travels in sumatra

On the Shores of a Super Volcano in Sumatra

/ Travel / , , , /

People only know Bali as the most important tourist attraction in Indonesia. But in the main island of Sumatra, some 4 hours away from the city of Medan, lies an ancient super volcano that is now a lake and a magnet for adventure-seekers and nature-lovers. The 12,000 square-kilometer area of Danau Toba is one of Southeast Asia’s most diverse and is very unique to the Indonesian archipelago.

Heading there is easy, but making your journey more memorable can be quite a challenge. But that’s why we’re here.

Landing in Medan

Touching down at the Kualanamu International Airport in Medan from Jakarta, you’d be greeted by the warm hospitality of Bataks and Javans who have made Sumatra their home. Spending a day or two in Medan is well worth charging you up for the trip up north. Sample the many treats sold by street vendors at night or head over to one of Medan’s more popular night clubs.

Stopping Over in Berastagi

Located some 70 kilometers from the city of Medan is the hilly town of Berastagi, pronounced without the ‘e’. This mountain town is not a tourist destination so you get to really see locals doing their everyday stuff.

Sleeping over in Berastagi is a must so you can catch the early morning sunrise creating a fantastic halo on the towering Mt. Sinabung. This should help you gear up for a day in Berastagi. You can climb Mt. SInabung if you get a thrill from really steep climbs.

Head to the Tahura National Park and be greeted by waterfalls, hornbills, horses, elephants, and even gibbons. Enjoy a therapeutic bath at the numerous hot springs at the foot of Mt. Sibayak. Make sure to sample the famed ‘sotos’, ‘ikan bakar’, and ‘ayam penyet’ just before you head over to Danau Toba.

Enjoying Danau Toba

Depending on which side of Danau Toba you want to explore – there’s Pangururan on the lake’s western shores and Perapat and Tiga Ras on its eastern shores – you’ll be treated with a slightly different kind of adventure getting to the most famous spot on Danau Toba – Samosir Island. This island is smacked right in the middle of Lake Toba. From Pangururan, you’d be traveling on a car traversing a bridge and you’d be treated to the most spectacular bridge ride in your life. If you’re taking Perapat or Tiga Ras, it’s a ferry ride for you. It’s definitely slower, but more romantic and idyllic if you’re coming in with your spouse.

Enjoying Danau Toba is all about finding meaning in its pristine yet bountiful waters. You can go kayaking or even exploring the quaint town of Tuktuk Siadong where you get to mingle with the locals, down a drink or two at the local bars, or just be mesmerized by the beauty of the lake.

North of the lake is Air Terjun Sipiso-piso. Hop onto a rented motorbike or get an ojek to drive you around is much better and cheaper than getting a tourist guide. You might even be treated to a local beverage.

Toba may already be extinct. But the lake it left behind is surely a gem worth visiting.

bike riding with dog

Adventures in Cornwall With Your Dog

/ Adventure / , /

Even if you just decided to bring your pooch with you on holiday to Cornwall because there is no dog-sitter available, it doesn’t mean it will just stay at the hotel room or at your cottage pining for you all the time. Cornwall happens to be among the best destinations for those with pooches because they also offer your four-legged companions a lot of fun as well.

Dog Walks In Padstow

There is no way to miss Rick Stein’s hotels and eateries while in Padstow and thankfully, Stein is such a huge dog lover. This means, most of his places have outdoor tables to let you eat with your pup. You just need to ask for the rules of the specific establishment beforehand.

Once you are full, you can enjoy the scenery with a walk, first around the harbor and if you are up to it, along the coastal path. Your pooch might not enjoy the view as much as you do, but it will definitely love the fresh air and exercise in the dog-friendly Harbour and Hawkers Coves. If your dog is up to it, you can go for a nice boat ride from Padstow to Rock aboard the Black Tor ferry.

Bike Ride With Your Dog

You can rent a bike and a dog trailer and go for a ride along the Camel Trail, enjoying the views of the Camel River on one side and the scenic rolling hills on the other. Your pup can sit back and relax, enjoying the breeze while you also happily pedal along. During your tide, you can drop by Tintagel, which is said to have inspired the myth of King Arthur. You can also explore the Trevaunance Cove and the Trevellas Porth. Just make sure you bring a leash while on these coastal paths to avoid any accidents.

