Explore the Small Islands of Japan & The Philippines
Step aboard and explore the world’s most captivating islands, where history, culture, and nature intertwine.
Explore Japan’s cultural heart, from the Matsuyama Castle to Kyoto’s temples, or venture to the remote Ryukyu Islands for ancient traditions and coral reefs. In the Philippines, uncover Spanish colonial history and pristine South Pacific marine sanctuaries. Or journey across North Borneo, discovering orangutans, lush rainforests, and vibrant island cultures.
This is Japan and the Philippines that most visitors have not seen. With only 120 like-minded passengers, an expert expedition team and warm Australian hospitality, there is no better way to experience these far reaches than by small ship.
Sail The Series – Enjoy our Xplorers Club Benefits and an additional 10% savings on adjoining voyages.
Experience Japan’s vibrant cities and quiet coastal island villages. Witness traditional Japanese culture at remote Shimizu and continue to Kobe port to explore Osaka or Kyoto. Visit Jeju Island in South Korea to view the UNESCO listed Manjanggul lava tubes and discover the little-known Goto Islands.
Departs October & November 2025
Discover Japan’s Ryukyu Islands and experience the nature, culture and communities of these unexplored outposts. Begin in Fukuoka and venture to the remote Okinawan Islands to encounter lifestyles of these seaside dwellers. Witness traditional lifestyles in a region seldom visited by travellers.
Departs November 2025
Discover the small islands of The Philippines shaped by Spanish colonial heritage and World War II history. Share in traditional practices, witness ancient customs and immerse in the environment of these secluded islands. Beachcomb on the Philippines’ idyllic beaches and snorkel and dive on the vibrant Catanduanes and Cuatro Islas.
*No Sole Supplement Available*
Departs December 2025
Join us as we traverse the northern coastlines and equatorial waters of Borneo from Manila to Singapore on this 16-night voyage. Our journey spans the Philippines, Malaysia, the Sultanate of Brunei, Malaysian Borneo and into Singapore. Explore rich traditional culture, ancient rainforests and enjoy rarely seen aquatic and geographical wonders.
*No Sole Supplement Available*
Departs December 2025
Coral Expedition Explores Japan
With fewer than 120 guests, Coral Adventurer and Coral Geographer are perfectly positioned for expedition cruising around the Small Islands of Japan & The Philippines, designed to venture where few other cruise ships can go. The ship’s lightweight dual Xplorer expedition tenders allow for deeper exploration, on shore excursions and an easy, step-on embarkation from the ship’s main deck making it ideal for remote seaside villages and beaches in Japan and the Philippines.
History and Natural Beauty
This is Japan and The Philippines but not as you know it. Enjoy the ancient warrior traditional welcome of the kora kora canoes in Banda Niera and cruise the pristine landscape of Kitikita Waterfalls. Swim, snorkel and dive the aquamarine waters of the Northern Mariana Islands and visit UNESCO World Heritage sites. Experience Awa or “fool’s dance” which dates back 400 years at Tokujima and visit Osaka, the food capital of Japan. Be among the first overseas tourists to set foot on the remote Ryukyu Island and view a 25m tall giant cedar tree estimated to be up to 7,200 years old. Witness the natural beauty of Palaui Island National Park and its historic Cabo Engano lighthouse and cruise the Loboc River with traditional song and dance entertainment.
Voyage Log: Through Japan’s Ryukyu Islands – Fukuoka to Keelung
Voyage Log: Through the Heart of Japan – Tokyo to Fukuoka
Follow the Voyage: Journey to Japan – Yap to Tokyo – September 2024
Coral Expeditions on Social Media
Our Journey Through Japan & The Philippines
With our last season of sailing through Japan & The Philippines, don’t miss the chance to experience a different and remote side of Japan’s Ryukyu Islands.
Only two staterooms remain, with the final available cabins on our Coral Deck or Explorer Deck. Swim, snorkel, and dive in pristine waters far from the crowds, and find yourself in awe of Japan’s ancient cedar forests and vibrant island culture.
This unique voyage begins in Fukuoka and takes you deep into the seldom-visited southern islands.
Explore Nagasaki’s wartime history and international influences before travelling to Yakushima, home to thousand-year-old cedar forests and a towering tree estimated to be over 7,000 years old. Continue into the Okinawan Islands, where you’ll meet coastal communities, uncover ancient legends on Okinoerabujima, and explore the coral-rich waters of the Kerama Islands.
Highlights include:
🏯 Guided tour of Nakijin’s UNESCO-listed Gusuku castle site
🌿 Walks through Yakushima’s UNESCO World Heritage forests
🌊 Snorkelling, kayaking and diving among vibrant marine life
✨ Exploring limestone caves on Okinoerabujima
Join us on this unforgettable journey through one of Japan’s most remote and culturally rich regions—before this season sails away.
May 6
Sail the Series! 🛳️🇯🇵🇵🇭🇮🇩
Looking for an extraordinary adventure? Extend your journey and explore more destinations with series sailings. Combine voyages, enjoy Xplorer Club Member benefits, and receive a 10% discount on adjoining trips. Availability is open across Explorer and Promenade Decks—don’t miss out!
