Travel Dates
Departing 29th Nov 2025
Package Provider: Coral Expeditions
Package Type: Package
Region: Asia
Duration: 24 Nights
Join us on a journey of discovery through the hard-to-reach island trails of the Philippines. Departing from Keelung in Taiwan, this will be a unique adventure unveiling the rich colonial and cultural heritage of the region shaped by Spanish explorers and transmigration of peoples from the East China Sea. Share in traditional ceremonies, learn ancient customs, and enjoy the pristine natural marine and terrestrial environs of these secluded shores. Visit the historic Cabo Engano lighthouse on Palaui Island. Beachcomb on the idyllic shores and explore the aquatic paradise of Catanduanes and Cuatro Islas. Explore local handicraft markets and visit the churches, houses and shrines of Marinduque, home of the culturally significant Kalutang. instrument and Mariones Festival. Along the way, enjoy the expert guidance and warm Australian hospitality of our crew.
Your Fly, Stay & Cruise Package Includes:
Cruise includes:
Pricing is per person twin share and based on travel 29 November – 23 December 2025
Thousand Island Lake and Pinglin Tea Plantation Tour
Welcome to the birthplace of the most beloved beverage in the world—bubble tea! Whether you are a seasoned tea connoisseur or simply love to drink tea, through this guided tour to Pinglin Tea Plantation and Thousand Island Lake, you will get glimpses of the tea culture in Taiwan, and learn about the development of Taiwanese tea. Pinglin District in New Taipei City is the home to Wenshan Baozhong tea, where you will visit the tea museum to explore the world of Taiwanese tea and taste the aromatic Taiwanese tea at a tea shop. On this tour, you will also pay a visit to Thousand Island Lake and Bagua Tea Plantation for a rendezvous with nature, immersing yourself in the verdant landscapes and the dreamy lake. Take an afternoon out of your busy schedule and unwind! Enjoy a half-day tour of Pinglin and Thousand Island Lake from Taipei.
Classic Taipei Landmarks - Full Day Tour
Planning on your first trip to Taipei but don’t know where to start? Book this classic Taipei day tour to explore the city’s iconic historic landmarks and modern tourist spots. On this tour, you will visit the world-renowned National Palace Museum which houses the largest collection of ancient Chinese artifacts in the world, where the exquisite art pieces will blow your mind; Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, a prominent monument that symbolizes a significant period of Taiwan's history; Lungshan Temple that represents the local religious beliefs and practices; and the famous skyscraper, Taipei 101, that showcases the modern technology and globalization of the city. Of course, there is more to discover that you will just need to come to find out. This guided tour unveils the past, present, and future of Taipei City. With the help of your tour guide, you will learn more about each attraction that you visit during the tour, and discover the city from a different perspective.
Explore Old Manila Tour
The Spanish conquistadores that arrived on the shores of Manila in the 16th century left an indelible mark on the city’s architecture and culture. Tour two of the city’s most historically rich neighbourhoods and explore the influences that made the Manila of today. We start the tour at Rizal Park, named in honour of the country’s national hero Dr Jose Rizal, before proceeding to the Walled City of Intramuros. Scattered with reminders of the Spanish conquistadores, this neighbourhood is alive with history. Stop at Fort Santiago and wander along the cobbled streets to San Agustin Church, the country’s oldest stone church to admire its collection of ecclesiastical icons. Cross the street to Casa Manila then board a horse drawn carriage and trot off to Chinatown, Binondo across the Pasig River. Established by the Spanish, this is the world’s oldest Chinatown. Hop off the carriage at Binondo Church and walk to Ongpin, a street visible by its Chinese-style arches at its entrance. Navigate the narrow streets and alleys crammed with small shops and gold jewellery shops near Sta Cruz Church. Visit Escolta, once used as a convoy route by the British Navy, as well as the Regina Building and the Perez-Samanillo Building, two notable pre-WWII buildings with differing architectural styles. Spend some time exploring the area before returning to your hotel.
Cruise Itinerary:
Day 1: Keelung, Taiwan
Arrive at Keelung Eastern Terminal #4 at 4:00 pm and meet your Expedition Team for check-in. Board Coral Geographer, settle into your stateroom, and relax as we set sail. Meet your crew and fellow guests as the sun sets.
Su'ao, Taiwan
This morning, we arrive at Su’ao on the east coast of Taiwan. There is an option to join a difficult 5km return forest walk along the Qixing Mountain Trail – around 2.5 hours return. Partake in a tea-picking and tea-tasting experience at Yilan Xing Yuan Tea Farm. A family business, Xing Yuan Tea Farm’s name is a combination of its first-generation and third-generation owners. Enjoy a local buffet lunch at the National Centre for Traditional Arts and engage with local artisans, learning more about the influences on Taiwan through its art. End the day in Su’ao with a visit to Kavalan whisky distillery for a firsthand look at how Kavalan pioneered the art of single malt whisky in Yilan County, followed by a tasting and an opportunity to purchase directly from the distillery.
Hike: Please note that the Qixing Mountain Trail consists mainly of well-spaced stairs with no handrails – Difficult
Sea day
Relax onboard as we spend the day sailing across the South China Sea before reaching the Philippines.
