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Dear valued partners and friends,
Kumusta, how are you? I hope this message finds you well, no matter where you are in the world.
My daily commute here in the Philippines feels like a tango with the elements; you never quite know which one will take the lead. Not long ago, during the summer season, torrential rain would always greet me whenever I stepped outside — a refreshing contrast to the heat. Now that it’s the rainy season, whenever I bring an umbrella, the weather decides to be as sunny as it can be. The natural forces of the Philippines are truly a phenomenon, always bringing an unexpected element — pun fully intended.
In this newsletter, I want to explore the theme of elements, particularly how they shape the adventures in the country, often with an unexpected twist. Here, adrenaline-fueled activities aren’t just about chasing a rush — they’re a dance with nature’s forces, an interplay of earth, wind, fire, and water that creates experiences as exhilarating as they are transformative. Imagine harnessing the wind as you kitesurf across the ocean. Or feeling the fire beneath a wok as your taste buds plunge into their own adventure. There’s also grounding yourself to the earth while trekking through canyons, only to take a leap of faith from a peak. Whether it’s the cool embrace of water as you dive into an otherworldly underwater ecosystem, or the thrilling rush of white water rafting through landscapes as unique as rice terraces and limestone caves, every adventure here is infused with an element of surprise.
We invite you to dive into this edition of the newsletter and unveil which element will ignite the passion in your travellers. Have a thrilling discovery!
Maligayang paglalakbay, happy travels!
Yours,
Gregor
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If you’re not yet acquainted with the term canyoneering, buckle up for a thrilling ride — literally and figuratively! Canyoneering is an adrenaline-fueled adventure that combines hiking, climbing, jumping into and riding the waters through stunning canyons and gorges. Picture this: navigating rugged rock formations, leaping into crystal-clear pools, and floating down winding rivers — all while surrounded by nature’s most dramatic landscapes. | |
We invite your guests to set out on a journey that will surely awaken their senses. Introducing the Kawasan Falls Canyoneering. Their adventure begins with an invigorating trek through dense, verdant forests, where the rich aroma of damp earth mingles with the sound of rustling leaves and distant birdsong. | |
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Soon, they will reach the edge of a pristine waterfall, its turquoise waters sparkling like liquid gems. The refreshing chill of the water greets them as they finally take a daring leap from its cliffs, followed by the thrill of swimming through sparkling currents, making every twist and turn of the river a heart-pounding escapade. With each exhilarating splash, they will be fully immersed in a cascade of adrenaline and natural beauty, creating an unforgettable experience that engages all their senses.
Kawasan Falls Canyoneering is best enjoyed as a group, with the guidance of experienced tour guides to ensure your travellers’ safety. We invite your guests to embrace the ultimate adventure where earth and its terrains offer the wildest thrills!
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For scuba diving and snorkelling experiences that are as unique as it can be diverse, Camguin beckons your guests to discover its crystalline depths where the magic of the underwater world awaits. This enchanting gem offers a variety of untouched underwater landscapes teeming with biodiversity. Picture diving through a surreal underwater volcanic terrain, where vibrant corals and intricate rock formations create a mesmerising scenery. As your travellers further explore the muck sites, their senses will come alive with the sight of elusive cuttlefishes, their bodies shifting colours in a dazzling display, and the vibrant mandarin fishes darting through the azure waters. Schools of reef fish flit around them, their shimmering scales catching the light, creating a spectacle that leaves one in awe. | |
Over at Malapascua, the destination offers thrilling encounters with the majestic thresher sharks. Early morning adventures at Monad Shoal promise an unforgettable spectacle as these graceful giants glide through the depths. The anticipation of seeing these creatures in their natural habitat is a rush like no other. Further into their aquatic adventure, there’s Ticao Island in Masbate where they’ll have the rare opportunity to witness the impressive Manta Rays. These magnificent creatures, sometimes larger than a human body, glide effortlessly through the water, their vast wingspan creating a breathtakingly graceful dance that will leave your guests spellbound. | |
From the serene depths of the ocean, we now shift our attention to the rush of White Water Rafting in Cagayan De Oro (CDO). Here, they will feel their hearts race as they navigate the wild rapids of the CDO River, stretching an exhilarating 90 kilometres! This thrilling activity has earned CDO the title of the Adventure Capital of the Philippines, and it’s easy to see why. The roar of the rapids, the splash of the cold water, and the camaraderie of their fellow adventurers create an adrenaline-fueled experience like no other. | |
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But the adventure doesn’t end there. Davao River beckons them to tackle its 150-kilometre stretch, renowned among water sports enthusiasts for its exhilarating rapids and stunning natural scenery. Or, for the ultimate challenge, they can venture to Chico River in Tabuk, Kalinga, where the longest stretch of white water rafting awaits. Spanning 175 kilometres, this river carves its way through rice terraces and limestone canyons, offering a nature-infused thrill that promises to captivate and invigorate.
