Archives: Travels
Travel Description
Sipadan
As one of the most protected marine reserves in the world, the diving offered in Sipadan is among the finest on Earth. Due to its delicate ecosystem, this reef system in the indo-pacific limits the number of divers by day, making access even more difficult and exclusive. However thanks to Planeta Azul’s agreement with the best resort on the neighbouring island of Mabul you’ll be guaranteed at least one day of diving, in this incredible region.
The experience offered by Planeta Azul is a unique combination of urban and beachside exclusivity, starting in the stunning city of Kuala Lumpur before travelling to the best resort on the island of Mabul. From here you’ll explore the Mabul, Kapalai and Sipadan reefs, swimming alongside shoals of barracuda, shark and countless species of fish and turtle, while exploring the startling sub-aquatic beauty of the reef’s coral walls.
The Andaman sea
Scuba-diving in Thailand s an experience quite unlike anywhere else, thanks not only to its pristine underwater habitats, but also the rich architectural, social and gastronomic culture above ground.
The Andaman sea has some of the best diving around, and while Thailand has plenty of locations for year round diving, some protected areas such as the Similan Islands can only be visited during certain months of the year. Regardless of the season, the Andaman Sea offers unequalled diving opportunities, with the chance to see graceful manta rays and whale-sharks in the waters off this distinctive coastline dotted with islets, beaches and iconic rock formations.
China
Safaris in Africa
Southern Safari
Southern Safari takes you on an unforgettable journey through three countries in the south of Africa. The experience, which takes place across Namibia, Botswana and Zambia covers diverse landscapes and ecosystems: the Namib desert, the Okavango delta and the Victoria Falls.
Along the way you’ll stay in exclusive campsites, selected for their luxury and their location, often situated in remote areas and on private reserves, far from civilisation. For this reason, you’ll be travelling between them via light aircraft, a form of transport that not only allows us to land right in the heart of nature, but also affords spectacular views of the land below, giving you a sense of the size and majesty of the landscapes we’ll be visiting.
These iconic landscapes include the towering red sand dunes of the Sossusvlei valley, the enormous wetlands of the Okavango delta and one of the seven natural wonders of the world – the Victoria Falls on the Zambezi river.
The diversity of the landscapes is amply matched by the fauna that calls it home. During the safari you’ll see herds of Oryx and Springbok, elephants, crocodiles, hippos, lions, African wild dogs and innumerable other mammals and birds. Among the activities offered are hot air balloon rides, both walking and 4X4 safaris and a unique water safari via local ‘mokoro’ (dugout canoe).
India’s Wild Side
With so much to offer, it’s perhaps unsurprising that India is better known for its culture, monuments and gastronomy than for its biodiversity. Nonetheless, thanks in part to the richness and diversity of its natural habitats, India is home to half of the bear species on the planet, as well as many species of deer and antelope and the largest number of species of wild cats on Earth.
From the Himalayan mountains, home of the rare and beautiful snow leopard, to the jungle domain of the largest of all big cats; the tiger. And this is without mentioning the Asiatic Lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and numerous other animals who call the sub-continent their home.
Journeys in Asia
Argentina
Galapagos Islands
It’s no exaggeration to say that there is nowhere on the planet like the Galapagos Islands. Located 1000 kilometers off the coast of Ecuador, the remoteness of the archipelago as well as unique geographical, climatological and historical circumstances have led to both the preservation of prehistoric species, and unique evolutionary patterns unlike anywhere else on earth. Travelling the archipelago by boat, you’ll discover astonishing birds, mammals and reptiles that have evolved in surprising and miraculous ways, and whose observation from aboard the HMS Beagle directly inspired Darwin’s Origin of the Species.
With 13 main islands in the chain, and an uncountable number of islets and reefs, getting to the wildlife is itself part of the experience. You’ll travel around the islands by sea, disembarking at different points to be able to observe and photograph the astonishing wildlife close up, as well as snorkeling to explore the life underneath the sea. Available as a 6 or 8 day experience, your home for the duration will be on board one of our specially chartered boats. Comfortably fitting either 16 or 22 passengers, each of the single or double berths features a private en-suite bathroom. Please note that due to the limited capacity of the boats, this experience should be reserved far in advance of the intended departure date. Please note , for larger parties wishing to hire the entire boat, it’s imperative to book at least a year in advance.
Peru
In Peru, the wonders don’t stop with a visit to the stunning inca citadel of Machu Picchu. The site, one of the world’s foremost archeologic treasures, is a door into a landscape and culture as diverse as it is enchanting.
On this Peruvian experience you’ll discover the joys of Peruvian cuisine, where ingredients used for thousands of years come into contact with the very latest gastronomic techniques resulting in some of the world’s best restaurants. But that’s not all. Here you’ll explore the vertiginous slopes of the Colca canyon, and the mysterious lines of the Nazca plain. At Cuzco, the past and the present combine in spectacular fashion, as by night the ancient inca capital transforms into a bustling town with unique nightlife.
For those with extra time, this experience can be expanded to include a visit to the world’s highest navigable body of water Lake Titicaca, or the ‘rainbow mountain’ of Vinicunca, whose sides and peaks are made up of layers in vibrant tones of pink, turquoise, lavender and gold.
Bolivia
In this country of spellbinding natural beauty, the highlights are many and varied: from world heritage sites such as Sucre and Potosi, through to the worlds’ most striking salt-flat desert; Uyuni.
Bolivia’s natural landscapes are among the most striking and diverse on Earth.
From the awe-inspiring beauty of its mountain ranges and the world’s highest navigable lake – Titicaca, as well as the largest and highest altitude salt flat in the world in Uyuni, the country hosts some of the most photogenic locations imaginable. But life in Bolivia isn’t limited to the wilderness, observing how its human inhabitants have adapted to and exist sustainably within this majesty is almost as inspiring as the views. From the fishermen who continue to make their living on Titicaca, through to the agricultural importance of the Andean valleys and yungas, witnessing thousands of years of sustainable living makes Bolivia the perfect choice for those looking for an out of the ordinary destination.
Planeta Azul has selected the best possible accommodations at each stage of your Bolivian adventure. And while you won’t want for luxury elsewhere on the trip, it’s worth bearing in mind that at the Uyuni salt flats, the rudimentary infrastructure means that in this location, you’ll be lodging in guest houses. However, we’re sure that any creature comforts you sacrifice will more than be made up for by being placed right in the heart of the extreme natural beauty of this unique site.
For those looking for adventure and authenticity, a country relatively untouched by tourism and where thousands of years of culture live alongside astounding natural beauty, a Planeta Azul experience in Bolivia is the perfect choice.