Amazing Waterfalls in around the World

Amazing Waterfalls in around the World

Malaysian beach holiday

I normally approach beach holidays with the kind of enthusiasm I reserve for minor surgery. I don’t mind spending an afternoon on the beach and I like swimming but I have far too much energy and too little pigment to spend a week lying down, soaking up rays.

However, there was a holiday quid pro quo here – my wife had trekked in Borneo, so I had to lie on the beach. Besides, I reasoned, I now have a toddler and we could entertain each other by building sandcastles. Still, as our speedboat bounced across the strait between Peninsula Malaysia and the Perhentian Islands, I was busily totting up how many unread books I had with me.

Perhentian Besar is the larger of the two main islands. Smaller Perhentian Kecil tends towards a backpackerish clientele while Besar is more resort-y. This is all relative though – both are part of a national park and only developed for short stretches of their coastlines. Anyone who comes with their expectations informed by Thai islands should think again. Malaysia is Islamic and, on its stricter east coast, somewhat ambivalent about alcohol.

We chose to stay at the Perhentian Island Resort, the best resort on the Besar. This may sound flash but Malaysia has a glorious dearth of silly, self-regarding boutique hotels and what we were really paying for was the best beach on the island. It was a perfect horseshoe bay with limpid turquoise water, a few small cliffs to provide interest and all backed by the ubiquitous Malaysian jungle. Our fellow guests were largely continental European – for a former British colony, Malaysia is curiously absent from most UK holidaymakers’ itineraries.

While our resort was a very good choice, the food on offer – a kind of dumbed down Italian menu – was disappointing. For Malaysian food, at its best, is wonderful, fusing influences from India, Thailand and China. We soon discovered the restaurants 10 minutes away, across a rickety jungle boardwalk (where at night you were buzzed by shrieking bats). These places were livelier, cheaper, and offered dishes made with local produce. By day three, I was taking not only lunch and dinner round the corner but breakfast too – roti canai (a unique Indian-Malay dish of pan-fried Indian-style layered bread served with a sauce) may just be the greatest breakfast in the world.

We were on a paradise island. The white sand beach was as good as it looked and there was plenty of coral and fish within snorkelling depth in the wonderfully clear waters.

And for those, like me, too restless to spend all day on the beach, the island had a surprise. At 11am on the second day, I wedged my daughter into her backpack and walked to the rear of the resort. There, a rather mildewed sign promised jungle trekking. It looked a little underwhelming. But on the Perhentians, where few leave the beaches, the interior jungle is pretty much untouched. As we entered, we were immediately surrounded by the screeching of dozens of monkeys in the trees. Soon, we were alone in a rainforest that could have been on Borneo. About 40 minutes later, we exited the jungle at the other side, skirted through some scrub and followed a brackish creek heavily populated with huge monitor lizards.

The following day, there was an offshore storm that made the water cloudy and turned our normally placid cove into an unlikely surfing destination. Then a German, a fellow curry fan, told me that the best underwater sights were now actually out in the bay. I put on a pair of fins and a mask and, about 100m from shore, a couple of giant sea turtles were grazing on sea grass. I snorkelled a respectful distance away and watched these huge creatures enjoy their leisurely lunch.

The day after my turtle encounter, we enjoyed our last roti beach breakfast before heading off to the speedboat back to the mainland, feeling we could easily have stayed a few days longer. So, I have to hand it to the Perhentians – they reminded me that beaches can be fun. Now, if only that resort would learn to cook a decent roti.

Namtok Thi Lo Su , Tak vacations, Thailand

• Namtok Thi Lo Su is located in the Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which links with.

The Thung Yai Naresuan and Huay Kha Kaeng Reserves, as well as Khlong Lan and Mae Wong National Parks. Together, they form Thailand's largest wildlife haven and Southeast Asia's top virgin forest.

Thi Lo in the local language means waterfall and Su means loud, thus, Thi Lo Su means waterfall that makes a loud noise. This is due to its size and the intense flow of the stream. In Karen, "Thi Lo Su" means Black Waterfall.

The biggest and the most beautiful waterfall in Thailand, Namtok Thi Lo Su is also considered the sixth biggest waterfall in the world.