Check In at a Dog Friendly Retreat

The best thing about Cornwall is that you can easily find hotels where your four-legged friend is also welcome. For example, The Scarlet allows dogs in the rooms and the lounges, so that you can have your pup with you at all times. More than that, the Mawgan Porth beach, which is a short walk away, is very dog-friendly and your pooch can happily splash in the water. For those traveling with kids, Bedruthan Hotel and Spa right beside The Scarlet will allow little ones and canine guests. There are literally thousands of canine friendly hotels, B&bs, cottages and campsites in Cornwall where you can base yourself and your four-legged friend for an adventure. The Dog Friendly Retreats website has a been in the news recently as the central resource for pet-friendly, self-catering holiday homes in Cornwall.

Try Some Fine Dining

If you and your best friend are eager for some grub, then opt for the restaurants that allow four-legged companions, though of course, they are not top fine dining places. The Lusty Glaze tops the list of dog-friendly places to eat close to the center of Newquay. Not only do they allow guests to bring their pooches with them, but they also have a very special menu just for them, available on Wednesdays between 12 and 9 pm. Moreover, the proceeds are donated to the St. Francis’ home for dogs.

Holidays can be spent with your whole family, whether they are two-legged or four and if you are looking for a destination which is open and also exciting for everyone, then you should head over to Cornwall. Thanks to hotels that accept dogs, you would not have to trouble finding your own cottage or worrying about where to keep your pup.

monsoon beach

Going for a Seaside Trip During the Monsoon Season

/ Travel / , /

Even locals will most likely shake their heads when you talk about going to the beach during the rainy season, or as it is called in Asia, the monsoon season. But beyond the obvious advantage of going at the off-peak season and all its benefits (cheaper rates, fewer crowds), the region is still a charm and adventures can still be found at the beach in this time of the year.

The Green Surroundings

Summer in the tropics turns the fields brown due to the lack of rain and moisture. On the other hand, once the monsoon begins, a slow transformation happens, turning everything green and alive. The turquoise waters and the green fields will more than make up for a few gray clouds.

The Cooler Weather

If you are coming from cooler countries, being on the beach during the hot and humid summer months can be stuffy and too draining. Add the crowds of people in the beach, and you would find yourself hiding in your air-conditioned room instead. But during the monsoon season, the weather becomes much cooler and the stifling heat goes away. While in the day, the wind may be rougher than what you expect, but the sea’s breeze is truly refreshing and wonderful while walking along the beach.

The Relaxed Environment

During the rainy season, there are fewer people on the beaches. This means no crowds and no overworked staff. You can expect better prices, better service, and simply, a better time for you as a guest. Moreover, you can enjoy lower rates and have the chance to get upgrades to the best rooms in the hotel.

The peace and quiet are also great for newlyweds, families, and even retired people who are not after wild beach parties. While there may be days when the rain prevents you from venturing out, there are also sunnier days that will be great for playing on the beach.

Safer Sunbathing

You would not have to worry as much about sunburns when the sun is not shining brightly every day. This is better for those with sensitive skin. However, you might have to swap it for mosquito spray as the rainy days also mean more insects around.

The Beauty Of The Monsoon

While the seaside views and the beach are already sights to behold, imagine watching the dramatic cumulus clouds starting to conquer the sky. It is also impressive to see the lightning lighting up the horizon before the loud grumbling. The monsoon is definitely not for everyone but those who love to appreciate nature and its wonders, this is a sight they should never miss.

The Great Water Sports

While certain sea activities might be off the table such as snorkelling, on the other hand, surfers love the monsoon season because of the rougher waves they can expect. Simply put, when the seas are rougher, the more exciting it can be to ride the waves.

Seaside holidays are wonderful the whole year round so long as you are not afraid of the rain. The sea views will be difficult and you cannot enjoy the sun for a while. But if that does not scare you away, you can then experience and see the beach in a whole different way altogether.

parachute-skydive-wales

Experience the Most Exciting Adventure Activities in Wales

/ Adventure / , , /

If you are looking for an adventure-filled holiday, spend it in Wales where you can find almost all kinds of adventures that can make your adrenaline shoot up and your heart to beat faster. From coasteering to zip lining amid spectacular scenic countryside, Wales has it all for you. Are you spending a short holiday in Wales? Then we recommend these exciting adventure activities that have made Wales the favourite destination of adrenaline junkies.

