Discover the untouched, unspoiled island paradises of the Philippines and Indonesia aboard Heritage Adventurer. The remote islands of Indonesia and the Philippines' archipelagos, which are spread across the equator like pearls, are the picture-perfect image of paradise, with impossibly blue waters lapping at their shores, white sand beaches, and hospitable natives welcoming into their culture.
Discover one of the Philippines best-kept secrets on Ticao Island where the towering Catandayagan Falls tumble down sheer stone cliffs into the ocean in a dramatic display of unrestrained nature. Explore the famous five-sided Fort Belgica, which was erected in 1611 and is in the process of being designated a World Heritage Site, as well as the renowned palace of the Sultan of Ternate as you delve into the intriguing history of the Spice Islands at Banda Neira. The world's smallest primate, the saucer-eyed Tarsier, can be found at Bitung, and thousands of stingless jellyfish can be seen at Tojoman Lagoon. You can also snorkel at pristine coral reefs, including "the mother of all living coral reefs," sample regional cuisine, and engage in exhilarating cultural exchanges in villages where traditional life is still practiced. Explore the pristine beauty of the Philippines and Indonesia's uncharted islands by ship and Zodiac. Set sail where few have gone before. This amazing journey will take you to places few have been.
Highlights
Visit towering Catandayagan Falls in Ticao Island
Discover Whale Shark Capital of the World, Sibuyan Island
Marvel at Tojoman Lagoon and observe thousands of stingless jellyfish
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive in the Philippines’ bustling capital Manila, a former port town now buzzing commercial hub, heritage center and culinary hot spot, and transfer to your hotel where our group will spend the first night of the expedition. This evening meet your fellow voyagers and expedition guides over dinner at the hotel.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before exploring this fascinating city which mixes Spanish colonial architecture with modern skyscrapers before joining Heritage Adventurer this afternoon. The captain and expedition team will be waiting to greet you on arrival and show you to your cabin. You will have time to settle in and familiarise yourself with the ship; you will also take the opportunity to introduce your expedition team and our voyage plans. You are invited to join the expedition team in the Observation Lounge and up on the Observation Deck as you sail for Sibuyan Island.
One of the three main islands and the second largest in the Romblon archipelago, Sibuyan Island offers a glimpse into the primordial Philippines due to its isolation from the mainland. With 50 percent of the island covered in what many consider the world’s densest rainforest, including large swathes of primary-growth woodland, it is little wonder Sibuyan has been dubbed ‘Galapagos of Asia’ with its more than 100 bird species, 15 types of bats, dozens of reptiles and amphibians, undiscovered insect species and an estimated 700 types of plant, including 54 species endemic to the island. Options today include an energetic hike for birders up Cantigas Mountain, or experiencing an authentic slice of village life.
Considered the ‘Whale Shark Capital of the World’, at the small fishing village of Donsol there will be the opportunity to enjoy the unforgettable experience of swimming and snorkeling with these gentle giants which are known to grow more than 12-meters in length. Joining local boats and guides, venture into the bay where, during the months of November through June, large concentrations of plankton attract the world’s largest fish and. Manta Rays may also be observed in the pellucid water. Our afternoon will be spent on the tropical paradise of Ticao Island where one of the Philippine's best-kept secrets, is the towering Catandayagan Falls which tumble down sheer stone cliffs into the ocean in a dramatic display of unrestrained nature. There may also be the opportunity to visit a local village.
An early rise with cameras at the ready is recommended this morning as the sun rises over Bohol Island’s famed Chocolate Hills this morning. Often dubbed the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World,’ during the dry season the grass covering the more than 1,200 conical karst hills scattered across an area of 50 square kilometers turns a chocolatey brown creating these incredible phenomena best enjoyed from a viewing station some 200 steps up, but absolutely worth the effort. During our time here you may explore the lush countryside cruising the Loboc River by local boats sampling local delicacies and traditional music from local musicians. Other highlights include a visit to a Tarsier Sanctuary to see the world’s second smallest primate the tiny Philippine Tarsier, the threatened species are protected in the Philippines but their numbers are declining due to logging, mining and the illegal pet trade, the coral stone Baclayon Church and National Cultural Treasure, and sampling The Pastry Capital of Bohol’s world-famous Broa or Lady Fingers. This afternoon unwind on the pristine white sand beaches of Balicasag Island. Ringed by a reef and marine sanctuary enjoy an incredible underwater experience snorkeling impressive coral garden and underwater cliffs teeming with colorful marine life including sea turtles.