The waterfall itself originates from Huai Klotho, streaming along limestone cliffs at the height of 200-300 meters down to cascading tiers which are surrounded by intact natural forests.

There is a cave behind the waterfall worth exploring and several levels of pools for swimming. To get there, visitors can either raft or drive. For those deciding to drive a 4WD vehicle, the distance is 47 kilometers from Umphang to the wildlife sanctuary office. From there, visitors have to walk along the 1.5 kilometers self-guided forest trail which provides unrivalled natural forest scenery.

Please note that vehicles can possibly reach the office only during November to April. In the rainy season, Thi Lo Su is accessible only by rafting along Maenam Mae Klong. From the drop-off point, visitors have to continue on foot for approximately 4-5 hours.

Camping at the Wildlife Sanctuary Headquarters is allowed near the falls, especially during November December, when the waterfall is at its most beautiful. Visitors are advised to make enquiries with the TAT Office in Tak Province (Tel: 085 551 4341-3) regarding travel conditions and camping opportunities.

Top 10 adventure vacations in the U.S.

Are you a thrill-seeker looking for adventure this summer, without breaking the bank?

1. Surfing, scuba diving, mountain biking at Oahu, Hawaii If you’re into board sports, the surf scene.

On Oahu’s northern shore is a must-see spot while the scuba diving off Oahu is out of this world. Back on land, check out the many mountain trails for biking, ATV riding and horseback adventures.

2. Rafting, hiking, bungee jumping at Grand Canyon, Arizona If you’re looking for perhaps the best rafting site in the United States, the Canyon’s Colorado River runs could be your answer. Camp along the banks of the enormous river, and explore the variety of hiking trails around the region.

3. Mountain biking, hiking at Flagstaff, Arizona

When it comes to mountain biking, no spot is better than Flagstaff, Arizona, which boasts several dozen trails, ranging from short, simple tracks to long, challenging ones.

4. Surfing at Cape Hatteras, North Carolina

Cape Hatteras is popular because here the continental shelf drops off very quickly, resulting in bigger waves reaching the shoreline quickly and powerfully. This region has the nickname “Graveyard of the Atlantic” due to the havoc it wreaked on ships.

5. Climbing in the White Mountains, New Hampshire

New Hampshire’s White Mountains offer some of the best outdoor adventures in the Northeast. With several schools located in the area and a number of climbing areas for adventurers of all skill levels. Enormous ice walls challenge advanced climbers.

6. Hang gliding at Rising Fawn, Georgia

Near the Tennessee border, Rising Fawn, Georgia, is a small town known for being passionate about hang gliding. The region boasts Lookout Mountain Hang Gliding, the U.S.’s largest hang gliding school with a 55-acres of beginner and advanced hills.

7. Mountain climbing, hiking at Pierce County, Washington

Mount Rainier, an active volcano, is one of the U.S.’s top mountain-climbing sites, with roughly 10,000 adventurers flocking to this region to attempt to navigate their way to the peak, which can take two to three days.

8. BASE jumping at Fayetteville, West Virginia

BASE jumping is illegal in many parts of America but the third Saturday of October at New River Gorge Bridge, Fayetteville, is dubbed Bridge Day, and for six hours, BASE jumping is legal. The annual event attracts nearly 500 jumpers to the bridge which is 876 feet above the river, but you won’t free fall for long before having to pull the cord on your parachute.

9. Skydiving, deep-sea fishing at Sebastian, Florida

In this region, skydivers jump from planes over the Atlantic Ocean and soar above the coastline in what is perhaps America’s most scenic skydiving location. If you’d rather stay out of the air, Sebastian offers some great deep-sea fishing, in particular, the famed snook fishing season in September.

10. Skydiving at Eloy, Arizona

Eloy is home to Skydive Arizona, the largest skydiving site in the U.S. Hundreds of skydivers visit the region each year to enjoy the sites of Arizona from 13,000 feet in the air and at speeds of 120 miles per hour when in free fall.