Sky Diving

Skydive Swansea offers skydiving lessons to those who dare. With a qualified skydiving instructor, you will be taken on a flight until you are 12,000 feet above the ground. You will jump out of the plane on a mind-boggling freefall at 120 miles per hour. Upon reaching 5,000 feet, the instructor will deploy the parachute and you will be able to make the parachute spiral around the sky. You can enjoy the fantastic view of the Gower Peninsula below.

Coasteering

Coasteering is an exciting activity where you explore the foreshore without the aid of a motorboat. Follow nature’s coastal trail by walking on the sand, climbing rocks, and swimming across a lagoon, riding swells, climbing steep cliffs and jumping off in order to reach your destination.

The best place for coasteering is Pembrokeshire in the south west of Wales where there are accredited operators and guides for your safety. Make your family holiday memorable by taking everyone along in this exciting and educational adventure.

Zip Lining

Experience doing the next best thing to flying and that is zip lining at the Zip World Velocity at Zip World Penrhyn Quarry in Bethesda, a town on the north west of Wales. This zip line is the fastest in the world and the longest in Europe. You will be able to enjoy great views from high up and experience a speed of more than 100 miles per hour. Once the zip line goes up, you will feel as if you are touching the sky.

Underground Zip Lining

Wales does not only have the fastest zip line; it also has the longest underground zip line in the world. You can zip down to the bowels of the earth, passing through spectacular abandoned mines. The route will take you deep under the mountains in the northern part of Wales. Those who took the trip have sworn that this is the trip of their lives. Indeed, underground zip lining is not for the soft-hearted.

Snowdonia Adventures

Enjoy varied adventures in the Snowdonia region located in the northwest part of Wales. It is part of the Snowdonia National Park, which has been made famous by the Snowdon Mountain Railway that goes up right to the summit of Mount Snowdon, the tallest mountain in Wales. Experience the thrill of rock climbing, abseiling, kayaking, canoeing, and many more activities that can drive your adrenaline glands crazy. If you are traveling with your kids, there are also child-friendly adventures that they can join.

There are loads of guides online dedicated to information about adventure activities in Wales, including the excellent VisitWales website from the national tourist board. Make Wales your next holiday destination and experience some of the most hair-raising and heart-stopping adventures that you will ever experience in your life.

cape town sea view

Top 5 Places in the World for the Best Sea Views

/ Travel / , , /

The best sea views are so awe-inspiring that you will travel the globe to search for them. They are scattered all over the world from Europe to North America, and Asia to the Pacific Islands, and as far away as Africa. Some of these beaches are famous while some are hidden from the heavy tourist traffic. Still, all of them offer stunning sea views that will take your breath away. There are numerous guides online which list the best sea view destinations and seaside holiday accommodation on the planet. This is our pick of the top five beach vacation destinations where you’d be tempted to can stay forever, while enjoying the intoxicating sea views.

Bermuda’s Horseshoe Bay Beach

Horseshoe Bay Beach is world famous for its pink sands. As the name implies, the crescent-like bay has a magnificent view that is worth visiting. You could lie down and get a tan or do some snorkeling in its clear waters. Schedule a visit from November to March, if you like catch island’s cooler climate. The place could get crowded quickly whenever cruise ships unload their passengers.

South Africa’s Camp Bay Beach

cape town sea view

Camp Bay Beach is just seven minutes away from the South African capital of Cape Town. This sandy place offers a memorable view of the Atlantic Ocean. The Twelve Apostle mountain range background is also an awe-inspiring sight. Camp Bay is the place where the country’s crème de la crème relax and unwind on weekends. The beach is filled with locals and tourists during the months of November until January.

Hawaii’s Makena Beach

Situated in Maui, Makena Beach features a spectacular view of the Molokini Crater. The Big Beach has one of the best sea views but it can also be dangerous if you’re not careful. Shore breaks are known to occur without warning. Please don’t ignore the warning notice posted at the island’s lifeguard stations. Despite the risks, Makena beach is perfect for surfers and picnics while watching boogie boarders at work.

