Tag Archives: Surfing

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Great Beaches in the Middle East

 

Jumeirah Beach Hotel

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The Middle East is home to some of the finest beaches in the world, but, due to political reasons, beach tourism is often not promoted heavily in many areas. Nevertheless, each of these beaches are truly spectacular in their own right, and are well worth considering for your next beach vacation.

Beit Yanai Beach, Israel
Considered to be one of the best beaches in Israel, Beit Yanai Beach is located about a 20-minute drive from Tel Aviv. Since the beach is run and managed by the Israel Parks and Nature Authority, it is extremely clean, relatively quiet, and has some great facilities. Since the beach is not protected from the sea, it often experiences massive waves, making it a popular spot for surfing and kitesurfing.

Khor Kalba Beach, Sharjah, UAE
The beach at Khor Kalba is extremely hidden and tucked away, but this is a large part of its charm. What it lacks in amenities, it makes up for in privacy, seclusion and incredible natural beauty. From the surrounding mangroves to the nesting turtles, Khor Kalba in itself is an important nature reserve, and the beach is a fine example of a conservation success. The waters here are calm, and if you want the utmost in serenity, it is best to pay the beach a visit during the weekdays.

Mughsayl Beach, Oman

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Mughsayl Beach, Oman
Oman boasts about 1000 miles of coastline, many parts of which are just simply breathtaking. Hidden away in southern Oman, Mughsayl Beach offers quite a diverse experience, depending on when in the year you visit it. In the summertime, it is reminiscent of a tropical Caribbean island, with coconut groves and banana plantations lining the pristine sand, while in the winter months, giant waves crash into the cliffs, with water exploding out of blow holes dotted along the coastline. The beach is situated about 40 kilometers from Salahah, and is easy to access.

Naqoura, Lebanon
Situated in the south of Lebanon, Naqoura is a small city that boasts an expansive, and extremely clean, beach. Unlike many of the other beaches in Lebanon, this one is free of beach resorts, large crowds and noisy bars, giving you the opportunity to hear the sound of the waves crashing onto the sand, and the breeze rustling through the trees in the forest behind the beach. To access the beach, visitors need to cross a beautiful orchard, which also serves as a turtle reserve, and is home to a number of other wildlife species too. Rumour has it that developers are interested in Naqoura’s beach, so if you want to experience this untouched slice of paradise, now is the time to visit.

While the Middle East may not immediately spring to mind when planning a beach vacation, there is no denying that the beaches found in this part of the world are extremely underrated. From the sandy coconut groves of Oman to the abundant wildlife in Naqoura, these are all considered to be some of the finest beaches that the Middle East has to offer.

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Daytrips from Manila

The Philippines is made up of over 7000 different islands, but with Manila being the capital of the country, this pulsating metropolis is usually where a large number of tourists begin their visit to the Philippines. Fortunately, for those who want to take in more of the country than what the capital can offer, there are several day trips from Manila that you can take, giving you the opportunity to deeper explore the country’s history, culture and natural beauty.

Tagaytay

Tagaytay
With its cool climate and vibrant food scene, the holiday town of Tagaytay, which lies south of Manila, has always been popular with both locals and tourists. The highest point of the Cavite province, Tagaytay enjoys spectacular views of the famous Taal Lake, as well as the Taal Volcano, which is the smallest active volcano in the world. This volcanic island is set in the middle of Taal Lake, and, in addition to being easy to access, only requires 45 minutes for a hike up to the crater, making this a popular activity here.

Zambales

Zambales
Easily accessed from Metro Manila, Zambales is a destination that is able to offer a little of just about everything. From its 107 miles of pure untainted beaches to pristine forest landscapes to communities that still practice traditional methods of living, this is a great spot to soak up some nature and culture. With 60% of the region covered in mountains, hiking is always a popular activity, especially with the prospect of being able to meet the local Aeta community. For those looking to get in some surfing, Crystal Beach is a must-visit spot, with gentle waves, perfect for a beginner, and soft pillows of sand to fall on.

Angono
Nicknamed the Art Capital of the Philippines, Angono is located just 30 kilometers from Manila. The area is jam-packed with a huge array of art galleries, and is also home to some of the oldest rock art in the country, dating all the way back to 3000 B.C. Once you have done a few gallery visits, take a stroll down Dona Aurora, also known as the Art Gallery on the Streets, where you will encounter even more local artwork.

