Hidden Islands of the Philippines & Borneo - From Manila to Kuala Lumpur

Fly by scheduled indirect flight.

Arrive and transfer to the MS Island Sky. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we moor overnight.

Our morning tour will explore the colonial area within the well preserved 16th century walled district of Intramuros which was created by the Spanish elite during their colonisation of the Philippines. See the San Agustin Church, one of four Philippine churches constructed during the Spanish colonial period to be designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and which withstood heavy bombardment during World War II. Later we visit Baluarte San Diego, Baluarte Dilao, Manila Cathedral and Plaza Roma before ending at Fort Santiago, one of the oldest forts in Manila strategically built in 1571 on the tongue of land where the Pasig River flows into Manila Bay. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy a leisurely afternoon at sea.

Over breakfast we enter the spectacular bay of Coron Island. Known to only a few, this remarkable area will one day most likely be a major tourist resort but for now you can enjoy the peace and beauty without the crowds. This morning you can choose from an island tour including St Agustin Church and Lualhati Park before ending at the Maquinit Hot Springs where warm saltwater springs are said to have therapeutic qualities. Alternatively, explore the coastline by local boat and take in the towering limestone cliffs, rock formations, idyllic lagoons and abundant reefs of the marine park. We plan to land on one of the white sand beaches for a swim in the crystal clear waters before returning to the MS Island Sky. Finally, nature lovers can join a tour to the Coron watershed where forest, river, and village life coexist in a delicate and thriving balance. Guided by local experts we will walk the forest trails, where endemic birds quietly flourish, including three resident kingfisher species.

The crescent-shaped Sibuyan Island is the second largest of the Romblon Group of islands. Still relatively undeveloped, it is known as the ‘Galapagos of Asia’ as it has never been connected to the Philippine archipelago, and a succession of seismic movements has created an island of rich biodiversity combining primeval mountain forests, crystal clear rivers and pristine beaches. We have a choice of excursions this morning, and those feeling active may wish to take a hike in the Mount Guiting-Guiting Nature Park, walking the paths through the forest stopping for views of the waterfalls as we look out for some of the endemic wildlife. Alternatively, we will immerse ourselves in the island culture, learning about communal net fishing techniques and visiting the local market before ending at the paddy fields to see the traditional methods of growing this staple crop. During lunch on board we will reposition to Cresta de Gallo, a secluded sandbar where we can spend the afternoon on the beach or take a swim in the clear waters.

Continuing our island hopping adventure we arrive on Panay Island and the city of Iloilo. A morning tour will reveal the rich heritage of this elegant city. We will see the magnificent Molo Church, famed for its striking Gothic architecture and known as the ‘feminist church’ due to its collection of sixteen statues of female saints. Also see Jaro Cathedral, a historic landmark built in 1874 and unique in that the bell tower is located across the street from the church. Later, we will stroll along the historic streets, including Calle Real, admiring the beautifully preserved heritage architecture and hearing how the region’s sugar barons shaped Iloilo’s fortunes during the late 19th century. The city has also been recognised by UNESCO as a City of Gastronomy for its efforts in preserving its culinary heritage, and we will take the opportunity to sample some of the local dishes. After our tour we will return to the ship and spend the afternoon at sea.

Arriving at the island of Bohol we will use our Zodiacs to land at Baclayon where we visit the Church of the Immaculate Conception, one of the oldest stone churches in the country that was founded in 1596 by the Jesuits. It was declared a National Cultural Treasure in 1993 and has recently been renovated after sustaining major damage during the 7.2 magnitude earthquake which rocked the province in 2013. Continue to the Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary, a 100 hectare forest dedicated to the protection of these small nocturnal primates which measure just 10 to 15 centimetres in length, weigh around 100 grams and are considered among the world’s smallest primates. Our last stop is the Chocolate Hills, an aspiring UNESCO Global Geosite with over 1776 hills spread over a 50 square kilometre area. Enjoy the view from the visitor complex on top of one of the hills before we return to the ship. This afternoon we will anchor off Balicasag Island which is surrounded by a sandy shell coralline beach fringed by a narrow reef shelf. Spend a couple of hours either swimming or snorkelling in the clear waters or join our onboard naturalists as they beachcomb.

