Travelore News: British Tourists May Face Imprisonment For Stripping On Malaysian Mountain

Two of the tourists in court

A British tourist, Eleanor Hawkins, was arrested for posing naked on top of a sacred mountain in Malaysia. The 24-year-old Southampton University graduate from Derby was detained at Tawau airport today, as she was flying out from the island of Borneo to Kuala Lumpur. She is one of five tourists arrested for the same stunt.

Three of the tourists turned themselves in to the Malaysia authorities: 23-year-old Canadian Lindsey Peterson, his 22-year-old sister Danielle Peterson, and 23-year-old Dutchman Dylan Snel. 33-year-old Canadian Emil Kaminski was arrested on Wednesday, and the Malaysia police are still looking for five other individuals involved in the incident.

On May 30, she set out to climb Mount Kinabalu as part of a tour that was organized by Jungle Jack Backpackers Lodge, a popular budget hostel less than a mile from the entrance to Kinabalu national park. On the way back, members of the tour group began to strip off their clothes, despite their tour guide warning them not to do so. Their response to the guide was, “Stupid man, go to hell.”

The group took a nude selfie and dressed so they could return to their lodge. A park ranger filed a complaint and Eleanor was the first to be arrested.

The deputy first minister of the state of Sarawak, Tan Sri Alfred Jabu, explained to the media that tourists need to understand and respect the culture and traditions of the places they visit. For Malaysians, this mountain is sacred.

Tribal elders have called for the case to also go before a native court.

These tourists could be imprisoned for up to three months.

The five are expected to appear before the court again on Monday, where they will find out if they are to face charges.

One of the five arrested, Emil Kaminski, is a blogger and adventure tourism organizer from Winnipeg, and appears to have no remorse for the incident. In addition to possible charges for indecent exposure, he may be also charged for insulting the culture via his posts on social media.

Kaminiski called the minister "a deranged prick, and a regressive" and was quoted as having said, “it's just a f------ mountain."

From Brazil To Borneo - Wild Planet Adventures Reveals Five Wildlife Travel Secrets You Must Know For 2015

 
Five-time National Geographic Traveler magazine “world’s best” award winner, Wild Planet Adventures (http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/) is ahead of the curve when it comes to knowing when and where to encounter the world’s most extraordinary creatures. The experts who view wildlife through habitat-sustaining practices share five wildlife travel secrets from Brazil to Borneo that every nature-loving traveler should know for 2015.
 
The top five upcoming destinations for wildlife enthusiasts for 2015 include Brazil, Borneo, India, Thailand and Zambia. Over the last year, each of these countries has triumphed over a challenge, undergone a shift or revealed a special secret relevant to wildlife travel according to Josh Cohen, founder of Wild Planet Adventures and his global staff of wildlife experts. For the complete article seehttp://www.wildplanetadventures.com/post-detail?detail=5-wildlife-travel-secrets-you-must-know-for-2015. Below are the highlights:
 
1) India’s Remote Assam Region: #1 Up & Coming Wildlife Destination for 2015 – In India’s northeast, the Assam region (between Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Tibet and China) is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines encompassing two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the national parks of Manas and Kaziranga.
 
The secret, says wildlife expert Cohen: “Kaziranga’s huge concentrations of game rivals many parks in Africa. On safari here it’s typical to see over 40 Rhino, several herds of wild Elephant, up to 500 Ungulate and perhaps even a Tiger, all in your field of vision at once!”  With Wild Planet’s sustainable protocols, guests track Tigers by listening to warning cries, looking for pug marks and tracking kills, “which creates a more authentic, exciting and participatory wildlife safari experience.”  For trip details see: http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/destinations/?country=india
 
2) Brazil – The #1 Hot Travel Destination for 2015 – The World Cup and Olympic exposure have catapulted Brazil to the top of Wild Planet Adventure’s list of MOST popular destinations for 2015. The combination of safaris to spot Jaguar in the Pantanal (averaging nearly two sightings per day) with the wonders of the Amazon have created unprecedented demand. Many of fazienda (horse-ranch lodges) in the Pantanal report they are already nearly sold out for the 2015 season.
 
