Blog – The Adventure Centre

2020-07-15

Three of the Best Budget Luxury Resorts for a Honeymoon Adventure

Troy Chien / Travel / accommodation, honeymoon, luxury /

Most honeymoons are spent in luxury hotels and ultra-posh accommodations here in the UK, in Europe or even the Caribbean. But there are smart resorts and super-cool holiday rentals in amazing locations all around the world. But if you want something more unique, something dreamier complete with access to crystal-clear waters, picturesque sunsets, and the greetings of aquatic animals and plant life at your feet, then overwater bungalows are the way to go. These private temporary havens can be notoriously expensive.

However, there are also those that are budget-friendly and still provide you with exceptionally warm and highly personalized service to make your honeymoon stay as memorable as possible. Here are 3 of the world’s best budget overwater bungalows for your honeymoon.

Coconuts Beach Club Resort and Spa

Located in the culturally-rich island of Siumu in Samoa, the Coconuts Beach Club Resort and Spa features 6 overwater bungalows with a sweeping view of the Samoan lagoon and the blue waters of the South Pacific. The sunsets are worthy of any postcard while the ocean air can be as invigorating as having a relaxing spa.

Each Coconuts bungalow comes with a king-sized bed, expansive decks, and soaring ceilings allowing for the ocean breeze to send you to sleep faster than your mom’s lullaby can. Then you are woken up by a gentle brush on your face come early morning. Whether it is frolicking in the waters below or simply basking in the sun on your deck, this is one honeymoon accommodation worth having for just a little under $700 a night. It’s not the cheapest, but it sure is perfect for that honeymoon hideaway.

AVANI Sepang Goldcoast Resort

For those on a really tight budget, you may want to consider the AVANI Sepang Goldcoast Resort in Malaysia. Book a night or two for under $100 and you can already have an overwater villa of your own. Compared to Samoa’s Coconuts, however, the Sepang Goldcoast can be a bit crowded since it is actually a cluster of 392 different overwater villas.

The largest of these villas has 3 bedrooms which should be perfect for families. But since you’ll be coming here for a honeymoon, then the single bedroom villa should work wonders. There’s another issue. You really cannot swim in the waters underneath your villa. Nevertheless, the sound of water creating gentle splashes underneath your feet should keep your honeymoon really interesting.

Sun Island Resort and Spa

With a nightly price tag conveniently floating between the Goldcoast and the Coconuts, the Sun Island Resort and Spa is a great choice for those who wish to live the life in a tropical island paradise. Located in Maldives, you’re expected to shell out less than $300 a night in the off-peak season and under $500 during the peak season.

There are 68 water bungalows in semi-detached style as well as 358 other bungalows and island rooms. The overwater bungalows may be smaller than most but they are well-appointed especially their bathrooms. The private terraces give you an exceptional view of the Maldivean lagoon. You can also head over to any of the nine bars and restaurants as well as a large swimming pool with your partner.

There’s an overwater bungalow for every budget-conscious honeymooners. These are just a few of them.

2020-02-25

The Best Time To Go Surfing In Cornwall

Troy Chien / Default, Surfing /

Cornwall is definitely one of the best surfing destinations in the United Kingdom. It’s the ultimate place for fun under the sun and with scenic vistas, good food, and warm locals, no time is wasted when you book a holiday here.

There is no shortage of idyllic spots around the Cornish Peninsula. There are the popular surf beaches such as the aquamarine waters of Sennen Cove to the brilliant beach breaks of Porthmeor Beach, you will definitely find one that matches your skill level and mood.

But when is the perfect time to go to Cornwall for surfing? Ideally, you want to start before sunrise and around sunset when there is swell in the water. If you are a beginner and are not knowledgeable in reading surf reports, you may also chance upon brief pockets of good surf midday.

Why should you surf in the mornings and evenings?

• The waves are uncrowded

Catching waves early in the morning means that there aren’t a lot of people to share the beach with. You will have more space to improve on your surfing skills. You can paddle out at dawn or sunrise and catch a few good waves without having to worry about bumping into many heads. If you are a beginner, you can get as much practice as you need at dawn.

If you are serious at sharpening your surfing skills, it is necessary to condition yourself waking up before sunrise to get a fair share of good waves in Cornwall. It’s also ideal to surf here during smaller days, a time period between big swells. Although you may not catch better swells, you can still have a super fun experience without the inconveniences of crowded lineups.

