Welcome to the PATA UK & Ireland Chapter
PATA UK is the hub of activity for Pacific Asia. We have a community of over 5,000 travel professionals who strive to be travel experts for a wide array of destinations throughout the region. Our goal is to educate the UK travel trade by hosting events throughout the UK, where members can keep up-to- date about the latest happenings in Pacific Asia.
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Discover Today, Protect Tomorrow with Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari
Set sail on New Zealand’s most distinctive whale and dolphin watching safari, departing right from central Auckland. Enjoy a 4.5-hour cruise aboard the comfortable Dolphin Explorer as you journey into the spectacular Hauraki Gulf Marine Park in search of its rich and varied marine life.
The Hauraki Gulf Marine Park consists of 1.2 million hectares, over 50 islands, 6 marine reserves. It is one of the most abundant and diverse marine parks in the world and over 25% of the Southern Hemisphere’s marine mammals have been seen in the Marine Park. It is visited by more than 20% of the world’s seabirds and is home to the Critically Endangered Bryde’s whale – one of only a handful of coastal populations of this species in the world. There is so much to see out in the Hauraki Gulf!
Join our qualified marine researchers on board New Zealand’s most accessible marine research vessel as your experience begins at the Viaduct Basin, conveniently located within walking distance of Auckland’s central hotels and accommodation. Step aboard our spacious 65-foot (20-metre) catamaran and relax as we head out across one of the world’s most abundant marine environments.
From the open deck, take in sweeping views of Auckland’s iconic landmarks, including the Harbour Bridge, North Head, Devonport, and the striking volcanic cone of Rangitoto Island. Keep watch for orca and dolphins, often spotted within the inner Waitematā Harbour.
Throughout the journey, our crew share engaging commentary, while onboard marine science experts carry out research and invite you to take part in interactive activities.
As we explore a wild and ever-changing environment, no two trips are the same. While sightings often include Bryde’s whales and common dolphins, you may also encounter pygmy blue whales, New Zealand fur seals, sharks, manta rays, turtles, and a wide variety of seabirds—including the little blue penguin.
On the return to Auckland, for those keen to delve deeper, an optional research presentation offers further insight into the wildlife encountered during your safari.
Conservation is at the heart of everything we do and is a core principle of our business. We are privileged to operate in the stunning environment of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. Everyone in our company takes our responsibility to protect our natural heritage and preserve our environment seriously.
Alongside us, our passengers also help to protect our environment, with a dollar from each ticket purchased going towards the Hauraki Gulf Guardians fund which supports organisations and programs that aim to regenerate the Hauraki Gulf and make it resilient to future changes.
Truly Unique Experiences
I am fortunate to have so many travel experiences in my travel life, with several whilst moving around South East Asia. The region is rich in culture, scenic contrasts, heritage, cuisine , top class luxurious hotels and wonderfully authentic traditional tribal villages . Great beaches and sea activities.
And of course unique wildlife and nature experiences. I could go on at length about the options but just let us look at four that I have done quite recently.
First a couple that be done just for few hours. Walking with “ Giants “ (elephants) through the jungles of Northern Thailand. Just me, the mahout, two Elephants who roamed free – where they went I followed, scrambling through the bush they had partly flattened. Did this at the Anantara Golden Triangle, Thailand , suggested it to numerous clients and usual response is “ wow, thank you, incredible “.
Next would the jungle walk at the Datai in Langkawi, Malaysia. Accompanied by incredible guide, it can be done during the day or for something very different at night – the sounds offer something unique. The rainforest jungle is said to be over 10 million years old . That alone makes it amazing . Our numerous repeat clints to The Datai feel this experience is as important as the beach, jungle spa and superb views .
For a slightly longer nature encounter I would suggest the 3day ( 2 nights ) rainforest and lake combination offered by Elephant Hills in Khao Sok , southern Thailand, easily accessible from Phuket, Khao Lak and Krabi. A combination of Elephants, river and cave exploration, jungle treks, canoeing and a night spend in a floating tent. One of our most popular extension tours with as close to 100% satisfaction as you can get. It so much more than just being close to elephants, that is only part of it .
And of course unique wildlife and nature experiences. I could go on at length about the options but just let us look at four that I have done quite recently.
