Author Archives: Pushpitha Wijesinghe

An ideal holiday experience for the family, the Zoo Lights at the Phoenix Zoo

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Known as the “west’s most western town” the city of Scottsdale is located towards the east of Maricopa County in the state of Arizona. Regarded by the New York Times to be the desert version of Miami’s South Beach, Scottsdale has a thriving nightlife with trendy bars and restaurants.

Over the years it has successfully moulded itself into an upscale retreat for both local and international tourists hosting a vast array of trendy boutique stores and the latest abodes anywhere in the USA.

The city’s relatively small population size ensures that the metropolis is kept exclusive without the hustle and bustle of larger cities such as Los Angeles and New York.

Originally the home of the Pima Indians, the first European settlers to the area came in the 1800s and since then the city has rapidly progressed becoming a model for others like it. Scottsdale has always been a haven for free thinking and creative influence; it was the muse for renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright who built many of the city’s prominent landmarks and buildings. A monument was erected after his passing to commemorate his contributions to Scottsdale.

Of the many distinct attractions that dot the Scottsdale landscape none are more popular than the Phoenix Zoo. Opened in 1962, it is the largest non profit zoo in the United States and has been dedicated to the preservation of wildlife since its inception. The zoo’s groundbreaking project was the preservation of the rare Arabian Oryx and its successful reintroduction into the wild.

Despite initial difficulties in the 60’s the zoo has gone from strength to strength and now boasts over 1300 animals featuring four unique sections ranging from indigenous Arizona to the Tropical flora and fauna.

A popular event the zoo hosts during Christmas holiday season is the zoo lights. All the sections of the zoo are decked out in a colourful array of lights to represent the holiday season. Each of the light shows represents a theme relevant to the particular section of the park it is located in.

From savannah style light shows with subdued shades of orange and yellow to the chillier blue tones for arctic animals the light shows are a dazzling experience for the entire family and a great way to get into the holiday spirit. Do not forget to take in the musical lightshow featuring international music themes that are accompanied by dancing lights alternating according to the beats to give a truly mesmerising show.

Visitors looking for elegant Scottsdale AZ resorts to reside in need look no further than the sublime Millennium Resort Scottsdale McCormick Ranch. With pristine views over the Camel Back Mountains it is the only lakeside resort among resorts in Scottsdale Arizona. Wake up to a pristine morning overlooking the calm water of the lake and explore old town Scottsdale.

Nightlife in KL: an electrifying world entertainment

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Kuala Lampur is on a winning streak after being for years a South Asian runner-up. With more easily negotiable fun, glamour and glitz Kuala Lumpur is as blatant as its invigorating fragrances of sanctified incense, sizzling satay or its paradoxical durian. This fascinating city has an amazing variety of bars, pubs and clubs which offers plenty of entertainment spots where visitors can have a splendid time. Whatever the form of entertainment might be the hive of activity is never ending.

As a city that embraces the future this modern metropolis is also home to the radiant Petronas Towers which was once the tallest building in the world. The hints of ancient wisdom tangled together with contemporary living is what makes this multicultural fascination a pinnacle of admiration which sets its self apart from other cities in the country. Bukit Bintang is renowned as a hotbed for its recreation and nightlife entertainment. Shopping malls, resorts, and multicultural cuisine is just a glimpse of what this remarkable city has to offer.

The after dark entertainment quite often takes most visitors to the Red Box which is a popular place for the karaoke enthusiasts with preference for ages of crooning. With a wide selection of the age old hits to the modern Lambadas, the mouth watering buffet too manages to capture the attention of visitors to this part of town. With the aim of being the only one of its kind, the Cloth & Clef is roof to a fashion boutique, art gallery, bar and a performance stage that hosts local talent at its best.

The Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur is an ideal venue to experience the very best this city has to offer. This Kuala Lumpur hotel is very strategic in its location which is known as the Golden Triangle. Being just a hop skip and a jump from most of the cities happening places, convenience is certainly not a question. It is among the finest Bukit Bintang hotels.