The secret? “Interested travelers MUST make their reservations now for the 2015 peak jaguar viewing season that starts in early July and continues through the end of October,” says Cohen. Wild Planet’s itinerary also includes a Primate Program designed by a primatologist to view rare primates in the Amazon, plus options for Iguassu Falls, Rio and more. For trip details see:http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/destinations/?country=brazil
 
3) Thailand’s Secret Wildlife Sanctuaries Bordering Myanmar Are Now Open to US Travelers – The secret is that Wild Planet Adventures is the only US operator bringing guests to Kaeng Krachan National Park and Klong Seang Wildlife Sanctuary, the two best national parks in Thailand for exotic wildlife encounters. Kaeng Krachan is the largest and least visited national park in Thailand, with the most volume of wildlife of any park in the region. Nestled up against the remote mountains at Myanmar’s border, safaris in Kaeng Krachan are done by 4WD Jeep and by foot, both day and night. The park is home to Tiger, Black Leopard, Wild Elephant, Asiatic Black Bear, Gibbon, Langur, Slow Loris, six species of Hornbill and more. Klong Seang is a wildlife sanctuary on the far northeast corner of a 185 sq. km. lake, where Cohen’s team brings guests by long-tail boat and kayak (for silent approach to the animals) from their base at a spectacular floating aqua-lodge. Klong Seang is known for its healthy populations of Guar and is home to the extremely rare Clouded Leopard as well as Wild Boar, Wild Elephant, Monitor Lizard, and other animals. Most travelers combine these parks with a few days of culture and an elephant camp in Chiang Mai and end their trip with snorkeling on Thailand’s best islands. For trip details see:http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/destinations/?country=thailand&trip=hidden-thailand-14-day-eco-tour
 
4) Borneo –2014 May Have Been the Year We Saved the Most Human of All Primates – The demand for palm oil (in roughly 60 percent of all goods on today’s supermarket shelves) has brought to near extinction Borneo’s population of Orangutan, the “holy grail” for wildlife travelers.
 
However, the secret is that, “In 2014 manufacturers responsible for producing nearly 60% of the world’s palm oil pledged to use responsible forest-friendly practices. This is a major breakthrough that will help preserve what’s left of the critically threatened habitat for endangered wild Orangutan populations.”
 
In Cohen’s experience, “There is not another animal alive more capable of creating the magical connection between traveler and wild animal than the Orangutan. It’s what wildlife lovers dream of. That’s not surprising, considering this great ape is one of humankind’s closest relatives, sharing 97% of our DNA. They are born with the ability to reason and think and considered to be one of the smartest mammals on Earth. Nevertheless, many travelers are completely unprepared for just how deeply touched they are by Orangutan displays of love, nurturing young, playfulness and courtship.”
 
The majority of visitors to Borneo only see Orangutan at rescue centers; however Wild Planet specializes in authentic expeditions to see these great apes in the wild, as well as Borneo’s other exotic wildlife including the Proboscis Monkey, Bornean Gibbon, Pygmy Elephant, Tarsier and Slow Loris. One of the world’s top five dive locations, the Sipadan reef in the Celebes Sea, is a must-see ending for any trip to Borneo. See:http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/destinations/?country=borneo&trip=weird-wonderful-wildlife-12-day-borneo
 
5) Zambia Is the Prime Destination for African Safaris Due to its Safety from Ebola – Demand for African safaris exploded in 2014 to an all-time high. However, the recent Ebola crises took wind out of the safari sails.
 
The secret: “While fewer people are traveling to Africa for safari because of the Ebola fear, Zambia is 100% clear of the crisis and located 5,300km from the nearest Ebola outbreak; flights to Zambia do not stop in Ebola affected zones and Zambia was one of the first countries to ban travelers from affected areas in order to protect its safari economy,” says Cohen. “Zambia couldn’t be more safe.”
 
