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Tropical island in Sabah

From Australia to the Philippines

Example 17 Day Cruise aboard L'Austral
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Delight yourself on this 17-day sailing expedition aboard L'Austral. Sail northward to the Moluccas, with their dormant volcanoes and coral sea-beds. A natural paradise awaits you in Banda Neira and the Kai Islands. Next cruise to Malaysia. From Sandakan, discover the Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre. Also visit Coron Island, in the heart of the Philippines. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this island reveals its tropical rainforest, romantic waterfalls, and fine-sand beaches. Do not miss your chance to discover Kayangan Lake: legend has it that it is the purest in the Philippines.
Orangutan in the wildSnorkel off of Australia's beautiful coastA lone fisherman off the coast of the PhilippinesSpices and teasTropical island in Sabah
Highlights
  • Discover Coron Island, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site
  • Explore the Maluku Islands, a paradise on earth & the original Spice Islands
  • Visit the Tangkoko National Park to look for the famous tarsier primate
  • Encounter orangutans at the natural paradise of Sandakan
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Cairns | Embark

Washed by the Coral Sea, the harbor town of Cairns is located on Australia's northeast coast. The seafront esplanade is a popular place for locals and visitors to walk, swim, and picnic under the shade of swaying palm trees. The hills surrounding Cairns form the gateway to the Queensland Rainforests, proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage site for their fauna and flora from the Gondwana era.

Day 2: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Day 3: Cape York

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Cape York Peninsula is a large remote peninsula located at the tip of Northeastern Australia. The region has been described as the largest unspoiled wilderness in Australia. The relatively undisturbed eucalyptus-wooded savannahs, tropical rainforests, and other types of habitat are now recognized for their global environmental significance. At the tip of the peninsula lies Cape York, the northernmost point on the Australian continent, that usually takes travellers 5–7 days over some of the planet’s toughest and remotest roads. The easiest way to “stand on the tip” is to take a luxury voyage; be transferred ashore by the ship’s zodiac directly onto the beach and walk the last 500m!

Day 4: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Day 5: Asmat

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Occupying half the Island of New Guinea, Western New Guinea (once known as Irian Jaya) is one of the most remote and mysterious regions of the world. Even today, there are at least 44 tribes that have never had contact with the outside world. Nestled in the southwest corner of the island is the Asmat region, long fabled as the realm of head-hunters and cannibals. This is a place where ancient traditions of ancestor worship have resisted the influence of Christian missionaries. Today’s expedition starts with a zodiac transfer to the village of Syuru where you are met by a multitude of Asmat warrior canoes. Once ashore a traditional ceremony takes place. In the afternoon guests can undertake a guided walking tour of Agats township.

Day 6: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Day 7: Kei Islands

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The Kei Islands are a natural paradise with brightly colored coral reefs offering some of the best diving sites in the world. You have the opportunity to snorkel on the fringing reef from the fleet of zodiacs. The islands are blessed with kilometers of stunning, yet almost entirely empty, white-sand beaches and a deeply hospitable population. Local history holds that ancestors of contemporary Kei islanders came from Bali. Today mostly Christian, Kei culture is fascinatingly distinctive.

Day 8: Banda Neira (Molukkas)

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
From age-old traditional cultures and ancient vestiges, to coral reefs and lush green jungle… the attractions of the remote Banda archipelago seem endless. Better known as the legendary “Spice Islands” of the Ancient World, these small volcanic landmasses were the fabled prize of colonial powers for more than four centuries. Every colonial power of significance fought for control of these ten small islands that today have become largely forgotten. Walking the streets of Banda Neira is a surreal experience as your eyes are drawn to the eclectic mix of Portuguese, Dutch, and British architecture, the remnants of a rich and tumultuous history. It is without doubt the most historically significant and interesting of all the “Spice Islands”.

Day 9: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Day 10: Pulau Lihaga | Tangkoko National Reserve

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Established in 1991, Bunaken Marine Park was among the first of Indonesia's marine parks. The park is globally renowned for its rich ecosystems, comprising fringing and barrier reefs. There are seven times more genera of coral than in Hawaiian waters, and more than 70% of all the known fish species of the Indo-Western Pacific. Enjoy swimming and snorkeling off one of the many islands within the marine park. During lunch your ship relocates to Tangkoko Nature Reserve, home to at least 127 mammal, 233 bird, and 104 reptile and amphibian species. Enjoy a guided walk through the rainforest in search of the Celebes crested macaque, Sulawesi bear cuscus, and the spectral tarsier, one of the smallest primates in the world.