Fun & Entertainment at the hottest new hotel in Macau

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The Galaxy Macau which recently opened its doors to the public in May, has a trendy and vibrant range of social and entertainment venues nestled within it making it one of the hottest Macau hotels to be at.

Enjoy a relaxing drink with friends at Cascades or be dazzled by the performances at the Pearl Lounge, what ever your choice the Galaxy Macau is the currently one of the trendiest places to while away the night in style at Macau.

Wakeboarding fun at Chiang Rai

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Studded with ancient temples and wondrous cultural attractions, Thailand is a land like no other. Boasting gorgeous beaches and alluring patches of lush greenery, this tropical paradise is blessed in more ways than one.

It is hard to believe that a leisure park dedicated to the sport of wakeboarding exists on a large number of hectares in the heart of Northern Thailand. Situated in Chiang Rai, Planete Wakeboard is open for pros as well as novices who want to try their hand at the exhilarating sport. In fact, the sophisticated wave making machines provide the perfect wave for wakeboarding and wakesurfing, which is becoming quite the popular sport.

Planete Wakeboard’s location is unique, being central to the borders of Laos, China and Vietnam. It is merely 15Kilometres away from the Chiang Rai International Airport. When arriving at the leisure park, the Huaisak Reservoir serves as a beautiful setting amidst all the sporting activities and is ideal for a vacation of adventure as well as a relaxing holiday.

There is also a food court, restaurant and a bar to accommodate visitors to Planete Wakeboard. A large natural pool and a video games arcade provide entertainment for the kids during the stay. Along the pool is a space for water sports such as volleyball with readily available equipment.

There is also an area for sports such as basketball, ping pong and even shooting. The man made beach area with swaying coconut trees is also a treat to experience as you feel right at a beach resort though in the middle of Northern Thailand. There are also extensive gardens with beautiful landscaping. Visitors usually sit by the gardens to take in the surroundings and to experience quality family time.

When looking for Chiang Rai resorts during your stay in the region, only one spectacular hotel comes to mind. Part of the prestigious Golden Triangle hotels, the Anantara Golden Triangle, Thailand is set in lush surroundings and overlooks the Thai countryside as well as elephant land. Taste the unique Lanna cuisine and immerse in the unique culture and hospitality which will be an experience never to be forgotten.

Marlborough Sounds – A picturesque helping of nature

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The Marlborough Sounds is one of the most serene, peaceful and stunning sights to take in when travelling to New Zealand. Consisting of a series of sea drowned valleys that collectively form a water maze of sorts, the entire area is blessed with a rich helping of natural beauty that include lush greenery and pristine beaches.

The Marlborough Sounds is surrounded by forested hills that literally spring right from the edge of the crystal clear waters. Those who choose to traverse through the sounds have several methods in which to do so including by ferry, kayak, sail and motorboat. The entire area conveys a feeling of freshness and purity that is truly invigorating to the senses. Being sparsely populated, visitors will also experience a good deal of isolation allowing for a secluded and private experience.

The Marlborough Sounds is also littered with a helping of restaurants that serve cuisine of different culinary preparations. This allows travellers to stop at a venue of their choosing which provides for a good deal of spontaneity to help keep your trip more vibrant.

Other activities that are popular at Marlborough Sounds include fishing, tramping, cycling and even walking which is an extremely pleasant experience beside the lush scenery that the entire area provides.

The waters of the Marlborough Sounds also serve as the home to a host of marine life including dolphins, tiny blue penguins, seals and many others that can be glimpsed during your travel. A variety of birdlife also resides here further presenting an even more impressive level of biodiversity.

When planning to explore the natural bounty that this flourishing locale provides, travellers will need to choose a suitable hotel in Marlborough to reside in. Copthorne Hotel Marlborough is a Blenheim hotel Marlborough that presents a range of amenities which ensure a comfortable stay in the area.

