Category Archives: Sport and Adventure

Destinations, Editor's Picks, Sport and Adventure, Travel Blogging, Travel Planning, Travel Tips

3 Extreme Sydney Adventures You Can’t Miss

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In the land down under, there is no shortage of things to do. If you’re traveling to the most populated city in this land of extremes, you may be searching for the most extreme experiences to write home about. Here’s a few of the adventure sports Sydney has to offer your starved adrenaline glands.

Shark Dive in Sydney

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This Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary shark dive will take your breath away. Well, not literally, as they do provide oxygen for all divers. But when you dip your toes into the main oceanarium and you see sharks, stingrays, and turtles circling you, you’ll wish everyone could witness you frolicking in this underwater wonderland. At 30 minutes long, this dive may seem short, until you remember you’ll be surrounded by sharks with sharp teeth that might bite you if they weren’t well-fed. After contemplating that, 30 minutes sounds like more than enough time to get a shot with your favorite enormous sea creature.

Jetboat Sydney Harbour

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If you haven’t heard of jetboating, imagine sitting in a boat with your closest family and friends. Now imagine a madman takes the wheel. That’s the gist, and it’s way more fun than it sounds. This boat is designed for maximum speed and maneuverability, so you’ll be getting drenched as your skilled driver makes 180 and 270-degree spins, intense fishtails, turns and powerslides at high speeds. Every now and then, you’ll get a chance to breathe and take in the beautiful sights of Sydney Harbor as well. Just hold on tight!

Canyon in the Blue Mountains

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If you’re looking for a challenging abseiling experience that mashes the thrill of witnessing pristine nature and adrenaline-pumping physical activity, canyoning in the Blue Mountains is for you. You’ll adventure through the highest and deepest of the canyon as you navigate the breathtaking terrain. Trek, climb, jump, swim, and rappel your way through Australia’s most beautiful region to get a personal look at untouched caves and magnificent waterfalls. There’s two difficulties to choose from, so if you aren’t up for the challenging Rainforest Canyoning experience, the beginner-friendly Empress Canyon welcomes you.

There’s plenty to do in Harbour City, but these experiences are guaranteed to get your heart racing and adrenaline pumping. Whether you’re an underwater adventurer, fan of extreme water-sports, or a hiker who enjoys a challenge, you’ll be happy you made it to Sydney.

Indonesia, Sport and Adventure

5 Most Beautiful Scuba Diving Destinations In Indonesia

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What makes Indonesia one of the best scuba diving destinations in the world? This Island nation has more than 17000 islands spread throughout the country and the natural beauty of the sea and beaches can be described as truly outstanding. You can dive all year around in Indonesia and the spectacular underwater visuals will take you into a different world altogether. It is unfair not to mention about the plant and marine life because they will unleash your imagination at its best. Take a look at the top 5 scuba diving destinations in this unique country:

1) Sumbawa and Flores Islands

Sumbawa and Flores Islands make diving in Indonesia truly memorable in many ways. This destination offers perfect sights of different aquatic animals and fish species and, the sheltered havens of this area offer crystal clear waters to present the vibrant colored walls and underwater volcanic vents in an amazing fashion. The animals and fishes grow really fast due to the fertile grounds and congenial conditions and, you can see some of the amazingly different species like ringed octopus, tiger fish, frog fish, butter fly fish and reef sharks when you visit this wonderful destination.

2) Pulau Bintan or Bintan Island, Riau

International travelers find this destination as the most convenient one because it is hardly one hour from Singapore. The white sandy beaches spread around 18 km and you will be able to see a rich marine life as well. This place offers a wide range of diving spots and many people think that it is an ideal place to learn scuba diving because of the presence of a small canyon as deep as eight meters with a flat base. You can also see the location of the shipwreck at this place and the remains of an old tank that sank many years back can also be seen.

3) Bunaken Island 

It is one of Indonesia’s most popular diving areas and it attracts visitors from all around the world. You can come across several mind blowing scuba diving destinations in this island and the banana-shaped Bunaken Island is blessed with stunning biodiversity. You can see some of rare and unique sights when you visit this part of the world and they include wide range of fishes, five species of sea turtle, saltwater crocodiles and resident dugongs as well.

4) Bali Island

Arguably, Bali is one of the most beautiful islands in the world and it is Indonesia’s most popular diving destination as well. You will be able to see stunning and splendid volcanoes, coral ridges, deep drop-offs and steep banks and, this island also features various types of sea grass beds and volcanic outcrops. If you want to enjoy diving in Indonesia at its best, you must visit this place.

5) Lombok islands 

When you visit this attractive diving destination, you can see big pinnacles, hammerhead sharks, untouched coral reefs and other types of marine life species as well. This place also gives you a great opportunity to see a wide range of sea creatures like angel fish, eagle rays, reef sharks, cuttlefish, pipefish and many more.

