Island Trails of the Philippines

Arrive at the Evergreen Hotel, in Keelung (Taiwan), at 2:00pm for SailSAFE check-in. A transfer from here to the terminal will be provided. Board Coral Adventurer at 4:00pm. 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 morning we arrive at Hualien City on the east coast of Taiwan. The central Pine Garden is a cultural centre set inside a former Japanese military office. The Hualien County Stone Sculpture Museum displays contemporary and traditional stone carvings. Tzu Chi Cultural Park is a tranquil green space, with statues and a meditation hall. On the Pacific Ocean coast, sprawling Nanbin Park features a popular traditional market.

Explore the myriad of walking trails and suspension bridges that wind through towering marble valleys and past thundering waterfalls of Taroko Gorge National Park. Carved by the Liwu River, the spectacular Gorge is the largest marble canyon in the world and boasts a wide variety of trails, temples and landscapes.

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.

One of five major islands belonging to the Babuyan Group located along the Luzon Strait, Calayan Island boasts pristine white sand beaches and great hiking terrains. Beach comb at Sibang Cove and hike to Nagudungan Hills for a spectacular view of the town, hills and cliffs.

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 faro de Cabo Engano at Cape Engano to be rewarded with a breathtaking view. This trek will require reasonable fitness. An optional scenic Xplorer cruise will also be available for those not participating in the trek.

A relaxed tropical island, Polillo is the largest of 27 islands that make up the archipelago. With white sand beaches and clear waters, we will spend time snorkelling, swimming and kayaking around the small islets. Beachcomb and bird watch along the coastline of Jomalig Island. 

Catanduanes Island offers a captivating blend of Filipino and Spanish culture and history. Visit the Museo de Catanduanes, housed in a restored Spanish-era building, to explore artifacts and exhibits that chronicle the island’s past. Nearby, the Virac Cathedral stands as a remarkable architectural gem, showcasing the fusion of Filipino craftsmanship and Spanish influence. Together, these sites provide a glimpse into the melding of cultures on the island, making it a must-visit destination for history and culture enthusiasts.

Biri Island is a marine protected reserve with opportunities to explore the underwater marine wonderland, we also learn about Biri Island’s place in World War II history on our visit here. Visit the Magasang Rock formations for its view and take a dip in the water in the middle of these rocks. Those who choose to dive here have the opportunity to join the volunteer program by NGO Biri Initiative to help remove sea pests feeding on coral.

Capul Island’s church, Saint Ignatius of Loyola Parish Church, is a National Cultural Treasure designated by the National Museum of the Philippines. Equally well known is the Capul Lighthouse which has been safely guiding mariners through the San Bernadino Strait since the 1890’s. Visit these historic landmarks and take a walking tour leading to a natural spring once used by Spanish galleons to fetch water prior to their departure to Mexico.

Known as the ‘Isle of Gems’ for its clear waters, friendly locals and dazzlingly bright white sand beach, Maripipi along with Sambawan which offers opportunities for snorkelling, diving, kayaking as well as bird watching in the lush forests. Visit the township of Viga and experience cultural immersion such as tasting local delicacies, watching weaving of wild vines and participating in pottery making.

Learn more about Leyte’s history at the MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park in Palo. The park honours General Douglas MacArthur and his return to the Philippines to help defeat the Japanese forces on the 20th of October 1944. On your visit here you will see the bronze statues of the heroic general and his comrades on a shallow pool. View artworks from around the world at Santo Nino Shrine & Heritage Museum, visit the Anibong shipwreck memorial and stroll through local markets.

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.

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. Enjoy passing by waterfront villages and watching local children swinging from rope swings strung from coconut palms. Moor up against a floating platform where women and children dressed 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.

Learn of Mactan history and visit the Lapu Lapu Monument is a majestic 20m bronze statue of the hero armed with a kampilan (a native sword) and a shield, erected to honour the bravery of the Datu on the very ground the battle was believed to have taken place. The Magellan Monument, on the other hand, is a large obelisk dedicated to the Portuguese explorer who brought Christianity to the Philippines. Learn about the art of making guitars at Alegre Guitar Factory, known for ukuleles and the bandurria, a plucked chordophone similar to a mandolin and used in Spanish folk music.

Admire the old-style homes of San Jacinto before we stop in at Matangtubig Spring for a fresh-water dip. Later, enjoy watching the sunset onboard off San Miguel island.

Go on a cultural tour by visiting heritage houses, churches and shrines. Visit the Century-old Boac Cathedral and the Biglang Awa Shrine as well as the Marl Insects and Butterfly Garden.

The area is also home of the Kalutang, a musical instrument made of two pieces of wood cited by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts as one of the intangible cultural heritages of the Philippines. Browse traditional handicrafts stores to learn more about the island province’s local industries, with possible opportunity to purchase some traditional handicrafts.

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