Latest news with #rainforests
South China Morning Post
22-07-2025
- South China Morning Post
Insiders' guide to Sri Lanka's Southern Province
Sri Lanka's south coast, stretching from design-led Bentota to Yala National Park , home to the elusive leopard, has long been a visitor favourite for its powder-soft beaches. But beyond being a surf and party destination, Southern Province is a diverse blend of rainforests, tea gardens, villages with their traditional crafts and a centuries-old fort. It has also evolved into the island nation's gastronomy hub, with contemporary bars and chic cafes spotlighting native ingredients. Advertisement To help discover the region, we spoke to three insiders: Don Ranasinghe, co-owner of Smoke & Bitters, a bar and smokehouse in Hiriketiya ranked No 14 on Asia's 50 Best Bars 2025 list; Naveen Devinda, who runs Donga, a travel company focusing on sustainable tours; and Edwina Viel, who visits Sri Lanka almost every month to manage her beachfront accommodation, Villa Weli Kasba. Locals in southern Sri Lanka recommend hailing a tuk-tuk and heading inland. Photo: Shutterstock Rainforests, tea gardens and a rock temple 'I always tell people to grab a scooter,' says Ranasinghe. 'Go inland and you're going to come across the most beautiful village scenery with paddy fields and natural water springs.' Devinda recommends Lankagama, a village that lies on the fringes of Sri Lanka's last primary rainforest, Sinharaja. While there are several entrances to Sinharaja, he explains, the trails in Lankagama meander through seven waterfalls that most travellers haven't heard of. 'It is probably the only place in the south where you can see many waterfalls within such a small area. 'There's plenty of opportunity to interact with locals in Lankagama, talk to the farmers and see their daily life. It goes beyond a typical rainforest trail,' says Devinda, who also recommends taking a tour to watch tappers climb tall fishtail palm trees to collect the sap. Viel says her guests enjoy visits to the Handunugoda Tea Estate, known for its virgin white tea: 'They are passionate about their tea, and people don't expect to see tea plantations when they are in the south.' Advertisement Both Viel and Devinda recommend hailing a tuk-tuk and heading inland from Tangalle to caves such as those at the Mulkirigala temple complex, built in the third century over a 205-metre high natural rock formation, with its reclining Buddhas and ceiling paintings that depict Buddha's life. The views aren't bad, either.
Times
20-07-2025
- Times
Win a seven-night stay in St Lucia at Windjammer Landing Resort & Residences worth £9,500
Lush rainforests, pristine beaches and the magnificent Piton mountains — St Lucia is one of the most alluring islands in the Caribbean, and home to plenty more besides its natural beauty. Every Friday night, the village of Gros Islet comes alive with a street party, while throughout the year there are festivals ranging from jazz to carnival. And then there's the diving and snorkelling, which is considered some of the best in this part of the world. As part of this prize for two, you'll spend seven nights on a B&B basis at Windjammer Landing Resort & Residences, a resort with six pools that's clustered around a palm-lined cove in the north of the island. It's up to you whether you decide to spend your time lounging with a book (or cocktail) in hand, or trying out all the different activities on offer: windsurfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, diving, tennis and more. You'll stay in a one-bedroom hilltop villa with its own private pool, and will include $100 to spend at the resort's spa. Return flights with British Airways from the UK and transfers are included too. During your stay, the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority will whisk you away on a day trip with lunch to Soufrière, where you'll visit the mud baths at Sulphur Springs and the beautiful waterfalls in the area. The winner must book their stay by April 1, 2026, giving at least 30 days' notice, with the trip taking place between October 1, 2025 and October 1, 2026. Blackout dates are October 24 to November 2, 2025; December 19 to January 2, 2026; February 12 to 22, 2026; April 2 to 9, 2026; May 6 to 12, 2026; and July 16 to 23, 2026. For more information, click here. For your chance to win, simply vote in each category in this year's Times and Sunday Times Travel Awards. There are 17 categories in total. Click here to vote. For the full list of prizes, see closes at 23.59pm on August 31, 2025. Open to residents of the United Kingdom who are aged 18 years or older, excluding employees and agents of the Promoter and its group companies, or third parties directly connected with the operation or fulfilment of the Promotion and their affiliates, and their immediate families and household members. One entry per person. Winners will be selected at random from all valid entries. No cash alternative and prize is non-transferable. Prize excludes UK transfers. Winner and guest responsible for getting to and from UK airport at their own expense. Subject to availability, Prize must be booked by April 1, 2026 and must be booked 30 days in advance of departure. Prize must be taken between October 1, 2025 and October 1, 2026, except on the following dates: October 24 to November 2, 2025, December 19, 2025 to January 2, 2026, February 12 to February 22, 2026, April 2 to April 9, 2026, May 6 to May 12, 2026, July 16 and July 23, 2026, local holidays, Christmas, New Year and Easter. Winner and his/her guest(s) must travel on the same itinerary. Flight upgrade cannot be purchased on airfares with cash or Frequent Flyer points. Once tickets have been issued they are valid for the flights/dates shown only. Lounge passes and upgrades are not permitted with these tickets. Compliance with any health or other government requirements is the responsibility of the Winner and guest. The Winner and their guest must comply with all relevant customs, security and immigration requirements, including appropriate passport and visa requirements. The Winner and their guest are responsible for holding a passport with at least six months validity remaining after the return to the UK and must organise relevant visas where required. UK passport holders do not require a visa to visit St Lucia. Travel insurance, food and drink (outside what is previously declared in the board basis), spending money and all incidental expenses are the responsibility of the Winner. Prize is subject to Windjammer's terms and conditions. All parts of Prize must be used in conjunction with same booking. Your information will be used to administer this Promotion and otherwise in accordance with our privacy policy at and those of the partners. Promoter is Times Media Ltd. Full T&Cs apply — see
Al Jazeera
19-05-2025
- Al Jazeera
Malaysia: Where there is something for everyone
A truly multicultural and multilayered country, Malaysia has something to offer everyone. From glorious beaches and rainforests to educational opportunities and cultural experiences like no other, there's a lot to discover here.