Camiguin is a small island formed through a series of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes and even today the island has more volcanoes than towns. During an island drive we will see the impact of the 1871 eruption of Mount Vulcan which submerged the old town of Catarman leaving behind the ruins of a church and its bell tower, whilst a white cross offshore marks the sunken cemetery. Later we visit a fishing community to witness the process of drying squid and fish before our tour concludes at the Moro Watch Tower used by the Spanish colonisers to watch for pirates. Over lunch we position to the idyllic Mantigue Island, a protected marine sanctuary combining white sand beaches, coral reefs and lush forest. Here there will be the opportunity to join a nature walk, swim in the clear waters or simply relax on the beach.

For our last day in the Philippines we will be based in Dumaguete, a vibrant university town known as the ‘City of Gentle People’. A choice of tours will include an exploration of the city’s landmarks including the 18th century Dumaguete Cathedral as well as the old belfry which was originally used to warn locals of pirates and invaders. We can see the local Silliman University campus and National Museum of the Philippines before walking along Rizal Boulevard. Alternatively, drive inland to the twin lakes of Balinsasayao. These two deep freshwater crater lakes are located in a hollow surrounded by four mountains covered in lush tropical forest. Boarding local boats, we will take a cruise on the lake and take in the views of the mountains reflected in the water. Later, take a walk along the forest trails to view the exotic plants, orchids and native birdlife before arriving at the observation platform for the panoramic views. Meanwhile keen snorkellers can visit Apo Island, a 74 hectare volcanic island and marine sanctuary located just seven kilometres offshore. The coral reefs here are home to over 600 species of fish and 400 species of coral but the main attraction is the healthy population of green turtles that graze on the seagrass. Using local boats to access the island we hope to enjoy some time to swim and snorkel.

Spend the day at sea as we cross the Sulu Sea towards Borneo. Take the opportunity to relax on deck or join a lecture in the lounge.

Arrive this morning into Borneo and the port of Sandakan from where we transfer to the Sepilok Centre to learn about the rehabilitation of the orangutans and hear about the threats to their survival. We will visit the Sepilok Forest Reserve feeding platform and see orangutans in the third stage of their rehabilitation programme; orphaned and injured orangutans are brought to Sepilok to be rehabilitated to return to forest life. Sepilok is a primary lowland forest and one of the few remaining rainforests in Sabah. Observe the fascinating diversity of plants, trees and wildlife as Sepilok is known to have more than 450 species of trees and more than 250 species of birds, and we also have a good chance of sighting macaques, leaf monkeys and other mammals. Close by is the Sun Bear Conservation Centre which was opened in 2014 and provides rehabilitation to the smallest bears in the world that are at risk from deforestation and poaching. Alternatively, a city tour of Sandakan will include the lively market and the old-fashioned stone building of St Michael’s Church, one of the few surviving pre-war stone buildings built in 1893. We will also visit Newlands, the former home of author Agnes Newton Keith.

Disembark this morning and drive to the Rainforest Discovery Centre, one of the most accessible natural rainforests in Sabah. It sits by a lake at the edge of the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve and is managed by the Sabah Forestry Department which has been in operation since 1996 for environmental education purposes. Today, it is a three-in-one park (wildlife, bird and plant) where we can see the unique flora and fauna of Borneo. Our walk along the forest trails will lead to the canopy walkway, which offers views over the pristine lowland dipterocarp forest, an area where an astounding 300 species of birds have been recorded. We will then transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to Kuala Lumpur. On arrival we transfer to our hotel for a two night stay and enjoy dinner in the hotel this evening.

Spend a day in Malaysia’s capital city of Kuala Lumpur. A morning walking tour begins in Independence Square, also known as Dataran Merdeka. This is the historical place where the Union Flag was lowered and the Malayan flag raised for the first time on the 31st of August 1957. Continue to the Masjid Jamek Mosque, the oldest Islamic place of worship in Kuala Lumpur. Overlooking the Klang River, it offers breathtaking vistas due to the combination of Moorish, Islamic and Mughal architectural styles, verdant surroundings and distant views of the city’s other iconic landmarks. Also see the Central Market, Chinatown and the extravagantly decorated Sri Mahamariamman Temple before ending at the Petronas Twin Towers which were once the tallest buildings in the world. The remainder of the day and evening are at leisure to explore further at your own pace.

Check out this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled indirect flight. Arrive this evening.

Itineraries are subject to change.