Emerging from the shadow of its popular neighbor surfing hotspot Siargao Island, Bucas Grande Island combines stunning white sand beaches, with waterfalls, emerald green waters, mangroves, expansive limestone cave systems, iron wood forests, inland lakes, elaborate coral gardens, exotic wildlife and rightly famous 60-kilometer Sohoton Cove and National Park. Look for Rufous Hornbill as you explore this pristine tropical island paradise Zodiac cruising the coastline where quiet coves and beaches await discovery both above and below the water. Highlights here include Tojoman Lagoon/ Sohoton Jellyfish Sanctuary where thousands of stingless jellyfish thrive, the iconic Blue Lagoon with its labyrinthine waterways comprised of numerous limestone islets and incredible snorkeling, swimming and hiking opportunities. At nearby Cinnamon Island, named after its abundance of cinnamon trees, a cup of the local delicacy, cinnamon tea, has become the traditional welcome.
Relax on board after our recent adventures, join a lecture or our naturalists on deck, update your photos/journal or watch the world go by in the Observation Lounge.
Berthing at the bustling, cosmopolitan harbor of Bitung, Manado city, Head for the nearby wildlife-filled jungles of Tangkoko Nature Reserve one of Indonesia’s oldest reserves. Spanning some 8,800 hectares from beaches to the peak of Tangkoko Mountain the reserve is a haven for endemic flora and fauna. Exploring the lowland tropical rainforest with local guides, you’ll be looking for the critically endangered Crested Black Macaque, known for their distinctive pink rumps and jet-black mohawks, the symbol of Bitung and the smallest primate in the world the saucer-eyed Tarsier and Sulawesi Bear Cuscus. For birders there are the Knobbed Hornbills, Kingfishers, Sulawesi Myna, Lorikeets and Maleo birds, other flying highlights include the brightly-colored Forester Moth and the Draco Flying Lizard or Sulawesi Lined Gliding Lizard.
This surprisingly busy island city and port, once a leading clove and nutmeg producer, sits perched alongside the dramatic cone of triple-peaked volcano Gamalama in the North Maluku Islands. Well off the tourist route and renowned for its incredible scenic beauty and fascinating history, today is a true expedition day with options including visiting the spice and cinnamon plantations, the palace of the Sultan of Ternate, numerous forts dating back to the colonial era, the stunning views over Ngade Lake and observing the bustling, anachronistic port in action.
Today plan to explore the intricate archipelago of 123 Banggai Islands, of which 69 are inhabited, sitting just below the arm of Central Sulawesi, at the convergence of the Banda and Maluku Seas. Home to astounding coral reefs including “the mother of all living coral reefs” according to British naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace who embarked on a famed field trip in the 19th Century, which led him to devise the theory of evolution through natural selection independently of Charles Darwin. An astounding variety of marine life awaits below the surface including Ribbon Eels, anglerfish, the Zebra-striped endemic Banggai Cardinal and Dugong among others, while verdant jungles are home to incredible wildlife and villages where life is still hacked out of the jungle and taken from the sea. Such is their remoteness that in 2020 scientists discovered 3 new bird species on nearby birding hotspot Taliabu Island including the Taliabu Grasshopper-warbler, Taliabu Myzomela and the Taliabu Leaf-warbler, and three new subspecies the Taliabu Snowy-browed Flycatcher, Taliabu Island Thrush and Sula Mountain Leaftoiler.
Fascinating and seldom visited, Buru Island is located at the boundary between the biogeographic zones of Australia and Asia. A high proportion of the species of birds and mammals here are found nowhere else with 10 endemic bird species and 4 endemic mammals as well as a number of near-endemic species. This morning explore these remote shores together with our expert naturalists and guides. Enjoy opportunities to explore the forests in search of wildlife and many of the endemic species including the Blue-fronted Lorikeet and experience the hospitality of local communities during village visits.
Under consideration as a World Heritage Site due to its fascinating history as the center of the Spice Islands trade and incredible biodiversity, Banda Neira is the main island in the archipelago of 10 tiny volcanic Banda Islands. Once the world’s sole source of nutmeg due to the islands’ native Myristica trees, the principal town of Banda Neira offers a glimpse into bygone days with its charming 17th-century European relics including the five-sided Fort Belgica overlooking the harbor. Built-in 1611 by the first Governor General of the Dutch East Indies and refurbished in the 90s it was designed to guard against sea threats and to protect the colonialists from any uprising locals. Across a narrow strait lies a 640-meter cone of the active volcano Gunung Banda Api which sits on its own island and is home to a variety of wildlife and bird species. Below the sparkling sapphire water, the island's location near the center of the Coral Triangle is evident with sprawling coral fields where myriad fish species including Scorpion, Ghost Pipefish, Napoleon Wrasse, Mandarin Fish, Hammerhead Sharks and more can be observed. Village visits and cultural immersions round out our time here including observing Banda’s famous Kora Kora canoes in action.
