Philippines Welcomes Back Foreign Travelers After 2 Years

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — The Philippines lifted a nearly two-year ban on foreign travelers Thursday in a lifesaving boost for its tourism and related industries as an omicron-fueled surge eases.

Foreign travelers from 157 countries with visa-free arrangements with the Philippines who have been fully vaccinated and tested negative for the virus will be welcomed back and will no longer be required to quarantine upon arrival. The government also ended a risk classification system that banned travelers from the worst-hit countries.

“We will begin the next chapter in the road to recovery,” Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat said. She added the border reopening would restore jobs and generate revenue across tourism-related enterprises and communities.

British tourist Ian Collins said at the airport arrival lobby that he flew back after two years because he “absolutely loved” the Philippines and wanted to reunite with Filipino friends. “It’s just a wonderful country. I’m so glad that you’re open again,” the 60-year-old Collins told The Associated Press.

Malaysian tourist Shaun James Stickney said the pandemic separated him and his Filipina partner for two years, so he took the first flight to Manila when the Philippines reopened to reunite with her and “God willing, get married.”

The Philippines imposed one of the world’s longest lockdowns and strictest police-enforced quarantine restrictions to quell a pandemic that caused its worst economic recession since the 1940s and pushed unemployment and hunger to record levels.

More than a million Filipinos lost their jobs in tourism businesses and destinations in the first year of the pandemic alone, according to government statistics. Tourism destinations, including popular beach and tropical island resorts, resembled ghost towns at the height of pandemic lockdowns, and a volcanic eruption and typhoons exacerbated losses.

The reopening had been set for Dec. 1 but was postponed as the highly contagious omicron variant of the coronavirus spread.

Less than a thousand new cases were added daily during the Christmas holidays, when large crowds of shoppers trooped back to malls and restaurants despite constant government warnings. The subsequent surge peaked above 39,000 infections in a day in mid-January, but has since eased. Health officials reported about 3,600 infections on Wednesday with 69 deaths and have declared the entire archipelago, except for one southern region, at “low to moderate risk.”

More than 60 million of nearly 110 million Filipinos have been fully vaccinated against the coronavirus and 8.2 million have received their booster shots in a campaign that has been hampered by vaccine shortages and public hesitancy.

President Rodrigo Duterte warned Filipinos in televised remarks Monday that “we are not over the hump” and urged the unvaccinated to get immunized soon.

“If you’re unvaccinated and you die, well, I’ll tell you, ‘good riddance,’” the tough-talking president said. “You can walk around and if you get contaminated, you will be awfully very, very sorry for yourself and your family.”

Philippines Lifts Ban On Foreign Tourists As Outbreak Eases

The Philippines will lift a ban on the entry of foreign tourists and businesspeople next month after nearly two years, in a move to revive the battered tourism industry as the latest coronavirus outbreak started to ease, officials said Friday.

Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat said the country will reopen its doors to travelers from more than 150 countries with visa-free privileges starting Feb. 10. Foreign travelers will no longer be required to quarantine in government-designated centers upon arrival if they have been fully vaccinated and tested negative prior to arrival, officials said.

The government had initially planned to lift the ban on Dec. 1 but indefinitely postponed it as the more contagious omicron variant spread, which also prompted authorities to reimpose tighter restrictions.

President Rodrigo Duterte warned that unvaccinated Filipinos who defy orders to stay at home could face arrest. Commuters who have not been immunized were also prohibited from public transport in the capital region of more than 13 million people unless on urgent errands, for at least up to the end of the month. The decision has sparking protests from human rights and labor groups. The number of daily infections has dropped considerably in the capital in recent days.

“We’re done with border control,” Health Undersecretary Rosario Vergeire told a news conference, adding that government focus has shifted to preventing community transmission of the omicron variant, which has caused five deaths in the country so far.

“We are also aware that there is no room for complacency given the unpredictability of the virus,” Puyat said. “We will closely monitor the situation and ensure that health and safety protocols are strictly implemented in all tourism establishments.”

The number of tourists dropped by more than 6 million, and more than a million Filipinos lost their jobs in tourism businesses and destinations in the first year of the pandemic alone, according to government statistics. Tourism destinations, including popular beach and island resorts, resembled ghost towns at the height of pandemic lockdowns.

