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Travel & Adventure on Saturday 31Dec 2005
TRAVEL FAR & WIDE
STORIES BY DEEPAK GILL AND LEONG SIOK HUI
CHINA, Europe, United States, Australia, South-East Asia, etc ? been there, done that. Let's say you've run out of your travel options, and the idea of being pushed and shoved by a mob at World Heritage sites, or darting in and out of shopping malls, just don't cut it anymore. What else is out there? You don't favour independent travel because you don't have the time nor want the hassle of dealing with a logistics nightmare.
Perhaps, you can check out those “exotic” destinations or custom-designed tours.
In recent years, a smattering of Malaysian tour companies is lauding off-the-beaten track tours. Fancy going to the North Pole? Hop aboard a Russian nuclear-powered icebreaker that ploughs through icebergs, gape at the incredible glaciers and if you're lucky, you might spot some walruses or polar bears frolicking nearby. Or, get an insight into Persian history in Iran and marvel at the rich Islamic art and architecture in ancient sites.
Can't afford the time and money to venture to the Galapagos Islands? Fly to Christmas Island, Australia, and enjoy close encounters with the endemic frigate bird, Abbotts Booby, or the 40-plus million of red land crabs. Otherwise, indulge in a luxury train ride as you trundle across Siberia, China and Russia.
The historical al-Kuthairi palace in Sayoun city, Yemen, a country you have probably never thought of visiting before.
Promoting such trips is nothing new for companies like Travelsight Sdn Bhd in Kuala Lumpur. Founded in 1979, Travelsight was already packing Malaysian travellers off to the Machu Picchu ruins in Peru or the Kenya safari in the early 1980s.
“I've always wanted to do something different,” said Travelsight managing director, A.P.Tai, who has been in the travel business for 35 years. “Although the number of travellers is small and the cost of such packages are exorbitant (some safari trips cost up to RM14,000 at that time), there are always people who are interested in seeing something unique or exotic.”
Of course, Travelsight also offers the usual popular package tours to keep the business running. Over the years, the company kept coming up with “new” destinations like their newly launched North Pole package priced at a steep RM78,000 per person.
“We are getting more discerning tourists who want to fulfil their dreams and most of them are widely travelled,” said Tai. Though the North Pole package wasn't really selling like hot cakes, five people have bought the tour since its launch last February. “Though the number is small, it is definitely increasing.”
Another travel company that focuses on the off-the-beaten-track tours is the Internet-based YonGO Travel. The Silk Road (Pakistan-China) Tour, trekking in the Indian Himalayas like the Bhapa Pass and Leh-Manali stretch are some of their popular packages.
“More Malaysians want to travel independently but are not able to do so or do not have the know-how,” said Yong Lee Min of YonGO who designs trips based on his own experience as a backpacker. “They end up with tour companies with limited travel options and the commissioned shopping stops. But people have virtually exhausted their destinations and are also in a better financial status, so they're looking for something more to do.”
But exotic or unique trips don't always cost a bomb, as YonGO Travel's packages reflect. Their 18-day China Silk Road trip costs less than RM5,000 but it doesn't include food. Though customers don't expect five-star luxury lodging, they can be assured of clean, basic accommodation. Travelsight's Iran, Yemen or Cuba-Mexico trips go from RM4,000 and above.
A celebration in Bhutan. Travelsight and Globetrotter offer exotic holiday packages that cater to the adventurous traveller.
Another recent player in the market, Globetrotter Holidays, offers an eight-day Nepal-Bhutan package for Rm5,888 or a nine-day Christmas Island tour for Rm3,788.
Calling themselves a “destination specialist,” Globetrotter has been catering to worldly Singaporean travellers for decades. Five months ago, KL-based El Qaswa Travel set up Globetrotter as one of its departments to cater to the needs of the exotic destination travellers.
“Tailor-made packages or niche tours are getting popular. For example, we organise photography tours where the traveller has special requests like a van for photography equipment, or we design special tours for nature society members to study the flora and fauna in Madagascar or Christmas Island,” said general manager Latifah Tamerlane who is a 30-year veteran in the travel industry.
Globetrotter also runs trips for students to study culture, history and do community work during the holidays. Next year, the company is sending 30 students to Northern Sikkim in India to do community work.