Claveria, Philippines
Located on the north coast of Luzon and directly south of Taiwan, Claveria is known as the ‘Paradise of the North’. During our visit, learn about the processes of rice growing and production in a local village and sample traditional local food. See one of the heritage houses, the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, and a 1948 church bell at the Santa Maria Eco Park.
Palaui Island, Philippines
Explore the historic Cabo Engaño Lighthouse and learn about its significance. The decommissioned 19th-century Faro de Cabo Engaño Lighthouse on Palaui Island was built during the Spanish colonial period and is considered a National Cultural Treasure. Ascend to the lighthouse for spectacular views across to the Dos Hermanos Islands. This trek requires a reasonable level of fitness.
Lighthouse Walk: From the Xplorer landing, there is a 140m walk across sand to the start of the 300-stair path to the lighthouse. The trek consists of a mix of concrete pathways with handrails and no shade, as well as dirt pathways under tree cover – Moderate
Sea Day & Maculabo Island, Philippines
Maculabo Island is a barangay in the Philippines, located in the municipality of Paracale, Camarines Norte. The island is part of the Calaguas group of islands. The following day, we will explore the picturesque beach and visit the small local fishing community. Spend the afternoon snorkelling, swimming, and beachcombing in this pristine location.
Palumbanes, Philippines
Spend the morning snorkelling or diving in the pristine waters around Bitoag and Tignob Islands. Tides permitting, there is an opportunity to explore the headland trails of these remote islands.
Biri & La Laguna Eco Park, Philippines
Engage with local villagers of Danggit and learn about their main source of income for the island – danggit (little dried fish). Take a range of local transport to Danggit village and walk the experiential circuit, learning more about the process. The 300-hectare La Laguna Eco Park is endowed with green, lush mangroves and crystal-clear waters teeming with varied fish species, crabs, sea urchins, as well as wild birds and eagles, thousands of fruit bats, and wild monkeys. These are part of the Biri Larosa (Lavezares, Rosario, and San Jose towns) protected landscapes and seascapes. Meet the local women’s group representatives and learn about the local conservation systems and how the group was established and secured their management rights. Wander the boardwalks, learning more about the mangrove program and its flow-on effects through the community.
Higatangan Island
Experience the unique welcome of this remote island and spend the day exploring traditional medicine techniques, village fishing net-making, shipbuilding, and painting. Take local transport to the island’s highest point for spectacular views across the Visayan Sea before enjoying a local seafood boodle lunch under the shade of aged beechwood trees. This afternoon, snorkel from the Xplorer at a nearby reef.
Mambajao & Mantique Island, Philippines
Camiguin is known as the “Island Born of Fire,” boasting seven volcanoes that shape its unique landscape. Experience the history of the island with a visit to the well-preserved Chen Heritage House, sampling local food. Cool down at the spectacular Katibawasan Falls, a 70-metre cascade offering swimming and scenic views. After lunch, swim, snorkel, and dive in the bluest of seas at our exclusively reserved Mantique Island.
Bohol, Philippines
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. Moor up against a floating platform where local villagers in traditional costumes perform a lively song-and-dance performance, and you are welcome to join in. Visit the Tarsier Conservatory to see the world’s smallest primate, which is only slightly bigger than a mango and is considered a near-threatened species. From the viewpoint lookout, admire the cacao-coloured Chocolate Hills with their symmetrical mounds.
Cuatro Islas, Philippines
Meaning ‘four islands’ in Spanish, Cuatros Islas is a group of elusive islands, three of which are 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.
Maripipi, Philippines
Visit the townships of Agutay and Casibang to experience an authentic cultural immersion. Taste local delicacies and participate in the weaving of wild vines and century-old pottery-making techniques. Known as the ‘Isle of Gems’ for its clear waters and white sand beaches, spend the afternoon on picturesque Sambawan Island, which offers opportunities for snorkelling and a light walk to the island’s 360° viewpoint.
Tiaco, Philippines
Admire the old-style buildings of San Jacinto and learn about the processes of cacao production, then taste the rich hot chocolate made with coconut milk. Wander the lively streets of this fishing village and visit the local fish market to view the diversity of the catch. Later, enjoy some free time to swim, snorkel, and kayak, or simply relax under the de-nutted coconut palms of a local resort. For divers and keen snorkellers, spend the morning at Halea Nature Resort amidst bountiful fish and coral gardens.
Marinduque, Philippines
Here in Marinduque, locals participate in a unique version of the crucifixion of Christ, called the Mariones Festival, wearing heavy wooden masks and thick handmade armour. We will visit the master craftsman who makes these unique cultural artefacts and learn about the ‘suffering’ of Christ as perceived by the Marinduquians. This afternoon, we will visit the local cathedral and town square with 1930s architecture, followed by our last swim from the Xplorer at a reef near Natangco Island before departing for Manila.
Day 17: Manila, Philippines
Our voyage ends in the Philippines capital of Manila. Disembark Coral Geographer and bid farewell to new-found friends, Master and crew.
Conditions apply. Subject to availability and change without notice. Full supplier conditions apply. Valid for new bookings only. Prices valid at the time of publication. Prices are per person based on twin share occupancy unless otherwise stated and displayed in AU$. Member savings are calculated using the original advertised price.