The Philippines has reported more than 3.5 million confirmed COVID-19 infections, with 53,801 deaths, the second-highest totals in Southeast Asia after Indonesia.

10 Of The World’s Best Natural Wonders … That You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

Dropping in … a climber descends into an ice cave, Mendenhall, Alaska. Photograph: John Hyde/Design Pics/Corbis

From Europe’s deepest river canyon and caves that glow to a rainbow river and hills that look like chocolate, our picks prove that nature always does it better

Mendenhall ice caves, Alaska, US

Imagine standing in a natural glassy dome illuminated by eerie blue light … A visit to Mendenhall ice caves is a rare chance to step into the heart of a glacier. The 12-mile-long stretch of ice (it is getting shorter every day, because of global warming) near Juneau in south-east Alaska, is surrounded by pristine countryside that includes hiking trails through a landscape populated by bears, porcupines and eagles. Glacier treks (eight-hour trip $230), explore the caverns and crevasses of the ancient ice feature.
• fs.usda.gov

Chocolate Hills, Bohol, Philippines

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 Photograph: Michael Runkel/Robert Harding World Imagery/Corbis

Like something out of Super Mario Land, the Chocolate Hills are a bizarre geological formation. The perfect, grass-covered, mole-hill-like mounds are scattered through a large forest; there are estimated to be up to 1,776 in the 50 sq km area. The oddity picked up the name because during the dry season the grass turns brown, and some have compared the hills to Hershey Kisses. They are on Bohol Island and visitors can take tour of the hills from the small town of Carmen.
• itsmorefuninthephilippines.com

Helmcken Falls, British Columbia, Canada

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 Photograph: Michael Wheatley/All Canada Photos/Corbis

Wells Gray provincial park is a stunning area of natural beauty with several breathtaking waterfalls within its pine forested wilderness. Helmcken Falls is perhaps the most spectacular: one of the reasons the park was created was to protect this natural wonder. The 141m waterfall (the fourth-highest in Canada) tumbles off a cliff edge into a vast stone bowl surrounded by pine trees. An ice-cone that forms at its base in winter can reach up to 50m. There are more than a dozen campsites to pitch up at, as well as cosy B&Bs such as Clearwater Springs Ranch, a good choice for anyone who likes home comforts while exploring the wilds.
• wellsgray.ca

Tara canyon, near Žabljak, Montenegro

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 Photograph: Alamy

With a maximum depth of 1,300m, Europe’s deepest river canyon is a vertigo-inducing sight. To get an idea of how impressive that is, the US’s Grand Canyon has an average depth of 1,600m, so it’s really not far off. The 82km-long canyon runs through Durmitor national park, with the Tara river rushing through its bottom. The best way to explore the canyon is by boat; the last stretch of the river has over 20 rapids that can be tackled on a white-water rafting tour.
• visit-montenegro.com

Benagil beach sea cave, Portugal

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 Photograph: Alamy

There’s an otherworldly feel to this unusual rock formation in the Algarve, which sweeps overhead to create a series of natural stone arches. The cave is one of several cut into the cliffs near the fishing village of Benagil, and visitors can take boat trips to them and other, isolated beaches along the Lagoa coast. The Benagil cave is 150m from the village’s main beach, but can only be reached by the water. If the sea is calm, it is possible to swim there. Another option is apaddleboard adventure through them, a great way to navigate the tranquil environment at a slower pace.

Caño Cristales, Serranía de la Macarena, Colombia

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 Photograph: Tom Till/Alamy

It only takes one look at the Caño Cristales to see how it earned its name – the liquid rainbow. For a few weeks every year, between September and November, the conditions cause the river to explode in colour, when the sunlight triggers a plant that lines the riverbed – the the Macarenia clavigera – to turn bright red. The streaks of crimson mix with dashes of yellow, brown shades of sand and water that shimmers in blue and green, creating a technicolour mix unlike any other. The river is near La Macarena in Meta province, deep in the Colombian grasslands. Once an area associated with cocaine production, it has only recently become a safe tourist destination, and several companies offer tours from Bogotá.

