Raja Ampat and Philippines: The Last Paradise on Earth

Arrive at the airport and head to your hotel. Relax, and spend the overnight here preparing for your adventure.

*Specific hotel and location to be announced"

Step ashore in Sorong early in the morning after exploring Raja Ampat. Take in one final view of the clear waters and jungle-lined coastline before continuing your journey. Depart with lasting memories of one of the world's richest marine biodiversity regions.

Start with Zodiac cruising through Kabui Bay’s limestone waterways and the narrow channel between Gam and Waigeo, often called “the Passage”. Follow in the footsteps of naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace, who travelled this route in 1860 and wrote about its scenery, which still feels like a river run through karst cliffs and mushroom shaped islands. Dive at world-class sites such as Mioskon, Blue Magic, Mayhem and the Passage. In the afternoon, continue to Pulau Kri for snorkeling and a dive at Cape Kri. Look for manta rays, turtles, nudibranchs and vibrant corals

Pulau Mansuar is a long, narrow island crowned by a high limestone ridge and blanketed in dense tropical jungle. The surrounding reefs link Mansuar to neighboring Kri, and several small villages line the northern coast. In traditional palm-leaf-roof homes, just over a hundred residents live a measured, sea-and-forest rhythm of daily life. A walk across the island can take you to the salt lake Telaga Yenauiyau, a perfect place to enjoy a fresh coconut and listen to the jungle. Keep an eye out for the impressive coconut crab among the palms, and snorkelers will love the underwater world, where hundreds of colorful fish swirl above the corals. Those who wish can also go diving at Yenbuda Jetty.

Pulau Penemu is one of Raja Ampat’s most striking landscapes, with towering limestone pinnacles rising straight from the water. Piaynemo peak is the signature viewpoint here. A short hike takes you up to the top for wide views over lagoons and limestone islets. Just offshore, the Piaynemo Geosite is also one of the area’s best known snorkeling and diving zones, with dense coral diversity in the surrounding reefs and abundant fish life. Two dives are scheduled today, Melissa’s Garden, a coral rich plateau with three pinnacles and frequent macro life, and Batu Rufas, a drift along an island wall with swim throughs, fusilier schools, and regular turtle and shark sightings.

The Fam Islands form a small cluster of islets in the Raja Ampat Geopark, with Pulau Pam as the inhabited center. Three villages sit near hidden lakes, one where crocodiles are known to live. The local community produces high quality virgin coconut oil, supporting both livelihoods and cultural traditions. Fascinating and seldom visited, this stop allows time to explore a cultural village, experience the warm hospitality of local communities, and see daily island life up close. Fam’s reefs are among the most pristine in the region, with rich coral gardens and marine life that can include reef sharks, ribbon eels, turtles, schooling fusiliers, and manta cleaning stations.

Later, you head to Pulau Kri, one of Raja Ampat’s most important hubs of marine biodiversity. At Cape Kri, known for exceptionally high fish diversity, you’ll snorkel with the guidance of the expedition team. In these waters, you may encounter manta rays, sea turtles, mollusks, reef fish, and brilliant corals in every direction.

The bustling port city of Sorong in West Papua is known as the gateway to the crystalline waters of Raja Ampat, the world's most biodiverse marine habitat, home to over 1,500 species of fish and 75 percent of the world's known coral species. In town, the Buddhist pagoda of Sapta Ratna stands tall on a hilltop overlooking the harbor. Local fishing boats come in with their catch at the bustling Pasar Jembutan Puri fish market.
 

Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to the ibrary which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of the on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from the onboard professional photographers.

Casulian Island (or Corregidor Island) lies off Siargao's southern coast. Rolling palm-covered hills lead to a summit with sweeping Pacific Ocean views. Pristine white-sand beaches and secluded turquoise coves ring the shoreline, while vibrant coral reefs thrive in the surrounding waters. Visitors flock here to hike the scenic hilltop trails and snorkel among the colorful marine life, making it one of Siargao's most sought-after destinations.

Explore Pintuyan, Panaon Island and Day-Asan, Surigao.

After crossing the Bohol Sea, you arrive at tiny Balicasag Island, about six kilometers southwest of Panglao. The sea drops away into deep submarine cliffs. Soft and hard corals surround the reef, with multicolored shoals moving through the water. Afterwards, head to Tagbilaran, a gateway to Bohol’s jungly interior. Tarsiers live here, nocturnal primates less than 16 cm tall with disproportionately large eyes. These adorable animals can be seen at the conservation center and sanctuary. Bohol is also famous for the Chocolate Hills, a striking quirk of geology.

Tucked away in Western Leyte, the Cuatro Islas are a serene tropical escape, offering a distinct charm on each of the four islands. Apid, the most populated, offers a cultural touch with its fishing community and traditional mat weaving. Digyo is the smallest, known for its stunning sandbars and quiet beauty. Mahaba features a long beach, marine sanctuary, and sea turtles, while Himokilan enchants with a curving sandbar and a hidden tidal pool.

Marinduque, a peaceful island in the heart of the Philippines, is known for rolling hills, pristine beaches, and vibrant traditions. Small fishing villages welcome visitors and preserve time-honored crafts and festivals, including the famous Moriones Festival. Surrounding waters host rich coral reefs and diverse marine life, ideal for snorkeling and diving. Inland, verdant forests and hidden waterfalls offer quiet exploration, blending natural beauty and cultural heritage in a serene island escape.

Arrive in Manila today. The capital of the Philippines is a teeming, sprawling metropolis. Its flaws are no match for its creative, exciting energy, which infused everything from its art to food. There’s so much to see and do here: the city’s museums, Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church and the Chinese Cemetery are some of the highlights. Intramuros – the old Spanish walled town at the heart of the city – is unmissable. Explore if timings allow and be sure to sample some Filipino cuisine in all its bold sour, sweet and tangy glory. Alternatively, head straight to your home for the next several days. After a seamless check-in, settle into your cabin or stateroom and take time to explore your ship’s luxurious facilities.