• Light offshore winds

The local wind conditions in the morning make for pristine waves. The offshore winds around Cornwall are ideal for beginners and skilled surfers alike. They soften the waves and make it easier for surfers to do tricks while riding the waves. Onshore winds on the other hand can be a disaster as they usually deliver poor-quality and choppy waves than can be challenging to ride on especially for beginner surfers.

The glassy and silky-smooth quality of the waves in Cornwall in the early morning and early evenings are great if you want to paddle easy and have a fantastic surf session during your stay.

• Start your day and end your day with an amazing surfing experience

It will be hard to leave the comforts of your bed early in the morning, especially if you had a rough but fun night at one of the local pubs in Cornwall, but a picture of clean and perfectly-shaped waves will give you that much-needed jolt of excitement to surf before the sun rises. A quick but satisfying surf session in the evenings will definitely increase your appetite before heading out to town for a delicious Cornish spread with family and friends.

Make sure to follow these tips to make the most out of your holiday in Cornwall.

2019-12-29

Five Breathtaking European Adventures

Troy Chien / Adventure, Default, Hiking, Travel /

From beaches to the Alps, continental Europe has much to offer adventure-seeking tourists. Test yourself with these once-in-a-lifetime trips.

1. Climb the Matterhorn

Popular because of the chocolate it inspired, Matterhorn is the most iconic mountain in the Alps. It is also a hugely popular climb, with about 3,000 people coming over to scale its peaks. Visitors are assured of breathtaking views and easy accessibility. All you need to do is to take the Matterhorn Express chairlift that goes to Schwarzsee. You hike from there to the Hörnli hut, standing at the Hörnligrat Ridge, 10,695 feet (or 3,260 meters) high. The rest of the 4,000 feet (1,219 meters) are for you to climb.

The climb itself consists of fourth- and fifth-class terrain, some fixed rope climbs, and some scary thousand feet drops. Thus, it is more for experienced climbers who are not afraid of heights, are very fit, and can find routes easily without any guide. In all, the hike should take 4 to 5 hours only.

You can also book a guide through the Alpin Center Zermatt, though you would need to do so a year in advance due to the demand.

2. Follow The Tour de France Route

A visit to the 12th-century village of La Grave puts you right in the center of the best bike rides in the Alps, the Col d’Izoard, Col du Galibier, and Alpe d’Huez. From here, go towards the Col du Galibier, which is an 18-mile (29 kilometers) ride. You will climb at an average gradient of 7%, for a total of 4,000 feet of climbing. The ride past remote French villages is definitely unforgettable. Plus, you will have a grand view of the Ecrins National Park from the top.

3. Hike the Isle of Beauty

Corsica has so much natural beauty that you have to explore it on foot. Of all the hiking trails exploring the city, the most difficult is the GR 20, a 112-mile (180 kilometers) trail. The landscape is unparalleled, from gorges to plateaus and high mountain passes. Just make sure your hiking boots are up for the challenge.

4. Biking On The Shadow of Mont Blanc

The Aosta Valley has hundreds of miles of cross-country biking trails in continental Europe. But what sets these trails apart is the fact that you are in Italy, and no trip is without wonderful Italian wine and food. So, after you try out one of the many different cross-country trails, you can enjoy a feast. Still, the cross-country routes and the breathtaking ride down will keep your heart racing and your eyes full of beautiful views.

5. Surf Portugal’s Perfect Waves

Head over to Portugal, specifically to Comporta in the Alentejo region for a surfing holiday. The beaches are quiet, the waves consistent, and the coastline full of villages and vineyards. The best thing about this place is that you can go surfing all-year-round, thanks to the perfect weather and wave conditions at any season.

Many European young adults spend time biking or hiking these and other famous spots as a kind of adventure and endurance test. What’s more, the beautiful surroundings will wow you and make every drop of sweat to get there worthwhile.

2019-09-26

Top Ziplining Parks in the United States

Troy Chien / Default, Travel, Zipwire /

Ziplining is a great idea for families and young adults looking for an adventure-filled holiday. There is truly nothing like seeing a magnificent view from above. Flying would be too high and difficult to see the view, unlike being only a few dozen feet above the tops of the trees. Lastly, the rush will ensure that you get an exhilarating ride. Here are the best zipline parks in America.