Corregidor Island

Corregidor Island
Just a one-hour ferry ride from Manila lies Corregidor Island, a spot that any history buffs should definitely take the time to visit. From fort ruins to historic chapels to war memorials, a visit to Corregidor Island almost feels like taking a journey back through time. There are many day trip tours that you can sign up to, ensuring that you do not miss out on any of the most important sights, and giving you the opportunity to truly learn more about the country’s history.

The Philippines is a country that is so incredibly diverse, and while a visit to Manila always proves to be action-packed, these day trips offer a much different experience. From the colorful local art of Angono to the eerie history of Corregidor Island, these destinations enable you to see the country in a completely different light.

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Best Mexican Destinations for Solo Travel

Traveling to a new country on your own can often be intimidating, especially if you don’t speak the language and are unfamiliar with the culture. When it comes to Mexico, there are some areas that it’s best to stay clear of if you are on your own, but there are many others that are known for their hospitality and generosity, making solo travelers feel extremely welcome. OROGOLD takes a look at some of the best Mexican destinations for solo travel.

Ancient ruins in Tulum.

Tulum
Tulum is a quaint Mexican beach town located on the Yucatan Peninsula, and is a great place to relax while taking in the sights at your own leisurely pace. The beaches have managed to escape all of the development that is seen on other parts of the coastline, giving you the opportunity to enjoy some unspoiled natural beauty. Tulum is also known for its freshwater pools, many of which form an underground network of rivers that can be explored with a snorkeling or scuba diving trip. The Tulum ruins are just to the north of the town, and can easily be reached by renting a bike, or catching a taxi. These are known for being one of the Mayan civilization’s only walled cities, and are definitely worth the visit. OROGOLD recommends heading there early in the morning, to not only escape the heat, but also the majority of the crowds.

Cathedral in Mexico City.

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Mexico City
Mexico City is a fantastic destination for solo travelers, as many of the hotels and hostels have rooftop bars that are aimed at introducing solo guests to other travelers. This is the oldest city on the American continent, and, understandably so, is filled with many different museums and historic sites. The city is easy to navigate, and, if you don’t feel safe alone on the metro, taxis are easy to find. For those days where you don’t have a set itinerary, it is always enjoyable to wander through the city, appreciating the Art Deco, the street entertainment, and the fantastic array of authentic street snacks. If you have an afternoon to spare, OROGOLD recommends heading to Condesa, a laid-back area with a bohemian vibe and some cute outdoor cafés to sit back and do some people-watching.

Sunset in Huatulco

Huatulco
Situated in the state of Oaxaca, Huatulco is a resort region that, until the 1980s, was nothing more than just a single fishing village. Development restrictions mean that building heights are limited, and each developed area is separated by areas of unspoiled coastline, leaving 12 miles of natural shoreline for you to explore. While such a developed area may not be for everyone’s tastes, it does come with its advantages, the main one here being that there is no end to the number of different activities on offer. From snorkeling to diving to surfing to cycling to rafting, there is so much to fill your day with while meeting other similar-minded travelers. If you start to feel a thirst for exploring more of the region, there are many tours that you can join, from visiting magnificent waterfalls to a guided tour of a coffee farm.

While many may believe that Mexico isn’t safe for a solo traveler, these thoughts are usually based on rumors. Mexican culture places a huge emphasis on hospitality and warmth, and this will make you feel comfortable and right at home, no matter where in Mexico you visit.

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Australia’s Best Beaches

With some of the longest stretches of sand covered coastline in the world, Australia is home to over 11,000 different beaches, each unique for its own reasons. It would be impossible to explore all of Australia’s beaches in a single trip, or even your entire lifetime, so if you are wondering where to go, take a look at OROGOLD’s picks of Australia’s best beaches.

Boondi Beach, Australia

Bondi Beach, Sydney
While Bondi Beach has made it on the list of Australia’s best beaches, this is not necessarily due to the quality of the beach itself. Bondi Beach is a Sydney icon, if not a beach icon for the whole of Australia, and a visit to Sydney would not be complete without spending some time on Bondi Beach. It is usually exceptionally crowded, but is the best beach to do some people watching and soak up the authentic Australian beach culture. The history of the area, as well as the atmosphere and surroundings, definitely make it worth the visit, even if you don’t intend to do any swimming.

