and are instead searching for a more relaxed, laid back holiday. Due to its popularity among a niche market the island’s are extremely peaceful and non-commercialized; no red light districts or night clubs here!

As described earlier Lanta Yai is not the place to head to if you are looking rollicking nightlife or crowded night clubs. None the less a couple of more laid back night time pursuits can be enjoyed here, the island boasts of a wide variety of restaurants. They can range from banana pancake joints to fully fledged gourmet restaurants; many of them offer breathtaking locations right on the beach itself. A couple of laid back bars and pubs can also be found around the Lanta Yai Harbour and also in most hotels.

Enjoy the comforts of this exquisite paradise while staying at a krabi luxury villa such as Langham Place Koh Lanta which is highly regarded for its unmatched quality and service excellence.

Aberdeen – From a Pirate?s Abode to Tourist?s Paradise

Having lived in the shadows of the main nerve centers; Kowloon and Hong Kong for some time; Aberdeen has now been transformed into one of Hong Kong Island’s premier residential areas and also a popular tourist destination. Aberdeen is an area on the south shore of Hong Kong Island that was once known as a hide out for pirates, it was named after the Fourth Earl of Aberdeen who was the British War and Colonies Secretary.

Aberdeen which was once a peaceful fishing village has been transformed in to an up and coming commercial centre following a construction of a tunnel that links the area with Happy Valley located on the north of Hong Kong Island. Aberdeen sees thousands of visitors arriving each week mostly for short stays. Being the largest satellite town of Hong Kong, people come here to experience life on a vibrant and eclectic waterfront.

Aberdeen is known for its floating seafood restaurants on the harbor, despite its economic affluence in recent times the harbor has maintained its old charm and still remains predominantly a fishing port. Tourists are also intrigued by the “boat people” that live in the harbor, though many of them are allied to the fishing industry a dozen or so foreigners have also chosen to make their home on board a floating ship moored in Aberdeen.

A popular attraction in Aberdeen is the Jumbo Kingdom, which is literally a theme park floating on the sea complete with a restaurant, bar, shopping malls and a plaza. The Jumbo Kingdom is particularly known for its bright lights and the breathtaking image that it creates when viewed from across the bay.

Another highly visited attraction is the Ocean Park amusement park, which is one of the most sought after attractions in Hong Kong. This amusement park which features a variety of different water slides and exciting roller coaster rides draws in almost 4.5 million tourists annually and is ranked seventh in the world.

The stunning transformation of Aberdeen into an entertainment centre today just two centuries after it was the haunt of pirates has made it a popular tourist destination. The recently constructed tunnel which reduces commuting travel from the north of Hong Kong Island makes this area accessible to many a hotel in Hong Kong such as Hotel Jen.

Phuket is Truly a Paradise on Earth

Phuket is an incredible tourist destination, located in the sparkling waters of the Andaman Sea, on the south-west coast of Thailand. Acknowledged as the ‘Pearl of the South’ and the ‘Jewel of the Andaman Sea,’ Phuket is only an hour flying from Bangkok.

Phuket is also the largest island in Thailand, and is credited to be the only island in the country with status of a province. Formerly known as Talang, Phuket boasts of a rich as well as long history dating back to more than 500 years. Phuket once served as an important trade route between India and China.

The island also flourished as a center for tin manufacturing processes, which in turn attracted many Europeans including the Dutch and the British. Perhaps, the most important segment of Phuket’s history is the Battle of Thalang, during which Burmese invaders were defeated. Phuket still retain its old world charm, and provides gamut of attractions, covering impressive palm-fringed beaches, beautiful coves and bays, lush green mountains, cascading waterfalls, and ancient mansions reflecting Indo-Portuguese architecture.

The prime draw of Phuket is undoubtedly its gorgeous coastline, which is a fine blend of amazing white sandy beaches, rocky outcrops, and spectacular limestone cliffs. Many of the top beaches in the area are clustered around the western coastline, such as Patong Beach, Kamala Beach, and Karon Beach. Kata Beach, Surin Beach, Bang Tao Beach, Laem Sing Beach, Chalong Bay, Panwa Beach, Nai Ham Beach, Nai Yang Beach, Mai Khao Beach.

Rawai Beach are the other popular beaches in Phuket. With these scores of beaches, Phuket is truly a haven for water sport lovers. Just think of any of the water sport activities, it would be easily available in Phuket.

