Island Trails of the Philippines

Board Coral Geographer at 4:00pm at Keelung, Taiwan. Settle into your stateroom and relax as we set sail across the Pacific Ocean.
Join the Captain’s welcome drinks and meet your crew and fellow guests as the sun sets.

This itinerary features 13 Expedition Days, 1 Full Sea Day, 3 Half Sea Days. These are expedition itineraries covering remote regions. Your
Captain and Expedition Team may make changes to the daily schedule when necessary to maximise guest experience. Below are
the highlight destinations of your voyage.

This morning, we arrive at Su’ao on the east coast of Taiwan. There is an option to join a moderate forest walk along the Qixing Mountain Trail – around 2.5 hours return. Visit the National Centre for Traditional Arts and engage with local artisans learning more about the influences on Taiwan through its Art. Partake in a Tea picking and Tea tasting experience at Yilan Xing Yuan Tea Farm. A family business, Xing Yuan Tea Farm’s name is a combination of its first-generation and third-generation owners. End the day at Su’ao with a visit to Kavalan whiskey distillery for a firsthand look at how Kavalan pioneered the art of single malt whiskey in Yilan County followed by a tasting and an opportunity to purchase direct from the distillery.

Visit Yeyin traditional houses and learn about the indigenous Tami people and their connection to the geographical disbursement of people across Southeast Asia.

Located on the north coast of Luzon and directly south of Taiwan, Claveria is known as the ‘Paradise of the North’. On our visit here, learn the processes of rice growing and production in a local village and taste local food. Explore the rich biodiversity of the land, experience Daklis, a unique community fishing technique, and learn about the dwindling species that the community can now catch. See one of the heritage houses, the grotto of the Lady of Lourdes, and a 1948 church bell at the Santa Maria Eco Park.

Explore the historic Cabo Engano lighthouse and learn of its significance. The decommissioned 19th century Faro de Cabo Engano lighthouse on Palaui Island was built during the Spanish colonial period and is considered a National Cultural Treasure. Trek to the lighthouse for spectacular views across to Dos Hermanos Islands. This trek will require reasonable fitness. An optional scenic Xplorer cruise will also be available for those not participating in the trek.

Maculabo Island is an island barangay in the Philippines in the municipality of Paracale, Camarines Norte. The island is part of the Calaguas group of islands. Here we will enjoy sunset beach drinks and some free time to relax and mingle.
The following day we will explore the picturesque beach and small local fishing community. Spend the afternoon snorkelling, swimming and beachcombing in this pristine location.

In the morning, enjoy swimming and snorkelling in crystal-clear waters, exploring the vibrant marine life of Matukad and Lahos Island. By afternoon we arrive at Virac, wander the town at your own pace or visit the local museum to delve into the area’s history. For dinner, we will dine at an onshore restaurant, savoring the delicious local cuisine.

Engage with local villagers of Danggit and learn about their main source of income for the island – Danggit (little dried fish). Take a range of local transport to the Danggit village and walk the experiential circuit learning more about the process.

The 300-hectare La Laguna Eco Park is endowed with green and lush mangroves and crystal-clear waters teeming with varied fish species, crabs, and sea urchins as well as wild birds and eagles, thousands of fruit bats and wild monkeys, which are part of the Biri Larosa (Lavezares, Rosario, and San Jose towns) protected landscapes and seascapes. Meet the local women’s group representatives and learn about the local conservation systems and how the group was established and secured their management rights. Wander the boardwalks learning more about mangrove program and the flow on effects through the community.

Visit the townships Agutay and Casibang to experience an authentic cultural immersion. Taste local delicacies and participate in the weaving of wild vines and century old pottery making techniques. Known as the ‘Isle of Gems’ for its clear waters and white sand beaches, spend the afternoon on picturesque Sambawan Island which offers opportunities for snorkelling, and a light walk to the islands 360° viewpoint.

One of the four Camotes Islands in the province of Cebu, we visit the unique coastal cave complex of Bukilat before taking a dip at Busay Falls. Take a wander through the sleepy village of Tudela before returning to the ship.

Camiguin is known as the “Island Born of Fire,” boasting seven volcanoes that shape its unique landscape. Explore the Old Vulcan Trail, a 2.4-km path near Catarman, adorned with 14 sculptures depicting religious pilgrimage. For a tranquil adventure, journey to Katibawasan Falls, a 70-metre cascade offering swimming and scenic views.

Board a riverboat for a leisurely cruise along the picturesque Loboc River while enjoying a buffet-style lunch of local delicacies accompanied by local musicians. Moor up against a floating platform where local villagers in traditional costumes perform a lively song and dance performance where you are welcome to join in. Visit the Tarsiers Conservatory to see the world’s smallest primate which are little bigger than a mango and are considered a near-threatened species. From the viewpoint lookout admire the cacao-coloured Chocolate Hills with their symmetrical mounds.

Meaning ‘four islands’ in Spanish, Cuatros Islas is a group of elusive islands, three of which being inhabited and rarely visited by locals and tourists alike. They are an idyllic location for a full day of relaxing and water activities including snorkelling, diving, kayaking and cruising around the tropical paradise by Xplorer.

Admire the old-style buildings of San Jacinto and learn the processes of Cacao production and taste the rich hot chocolate made with coconut milk. Wander the lively streets of this fishing village and visit the local fish market to view the diversity of the catch. Later enjoy some free time to swim, snorkel and kayak or simply relax under the de-nutted coconut palms of a local resort.

Here in Marinduque, locals participate in a unique version of the crucifixion of Christ, called the Mariones Festival, wearing heavy wooden masks and thick handmade armour. We will visit the master craftsman who make these unique cultural artefacts and learn about the ‘suffering’ of Christ as perceived by the Marinduquians.

This afternoon we will visit the local cathedral and town square with 1930’s architecture, followed by our last swim at Natangco Island before departing to Manila.

Our voyage ends in the Philippines capital of Manila. Disembark Coral Geographer at 9:00am and bid farewell to new-found friends, the Master and crew.