Tuesday, April 6, 2010

National Geographic: RP one of best new travel destinations in the world

The National Geographic Magazine had named the Philippines as “One of 25 Best New Travel Destinations in the World in 2010” and the country’s ancient cultures, structures and biodiversity were cited as key reasons to visit the archipelago.

The magazine said in its November 2009 Adventure issue that the Philippines has “as many islands as the Caribbean and some of the most spectacular reefs on the planet,” adding that travel organizations have “finally gotten wise.”

National Geographic presented the “25 brand new adventures, all of them just right for right now.” The list is directed at “travelers who want their dollars to do more – for others, for the planet and for themselves.”

Philippine Ambassador to the United States Willy Gaa said the inclusion of the Philippines in the list shows the global community is “taking note of the natural and cultural wonders in the country as well as the efforts to protect and preserve them.”

According to the article, Wilderness Travel is organizing a trip to the Philippines in May 2010 which will “lead clients high into the 5,000-foot Cordillera Central then deep into the world’s most biodiverse marine environment.”

Wilderness Travel members are mostly travelers who got reviews of tourist spots from other members that include naturalists, authors, ecologists, archeologists, art historians, teachers and mountaineers.

The 12-day trip to the Philippines costs $3,300.

The group’s website www.wildernesstravel. com described the Philippines as a country, which boasts of breathtaking hiking routes through ancient rice terraces and scenic mountain landscapes, cultural encounters with the Ifugao people, and world-class snorkeling in the “Coral Triangle.”

Wilderness Travel said the Philippine journey explores “the emerald world” of the Ifugao tribe who have transformed the precipitous mountainsides of their homeland into steeply contoured rice terraces, complete with 2,000-year-old indigenous irrigation system.

The trip will take travelers to Cabilao Island in the Visayas to view stunning coral reefs that are part of the famed “Coral Triangle,” the world’s greatest concentration of marine biodiversity.

The Philippines has been promoting its cultural and natural wonders as preferred travel destinations for global tourists. The Philippine embassy in Washington works closely with the National Geographic in raising awareness on the importance of sustainable development and ecological protection.

President Arroyo spoke at the National Geographic headquarters in Washington last August and appealed for international support for preserving, promoting and protecting biodiversity in the Coral Triangle.
Source

Monday, March 22, 2010

Nature, Beaches, Orchard Tour: Eco Tourism at Lanikai Resort

Lately, I have been to Lanikai Resort in Davao and I couldn't help but share what I have read and experienced about the place. Here's one wonderful account.


Nature, Beaches, Orchard Tour: Eco Tourism at Lanikai Resort, Philippines
by Henrylito D. Tacio

Davao, 14 Aug 2009. You don’t have to fly to Hawaii to have fun at the Lanikai Beach. All you have to do is go to Tagum and from the heart of the city drive towards Madaum for about 15 minutes. Nestled along the coastline of the barangay is the Lanikai Resort, a virtual Garden of Eden.

Lanikai takes its name from the Hawaiian word, which means “heaven by the sea.” An apt description for a place that is serene, rustic, mesmerizing, and enthralling. One writer describes it as a resort “that boasts of a pristine forest, blue waters, rich animal wildlife, a gateway for a river cruise, and a window of the banana industry.”

But that’s going ahead of the story. Well, it’s not too hard to be captivated by its charm and beauty. “This is truly an amazing place,” commented my friend, Patrick G. Taclob. “It’s spacious, classical and it brings some nostalgic feelings from the 60s and 70s.”

Once you enter the resort, the first thing that gets your attention is the two-storey old house that exudes plantation-style elegance. It was renovated into a guest house with eight air-conditioned rooms. Jojie Alcantara, Sun Star Davao columnist who has visited the place several times, rhapsodized: “(It) has a setting that I can only describe as old worldly and homey in atmosphere. It’s like I going home to my grandparents' house for a vacation.

Daily room rate is P6,000 (for two persons with an additional P700 for every extra bed) with free breakfast. Children above 12 years old are considered adults. A minimum of three rooms is required for one booking.

