The Eco-Tour Messenger
Paul Etherington
Where would you be most likely to find Paul Etherington on a fine sunny day? Outdoors. Anywhere but the city. But most likely in the Sai Kung area, the place he has called home for the past 26 years.
"Our tourists and locals are missing out and not getting the full picture of Hong Kong," Paul claims. He's worked hard over the years to change the perception of Hong Kong as a concrete city to one where outdoor adventures are possible, fun and easy. "Getting that message across is still a big challenge".
Spurred by his realization that he was one of very few people out enjoying the country parks, Paul established Natural Excursion Ideals seven years ago. He believes people should see "the other side" of Hong Kong and Sai Kung was a natural choice for him to showcase its beauty through kayaking, hiking, mountain biking and powerboat trips. "It's the best place to escape the city. There's clear water, coral, islands and the best beaches," he explains.
The first person to promote windsurfing in Hong Kong, Paul taught, trained and raced at Sha Ha when he represented Hong Kong in internationally. He now promotes outdoor adventures in Sai Kung to the world via the HK Tourism Board and the Internet.
Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park used to be a great place for kayaking trips but Paul has located other options nowadays. It was the double-edged sword of tourism that interrupted the tranquillity. "Big tour group invasions made my peaceful eco-getaway kayaking trips in Hoi Ha Wan a thing of the past," he laments. "And explaining to my eco-aware clients that the WWF and the Government disregarded environmental issues to build the Marine Life Centre there was exasperating."
Paul spends much of his time out on the water during the summer as the heat is too much for most hikers. In the winter months, it's a mixture of everything on offer. "Most of my clients go away thrilled to have explored a part of Hong Kong they never knew existed," But he says that the rain does tend to keep customers away, except the serious outdoorsy ones from the UK or Canada.
To adjust to the post-SARS lull in travelling, Paul added tailor-made and flexible packages, as well as corporate itineraries including helicopter, powerboat and abseiling outings for the local market. The adventure element has stepped up a gear or two!
Natural Excursion Ideals
Website
Email
Tel. 852-9300-5197
Further Information:
HK Outdoors offers invaluable information on HK's flora and fauna - both land and sea.