Maldives Celebrity Holiday Hotspot – Bringing Glitz and Glamour to the Islands of Maldives

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Known as the ultimate tourist destination, Maldives is presently enjoying impressive tourism growth, having rebounded from a series of natural disasters in the last couple of years. Having gone through a developmental frenzy over the recent years, every few months in Maldives brings out newly opened resorts, top-end boutique brands and ecologically sound hotels. Inviting honeymooners, divers and sun worshippers, Maldives continues to prosper keeping its original allure intact, with its superior beaches and cobalt blue waters.

Away from the modernity of the cityscape, life in Maldives is stripped down to simplicity, in its truest sense. A stunning backdrop of bright blues skies, coupled with all-year sunshine will be wonderfully atmospheric for travellers, where they can spend their days revelling the very essence of idyll living.

Recognized for its geological eccentricities, Maldives is nestled amidst the expansive Indian Ocean. Essentially, it is a series of ancient coral reefs that have matured along the edges of towering pre-historic volcanoes. With the passage of time, these immense structures have sunk into the depths of the ocean, exposing a number of coral islands of remarkable natural beauty. Travellers seeking unbridled pampering will indeed enjoy the blissful setting of Maldives, coupled with its swaying palm trees and languid waters.

Enveloped by white-powdery beads of sand, the beaches in Maldives are perhaps its finest attraction. For the traveller who enjoys water sports, Maldives is the idyllic paradise with a number of fantastic destinations for diving, surfing and snorkelling. Travellers from around the world throng at the beaches of Maldives, who enjoy frolicking in the sun and exploring the geographical marvels of Maldives. Seducing even the most discerning traveller is its turquoise reefs and deep blue lagoons, which provide the perfect opportunity to explore Maldives’ vibrant marine life. Prepare to catch a glimpse of a variety of fish species, swimming around the vivid corals.

Recognized for providing travellers with a uniquely indulgent vacation, it comes as no surprise that Maldives has become one of the top ten destinations for celebrity getaways. Few of the international celebrities who have vacationed in Maldives are Beyonce, Jay-Z, Penelope Cruz, Javier Bardem, Jude Law, Eva Longoria, Liz Hurley, Noami Campbell, Mick Jagger, Sting, Rod Stewart, Jet Li, Cindy Crawford, Jackie Chan, Kate Moss and Siena Miller.

Aside from its sheer beauty, untamed nature and breathtaking scenery, the main reason why Maldives has become a hotspot for celebrities is its secluded islands. It provides celebrities with the privacy they require, away from the autographs hounds and interfering paparazzi. Since celebrities have a different set of criteria than the average traveller, they usually opt to stay at an exclusive villa or a private home.

Recent celebrity sights have included Russell Brand and wife, Katy Perry who vacationed in Maldives for their honeymoon. The couple flew straight to their destination after their highly anticipated and extravagant wedding in India. Soccer superstar, Christiano Ronaldo and his girlfriend, Irina Shayk, famed as the cover girl for Sports Illustrated 2011, also vacationed in the islands early this year. Headlining the news was the honeymoon of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, who famously spent their honeymoon in the islands of Maldives.

For the traveller seeking an accommodation in Maldives, an ideal Maldives resort will be Anantara Dhigu, Maldives. Among the Maldives luxury hotels, Anantara Dhigu, Maldives is nestled on Dhigu Island on the South Male Atoll, where travellers can explore uncompromised luxury amidst an isolated paradise island.

New Year’s Eve Celebrations in New York

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To celebrate one of the biggest moments every year, the city of New York pulls out all the stops in marking the advent of a New Year. The festivities include the massive celebrations, high energy parties and firework displays throughout the city.

The internationally recognized Times Square provides one of the most famous New Year’s Eve celebration locations. This iconic destination is memorable for its plethora of neon lights and advertising signs that somehow manage to become even brighter come 31st night. New Year’s Eve is also marked with the annual ‘dropping of the ball’ tradition atop One Times Square.

