The Oceanic Jewels of the Southeast Asia

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

 

Southeast Asia is a beautiful destination for a laid-back sailing trip with its warm climates, crystal blue seas and white sandy beaches. This region includes mainland locations such as Thailand, Burma, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, as well as the island countries of Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines and Brunei.

The tourism industry supports more than 42 million jobs across South East Asia and contributed almost $400 million US dollars to the economy in 2019. One of the most visited countries is Thailand, followed by Malaysia and then Singapore.

While it is possible to join a group boat tour in many of these locations, hiring your own vessel from a company such as www.borrowaboat.com will give you the opportunity to explore at your own pace. Southeast Asia is ideal for visitors that enjoy adventurous activities such as exploring historical and cultural sights as well as water sports and scuba diving is likely to feature on your itinerary.

These are just some of the best locations you can visit on a sailing holiday in the Southeast region of Asia:


Thailand’s Sunset Beach in Koh Lipe


The famous Sunset Beach is a 400 meter stretch of white sand on the west coast of Koh Lipe. It is one of the quieter main beaches in the area but can still get busy during peak times.

This beach is ideal for swimming and watching the sunset. There are also several beach bars, with some food options and local delicacies. If you are intending to visit Thailand, why not sail through the crystal waters to this area of Koh Lipe for a relaxing day trip?



Paradise Beach of Bantayan Island

While you won't find a Starbucks or KFC on Bantayan Island, the tourist infrastructure is fairly well developed with luxury resorts and even 4G internet available to visitors.

Another beach worth visiting in Southeast Asia is Paradise Beach on Bantayan Island in the Philippines. This beach is in a secluded location and reaching it will require a motorbike or pump boat.

Due to its quiet location, there are no refreshments available on the beach, so be sure to pack yourself a picnic in advance. The ocean is also ideal for swimming here and snorkelling to see the diverse marine life is encouraged.

Entry to Paradise Beach costs visitors 50 pesos, which is surely worth it for some peace and tranquillity.



Ha Long Bay

Over in Vietnam, Ha Long Bay is a wonderful place to visit for sailing tourists. There are over 3000 limestone islands to explore. Considered to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the bay is one of the most popular destinations in the Quảng Ninh Province of the country.

There is a huge amount of biodiversity in Ha Long Bay, making it especially popular with snorkelling and scuba diving enthusiasts. Many geologists visit the area to study its natural rock formations and unique appearance.

If sailing through the area, be sure to stop off at Cat Ba Island. This island has some idyllic villages and a number of lesser-known beaches with white sands and calm waters. It is also great for hiking and cycling and if trekking through natural areas you will see rare wildlife such as langur monkeys and green and hawksbill turtles.



Hoi An Cham Islands

Also on your South East Asia bucket list should be a trip to the Cham Islands off the coast of Hoi An. It is wise to avoid this area during monsoon season between October and February and try to be there between June and August for the best weather and water conditions.

One of the best attractions of the Cham Islands is the Cu Lao Cham Marine Park, which sees a high number of scuba divers each year due to its impressive marine life. Within the reserve area there is thought to be around 410 acres of coral reefs and 1,200 acres of underwater plant life.

There is a lot of effort currently being put into sustainable development in the area, to ensure the islands can stay as a peaceful natural centre for biodiversity for many years to come.



Raja Ampat diving site

Lastly, the Raja Ampat diving site in the corner of Indonesia is teeming with marine life. Manta Sandy is one of the must visit locations within Raja Ampat, while Francisco’s Peak is a recently discovered dive site where you can spot rare species such as the phantom pipefish and wobbegongs.

If looking to see some natural coral then Friwin Island is the place to visit, this island is surrounded by coral and a known hotspot for White tip sharks in the deepest parts of the water.

These are just some of the top destinations to visit for those planning a sailing trip to Southeast Asia. Plan your itinerary out before you set sail to ensure you get the most out of your adventure to this diverse and beautiful part of the world.

Young filmmakers explore science mysteries amid pandemic in 5th Indie-Siyensya

Wazzup Pilipinas?!


From the mundane mysteries such as sleep and solar power to social issues such as vaccine hesitancy and environmentally-sustainable fishing traditions, everyday science comes to life in the able explorations of the young documentary filmmakers of the Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute’s (DOST-SEI’s) 5th Indie-Siyensya Filmmaking Competition.

Over five dozen entries from schools and individuals all across the Philippines, from Abra to Maguindanao, joined the contest. Their entries consisted of short documentaries relevant to the theme “The Scientist in Me,” aimed at explaining the science behind everyday things.

DOST-SEI specifically chose the theme in response to the need for public safety in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as a way to encourage the youth to see science as an essential part of their everyday lives.

“Science is so much more than just a set of facts: it is a way of life, a way of seeing the world,” said DOST-SEI Director Dr. Josette Biyo. “This innate ability to see the world anew is a philosophy of hope that is much needed, especially in these times. It is for this reason that we chose the theme, ‘The Scientist In Me.’”

Even despite the constraints of the pandemic, the entries didn’t disappoint.