However, with the fast-changing travel scene like the emergence of budget carriers and Internet booking, travel agents need to be more creative in order to survive, Tamerlane said.
“Budget airlines and Internet booking aim at the mass market, but the niche market still requires our personal touch, passion and professionalism,” added Tamerlane who, over the years, has travelled from Tahiti to Scandinavia.
Ever thought of trekking on Bhapa Pass? YonGO Travel can make it happen.
On-going trend
Today, travelling has become a crucial part of people's lives. Some travellers, before they even complete their holidays, are already talking about the next vacation.
Said Tai: “Sometimes it's not about how much money you have or what you can afford. For some of our clients, they're so thankful that we made a trip-of-a-lifetime happen for them. And they are also happy for the good rapport and companionship they enjoyed during the journey.”
Yong continued: “Going on regular tours with limited time and exposure will simply give travellers a cursory experience. I want to give my group members the experience to learn about life and culture of another country.”
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Travel & Adventure on Saturday 31Dec 2005
WHAT'S ON OFFER
STORIES BY DEEPAK GILL AND LEONG SIOK HUI
HERE'S a sampling of the exotic destinations offered by local travel companies:
1. Bhutan
The enigmatic kingdom of Bhutan, sandwiched between India and Tibet, lies smack in the heart of the Himalayas. It was closed to outsiders for centuries, but visitors are now allowed in. There are certain requirements though – you are required by law to spend US$200 (RM750) a day via a package tour.
A stunning and pristine land, Bhutan boasts quaint villages backed by looming mountains, with centuries-old fort-monasteries or dzongs being a highlight. Perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the floor of the Paro Valley, Taktshang Goemba is the most famous of Bhutan's monasteries. ( www.kingdomofbhutan.com )
The Yammal, a nuclear-powered ice breaker which you can hop on for a cruise ... but at a steep price.
2. Indian Himalayas
Whether you're a history buff, adventure freak or devout Buddhist, Ladakh is the place to check out. Once the hub of the great silk trade routes across Central Asia, Ladakh in the Indian Himalayas has been opened to foreigners since 1974. The lush green Kullu-Manali valley, located in Himachal Pradesh, lower western Himalayas, is a stark contrast to the barren landscape of the Trans-Himalayas.
Enjoy the breathtaking spectacle of Tibetan gompas (monasteries) nestled in the sheer slopes of snow-capped mountains and plunging valleys, savour the sweeping views of gushing rivers, evergreen forest and alpine meadows or just hang out with the warm and friendly locals.
3. North Pole
Getting there will cost most of us more than our life savings. The Pole is obviously a once-in-a-lifetime gig. A Russian nuclear-powered ice-breaker takes you on a summer cruise, though don't expect much luxury. Visit ice islands and hang out with seals, polar bears and walruses. Shore visits are included and possibly even camping on ice, with close-up viewing of wildlife. You could do some kayaking, a dramatic way to get closer to nature. You could also opt for some sledding; let the huskies, reindeer or horses do the work.
4. Christmas Island, Australia
Crabs, crabs, crabs. It's a nature paradise, with untouched forests, unique plants and animals, beaches, dive spots and the annual red crab migration (late Oct to Dec) that move from the rainforested slopes, down to the sea and back to the forests, creating a dynamic red carpet.
More than 63% of the island is national park. Though it's closer to Indonesia than Australia, the island is Australian property, and has Malay and Chinese residents, besides the millions of crabs. It's also dubbed the “Galapagos of the East.”
5. Iran
Iran today is both modern and ancient. It is the most populous and the second-largest country in the Middle East. It was formerly known as Persia, from the ancient Greek name for the heartland of the empire, Persis. Iran is a land of poets and poetry, ancient and modern art, and a great variety of cultures and sub-cultures in a diverse land. It's a very safe country to travel in regardless of your race, religion or gender.
6. Trans-Siberia by rail
This is an epic 9,289km journey from Moscow in Russia to west China, the longest single-service rail trip in the world. Non-stop, the journey is seven days. The idea is to make stops at places you like, then jump on board again. It goes right through Russia, past Siberia's deserts and Lake Baikal. There, you have a choice of a Trans-Manchurian service via Harbin to Beijing, or to Beijing via scenic Mongolia, with a stop in the capital of Ulaan Baatar.
