Asia, Southeast Asia
Island Trails of the Philippines
Depart from Keelung to discover the small islands of the Philippines shaped by Spanish colonial heritage and World War II history. Share in traditional practices, witness ancient customs and be immersed in the natural environment of these secluded islands.
On Taiwan’s east coast, wander the elevated boardwalks, suspension bridges and hiking trails that wind through Taroko Gorge National Park. Encounter Japanese trading heritage at Luzon and visit the historic Cabo Engano lighthouse on Palaui Island. Beachcomb on the Philippines’ famously idyllic beaches snorkel and dive on the vibrant Catanduanes and Cuatro Islas. As we approach Manila, browse handicraft stores and visit the heritage churches, houses and shrines of Marinduque, home of the kalutang instrument, which is cited as one of the intangible cultural heritages of the Philippines.
• Explore the myriad of walking trails and suspension bridges that wind through towering marble valleys and past thundering waterfalls of Taroko Gorge National Park
• Dive, snorkel and swim in pristine marine environments such as Cuatro Islas
• Visit the township of Maripipi to taste local delicacies, watch wild vine weaving and experience traditional pottery making
• Experience the natural beauty of Palaui Island National Park where wildlife encounters, both on land and in the sea are its main attractions along with historic Cabo Engano lighthouse
• Cruise the Loboc River on a leisurely river cruise with traditional song and dance entertainment
• Visit UNESCO-listed Catanduanes Island to experience pristine beaches, explore caves and taste freshly caught seafood
• Enjoy the opportunity to swim with manta rays at the ecological frontier of Ticao
• Be immersed in island village life on strolls through traditional markets, tasting local delicacies and witnessing cultural practices
On Taiwan’s east coast, wander the elevated boardwalks, suspension bridges and hiking trails that wind through Taroko Gorge National Park. Encounter Japanese trading heritage at Luzon and visit the historic Cabo Engano lighthouse on Palaui Island. Beachcomb on the Philippines’ famously idyllic beaches snorkel and dive on the vibrant Catanduanes and Cuatro Islas. As we approach Manila, browse handicraft stores and visit the heritage churches, houses and shrines of Marinduque, home of the kalutang instrument, which is cited as one of the intangible cultural heritages of the Philippines.
Highlights
• Explore the myriad of walking trails and suspension bridges that wind through towering marble valleys and past thundering waterfalls of Taroko Gorge National Park
• Dive, snorkel and swim in pristine marine environments such as Cuatro Islas
• Visit the township of Maripipi to taste local delicacies, watch wild vine weaving and experience traditional pottery making
• Experience the natural beauty of Palaui Island National Park where wildlife encounters, both on land and in the sea are its main attractions along with historic Cabo Engano lighthouse
• Cruise the Loboc River on a leisurely river cruise with traditional song and dance entertainment
• Visit UNESCO-listed Catanduanes Island to experience pristine beaches, explore caves and taste freshly caught seafood
• Enjoy the opportunity to swim with manta rays at the ecological frontier of Ticao
• Be immersed in island village life on strolls through traditional markets, tasting local delicacies and witnessing cultural practices
Board Coral Adventurer at 4:00 pm at Keelung, Taiwan. Settle into your stateroom and relax as we set sail across the Pacific Ocean. Join the Captain’s welcome drinks and meet your crew and fellow guests as the sun sets.
This morning we arrive at Hualien City on the east coast of Taiwan. The central Pine Garden is a cultural centre set inside a former Japanese military office. The Hualien County Stone Sculpture Museum displays contemporary and traditional stone carvings. Tzu Chi Cultural Park is a tranquil green space, with statues and a meditation hall. On the Pacific Ocean coast, sprawling Nanbin Park features a popular night market. Explore the myriad of walking trails and suspension bridges that wind through towering marble valleys and past thundering waterfalls of Taroko Gorge National Park. Carved by the Liwu River, the spectacular Gorge is the largest marble canyon in the world and boasts a wide variety of trails, temples and landscapes.
Located on the north coast of Luzon and directly south of Taiwan, Claveria is known as ‘Paradise of the North’. On our visit here, cross the hanging bridge at Baranggay Nagsabaran and taste local food. Explore the rich biodiversity of the land, experience local catch fishing and learn about how difference species of fish are hatched at the Bureau of Fishery and Aquatic Resources. See one of the heritage houses, the grotto of the Lady of Lourdes and a 948 church bell at the Sta Maria Eco Park.
One of five major islands belonging to the Babuyan Group located along the Luzon Strait, Calayan Island boasts pristine white sand beaches and great hiking terrains. Beach comb at Sibang Cove and hike to Nagudungan Hills for an spectacular view of the town, hills and cliffs.