Introduction of Dubai

Introduction

There is nowhere quite like Dubai. In this unique resort destination nothing is impossible - they have built golf courses in the desert, opened the Gulf's first ski field, created the world's first 7-star hotel and, in the latest outlandish project, are now constructing ‘The World', a string of islands in the shape of the globe. Add in sweeping beaches, bath temperature waters and first-rate facilities and it is easy to see why Dubai has become such a popular destination over the last decade.
Who goes there?
Dubai is not really a party destination as such with its main visitors being couples and families. These tend to be from Western Europe with the months leading up to Christmas and just after very popular when the weather is at its best.
Where in the world?
The emirate of Dubai lies on the western shores of the Gulf in the Middle East. It is surrounded by various other emirates, which are also members of the United Arab Emirates. The country of Oman is to the east. Dubai International Airport (DXB) is the nearest airport. The emirate spreads out from the warm waters of the Gulf across a flat plateau, with sweeping sand dune strewn deserts inland and the rugged mountains in the north and east on the border with Oman.
Beach
Dubai boasts a long stretch of Gulf coastline, much of it sprinkled with fine sand. The heart of the action is on Jumeirah Beach. This coastal strip is awash with luxury hotels, with many boasting their own corners of beach with all the usual facilities such as sun loungers and parasols. A range of watersports is also available. These are best arranged through your hotel.
Beyond the beach
The city of Dubai boasts plenty to see and do. You can take a cruise on a traditional dhow through the lifeblood Dubai Creek, visit one of the city's impressive mosques or just stroll around the older quarters taking in the sights and smells of this bustling urban centre. A cheap and cheerful way to see the city like a local is on one of the old abras, the small boats that charge a nominal fee to ferry you from one side of Dubai Creek to the other.
Family fun
Many of Dubai's hotels offer holidaymakers a range of things for their children to do, from kids clubs through to beach games. For adventurous children a 4-wheel drive into the deserts on an organised trip offers the chance to bounce up and down the sands ‘dune bashing'. These trips can include a camel ride and a Bedouin-style meal in a desert camp.
Retail therapy
Dubai is one of the best destinations in the world for shopping. Holidaymakers with money to burn can hit the duty-free shops at the airport, the city's maze of massive air-conditioned malls or the atmospheric old souks, which offer a very different retail experience right in the heart of the city. Good traditional buys include gold and silver jewellery, as well as exotic spices.
A night on the town
As a Muslim country the sale of alcohol is controlled, but holidaymakers can enjoy alcohol in many of the city's hotels, restaurants and clubs. For Western-style nightlife there are numerous choices in the city's hotels; for a local experience you can also smoke a shisha pipe or take tea at one of the centre's more authentic haunts.
Eating out
Diners in Dubai are spoilt for choice, as whatever your favourite food is the chances are it will be on offer here. The city's restaurants and hotels source top notch ingredients from around the world with very high standards across the board. For a more authentic local dining experience head into the city centre around the souks for small informal restaurants and street stalls.
Getting around
The area around Dubai Creek is easily explored on foot, but the rest of the emirate is very spread out, with Jumeirah Beach, where most of the hotels are, one long increasingly busy strip not pleasant for walking along. The city's bus system is reasonably efficient, though very much geared towards locals. Taxis and hire cars are a much better way of getting around and are handy for getting between hotels and restaurants as well as making day trips out of the city. The abras are useful for getting across the Creek if you are on foot.
Exploring further afield
Taking a day trip out to the Hajar Mountains is one of the most popular day trips in Dubai. A number of companies take holidaymakers out across the deserts towards the Omani border. One of the highlights of the trip is ‘wadi bashing' when the 4-wheel drive vehicles thump through the mountain water pools in a dramatic splash. Lunch is often included on these safari trips.

Maui Prince Hotel - Makena Resort

Part of the large Makena Resort, the upscale Maui Prince Hotel offers a bevy of onsite activities and recreational facilities, as well as opportunities for relaxation, and is approximately 17 miles from Kahului Airport. Local attractions include Iao Valley State Park, approximately 19 miles away, and Kihei Town, located four miles from the resort.Makena Beach is steps from the property, and offers a quarter-mile of white sand and lounge chairs.

The beach activity desk can arrange numerous water excursions. The hotel's central feature is an Asian meditation garden and open-air atrium, featuring waterfalls, streams, carp, and stone pathways. Those that do their best meditating while swinging a nine-iron will want to check out the resort's 18-hole golf course located on 1,800 tropical acres.