1. Camelback Mountain Adventures, Pennsylvania

When you take a chairlift all the way to the top of this mountain, you can zipline down. At 4,000 feet, Camelback Mountain Adventures has one of the longest ziplines in North America. You will also fly through the sky at a whopping 60 miles per hour so make sure you take in the view as you are racing above.

2. Kapohokine Adventures Zipline Through Paradise, Hawaii

The Kapohokine Adventure Company has a few zipline tours in Hawaii, but Zipline Through Paradise is longer than others. The 8 lines are made up of more than 2,400 feet of cables. However, the tour takes more than 3 hours, so eat well beforehand. Still, seeing the river gorges and the rainforests will make every second worthwhile.

3. ZipRider, Alaska

This zipline is located in Icy Strait Point, Alaska. It is a must-have in your bucket list; the ride itself is already a thrill. You will experience dropping a total of 1,320 feet at a 25% angle, and you can expect to speed by at 65mph. Plus, the views are definitely not what you see every day because you might catch sight of the bears and whales, as well as the natural sights of Alaska.

4. Captain Zipline, Colorado

Ever wonder how the rugged Colorado landscape will look like from above? Then try the Captain Zipline in Salida. It may not be the longest and the fastest but it has exciting effects and you will see wonderful views of the Arkansas River Canyon and the Rocky Mountain peaks.

5. Skyline Ziplines, Hawaii

This is located on the grounds of the Haleakala National Park on Maui. As you race by at 40 mph, you will see the magnificent volcanic and rainforest vistas. Plus, there are almost 100-foot drops that will make your 90-minute ride exhilarating.

6. New York Zipline, New York

The New York Zipline Canopy tours swear that their tours in Hunter, NY are one of the longest, highest, and fastest in North America. Not only do you get to “fly“ over 4.5 miles of the Catskills, you also get to enjoy the breathtaking surroundings. They also have some adventure options like the Night Zip Tour.

7. Hocking Hills Canopy Tours, Ohio

For 3 hours, you can try out all the 11 ziplines, including the 2 crossing the Hocking River. Each zipline has its own level of speed and height of the drops, so it is suitable for all, from beginners to experts.

8. Stowe Mountain ZipTour, Vermont

This adventure is not for those who are scared of heights. You start at the summit of Mt. Mansfield (Vermont’s highest peak) and ride down 4500 feet of wire, reaching as much as 60mph. You will also get views of the nearby mountains.

Going on any one or all of these ziplines is an exciting, adrenaline-filled way of seeing the world, so try and consider adding these destinations to your next holiday.

2019-09-16

More Ideas For A UK Adventure

Troy Chien / Adventure, Travel / Outdoor Activities, UK, United Kingdom /

When a lot of people think of adventure travel, the first place that comes to mind is a far-flung destination like New Zealand. The South Island in particular is known for offering pretty much any adrenaline-inducing activity you could imagine, including sky diving, bungee jumping, skiing, kayaking, and more. New Zealand is pretty far away from the rest of the world though, which can be discouraging to travelers holding out for the perfect place to complete their adventure bucket lists.

The good news, however, is the that there are plenty of more convenient locations ripe for adventure. The United Kingdom, for instance, is actually full of opportunities in this regard, and doesn’t get enough credit for it. The country may not be quite as exotic as New Zealand, but there are plenty of exciting things to do, and plenty of beautiful backdrops for the activity. So if you’re looking for a manageable destination where you can enjoy a few thrills and cross some things off that adventure bucket list, keep reading for a few fun suggestions in this area.

Climb the Miner’s Track of Fleetwith Pike

If you’ve ever wished you had the upper-body strength of a professional rock climber so that you could see the views that they do, look no further than Fleetwith Pike in Cumbria. There you can climb up the side of a mountain from the comfort of a ladder and harness combination that keeps you from falling. The experience is similar to a high ropes course, except that this one takes you above treetops and into elevations you probably wouldn’t be able to reach without the remodeled Miner’s Track. Some local tour companies offer both a moderate and an extreme version of the experience, with the former being suitable for nearly all ages, and the latter more targeted at adventure junkies looking to get their adrenaline pumping. Either way, this can be the perfect solution to anyone looking for a unique adventure activity that’s fairly easy to enjoy.