Zambia’s remoteness and multitude of eco-systems also offer significant advantages over more commercial safaris in Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania or other Africa countries.  It’s the birthplace of the walking safari and home to Africa’s best canoe safari (on the Zambezi River at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mana Pools). Wild Planet offers a multitude of award-winning Zambia safari options including walking, canoeing and jeep safaris with legendary master guides. See:http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/destinations/?country=zambia
 
For detail tour itineraries, availability and booking information, call toll-free 1.800.990.4376, visit http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/ or contacttrips@wildplanetadventures.com.

About Wild Planet Adventures
The expert wildlife guides of Wild Planet Adventures go the extra mile to explore remote wildlife habitat and study wildlife patterns in destinations not often accessible to the general public. Thanks to the company’s comprehensive itineraries that balance diverse and complex ecosystems and habitats, guests enjoy wildlife and game viewing that is carefully aligned with animals’ seasonal, daily and nocturnal migrations.
 
Following a philosophy that interacting with nature has the power to transform lives, tours are conducted in Africa, Borneo, Brazil, Costa Rica, Galapagos, India, Laos, Nepal, Panama, Peru, Thailand and Zambia. 

Wild Planet Adventures’ Wildlife Safaris Offer Great Value For Summer Travel Plus Superb Exotic Wildlife Viewing

 
 Animal-loving travelers looking to get the most value for their dollar this summer will be excited to learn of Wild Planet Adventures’ summer trips.  For 23 years Wild Planet Adventures has offered award-winning wildlife eco-tours designed especially for wildlife enthusiasts, featuring interactions with animals, value-packed itineraries, small groups and destinations teeming with wildlife.
 
Here are several wildlife trips that offer exceptional values for travelers this summer:
 
Costa Rica Ultimate Wildlife Eco-Tour is an all-inclusive (except airfare) wildlife eco-tour with 13 admissions to national parks and attractions (nearly twice that of any operator in Costa Rica); all meals (rare in any itinerary) and no “free days” (guests don’t have to shell out more bucks for activities on those days because all activities are included. 
 
With so much included, one might think this tour was designed with lots of high volume/low cost filler, but the opposite is true. This award-winning wildlife eco-tour is packed with exclusive wildlife activities, remote destinations (including eight national parks and wildlife reserves), high-end naturalist guides, interactions with animals, wildlife experts and scientific researchers, and wildlife destinations on both coasts such as Corcovado National Park, the world-famous Sloth Sanctuary, a hands-on wildlife rescue center, rafting and floating on two rivers, canopy tours, beaches, volcanoes, hot springs, sea-kayaking with dolphins, snorkeling at night in the bioluminescence and much more.
 
Tours of 14-days, 10-days and 9-days are flexibly designed for adults and families of all ages, and start at $343/person/day (one of the lowest per-day costs of any award-winning operator in this class).  Hot tip: In July, the Veranito “little summer” phenomenon offers some of the best wildlife viewing of the year, and coincides with cooler weather and lower airfares.
 
Panama Ultimate Wildlife Eco-Tour offers the best of both worlds when half the family wants a relaxing beach vacation and the other half wants exciting activities like whitewater rafting, canopy zip tours and kayaking the Panama Canal. Hot tip:Panama’s 1,500 islands offer some of the best snorkeling in the world. In fact, the barrier reef around the archipelago of Bocas Del Toro is part of the same barrier reef as Belize, but unlike Belize, the Panama reef is completely outside the hurricane belt, and therefore in much better condition.  Prices start at only $2,498 for eight days, plus domestic flights.
 
