Vanessa

Job title:

Southeast Asia SpecialistAudley Travel

Telephone number:

01993 838 117

Biography

Coming from an adventurous family, Vanessa began travelling at a young age and was always encouraged to explore overseas. After university she became involved in voluntary work and spent time in Central America and India. Her passion for scuba diving then lead her to Southeast Asia where she qualified as a Divemaster in Thailand. Further travels took her through Borneo and on to the Philippines where she settled for six months leading dives in the Visayan islands. Now back in England, she joined Audley in order to share her experiences with others and help them get as much out of their travels as she did. With Audley, she has re-visited Borneo and the Philippines and has also added Peninsular Malaysia and Papua New Guinea to her portfolio.

Favourite Destination - Sipadan, Mabul & Kapalai Islands

"As a keen diver, I have now visited the Sipadan area twice and on my most recent trip I was lucky enough to stay at Kapalai which I absolutely loved. The diving was sensational with fantastic coral and an abundance of fish. I was blown away by the number of sharks and turtles and how close you could get to them."

Favourite Accommodation - Kapalai Island Resort

"Kapalai is a unique resort built on stilts directly onto a reef. There is only a small sandbar at low tide otherwise you are completely 'out to sea'! The snorkelling around the resort is great and you also have the opportunity to go diving or snorkelling at the world famous dive site island of Sipadan.

Being so isolated, Kapalai is the ideal place to relax and soak up the sun and sea after your action-packed holiday."

Most Memorable Experience

"Spending the day with the Asara (Mudmen) tribe near to Goroka was one of the best days I've had on my travels in the area. They were so fun and friendly and the tribal dancing was fantastic.

We were also served lunch from a mumu (hole in the ground!) which was pretty bland but still fun to do!"