What’s so special about Lanikai anyway? Lanikai means fine sand at your feet, view of open seas, and breathing fresh air. The place is so quiet that you can only hear the breeze and the sound of the waves. If you want to have communion with nature, then this is the place to be.

“At Lanikai, our visitors can enjoy a private beach away from the prying eyes of the public,” says Lawrence T. Co, the resort’s leisure and tourism head. “A speedboat is at their disposal to whisk them away for a day’s picnic at any of the neighboring islands.”

For outdoor enthusiasts and sports aficionados, Lanikai is an ultimate private playground. “It is a lovely place, where you can do a lot of activities,” says television host Marc Nelson, who recently some segments for Sports Unlimited.

As Lanikai is set within the privately guarded estate of the sprawling Hijo Port Town in Davao Del Norte, its extensive playground stretches to a lush forest, the Madaum River and the Davao Gulf. Some thrills that it offers include swimming, skim boarding, sailing, kayaking, fishing, motorcycle riding and bicycling, and camping. The resort also has both a basketball and a tennis court.

Barret Beach is within minutes away if you enjoy a little cozy dip and a banca ride for a thrill. “Boasting of a flat and even seabed, Barret Beach is the most child-friendly resort in Tagum,” says Co. “Under the watchful eyes of the resort’s lifeguards, parents can rest easy knowing their precious ones can frolic on the beach away from any harm and danger.”

As the port town encompasses 760 hectares, it has its own private forest. Some 74 hectares are preserved to be home to heron, egrets and other birds; about 17 hectares are planted to bamboos. Lanikai guests can ask for a tour that includes a perimeter survey of the forest where Philippine monkeys and wild boars (about 200) live freely. “Those who are lucky might even see wild pigs and monkeys opening and eating coconuts,” Co says.

If you happen to come at 4:30 in the afternoon, you have the opportunity of feeding the monkeys or boars. Just take precautions, though. For visitors who love taking pictures, a hunting blind is setup near the feeding area for better photo opportunities.

Another way of enjoying the forest is to take the Twilight Safari, which starts at 5:30 up to 9:00 at night. “This is a unique tour that only Lanikai can offer,” Co says. Guests stay at the edge of the forest and wait for the animals to come out and forage. Children can ride on the back of the pickup truck for a better view of the animals when they appear. Talking out loudly is strictly prohibited.

While at Lanikai, there are several tours you can explore. There’s the coconut plantation tour that shows how the coconuts are processed for business. This tour begins with observing how coconuts are de-husked. After which, it is off to the coco dryer facility where the copra process begins. It ends with a visit to the Hijo Trading Post for some light snacks and a chance to buy fruits grown inside the Hijo plantation.

The Orchard Tour is exclusively designed for guests billeted at Lanikai and it is seasonal as it is depends on the fruiting season. Guests can harvest their own fruits or enjoy a quiet picnic at Hijo’s private orchard. Fruit trees at the orchard include durian, mangosteen, pomelo, bananas, and other popular fruits.

Not to be missed is the Banana Plantation Tour which has a brief stop at the Hijo port, owned by Hijo Resources Corporation, the owner of Lanikai Resort. The tour is an overview of the field, research and port operations of the Hijo plantation. The different stages of the banana plant’s growth is seen at the Research Center with its tissue culture laboratory. The tour ends at the Hijo Port where at the packing house, you can see how bananas are prepared for export.

Every week, the Hijo plantation sells 1,000 boxes of bananas to Lapanday Corporation, which is exclusively renting the 120-hectare Hijo port for its use until 2010. At a drop of 13 meters, Hijo is the deepest port in Davao Gulf.

Another exclusive thing for Lanikai guests is the River Cruise. However, only six people can be accommodated on this half-day river cruise down the 3.5- kilometer mangrove reserve from Lanikai resort to barangay San Isidro, the second longest in the country. The leisurely cruise will first pass the mangrove forests in Madaum River. Then, it goes through the “Kalagan Village,” Tagum’s cultural village, where you can have a glimpse of the different tribes living in the province.

The cruise ends at the Libuganon River where the Hijo forest can be seen from the sea and the bordering community.  The highlight is a private picnic in one of the many quiet and scenic spots within the Hijo plantation.