Day 11: Pulau Sarode (Sulawesi)

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The Saronde Islands are located in the northern Gulf of Kwandang, part of the North Gorontalo regency. These small uninhabited islands are surrounded by clear waters and beautiful coral reef systems. Pulau Saronde boasts a white-sand beach providing easy access to the fringing coral reef. After a short zodiac ride to the beach, enjoy a day of swimming and snorkeling or just relax in the shade and absorb the idyllic tropical atmosphere.

Day 12: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Day 13-14: Sandakan, Sabah

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
Home to the oldest tropical rainforests on the planet, the island of Borneo is a kaleidoscope of flora and fauna, including the famous orang-utan, whose name translates as “man of the forest” from Malay. The only Asian representative of the great apes, they are easily recognizable by their long arms and flamboyant orange hair. The Kabili – Sepilok Forest Reserve and Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuaries contain some of Borneo's highest concentrations of wildlife and are considered the best areas for viewing wildlife in Malaysia. Sightings of proboscis monkeys are common in the late afternoon, while long-tailed and pig-tailed macaques frequent the trees along the riverbanks.

Day 15: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Day 16: El Nido

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
To the far north of Palawan Island, El Nido is famous for its black rock cliffs where the nests of salanganes, a kind of swiftlet, are harvested and eaten as a delicacy. This village opens its doors onto the magnificent Bacuit archipelago, a drawcard for marine adventurers. Among the most beautiful spots for snorkeling in the Philippines are the deep blue lagoons from which vast, steep rocks rise. Postcard-perfect beaches and deserted bays ring the island.

Day 17: Manila | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
On first sight, the Philippines capital shows its highly Americanized-Asian megalopolis side, with ultramodern skyscrapers set all along the waterfront. But when you stroll through the cobbled streets of the Intramuros district, you discover a different side of Manila, one that's full of old-world charm. An enchanted pause in the middle of urban bustle, Rizal Park's 60 hectares of magnificent green parkland is perfect for recharging your batteries. To see the city from a different angle, take a walk along Roxas boulevard, a popular seaside promenade.

Ship/Hotel

L'Austral

Enjoy a gourmet meal at the Gastronomic Restaurant.
Stunning views from the bar and lounge
Relax on the sun deck.

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$8,310
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Superior Stateroom
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Superior Stateroom
8 cabins, 226 sq ft, located on Le Champollion Deck. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area and private bath.
Deluxe Stateroom
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Deluxe Stateroom
28 cabins, 200 sq ft with private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, private bath.
Prestige Stateroom
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Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4
200 sq ft with 43 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, private bath.
Prestige Stateroom
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Prestige Stateroom - Deck 5
200 sq ft with 43 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, private bath.
Prestige Stateroom
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Prestige Stateroom - Deck 6
200 sq ft with 43 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, private bath.
Deluxe Suite
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Deluxe Suite
3 suites, 290 sq ft with 54 sq ft private balcony, located on the Le France Deck. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, desk, minibar, private bath.
Prestige Suite
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Prestige Suite - Deck 5
398 sq ft with 86 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, communicating cabins available. Separate living area, private bath.
Prestige Suite
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Prestige Suite - Deck 6
398 sq ft with 86 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, communicating cabins available. Separate living area, private bath.
Owner's Suite
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Owners Suite
484 sq ft with 97 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, communicating cabins available. Separate living, dining areas, private bath with large tub and shower, minibar, 2 flat screen TVs, DVD, CD, and IPOD, Video on demand, Satellite phone

Notes

Please note:
Fares are based on double occupancy and are capacity controlled. Rates may increase at any time as the ship sells out and subject to change without notice.
Included
  • 16 Breakfasts, 15 Lunches, 16 Dinners
  • 16 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Port Fees
  • Unlimited Wifi
  • Onboard Entertainment 
  • Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Gala Dinner
  • Gratuities to Onboard Crew
  • “Open Bar” (pouring wines, house champagne, alcohol except premium brands...list available upon request)
  • 24h Room Service (special selection)
  • English-Speaking Lecturer 
  • Highly experienced and bilingual (French-English) expedition staff
  • Park Entry Fees into Protected Areas
  • Water sports activities (except scuba diving) using the ship’s equipment, when permitted by local authorities and confirmed by ship Master according to safety and sea conditions onsite. 
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • RM10 per room per night mandatory Tourism Tax in Malaysia collected by cash upon check-in.
  • Visa Fees
  • Optional Excursions - Ponant allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately six to two months prior to the cruise* departure. Please note that this is subject to change. Please contact us for more details.
  • Any ground services before and/or after the cruise other than the ones mentioned
  • Luggage Handling 
  • Laundry Services, Hair Salon, and à La Carte Spa Treatments
  • Pre or post cruise programs, overland programs or shore excursions 
  • Beverages other than the ones mentioned in inclusions
  • CDP recommends that every Traveler has full and adequate travel insurance covering the risks of cancellation, assistance being required, repatriation, damages to and loss of baggage, and medical expenses

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