Author Archives: roland

Sites in Male to Visit – An Idyllic Island!

Posted on by

Male is the capital of the Maldives and being a well-acclaimed tour destination, the capital has its fair share of attractions to delight its visitors. Read on to know about four of them.

Hukuru Miskiiy

This is one of the most beautiful mosques located in the island; constructed using corals stones and wood the mosque features intricately carved exterior walls and ornate wooden engraving on the inside.

Jolle~commonswiki, Male-mesquita de coral blanc, CC BY-SA 3.0

Sultan Park and national museum

Being part of the old sultan palace, both the park and the national museum are equally significant and beautiful. the park features a beautifully landscaped garden while the museum showcases ancient artefacts that belong to the sultans who ruled the archipelago along with many rare historical finds.

The Artificial Beach

Since the existing land was all used up for building commercial spaces and government buildings, the sea had to be reclaimed to construct an artificial beach. Though by name it says it is an artificial beach upon visiting it you won’t be able to distinguish it from a natural one. The beach area has food stalls and eateries where you could buy food and enjoy a memorable time with your loved one.

File:Artificial Beach (32938614986).jpg

David Stanley from Nanaimo, Canada, Artificial Beach (32938614986), CC BY 2.0

 

The Presidential Palace

This being one of the most visually stunning buildings in the island, boasts a meticulously crafted façade along with a design that combines the cultural values of the archipelago with the concept of modernity.

Getting there

If you have planned for an extended stay at any of the best beach resorts in the Maldives, the likes of Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives, you can easily reach male through speed boat else you can travel around the island and witness these attractions even before visiting your resort property.

Speed Boat (501864901).jpg

╚ DD╔ from Male, Maldives, Speed Boat (501864901), CC BY-SA 2.0

Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+

Falling in Love with Chiang Mai

Posted on by

Chiang Mai is a gorgeous city in Thailand which offers delightful experiences to all. You can read the information in the article below and enjoy an unforgettable holiday here.

Best time to visit

If you can schedule your visit to Chiang Mai between the months of October and April, it will be quite easy for you to enjoy the best experience in the city. The weather is perfect in the city during this period and delightful explorations will be blissful possibilities!

Where to stay

There are plenty of great accommodation options offered in Chiang Mai so you will truly be spoiled for choice. Be sure to research on the internet so you will be able to make a well-informed decision about which Chiang Mai hotel you’ll opt for, whether it’s going to Anantara Chiang Mai Resort or something else.

Image of resort

Image Credit: Anantara Chiang Mai Resort

 

Top attractions

There are plenty of great places of interest that you can visit in Chiang Mai. You can get the help of a seasoned tour operator in the region to plan a comprehensive tour. Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh and Doi Suthep are some of the most prominent attractions here that you really should not miss.

Image Credit: Anantara Chiang Mai Resort

 

Where to eat

There are quite a few great restaurants and eateries in the city so you can really look forward to a sensational culinary adventure. Places like David’s Kitchen at 909, The Service 1921 Restaurant & Bar as well as B Samcook Home16 are quite popular here so you really have to check those out!

Image Credit: Anantara Chiang Mai Resort

 

Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+

Things Everyone Loves About Sri Lanka – The Food! And more!

Posted on by

Sri Lanka is a small island full of such a large variety of things to do and places to see that it would require a massive itinerary to explore it all. This land of glorious hills and pristine beaches is a favourite among tourists and is Lonely Planet’s Number One country to visit in 2019. If you are visiting the country on a Sri Lanka honeymoon tour with your loved one, here what everyone loves.

Image credit-Pixabay,GregMontani,CC0

The Food

Sri Lankan food is fresh, colourful and delicious. There isn’t a single visitor or local that would complain about the food in the country. Sri Lanka is also a great place for vegans as most of the dishes are vegetarian and there are so many you’ll be spoiled for choice.

The People

Sri Lankan people are the friendliest sort of people in the world. They take a lot of interest in appearing hospitable so it’s not surprising that a total stranger would invite you into their home for a meal or at least a sweet cup of tea.

The Beauty

From beautiful beaches to emerald misty hills, to rolling plains and gorgeous mountains, rivers and waterfalls, Sri Lanka has the best of everything.

The Trains

You may have heard this over and over, but Sri Lanka is home to some of the most scenic train rides in the world. Especially worth checking out are Kandy to Ella upcountry ride and the Southern route that goes along the coast.

The Tea

Ceylon tea preceded the country in becoming famous internationally and with good reason. Book a holiday with tours such as Steuart Holidays to get the most out of this magical country.

Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+

Birdwatching Guide to Oman – A Birding Adventure Awaits!