“With such a wide range of outdoor activities to experience, a visit to Tagum City will never be complete without a stay at Lanikai Resort,” Co concluded.

source

Friday, March 19, 2010

Lanikai

 This is Davao’s ultimate private playground.

Outdoor buffs who prize their privacy while playing can indulge their recreational whims in tranquil seclusion at Lanikai.  Set within the privately guarded estate of the sprawling Hijo Plantation in Davao Del Norte, Lanikai’s extensive playground stretches to a lush forest, the Madaum River and the Davao Gulf.

Visitors to Lanikai can enjoy a wide array of outdoor activities that will revitalize their weary spirits.  Some thrills that Lanikai offers include:

    * Swimming
    * Sailing
    * Kayaking
    * Fishing
    * Motorcycle Riding
    * Camping
    * Trekking (Coming Soon)

After an action-filled day, guests can relax in the modern comfort of Lanikai’s rooms designed in plantation-style elegance.

A Lanikai vacation is a well-deserved treat that can recharge one’s soul before returning to a hectic lifestyle.

Lanikai offers customized packages and is strictly by reservation only. For inquiries and reservations, please contact Lanikai’s sales and marketing office at:

JFM Corporate Center
848 Atis Street, Juna Subdivision,
Matina, Davao City 8000
Tel. Nos. (6382) 297-8107 to 08
Fax No. (6382) 298-0751
Website: www.destinationlanikai.com
Contact Person:  Rose M. Rubi

ESCAPE to Lanikai today.

source

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Lanikai Resort: Home to Mabuhay Vinyl's Marketing Conference 2010

by Arnold P. Sarmiento

The venue for the 3-day Marketing Conference of Mabuhay Vinyl Corporation this year 2010 is in Davao City. It’s a fine Thursday morning on February 18.  We boarded the plane from Manila and landed in Davao airport in about two hours.  Somehow it just seems easier to travel far from Manila to work and relax but certainly not always relaxing.  There are no clients to meet, delivery schedules were prepared in advance, no traffic to hurdle. Somewhat it feels like I step away from the old world leaving some of the baggage behind, though not all.  There are 17 participants attending the sales conference coming from Manila, Cebu City and Iligan City.

The Davao City Airport
The Manila participants at the Davao City Airport

From left Mike, Marix, Robert, Allain and me

About 15 minutes away from the center of Tagum City along the coastline of Barangay Madaum is Lanikai Resort. We passed by Carmen National High School and a nearby resort the Barret Beach Resort.

 
Carmen National High School
We passed by the Barret Beach Resort
Lanikai Resort has mangroves scattered around the area and lush green plants. Lanikai is the Hawaiian term for “heaven by the sea”.

 
LANIKAI: A HAVEN BY THE SEA

LANIKAI: A RESTFUL PLACE WITH THE FRESHEST AIR BREEZE

There are old and giant trees surrounding the garden giving shade and cold breeze.  Lanikai Resort has a very nice view of the open seas, the scenic view of the mountains, the view of the lush green island not so far away, large motorized boats coming in and out of the Hijo port, not to mention the fine sand at your feet.


A VIEW FROM LANIKAI SHORE OF THE HIJO PORT

Lanikai is a private resort inside the Hijo Plantation owned by the Tuazons. It can be rented for exclusive stay so perfect place for seminars, conferences and special functions.  Hijo Plantation is a vast hectare of tropical forest.  This restful and scenic place is a place to get it away from all the hustle and bustle of the big city life.
LANIKAI: HOME TO MABUHAY VINYL CORPORATION MARKETING CONFERENCE
AT THE VERANDA UPON OUR ARRIVAL

Upon arrival, we were served with Lanikai’s signature welcome drink, fresh buko juice from coconuts grown within the Hijo plantation.  After breakfast was the President’s Hour followed by the first of three lectures. At 12:30 noon a delicious lunch buffet was served. 
 THE CONFERENCE AREA
 LUNCH AT DAY 1

THE AFTERNOON LECTURE

Early in the afternoon, another lecture was given.  At about 3:00 o’clock pm we prepared for a guided tour of Hijo’s private forest.  We boarded an open van to tour around and catch a glimpse of the Hijo Plantation. The Hijo plantation is a secluded and protected area.  We saw monkeys, huts along the swamp, the vast banana and coconut  plantation.  Snacks were served after the trip to Hijo plantation.

