By Maureen Valentine

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Found off the coast of southeast Brazil, Ilha do Mel, which means Honey Island, is about as far from life’s chaos as serene nature can get. Hikers, surfers, bird watchers, stargazers and nature lovers alike are in awe of all that this little Atlantic island has to offer. In fact, many agree that Brazil’s most pristine beaches are located right here, where, until the 1970s, the local economy was dominated by fishermen and the lack of traffic spared the land as an ecotourism haven.

As Ilha do Mel is an island of fishermen, this colourful pier is always full of activity. Sampling the abundance of seafood available in the eateries from the daily catches is always a treat.

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Posted under Brazil, countries, local tips, responsible travel, whl.travel newsletter

SEE BELOW FOR THIS MESSAGE IN MALAY / UNTUK BAHASA MELAYU, SILA BACA DI BAWAH

Although known as the birthplace of Malaysia’s petroleum industry – and still reliant on oil as a leading source of income – the coastal town of Miri, in northern Sarawak on the island of Borneo, is today so much more than an oil and timber town and site of national monuments like the Grand Old Lady,  or Oil Well No. 1, drilled way back in 1910.

The Grand Old Lady - Malaysia's first oil well was erected in 1910 and is now a state monument

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

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

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

Renowned for its stunning Mediterranean islands and pristine whitewashed towns, Greece, unbeknownst to most people, is actually 80% picturesque mountainous terrain, much of it fertile farmland peppered with traditional villages. Some particularly entrancing and typically hilly areas can easily be visited a quick trip from Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city.

Lake Kerkini is an artificial reservoir created in 1932

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Posted under General, Greece, countries, local tips, whl.travel newsletter

AMUBONE MULUMBE ANSI MU CITONGA / SEE BELOW FOR THIS MESSAGE IN TONGA (the main tribe in the area)

Covering an expanse of 22,400 square kilometres, Kafue National Park is one of Africa’s largest national parks. The woodlands, wetlands, grasslands, plains and Lake Itezhi Tezhi are an enormous paradise for nature lovers. Its wilderness is not the only drawcard, however, as there are exciting game drives, excellent bird-watching opportunities and top-notch fishing. If you are searching for adventure, taking a tour is an excellent way to experience Zambia’s largest and oldest national park.

Dinner in the great outdoors is a treat offered by many of the camps within Kafue National Park

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

The Cook Islands are best known for their pristine beaches and warm lagoons, the kinds of retreats that usually appeal to travellers in the South Pacific Ocean. Most visitors therefore end up on the two most popular and easily reachable islands, Rarotonga and Aitutaki. However, the Cook Islands have so much more to offer, especially the kinds of secrets that locals keep close to their chests – and that are a recipe for a truly local experience.

There are many forms of beauty in the Cook Islands

To try it, you must venture to the more secluded and uncommercialised islands, like Atiu and Mangaia, where you can experience the Pacific as it once was – like Hawaii 50 years ago or Tahiti 30 years ago. 
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Posted under Cook Islands, General, countries, local tips, whl.travel newsletter