SE Asian ’super destination’ gets a boost

Showing remarkable vision, 4 SE Asian countries are moving along with plans to create a ’sub region’ as far as tourism is concerned. Indonesia, Philippines, Brunei and Malaysia have designated parts of their countries to belong to the BIMP-EAGA (Brunei-IndonesiaMalaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area).

Basically, some pretty tasty chunks of those countries, including the eastern islands in Indonesia, SW western Philippines including Palawan, the whole of Brunei and Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan in Malaysia, will be marketed as a single destination, offering and irresistable package for tourists. The EAGA was formed in 1994 and recently there was an announcement from the Philippines government that they would reduce airport fees for airlines by 50%, for those serving the sub-region. New air routes will be opeing too, which will shortly be followed by tour packages. The exciting thing about this whole thing, is that it shows co operation and makes exploring those areas more affordable. Irian Jaya (West Papua) alone offers staggering natural wonders, and scuba diving to rival anywhere on earth. Here’s more from the Manila Bulletin Online.