HUTS ALONG THE RIVER AT THE HIJO PLANTATION

TOUR TO HIJO PLANTATION

Feeling a little weary, I managed to rest outside the veranda and smell the cold sea breeze.  The sunset was so captivating I couldn’t help but take photos of the beautiful sunset.


SUNSET AT LANIKAI

At around 7:00 o’clock pm, a sumptuous lechon was served for dinner together with other dishes.

The sumptuous lechon for dinner

After dinner we had the final lecture which lasted for about an hour or so.  Before we retreat to our respective rooms, we played chess, and billiards on the veranda while others enjoyed singing in the entertainment room.


Billiard at the veranda

At bedtime, we stayed in the homey atmosphere of the guesthouse in the ground floor. The rest of the group stayed in the second floor. All rooms are air-conditioned with a view of the mountains and the sea.  Our room, with its clean facilities, is so huge enough to share with my other two room mates, Marpe and Sam.  It feels like I went to my ancestral home for a vacation.

THE GUESTHOUSE


I woke up the following morning in the heavenly cool breeze of the sea.  The tranquility of Lanikai Resort is so great. 


AT THE GARDEN PRIOR TO DEPARTURE TO KOPIAT ISLAND

On our second day, we had breakfast in the garden. Afterwards, at about 8:00 o’clock am we are ready to depart Lanikai for Copiat Island.

THE BOAT TO KOPIAT




Kopiat Island is also an exclusive resort just like Lanikai Resort. The ride to the Kopiat Island is short and we landed there in no time. The speed boat ride around the mangroves of Kopiat Island is amazing. 

LANDING AT THE COPIAT ISLAND

At Kopiat Island, we held the team building activities and had picnic lunch.


LUNCH ALONG WHITE SAND OF COPIAT ISLAND

We really enjoyed kayaking, snorkeling, swimming, paddle board and boat ride.  Kopiat Island, with its white sand beach, has its amazing coral reefs and the scenic mangrove forest.



We took a different route on our way back to Lanikai. We traveled by land to Compostela Valley and was back in Lanikai Resort at about 4:00 o’clock PM. We spent the late afternoon leisurely endulging in billiard playing, singing, or just whiling around.

Its our third day in Lanikai Resort, we had another breakfast in the garden.  The place, the food, the accommodation is great.  Truly I enjoyed the 3-day stay there. Our hosts were indeed very accommodating with whatever we needed.

BREAKFAST IN THE GARDEN OF LANIKAI RESORT
 OUR HOSTS
 The rest of the morning was spent packing our things. We took our last pictures before leaving Lanikai.



THE VAN THAT TOOK US TO THE AIRPORT

Before finally going to the airport, we passed by some landmarks in Davao City, the Marco Polo, the Ateneo de Davao University. We also stopped by Mabuhay Vinyl Corp. depot in Davao.  And of course we bought some pasalubong for family and friends back home.

DEPOT OF MABUHAY VINYL CORPORATION IN DAVAO
AT THE BACKGROUND: ATENEO DE DAVAO UNIVERSITY

 Once again, the marketing conference equipped us with knowledge to efficiently work towards the achievement of the company goals. It paved the way for us to mingle with other marketing team guys stationed at Cebu and Iligan.  And surely I enjoyed the great places in Davao City we have gone to.  I really enjoyed my stay in Lanikai Resort, the tour to Hijo Plantation, and the cruise to Copiat island and Compostela Valley. My special thanks to our bosses, ELlU, Romy dela Cruz, and to our host, Lito, who made it successful. It somewhat feels difficult to pull myself away, but we had to return to work in Manila and be with the rest of our co-employees and back to home with my family.

Oh one funny thing, we missed our plane to Manila! That gave us some time to rest.  And before the day ends, we were back to our home sweet home.