Indonesia offers unlimited opportunities for all scuba diving lovers including the novice and experienced. The safety standards are really good and you will never have to spend a lot of money to enjoy these wonderful sights as well.

Editor's Picks, South America, Sport and Adventure

Planning to Travel during the World Cup 2014

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Planning to Travel during the World Cup 2014

World Cup 2014 Football is a sport, which is the favorite of most of countries around the world. From Asia to Africa, there are hundreds of football clubs and organizations. In one city, there is at least one football team and/or club to represent it in every division or football match. Competing in national league can be a gratifying and exciting moment for football players. This is particularly true when they can participate in a world-class championship, such as world cup 2014 that will be held in Brazil.

FIFA World Cup 2014: Stadium Guide in Pictures – Uyora

Take a look at the stadiums and the accommodation options in each city to get inspired for the awesome World Cup that’s ahead of us.

As an event, the championship brings pride and recognition for the winning country. You can imagine that among more than 120 countries around the world, only 31 countries will perform in the world championship. Could you think more beyond this as a participant in this event? There are several countries, which represent football divisions, such as AFC, CAF, CONCACAF, CONMEBOL, OFC, and UEFA.

Are you interested in taking part of the world famous football celebration and competition of the world? When you decide to partake in the event, you need to consider some aspects before going to Brazil. They include accommodations, tourism destinations and leisure activities, and sites. These factors are important which influence your enjoyment and pleasure during your visit to the land of Tango. Of course, you do not want to simply enjoy the football matches; you need to see anything specials in Brazil.

The Charms of World Cup 2014

This event attracts many countries around the globe to participate in world cup 2014 and millions of spectators will see what is happening. There are significant magnetisms of the event for every country:

  • Prize; FIFA is about to cherish the winners of the world football tournament with the first winning award of around $35 million at this time. The second winner will be awarded with around $25 million. How about the national team participant? Every participant is about to be provided $8 million. This amount of money charms every nation to go for Brazil.
  • Pride; the trophy awarded to the winner shall be the second interesting point to perform in this football competition. Every nation believes that the trophy awarded in the final round shall bring pride to the nation. The event, which is held every four years, delivers ultimate satisfaction to the winning team.
  • Recognition; the world acknowledges that the winner of the world cup 2014 shall be the finest country in football training and education. From this recognition, the football players may earn reputation as one of the top players around the world.

Ten Must-Visit Tourist Destinations in Brazil

During your stay, there are various tourism destinations in Brazil, which you can visit. Here are ten of them:

  • Brasilia: You may not miss the vision of Oscar Niemeyer’s building which becomes one of the world heritage sites. Chapada dos Veadeiros is a national park, which is worthy visiting.
  • Costa Verde Islands: Tropical islands around Brazil can be fascinating sites to travel, such as Buzios, Morro de Sao Paulo, and Fernando de Noronha. You can get your trip to beaches Jericoacoara and Ilha Santa Catarina as you love to surf.
  • Diamantina National Park: In this site, you are provided with amazing natural phenomena like mountains, caves, and waterfalls. Mount Cachoeira da Fumaca can be your choice of hiking activity.
  • Amazon: Voyaging with the ferry along Amazonian rainforest can be tremendous experience. As the largest rainforest in the world, Amazon is the perfect site for animals and plants.
  • Maracana Football Dance: The carnival is held as the country adores the charm of football.
  • Fernando de Noronha: This site offers beautiful coastal area, which is perfect for diving. The sea delivers the rich of biodiversity with thousands of fishes and corals.
  • Iguacu Falls: Rafting can be great under the fall. You could explore the forest by the natural benign water. Travelers could enjoy the Devil’s Throat of Garganta do Diabo waterfall, which is higher than Niagara fall.
  • Minas Gerais: As you love jewelries, going to this city may give you the idea of charm and beautiful attraction of colonial mansions. This site is worthy travelling.
  • Olinda: This site is located in northeastern Brazil, a UNESCO heritage site as well as the center of slave trade accomplished with Baroque architecture.
  • Rio de Janeiro: This famous site is perfect for hippies. Copacabana, Ipanema, and Cariocas can be the outcries during your visit to Brazil, especially during the Carnival of Rio de Janeiro.

Hotels to Stay

During the world cup 2014 in Brazil, you should book the hotels long before your coming to the country. There are several finest hotels to stay during the world cup competition:

  • Hostel Cobreu offers basic and private rooms charge you $547 per night.
  • Copacabana Palace Hotel provides you with joyful stay in Brazil.
  • Mama Ruisa does not cost you a lot during the world cup 2014. It is around $83 per night.
  • Studio Do Carmo Boutique Hotel takes only $22 per night with breakfast.
  • Hi Amazonia with its $127 tariff can be the perfect site to stay.
  • Rio Guesthouse can be your ultimate stay on your travel.

