PALAWAN recently became listed as one of the destination offerings of Mountain Travel Sobek and Wilderness Travel, two leading international tour operators that cater to discriminating, high-end adventure seekers. Kayaking and snorkeling in the Calamian Archipelago and equally stunning vistas in neighboring islands now stand alongside African safaris, Mount Everest treks and other highly specialized tours to exotic destinations.

“The islands of Palawan have always been a favorite among diving enthusiasts and those looking for the perfect island getaway. Being on the list of these tour operators means that the industry can meet the expectations of more discerning travelers. We have what it takes to be in the map of top-quality adventure destinations,” said Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano in a statement.

Mountain Travel Sobek and Wilderness Travel are considered pioneers in offering adventure travel packages anywhere around the world, which range from hiking and camping expeditions to photography sessions in wildlife areas. Both operators are in the top five of Travel & Leisure magazine’s best adventure tour companies of 2007.

In its web page on the Calamian kayaking trip, Mountain Travel Sobek invites potential tourists to “discover spectacular tropical wilderness scenery, wild primary rain forest, secluded sandy coves and golden empty beaches, all the while experiencing perfect paddling conditions in crystal-clear turquoise waters and unparalleled snorkeling in coral gardens.” The excursion takes 11 days and costs around $4,500 per person.

Wilderness Travel includes snorkeling in Palawan under its WT Exploratory Expeditions for 2008. Destinations in this particular offering are considered the favorite places of the company’s expert trip leaders who designed the itineraries with the adventurous soul in mind.

A balanced ecological system and preserved natural resources are Palawan’s main attractions. The province’s lush forest cover—one of the largest in the country—and the diverse and colorful marine life make for an ideal background for adventure. Called “the last frontier” by the renowned French explorer and marine researcher Jacques Cousteau, Palawan was the stage for the latest season of popular European reality adventure show Les Aventuriers de Koh-Lanta, which was concluded in September. The 10 episodes were shot entirely in El Nido early this year. The weekly show is estimated to reach over 7 million viewers in France, Belgium, Switzerland and North Africa.

With the province’s growing popularity as an alternative travel destination, the DOT looks forward to a more diverse foreign tourist population entering the country in the near future. Over 1.5 million visitors landed on Philippine shores for the first half of 2007, with the United States, Korea and Japan as the top three source countries.

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Palawan now on list of high-end adventure travel destinations

PALAWAN recently became listed as one of the destination offerings of Mountain Travel Sobek and Wilderness Travel, two leading international tour operators that cater to discriminating, high-end adventure seekers. Kayaking and snorkeling in the Calamian Archipelago and equally stunning vistas in neighboring islands now stand alongside African safaris, Mount Everest treks and other highly specialized tours to exotic destinations.