Play Football on a Premier League Field

This is a different kind of adventure, but one the should appeal to anyone who is a sports fan. Football (or soccer in the U.S.) is the world’s most popular sport, with nearly every country participating in one way or another. In the UK, there are famous clubs, dedicated fan bases, robust betting markets, and entire websites solely devoted to tracking scores and player statistics to keep fans as up-to-date as possible. Given this national obsession with football, some stadiums actually offer fans the opportunity to play football on their iconic, professional fields. For people who follow these teams, or, again, just have interest in sports, this can be the adventure of a lifetime – a chance to feel what it’s like to play a sport on the ultimate stage.

Coasteer on the Isle of Wight

Once thing we love about the UK when it comes to adventure tourism is the somewhat dramatic coastline. The lush forests and rolling hills of the kingdom’s landscape make way for imposing cliffs overlooking crashing blue waves, making the UK coasts perfect for a beautiful adventure. The Isle of Wight is particularly stunning, and if you are interested in the relatively new trend of “coasteering,” be sure to make the journey. Coasteering on the Isle of Wight involves swimming, climbing, crawling through caves, and of course taking in the beautiful scenery along the way. You’ll also get the chance to do some cliff jumping with the help of trained professionals (meaning you don’t have to worry about shallow waters and rocky underwater terrain). There is one company that offers this experience on the Isle, and we love that they enable customers to do things they normally wouldn’t feel totally comfortable doing alone – like swimming right into an underwater cave!

This is by no means an exhaustive list of adventurous things to do in the UK, but we hope it restores your faith in your ability to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience closer to home!

2019-09-03

Top 5 Exciting UK Destinations for First-time Visitors

Troy Chien / Adventure, Travel / Cornwall, Devon, lake district, London, UK, United Kingdom, Wales /

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. Most people visit this area for the exceptional trekking options as there are thousands of miles of hiking trails in this area. Other popular activities include rock climbing, sailing, kayaking and wild swimming in the beautiful lakes that the park is known for.

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.

Adventure seekers will love the outdoor activities on offer in this great capital city. As well as walking and biking the city’s parks and waterways, visitors can enjoy a ride on the LondonEye visitor attraction, white water kayaking on an Olympic slalom course, stand-up-paddle boarding on the River Thames and an adrenaline-fuelled swish down Europe’s best inner city zip wire. For more ideas on things to see and do, take a look at VisitLondon.com

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 restaurants 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.

Cornwall is one of the UK’s most popular tourist destinations attracting people from all over the UK and the world. The popular Poldark TV series is now being screened in many countries, and fans flock to the county to see where the show was filed. As a major destination for holidaying Brits and people on vacation from abroad, there is a wonderful selection of places to stay. Visitors can choose from hotels, cottage rentals, B&Bs and holiday park. Top Cornish resorts include fabulous Falmouth, surfy Newquay, scenic Penzance, foody Padstow and beachy Bude. Make a beeline for these towns for a wonderful base for Cornish adventures.

For those who like outdoor activities, there are many exciting options in Cornwall. Top of the list is surfing. Newquay is the hearn of European surfing but there are also numerous quality surf beaches around the county, and plenty of surf schools where visitors can learn to surf. Coasteering around the cliffs and coastline is also a very popular activity in this county. Other adventure activities in Cornwall include sailing, rock climbing, kayaking, mountain biking, diving and coastal walking. It’s an amazing place to visit for experiences in the great outdoors.

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.

Devon is also popular with holidaymakers on staycation from other parts of the United Kingdom. It’s an insanely beautiful part of the country with plenty of things to see and do for tourists. Top places to visit on vacation include Woolacombe, Ilfracombe, Salcombe, Dartmouth and Torquay. The area around Torquay and Paington is known as the English Riviera because of its mild and usually sunny climate.

Wales

Wales is a huge area to pick as one of the UK’s top visitor destinations. It’s a whole country but worth including because all of it is stunning. Highlights for new visitors include Snowdonia National Park, the Brecon Beacons national park and the UK’s only coastal national park in Pembrokeshire. Obviously, the hiking and biking options in these hilly and mountainous regions are exceptional.

