Palawan now on list of high-end adventure travel destinations

The Philippines is back on the world tourism map.

Palawan is now among the destination offerings of leading tour companies in the world alongside the Mt. Everest trek and other highly specialized tours, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said.

Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano said Mountain Travel Sobek and Wilderness Travel, two of the leading global international tour operators, are now luring foreign travelers to try kayaking and snorkeling in the Calamian archipelago and in equally stunning islands in Palawan.

“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 on the map of top-quality adventure destinations,” he said.

Durano said Mountain Travel Sobek and Wilderness Travel are considered pioneers in adventure travel packages, which range from hiking and camping expeditions to photography sessions in wildlife areas.

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

On the other hand, Wilderness Travel includes snorkeling in Palawan under its WT Exploratory Expeditions for 2008.

Destinations under this offering are considered the favorite places of WT’s tour experts who designed the trips with adventurers in mind.

According to Durano, the islands of Palawan have always been a favorite of diving enthusiasts and those looking for the perfect island getaway with its balanced ecological system and preserved natural resources.