Three avid explorers have come together to form 3Playtopia, a made-in-Singapore community-based platform that allows travellers to turn their best destination discoveries into inspiring itineraries that they will also lead, benefitting other like-minded wanderers.
3Playtopia – where the numeral three represents air, sea, and land as well as you, me and us – targets adventure seekers who are drawn to unique destinations and experiences, from Asia to Africa.
Alicia Seah, one of the founders of 3Playtopia and an experienced travel and tourism marketer based in Singapore, told TTG Asia that the platform is designed for well-travelled individuals who desire programmes out of the ordinary or are transformative as well as those keen to explore but lack travel buddies or time to plan.
The other two founders are Chong Lee Ling, who works in a financial institution and has travelled across 61 countries; and Chew S F, an accomplished IT professional with a profound love for adventure.
Seah, who carries the title, chief of happiness, emphasised the community spirit of 3Playtopia, saying that the company’s slogan was, Where Travel Meets Adventure, Strangers become Friends.
The platform currently lists a number of adventures curated and led by what Seah refers to as “travel-preneurs” – people who are passionate about and familiar with the destination, and who are ready and willing to build and lead a tour. For example, a 12-day Iceland Ring Road Tour is organised by adventurer Daniel Goh.
“These travel-preneurs started off as regular travellers joining our community and then deciding that they want to share their favourite destinations and trips with others too. As more travellers join our tours, more will be sold on our concept and be keen to build and lead their own niche programmes too,” she added.
Aspiring travel-preneurs have to undergo an interview before they are approved and allowed to curate and lead tours.
3Playtopia retails its tours on its website, 3playtopia.com, and via a strategic partnership with EU Holidays, one of Singapore’s biggest outbound travel agencies.
Alan Ang Wee Tat, managing director of EU Holidays, said the partnership was a reflection of the company’s desire for a “diversified portfolio” that allows it to be better prepared “for the future as different types of travel evolve over time”.
“This initiative aligns with our commitment to remaining pertinent and accessible in an increasingly digital world, ensuring that we consistently address the changing preferences of travellers,” he added.
Its latest project is with the Taiwan Visitors Association, where they will jointly craft three trips aimed at showcasing Taiwan’s breath-taking mountains and opportunities for natural adventures.
“Taiwan is already a well-known holiday destination, loved for its vibrant night markets and food culture. However, Taiwan is 70 per cent mountains, which gives it a huge potential to develop mountain holidays and adventure tourism,” explained Seah.
Taiwan Tourism Administration Singapore office expressed strong support for 3Playtopia and its commitment to highlighting the different tourism aspects of Taiwan.
The trips are built for different levels of expertise. Beginners can join the five-day, four-night Secret Hikes of Taipei, which include fun visits to four lively night markets. Intermediate trekkers can join the Dali Datong Trail to explore Taiwan’s last aboriginal villages, such as those inhabited by the Truku people, while enjoying a coastal mountain vista.
For advanced trekkers, the majestic Jade Mountain awaits. Also known as Yu Shan, it rises 3,952m above sea level and is Taiwan’s tallest mountain. This trip will feature a period of preparation, where experienced mountaineer Joanne Soo – who had conquered Mount Everest – will lead activities to build participants’ endurance, guide them on acquiring the right gear, and educate them on trekking etiquette and expectations.
Besides ascending mountains, participants can also partake in a range of activities, such as ATV riding, paragliding, and visits to picturesque flower fields.