Posted on by

The Sultanate of Oman sits at the perfect spot for migratory birds as they choose this area to rest on their way to the south, away from the northern hemisphere. Here’s a little more information for the birding enthusiasts.

Image Credit: Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara

The season for birds

There are two best times to see the migrating birds in Oman – from late August to November and from February to May, and the best time to see winter birds is from December through February. If birding is a part of your Oman attractions itinerary, make sure you book your hotel such as Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara during these periods, in advance. There are great birding sites all over the country.

Muscat

The capital is a great place for bird watching. You’ll find Omani breeding species such as laughing dove, grey francolin, Arabian babbler, Indian silver-bill and so much more in these areas.

Bar Al Hikman and Masirah Island

Both of these regions are quite popular for bird watching, and if you visit during the right time of the year, the region holds up to a million winter water birds.

File:Masirah Island2.jpg

Marlon Cureg, Masirah Island2, CC BY 2.0

Qatbit and the Dhofar Governate

If you have the time, make your way down South to the Dhofar Governate and stop by Qatbit, where you’ll easily spot desert species of birds. Along the coastline, there are numerous spots for a variety of water birds throughout the year.

Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+

Travel Tips in Maldives – Key things to keep in mind!

Posted on by

When people tend to think of the Maldives, it’s usually the pristine beaches, endless activities and gorgeous marine life that come to mind. Whichever it is, if you do plan on visiting, here are some travel tips that you should keep in mind when planning your trip.

Maldives Speedboats

Maldives Speedboats | Image Credit : calvinstkm, Maldives Airport – panoramio, CC BY-SA 3.0

1) There is no alcohol

Since the Maldives is a Muslim country, it comes as no surprise that alcohol isn’t served or available for purchase in the city or in shops. It can only be found in Maldives Island resorts, which have a special exemption. If you’re looking for accommodation, there are plenty of great options to select from, Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives being one such example.

2) Keep a lot of USD with you

Even though they have their own currency, USD is widely accepted and makes the whole process much easier to deal with. Also, worth mentioning is that paying in USD generally gets you a better price even though it may be minimal.

3) Ferries require planning

If you’re planning on taking a ferry to travel from Male to your resort or wherever, it’s best that you plan ahead, as these don’t always come in time and have long waiting times between each trip.

4) Speedboats are ideal

Considerably more expensive than ferries but are faster and can be found more frequently.

Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+

Pride of Arabia; The Arabian Oryx – Adorable Treasures!

Posted on by

These mid-sized antelopes are the smallest of their genus and are native to the Arabian Peninsula. Adorable and majestic, they are a sight to be seen when you’re in Abu Dhabi. Want to know more about the Arabian Oryx?

File:Arabian oryx (oryx leucoryx).jpg

Charles J Sharp creator QS:P170,Q54800218, Arabian oryx (oryx leucoryx), CC BY-SA 3.0

1) What do they eat

Arabian Oryx’s diet is mainly composed of grass and various herbage. They also, however, eat melons, bulbs and roots as well. They store a lot of water content in their bodies and can travel long distances without drinking.

2) Where can they be found

After going extinct in the wild in the year 1972, these creatures have then been reintroduced into the wild in places like Oman, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

3) Where to stay when while checking them out

Of all the activities in Abu Dhabi, checking these animals out will definitely be a rewarding experience. While doing so, you can find plenty of great places for accommodation, like Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villas for instance.

4) Their conservation

The Arabian Oryx is well protected across its area of habitat and any activity of their trade has been deemed illegal.

 

Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+

The Best Time of Year to Visit Thailand? – For the kind of holiday, you are looking for

Posted on by

Thailand is one of those places on earth lucky enough to have been given a heavenly tropical climate! It certainly is perfect the ultimate getaway for those in need of some relaxation, the adventurers and even the culture and history buffs. But then again it is important that you visit at just the right time in order to fully enjoy your stay.

The weather

The month of June brings in the rains in Thailand. It only gets worse as the months progress towards October where the weather is at its absolute worst. The weather begins to get better in March, gradually on the rise, temperatures reach its hottest in April.

Festivities in Thailand

Thailand has a festival for almost every month of the year. But it is at its best in February. Why you ask? Most of the population here are Chinese and therefore, the Chinese New Year is celebrated on a grand scale here. Another festival worth witnessing here is the Songkran festival in April.

The best timing

If you are in search of the perfect weather to relax, then the ideal time to visit would be from November to February. For those who like to explore the culture of Thailand, the best time to visit would be in February or April. Don’t worry it’s not all about the high prices here, the budget travellers should probably visit during the rainy season. Thailand can be enjoyed either way after all!

Other information

It’s always better to try to make hotel bookings well in advance so that you will have the benefit of quite a big discount. Think out of the box when it comes to experiences in Thailand and try out a Mekong cruise with accommodation providers like Mekong Kingdoms.