A range of tour operators and dive shops operate here to provide you excellent choices to enjoy a variety of water sport activities such as fishing, kayaking, diving, snorkeling, rafting, sailing, scuba diving, and more. Many of them even provide services of an expert guide in order to assist you in enjoying water sport activities. Phuket is not only a destination to enjoy water sport activities but also to enjoy a range of other activities such as golfing, trekking, and nature walks.

No visit to Phuket would be complete without touring its historical and cultural sites such as Old China Town, dotted with elegant Sino-Portuguese mansions. Also, take a tour to the elegant temples in the region, like, Wat Chalong – one of the biggest shrines in the region; Wat Phra Thong, whose highlight is a huge half buried image of the Buddha; and Wat Phranangsang, dedicated to two heroines who defeated the Burmese invaders in the Battle of Thalang. Equally worth mentioning are the interesting museums of the region, including, Phuket Sea Shell Museum and Thalang National Museum.

Covered with forested hills, the island is also home to such attractions as Khao Phra Thaeo National Park, which comes with dazzling waterfalls and unique as well as rich flora and fauna, apart from an eight-kilometer hiking path. Phuket’s attractions also include Butterfly Garden and Insectarium – a large open-air enclosure housing thousands of varied butterflies amid lush greenery; Marine Biological Research Centre – an aquarium featuring a variety of saltwater and freshwater fish; Promthep Cape – providing enchanting views of the sunsets; and Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre.

A specialty of Phuket is its fresh, authentic sea food cuisines, which is famed across the world. Likewise, after a day of adventure sports or sightseeing in Phuket, don’t forget to take a rejuvenating spa massage. A plethora of spa therapy centers and spa resorts are available across the island, providing relaxing spa treatments and massages. Along with other activities, Phuket provides superb options for shopping in the form of a multitude of stores and bazaars and night markets.

If you are looking for something different during your stay at Phuket, then head to Phuket Town to view Muay Thai, a kind of Thai boxing. There are even training centers to master this traditional discipline. Above all, a great attraction of the island is its exciting as well as vibrant nightlife, with a variety of pubs, bars, nightclubs, go go bars, and restaurants to choose from.

The Maldives – A Beach Paradise

The Maldives are a collection of over one thousand islands in the Indian Ocean, almost 500 miles south west of Sri Lanka. They epitomise the phrase “tropical paradise” and as a result are a popular destination for couples and families wanting a really relaxing holiday. The Maldives is one of the most isolated countries is the world, and also one of the most dispersed, with atolls (islands made of coral that encircle lagoons) spread out over thousands of miles.

Being near the equator, The Maldives has hot temperatures all year round. However, between June and October, monsoons are common due to interactions between the sea and air in Asia to the North. Rainfall is a lot lower between October and April so this is the ideal window for a holiday. Temperatures average 30°C in these months. This climate combines with possibly some the finest beaches on the planet. The spectacular formations of coral that have formed the islands have to be seen to be believed. The lagoons that form within the islands have a brilliant blue colour, and look as they do on the postcards. Palm trees swaying with the sea breeze help complete the idyllic setting.

Most of the islands are still uninhabited, so if you want to be completely isolated, you can simply hire a boat and explore. There can surely be no better feeling that lying on a beach with nobody for literally miles around. The corals that make up the island act as a food source for small animals which leads to a diverse range of animal life â?? perfect for snorkelling. If you travel at the right time you can also be lucky enough to swim with Whale sharks, the largest fish on the planet.

It’s no wonder why Maldives holidays are so desirable. It’s such a relaxing, paradisiacal place – a world away from the hustle and bustle of the West.

An Australian Island Paradise Called Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island has been described as one of earth’s last unspoilt island refuges, and with very good reason. This idyllic island located off the coast of South Australian is an idyllic tour destination for those seeking sun, surf, and everything that goes with them, including swimming, fishing, sailing and scuba-diving. Islands are almost always special places … isolation, solitude, the ocean … just think of places like the West Indies, Hawaii, the Maldives, all of which have unique characteristics and special natural environments that have evolved through thousands of years of isolation. Australia ‘s Kangaroo Island is no exception.

Kangaroo Island is about seven times the size of Singapore and around 155 kilometres in length, with the town of Kingscote being the island’s capital and main settlement. Wildlife is abundant on the island, where koalas laze in the gum trees and seals laze on the beach. In addition, kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, platypi and goannas all thrive on the island.

A wide range of tours are available on Kangaroo Island, enabling you to relax while someone else does the driving. In addition, guides can provide a great deal of information about Kangaroo Island on the way. Both coach tours and four-wheel drive tours are available, with most tours collecting passengers from their accommodation, the airport or the ferry terminal. Bike riding and hiking are also possible for those with the energy, but beware that Kangaroo Island is large and the necessary level of  fitness is required for these options.