Yet, you need to remember the matches are held in different places. Therefore, you need to explore more on the relevant hotels to stay during the world cup competition. Possibly, by contacting the travel agencies at your home country can be the proper solution.

Transportation

There are options you can take to travel from one city to another city:

  • Public transportation

In this option, you can take bus to transport you to the intended destination. Another option is by using taxi. Taxi provides you with more comfortable journey from one place to another.

  • Car rental service

This is a good choice when you have international driving license. Certainly, you may need Brazilian travel map to drive from city to city. When you get into Brazil in a group, you can ask the agency to take you from your hotel to the desired destination.

So, how do you go so far? When you are still unsure what to take during the world cup 2014, Brazilian tourism center can be the right place to get further information. Watching the football matches among national teams around the world can be tremendous experience. In addition, Brazil offers greater tourism destinations despite the distinguished football magnetism.

Asia, Destinations, Indonesia, Sport and Adventure

Must-Do Tourist Activities in Kuta and Seminyak, Bali

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Undoubtedly, Bali is the major tourist attraction in Indonesia. This island offers lots of excitements and adventures for budget travelers to executives, with many outdoor or indoor activities to choose. In Bali, the most popular tourist spot is Kuta with its white sandy beach, perfect for surfing. However, there are also other interesting places in Bali to visit. One of them is Seminyak.

Seminyak is more preferable for those who look for more luxurious holiday with the up-market resorts and quiet seaside to enjoy. It is definitely less crowded than the busy Kuta, yet offering the same excitements. Are you ready to explore Bali? Here are some of the reasons why you should visit Kuta and Seminyak during your free time.

Kuta: The Surfing Paradise of Bali

Kuta is a famous, best-know place of tourist resort areas in Bali Island. This place has a great surfing beach, with a long and broad Indian Ocean in front of it, making it achieve its status as surfing paradise. Kuta can be a perfect choice for your one-stop holiday excitement since it offers various tourist activities and accommodations from budget hotels to the luxurious ones. Not only does it serve a perfect beach line for surfing, Kuta is also a great spot to enjoy the sunset. The nightlife of Kuta also becomes one of the major attractions since it offers all-night parties, bars, pubs, and endless shopping facilities.

Are you a surfing enthusiast? Kuta has a long sandy beach with lack of dangerous rocks and corals around it, making it a perfect place to surf. In Kuta, there are even surfing classes and professionals that offer private lessons. If you are not into outdoor activities, you can try spa/massage in Kuta. Since this is the main place for tourist attraction, Kuta has the most competitive price amongst other areas in Bali, with around Rp120.000 for 2 hours of spa. In addition, the endless shopping centers also make Kuta the best place to buy souvenirs or local handicraft.

Luxurious Holiday Experience in Seminyak

While Kuta is more of a party and surf area of Bali, the next town, Seminyak, offers you different types of excitement. This town has more luxurious accommodation types like private Seminyak villas and sophisticated restaurants and bars. The atmosphere is very different from the crowded Kuta, and the beach activity is usually quieter during the day. This place is built for different segments of tourists to offer sophisticated shopping places, with the mix of designer brands and local patterns. Fine restaurants and bars offer you excellent dining with various local and western cuisines to match your taste.

Take your day off to the historical site at Pura Petitenget located near the beach. Seminyak Beach is one of major attractions in this city, with calmer waves, and relaxing atmosphere. Relaxation in Seminyak can be done by looking for spa/massage studios. Seminyak, unlike Kuta, offers higher-end spa facilities, so you can enjoy luxurious and sophisticated relaxing afternoon after spending the day exploring attractive places Kuta has to offer.

Asia, Destinations, Editor's Picks, Indonesia, Sport and Adventure

Unforgettable Mahakam River Adventure in East Borneo

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Do you want something challenging when visiting East Borneo? Try joining Mahakam River adventure, a popular travel package designed for tourists who want to look more closely the beauty of forest, river and culture of Dayak people in Borneo. Almost the entire trip is conducted on the boat, although tourists will also walk out the boat to walk in the forest and visit various Dayak villages and communities. You can get exciting adventure, but you still get the comfort of well planned travel package.
Since this is a popular package in travel companies in Borneo, you can get guides who speak English, good accommodation, and even air conditioned boat for extra comfort.

mahakam river boat

Beautiful Nature Trip in Mahakam River Adventure

If you join Mahakam River Adventure, you can see everything that makes East Borneo forest famous. Once you enter the forest, your guide will show you beautiful birds, exotic trees and flowers, river dolphins and, if you are lucky, you can see orangutans among the trees. You can also visit orangutan sanctuary and research center. Guides know when Mahakam’s unique river dolphins appear on the surface, so do not miss it. You can also step out of the boat on designated spots and do jungle trekking in Kutai National Park.
Imagine the feeling when you spend the night sleeping in an air conditioned boat and waking up with the sight of rainforest in the morning with birds and river singing. This is truly an unforgettable trip to take.