New York City will also be coming to life with a host of parties being thrown to mark the coming of the New Year. Major hotels, ballrooms, bars, pubs and nightclubs will be hosting a diverse range of events that will cater to various tastes. When residing in the vibrant city of New York this New Year’s Eve, visitors can simply pick an event that is to their liking.

For those desiring a quieter way to mark the moment, dining at one of the many magnificent restaurants located in the city provides a perfect option. With so much choice on offer in New York, visitors need only decide what type of food and atmosphere that they are seeking and they are sure to find an option that is suitable to them.

Indulging in a cruise is yet another popular activity that is chosen by both locals and tourists alike. Typical cruises offer the chance to mingle and relax amidst a luxurious atmosphere in addition to the benefits of an open bar. From your vessel, visitors will be able to take in refreshingly new views of the entire cityscape as well as the fireworks that are set off as the clock strikes 12.

The fireworks that pepper the skies of New York are yet another popular part of the moment each year. While the fireworks are visible for different parts of the city, the center of all the activity is the immense and magnificent Central Park. The view of the fireworks is simply astounding, especially from Sheep’s Meadow. Other activities that are put on here include the Midnight Run around the park, music and dancing as well as other entertainment.

For travellers wanting to reside in a luxury hotel New York, a popular choice among many is The Premier Hotel New York which delivers an exemplary level of service to ensure maximum comfort during your stay.

Nightlife – Dance The Night Away To The Pulsating Rhythms Of Hong Kong

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Utterly delightful and extremely safe, you wouldn’t mind one bit even if you get lost in the myriad of bustling streets that wind the markets, restaurants and shopping malls of Hong Kong. A veritable shoppers’ paradise, its nightlife is not too shabby either. Hong Kong has stepped into the 21st century by redefining the word ‘luxury’. With high-end malls, exquisite hotels and attractive nightlife scene, this small yet explosive city is the place to be if you want a little bit of a shake-up.

There’s no use denying the pull of the night when in Hong Kong, with countless bars, pubs, clubs and entertainment at hand it’s a worthwhile adventure to be swept away by the crowd. Apart from the usual party places Hong Kong also offers luxurious night cruises over Victoria Harbor, Sea Food Village Dinner Cruise in Lei Yue Munn and Harbor Tours with Star Ferry. If club hopping is more your pace, the most recommended spots are Tsim Sha Tsui, Wan Chai and Lan Kwai Fong where the pubs and bars are one amalgamated mass and where the latter has a reputation of being one of the trendiest hot spots in town.

Not one to dither when it comes to having a good time, Hong Kong boasts of some of the swankiest nightclubs and discos around Asia. Be it Chinese or Western nightclubs or cabarets Kowloon and Lantau Island are two places that must be visited. A vibrant atmosphere where even the restaurants opt to stay open till about 2 o’clock in the morning, you can even find a cinema open if you are in a mood to watch a movie. Tsim Sha Tsui is one such night park always crowded with people dining or watching a movie or even opting for a bit of shopping.

Known as a “modern boutique hotel packed with the cool, hip design features” the Cosmo Hotel in Hong Kong offers contemporary, stylish and affordable accommodation to those visiting the city. A discount Hong Kong Hotel that is built close to Hong Kong’s shopping centers and other attractions it even provides guests with complimentary shuttle bus routes. Described as; “one of the most avant-garde hotels”, this 4 Star hotel Hong Kong will ensure the guest an enjoyable and comfortable stay.

Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival – keeping a folk tale alive

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For tourists visiting Hong Kong during the Tueng Ng Festival will no doubt get caught up in the excitement of this melting pot of a city. The summers in Hong Kong are filled with events, and taking centre stage is the Dragon Boat Festival.

The Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival is not just any competition; it’s steeped in Chinese culture and is accompanied with a long history. This carnival is spread out across three days filled with entertainment, music, exotic foods and the perfect setting for a bit of healthy competition.