France’s Pampelonne Beach

Located in Saint-Tropez, Pampelonne has a reputation as the playing ground of the rich and famous. The French beach owes much of its fame to Brigitte Bardot in the classic movie, “And God Created Woman”. The sea view is still a wonder to behold but it’s competing with countless scanty bikinis and sports cars. Spending a luxurious beach vacation in Saint-Tropez can dent your wallet but you get priceless memories in return.

Brazil’s Ipanema Beach

Rio Janeiro has two world-famous beaches to showcase but Ipanema has the mystic allure. Unlike Pampelonne, this Brazil beach was made famous in the 1960 song, “The Girl from Ipanema”. Aside from the wide expansive sea view, you can’t fail to notice the pale gold sand. In the background are the two mountain peaks simply known as “Two Brothers”. The place is also crowded with meager swimwear. The place is beautiful but make sure to leave your valuables at the hotel safe.

ipanema beach brazil

There is not one place but several where you can enjoy the best sea views. Islands like the Bermuda and Hawaii offer an unobstructed view of the tranquil seas. Other beaches also offer a place to wine and dine in addition to the magnificent view of the sea. Aside from the places mentioned, there are plenty of beaches near you that could provide fantastic ocean scenery.

walking-in-the-lake-district

Top 5 Exciting UK Destinations for First-time Visitors

/ Travel / /

There is something magical about the UK that you just have to see it for yourself. London alone is filled with iconic landmarks such as the historic Buckingham Palace. Other parts of the United Kingdom such as England or Wales offer famous ancient castles and stunning countryside. There are great opportunities for adventure seekers throughout the country, in the mountains, along the sea and in the cities. Here are the five exciting destinations first-time visitors should see in the British Isles.

Lake District

Lake District is another part of UK where nature lovers can enjoy the cool mountain air. You can also trek though the Lake District National Park which is more than 800 square miles in size. In addition, you get to enjoy interacting with locals in town markets. The food and drinks in the village pubs offer a memorable experience.

walking-in-the-lake-district

London

The first stop in the UK is obviously the country’s capital, London. You could either book a bus or take a cab to visit all the famous landmarks of the city. Most likely, you will start the tour with a visit to the Buckingham Palace. If you are fascinated by the late Princess Diana, you can stop by at the Kensington Palace. The place is currently exhibiting plenty of items the princess used during her lifetime including her dresses.

For the history buffs, a trip to the historic Westminster Abbey is a must. The seven centuries old landmark receives more than a million annual visitors. If you want to know more about the city’s gory past, the Tower of London will satisfy your curiosity. The Tower is also rumored to be haunted due to the royal executions carried out there.

Cornwall

Cornwall is located in the country’s southwestern region. Even among locals, it’s known as the best place to spend a vacation.  Visitors are attracted by its beautiful beaches where you can bask in the sun or go surfing. You also get to enjoy the English cuisine of some of the best restaurnts in the UK, and also discover art while visiting the numerous art galleries.

The place also claimed that the legendary King Arthur most likely lived in North Cornwall. You could visit the town Camelford, a possible site of fabled Camelot. On Bodmin Moor, you can transport back in time by visiting King Arthur’s Down and Hall. In addition, the famous “Excalibur” is possibly hiding beneath the Dozmary Pool.

 

Devon

Devon also offers long beaches and countryside that is totally worth visiting.  The beaches and pebbled coves offer a different but no less stunning view. It’s a place where modern cities like Exeter and Plymouth co-exist with historic castles and famous houses. Popular activities here include sailing, mountain biking and hiking in Dartmoor National Park.

sailing-in-devon

Wales

You can only find the country’s lone coastal park in Wales. Pembrokeshire offers more than yellow sandy beaches and rocky cliffs. The coastal scene is also the home of a lush flora and fauna ideal for nature walks. The Welsh are fond of water sports as well as eating and drinking.

The United Kingdom offers a lot of enjoyable places to visit and unique experiences. A tour of the British capital, London will present to you the landmarks and icons of the country. You could visit places like Cornwall and Devon for their beautiful beaches and historic landmarks. Visitors who like to enjoy nature walks and travel will love Lake District and Wales.

coast-path-hiking-cornwall

Staying Safe While Hiking the Cornish Cliffs

/ Hiking / , , /

The beauty of the sea, with its blue waters reflecting blue skies and the glistening warm sand, has some hidden dangers. The wide waters of the ocean can be very unpredictable. In Cornish beaches, lifeguards do patrols to keep beachgoers safe while swimming and surfing. However, there is another danger to visitors in Cornwall that many do not realize.