From the tranquil beauty to the exhilarating rush, the Philippines’ waters offer a diverse range of thrilling experiences that will ignite anyone’s sense of adventure.
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There’s a call in the wind for your guests, inviting them to feel its rush as one step into the exhilarating world of kitesurfing in the Philippines. With the north-eastern Amihan winds guiding your travellers’ sail and the inviting warmth of tropical waters beneath them, kitesurfing becomes more than just a sport — it’s an adventure where they will dance with the elements. Whether one is seasoned or a curious beginner, the Philippines offers some of the world’s most breathtaking spots to harness the wind and glide across the waves. | |
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One of the premier destinations for this thrilling experience is Boracay’s Bulabog Beach. Unlike its more popular and bustling counterpart, White Beach, Bulabog Beach offers a less-crowded, more relaxed environment with a close-knit community of water sports enthusiasts, locals, and long-term visitors, making it a great place to meet like-minded adventurers.
Imagine the thrill as your travellers carve through the water, propelled by the steady breeze that sweeps across the island. Here, the horizon stretches endlessly, and the sun casts a golden hue over the crystalline waters, creating a perfect playground for kitesurfers. With a variety of instructors and schools scattered along the beach, your guests will find the ideal environment to learn, practice, and master their skills.
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For those seeking a more secluded escape, Capusan Beach in Cuyo Island, Palawan offers an untamed paradise where the gales transform its waters into an exhilarating playground. From October to June, the trade winds (the winds that flow in the Earth's equatorial region) blow consistently, reaching their peak from December to February, turning the beach into a haven for kitesurfing. Picture skimming over a pristine sandbar, the only sound being the gentle lapping of waves and the swoosh of the kite as it dances in the sky. The remote beauty of Cuyo Island enhances the experience, making each session on the water a journey into tranquillity and exhilaration.
Whether your guests choose the familiar shores of Boracay or the undiscovered sands of Cuyo Island, kitesurfing in the Philippines is a ride like no other.
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If the searing energy of Manila is what your guests prefer, we invite them to visit this historic city where every corner bursts with flavour. Our newly enhanced Flavour and Sights of Manila Tour, now featuring the dynamic Binondo Food Walk, is their ticket to experiencing the city’s fiery essence. This isn’t just a stroll through the streets — it’s an immersion into the very soul of Manila, where the heat from the wok of food stalls and the warmth of the locals combine to create a journey as unforgettable as it is exhilarating.
As they explore the world’s oldest Chinatown, they will feel the flames of tradition igniting their palate. Each sip of the refreshments and bite of the sizzling street food will connect them with centuries of culinary history.
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Oishiekun Chinese Bites showcases how simple ingredients can create unforgettable flavours, like their bicho-bicho — a deep-fried yeast dough snack, uniquely coated in their secret-recipe milky powder. Similarly, The Original Shanghai Fried Siopao has transformed the traditional siopao by frying it instead of steaming, giving it bold, toasty flavours. For those seeking vegetarian delights, New Quan Yin Chay Vegetarian masterfully recreates Chinese classics, preserving the authentic taste in their meatless dishes. Meanwhile, Café Mezzanine, known as the Volunteer Fireman’s Coffee Shop, stands out not just for its delicious signature stir-fried noodles but also for donating 100% of its revenue to the Binondo Paco Fire Search and Rescue Brigade. Grand Café 1919, housed in the restored Neo Classical Revival building of the old HSBC, offers a heritage-rich experience with its carefully curated menu, featuring exquisite coffee beans and their signature taro cloud cake. But there’s still more to discover in the nooks and crannies of this heritage-rich destination.
