Asian Island Odyssey

19 Days

Overview

Arrive at Taipei, Taiwan’s capital which is surrounded by mountains and proudly presided over by Taipei 101 – the 1,600-foot-high skyscraper and former Taipei World Financial Center styled on a bamboo stalk, and transfer to your hotel where your 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 you head out to explore this exciting city. Rightly famous for its prevalent street food, be sure to sample its variety of xiaochi (little snacks) while exploring top attractions including the Chinese-influenced Martyrs’ Shrine; Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, commemorating Taiwan’s former president; and the National Palace Museum, which houses the world’s largest collection of Chinese art. For those looking for a nature fix, head to Yehliu Geopark with its world-famous surreal landscape of honeycomb and mushroom eroded rock formations and the Japanese-era mining complex turned tourist attraction Gold Ecological Park where hillside walkways connect 1930s offices, workshops and dormitories for an insight into early mining history. This afternoon board Heritage Adventurer, moored in Keelung, settle into your accommodation and familiarise yourself with the ship, then join the expedition team in the Bridge, Observation Lounge or on the Observation Deck as you set sail for Hualien.

Taiwan’s second-largest city Hualien, located on its mountainous east coast, is your gateway to the world-famous 19-kilometre-long canyon Taroko National Park and its namesake Marble Gorge. The spectacular marble walls here soar to more than 300 feet high and are surrounded by verdant green bamboo forests promising an unforgettable experience. Comprising some 227,000 acres and varying altitudes, from near sea level at the mouth of the Liwu River to towering more than 12,000 feet high at Mt Nanhu, the park’s dramatic landscape provides a diverse array of vegetation and habitats which boast a third of Taiwan’s vascular plants, half of its mammal species, the rare Nanhu Salamander and more than 140 resident bird species.

Snorkelling, waterfalls and wildlife are all good options today as you explore the largest of the Polillo Island group’s 24 islands and islets. Rebounding following large scale logging operations lowland forests are now protected in two reserves, reflecting their importance for some significant wildlife including the Philippine Cockatoo and endemic Philippine Brown Deer, Warty Pig and Large Rufous Horseshoe Bat. The island is also home to the Gray’s Monitor/Butaan Lizard – a tree-dwelling relative of the Komodo Dragon, while Dugong are known to frequent its waters.

This coveted tropical dream destination, made relatively famous by television’s Survivor, Caramoan Peninsula National Park will be one of the highlights of your voyage. With jungle-capped towering limestone karst formations, white sand beaches, impossibly clear blue waters offering some of the best snorkelling, deep gorges, snaking rivers, forest trails, an islet lake and underground river are all waiting to be explored – you will be spoilt for choice during your time here.

Largely unknown and unexplored, there’s a good reason why Samar Island Natural Park is considered the ultimate frontier. Combining all the remote paradise trappings of stunning cave formations, powder-fine sand beaches and crystal-clear waters with the Philippines largest tract of lowland rainforest and connecting karst formation, the park is home to a staggering 38 species of mammals, 215 bird species including the Philippine Eagle, 51 species of reptiles and more than 1,000 species of plants, of which more than half are endemic. Samar Island promises an extraordinary expedition day.

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 you explore this pristine tropical island paradise Zodiac cruising the coastline where quiet coves and beaches await discovery. 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 and swimming 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 your recent adventures, join a lecture or the naturalists on deck, update your photos/journal or watch the world go by in the Observation Lounge.

Berthing at the busy, cosmopolitan harbour 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, 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.

Sitting on the Equator, Sulawesi’s culture capital and hidden paradise, Gorontalo combines rich history, the mountainous landscape is dotted with 500-year old Portuguese forts, with pristine white sand beaches, is a diving hot spot and has a reputation for being one of Indonesia’s best places to swim with Whale Sharks. At Botubarani, a small seaside village, 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, venture into Gorontalo Bay where plankton and small fish attract the world’s largest fish. This afternoon has been left free for exploration.

This morning, explore the unspoiled paradise of remote and rarely visited Seho Island where beautiful sandy beaches and stunning coral reefs meet forested, wildlife filled hills and jungles. Explore the island with options for jungle hikes searching for birds and wildlife, beachcombing and snorkelling among an amazing carpet of multicoloured soft corals. This afternoon visit the township of Bobong on Taliabu Island before making your way to the local markets, spice plantations and experiencing the rich culture of this tropical outpost.

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 with your expert naturalists and guides. Enjoy opportunities to explore the forests in search of wildlife and experience the heart-warming hospitality of local communities during village visits.

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 the 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 immersion rounds out your time here including observing Banda’s famous Kora Kora canoes in action.

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

This morning, 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.