The onsite tennis facilities offer six courts, clinics, private lessons, equipment rentals, and a snack bar. Other recreational facilities include the outdoor swimming pool, whirlpool, fitness center, and the spa. Additional amenities include children's programs, wireless Internet access, babysitting services, arts and crafts classes, laundry services, babysitting services, free valet parking, and free local shuttles.

Dining options include Island cuisine at the Prince Court, Sunday Brunch, the Sunset Lu'au, Japanese fare at Hakone, Cafe Kiowai, Makena Clubhouse, Molokini Lounge, and the Poolside Snack Bar.Guest rooms feature private lanais, refrigerators, free bottled water, coffeemakers, bath amenities, hairdryers, TVs, high-speed Internet access, and safes.

KIDS EAT FREE / GOLF FREE promotion (valid for travel dates from April 1 - September 30, 2009):Children 5 - 12 years of age eat FREE when dining with parents paying full rate on a main course or equivalent from restaurant menu. Children 6 - 17 years of age golf for free when golfing with their parents. Parents must purchase a round of golf and accompany kids when golfing.

Little piece of paradise

There’s nothing like watching the sun rising on the coast of Antigua to see this Caribbean island in all its glory, writes ALANNA GALLAGHER ON ANTIGUA life is a beach and the pace is slow.

The Caribbean island is fringed by kilometre after kilometre of powder-fine white sand fringed by opalescent water.

The seduction process is a slow burn. The interior of the island is so underwhelming that you will question your judgment when you leave the airport.

The highlights of the drive to the coast are the pineapple motifs – symbols of welcome in the Caribbean – that decorate homesteads of all shapes and sizes.

Some mornings will feel muggy and overcast, with not a jot of turquoise water in sight. But then the ocean gets its curtain call, and at 8.30am precisely, like magic, a broad strip of greeny blue starts to ring the sandy coastline and a navy line frames the horizon.

Minimalists might love the smooth, clean lines of Half Moon Bay, an off-the-beaten-track expanse of white sand on the Atlantic east coast, the windward side of the island, where there’s plenty of wave action.

If you prefer to soak up the local vibe, then head to Pigeon’s Point Beach at Falmouth Harbour, which flies below most tourists’ radars – the residents like to keep this one to themselves. This beach has shade, gentle waves, golden sand, picnic tables and a pier for perfecting your diving. When you get hungry head to Bumpkins for a feed of grilled shrimp washed down with a banana pina colada.

Ffreys Beach, to the west , is a work of art, with sculptural pieces of driftwood sunken into the sand, while Jabberwock Beach, to the north, is a kite- and windsurfers’ dream, even if it is untidy by the island’s standards. If sunloungers are crucial to your seaside experience, then Dickenson Bay, on the northwest coast, is for you.

As a holiday destination, Antigua is compact and easy to get around. It takes 45 minutes to drive across, or you could hire a bike or dune buggy and explore the island one beach at a time. Temperatures remain between 25 and 30 degrees, and warm trade winds will keep you feeling breezy.

The only thing to do on this island is “lime” – Creole slang for relaxing and enjoying nature in all its salty glory. Oodles of charters offer you the chance to get on the water, snorkel and nature watch. Pelicans drop to catch fish, and there’s a wealth of sea life to see while snorkelling, from the coral of Cades Reef to barracuda and, if you’re lucky, a turtle.

A day trip to Antigua’s other half, Barbuda – a smaller island that, with uninhabited Redonda, makes up the state of Antigua and Barbuda – is a ferry hop away. If you think the beaches on Antigua are special, then Barbuda’s empty pink sands will really thrill your toes.

Antigua is one of the world’s big sailing destinations – sailors account for up to one in 10 tourists. The 43rd Antigua Sailing Week takes place from April 24th to 30th. Last year Adrian Lee, a Dubliner, and his team won the first Antigua Ocean Series.

And you can’t talk about the Caribbean without referring to its pirate past. The Wexford pirate Anne Bonny sailed these waters with Calico Jack, the 18th-century English buccaneer.

Named but not explored by Columbus in 1493, Antigua was colonised by the British in 1632, after which it became a strategic port. Slavery and the sugar trade cast long shadows, and remnants of sugar mills dot the hillsides.

Carnival is an annual event on the island. Held in the last week of July and first week of August, it features calypso, soca and 20th-century steel-drum and iron bands. If you’re really in the mood, J’Ouvert is a pre-dawn party that starts at 4am on Carnival Monday.