For the “Youth Category” for high school, tertiary school, and out-of-school youth aged 13-20, the winners were:

 

1. “Snooze,” a documentary on the science of sleep, by Micah Paulina C. Limlengco of Philippine Science High School - Southern Mindanao Campus 
2. “Agam- Agham,” a Filipino-language investigation of vaccine hesitancy, by Mary Antonette G. Agapito, Malena Riz C. Ballon, Juliana Krishna W. Guevarra, Val Allen U. Eltagonde, and Divine Mae R. Manadong of Rizal National Science High School (Region4 A) 
3. “Marvels of Science: Non-Newtonian Fluid,” an exploration of the strange properties of a homemade material, by De La Salle University Integrated School - Manila (NCR) 

 

For the “Open Category” for college students, teachers, and S&T professionals, the winners were:  

1. “Sinag,” a look at the surprising science of solar power, by Richelle Joan Gareza Enriquez of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (NCR) 
2. “Super Sci Yan,” an exploration of alternative energy sources, by Kenneth Peterson F. Leviste of Arkos Digital (NCR) 
3. “Yankaw,” an investigative documentary of a sustainable traditional Filipino fishing practice, by Khristine L. Sandoval of NU Sports Academy (Laguna, Region 4A) 

 

The films were judged based on scientific content, idea execution, and filmmaking technique. At stake for each category were trophies and cash prizes worth PhP100,000 for the Best Film, PhP50,000 pesos for the second prize, and PhP30,000 for the third prize. 

 

In addition, both “Marvels of Science: Non- Newtonian Fluid” and “Yankaw” also received the Viewer’s Choice Award, amounting to an additional PhP20,000 each. 

 

The winning entries may be viewed for free at the following link: https://bit.ly/5thIndieWinners.  

Hilton Welcomes First Hilton Garden Inn Hotel in Thailand with Opening of Hilton Garden Inn Phuket Bang Tao

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Hilton Garden Inn makes its Thailand debut in the heart of Phuket Island,
providing affordable accommodations and elevated experiences


Hilton and GCP Hospitality today announced the opening of Hilton Garden Inn Phuket Bang Tao, marking the debut of the award-winning Hilton Garden Inn brand in Thailand. Developed and managed by GCP Hospitality, the 177-room hotel spanning seven stories is strategically located in the island’s prime Bang Tao Beach area, featuring upscale guest rooms in close proximity to pristine beaches, leisure, entertainment and sporting activities.

Christophe Vielle, CEO & Co-Founder of GCP Hospitality, said, "The opening of Hilton Garden Inn Phuket Bang Tao is especially significant for us. It marks the first and only Hilton Garden Inn hotel in Phuket and further confirms GCP Hospitality’s commitment to expand its hotel portfolio in Thailand. This hotel also serves as a promise from GCP Hospitality to bring world-class hospitality to some of the world's most exciting destinations. Bang Tao is a location that perfectly marries nature with urban living – making it the perfect fit for travelers seeking to discover the best that Phuket has to offer."

The opening of Hilton Garden Inn Phuket Bang Tao adds an open, inviting atmosphere with warm, welcoming service and thoughtful touches to Thailand’s largest and most beloved island destination. Within walking distance to pristine beaches, retail, entertainment and recreational hot spots, guests will enjoy the convenience staying close to top tourist attractions, such as the Laguna Phuket Resort Complex and Boat Avenue. Phuket International Airport is just a short 25-minute drive from the hotel.

“Being one of the strongest focused service brands in the market, Hilton Garden Inn is rapidly growing throughout Asia Pacific with almost 50 operating hotels and 110 properties in the pipeline. With the opening of Hilton Garden Inn Phuket Bang Tao, we look forward to serving the evolved preferences of modern traveller, expressed through the brand’s signature positive, upbeat service, its luminous spaces and modern amenities, and its stylish and approachable design delivered at an affordable price point,” said Jenny Milos, vice president, focused service and all suites brands, Asia Pacific, Hilton.

True to the brand’s attributes, Hilton Garden Inn Phuket Bang Tao is a showcase of upscale and affordable accommodations with modern amenities. With guest rooms ranging from 23 to 28 square meters, modern travelers will appreciate thoughtful amenities, including the brand’s signature bedding, featuring fresh, white duvets and crisp linens; spacious rain showers, Smart TVs, USB charging ports and complimentary Wi-Fi. Guests opting for rooms with balconies will enjoy unobstructed views of the famed Laguna area. For recreation, guests enjoy access to a 24-hour fitness center outfitted with the latest Life Fitness® equipment and two outdoor swimming pools at the rooftop.

For well-rounded food and beverage experiences, the hotel features the Hilton Garden Inn brand’s signature Garden Grille & Bar serving a thoughtful menu of local and international favorites while The Pool Bar on the rooftop offers a scenic vantage point to enjoy the aerial view of Phuket’s lush landscape over a refreshing cocktail.

“We are delighted to welcome our third Hilton hotel in Phuket with the opening of Hilton Garden Inn Phuket Bang Tao, where our portfolio in Thailand now spans 14 distinctive hotels and resorts. Hilton Garden Inn’s brand entry to Phuket Island’s vibrant hospitality scene is testament to Hilton’s commitment to deliver exceptional hospitality experiences. As more travelers return to this beloved resort destination, we will create better and brighter stays with the brand’s signature upbeat service,” said Paul Hutton, area vice president, head of South East Asia, Hilton.

Hilton Garden Inn Phuket Bang Tao is part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton’s 18 world-class brands comprising more than 6,700 properties in 122 countries and territories. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount and free standard Wi-Fi. Members also have access to contactless technology exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app, where members can check in, choose their room and access their room using Digital Key.

To celebrate the launch of Hilton Garden Inn in Phuket, Hilton Honors members will earn 1,000 points per night when booking directly with Hilton under certain room rates which start from THB1,350++. Terms and conditions apply.

Hilton Garden Inn Phuket Bang Tao is located at 111 Soi Choeng Thale 16, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket 83110, Thailand. For more information, or to make a reservation, travelers may visit Hilton Garden Inn Phuket Bang Tao or call + 66 76 609 790.