Singaporean launches book on PH kayak tour

SINGAPOREAN inspirational adventurer Khoo Swee Chiow, the man who conquered the Philippine seas with his kayak for 88 days visited Cebu yesterday to launch his latest book which recounts his adventures in the country.

Khoo owns the Guinness world record for the longest scuba submergence of 220 hours in 2005. Then on Jan. 21, 2008, he completed the world’s longest journey on inline skates by skating from Hanoi, Vietnam to Singapore, a total of 6,088 kilometers in 94 days. He also cycled from Singapore to Beijing in 73 days covering 8,066 kms.

However, he claims to have been smitten by the country’s natural beauty during his book launching.

Last August 2009, Khoo along with Boholano veteran kayaker Erwin Glenn “Buzzy” Budlong started their kayak adventure in Saranggani province where Khoo wanted to commemorate the 40 years of Philippines-Singapore ties.

“During our adventure, we encountered a lot of ups and downs. In the first day of our journey we were hit by a storm but we persevered and managed to reach Pagudpud and visited a lot of places including the Davao gulf, Samal Island and Cape San Agustin,” said Khoo.

Khoo has already written books about his adventures in Mt. Everest, his cross country by skates and bike.

His latest book is named “Across the Philippines in a Kayak.”

“I’ve never been to the Philippines before so I decided to explore it by kayak to make it an adventure and it was very fun because this country has so many islands,” said the 48-year-old adventurer.

Budlong and Khoo paddled across 50 provinces covering 3,025 kilometers which is a first in kayaking history.

“We were actually paddling the whole day, we only stop at night and continue the next morning. I think the best places I visited are Cebu and Palawan,” Khoo said. “This country has a lot of potential for tourism that’s why I fell in love with it.”

Khoo also added that during his kayaking adventure, he brought his wife and two kids to witness his feat.

Habagat Outdoor Equipment and the Recreational Outdoor Exchange (ROX) sponsored Khoo’s visit to launch his book. Yesterday,   he  visited Lilo-an’s Papa Kits Aqua Sports.

Khoo is also an adventure consultant and an inspirational speaker. He will return to Singapore today.