Whithaven Beach, Whithaven Island.

Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Island, Queensland
The most photographed beach in Australia, Whitehaven Beach is arguably the country’s most beautiful. The silica in the sand makes it extremely soft to the touch, and prevents it from getting too hot, giving it a gleaming white color that contrasts gorgeously with the aquamarine waters. Although this may be a popular beach, its beauty stretches out for over 7km, so even when the tour buses come along to unload their hordes of beach-going tourists, you will still be able to find a quiet area to enjoy some peace and tranquillity.

Cable Beach, Australia.

Cable Beach, Broome, Western Australia
Known to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Cable Beach has 22km of pristine white sand, washed clean every day by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Since it sits on the Indian, rather than Pacific, Ocean, Cable Beach is world famous for its spectacular sunsets, which appear as a bright red ball in the sky, casting off amazing warm shades over the water. The Sunset Bar is a great place to relax and take this in, while others opt for a sunset camel ride along the beach. Those who want to soak up the sun au naturel can visit the area of the beach just north of the rocks, where clothing is optional, while those who want to experience some native culture can follow one of the walking trails south of the rocks, which will take you through the red dunes of Minyirr Park, a spiritual location for the Yawuru people.

The beaches in Australia are as varied as the country is. While some may have huge breaks for experienced surfers, others will have gentle waters for children to splash around in. Nature lovers will be able to enjoy the wildlife at the more isolated beaches, while those who want to snorkel or dive have many spots to choose from. Since there are so many options available, OROGOLD recommends researching all of the beaches in the area of Australia that you are in, so that you can be sure that you are picking the best one for your needs.

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Hong Kong’s Best Beaches

With hundreds of different beaches scattered throughout the country, and around 50 of them that are safe to swim from, many don’t realize that Hong Kong has much more to offer than just city life. From a beach that will ensure that you can get away from the crowds, to a beach that offers up freshwater pools, OROGOLD takes a look at some of Hong Kong’s best beaches.

Sai Wan Beach, Hong Kong,

Sai Wan Beach
Located in Sai Kung Country Park, Sai Wan Beach is quite small, but its stretch of sand is white, clean and gorgeous. A small hill near the beach is where you will find two waterfalls and freshwater pools, ideal for a cooling swim away from the crowds. Since the beach has two steep hills on either side of it, this not only forms a protective bay, but also cuts you off from the noise and crowds of the nearby towns, something that really is rare in a city like Hong Kong!

Shek O Village Beach, Hong Kong.

Shek O Village Beach
One of the most popular beaches in Hong Kong, Shek O Village Beach has a relaxing, chilled out vibe, with a long stretch of white sand and some great facilities. This means that it can often be quite crowded, but, for those of you who like to indulge in some people watching, this shouldn’t be too much of a problem, although OROGOLD recommends getting there early so that you can stake out a good spot for the day. With water sports equipment for rent, and plenty of beach bars and restaurants, this is easily a beach that you could spend the whole day at.

Pui O Beach
Located at the south of Lantau Island, Pui O Beach is a scenic one, and is also great for surfing. The beach is broad and sandy, and, when the weather conditions are right, it is the best of Hong Kong’s surfing beaches. Since there are many small islands and inlets around, kayaking is also very popular at Pui O Beach, as you can row to secluded areas and spend the night camping there. For those of you who enjoy hiking, Pui O Beach is the place for you, as there are trails that will take you to some of the finest hiking spots in the country.

Cheung Sha Beach, Hong Kong

Cheung Sha Beaches
This is one of the more underrated of Lantau Island’s beaches, but has the longest stretches of sand out of all of the beaches in Hong Kong. In addition to better swimming opportunities than you will find at Lantau’s other beaches, there are also some unique eateries nearby, including a local cafe where all of the ingredients are grown in the kitchen garden. Just beyond Lower Cheung Sha Beach, you will find Tong Fuk, another great lesser-known beach which is usually quite quiet.

Most of Hong Kong’s swimming beaches will have huge shark nets beneath the water, to keep the pollution out and to keep swimmers safe, enabling you to splash around without fears of being snatched away by a strong current. With beaches that are great for mingling with the crowds, as well as beaches that will ensure that you are the only one around, Hong Kong really does have a beach for every preference.