Peru: Amazon and Machu Picchu – Families love the cultural experience of Machu Picchu, Cusco and the Sacred Valley combined with the best wildlife viewing in the Amazon Rainforest. Featured is Manu Biosphere Reserve, the #1 park in the world for biodiversity, with over 200 species of mammals, including 13 species of primates, and 1,000 species of birds. Also included is Tambopata Biosphere Reserve, which is home to the world’s largest macaw and parrot clay lick. Wild Planet Adventures offers an exclusive opportunity to float downstream at dawn looking for jaguar and tapir as they come down to the river to drink at dawn. Another signature Wild Planet activity is an exclusive expedition to see pygmy marmosets, the world’s smallest (and cutest!) primate. Hot Tip: The world’s largest macaw and parrot clay lick peaks in activity from mid-August through the end of October. At this time travelers can see upwards of 1,000 birds at a time (five species of macaws and 15 species of parrots and parakeets). The sky is literally full of color and sound. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle of nature!
 
Brazil – On the Jaguar’s Trail: Pantanal to the Amazon starts in the Pantanal, the world’s largest wetlands, home to the largest concentration of jaguars on earth. Wild Planet averages 1.5 (sometimes as many as seven) jaguar sightings per day in the virtually unknown Taiama Ecological Reserve. The sightings are often for extended periods of time as the jaguar hunt caiman by the riverside.  The wide variety of safari activities are ideal for active families and include hiking, boating, horseback riding and jeep explorations for up-close sightings of giant otter, hyacinth macaws, giant anteater and anaconda. A unique feature of Wild Planet's Brazil trips is seeing the transition of eco-systems from the Pantanal – the world’s largest wetlands-- to the Amazon, the world’s largest rainforest. In the Amazon, Wild Planet has arranged an exclusive Primate Program designed by a primatologist to see rare Amazonian primates from our base at an award-winning Amazon lodge.
 
Borneo –Weird & Wonderful Wildlife Safari-- As wildlife specialists, Wild Planet Adventures carefully combines several unusual and remote eco-systems with exclusive activities, comprehensive environmental education and high-end local naturalist guides to create the absolute best possible wildlife experience currently available in Borneo, including not just commonly sought-after encounters with orangutans (both in the wild and at an orangutan sanctuary) but also special expeditions to see proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, Borneon gibbons, tarsiers, slow loris and Borneo’s famous “gliders”.  The trip ends at a water bungalow on stilts at Sipadan reef, one of the top five snorkel and dive sites in the world.
 
Zambia "Ensemble of Master Guides” Ultimate African Safari Wild Planet Adventures’ combination of jeep, walking and canoe safaris offers the broadest diversity of game and the most comprehensive wildlife safari possible anywhere in Africa. As the birthplace of walking safaris, Zambia has the highest standards of guiding anywhere in Africa. It’s astounding to experience the bush with these legendary guides and to witness their amazing tracking skills. This itinerary combines the remote Nsefu sector of South Luagwa National Park, untraveled Kafue National Park, and Mana Pools Canoe & Walking Safari – all with Master Guides!
 
Low, Air Consolidator Rates: Flights and activities become less expensive when purchased in bulk. When traveling with Wild Planet, passengers can take advantage of Wild Planet’s long-standing relationships with flight consolidators for special rates, including bulk fares that are unpublished even on the internet. By booking a tour, Wild Planet Adventure guests will also be helping to preserve the local cultures and wildlife of the region they choose to visit at a time when help is most needed. Portions of the profit from each tour directly support positive and enriching community endeavors. For more information visit http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/about-us
 
For detailed itineraries, exciting wildlife photos and video galleries and booking information, visit http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/ or contacttrips@wildplanetadventures.com.
 
About Wild Planet Adventures
The editors of National Geographic Traveler announced in April 2014 that the wildlife specialty tour operator Wild Planet Adventures received its fifth “World’s Best 50 Trips” award from National Geographic Traveler.
 
The expert wildlife guides of Wild Planet Adventures go the extra mile to explore remote wildlife habitat and study wildlife patterns in destinations not often accessible to the general public. Thanks to the company’s comprehensive itineraries that balance diverse and complex ecosystems and habitats, guests enjoy wildlife and game viewing that is carefully aligned with animals’ seasonal, daily and nocturnal migrations.
 