Voyage Combinations:
❤️ 30 Nights – Through the Heart of Japan + Through Japan’s Ryukyu Islands
🎌 32 Nights – Through Japan’s Ryukyu Islands + Island Trails of the Philippines
🐠 32 Nights – Island Trails of the Philippines + An Equatorial Adventure Across North Borneo
🏝️ 35 Nights – Island Trails & Traditions of Indonesia + Raja Ampat & Spice Islands
Contact our reservations team for a quote and learn more about combining voyages.
https://www.coralexpeditions.com/au/destinations/japan/
https://www.coralexpeditions.com/au/destinations/islands-indonesia/
Apr 2
Join Coral Expeditions on our final expedition series through Japan and the Philippines. Sail past Japan’s stunning coastlines, where ancient temples, sacred shrines, and vibrant cities offer a rich tapestry of history and tradition. Then, venture into the Philippines, where crystal-clear waters, lush jungles, and vibrant coral reefs invite exploration and relaxation. From Japan’s serene gardens and volcanic peaks to the Philippines’ pristine beaches and hidden coves, each day unveils new wonders. With our deep local knowledge and personalized service, we bring these two extraordinary regions together in one seamless and unforgettable adventure. 🥢🇯🇵🗾
Mar 17
The Torres Strait is home to the Torres Strait Islanders, an Indigenous Australian people with a distinct culture, language, and identity separate from mainland Aboriginal groups. The Torres Strait Islands, located between Cape York Peninsula and Papua New Guinea, are home to communities with strong connections to the sea, rich storytelling traditions, and vibrant art, music, and dance. The culture blends influences from Melanesian, Australian Aboriginal, and European heritage.
Thursday Island (Waiben) is the administrative and cultural hub of the Torres Strait, with a population of around 2,500 people. Historically, it was a major pearling center, attracting workers from Japan, the Philippines, and Malaysia. Today, its residents include Torres Strait Islanders, Aboriginal Australians, and people of Asian and European descent.
Torres Strait Islanders are skilled seafarers, relying on fishing, trading, and traditional navigation. Their customs and traditions revolve around the sea, with ceremonies, songs, and dances reflecting their deep connection to their island environment.
Mar 11
Our welcome ceremony featuring high-energy dancing set the tone for our expedition through Silonay, Philippines. Traveling in colorful Jeepneys, we made our way to the mangrove ecopark, where we learned about an inspiring conservation project making a positive impact on the local community. 🌱
The boardwalk offered close-up views of native beehives and informative signage about local bird and wildlife species. A stroll through the Sinolay fishing village gave us fascinating insights into traditional fishing techniques and water sources. 🎣
Our final stop at the museum featured live music from a talented string band, allowing guests to explore and soak up the cultural history.
Nov 30
Modessa Island: The island’s tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty offered the perfect escape, where we could unwind, snorkel, and enjoy the best of the Philippines’ coast.
Nov 29
Marinduque is a cultural treasure, rich in history and tradition. From its role as the geodetic center of the Philippines to its colonial-era churches like the Boac Cathedral, the island is steeped in heritage.
The Moriones Festival brings the island’s unique traditions to life, with vibrant wooden masks and reenactments of the Passion of Christ. The craftsmanship, festivals, and customs passed down through generations made Marinduque a truly unforgettable destination for our guests.
Nov 27
Our day in Puerto Princesa Philippines, began aboard local outrigger boats, landing on a serene sandy beach where curious long-tailed macaques greeted us. A short walk brought us to the safety gear station before embarking on a 200m trek through old-growth rainforest, where we spotted an Asian water monitor in the wild!
We then boarded paddle boats for a float through breathtaking limestone caves. The chambers were adorned with stunning stalactites, home to 14 species of bats, all brought to life by our guide’s torch and insightful audio headsets.
Our guests were thrilled by this unique and unforgettable experience—a true highlight of the journey!
Nov 25
Keep calm... Our guests are flying over Lobac Eco Adventure Park.
What a thrilling experience on our Through the Island Trails of the Philippines cruise!
Nov 14
The Philippine tarsier is a small primate, known for its distinctive large eyes and remarkable agility, native to the Philippines. Although often called a "monkey," it`s actually part of the tarsier family and belongs to a separate branch of primates, making it quite unique. Tarsiers are found primarily on the islands of Bohol, Leyte, Mindanao, and Samar.
These tiny primates are nocturnal, relying on their large, expressive eyes to hunt for insects and other small prey in the dark. Weighing less than a human hand, they have an incredibly strong grip and can leap up to ten times their body length between trees, thanks to their elongated ankle bones.
The Philippine tarsier is also known for its shy and solitary nature, and they can be sensitive to human presence. Thanks to the great conservation efforts of the Tarsier Sanctuary in Bohol, our guests were able to see these fascinating and cute creatures.
Nov 13
What a wonderful time we had on Maripipi Island in the Philippines! The whole island turned out to welcome us, lining the streets with waves and cheers. At Agutay village, we enjoyed local beverages, snacks, and a vibrant display of traditional weaving under a canopy of colorful umbrellas. Folk dancers added even more magic to the experience. Later, we made our way to a secluded bay for a swim, where locals picked fresh coconuts from the trees for us to enjoy in the warm, clear waters. Meanwhile, guests visiting the pottery village had an incredible cultural immersion, diving into hands-on pottery demonstrations and learning about local traditions. This was truly an unforgettable experience with the warmest welcome.
Nov 12
After exploring the local area of Bohol, Coral Geographers guests made their way to the Loboc River for a wonderful lunch cruise. A big buffet of local Filipino dishes awaited, and with everyone on board, no one missed out on the feast! As they cruised the peaceful, palm-lined river, guests enjoyed both the flavors of the region and the lively traditional music and dance performances from local artists. It was a memorable way to connect with the culture and beauty of the Philippines.
Nov 11