Waitomo Glowworm Caves, North Island, New Zealand

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 Photograph: Alamy

Lining the ceiling like fluorescent space stickers found in a kid’s bedroom, the glowworms of Waitomo’s caves were discovered over 120 years ago and create a magical spectacle. In 1887, local Maori chief Tane Tinorau and British surveyor Fred Mace floated into the cave on a raft, and eventually found an accessible land entry point, which is still used by visitors today. The cave has been a tourist attraction since 1889, when Tinorau and his wife would give guided tours for a small fee. Even today their descendants work as staff at the caves. A walk through the limestone caverns concludes with a bug-illuminated boat ride.
• Admission adult £23, child £10, family £56, open daily 9am-5.30pm (5pm season), waitomo.com

Jellyfish Lake, Palau, south Pacific

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 Photograph: Alamy

If they were poisonous, this lake would be a lot less fun. Fortunately, the two species of jellyfish in this unusual environment are harmless to humans (technically they do have sting cells, but it’s unlikely you’d notice them). The marine lake is the only one open to tourists in Palau and is on Eil Malk, part of the wild Rock Islands. Millions of jellyfish drift from one end of the lake to the other each day to feed. The lake is reached by a 45-minute boat ride from Koror; the creatures float in the water like luminous lanterns and are best viewed by snorkelling among them.
• visit-palau.com

Ik-Kil cenote, Yucatán, Mexico

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 Photograph: Alamy

Cenote comes from a Mayan word meaning “well” and is used to describe naturally formed pits or sinkholes, usually caused after the collapse of a cave. The Ik Kil cenote is a magnificent one – considered to be sacred and found en route to the ancient city of Chichen Itza. A 26m-high circular rock shaft surrounds a turquoise pool of water, with jungle vines draped over the edge. About 40m deep, the pool is perfect for diving, and ledges have been carved into the limestone rock for this purpose. Ik Kil has been a venue for the Red Bull cliff diving world series – with some of the world’s best divers hurling themselves into its depths.

Saltstraumen, Nordland, Norway

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 Photograph: Ashok Rodrigues/Getty Images

Saltstraumen is not a good place to visit if you’re prone to seasickness – this we know from personal experience. Every day, at a narrow strait near the town of Bodø, the strongest tidal current in the world gathers its strength, creating a frothing mess of choppy white water full of whirlpools up to 10m in diameter. Caused by 400m cubic metres of water rushing through the 150m-wide sound when the tide changes, the Saltstraumen is a pretty dangerous water feature. Powerful RIB boats take visitors through the sound, and when they cut the engine it feels as if the boat is being pulled down by the whirlpools.
• visitbodo.com

Contributed byWill Coldwell, www.theguardian.com

The Top 5 South East Asian Destinations For The Culturally-Minded Traveller

It has been a long time belief of mine that the most fulfilling travel destinations around the world are ones that are a true cultural opposite of the city you call home. Amazing architecture and natural wonders are incredibly popular with travellers, though it never quite satisfies those of us who enjoy a side of culture with our travel. Walking city streets in awe watching the local populace go about their lives, struggling to read road signs, getting lost and experiencing truly unique cuisine makes for a far more memorable experience abroad. Here are my top 5 destinations to get lost in on purpose:

Bangkok, Thailand

Thailand is known for fragrant cuisine, mind blowing temples, tropical islands and beautiful scenery. The heart of Thailand beats in Bangkok, the capital city. Every street corner delivers something amazing to do or see, such as the floating market or the huge Siam Center, an enormous and luxurious shopping centre. Grab a bite to eat while exploring the street markets, or go for a ride in a tuk tuk. Keep your eyes and mind open, and you will lose yourself to the very active and immensely interesting world around you.

Halong Bay, Vietnam

With over 2000 islands dotting the beautiful Halong Bay, entire days will simply vanish as you explore the various beaches, fishing villages, floating bars or historic sites such as Hospital Cave, a Vietnam War heritage site. While Halong City provides the region with hotels, restaurants, bars and casinos, most people prefer to spend their time in the bay itself. A night or three on a boat amongst the towering and spectacular islands of Halong Bay makes for mind-blowing scenery you would want to wake up to every day.

Delhi, India

The capital region of India, populated by 16.7 million people, is an exotic region where you will find Mughal forts, ancient ruins, museums and bazaars scattered between office buildings and shopping malls across seven cities. The metro system makes it easy to reach cultural hotspots such as the famous Taj Mahal, currently a day trip via train. However the Gatimaan Express, a bullet train currently in development, would see travel times shrink from 2-3 hours each way, to a 90 minute journey through beautiful landscapes at over 160 km/h, bringing you even closer to one of the seven wonders of the world than ever before.

