Plans are underway to open a spa and retreat on the private island of Koh Krabeay in 2015 that will signal a major development in Cambodia’s inbound health tourism.

Thai hotel development firm Akaryn Hospitality Management Services are to expand their health and wellness operations with the unveiling of a USD$21 million luxury private island resort targeting the high-end medical and wellness sectors. The Akaryn Koh Krabeay Retreat and Spa will provide advanced health care treatments, meditation instruction, yoga classes and anti-aging solutions.

Facilities include a meditation cave and an organic garden that will provide the healthiest pesticide-free food to complement physical treatments. Management said they envisaged the retreat becoming their flagship property and a leading destination in Asia for innovative health escapes.

Koh Krabeay is part of a chain of secluded islands accessible from Sihanoukville by speedboat in less than 20 minutes.

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A half-marathon in the UNESCO World Heritage destination of Luang Prabang will take runners on a route inspired by the daily procession of monks who walk through the town at dawn to collect offerings.

Limited to 500 international runners to reduce congestion, the race on October 5 is titled “La Procession”. It will offer participants the opportunity to run around the town’s greatest historical sites. The costs of the event are fully covered by corporate sponsors and, instead of the usual entry fee; runners will make charitable donations directly through online fundraising pages.

Proceeds from the half-marathon will go towards funding Friends International, an NGO benefiting children and young people across South East Asia. The race comprises three race routes: half-marathon, 14-km, and 7-km race for family members. The organisers hope to make the race an annual event so it will become firmly established on the regional half-marathon calendar.

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For those keen to get away over the next couple of months, this is a great opportunity to dive some of the world’s very best sites for less.

Symbiosis is offering a 10% discount on all pre-booked dive packages and accommodation at the lovely Raja 4 Divers resort in Indonesia’s Raja Ampat archipelago, West Papua Province. Offer is valid for stays from now until 28th September 2013, pending availability.

Also note, due to a cancellation, there is now 1 bungalow available from 05th to 11th October 2013.

Contact Symbiosis Custom Travel for more info or to reserve your dates.

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The European Commission has lifted the air ban for Philippine Airlines to operate flights to Europe.

Siim Kallas, Commission Vice-President responsible for transport, said, “The EU air safety list was created for the protection of European skies and citizens, but it can also serve as a wake-up call to countries and airlines in need to get their safety house back in order. We have confirmed our willingness to remove Philippines airlines from the list as they show real commitment and capacity to implement international safety standards in a sustainable manner.”

All air carriers from the Philippines were banned from the EU in March 2010 following poor results from an ICAO audit in 2009 which led to a significant safety concern (SSC) being issued by ICAO.

A follow-up audit in October 2012 showed some improvements had been made, however the SSC was not removed and another added. A further audit in February 2013 found sufficient progress had been made to lift both the SSCs.

The commission conducted an on-site visit between 3 and 7 June 2013 to verify the situation, and to provide information for the Air Safety Committee (ASC) to aid the deliberations on any potential lifting of the current restrictions.

The lifting of the 15 year long ban on Philippine Airlines is of extreme importance to the future of Philippine Airlines. The airline is now expected to resume flights to several European destinations including London, Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Rome and Madrid using a newer fleet of aircraft and a higher level of customer service.

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The MV White Manta has 2 cancellations for this weekends’ liveaboard dive trip to Pulau Tioman, Malaysia, departing tomorrow (Friday) at 6pm from Singapore.

The people who have pulled out are hoping you can fill their places at S$750 per person (usually S$900). Accommodation is in double share deluxe cabin with en-suite bathroom.

Contact Symbiosis URGENTLY if you would like to jump aboard.

Itinerary:

Friday: meet 6.00pm at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal (just inside entrance on the left), clear
immigration, welcome briefing, & sail overnight to Palau Tioman. Dinner is served on board.

Saturday: (5 dives) Pulau Jahat or Pulau Renggis, Pulau Chebeh, Tiger Reef, Pulau Labas, and night dive

Sunday: (1 dive) Morning dive at Bahara Rock or Pulau Jahat. Return ETA 9pm to TMFT

Dive Site Information
• Water Temp: 28-30 degrees Celsius
• Visibility: 10-20 meters,
• Air Temp: 28-30 degrees Celsius
• Level: intermediate to advanced,
• Best Time to Dive: start of May to end of October

What’s included?
• 2 nights’ accommodation on MV White Manta
• All meals (Western & Thai) snacks, hot beverages, coffee, tea, Milo,
• Towel, toiletries, cabin services,
• Tanks, weight belt, dive guide

What’s excluded?
• All flights & hotels stay
• Dive & travel insurance
• Massage services
• Soft drinks, alcohol, Nespresso coffee
• **Diving gear subject to availability (only 3mm shorty wetsuits available), dive computer, torch, 15L
tank rental

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Khao Sok National Park in Southern Thailand always manages to deliver thrills for nature lovers. This week, a rare Spiny Turtle was found just outside the Namtaloo Cave by Dave and his team.

If you are visiting Thailand and are a wildlife enthusiast, a visit to Khao Sok should be high on your wishlist. See here for more information on how to include it on your itinerary. The birds are amazing here too.