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Eco-friendly scuba diving in Maldives – Scuba diving in a safe and ethical way!

Posted on by

Diving using environmentally friendly equipment has been a trend in the recent past and now the concept has been developed as eco-friendly scuba diving with several novel initiatives. If you find this concept to be new- read on, you will get to know some facts with regards to eco-friendly diving measures!

Image credit- Pixabay,PublicDomainPictures ,CC0

Strawkling

This is a similar concept to ‘plogging’ where you collect garbage while jogging in the sun. In strawkling (which is derived from the combination of two words straw snorkelling) the divers are encouraged to collect the plastic bottles and other garbage in the deep sea.

Use of sustainable materials

A good example of this is the use of X-Foam, a neoprene made from limestone or solvent-free adhesives when diving in the deep sea. If you decide to stay at any luxury hotel in Maldives, finding a place to safe dive will not be a problem and make sure you ask your service providers whether they facilitate eco-friendly diving in some manner.

Mermaiding

While enjoying your vacation at Velassaru Maldives you can try mermaiding too! If you see such a promotional campaign you will surely be surprised. But the case is true. You can dive with a swim fin like a mermaid in the deep waters and the swim fin is specially made of recycled natural rubber!

Eco-friendly swimwear

There is swimwear in the market made from recycles plastic bottles. The special thing about these is that they contain 50th UV filters which are ideal for diving moments during summers. In this way too, you can be happy that you helped to preserve society as a responsible citizen!

Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+

Best Things to do Your First Time in Bangkok – Get a Taste of Thailand

Posted on by

Bangkok seems to have bloomed as the traveller’s choice in recent years. The reasons being, its rich culture, fantastic cuisine, and hospitality. If you are planning your first holiday in Bangkok, here are a few things you ought to experience when in this amazing city.

Temple hopping

What would a trip to Bangkok be if you don’t visit the magnificent temples here? Embellished in gold and intricate sculptures and statues will leave you in jaw-dropping wonder. Visit the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha which is an attraction that is a must-see in the city. However, remember to dress appropriately when visiting temples.

Emerald Buddha, August 2012, Bangkok (cropped).jpg

JPSwimmer English: Credit Jan S. Peterson. Cropped from original image and lighting balanced by DxO., Emerald Buddha, August 2012, Bangkok (cropped), CC BY-SA 3.0

Discover new flavours

Thai cuisine is said to be absolutely exquisite! The sweet, the sour, the spice, the bitter, all seem to be so well balance ion each dish. Try the hotel restaurants like those at Chatrium Residence Sathon Bangkok or you may opt for street food. Either way, it’s all delicious. Feeling a little adventurous with food? How about scorpion on a stick?

Shopping in Bangkok

Shopping is obviously a must when in Bangkok! Hit those high-end malls, outlets of your favourite brands like Gucci and Chanel are available here. Also, try the street markets. Of course, there aren’t any branded items here, but its still fun to check out the local stalls for souvenirs.

Bang Yi Khan, Bang Phlat, Bangkok 10700, Thailand - panoramio (1).jpg

mohigan, Bang Yi Khan, Bang Phlat, Bangkok 10700, Thailand – panoramio (1), CC BY-SA 3.0

Hit the spa

With all the time you will spend on the road exploring, you are bound to return to your room tired as ever. Many hotel apartments in Bangkok offer spas with the authentic Thai massage treatments available. Why not try it out?

Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+

Abu Dhabi Arabian Wildlife Park – Witness Nature Unhindered!

Posted on by

Located on the Sir Bani Yas Island, the Arabian Wildlife Park Abu Dhabi is a vast sanctuary for over 10,000 animals that are let to roam about as they wish. Interested in learning more about the Abu Dhabi Wildlife Park?

1). Conservation

It is home to several animals, a few of whom have been on the edge of extinction but are now successfully recovering thanks to the conservation efforts of the Wildlife Park. Animals like the Arabian Oryx, sand gazelles and mountain gazelles are well looked after.

2). Safaris

Immerse yourself in a safari experience that is not bound by fences or walls. The animals are allowed to travel all over the massive space and all visitors are under rules not to interfere with their way of life. If you’re interested in Abu Dhabi resorts while you explore the sanctuary, there are a plethora of options to pick from like   for example.

Image Credit: Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara

3). Education

There is a critical learning aspect of the Wildlife Park as students and children are encouraged to take a look at endangered animals, learn about recycling and sustainability. And if you’re a lover of nature, this is obviously the place to visit if you’re in the United Arab Emirates!

4). Interact

There’s plenty of shows to watch, including ones with birds of prey! If that sounds too tame, engage in a feeding session with elephants and giraffes!

Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+