As well as rugged mountain adventures, visitors will love this outdoor playground of rivers, sea and open countryside. Other popular activities include kayaking, surfing, canyoning and zip wire rides across vast mountain passes. It’s an awesome place to visit when you’re in the UK.

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.

2019-08-08

Australia is for Thrillseekers, Too

Troy Chien / Adventure, Default /

Australia may be a country filled with laid-back beaches but it also has its fair share of intense adventures. If you’re a thrillseeker, you would be pleased to know that there is so much to do in the country that will keep your heart racing. Check these 6 things that you can do starting from the highest altitude to the lowest depth.

1. Skydiving at Mission Beach

A lot of people dream of skydiving but only a few have the guts for it. Imagine flinging yourself out of a plane and falling towards Mission Beach. It seems easy, right? Not until you look down and see that there is nothing that can catch you save for the parachute that will help you land safely.

But once you get out of the plane, you know that all the fear was worth it. Apart from your terror, you will definitely love the view from the sky as you look down to the beach.

2. Scale Down the Gordon Dam

If skydiving was not enough for you, then you can test your fears at the Gordon Dam. This dam is 140 meters high and it is known to be the world’s highest abseil. What makes this scary is not so much the height of it but the view when you look down. Just knowing that there’s nothing below but water can definitely test your fears.

3. Climb Up the Sydney Harbour Bridge

The Sydney Harbour Bridge might be lower than the Gordon Dam but it is not any less scary. Going up through metal pathways just makes you want to be extra careful and focused on your balance. Although you have a harness and safety gear with you, you wouldn’t want to slip with all the metal surrounding you.

But after two hours of climbing, you are rewarded with the full view of the Sydney harbour. This is a perfect scene, especially during sunrise or sunset.

4. Ride a Rollercoaster at MovieWorld

Looking for something that will make you scream? Visit MovieWorld’s DC Rivals HyperCoaster. This rollercoaster ride runs with a speed of 115 km/hr and it has a drop of 61 meters. Sure, you’ll be holding on well to your seat but the drop is so steep you would think you’re slipping off! How’s that for a ride?

5. Stay in a Cage Surrounded by Crocodiles

Now for something up close. Face your fear and stay in a cage underwater while you are surrounded by saltwater crocodiles. At Crocosaurus Cove, you get to meet the crocodiles up close. But don’t worry, they won’t hurt you unless you do something distracting. This cage has been dubbed the “cage of death”.

6. Swim with the Whale Sharks

And finally, go deep underwater and experience swimming with one of the most feared animals in the world. When you swim beside a whale shark, you will realize how small and weak you are and no amount of bravery can overcome the size of the whale shark. You can try this exciting dive at Ningaloo Reef.

Excited for your Australia trip yet? These are just some of what you can experience in the country. Go ahead and find your adventure!

2019-06-26

Visit New Zealand and Try These Popular Adventure Activities

Troy Chien / Adventure, Travel, Zipwire /

The rugged beauty of New Zealand is also the perfect backdrop for some of the world’s most exciting adventure activities. If you like an action-packed holiday, then you have your pick when you visit this country. Here are some of the well-known ones you can choose from.

1. Bungy-Jumping

No adrenaline-seeking visitor to New Zealand misses out on the bungy jumping opportunities (yes, they spell bungee like that in NZ). There are also very few that offer wonderful scenery. The one in Kawarau Bridge in Queenstown was also instrumental in transforming this activity from being an unknown activity in Vanuatu to becoming one of the most heart-racing jumps in the world.

Visitors can also choose to take plunge in the Sky Tower and Harbor Bridge in Auckland, as well as Lake Taupo, where you can touch the water during your jump.

2. Roped Adventures

The Nevis Swing is another New Zealand invention that will make your heart race. Queenstown is where you find the biggest rope swing in the world, at a height of 439.6 feet or 134 meters. Newbies can also try doing this in tandem.

Another rope-based activity is ziplining, which can be done in the Waiheke Island forests, giving you a view of the magnificent Auckland Harbour. For a more thrilling, 3-hour adventure, you can head over to Rotorua. You can also try out the steepest ziplines ever in Bob’s Peak in Queenstown. On the other hand, ziplining in South Island’s West Coast will not just make you whiz through the trees, but you might also enjoy the sight of some glowworms as well.