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Book any Truk Lagoon 10-night liveaboard safari trip in 2014 aboard the S/Y Truk Siren and get a 10% Early-Bird Discount.

There are over 61 wrecks to dive all packed within the confines of Chuuk’s waterways and lagoon in Micronesia. Providing up to 32 dives the Siren Fleet also supports tec and rebreather diving, so you can dive for longer and delve deeper into history. The wreck-diving capital of the world awaits you!

November / December 2014 trips now just 3195 Euro

Bookings must be placed and deposits paid by 31st August for the discount to apply. Special offer discounts are for new bookings only and do not apply to group charters.

Contact Symbiosis Custom Travel now for more info or to reserve your place.

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Book Now and Save in 2014!! The following Summer Special Promotional Offers may be promoted direct to your clients and on your website throughout the months of July and August 2013.

Book any Batangas~Coron or Coron~Batangas 10-night trip in 2014 aboard the S/Y Philippine Siren and get a 10% Early-Bird Discount.

Dive the critter hot spot of Anilao, the off-shore reef of Apo and the WWII wrecks in Coron. Expect to see ghost pipefish, flamboyant cuttlefish, white tip reef sharks & schooling jacks as well as a variety of Japanese vessels sunk during the Battle of Coron Bay. Three exciting dive areas combined into a 10-night liveaboard safari!

January 2014 trips now just 2690 Euro
November / December 2014 trips now just 2835 Euro

This promotion s for July and August this year only so bookings must be made and deposits received before 31 August 2013. Contact Symbiosis Custom Travel now to reserve your berth.

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Read out blog:  http://www.symbiosis-travel.com/blog/

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Dive The World’s macro capital, critters haven, and UW photographer’s sanctuary in Lembeh Straits. Special dive packages available from USD 810 with 5 nights accommodation and 10 dives included, limited space available valid only for staying period of July 2013.

Where? The lovely Dabirahe at Lembeh Hills Resort.

Contact Symbiosis Custom Travel to book your stay.

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Symbiosis is delighted to be able to offer you an amazing 50% Off the regular price of an overnight river cruise between Ayutthaya, Thailand’s former capital and UNESCO World Heritage historical site, and Bangkok during July aboard the lovely converted rice barge, the Mekhala.

The cruise is a two day, one night sedate journey along the “River of Kings”, the lifeblood of Thailand’s central plains, that offers and extraordinary opportunity to observe the juxtaposition of contemporary and historic Bangkok, riverside temples and scenic rural countryside, as well as to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ayutthaya with its many ancient temples.
 
Departure Dates when the offer applies:
Wed, 10 July 13
Wed, 17 July 13
Tue, 16 July 13 
Wed, 24 July 13
Fri, 26 July 13
Wed, 31 July 13  

Regular Price: 6,450 Baht/ person, based on 2 persons traveling together and sharing a cabin.

Contact Symbiosis now to plan your trip to Thailand and include this scenic and fascinating river cruise in your trip.

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Symbiosis is pleased to offer a 15% discount on the normal price for a dive cruise to the magnificent Komodo National Park in Indonesia in August.

Vessel: SMV Amira
Dates: 19 to 30 August 2013
Price: USD 4,040 per person sharing (normal price $4,752)

Contact Symbiosis today to book your berth.

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The regional haze map released by Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) showed thick smoke/smog emanating from open burning for land clearing in Riau, Central Sumatra, Indonesia and wind blowing from southwest has brought haze to the central and southern parts of peninsular Malaysia. According to a statement issued by the Department of Environment (DOE), the rising of Air Pollutant Index (API) readings to “unhealthy” and “hazardous” levels was expected to persist until August.

As of yesterday (Monday, 24 June), the air quality remained at unhealthy levels in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Melaka and Negeri Sembilan with the API readings ranging from 157-198.
Based on the air quality index, reading of between 0-50 is categorized as good, 51-100 (moderate), 101-200 (unhealthy), 201-300 (very unhealthy) and 300 and above hazardous.

The Malaysian Government has declared a haze emergency at two places, namely the Muar and Ledang district in Johor , which are located over 184km and 174km respectively from Kuala Lumpur, as their API readings hit above 300 yesterday night.

Other than these localized areas, the rest of the country is haze-free. The air quality is moderately good in Penang, Langkawi, the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia as well as Sarawak and Sabah.

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Last few spaces on MV Black Manta Komodo trips in June 2013

Many sightings of majestic manta rays on every trip along with other amazing diving adventures.  

Click below to see some video clips:

Clip 1 courtesy of TW Wong
Clip 2 courtesy of Joe Choo

Dates:
13 – 18 June, 6 day/ 5 night and 16 dives.
1x en-suite double & 1x en-suite twin cabin available. NOW ONLY USD1320 per diver (original price USD1650, saving USD330!)

20 – 25 June, 6 day/ 5 night and 16 dives .
1x en-suite twin share cabin available. NOW ONLY USD1320 per diver (original price USD1650, saving USD330!)

Marine Park & Harbour fee, USD90/ pax
Start & Finish:; Labuan Bajo (LBJ), Western Flores

Contact Symbiosis now to book.

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