First a couple that be done just for few hours. Walking with “ Giants “ (elephants) through the jungles of Northern Thailand. Just me, the mahout, two Elephants who roamed free – where they went I followed, scrambling through the bush they had partly flattened. Did this at the Anantara Golden Triangle, Thailand , suggested it to numerous clients and usual response is “ wow, thank you, incredible “.
Next would the jungle walk at the Datai in Langkawi, Malaysia. Accompanied by incredible guide, it can be done during the day or for something very different at night – the sounds offer something unique. The rainforest jungle is said to be over 10 million years old . That alone makes it amazing . Our numerous repeat clints to The Datai feel this experience is as important as the beach, jungle spa and superb views .
For a slightly longer nature encounter I would suggest the 3day ( 2 nights ) rainforest and lake combination offered by Elephant Hills in Khao Sok , southern Thailand, easily accessible from Phuket, Khao Lak and Krabi. A combination of Elephants, river and cave exploration, jungle treks, canoeing and a night spend in a floating tent. One of our most popular extension tours with as close to 100% satisfaction as you can get. It so much more than just being close to elephants, that is only part of it .
For the true nature enthusiasts I would suggest visiting the twin Malaysian states of Sarawak and Sabah on the separate island of Borneo. Just under 2 hours flight from Kuala Lumpur, this is a very different to the more developed Malay Peninsula. Here is all about adventure and enjoying nature in a simple authentic way. Borneo is a huge island with not only these two Malaysian states but also the separate Brunei, and the southern 70% is actually Indonesian state of Kalimantan. Sarawak on its own is equal to the entire size of Peninsula Malaysia. The luxury here comes in the total experience of authentic nature, the sheer expanse of rain forest, rivers, unique flora and fauna and of course wildlife, most of which are only found here. The Borneo sun bear, pygmy elephants, Proboscis monkeys (funny how my nose size looked the same but that is where the similarity ended!) and of course numerous Orangutan. Just incredible and as yet off of the radar for most UK travellers.
I would suggest combining both Sarawak and Sabah as they have just as many differences as similarities. A tour can be done in about 10 days staying in comfortable atmospheric hotels & Lodges. Plus if time allows you can top your adventure by climbing Mount Kinabalu (2 day escorted hike with overnight camp stay) from Kota Kinabalu. Numerous touring options are available around Sarawak & Sabah but at Chic we rather like the service and originality offered by our regional partner Sticky Rice Travel.
With all of the suggestion offered it is important clients are truly comfortable with the realities with the sights and sounds of nature, and are reasonably fit and active and able to cope with jungle pathways, both up & down and the occasional discomfort is all part of the experience.
David Kevan of Chic Locations and UK PATA chapter board member.
I would suggest combining both Sarawak and Sabah as they have just as many differences as similarities. A tour can be done in about 10 days staying in comfortable atmospheric hotels & Lodges. Plus if time allows you can top your adventure by climbing Mount Kinabalu (2 day escorted hike with overnight camp stay) from Kota Kinabalu. Numerous touring options are available around Sarawak & Sabah but at Chic we rather like the service and originality offered by our regional partner Sticky Rice Travel.
With all of the suggestion offered it is important clients are truly comfortable with the realities with the sights and sounds of nature, and are reasonably fit and active and able to cope with jungle pathways, both up & down and the occasional discomfort is all part of the experience.
David Kevan of Chic Locations and UK PATA chapter board member.
Botanical trails, Reef Encounters & Rainforest Foraging at The Chill Koh Chang
Koh Chang hums with life — from hornbills, macaques and butterflies to monitor lizards, rich marine life and coral habitats. Set within the lush embrace of Mu Ko Chang National Park, The Chill Koh Chang is a gateway to one of Thailand’s richest natural playgrounds. Rainforest-clad mountains tumble into mangroves, waterfalls and quiet bays, offering a sanctuary for flora and fauna to thrive. Here, nature isn’t just a backdrop — it’s an open invitation to explore and reconnect, with The Chill’s curated experiences bringing guests closer to Koh Chang’s remarkable wildlife…
The Spice Trail Experience
The Spice Trail Experience is a sensory journey into the botanical heart of Koh Chang, where a private forest path near Bang Bao reveals the island’s extraordinary plant life. Guided by a knowledgeable expert, this gentle walk invites guests to see, touch and even taste native herbs, forest spices and edible plants in their natural habitat. Rooted in the research behind the book Flora of Koh Chang, the experience offers a deeper understanding of how local plants are used in everyday Thai life. Developed in collaboration with botanical specialists, the Spice Trail debuted during the 2025 Flora of Koh Chang event, marking 125 years since the island’s first documented botanical study. Following the trek, an optional hands-on cooking class transforms the freshly foraged ingredients into authentic Thai dishes.