As well as sugar mills, the island is dotted with forts the British constructed to protect the island from invasion. Nelson’s Dockyard, built to repair ships locally, is the world’s sole remaining Georgian dockyard; it has marinas, a museum and two heritage-style hotels.

For kids there’s Pirates of Antigua, a mini-cruise on which you might have to walk the plank; Stingray City, where you can feed and swim with these large fish; and snorkelling in some of the clearest waters in the Caribbean. There’s also SubCat Antigua, which offers underwater excursions through spectacular coral reefs, with a chance to see snapper, barracuda, stingrays and angelfish without getting wet.

Back on dry land, the Thursday barbecue at Shirley Heights Lookout is a weekly highlight that offers all of the above as well as views across the island.

And when the rum goes to your head and you start to feel homesick, grab a locally brewed Guinness to compare and contrast. At more than 7 per cent alcohol, this brew is export strength.

Antigua is a sold as a destination for couples – honeymooners in particular. But it’s selling itself short. It’s also a great place to take children. The best-value options for families are all-inclusive resorts, but make lunch a picnic and explore all this beautiful island has to offer.


Where to stay

Jolly Beach Resort. 00-1-268-4620061, jollybeachresort.com. One of the few three-star resorts on the island offering all-inclusive packages, with kids’ and teens’ clubs, non-motorised water sports, a hammock club and nightly entertainment.

Hawksbill by Rex Resorts. Five Islands, 00-1-268-4620301, rexresorts.com/_caribbean. Another three-star family- friendly all-inclusive option.

If you prefer a more authentic experience, then stay in one of the small hotels, inns or resorts on antiguavip. com. These include the charming Copper and Lumber Store Historic Inn, in Nelson’s Dockyard. Or book a villa through caribrepvillas. com or paradisepropertiesltd.com.

Where to eat

The Backyard Bar. Sir Vivian Richards’ Street, St John’s. The bar is, as the name suggests, in the owner’s backyard. It has a Caribbean-Spanish flavour, with conch fritters, pork ribs and simple burgers hot off the coals on Friday nights and Saturdays.

Dennis’s Bar and Restaurant. 00-1-268- 7285086, denis.ipage.ag. See the sun go down at this bar on the hill between Ffreys Beach and Little Ffreys. Bag one of the bluffside decks, suck on a cold Carib beer and enjoy shrimp salad as you watch another perfect day come to an end.

Saturday is barbecue day in Antigua, with a number of vendors setting up shop on the side of the road. They sell conch water (a seafood soup), goat water (a goat stew) and pepper pot (the national dish). For seafood try Parnham Corner, a lunchtime eatery in the north, on the corner of the Parnham and Factory Road intersection, or Carvella’s Cook Shop, at Crabbe Street in Crabbe Hill village, in the west of the island. Wash the meal down with coconut water served in the shell.

Where to go

Shirley Heights Lookout Restaurant and Bar, 00-1- 268-7280636, shirleyheights lookout.com. On a clear day you can see Guadeloupe, to the south, and Montserrat, with its volcano smoking, to the southwest. The barbecues here on Thursdays and Sundays are an Antiguan institution.

Tropical Adventures. 00-1-268-4801225, tropicalad.com The only way to appreciate all Antigua has to offer is from the sea. Tropical Adventures will take you to visit the nearby island of Barbuda. Aboard a catamaran you eat lunch, stop to snorkel and tour the Frigate Bird Sanctuary.

Caribbean Helicopters. 00-1-268-4605900, caribbeanhelicopters.com. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a helicopter day trip to smouldering Montserrat and see Mother Nature at her most destructive. Caribbean Helicopters’ 45-minute flying tour of Montserrat over Soufrière Hills volcano costs $240 (€175) per person.

Snow Village

Every November in Finland, the super cool Lainio Snow Village and SnowHotel (featured in the James Bond film Die Another Day) is created. Approx 1,000 truck loads of snow are used to create the Snow Village covering 20,000 square metres. The Snow Village is an arctic adventure offering a large ice hotel with an ice restaurant and ice bar, along with activities such as an ice maze and snow slides.