Those rugged and picturesque cliffs are truly awe-inspiring, and one of the highlights of a trip to Cornwall is to do a walk overlooking the sea. However, many people get involved in accidents because they do not take precautions while walking, which is why you should take note of these tips to keep you safe at all times.

This guide was first published by local holiday company Harbour Holidays which devised these tips to educate their visitors about the hidden dangers of walking the cliff path in Cornwall. Like us, they think coastal hiking in Cornwall is a must-do activity for all holidaymakers and want to make sure safety is always at the forefront of their minds when exploring the cliffs, coves and caves.

Reasons to be Careful When Hiking the Coast Path

The cliffs might look like they are made of solid rock, and therefore, stable, but this is not always the case. Some try to go close to the edge and slip due to loose rocks and unstable ground. Worse, some of these edges are actually overhanging, which makes them even more dangerous. This is unfortunately not within your line of sight, so the best thing to do is to just avoid going too close to the edge.

If you are traveling with children or dogs, it is important to keep them close at all times. There is a risk of them wandering away and getting too close to the edge. Dogs might be entranced by the seagulls and might try chasing them, and kids might simply walk away from parents. Both situations are highly dangerous and proper precautions (a dog leash, for example) can help prevent untoward accidents.

Even if you stay away from the cliff edges, some risks are taken simply by taking a difficult path. Some attempt to reach the beach, going up and down the cliff. While there are paths created for this purpose, it might still be too strenuous and steep for some.

By not wearing the right hiking shoes or simply by attempting too much, you might end up with a sprained ankle at the very least. Worse, you might get stranded and if you are in a secluded path, no one might come easily to your rescue. So if you encounter a path that is too difficult, turn back and make sure to stick to purpose-built paths at all times. Bring a phone to be able to call for help in case of emergency.

Last but not the least, make sure you are wearing appropriate clothing to ensure that you will not get frostbitten (in winter) or encounter heatstroke (during summer). Bring water and snacks to keep you hydrated and to give you energy.

Safety Tips for Your Cornwall Walk

  1. When planning to take a walk, let someone know when and where you are going. Because phone reception might be bad in these areas, you might not always have a way to call for help. If you do not show up a few hours after your scheduled arrival, someone can alert the authorities.
  2. Take only the specified paths as they are the safest. Even if you are an experienced hiker, do not take any risks due to possible hidden dangers.
  3. When crossing the beach, make sure you take note of when the tide comes in so that you will not get stuck.
  4. Do your research on the path before deciding to go, especially to know how difficult it is.

Also see this safety message from the HM Coastguards.

Accidents will only ruin your holiday, so maximize your fun and minimize risks by putting these tips into mind when walking along the cliffs of Cornwall.

mountain in the swiss alps

Best Mountain Resorts in Europe for Adventure

/ Travel / , , , /

If you are planning to travel to Europe, go to only the best mountain resorts in the country. Most of the mountain resorts in Europe are also ski resorts because of its cold weather. It is a haven for those who are active in snow sports and other recreational activities.

Learning how to ski is fun and exciting. Plus it adds up to your skill set list on your résumé. Aside from that going to the mountains to relax has always done wonders for your mental and spiritual well-being. It is one of the best ways to reset yourself when things are too stressful at work or when you just need peace and quiet.

Unlike other attractions in Europe, mountain resorts offer a sense of solitude and peacefulness. Visitors love coming back to enjoy quiet time with themselves or with friends and family. Here is a list of the best mountain resorts in Europe:

Nira Alpina, Switzerland

Located in Lake Silvaplana, this ideal winter spot also has amazing accommodations. You can enjoy the view through your own balcony with a panoramic view of the mountains. It is also a good place to ski or snowboard.

Ferdi Mountain Base, Austria

If you have never been to Austria’s Dachstein mountains, this is a place that you should totally consider going to. They have an amazing ski slope that skiers love to conquer. Aside from that, the lodge offers other amenities and activities for mountaineers to enjoy such as hiking, rock climbing, biking, yoga and they even have a sauna for you to relax in after a long day’s hike or ski.

skiing-mountains-franceLa Ferme du Soleil, France

France is perfect in any weather. Le Ferme du Soleil offers tons of activities such as paragliding, skiing during the winter, hot air balloon rides, and many more. The view is perfect for those who want to get away from the city life and just clear their minds from all the stress they have left at home.