3. Canyoning And Spelunking

Crawling through the caves is not for those who are scared of closed spaces, but if this thrills you instead, then the cave systems of Waitomo should definitely be in your bucket list. Beyond the breathtaking limestone formations and the secretive passageways, you will also love the sight of the glowworms that live here.

If you prefer to be outdoors, then try out canyoning instead. The Abel Tasman National Park, Mt. Richmond Forest Part, and the Kauharangi National Park have exciting canyons to explore. Wanaka also offers deep canyon tours that offer everything from rapelling to hiking, and swimming to rock climbing.

4. Water Adventures

Surrounded by the ocean, you can imagine that there are enough beaches for every kind of watersport you want to try out. But beyond the sea, there are also lakes and freshwater rivers that are great for kayaking. A heart-racing alternative is jet boating in Queenstown, Auckland, and Lake Taupo. For a unique adventure, Waitomo Caves is the top pick for underground exploration and black water rafting. You can also get the rush of rafting down the rapids of Kaituna River and its waterfall.

5. Skydiving

Skydiving is another popular adventure activity for both locals and tourists alike but if you want to add a twist, then try jumping off the airplane and landing on the snowy mountaintops of Mt. Cook, the highest mountain in the country.

New Zealand combines beautiful scenery and exciting adventures that will give you the holiday of your lifetime, so make sure to try these out during your trip to the country.

2019-06-01

Extreme Sports to Enjoy in Canada

Troy Chien / Adventure, Default, Hiking, Travel /

Canada is not just full of beautiful vistas and exciting cities, but it is also the perfect destination for an adventure-filled holiday. Adrenaline junkies will find activities that will make their hearts race and will give them memories to treasure for the rest of their lives.

1. Skiing in Whistler

Adventure is not just for the warm, summer days. Winter, in particular, is great for those who love to ski or snowboard. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you will find the perfect piste for you in Whistler. There is truly no other way to enjoy the snowy days than exploring the 8,171 acres of pistes here.

2. Cross The Arctic Circle

Hiking is not really the most extreme sport, but if you do so here, then you will experience a more extreme version of hiking. Beyond being more challenging, it will also give you the chance to enjoy the breathtaking views. Plus, you can say you have crossed the Arctic circle on foot.

Visiting in June will allow you to enjoy the midnight sun and even at this time, experienced skiers can try out the off-piste powder. Climbers will also find some exciting peaks to try out. Other activities include dogsledding expeditions and tours on snowmobile.

3. Whitewater Rafting In Banff

There are few activities as exciting as whitewater rafting, especially when you choose the expert routes with the huge waves and even a cliff jump of Horseshoe Canyon in Banff. Newbies or those traveling with kids might want to start off with Kananaskis River, which still packs some excitement with their class 2 to 3 rapids. As you advance, you can try out Horse River and check out the Rocky Mountains on a day trip.

4. Hike Up The Grouse Grind

Beyond being very physically demanding, this hike is perfect for thrillseekers who want to go up quickly. While it will only take about an hour and a half and it is only 2.9 kilometers each way, you will go up 853 meters and will enjoy a beautiful view of Vancouver up top. Take note, however, that being very fit is a requirement before going up because it truly is a grueling hike.

5. Glacier Skywalk

This place is known to be “where the eagles soar” and is definitely not for those who are scared of heights. The Glacier Skywalk is suspended between the dramatic cliffs, including a 918-foot drop at the end. It is open only during summertime and visitors will be rewarded with breathtaking views.

6. Edmonton Skydive

The highest jumps in Western Canada, as well as an elongated freefall, can be found in Edmonton. Beyond that, it is the place where the best instructors can be found.

7. Whistler Bungee

Bungee jumpers will not just enjoy the adrenaline rush here but will also find the most scenic setting for a hump in Whistler. Open all throughout the year, the views include the Cheakamus River, which receives its waters from glaciers in the area.

Tourists bored of the same old city tour will definitely find more exciting adventures in Canada, whether they visit in summer or winter. So prepare yourself for a trip like no other.

2018-09-30

On the Shores of a Super Volcano in Sumatra

Troy Chien / Travel / hiking, kayaking, sumatra, volcano /

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.

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