Discover paradise on our last stop before you arrive in Darwin, enjoy another expedition day well off the typical tourist route exploring the powdery white sand shores and crystal-clear waters of the Tanimbar Archipelago. This group of about 65 islands separating the Banda and Arafura Seas, is fringed by unspoiled beaches and reefs home to abundant coral gardens and teeming with marine life, the islands are a snorkellers paradise, while birders can look out for the Tanimbar Starling, poorly known Moluccan or Lesser Masked Owl, Fawn-breasted thrush and Bluestreaked Lory. Also, plan to experience the unique culture and traditional crafts like Ikat cloth and carved wooden statues the islands are known for.
Take the time to relax and reflect on an amazing experience as you recap the highlights and enjoy a farewell dinner this evening.
Day 15: Darwin, Australia | Disembark
1 Breakfast
This morning arrive in Darwin, Australia’s ‘northern gateway’ famous for its glittering harbor, World War II history and enviable tropical outdoor lifestyle. After breakfast there will be a complimentary coach to a central hotel or to Darwin International Airport or continue with us on an expedition cruise of Australia’s famous Kimberley Coast on Kimberley Explorer:
Expedition Cruising Australia’s Iconic Kimberley Coast. For those disembarking, to allow time for disembarkation procedures and travel from Darwin, we do not recommend booking flights departing before 1500 hours. Note: During our voyage circumstances may make it necessary or desirable to deviate from the proposed itinerary. This can include poor weather and opportunities for making unplanned excursions. Your Expedition Leader will keep you fully informed. Please note: Voyages are planned and scheduled pending final regulatory approval. About Our Discovery Fund Each area we visit has rich cultural experiences and wild treasures to offer. As guests, we have made a point to the source and support local projects in the areas through which we travel. A contribution from each passenger represents a portion of the money we donate to ensure the longevity and success of educational, environmental and cultural initiatives in these regions.
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.
$9,475
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Superior Triple
Superior Triple Cabins on Deck 5 are a spacious 22m2 and feature large panoramic windows, two single beds, and one Pullman bed which folds down from the wall, comfortable lounge, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage, and a flat-screen entertainment system.
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Main Deck Triple
Main Deck Triple Cabins on Deck 3 is a spacious 22m2 and feature two porthole windows, two single beds, and one Pullman bed which folds down from the wall, comfortable lounge, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage, and a flat-screen entertainment system.
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Deck 4 Superior
Superior Cabins on Deck 4 are a spacious 22m2 and feature large panoramic windows, king or two single beds, comfortable lounge, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage, and a flat-screen entertainment system.
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Deck 5 Superior
Superior Cabins on Deck 5 are a spacious 22m2 and feature large panoramic windows, king or two single beds, comfortable lounge, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage, and a flat-screen entertainment system.
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Main Deck Single
Main Deck Single Cabins on Deck 3 is a spacious 22m2 and feature two porthole windows, king bed, comfortable lounge, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage, and a flat-screen entertainment system.
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Superior Single
Superior Single Cabins on Deck 5 are a spacious 22m2 and feature large panoramic windows, king bed, comfortable lounge, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage, and a flat-screen entertainment system.
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Worsley Suite
Located on Deck 6, Worsley Suites are a spacious 22m2 and feature large panoramic windows, king or two single beds, comfortable chaise-style lounge suite, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage, and a flat-screen entertainment system.
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Heritage Suite
Located on Deck 6, Heritage Suites are an expansive 44m2 and feature large double panoramic windows, king bed, large living area with a sofa, coffee table, and chairs, and grand marble bathroom with a double basin, bathtub, and shower, large writing desk, floor to ceiling cabinetry for storage and a flat-screen entertainment system.
Notes
- Single clients are matched with a sharer of the same sex in a twin-share cabin. Payment of a single supplement guarantees a single cabin. The single supplement is 1.8 times the price of the voyage with the exception of the suites which are double the single rate.
-Emergency medical evacuation coverage for a minimum of US$100,000 per person required. Contact us for details on arranging travel insurance.
Initial deposit is 25%, 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
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
14 Breakfasts, 12 Lunches, 14 Dinners
14 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
House beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
One night hotel accommodation in a twin share room (incl.
dinner/breakfast)
All expedition shore excursions
Programme of lectures by noted naturalists
Discovery Fund / Government Landing Fees
Excluded
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Required Visas if applicable
Laundry
Mandatory medical evacuation insurance
Complimentary Parka - available only for the duration of the voyage.
Complimentary boot rental is available. However, due to the limited supply of boots available aboard the ship, it is recommended that you bring your own rubber boots for best fit and availability. Youth size boots are not available.
Map
When to Go
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
8 hours 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
1 day ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
