NEW TRIP
Cruise from Manila to Darwin
Undiscovered Philippines and Indonesia
BOOKING DISCOUNT
$1,500 off per person on new bookings
Overview
Explore the undiscovered pristine island paradises of the Philippines and Indonesia while sailing well off the traditional tourist route aboard the 140-guest expedition ship Heritage Adventurer. Lying like pearls scattered across the equator, the archipelagos of the Philippines and Indonesia's undiscovered islands are the postcard definition of paradise, where impossibly blue waves gently lap white-sand beaches, friendly locals welcome you into their world, primordial jungles and untouched coral reefs abound with astounding wildlife, and myriad adventures await both above and below the water. In addition to being among some of the most biodiverse regions on the planet and home to rare and endangered wildlife, these remote tropical outposts boast incredible history, heritage, and ancient cultures. Set sail where few have gone before and join us on an authentic expedition while cruising the untouched beauty of the Philippines and Indonesia on this unforgettable voyage.
Arrive: Manila, Philippines
Depart: Darwin, Australia
Highlights
- On San Miguel Island, explore Halea Nature Park, with its miles of white-sand beaches and incredible underwater world
- Visit the Tarsier Sanctuary, which protects the world's second smallest primate
- Swim and snorkel in gin-clear turquoise waters, including a jellyfish sanctuary, where stingless jellyfish thrive, and the opportunity to swim with whale sharks, the largest fish in the world
- See a wealth of endemic flora and fauna at Tangkoko Nature Reserve
- Experience thrilling cultural exchanges at villages where traditional life continues unchanged
- Delve into the fascinating history of the Spice Islands at Banda Neira
Itinerary
Note: This trip is not exclusive to, nor operated by, Wilderness Travel, who acts solely as an agent in booking your reservation with the operator. Please download the Rate Sheet in the Dates & Pricing section to see the full pricing details and contact our Cruise Collection Specialists to check availability.
Arrive in the Philippines' bustling capital of Manila, a former port town now a buzzing commercial hub, heritage center, and culinary hot spot, and make your way to the hotel where the 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 this morning before transferring to the airport for a short flight to Legazpi City. Upon arrival, explore the Legazpi region, renowned for the classically shaped volcanic cone of Mount Mayon that dominates the skyline. Mayon Volcano National Park provides you 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 familiarize yourself with the ship; you'll also be introduced to your expedition team and the voyage plans. You are invited to join the expedition team in the Observation Lounge and up on the Observation Deck as the ship sets sail for San Miguel Island.
Arriving at the tropical paradise of San Miguel Island this morning, your explorations may include visiting one of the Philippines' best kept secrets—the unspoiled beauty of Halea Nature Park. Here you will be welcomed with an incredible cultural display by enthusiastic locals before the options of beachcombing along this stunning stretch of white sand and exploring the incredible underwater world home to diverse corals, yellow-lipped sea krait, anemone fish, pipefish, and juvenile blacktip reef sharks. You may also have 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. 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 19 square miles turns a chocolate brown, creating this incredible phenomena best enjoyed from a viewing station some 200 steps up, but absolutely worth the effort. During your time here you may explore the lush countryside and famed cacao farms. Other highlights include a visit to a tarsier sanctuary to see the world's second smallest primate, the tiny Philippine tarsier. This threatened species is protected in the Philippines but their numbers are declining due to logging, mining, and the illegal pet trade. You may also visit 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 gardens and underwater cliffs teeming with colorful marine life including, if lucky, sea turtles.
Emerging from the shadow of its popular neighbor 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 37-mile 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 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 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 more than 21,000 acres 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, look for the critically endangered crested black macaque, known for their distinctive pink rumps and jet-black mohawks, the 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-colored forester moth and the Draco flying lizard or Sulawesi lined gliding lizard.
Sitting on the Equator, Sulawesi's culture capital and hidden paradise of Gorontalo combines rich history (the mountainous landscape is dotted with 500-year-old Portuguese forts) with pristine white-sand beaches, a diving hot spot, and a reputation for being one of Indonesia's top four places to swim with whale sharks. At Botubarani, a small seaside village, enjoy the unforgettable experience of swimming and snorkeling with these gentle giants, which are known to grow more than 40 feet in length. Joining local boats and guides, you'll 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 you'll 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 snorkeling among an amazing carpet of multicolored soft corals. This afternoon visit the township of Bobong on Taliabu Island before making your way to the local markets and 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 you'll explore these remote shores together with the expert naturalists and guides. Enjoy opportunities to explore the forests in search of wildlife and many of the endemic species 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 the 2,100-foot 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 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 your time here including observing Banda's famous Kora Kora canoes in action.
Today, explore Indonesia's secret paradise—Kei Kecil Island, the crowning tropical jewel in the Kei Archipelago in the southeastern chain of the Maluku Islands. Located on the edge of the Coral Triangle, Kei Kecil is home to some of Indonesia's finest beaches where powdery white sands meet gin-clear turquoise waters, stunning coral reefs, and palm-fringed tropical jungles. Most famous is Ngurbloat Beach, known locally as "Pasir Panjang"—the insta-worthy combination of flour-soft white sand luxuriously stretches some 3 miles flanked between thousands of coconut trees and the glassy calm ocean. Located among some of the world's most biologically rich waters, snorkeling the extensive fringing and barrier reefs is exceptional and rewards with numerous colorful reef fish, nudibranches, cephalopods, dogtooth tuna, eagle and manta rays—all make up the mesmerizing marine life. The following day is at sea, with a festive Farewell Dinner.
Arrive mid-morning 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. To allow time for disembarkation procedures and travel from Darwin, we do not recommend booking flights departing before 1:00 pm.
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
What the Trip is Like
The trip is rated Level 1+, Easy, and is appropriate for anyone in good health who is physically active. Launch boats are used to explore the coastline and transport passengers ashore for walks to view wildlife and visit villages. Options for swimming and snorkeling are available.
Review Trip Level Details
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Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!
Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.
Level 1 – Easiest
Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Level 2 – Easy to Moderate
Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Level 3 – Moderate
Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
- Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
- Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
- Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
- Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.
Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Level 5 – Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Level 6 – Very Strenuous
Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.