Large luxury vehicle and passenger ferries operate between Cape Jervis on the South Australian coast and Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island (travelling time 45 minutes). There are four departures daily, with extra services at peak times. Bus connections are available to/from Adelaide to Cape Jervis, and to/from Penneshaw to American River and Kingscote on the island. Regional Express operates a 30-minute air service from Adelaide to Kingscote Airport, located 13km from Kingscote.

Because of its relative isolation, Kangaroo Island has experienced much less impact from  European settlement than than the South Australian mainland. Half the bushland on Kangaroo Island remains untouched since the time of British navigator Matthew Flinders named the island in 1802, and more than a third of the Island has National Park or Conservation Park status. This pristine bushland supports a rich wildlife population of wildlife and makes Kangaroo Island on of the best places in Australia to see wildlife in its natural environment.

Kangaroo Island was separated from mainland Australia about 10,000 years ago. In that time, some species have evolved differently from their mainland counterparts. This is evident for example in the Kangaroo Island Kangaroo (a subspecies of the Western Grey Kangaroo common in south-eastern Australia) which is today smaller, darker and has longer fur than its mainland counterpart. The now endangered Glossy Black Cockatoo is also a unique Kangaroo Island sub-species, as is the small marsupial carnivore the Sooty Dunnart.

Similarly, King Island’s plants have evolved in isolation to the point where at least 45 species are endemic (found only on Kangaroo Island) including several eucalypts. The total absence of feral creatures such as foxes and rabbits helps ensures the integrity Kangaroo Island’s bushland ecosystems.

In recognition of Kangaroo Island’s unique plant and wildlife species (some of which are either threatened or unique to the island), National and Conservation parks were declared across the island very early in the history of its European settlement. Kangaroo Island’s National Parks provide access to spectacular coastline scenery, unique geological formations, fascinating history and abundant wildlife. There are four major parks: Flinders Chase National Park (walking trails and spectacular rock formations), Kelly Hill Conservation Park (limestone caves and hiking), Seal Bay Conservation Park (Australia’s largest accessible colony of sea lions) and Cape Willoughby Conservation Park (first lighthouse in South Australia).

Explore the White, Sandy Beaches of Paradise in Captivating Maldives

Set on the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean lies the archipelago of islands that is often compared to paradise that is only possible in literature. A collective of nearly 1200 islands surrounded by pristine beaches, it is no surprise that the country is one of the globe’s premier beach holiday destinations. Pure, unspoilt and exotic to the core, the tropical islands that make up the island nation of Maldives is a treasure trove for beach lovers with luxurious beach resorts located in nearly all of the islets.

If one simply wants to laze around in the sun, soaking in the glorious atmosphere islands like Cocoa Island and Kuda Bandos Island are among the finest although almost all of the islands are flanked by idyllic beaches perfect for sunbathing. Being a country of 26 atolls with over a thousand islands, the population of Maldives only inhabit 200 of these breathtaking paradises, leaving innumerable uninhabited islands for the use of tourists and beach lovers worldwide.  One such locale is Veligandu Island which has been tipped to have one of the finest beaches in all of Maldives. With an 80 meter beachfront covered in golden tinged sand, the island also comes complete with a stunning reef full of vibrant fish varieties. Swimming in the lagoon and snorkeling across the inner reef are popular activities here while a variety of beachfront activities such as diving are on offer in the islet  which is also an ideal venue for tanning.

Sun Island or Nalaguraidhoo is also among the nation’s best beaches as this isle comes with a brilliant lagoon within swimming distance of the barrier reef. Brimming with colorful fish, coral and underwater life, this island is ideal for snorkeling and canoeing enthusiasts although the grand reef is visible from the island’s beachfront as well. Just 74km from Male, the beaches of Nika Island are also worth exploring as the venue is a hub for windsurfing, canoeing, and snorkeling, sunset fishing activities. Located on a grand lagoon, this island resort is only second to The Banyan Tree Island where sun soaked beaches are the highlight in an itinerary that include catamaran sailing, water-skiing, scuba diving, deep sea fishing and night-fishing. Other captivating beaches include Kanifinolhu Island and Lohifushi where avid surfers are likely to be found engaged in their favorite past time.

For an unforgettable time in Maldives, depend on the John Keells Hotels Group to provide premier accommodation with contemporary amenities and facilities. With a myriad of luxury Maldives hotels to its name, the hotel chain provides a host of Maldives travel packages to suit your budget.

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