The coconut crab can weigh over five kilograms and measures one metre from claw to claw when fully grown

In April 2001, John and Silvana Nicholls, today owners and operators of Vanuatu Hotels, arrived in Vanuatu to launch and manage the new White Grass Ocean Resort on the island of Tanna. It was their intention to ensure that it would operate according to strict environmental guidelines, so they immediately declared it a bird sanctuary, protecting fowl from the indigenous practice of hunting and eating them. Although a parallel ‘turtle emergency rescue’ program of buying turtles captured by locals as a step in saving them from the cooking pot unfortunately had to be discontinued as it created a new industry – the
capture of released turtles in order to sell them back – the resort nevertheless became the island’s de facto animal refuge, even providing veterinary assistance when need.

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Posted under General, Vanuatu, countries, responsible organisations

SILAKAN LIHAT DI BAWAH INI UNTUK ARTIKEL INI DALAM BAHASA INDONESIA / SEE BELOW FOR THIS MESSAGE IN INDONESIAN

Manado, also known as Menado, is the provincial capital and administrative centre at the northern tip of Indonesia’s Sulawesi Island and a great place to begin an exploration of the region. A strong European presence was established in Manado in the 17th century, when it was known as Wenang, but the area has been inhabited for much longer by the native Minahasa people. The word Minahasa is derived from variations on the Indonesian words for ‘to become’ (mina) and ‘one’ (esa).

The Tarsius Spectrum is a tiny monkey found only at the Tangkoko Nature Reserve near Bitung, a few hours from Manado. Now very rare, it has a government committee working to protect it from extinction. Best seen around sunset, the Tarsius are known for their loyalty to one another.

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Posted under General, Indonesia, countries, new local connections, whl.travel news

In December 2007, a global call for votes on 440 destinations in 220 countries netted a pared-down list of 77 sites, all vying for one of seven coveted spots as the New Seven Wonders of Nature. Then, on 21 July 2009, a panel of experts announced the even more select list of only 28 finalists.

Cape Town's Table Mountain is one of the finalists in the New Seven Wonders of Nature, as well as a whl.travel destination

It is now time for the world to speak and choose the final seven. Optimistic estimates are that 1 billion votes will be cast starting now, throughout 2010 and into 2011, when the official list will be unveiled.

TO ADD YOUR VOICE TO THE TALLY, START HERE.

whl.travel Destinations in the Mix

whl.travel is delighted to note that, of the 28 finalists, eight are covered by the network:
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Posted under Brazil, General, Indonesia, Jordan, Lebanon, Maldives, Philippines, South Africa, Tanzania, countries

By Rachael Harlech-Jones

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Rachael co-owns and operates Cardboard Box Travel Shop, the local whl.travel partner for Etosha and Northern Namibia, Sossusvlei & Southern Namibia and Windhoek & Central Namibia.

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I am married to a typical Namibian male. His idea of a decent meal includes a large hunk of steak with not a single green substance in sight! Fifteen years ago, when I first arrived in Namibia, I did not really understand the importance meat has in the lives of most Namibians (although it is probably worth mentioning that I was a vegetarian); however, it soon became apparent that Namibia, at least in those days, was not familiar with the term ‘vegetarian’.

Guests at a Herero wedding in Ovitoto, approximately 70km northeast of Okahandja. Herero culture places a lot of importance on cattle.

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Posted under General, Namibia, countries, local tips, opinion, whl.travel newsletter

Etosha National Park and Northern Namibia are far from ordinary. Actually, they’re downright extraordinary. Covering a grand expanse of stark contrasts, Northern Namibia is a vast horizon of wide-open spaces, pristine wilderness, nature reserves, colourful desert and the incredible Skeleton Coast, so called for both its remoteness and many shipwrecks. Now they’re right at the click of a mouse on www.etosha.travel.

The Himba tribe in Kaokoland, Northern Namibia. Photo courtesy of Wilderness Safaris.

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Posted under General, Namibia, countries, new local connections, whl.travel news

It really is as good as it sounds: South Africa’s Panorama Route brings you face to face with the majesty of the earth’s canvas of colourful and intricate painting.

Just one of many stunning views along the Panorama Route

Winding northeast from the spectacular Drakensburg Mountains of Mpumalanga to the northeastern end of the Great Escarpment, the Panorama Route takes in some of Africa’s (and the world’s) most dramatic scenery. It is also the gateway to Kruger National Park, where you will find the Big 5, endless spectacular views, age-old traditions and cultures. It’s all part of an incredible adventure that will awaken the child within you. So buckle up as we take a quick journey through the highlights.
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Posted under General, South Africa, countries, local tips, responsible travel, whl.travel newsletter

LEIA LOGO ABAIXO ESTA NOTICIA EM PORTUGUÊS / SEE BELOW FOR THIS MESSAGE IN PORTUGUESE

The beautiful Portuguese island of Madeira, located off the coast of Morocco, is considered the Pearl of the Atlantic. It truly has it all – magnificent mountain views, spectacular beaches and coastal villages, beautiful waterfalls and gorges, and of course, quaint hotels – as well as a smaller sister islet, called Porto Santo. Together they are perfect for travellers who want to mix things up during a holiday: contact with nature, experiences of unique scenery and special marine environments, and even the rush of the capital city of Funchal. Madeira Island is easily accessible from any city in Europe.

The view from Cabo Girão - the second highest sea cliff in the world - takes in the terraced farms and villages below, where cultivation is done entirely by hand since the land areas are too small for either animal or machine and often on the edges of the mountains.

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Posted under General, Portugal, countries, new local connections, whl.travel news

Sitting on the Gulf of Guinea, Accra, the capital city of Ghana, is the gateway to Africa’s friendliest nation as well as many of ancient the continent’s monuments. It is a bustling and diverse centre, full of lively markets, European architecture and forts, shanty towns and interesting museums and memorials. Ghanaians are famous for their love of celebrations and festivals, so be sure to speak with the locals and participate in one of the many cultural events.

Vegetable vendors at the open Makola Market in Accra

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Posted under Ghana, countries, new local connections, whl.travel news

On July 16, 2009, .travel posted a congratulatory news flash recognising whl.travel’s continuing success and its recent announcement that it’s expanding into more than 100 countries worldwide.

It reads as follows:

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Posted under General, media, whl.travel news

Go face to trunk with Thailand’s magnificent elephants at Ayuthaya, an historical village 86km north of Bangkok. Living alongside traditional Thai mahouts (elephant trainers) and their families, guests are assigned to older retired elephants for the duration of their stay and are responsible for all of those elephants’ needs.

By Annabelle Burns

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The author bonding with Loong Sap

Turning into the driveway of the Ayutthaya Elephant Palace and Royal Kraal for the second time in 10 months, I feel an excitement rising that is now well beyond butterflies. Will she remember me? They say that elephants never forget, but dear old Loong Sap has met so many people in her 68 years. I don’t mind either way, but I just can’t wait to see her beautiful face, her proud and dignified forehead. To caress her gorgeous wrinkly trunk and flappy ears. To peer and wink into her all-seeing, all-knowing eyes.

The tuk-tuk stops. Eva Narkiewicz is there to greet us. She and her partner Michelle Reedy left Australia three years ago to dedicate themselves to running the wonderful Elephantstay program, giving visitors an incredible opportunity to immerse themselves in a Thai elephant village. All around I see the familiar yet incredible sight of dozens of elephants – old retired ones, middle-aged workers and the cheeky youngsters – all going about their daily routines with their mahouts (traditional elephant trainers) and the guests who are here to help.

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Posted under Thailand, countries, responsible organisations, responsible travel, whl.travel newsletter