Undiscovered Philippines & Indonesia

Arrive in the Philippines’ bustling capital Manila, a former port town now buzzing commercial hub, heritage centre and culinary hot spot, and make your way to the 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.

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Enjoy breakfast at our hotel this morning before transferring to the airport for our short flight to Legazpi City. Upon arrival we will explore the Legazpi region, renowned for the classically shaped volcanic cone of Mount Mayon which dominates the skyline. Mayon Volcano National Park provides us with an opportunity to discover the volcanic geology of the region. Later this afternoon board Heritage Adventurer where 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; we 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 we sail.

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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 snorkelling with these gentle giants which are known to grow more than 12-metres in length. Joining local boats and guides we will venture into the bay where, during the months of November through June, large concentrations of plankton attract the world’s largest fish and, if we are lucky, 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 Philippines best kept secrets, 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.

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Today we visit Bohol Island’s famed Chocolate Hills. 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 kilometres turns a chocolatey brown creating this incredible phenomena best enjoyed from a viewing station some 200 steps up, but absolutely worth the effort. During our time here we 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 snorkelling impressive coral gardens and underwater cliffs teeming with colourful marine life including, if we are lucky, sea turtles.

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Emerging from the shadow of its popular neighbour surfing hot spot 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-kilometre Sohoton Cove and National Park. Look for Rufous Hornbill as we 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 snorkelling, 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.

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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.

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Berthing at the bustling, cosmopolitan harbour of Bitung, Manado city, we 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, we’ll be looking for the critically endangered Crested Black Macaque, known for their distinctive pink rumps and jet-black mohawks, symbol of Bitung and smallest primate in the world the saucer-eyed Tarsier and Sulawesi Bear Cuscus. For birders there’s the Knobbed Hornbills, Kingfishers, Sulawesi Myna, Lorikeets and Maleo birds, other flying highlights include the brightly-coloured Forester Moth and the Draco Flying Lizard or Sulawesi Lined Gliding Lizard.

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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.

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Today we explore the biologically rich and historically fascinating Bacan Island, part of the Maluku chain in eastern Indonesia. Combining beaches and forested mountains, Bacan is the easternmost location where primates naturally occur including the Crested Black Macaque, while its location to nearby Halmahera means its forests are filled with numerous bird species. Home to one of the four historic sultanates in north Maluku, the Sultanate of Bacan played a key role in the spice trade, not so much for the spices themselves, but for Bacan’s strategic location and political control over the surrounding region. Renowned scientist naturalist and explorer Alfred Russel Wallace studied the island as a guest of the Sultan and it was here that he discovered Wallace’s Giant Bee, the world’s largest bee, as well as continuing his research and thinking on evolution and species distribution. This afternoon we will explore the region’s beaches and fascinating underwater worlds.

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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 we will 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.

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The beautiful Lease Islands, which are largely undiscovered by modern travellers, sit to the east of Ambon Island, and are known for their fine white sand beaches, coral gardens teeming with colourful fish and fascinating history. In the morning we plan to visit Saparua with its many cultural sites and the 17th Century colonial Dutch Duurstede Fort built to defend the region in 1690 and stands proudly to this day. This afternoon we visit the uninhabited Molana Island, the site of a Dutch Hospital which was destroyed during WWII, however it is the beautiful white sands and rich marine life that surround the island which will be the highlight of our visit as we enjoy the opportunity to swim or snorkel.

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Under consideration as a World Heritage Site due to its fascinating history as the centre 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 harbour. 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 640-metre cone of 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 islands’ location near the centre 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.

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Discover paradise on our last stop before we arrive in Darwin, as we 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. We also plan to experience the unique culture and traditional crafts like Ikat cloth and carved wooden statues the islands are known for.

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Take the time to relax and reflect on an amazing experience as we recap the highlights and enjoy a farewell dinner this evening.

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This morning we arrive in Darwin, Australia’s ‘northern gateway’ famous for its glittering harbour, 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. For those disembarking, to allow time for disembarkation procedures and travel from Darwin, we do not recommend booking flights departing before 1500 hours.

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