Island Trails of the Philippines

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. 

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

Relax onboard as we spend the day sailing across the South China Sea before reaching the 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Our voyage ends in the Philippines capital of Manila. Disembark Coral Geographer and bid farewell to new-found friends, Master and crew.