Binondo’s flavours are a testament to Manila’s vibrant culture that carries forward with unrelenting fire.
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Airline News
Cebu Pacific Reinstates Direct Iloilo ↔ Hong Kong Flights
The airline announced plans to resume its direct flights between Iloilo and Hong Kong starting October 27, 2024. This reinstated route will slash travel time by up to 9 hours, offering a more efficient journey between the two destinations. The airline will operate four weekly flights in each direction: Iloilo to Hong Kong on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and return flights from Hong Kong to Iloilo on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
Cebu Pacific to Offer Cebu ↔ Osaka Flights
In the move to enhance tourism and connectivity between the Philippines and Japan, the airline will introduce direct flights between Cebu and Osaka starting October 15, 2024. This new route will operate four times a week — every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday — complementing the airline’s existing daily flights between Cebu and Narita. To celebrate the launch, Cebu Pacific is offering a special promotional fare of PHP 1 one-way base fare, exclusive of fees and surcharges. Book by July 31, 2024, for travel between October 15, 2024, and March 31, 2025, and take advantage of this exceptional deal.
Cebu Pacific to Offer Manila ↔ Chiang Mai Flights
Great news for travellers who want to explore the enchanting beauty of Northern Thailand. The airline is set to launch its new direct flights between Manila and Chiang Mai, eliminating the need to land in Bangkok. As the only airline offering this seamless connection, Cebu Pacific will begin operating these flights on October 29, 2024, with three weekly departures.
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Sales Promotions
Discover our latest exclusive sales offers for you and your guests!
El Nido Travel Deals from Manila
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Experience the magic of Pangulasia, where breathtaking sunsets and sunrises meet pristine beaches. Unwind on this stunning island and soak in the beauty of nature.
- Rates start at USD 1,652
- Minimum of 2 pax
10 Days: The Palawan Expedition
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Venture into the heart of Palawan, a jewel celebrated by National Geographic’s Top Ten, Travel + Leisure’s Best Island in the World, and a UNESCO World Heritage site nominee. Explore the stunning islands and hidden coves that make this destination world-renowned.
- Rates start at USD 1,156 per pax
- Validity of rate until October 31, 2024 with booking period until August 31, 2024.
Amanpulo: Stay for 4 Nights, Get Free Flights
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Indulge in a luxurious 4-night stay on the tranquil island of Amanpulo and receive complimentary flights to and from the island from Manila.
- Rates start at USD 2,584
- Minimum of 2 pax
- Valid for Casita and Villa stays until November 30, 2024
For more details or to stay updated on additional promotions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at sales.marketing@bluehorizons.travel. We’re here to help you make the most of these exciting opportunities!
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I’m excited to share that I will be heading to Paris to represent DTH Travel at the IFTM TopResa from September 17 to 19, 2024. DTH Travel will be located at the Malaysia stand, with booth number B024. Additionally, I’ll be venturing into a series of sales calls across Europe throughout September.
If you will be at the TopResa as well, I would love to see you! Please send me an email to schedule a meeting via gregor.zajc@bluehorizons.travel. I’m looking forward to chatting and exploring fresh opportunities with you!
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New Faces at Blue Horizons Travel and Tours | |
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We are excited to introduce our newest team members as we push forward with our journey of transformation and growth! Each member contributes their special talents and knowledge to design meaningful and unforgettable travel experiences for your travellers. They're looking forward to serving you and your travellers soon!
- Hannah Karyl Sy - Inbound Travel Consultant
- Nicole Kaye Hermoso - Outbound Travel Consultant
- Kimberly Mae Mesa - Outbound Travel Consultant
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