Following a philosophy that interacting with nature has the power to transform lives, tours are conducted in Africa, Baja, Belize, Borneo, Brazil, Costa Rica, Galapagos, India, Laos, Nepal, Panama, Peru, Thailand and Zambia. Wild Planet Adventures is recognized by top publications in the travel industry for its itineraries that combine intimate encounters with wildlife and local culture.
 
For a more information and a complimentary 2014 catalog call toll-free 1.800.990.4376, or e-mail: trips@wildplanetadventures.com. To review current trips, schedules and itineraries log onto: http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/.

Five Holiday Trips for Wildlife Lovers And Families with Animal-Crazy Kids

 

 
“A wildlife vacation is inspirational. It can impact how and where people move through life when they return home,” says Josh Cohen, founder of Wild Planet Adventures (http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/), the wildlife-viewing specialist. “International travel is the best possible gift that you can give a child of any age.”
 
For December and early January travel, he underscores that to secure airline tickets and accommodations, travel plans need to be made as soon as possible. The following adventures are priced per person, double occupancy.
 
Thailand - Remote Rainforests & Islands: There are two comprehensive itineraries to choose from. Highlights include excursions seeking elephants, guars, tigers, gibbons, langurs, macaques, barking deer, flying foxes and a plethora of unique birds; wildlife safaris by boat and kayak based from a floating aqua-lodge; jeep and walking safaris in Kaeng Krachan, the largest and least visited national park in Thailand; tracking wild elephants in Pa La-U; and snorkeling the turquoise waters of Ko Tarutau archipelago.
 
Thailand tours are best for couples or families with teens and adult children who will appreciate the peace and joy instilled by the Buddhist culture. Everyone will love the fun and sensuality of the Thai people best experienced through the extravagant Thai cuisine, unique Thai massage and the simple beauty of the Asian aesthetic found at many of the lodges.
 
Hidden Thailand: 14-day (Dec. 15-28, Dec. 22-Jan. 4, $4,898) & 11-day (Dec. 15-25, Dec. 22-Jan. 1, $3,798) http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/content/view/204/434/
 
Thailand Ultimate Wildlife: 15-day (Dec. 15-29, Dec. 22- Jan. 5, $4,798) & 11-day (Dec. 15-25 or Dec. 22-Jan. 1, $3,798) http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/content/view/143/384/
 
India – Exotic Wildlife and Rich Culture: Wild Planet guests don’t have to choose between India’s spiritually rich cultural experiences or its classic wildlife safaris. Two in-depth itineraries provide the very best of both. These are the most comprehensive multi-day safaris available in India. They include India's top national parks, wildlife reserves and UNESCO World Heritage Sites where sightings of wild leopards, rhinoceros, elephants and tigers inspire a lifetime of awe. Included are cultural experiences and safaris in five very different National Parks and wildlife reserves, by jeep, elephant-back and camel-back.
India is best for couples or families with older teens or adult children who want their kids “to have the inescapable spiritual experience of traveling in India, seeing how people with so little can have so much joy, and appreciating how fortunate we are, a message underscored by the privilege of getting to see tigers and other extremely rare animals in their natural habitat,” says Cohen.
 
India Ultimate Wildlife Safari - Leopards, Tigers & Palaces: 19-day (Dec. 17-Jan. 4, $7,398) & 13-day (Dec 17-29, $4,998) http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/content/view/235/1196/
 
Untamed India & Nepal: 19-day (Dec. 15-Jan. 2, $7,198 - a $500 savings) & 14-day (Dec. 15-28, $5,098) http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/content/view/259/661/
 
Costa Rica Ultimate Wildlife: Costa Rica has six percent of the world’s biodiversity, but the vast majoriBorneoty of travelers never see more than a fraction of that. To go beyond the norm requires a specially designed itinerary like Wild Planet’s “Ultimate Wildlife” eco-tour that escapes the mainstream and visits a variety of diverse ecosystems. Highly trained naturalist guides with extensive knowledge of localized migrations, nocturnal animal activity and little-known wildlife hot-spots guide travelers through the widest variety of eco-systems to expose travelers to the most possible wildlife. The itinerary includes eight national parks, beaches on both coasts, cloud forest canopy tours, whitewater rafting, volcanoes, hot springs, sea-kayaking with dolphins, snorkeling at night in the bioluminescence, a scarlet macaw migration, a world-famous sloth sanctuary and a hands-on wildlife rescue center.
 