Hozerheim, Switzerland

Hozerheim is close to Flims, a popular town for skiing in Switzerland. Here you can get the peace and quiet that you need. Its wide meadows are perfect for relaxation, meditation and fun sports activities. It has a simple vibe, a small cabin with everything that you will need.

scotland-mounatin-sceneryScotland

If you love to capture photos of majestic views, Edinburgh should be your first stop. The Scottish Highlands are more fun and exciting during the summer because of the Highland Games. You get to experience Scottish culture such as dancing, piping competitions and strongmen sports.

Whether you are active or not, recreational activities are a must try. It is always nice to try something new for the first time. When you start living, you will continue to explore and discover more of what the world can offer. Conquering mountains is one thing, but engaging in recreational activities is another. Get yourself out there, visit the UK, Scotland or other parts of Europe and enjoy life.

f3

Zipwires – Enjoy the nature from above

/ Zipwire / /

Nature is beautiful, and everyone knows that. Going into the wild is an excellent way to rest and enjoy the wonders that the earth possesses.  The outdoor tour hype that started several years ago spawned dozens of activities that have the nature exploration at its core. Zipwire became the focus of one of the activities that took the world by storm.

Zip lines were used as means of transportation in locations where other means of transport would be hard to achieve. Even then riding a zip wire was an adrenaline filled experience and people realized that it would be an excellent activity that people would pay for.

post3bZipwire – How it works?

Zipwire consists of a pulley and a cable that is placed over a slope diagonally. This allows people to slide down the zip line and enjoy the adrenaline ride it provides. The locations changed when this became a fun activity. Places where you could find the zip line changed from inaccessible terrain to sites that offer beautiful views.

The classic zip line is slow, and it isn’t as an adrenaline-heavy activity as some might think. It’s also known as the Flying Fox as it is small in scale and there is a car that is attached to the cable. The said car can be anything from a bucket in which a person sits in a hand grip. These constructions are located in places where it’s hard or even impossible to traverse the terrain in any other way. The ride on one of these things is slow because safety is post3aparamount and the need for adrenaline isn’t a part of this experience.

Professional zip wire tours – Why are they so attractive?

Going on a zip wire tour is interesting due to adrenaline-fueled ride it gives you. The ride is extremely fast, and it usually goes through an interesting piece of the environment. The combination of these two will make the experience unforgettable, and you will shake with excitement long after you disembark from the line. And that is the point of this activity. As long as you have fun, it is a well-spent time.

 

f2

Surfing – Everyone can do it

/ Surfing / , /

Surfing is an excellent way to spend the summer. The grand thing about this activity is that you can do it during other seasons as well. And you can just be an amateur surfer if you aren’t interested in the professional aspect of this sport.

We offer surfing as a service to all of the interested parties, and we take you to premium surfing locations around the world. If you don’t know how to surf then here are some tips that will help you learn it.

post2aTips for learning how to surf

You shouldn’t learn surfing alone. It’s something that requires a teacher, and you should find a good one. They will tell you everything you need to know about surfing, and they will show you how to do it. They also got some tricks that will make the learning process easier than you think. The sea can be tricky, and an excellent teacher will show you how to ride different waves. This will help you reduce the time that you will spend on learning how to surf.

post2bEvery start has to be downgraded version of the real thing, and thus you shouldn’t try to learn surfing on high waves. High waves will break you and make you hate surfing instead of instilling a love of thing activity into you. So-called beginner waves are the thing you want at the start of your surfing career. Those waves aren’t as high as those you will ride at the later point, and they are beginner-friendly, and you will learn surfing on them without any frustrations.

Every excellent surfing spot attracts professional surfers. They are better than you, and they know that. The smartest thing to do is to avoid those places and avoid surfing while they are catching waves. The lack of experience will cause mistakes, and you will endanger other surfers with your reckless behavior.

Enjoy the waves

Our tours will take you to locations that are perfect for surfing. This includes everything from top spots where professionals surf to some less known places that have high waves. You will be able to catch great waves at some of the most beautiful locations all over the world.

 

1 2