Immerse yourself in the beautiful islands of the Philippines archipelago on this 15-day South Pacific cruise. This expedition offers a captivating mix of eastern and western cultures, and features exceptional snorkeling and diving. The lush, tropical forests are filled with a variety of endemic flora and fauna, and the shores are fringed with colorful coral reefs and extensive limestone caves. A special highlight is the opportunity to interact with native cultures whose customs are reflected in their intricate tribal dress, colorful dances, and rich folklore.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
In the morning, drive to a lowland rainforest, home of the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center. Observe the young orangutans, many of them orphans, who have been rehabilitated and taught to live in the wild. Embark on the Caledonian Sky in the afternoon and settle in to your cabin as the ship sets sail.
Arrive in Puerto Princesa in the afternoon and embark on a tour of the city and its environs. Learn about the local culture at the Palawan Heritage Museum and watch a weaving demonstration at Binuatan Creations. Or, seek out the Palawan flycatcher, melodious babbler, and other resident species on a birding tour.
Visit Tubbataha Reef Natural Park, a marine and bird sanctuary that covers over 370 square miles. Part of the Coral Triangle, this area was recognized as a World Heritage Site due to a high density of marine species and important breeding grounds for seabirds and marine turtles. Spend the day snorkeling or diving over pristine reefs.
Explore the natural and cultural wonders of Coron, including an active hike up Coron’s vertical cliffs, which is rewarded with breathtaking views of Kayangan Lake. Afterwards, snorkel or dive in they crystal-clear waters. In the afternoon, visit the Banuang Daan who will showcase their rich traditions with a performance and display of handicrafts.
The second-largest contiguous coral reef in the world after the Great Barrier Reef, Apo offers a kaleidoscope of hard and soft corals. Discover luminescent anemones and nudibranchs, pygmy seahorses, pipefish, and other wondrous small creatures, as well as large pelagics such as sharks, tuna, and barracudas.
In the morning, go ashore and attend a traditional Pag-alad performance. Then board Jeepneys, the colorful symbols of Philippine culture, for a scenic drive to the Cantingas River’s hydro plant, a major source of the island’s clean energy. Watch the process of harvesting and milling rice, using the traditional bayo method. Continue to Dagubdob Falls, a series of cascades surrounded by dense tropical forest. After a lunch of local delicacies, walk with naturalists to search for flora and fauna, or take a swim in the refreshing freshwater pool.
Rise early for a scenic drive through the countryside, past emerald rice paddies and forested hillsides. Arrive at the Chocolate Hills, a unique landscape of almost perfectly conical hills, and ascend to the viewing platform for commanding views. Spend the afternoon snorkeling or diving off tiny Pamilican Island, with the possibility of going ashore to visit with locals.
Venture into the foothills of Mt. Hibok-Hibok, an active volcano, then make a stop at the 245-foot-high Katibawasan Falls and take a dip in the refreshing pool. After visiting a village and local market, enjoy a feast of traditional dishes, fresh seafood, and lechon, a whole roasted pig. After, snorkel or dive off a nearby island.
The people of Capul possess a rich cultural heritage including a language unique to this small island. After a short motorbike ride to the 17th-century fortress, enjoy a performance of dance and songs set to folk music. A stroll past the 18th-century lighthouse takes you to a farm to sample traditional dishes and fresh local produce.
Spend the morning snorkeling and diving at tiny San Miguel Island. In the afternoon, take a scenic Zodiac cruise along the coast of Ticao to the base of Catandayagan Falls—a supremely photogenic waterfall that cascades over sheer limestone cliffs directly into the sea—then step ashore in a tiny fishing village to visit with locals.
Disembark the ship in the morning and enjoy a morning tour Manila. After lunch at a local restaurant, transfer to the airport for an early afternoon flight to Manila. Upon arrival, check in to the Marriott Hotel Manila for dinner and overnight.
Day 15: Depart Manila
1 Breakfast
Independently travel to the airport for your continued journeys home.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$14,980
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Category 1
Averaging 240 sq. ft. and have three portholes. Two twin beds convertible into one queen bed, sitting area, well-appointed en suite bathroom, large closets, vanity table, small refrigerator, television, personal safe, hair dryer, assorted toiletries, individually controlled air-conditioning and heating, and American style outlets (two flat prongs) at 110 volts.
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Category 2
Averaging 230 sq. ft. and have large picture windows. Two twin beds convertible into one queen bed, sitting area, well-appointed en suite bathroom, large closets, vanity table, small refrigerator, television, personal safe, hair dryer, assorted toiletries, individually controlled air-conditioning and heating, and American style outlets (two flat prongs) at 110 volts.
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Category 3
Averaging 220 sq. ft. with a picture window. Two twin beds convertible into one queen bed, sitting area, well-appointed en suite bathroom, large closets, vanity table, small refrigerator, television, personal safe, hair dryer, assorted toiletries, individually controlled air-conditioning and heating, and American style outlets (two flat prongs) at 110 volts.
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Category 4
Averaging 220 sq. ft. with direct deck access via a sliding glass door. Two twin beds convertible into one queen bed, sitting area, well-appointed en suite bathroom, large closets, vanity table, small refrigerator, television, personal safe, hair dryer, assorted toiletries, individually controlled air-conditioning and heating, and American style outlets (two flat prongs) at 110 volts.
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Category 5
Averaging 240 sq. ft. and direct deck access via a sliding glass door. Two twin beds convertible into one queen bed, sitting area, well-appointed en suite bathroom, large closets, vanity table, small refrigerator, television, personal safe, hair dryer, assorted toiletries, individually controlled air-conditioning and heating, and American style outlets (two flat prongs) at 110 volts.
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Category 6
Averaging 215 sq. ft. and pave patio doors leading to private balconies. Two twin beds convertible into one queen bed, sitting area, well-appointed en suite bathroom, large closets, vanity table, small refrigerator, television, personal safe, hair dryer, assorted toiletries, individually controlled air-conditioning and heating, and American style outlets (two flat prongs) at 110 volts.
Initial deposit is 30%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
Nancy Sin
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
7 hours ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
2 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.