Opened in 2000, this ice hotel's accommodation consists of 20 igloo bedrooms and 7 fancy ice suites. Every year the Snow Village is designed different but always a magical experience combining ice artistry, handicraft and breathtaking constructions made of snow.

Snow Village Location
Found in the western part of Finnish Lapland, the location of the Snow Hotel is near the ski resorts Ylläs and Levi, about 150 kilometers north of Rovaniemi, Finland.

Most guests come to the town of Ylläsjärvi by flying to Rovaniemi airport or flying to Kittila airport (the latter being just 25 minutes away from the Snow Hotel).

Staying Overnight in the SnowHotel
Pack yourself tightly into your sleeping bag during a night at the Snow Hotel. There are approximately 30 rooms, all made of ice and snow. Individually decorated suites with different themes are also available.

The temperature in the Snow Hotel ranges from 0 to -5 degrees Celsius (23-32 degrees Fahrenheit) depending on the Scandinavian weather outside. However, there is a heated area where hotel guests can enjoy warm showers and a sauna, or warm up in the group room in front of the fireplace and TVs.

Ice Bar
The family-owned Snow Hotel also has Europe's largest Ice Bar where you can meet others in a unique bar are with an otherworldly atmosphere, and drink from glasses made of ice. I can assure you, just seeing this bar is worth a visit to the Snow Village.

Ice Restaurant

Snow Village Surrounding Area

Leave the hotel and you find prettily illuminated ice sculptures to enjoy in the "park". Active and younger guests mingle at the ice maze and the big snow slide for some winter fun. Nearby, there is a sparkling white Ice Chapel with detailed ice sculpting that's definitely worth seeing.

Weddings in the Ice Chapel
For wedding couples, Snow Village offers remarkable settings for an unforgettable day of ceremony and celebration. To start with couples can choose between an ice chapel with furnishings made of ice and a traditional, cosy wooden chapel.

Here are a couple of the room options available for visitors to the Snow Village....

SnowHotel - Ice Suite

You sleep in high quality thermal sleeping bags. Each suite is individually decorated with unique ice art. Includes a guided tour inside the Snow Village, sleepover instructions, high quality sleeping bags and fleece lining bags, shower and toilet facilities, room wake up with hot berry juice, buffet breakfast in warm log restaurant and a diploma of igloo overnight stay.

Price: 320,00 €/suite/night

Includes a guided tour inside the Snow Village, sleepover instructions, high quality sleeping bags and fleece lining bags, shower and toilet facilities, room wake up with hot berry juice, buffet breakfast in warm log restaurant and a diploma of igloo overnight stay. Inside the snow hotel there are two warm bedrooms as a back up for those who want to change the room in the middle of the night. Evening or morning sauna in SnowHotel's underground sauna: 10 € / person. Sauna must be booked in advance. Warm overalls and boots can be rented from restaurant LainioKrouvi. Price is 10,00 € / set per day.


SnowHotel - Standard Room

You sleep in high quality thermal sleeping bags in a round shaped igloo room. The room is made of snow and decorated with a bedframe and bedside tables made of ice.




Includes a guided tour inside the Snow Village, sleepover instructions, high quality sleeping bags and fleece lining bags, shower and toilet facilities, room wake up with hot berry juice, buffet breakfast in warm log restaurant and a diploma of igloo overnight stay.



Double room: Adults: 120,00 € / person. Children: 70,00 € / person
Extra Bed: 70,00 €
Single room: 180,00 €

Includes a guided tour inside the Snow Village, sleepover instructions, high quality sleeping bags and fleece lining bags, shower and toilet facilities, room wake up with hot berry juice, buffet breakfast in warm log restaurant and a diploma of igloo overnight stay.

Inside the snow hotel there are two warm bedrooms as a back up for those who want to change the room in the middle of the night. Evening or morning sauna in SnowHotel's underground sauna: 10 € / person. Sauna must be booked in advance. Warm overalls and boots can be rented from restaurant LainioKrouvi. Price is 10,00 € / set per day.

Snow Village Opening Times
Snow Village will be opened again on December 10th of 2009 and will remain open until April 15th of 2010. Open daily from 10:00 to 22:00. Entrance fee 7 €/adult, 4€/child. Guided tour 40€/group. (group size 1-40)

Visit the Snow Village website for further details.