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Cultural Trip in Mahakam River Adventure

Mahakam River is an important river for Dayak people living around it, so you will also get a chance to see cultural richness of Dayak people. For example, during your trip, you will visit places such as the village of Dayak Benuaq people with its signature longhouse, where you can see traditional dances, ceremony and weapon. You can also visit unique floating house in Tanjung Isuy area, see actual Dayak villages along the river, and visit the Palace of Sultan Kartanegara, which was converted into museum.
This is a trip that will open your eyes about the richness of culture in East Borneo; therefore, this is a great trip to take if you are with family.

dayak benuaq long house

Preparation for Mahakam River Adventure

Since Mahakam River adventure involves visit to the forest and traditional villages as well as trekking, there are some preparations and notions to remember:

  • Always prepare appropriate clothing to explore the forest and river; wear good shoes to tread the wildlife area, comfy socks, cotton clothing, wide brim hat, and apply sunscreen. Also, prepare mosquito repellent.
  • Do not bring excessive things when you are doing jungle trekking or visiting villages. Prepare a nice, comfortable bag to carry essentials such as bottled water, tissue, bug repellent, sunscreen, camera, wallet and maybe small binocular if you want to see birds and monkeys.
  • Do not litter or destroy plants and hurt animals. Also, do not act disrespectfully when visiting Dayak villages; always respect people you meet and pay attention to what the guide says.

dayak benuaq

Mahakam River Adventure is the best adventure trip you can take in East Borneo.

Editor's Picks, Sport and Adventure

Water Fun Activities With A Twist

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When it comes to having fun, most people will talk about travel and leisure. Chances are that one will think about enjoying a swim, or just basking by the beach. However, it is important to know that there are many other water fun activities that you can try out. All you need is a large water mass and an open mind to explore the numerous possibilities. This is because, as we are going to see, there is a water sporting activity for every individual.

Kayaking

This is one of the oldest large water body sports known to man. The kayak is designed such that an individual can fit in a cockpit while paddling with a double bladed paddle. Some kayaks are known to have more than one cockpit. This sport is suitable for lakes, and rivers. One can also use a kayak to explore the sea where the water is calm. The modern day kayak has various adjustments. In the recent past, there has been an introduction of an inflatable kayak, a kayak that has revolutionized the kayaking experience.

Photo credit: ConanTheLibrarian via photopin cc

Rafting

If you are looking for a challenging water fun activity, then rafting is the best water fun activity. The sport is particularly popular among individual looking for a thrill. The modern raft is an inflatable boat that can accommodate at least four passengers. The rafters propel their raft using a single bladed paddle. White water rafting, which is a type of rafting, incorporates rafting on particularly rough waters thathave rapids. This is one fun sport that will surely have your body rushing with adrenalin.

Barefoot Skiing

Barefoot skiing is a sport where an individual is pulled behind a speeding boat, gliding over the surface of a large water body barefoot. This is also another thrill oriented water sport. The fact that it requires one to be pulled at higher speeds than those using water skis makes it even more wild and fun.

Photo credit: Blake Rea via photopin cc

Boat racing

This a general water fun activity that incorporates various types of boats. The general idea is to have individuals or teams compete over a stretch of a large water body such as a a lake or sea. The competitors may opt to use canoes, drag boats, or yachts among others. The easiest among these is to use the boats with outboard motors. Since this is meant to be fun, most people do not follow any strict rules making it even more unpredictable and exciting.

Kite Surfing

Also known as kite boarding, this is a sport that incorporates an individual using a controllable kite to propel him/herself over a large water body. The individual may do this over a lake, sea, or ocean. Kite surfing is a sport that is physically intensive as it requires a certain level of gymnastics to accomplish some of the moves performed. The Kite surfer has a small surf board that he uses to glide over the water surface.

Photo credit: TexasEagle via photopin cc

Yachting

The yacht has come to be associated with leisure, which is an important part of any water fun activity. Yachting involves the use of a fast moving boated to sail or move over a large water body. A yacht is mostly fitted with a sailing mechanism or an outboard motor that makes it easy to move around. If one is looking for a calm and serene water fun activity, then yachting is the sport of choice. Before you set your sails make a good preparation.

These are just few ideas you can experience, there is also diving, Stand Up Paddling (SUP), surfing…

What is your favorite water activity?