Following the successful first two parts of the Philippine Kayaking Series 2009, Kayak Explore Hundred Islands and Kayak Explore Cavite-Corregidor-Bataan, the Department of Tourism (DOT) is urging all kayak enthusiasts and novices to join the 3rd leg of the series which will be held in Cebu and Bohol on December 4-6, 2009.
Entitled Kayak Explore Cebu-Bohol crossing, the 3rd run will follow the route of Mactan Island to Bohol, where paddlers will cross the 125-km scenic route passing through a motley of islets, coves, mangroves and river deltas. The DOT together with the Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation (PCVC) is supporting the event. (read more below)
“We have 7,107 islands, with infinite possibilities for kayaking adventure. Exploring the span of our clear waters surely opens travelers to the unique splendor of our country,” said Ace Durano, Secretary of Tourism.
The tourism chief also commended different sectors for their active participation in boosting the eco-adventure package, “The Philippines can undoubtedly become the Kayaking Capital of Southeast Asia with these overwhelming support from the private sector and local communities.”
Eduardo Jarque Jr., Tourism Undersecretary for Planning and Promotions highlighted the country’s bountiful natural waterways, “This unique eco-adventure allows tourists inside secret coves, inlets, channels that lead to stunning views of our mangrove forests, limestone cliffs, unspoiled coastlines and other exciting mysteries around our islands.”
With more than 100 participants expected to attend the three-day event, Kayak Explore Cebu and Bohol will begin from Punta Engano following a 5-km coastal run along Mactan Island passing through resorts and other sites, then on to Olango, down to Getafe, Bohol. The race will then move eastward towards Panglao passing through coastwise and municipal waters; stopping by at designated control points where local packages and tours may be introduced.
Apart from the kayak marathon, the event will also conduct kayaking clinics, 5-km novice races, eco-touring flotilla, island hopping, moonlight paddling. A mini fair of eco-tour packages such as the New Adventure-Kayak Hundred Islands, Historic Manila Bay Kayaking Adventures; Luxury Kayaking Safari in Bacuit Bay, Palawan, and Bohol Extreme Packages: Kayamping (Kayak and Camping) will be held on site.
Kayaking Philippines was introduced to major foreign buyers at the Philippine Travel Exchange ’09 (PHITEX).
One of the world’s best kayak sites and trails found in the Philippines include, Pinacanauan River, Hundred Islands, Cavite-Corregidor-Bataan, Caramoan Peninsula, Northern Palawan, Cebu, Bohol, Samar, Siargao Island, and Samal Island.
The Caramoan Peninsula offers a view of limestones, rugged coastlines, and white sand-ringed islands, complemented by a stunning view of underwater marine life by snorkeling around shallow waters.
For the high-spending market, the DOT offers Luxury Kayaking in Palawan. Known for its idyllic beaches, lagoons and caves, Palawan enjoins travelers to kayak in El Nido and Coron.
Cebu draws attention to paddling in Hilutungan Island and Marine Sanctuary, Sulpa Island, Olango Island and Mactan Island for moonlight kayaking.
Bohol, the frontier of ecotourism, lists several sites for kayaking which include, Banacon Island, Pandanon Island, Dumog and Ubay Islands, Abatan River, and Punta Cruz, which teem with mangrove forest and sandbars. Lagoon moonlight paddling is also offered in Panglao Island.
In Samar, the unspoiled waters of Marabut, and Sohoton Natural Bridge Park are featured. While Siargao has Guyam Island, Sohoton Cove, and Del Carmen Lagoon. Samal Island in Davao is likewise a kayak site, promising reefs, mountains and caves along the way.
For inquiries, call (02) 4687091; 0915-435-9321; email philkayaking@yahoo.com or visit www.justgo.ph/kayak; www.kayakphilippines.com.