Cost Rica is best for adults and kids eight years and up (especially for wildlife enthusiasts with limited time, who like to travel closer to home and have highly active kids). “A wildlife-focused trip like ours is especially suited to families with animal-crazy kids who want to take the next step and inspire them to become biologists, work with animals or start a green business,” Cohen notes.
 
Costa Rica Ultimate Wildlife Eco-tour: 14-day (Dec. 14-27, Dec. 21-Jan. 3, $4,798) & 9-day (Dec. 14-22, Dec. 21-29, $3,198)  http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/content/view/12/50/
 
Borneo’s Weird & Wonderful Wildlife:“It may come as a surprise to many that Borneo is an ideal Holiday destination because its most popular season is March through October. However, in Borneo the difference in seasons is minimal since it’s hot, humid and rainy year-round,” Cohen notes. In December there are fewer travelers and some of the best flight availability of the year. The ancient primeval rainforest here harbors an Orang-Utan sanctuary, pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys with huge noses, and Bornean gibbons who sing to each other, among countless other rare and endemic species. Highlights include a special expedition to see Borneo’s unique flying and gliding mammals. Night excursions reveal tarsiers and slow loris, two of the world’s smallest and cutest primates. Borneo’s rainforest is disappearing at alarming rates due to palm oil cultivation, making it the world’s #1 “see it while you can” destination.
 
Borneo is best for adventurous or experienced travelers who can appreciate its extraordinary wildlife. Borneo shares a rare commonality with the Galapagos, as its wildlife evolved in highly unusual ways due to its isolation. Think gliding frogs and snakes, flying lemurs and lizards and much more. Snorkelers and scuba divers will also appreciate one of the world’s top five barrier reefs.
 
Borneo Weird & Wonderful Wildlife Safari: 12-day (guests choose their own departure date, $5,998). http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/content/view/427/1426
 
Galapagos Wildlife Cruise: “Because most quality, first-class yachts are sold out one to two years in advance for the Holidays, now is the time to start thinking about Holiday 2014 and even 2015; or consider a non-holiday week if you’d like to go sooner,” Cohen advises.  Wild Planet Adventures works with over 30 yachts to offer travelers a wide variety of options.
 
The Galapagos Islands are best for adults and children six and up and provide excellent experiences for travelers who are less adventurous or less active, as the activities aren’t strenuous. “However, it’s not a good fit for those who get seasick easily or small children who would feel cooped up on a small yacht for a week,” notes Cohen.
 
Galapagos Islands Aboard the M/Y Eric, Letty or Flamingo:  8-day (Sunday departures year-round, rate depends on choice of cabin, from $3,900)  http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/content/view/10/219/
 
About Wild Planet Adventures
The expert wildlife guides of Wild Planet Adventures go the extra mile to explore remote wildlife habitat and study wildlife patterns in destinations not often accessible to the general public. Thanks to the company’s comprehensive itineraries that balance diverse and complex ecosystems and habitats, guests enjoy wildlife and game viewing that is carefully aligned with animals’ seasonal, daily and nocturnal migrations.
 
Following a philosophy that interacting with nature has the power to transform lives, tours are conducted in Africa, Baja, Belize, Borneo, Brazil, Costa Rica, Galapagos, India, Laos, Nepal, Panama, Peru, Thailand and Zambia. Wild Planet Adventures is recognized by top publications in the travel industry for its itineraries that combine intimate encounters with wildlife and local culture.
 
For a more information and a complimentary 2014 catalog call toll-free 1.800.990.4376, or e-mail: trips@wildplanetadventures.com. To review current trips, schedules and itineraries log onto: http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/.