Philippines, Malaysia & Indonesia

HIGHLIGHTS

• Soak up the beach culture on Boracay Island
• Take a boat ride along Puerto Princesa Underground River through shadowy caves
• Trek through rainforests to see endangered orangutans, clouded leopards and sun bears
• Explore Lok Baintan floating market, where female traders sell their produce from canoes (junking)
• Stroll the streets of Singaraja, once Bali’s bustling capital

ITINERARY

MANILA
DAY 1
In this teeming, sprawling metropolis, Manila, the capital of the Philippines buzzes with a creative, exciting energy, which infuses everything from art to food. Spend time in the city with so much to see and do: museums, the world’s oldest Chinatown and the Chinese Cemetery are a few highlights. And make time to explore Intramuros – the old Spanish walled town at the heart of the city with Fort Santiago and San Agustin Church.


BORACAY ISLAND
DAY 2
Famed for its white-sand beaches, Boracay is an energetic hub packed with watersports operators, bars and souvenir shops. Dive boats head offshore to explore spectacular coral reefs, while kitesurfers catapult through the air and banana boats and jet skis ply the water below. If you fancy a quieter vibe, head north to find palm-fringed beaches ideal for a relaxing day of swimming and sipping icy-cold coconut water. Nearby, Ariel’s Point is a popular spot for cliff diving.


PUERTO PRINCESA
DAY 3
A namesake national park with spectacular limestone karst caves connected by Puerto Princesa Underground River is the main attraction at this coastal city on Palawan Island. Boat tours meander through shadowy caves bejewelled with stalagmites and stalactites, passing mysterious rock formations and resident bats, before emerging directly into the sea amid old-growth forest. Downtown, discover museums narrating local heritage and World War II, or stroll a palm-lined seaside promenade dotted with casual dining options.


BALABAC ISLAND
DAY 4
Remote and undeveloped, Balabac Island offers a chance to disconnect from the modern world and bask in nature’s wonders. Relax on a secluded powder-sand beach in the shade of a palm tree, observe multi-hued fish and giant clams on a dive or snorkel trip to nearby coral reefs and amble along a deserted sandbar at low tide. Boat tours explore the surrounding islands, and on a clear day, you can gaze south to spot the Malaysian coast.


SANDAKAN
DAY 5
Sabah’s second-largest city, Sandakan is the gateway to Borneo’s tropical rainforests, mighty rivers and wildlife sanctuaries, where orangutans swing amongst the trees at a rehab centre in the jungle, and sun bears roam free at their own sanctuary nearby. Discover landmarks close to the port, like Agnes Keith House, with artefacts and exhibits about the 20th-century American author, or venture further afield to Sandakan Memorial Park, honouring World War II prisoners of war.


AT SEA
DAY 6
You can spend your day at sea enjoying the many facilities available. Head to the sauna, get in a workout in the state-of-the-art gym or relax in the jacuzzi whilst taking in incredible views along the way. If you prefer to learn a little more about your surroundings, listen to an informative talk or have a chat with one of our knowledgeable on-board experts.


TOLITOLI
DAY 7
In a wide bay on Central Sulawesi’s northern coast, this relaxed local capital offers golden beaches backed by jungle-cloaked mountains. Swim in the Celebes Sea, watch wooden fishing boats potter into the harbour and fill up on local seafood dishes. Or venture into the highlands on a rainforest trek to discover plunging waterfalls and boulder-strewn hot springs pools. Diving charters take intrepid explorers to sites in the Makassar Strait, where dugongs roam seagrass meadows and moray eels lurk in rock pilings.


BALIKPAPAN
DAY 8
Expect urban fun combined with nature escapes from this busy port city, a regional financial capital in East Kalimantan. Nearby, trekking tours explore the dense, untamed Bornean rainforest, home to endangered orangutans and sun bears that are now the focus of dedicated animal sanctuaries. Boat tours ply the Kapuas river and local mangrove swamps, where proboscis monkeys leap from branches and monitor lizards dart amid the rocky vegetation.


AT SEA
DAY 9
Today as you sail, you’ll bask in the endless comforts of your ship. From the deck, marvel at the dramatic sea views. Relax with a nurturing facial treatment or massage in the spa or delve into the ship’s learning resources. Or, simply take refuge in your cabin and enjoy the opportunity to rest.


BANJARMASIN
DAY 10
A city defined by its waterways, Banjarmin lies in the Barito River basin, bisected by the Martapura River in South Kalimantan. As you meander along canals lined with traditional stilt houses in a colourful wooden longboat, you might glimpse children swimming and families preparing a meal. Explore Lok Baintan’s bustling floating market, where female traders sell their produce from canoes (junking), before browsing eye-catching clothes and accessories made with traditional sasirangan tie-dye fabric. Or head to nearby Martapura city, a famed diamond and gemstone hub.


BAWEAN ISLAND
DAY 11
Anchored by an extinct volcano, this remote but inhabited island in the Java Sea features white-sand beaches backed by rugged forested hills. Hike through jungle undergrowth to secluded Danau Kastoba, a sweeping crater lake ringed by ferns and mosses, before cooling down in a plunging waterfall or taking a dip in a hot springs pool. Or head to the windswept western coast, where craggy outcrops offer both cliff jumping and spectacular sunsets. Conservation efforts are underway to save the critically endangered Bawean deer.


SURABAYA
DAY 12
National history, local culture and modern aspirations merge at this lively, multi-layered port city in East Java where gleaming skyscrapers soar amid colonial Dutch buildings. Stroll through Old Town to discover grand Dutch-era landmarks, then cross Red Bridge, once the site of fierce independence battles, to the earthy bustle of the Arab Quarter, with its spice markets and a 15th-century mosque. Or head to Chinatown to explore Buddhist temples and sample local street food. South of the city, volcanic peaks like Mount Arjuna and Mount Bromo are laced with rugged hiking trails.


TANJUNG HARBOUR & GILI GENTENG
DAY 13
A tiny, undeveloped island off the East Javan coast, Gili Genteng offers long stretches of fine-sand beaches like Pantai Sembilan, with its calm swimming waters and romantic sunset views. Observe shoals of tropical fish darting around colourful coral reefs on a diving or snorkelling trip, or meander through tangled mangrove forests in a wooden longboat at neighbouring Madura Island.


CELUKAN BAWANG
DAY 14
Rolling mountains, wild tropical jungle and rugged volcanic landscapes – discover a tranquil side of Bali that’s rarely seen from this port city. Explore misty highlands and valleys carved with emerald green rice terraces, observe the rich marine life and tangled forests of West Bali National Park or take a dip in a bubbling hot springs pool. In Singaraja, once Bali’s bustling capital, centuries-old temples mingle with well-preserved Dutch colonial architecture.


BENOA
DAY 15
Benoa lies on the southern end of Bali, an island packed with sporting fun and cultural attractions. Dive or sea walk to discover coral reefs brimming with multi-hued fish, or stay dry on a glass-bottomed boat. Adventure seekers can zip across turquoise waters on a jet ski then fly the skies above with a parasail. Centuries-old Buddhist and Hindu temples offer calm and contemplation, while nearby Denpasar is dotted with history and art museums.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port (via our included accommodation where applicable)
• One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel or onboard
• All meals onboard
• Onboard accommodation in a stateroom selected category
• 24-hour room service
• Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day
• Lecture programmes by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
• One selected shore excursion/expedition activities per port of call
• Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions
• Standard WiFi
• Onboard gratuities & port taxes