The competition takes place at the Victoria Harbour, at the Kowloon side of the harbour, each year. For first time travelers to Hong Kong, witnessing the dragon boats pushing through the water, side by side as the drums beat furiously; it’s hard not to get wrapped up in the excitement of it all, while watching international paddlers compete against one another for the coveted prize at the International Dragon Boat Races.

In China the Dragon Boat Festival counts for a day’s holiday, and it is part of a ceremony to commemorate the death of a national hero. Qu Yuan died by drowning himself more than 2000 years ago in the Mi Lo River. Folk legend has it that people who tried to rescue him began beating drums to scare the fish away, and food such as dumplings were thrown in the water to prevent the fish from feeding on his body.

It is from this tradition that dragon boat racing evolved. Today competing teams race in beautifully decorated dragon boats, while heavy drums are being beaten at the head of the boat. What make these boats distinguishable are the intricately carved dragon heads and a tail that appear at the head and bottom of the boat.

Each boat of over 10 metres in length has the capacity to carry a boat crew of about 22. The area where the paddlers sit is called the hull and it is decorated with the colours and scales of a dragon, with a bit of gold edging.

Paddlers who stand at the boat’s bow will often light crackers while tossing rice into the water to relive the legend of the search for Qu Yuan, which adds to the excitement. According to history dragon boat races were held between different clans and tribes and even different villages. The winners received prizes by way of wine and free food.

Paddlers in the dragon boat take the race quite seriously and practice tirelessly while seated abreast with another paddler. The drummer is at the front and encourages the paddlers by beating the drum and is supported by a steersman who is seated at the back.

Popular festival food includes rice and dumplings made using different types of meat, which is wrapped in a banana leaf. It is common thinking among the local community that during the festival days if herbs are collected, the preparations made using them will be more effective. Various herbs are boilt in water and people even bathe with this water believing that they will remain healthy.

For the adventurous travelers who lives off a backpack, a 4 Star hotel Hong Kong such as the Cosmo Hotel, will allow travelers to be centrally located and within walking distance to many attractions. A discount Hong Kong hotel such as this one offers guests a superior service.

Shanghai Circus World – Showcasing Acrobatic Shanghai

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Popular as the ‘No 1 Circus World’ in China, Shanghai Circus World dominates the performing arts scene in the Zhabei District. Its unique architectural structure accommodates up to 1638 spectators and as with all other creations of modern Shanghai, the Circus World too is abundantly enhanced with the latest technology that any theatre could ever imagine having. The unique acoustics and lighting makes this venue ideal for a range of performances including singing, dancing, acrobatics and circus.

The theatre covers 22,500 square kilometres and is located along the Gonghe Xin Lu Road. The Acrobatic Field takes centre stage at the Theatre with additions to complement the whole outfit including the Animal House, the Rehearsal Uxiliary Building and the Cultural and Commercial City.


The main section, the Acrobatics Field, is equipped with state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems. It also involves a lifting stage, a revolving stage and the picture-frame stage. This section not only fulfils the needs of any circus or acrobatic performance, it is also a great venue for any sort of musical performance.


Visitors will be interested to know that this venue has regularly hosted two popular productions: the ‘Happy Circus’ and the ‘ERA Intersection of Time’. The ERA Intersection of Time is a spectacular multimedia theatre exploration and its style is unique when compared to the traditional style of musicals, especially when compared to traditional Broadway. It is a blend of modern acrobatic styles, Chinese art, martial arts and modern technology. The story told is about the evolution of China; its rich history and its modernism.


The ‘Happy Circus’ is a much popular production amongst locals as well as foreigners. Originally a performance by the Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe it showcases the exceptional talent of the Troupe with a mix of acrobatics and animal acts.


Visitors have the option of staying at either luxury hotels or budget bed and breakfast lodgings, but for those who prefer privacy at an easy personalized pace the ideal option would be a Shanghai Serviced Residence. Boasting modern amenities and facilities some of the most sought after type of accommodations are the Shanghai Executive Apartments. For luxurious private living with easy access to business, entertainment and dining options try the Somerset Xu Hui Shanghai.