Swimming with whales off Philippines

PETALING JAYA, 15 March 2023:

Just four hours by flight from KL International Airport lies Cebu island in the Philippines, where boating trips are held regularly for daring swimmers to snorkel close to whale sharks.

With more than 7,100 islands that offer this unique experience plus various other hidden gems, it’s no wonder why the Philippines has garnered global recognition and accolades – including World’s Best Dive Destination, World’s Best Tourist Destination and Best Beach Destination.

Urging Malaysian travellers to discover these natural attractions so close by at our Asean neighbour, Tourism Promotion Board Philippines (TPBP) has tied up with Philippine Airlines to offer special tour packages in conjunction with this weekend’s MATTA Fair 2023.

Datuk Melissa Ong, managing director at QE Tourism Destination Marketing Sdn Bhd – which represents TPBP – said these economy class airfares start from RM939 to Manila plus discounted tickets to other major tourists destinations within the Philippines.

These airfares are inclusive of government taxes, fees and surcharges for stays between two days and 14 days, with accompanied child’s tickets at 75% pricing. Available from Friday March 17 to Sunday March 19, bookings can be used immediately.

Inclusive of return airfare, package deals of free and easy three days hotel stay in Manila start from RM1,249 and the four days stay in Cebu with island hopping is priced from RM2,639.

Budget travellers can book lights on Cebu Pacific from RM274 KL-Manila and RM234 Kota Kinabalu-Manila.for travel up to September. These offers can also be paid for using Travel Funds or credits previously issued due to pandemic cancellations.