Experience the natural beauty of Palaui Island National Park where wildlife encounters, both on land and in the sea are main attractions along with historic Cabo Engano lighthouse. The decommissioned 19th century Faro de Cabo Engano lighthouse on Palaui Island was built during the Spanish colonial period and is considered a National Cultural Treasure. Explore the Punta Verde falls and trek to faro de Cabo Engano at Cape Engano to be rewarded with a breathtaking view.
A relaxed tropical island, Polillo is the largest of 27 islands that make up the archipelago. With white sand beaches and clear waters, we will spend time snorkelling, swimming and kayaking around the small islets. Beachcomb and admire the rock formation resembling two chickens. Bird watching is available at close by Minasawa Island and Putting Bato has hidden caves to discover.
Enjoy water activities and leisurely beach walks at some of the Philippines famously scenic beaches with their palm-fringed white sand, aquamarine sea and coral reefs populated by vibrant coral and tropical fish. Enjoy having the island to yourself. At the UNESCO Geopark Reserve of Catanduanes Island explore its unique landscape with lagoons, caves and waterfalls and learn about the melding of Philippines and Spanish culture and history at the Museo de Cataduanes.
Biri Island, a marine protected reserve with opportunities to explore the underwater marine wonderland, we also learn about Biri Island’s place in WWII history on our visit here. Visit the Magasang Rock formations for its view and take a dip in the water in the middle of these rocks. Those who choose to dive here have the opportunity to join the volunteer program by NGO Biri Initiative to help remove sea pests feeding on coral.
Capul Island’s church, Saint Ignatius of Loyola Parish Church, is a National Cultural Treasure as designated by the National Museum of the Philippines. Equally well known is the Capul Lighthouse which has been safely guiding mariners through the San Bernadino Strait since the 1890’s. Visit these historic landmarks and take a walking tour leading to a natural spring once used by Spanish galleons to fetch water prior to their departure to Mexico.
Known as the ‘Isle of Gems’ for its clear waters, friendly locals and dazzlingly bright white sand beach, Maripipi along with Sambawan and Carnaza Island offer opportunities for snorkelling, diving, kayaking as well as bird watching in the lush forests. Visit the township of Viga and experience cultural immersion such as tasting local delicacies, watching weaving of wild vines and participating in pottery making.
Learn more about Leyte’s history at the MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park in Palo. The park honours General Douglas MacArthur and his return to the Philippines to help defeat the Japanese forces on the 20th of October 1944. On your visit here you will see the bronze statues of the heroic general and his comrades on a shallow pool. View artworks from around the world at Santo Nino Shrine & Heritage Museum, visit the Anibong shipwreck memorial and stroll through local markets.
Meaning ‘four islands’ in Spanish, Cuatros Islas is a group of elusive islands, three of which being inhabited and rarely visited by locals and tourists alike. They are an idyllic location for a full day of relaxing and water activities including snorkelling, diving, kayaking and cruising around the tropical paradise by Xplorer.
Board a riverboat for a leisurely cruise along the picturesque Loboc River while enjoying a buffet-style lunch of local delicacies accompanied by local musicians. Enjoy passing by waterfront villages and watching local children swinging from rope swings strung from coconut palms. Moor up against a floating platform where women and children dressed in traditional costumes perform a lively song and dance performance where you are welcome to join in. Visit the Tarsiers Conservatory to see the world’s smallest primate which are little bigger than a mango and are considered a near-threatened species. From the viewpoint lookout admire the cacao-coloured Chocolate Hills with their symmetrical mounds.
Learn of Mactan history and visit the Lapu Lapu Monument is a majestic 20m bronze statue of the hero armed with a kampilan (a native sword) and a shield, erected to honour the bravery of the Datu on the very ground the battle was believed to have taken place. The Magellan Monument, on the other hand, is a large obelisk dedicated to the Portuguese explorer who brought Christianity to the Philippines. Learn about the art of making guitars at Alegre Guitar Factory, known for ukuleles and the bandurria, a plucked chordophone similar to a mandolin and used in Spanish folk music. Enjoy an optional traditional Mactan meal for lunch at the Sut TuKil restaurant.
Ticao Island is an ecological frontier for the conservation of Manta Rays and a rare subspecies of Visayan warty pig. Swim with Manta Rays and pass over wrecks of the world’s biggest battleship – IJN Musashi. We may also stop in at Matangtibig Spring for a fresh-water dip. Admire the old-style homes of San Jacinto and Monreal and enjoy watching the sunset onboard with a view of Guinlatayan Rock.