7. Kenya-Tanzania
The Serengeti National Park (14,500km) in Tanzania is undoubtedly the most famous wildlife sanctuary in the world, unequalled for its natural beauty and the greatest concentration of plains game anywhere. In addition to its vast herds of wildebeest, zebra, thomson's gazelle and other game, the Serengeti is renowned for its lions and other predators, including the wild dog, spotted hyena and jackal. Leopards may often be seen along the Seronera River. The opportunity also arises to climb snow-capped Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain.
GLOBETROTTER HOLIDAY
A1-7 Plaza Dwitasik,
Bandar Seri Permaisuri,
Cheras, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: (03) 9173 6066
Fax: (03) 9173 7489
E-mail: globetrotter@elqaswa.com.my
TRAVELSIGHT (M) SDN BHD
1st Floor Wisma Robert Wong
89 & 91 Jalan Bukit Bintang
Kuala Lumpur
Tel: (03) 2148 8255
Fax: (03) 2142 0645
Web: www.travelsight.com.my
YonGO TRAVEL
Tel: (03) 4023 8210;
016-220 9033 (Lee Min)
Web: www.yongo.biz
E-mail: yongo@streamyx.com
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Travel & Adventure on Saturday 31Dec 2005
YES OR NO?
STORIES BY DEEPAK GILL AND LEONG SIOK HUI
SO, are Malaysian travellers seeking off-the-beaten track/specialised tours?
Let’s hear what these travellers have to say:
“I would definitely consider going for a package tour to these exotic destinations. The main consideration would be the price, safety and reputation of the tour operator. Such tours require knowledgeable guides who can give better insights to fortify the experience. I intend to take a North Pole summer cruise sometime during my lifetime.” Khabir Dhillon, 29, Lawyer
“I prefer tours where I get to interact with the locals and experience their way of life like taking the trains and buses, visiting the markets and eating local food. The trip should emphasise on cultural attractions and be a good value for money. One ‘exotic’ place that I do want to visit is Bhutan.” Khor Swee Mee, 48, Bank Manager (Yongo client - NZ Milford Track, Cape Town & Garden Route, South Korea, Sipadan to Sandakan, Silk Road China and India Leh & Manali trekking)
“My wife and I usually like historical places like Egypt and Turkey which we have visited. From what little I know about Bhutan it seems fascinating and I will definitely consider it if the tour is well within our budget. But what’s important is that the tour provides a local guide who is knowledgeable and able to deal with emergencies during the trip.” Johan Abdullah, 70, retiree
“Our Bhutan trip was certainly the most expensive holiday we’ve been on but it was one of the best. Besides having great trekking opportunities, Bhutan is one of those places that will change radically in years to come. Some day I would like to go back and reflect on the changes and why they have happened. I’ve been to Latin America three times and would love to go to the Antarctic and the Galapagos, and also do mundane stuff like going to Spain.’’ Kelvin Malayapillay, 34, bank director
“I’d prefer to visit exotic destinations as an independent traveller, perhaps with one other partner, or with a small expedition team but NEVER in a packaged tour. I prefer spontaneity and flexibility, and picking up suggestions from other tourists or from locals. I’d rather focus on the quality of the experience than adhere to a fixed schedule.” Debby Ng, 23, Photojournalist
“I’ve always been going off the beaten track when it comes to travelling. I visited Eastern Europe, Myanmar and Mindanao 10 years ago but as an independent traveller. On a recent trip to the Silk Road, I joined YonGO Travel because I knew it was organised by a person with a backpacker’s spirit. His itinerary would be the same kind of things I would do as a backpacker.” Edward Beruang, 38, Writer (Yongo client - Pakistan China Silk Road & Juizhaiguo China)
“I don’t see travel as ticking off must-see places and just saying ‘I’ve been there.’ For me, it’s more important to immerse myself in the place, get to know the locals, form a rapport and just enjoy being there. Whether the place is exotic or not is not important. But having said that, I’m more interested in seeing Asian countries like Pakistan, Sulawesi or China than say, Europe or Australia.” Yazmi Abu Bakar, 50, Project Manager (Yongo client - Pakistan China Silk Road, Backroads of China Zhanjiajie to Guilin, Cambodia Angkor & Phnom Penh and Backcountry Guizhou)
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