Khao Laem Salak Phet Trek
This immersive trek ventures deep into dense rainforest, climbing 650 metres above sea level to the summit of Khao Laem. The 10-kilometre trail winds through pristine jungle, revealing sweeping views over Salak Phet Bay and neighbouring islands. Along the way, observe local birdlife and insects, with their calls as your soundtrack. The reward? A refreshing dip at a nearby waterfall before returning to the comfort of the resort.
Koh Ngam Half-Day Trip
Enjoy a leisurely morning or afternoon at Koh Ngam, a serene island hideaway just off Koh Chang’s southern tip. Known for its twin forested hills linked by a ribbon of white sand, the island is framed by calm lagoons and luminous turquoise waters. Beneath the surface, vibrant marine life thrives — colourful reef fish, coral formations and gentle sea creatures reveal themselves to snorkellers in the shallows.
Mountain Biking
For a freer kind of exploration, hop onto one of the resort’s free mountain bikes and chart your own course. Pedal through local villages, glide along quiet coastal roads or venture into forest trails leading to hidden viewpoints and secluded beaches. Each ride reveals a new layer of Koh Chang — where everyday island life meets untamed tropical beauty, nature and wildlife.
The above excursions are available from both The Chill Koh Chang and The Retreat Koh Chang – represented by Red Elephant Reps in the UK & Ireland markets.
The Spice Trail Experience
The Spice Trail Experience is a sensory journey into the botanical heart of Koh Chang, where a private forest path near Bang Bao reveals the island’s extraordinary plant life. Guided by a knowledgeable expert, this gentle walk invites guests to see, touch and even taste native herbs, forest spices and edible plants in their natural habitat. Rooted in the research behind the book Flora of Koh Chang, the experience offers a deeper understanding of how local plants are used in everyday Thai life. Developed in collaboration with botanical specialists, the Spice Trail debuted during the 2025 Flora of Koh Chang event, marking 125 years since the island’s first documented botanical study. Following the trek, an optional hands-on cooking class transforms the freshly foraged ingredients into authentic Thai dishes.
Khao Laem Salak Phet Trek
This immersive trek ventures deep into dense rainforest, climbing 650 metres above sea level to the summit of Khao Laem. The 10-kilometre trail winds through pristine jungle, revealing sweeping views over Salak Phet Bay and neighbouring islands. Along the way, observe local birdlife and insects, with their calls as your soundtrack. The reward? A refreshing dip at a nearby waterfall before returning to the comfort of the resort.
Koh Ngam Half-Day Trip
Enjoy a leisurely morning or afternoon at Koh Ngam, a serene island hideaway just off Koh Chang’s southern tip. Known for its twin forested hills linked by a ribbon of white sand, the island is framed by calm lagoons and luminous turquoise waters. Beneath the surface, vibrant marine life thrives — colourful reef fish, coral formations and gentle sea creatures reveal themselves to snorkellers in the shallows.
Mountain Biking
For a freer kind of exploration, hop onto one of the resort’s free mountain bikes and chart your own course. Pedal through local villages, glide along quiet coastal roads or venture into forest trails leading to hidden viewpoints and secluded beaches. Each ride reveals a new layer of Koh Chang — where everyday island life meets untamed tropical beauty, nature and wildlife.
The above excursions are available from both The Chill Koh Chang and The Retreat Koh Chang – represented by Red Elephant Reps in the UK & Ireland markets.
MEMBERS DIRECTORY
Use our membership directory to browse PATA members and find contacts for DMCs, airlines, tourist boards & hotel partners in the Pacific Asia region.
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