JENKINTOWN, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Friendly Planet Travel, in partnership with Tourism Malaysia and the Tourism Authority of Thailand, is giving away another trip of a lifetime to one lucky Facebook fan. The Win Exotic Malaysia & Thailand Sweepstakes will award a trip for two on Friendly Planet’s 11-day Exotic Borneo & Bangkok tour, a prize valued at up to $4,900. This tour package encompasses the beauty and excitement of Thailand, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia if not the entire world, while also introducing travelers to Malaysia, whose cultural diversity, pristine wildlife and magnificent landscapes are finally being discovered by savvy travelers. The sweepstakes ends on Friday, Nov. 15.
“Thailand is a beautiful country that’s flush with exotic wildlife, spectacular islands, and fascinating history—it’s one of the most visited destinations we offer,” says Peggy Goldman, President of Friendly Planet Travel. “But many travelers aren’t even aware of the incredible culture, geography, cuisine, and adventure that exist in nearby Malaysia. By creating a tour that combines these two unique destinations, we’re able to continue our rich tradition of bringing travelers to the most sought-after locales while also introducing them to yet-to-be-discovered gems. The winner of our sweepstakes will truly experience the best of what Southeast Asia has to offer.”
The grand prize of the Win Exotic Malaysia & Thailand Sweepstakes includes round-trip, non-stop airfare from New York or Los Angeles, including fuel surcharges, taxes, and fees; all intra-Asia flights and ground transportation; accommodations in deluxe and superior first-class hotels; buffet breakfast daily and five lunches; comprehensive sightseeing tours; and a professional, English-speaking tour guide. Friendly Planet Travel will also be giving away travel-themed prizes to lucky entrants throughout the sweepstakes.
Friendly Planet’s Exotic Borneo & Bangkok tour begins with a flight across the international date line to the city of Kuching, the capital and of Sarawak State on Malaysian Borneo, where travelers will spend the night at the Hilton Kuching. The next day starts with an excursion to Bako, a fishing village that is built on stilts and hovers over a river, and a cruise across the South China Sea to Bako National Park where travelers will explore the park’s bountiful wildlife, striking geography, and diverse ecosystems.
The next day, travelers will visit the Semengok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center, located on an 1,800-acre virgin forest. The center provides sanctuary to some of Malaysia's most protected wildlife, including orphaned or rescued orangutans, and carefully nurtures and rehabilitates them for release back into the jungle. After learning about the orangutan rehabilitation process and seeing the animals from afar, travelers will drive along the countryside of Batang Ai, enjoying views of tropical rainforests, cocoa and rubber plantations, rice fields, and mountain ranges. Finally, they’ll board a boat that will take them to the Hilton Batang Ai Longhouse Resort.
Day six consists of a longboat excursion down the Engkari River to a small village to meet locals known for their legendary hospitality and to enjoy a cultural performance and blow pipe demonstration.
The following day, travelers will enjoy lunch at a charming local town before their flight to Thailand, where they will spend the evening at the Rembrandt Hotel, located in the heart of the capital city of Bangkok.
The next morning begins with a boat ride through Bangkok’s waterways before continuing to the magnificent Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, which features a 79-meter-tall pagoda. The tour continues to Wat Pho, the oldest temple in Bangkok and home to one of the largest reclining Buddhas in the world, before travelers tour the marble temple, Wat Benchamabophit.
Travelers will spend the final two days leisurely discovering the rich cultural offerings throughout the city of Bangkok, sightseeing, shopping, or taking advantage of optional excursions available for an additional cost.
The Win Exotic Malaysia & Thailand Sweepstakes is open to all legal U.S., Canadian, and Puerto Rican residents over the age of 21, beginning Oct. 15, 2013 at 9 a.m. EDT and ending Nov. 15, 2013 at 11:59 p.m. EST. To enter, visit Facebook.com/FriendlyPlanetTravel, like the page, and submit the required information through the Win Exotic Malaysia & Thailand Sweepstakes tab. Since this is a brand-new contest, travelers will have to enter their information (whether or not they participated in the Win Wild South Africa Sweepstakes) to be eligible to win this prize. There is no purchase necessary to enter the giveaway. Friendly Planet will announce the winner on its Facebook page and the Friendly Planet Travel blog.
Friendly Planet’s Exotic Bangkok & Borneo tour is available in 2013 on the departure date of Dec. 3 for $2,459. It’s also available in 2014 on the departure dates of Jan. 7, Feb. 4, March 18, April 8, and May 13 for $2,399.
For more information about Exotic Borneo & Bangkok or any of the other fascinating adventures that Friendly Planet Travel offers, visit FriendlyPlanetTravel.com.
ABOUT FRIENDLY PLANET TRAVEL
Friendly Planet Travel makes high-quality exotic travel affordable for everyone. Since 1981, Friendly Planet Travel has been arranging all-inclusive escorted discount vacation packages and cruises to the most exciting destinations in the world at the lowest possible prices.
Each year, Friendly Planet Travel offers more than 30 different group travel packages to Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and South America—at discounts of hundreds of dollars off similar vacations. With no hidden charges, add-ons, or surprises, Friendly Planet Travel vacations include convenient flights and airfare; carefully selected, first-class and superior hotels; knowledgeable, English-speaking guides; many meals; planned itineraries; as well as friendships and memories that last a lifetime.
Friendly Planet Travel offers its extensive, economical travel services to private groups, including universities, religious institutions, alumni associations, and families. Groups who wish to travel together can count on Friendly Planet Travel’s three decades of experience to operate their group travel program expertly and always at the very best possible prices. Visit the company at www.FriendlyPlanetTravel.com. You can also follow Friendly Planet Travel on Twitter and Facebook.
