Travel Possibility

I was on assignment for the, not to be named, Nature Magazine I work for and was so surprised to find out how much the people of the Philippines really care about the animals and their environment by creating several wildlife preserves. I managed to make arrangements through the concierges at the Hotel Manila Philippines and they helped me book guided day excursion tours to these very preserves. My first day trip was to the Calauit Game Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary.

I was in awe and thrilled about this Sanctuary. I felt like I was on an African Safari which I totally didn’t expect. Located in the Calauit Islands, this is a unique game reserve and wildlife sanctuary of not only exotic African animals, but also the endagerd endemic animals of Palawan. This reserve was created in 1976 by virtue of Presidential decree number 1578 in response to the appeal of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature to help save African Wildlife when the former President Ferdinand Marcos attended the 3rd world Conference in Kenya. With all the photos I took of African Animals it will be hard to convince my editor that I was really in Manila.

My next day trip, I hired a jeep taxi to take me to the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center, located in National Road, Barangay Irawan, Puerto Princesa City. The Philippines know this preserve as the Crocodile Farming Institute. Traveling through the preserve my guide told me the aims here are to preserve and conduct further research studies on the endangered species of the crocodiles. There is even a hospital for the sick and disabled crocodile. They also have the intentions to make good use of the crocodile skin off of any dead crocodiles. Palawan has a mini-zoo featuring many Palawan’s endemic animals. I took some amazing photos of the crocodile sunning themselves and them being fed by the handful of caretakers.

It took me two hour to get to the next preserve. Tubbattaha Reefs. Yes, I was ocean bound. Tubbattah Reefs is a marine sanctuary located in the middle central Sulu Sea, 98 nautical miles of Puerto Princesa City. Tubbattaha was declared a world natural heritage site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). I have to admit I had to arrange for this excursion 6 weeks in advance due to all the arrangements needed to get here, plus prior to flying to the Philippines I got qualified to scuba drive. All the arrangements and preparation was worth the effort. Once I was under way and under water I was grateful that this exquisite reefs is on the preservation list.

Thailand has had the reputation throughout the Orient as being the center of culture and civilization. This has been demonstrated in the Thailand luxury hotels, and the rich heritage of the architecture and the art of the country. Known for their exquisite design and delicate craftsmanship, the artists of Thailand have been well known for creating some of the most beautiful works in the world. Many of the techniques have been passed down generation after generation, and many of the traditional characteristics are still in use today. One of the industries that has been a key to the economic and artistic world is that of jewelery making and fine gem stones. Much emphasis in Thailand is place on the beliefs that certain gems, jewels and stones affect the success and the fortune of those wearing them. This belief extends to clothing colors as well, that the time of year, and the date of birth should guide each person in the colors best suited to provide one with these benefits.

Thailand has some of the finest artisans, known throughout the world for their craft, as well as being a location of resources for the precious stones. Many regions have produced sapphires, such as Si Saket, Kanchanaburi, and Phetchabun. And many other districts are known for the rubies. These rubies are well sought for by the jewelery industries around the world, apparently possessing magical beauty in the deepest red. These rubies are a large component in the credit given to Thailand as the “Land of Jewels”.

What began as a few artisans working out of their huts, has turned into and international exporting business. The jewelry industry is among the top 10 economic institutions in the country, which serves in creating millions of jobs for the citizens, and contributing billions of dollars each year to the economy. The pricing in Thailand is reasonable and the product is of the highest of quality, bringing many foreigners to the country in search of possessing one of the incredible creations. What makes this sector, in this country, even more competitive on the world market, is that the raw materials used to make jewelry in this country is exempt from tariffs, and for any traveler purchasing pieces, the Government reimburses those with the taxes they are charged when leaving the country. For those want the glamor of finely crafted pieces, of the highest quality, Thailand is the place to find them.

Taking a Hawaii cruises is probably one of the most relaxing vacations you could ever have. There are no decisions to make once you have chosen your cruise line for Hawaii. You simply have to lay back and enjoy all that you find on board. There are things to do all day long, including laying on that deck chair and letting the ocean breeze ruffle your hair as you daydream and let all cares blow away. Dining is always incredible on a cruise ship, with the only danger being that you may forget your waistline. But with the gym right there, you can work it all out later, so go ahead and spurge! And then there is the sheer pleasure of touring the Hawaiian islands. Each one has its special personality. Once your ship docks at the port, you can tour each island to see what gems it holds. From exploring volcanoes to swimming in the peaceful bays, from wandering from art gallery to gift shop to sampling the gracious hospitality of the locals, you will find this trip to be as delightful as you imagined. Finding just the right cruise is easy as Hawaii travel is becoming inexpensive and easy to book either online or with your local travel agent. Take the family or travel with a friend or loved one. However you go, you will be making memories that will last forever.