Singapore City, Singapore

Quite possibly the most chaos free city in Asia; Trains run on time, traffic jams are near nonexistent and huge skyscrapers give the skyline a truly beautiful shape. The city is far more than just expensive buildings and pristine waterways, Singapore is also one of the most culturally diverse cities where Malay, Chinese, Indian and western cultures combine to create a truly wonderful atmosphere. A trip here will not be complete without a visit to the Marina Bay Sands, the world’s second most expensive building, which features the world’s biggest rooftop infinity pool, as well as a park spanning the very top of the three buildings.

Manila, Philippines

The big city in the middle of a tropical paradise, Manila is known as the Pearl of the Orient. The city itself provides for outstanding sightseeing, while trips outside of the city takes you through amazing emerald rice fields, volcanoes and beautiful beaches. Catholic inspired architecture and culture from 350 years of Spanish rule really sets Manila apart from other Asian cities, and makes for a genuinely interesting city to explore.

Travel makes for some of life’s most memorable experiences. While famous cities such as London or New York are definitely worthwhile destinations, you can’t go wrong with injecting a bit of culture into your life. The world is full of fascinating people, incredible sights and differing cultures. Why not get out of your comfort zone, and be a little adventurous?

Contributed by Campbell Bevan, Founder and Managing Director at Amazing Accom. A Luxury Travel Blog

Follow us on Twitter: @TraveloreReport

Travelore Tips: Pay $160 For A Month Of Flights On AirAsia

AirAsia launches its new all-you-can-jet option, the AirAsia ASEAN Pass, this month—but is it worth your while? Read on to find out.

How does a month of flying around Southeast Asia for under $200 sound?

That's the question we asked last year, when it was first announced that AirAsia would introduce some sort of pass for unlimited flights. Well, that pass—the AirAsia ASEAN Pass, named for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations—is official and available for purchase, beginning today.

The ASEAN Pass's original promise of travel to ten countries has been kept, and passengers may elect to fly to airports in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Burma, Laos, and Brunei. The greatest variety of destinations is of course offered from AirAsia's base in Kuala Lumpur, although Bangkok also has a bunch. Popular leisure destinations in the passes include Bali, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Langkawi, and Puerto Princesa. With just those it'd be very tempting to turn an ASEAN Pass into a "best exotic beaches of Southeast Asia" pass, but culture and business travelers will find plenty destinations of interest as well.

There are, in fact, two versions of the ASEAN Pass:

ASEAN Pass 10 credits

· Costs $160 USD

· 10 credits for use on flights

· 30 days validity from the start of travel

ASEAN Pass+ 20 credits

· Costs $290 USD

· 20 credits for use on flights

· 60 days validity from the start of travel

Built in (and explained in the official FAQ) are many points of flexibility. For instance, the pass can be handed over to another traveler and the bearer's name can be changed so long as the travel hasn't yet begun. Families can also get in on the fun as the Pass is valid for travelers aged 12 and up. The biggest restriction is that flights need to be booked two weeks ahead and each route may only be used once, so last-minute weekend hops can't happen. The best way for non-residents of Southeast Asia to make use of a pass is to plan for a full three to four weeks of travel, flying in to Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur on a major international airline and beginning the AirAsia Pass from there. Potential ideas for a dot-to-dot itinerary around the region could be visiting friends, hitting some legendary dive sites or surf breaks, scouting for a vacation home, seeking out regional food specialties, or simply adding more stamps to the passport.

The pass was due to debut on January 15, but the tragedy of AirAsia Indonesia flight 8501 on December 28, 2014 placed AirAsia in the world spotlight, and not for the positive reason they had planned. We personally expected AirAsia to drop the idea of the ASEAN Pass, but now that the airline can absolutely use the extra business, the plan proceeds with only a month-and-a-half delay. Overall, the program bears less a resemblance to the original, unlimited "All-You-Can-Jet" Pass from JetBlue and more to the airline's AYCJ successors, called the "GoPacks," though there's no doubt the ASEAN Pass is inspired by both.

View the FAQ and step-by-step use of the ASEAN pass on AirAsia's dedicated website. As of right now, there is no end date to the ASEAN pass promotion for either sale or travel, thought this will likely change once the airline sees action on it.

This piece originally appeared on Jaunted.com.