Go on a cultural tour by visiting heritage houses, churches and shrines. Browse traditional handicrafts stores and souvenir shops to learn more about the island province’s local industries. Visit the Century-old Boac Cathedral and the Biglang Awa Shrine as well as the Marl Insects and Butterfly Garden. The area is also home of the Kalutang, a musical instrument made of two pieces of wood cited by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts as one of the intangible cultural heritages of the Philippines.
Our voyage ends in the Philippines capital of Manila. Disembark Coral Adventurer at 9:00am and bid farewell to new-found friends, the Master and crew.
Itineraries are subject to change.
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Coral Deck Stateroom
$14,690 AUD pp
Coral Deck Staterooms are located below the Promenade Deck and are identically furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included. A compact en-suite has a toilet, shower and ample storage. A porthole window gives you views of the world outside.
Coral Deck Staterooms are 17 square metres
Promenade Deck Stateroom
$17,620 AUD pp
Promenade Deck Staterooms are located below the Explorer deck and furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included. A compact en-suite has a toilet, shower and ample storage. A large picture window gives you wide views of the world outside.
Promenade Deck Staterooms are 17 square metres
Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom
$23,490 AUD pp
Our Explorer Deck staterooms are comfortably furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included. A compact en-suite has a toilet, shower and ample storage. Your private balcony has seating for two from which to view the passing coastal vistas. These staterooms are located on the Explorer deck.
Explorer Deck Balcony Staterooms are 21.4 square metres
Bridge Deck Balcony Suite
$31,680 AUD pp
There will be 6 spacious and elegant suites featured on the Coral Geographer. They will be equipped with a lounge area, minibar and personal coffee machine. Along with special King sized beds which can be separated into two singles. An 3.5 square metre private balcony has an outdoor daybed and lounge chair for two. The unique outside-facing bathroom with floor to ceiling windows will be the feature of the suites, with an infinity bathtub with sky views. A complimentary minibar is replenished daily.
Bridge Deck Balcony Suites are 37.5 square metres.
Vessel Type: Expedition
Passenger Capacity: 120
Built: 2020
Expedition capabilities
> Two trademark Xplorer tenders seat all passengers and facilitate comfortable shore excursions
> Six zodiacs for more intrepid exploration
> Lecture lounge for daily expedition briefings and expert presentations
> Small onboard library featuring books on destinations and wildlife
> Shallow draft and advanced navigation and propulsion systems allowing access to locations closed to large cruise ships
Marine immersion
> Navigator lounge in the bridge
> Over 1000 square metres of open deck space including a wrap-around promenade deck with panoramic views
> Engine room tours and a high level of crew interaction with guests
Food and wine features
> Single seating dining with communal table serves buffet breakfast and lunch, and multi-course table d’hote dinners
> Showcase galley with viewing window creating fresh small-batch cuisine featuring Australian and local produce
> Multiple indoor and outdoor bars, including our Explorer bar on the sundeck for sunset drinks
> Curated wine cellar featuring boutique wines and exceptional vintage Australian reds
Guest comfort
> All outside-facing guest cabins with en-suite bathrooms; the majority have a private balcony
> Active stabilisers to dampen sea motion
> Well-equipped gym
> Passenger elevator
> Wi-Fi available in all guest areas
Inclusions
• All excursions with our Expedition Team
• Use of Xplorer, Zodiacs and Kayaks
• Snorkelling & SCUBA equipment (SCUBA diving at an additional cost)
• Daily lectures and briefings with Guest Lecturers
• All meals, chef-prepared on board
• Captain’s welcome and farewell events, and open bridge access
• Selected wines, selected beers and house spirits, juices, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner
• 24-hour barista-style coffee and tea station
• All entrance fees to National Parks, ports, traditional owner fees and charges imposed by governing authorities
• Tips and gratuities
• Use of all onboard facilities, incl. a reference library
• Your expedition photos captured during the voyage
• Post-cruise transfers
• Wifi Access – Standard speed connectivity enabling email, social image sharing, web browsing and messaging
Exclusions
• Pre-cruise transfers
• Pre and post cruise flights/charter flights
• Pre and post cruise accommodation
• Travel Insurance
• SCUBA Diving (view Scuba diving rates)
• Entry visas & travel permits for the country you are travelling to/from
• Alcoholic drinks (including beer and wine) outside of lunch and dinner service
• Laundry service (available at a cost)
• Items of a personal nature such souvenir purchases
• Optional Extras (in some destinations)
Expedition
19 Days from
$14,690 AUD pp
Our Associates Include
