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ZEGRAHM & ECO EXPEDITIONS — Giving You The World 1-800-628-8747 or 206-285-4000 |
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Home > Press Release |
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Press Release |
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For Immediate ReleaseIslands of Diversity Expedition Offers One-Of-A-Kind ItinerarySEATTLE, WA — WWII shipwrecks, lost jungle tribes, and an extraordinary opportunity to swim with whale sharks: welcome to the Philippines, Zegrahm-style. In April 2001, passengers aboard the expedition ship, Clipper Odyssey, will explore the fascinating history, cultures and wildlife of this 7,000-island archipelago on an exclusive 16-day itinerary through the Philippines: Islands of Diversity. From Manado on the island of Sulawesi, Indonesia, the ship will sail through a host of beautiful, history-rich islands. First stop will be an exploration of the underwater reefs of Bunaken National Marine Park, where crystal clear seas reveal a vast and colorful jungle of undersea life: red and yellow coral, green and hawksbill sea turtles, sea stars, sea lilies and schools of tropical fish. At General Santos, passengers will travel though a rolling landscape of rain forests and rice fields to visit Lake Sebu, homeland of the tribal T'boli people, well-known for their colorful dress and lively music and dance. As the ship winds its way north, passengers will explore via Zodiac a shoreline of incredible diversity. At Bucas Grande Island, Zodiacs will navigate through a labyrinth of rocky islets, hidden channels and coral gardens to the subterranean caves of Sohoton Lagoon, accessible only at low tide. Diving excursions will offer striking underwater landscapes rich with marine life; for those who choose to stay aboard, these waters offer frequent whale and dolphin sightings. Ashore, passengers will visit some of the oldest churches in the Philippines, dating back to the 16th century, which house religious relics from the Spanish colonial era. At Bohol, participants will travel through the verdant countryside to visit the spectacular Chocolate Hills, a unique formation of 1,000 cone-shaped mounds, the origin of which remains a mystery. At remote Sibuyan Island passengers will travel through the rugged landscape aboard colorful Jeepneys — miniature art galleries on wheels — to visit with villagers and witness traditional dances. At Luzon Island, off the coast of Donsol, those interested will be offered the rare opportunity to swim with whale sharks, the magnificent and harmless creatures that frequent these waters between December and May each year. Although these sharks reach 25 feet in length, weigh up to 40 tons and boast a three-foot-wide mouth full of thousands of teeth, they feed exclusively on plankton, krill and squid. Sightings of these elusive behemoths are so rare they've been called "the Holy Grail of diving." At Subic Bay, divers can visit some of the 25 accessible shipwrecks from World War II and earlier, a few of which are at relatively low depths providing excellent views. Those topside can explore the historically significant sites of Corregidor, including the ruins of MacArthur's headquarters (called the Mile-Long Barracks), Battery Way, the Malinta Tunnel, and the Pacific War Memorial. Travel will be aboard the Clipper Odyssey, a premier expedition vessel which offers good maneuverability and speed, excellent viewing areas, and a full fleet of Zodiac landing craft for excursions ashore. The trip will be led by a team of experienced expedition leaders, complemented by a world-renowned lecture team who will enhance this unique travel experience with lectures on the bird life, tribal cultures, marine life and history of this evocative area of the world. From smoking volcanoes to ancient tribal cultures, from pristine coral gardens to gentle giants of the deep, Zegrahm's exploration of the Philippines archipelago offers a bounty of incredible wonders. Islands of Diversity Expedition-At-A-Glance
Note to editors: Artwork available upon request. |
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