Island Trails of the Philippines

Board Coral Adventurer at 4:00 pm at Keelung, Taiwan. 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 night 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 ‘Paradise of the North’. On our visit here, cross the hanging bridge at Baranggay Nagsabaran and taste local food. Explore the rich biodiversity of the land, experience local catch fishing and learn about how difference species of fish are hatched at the Bureau of Fishery and Aquatic Resources. See one of the heritage houses, the grotto of the Lady of Lourdes and a 948 church bell at the Sta 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 an spectacular view of the town, hills and cliffs.

Experience the natural beauty of Palaui Island National Park where wildlife encounters, both on land and in the sea are main attractions along with historic Cabo Engano lighthouse. The decommissioned 19^th century Faro de Cabo Engano lighthouse on Palaui Island was built during the Spanish colonial period and is considered a National Cultural Treasure. Explore the Punta Verde falls and trek to faro de Cabo Engano at Cape Engano to be rewarded with a breathtaking view.

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 admire the rock formation resembling two chickens. Bird watching is available at close by Minasawa Island and Putting Bato has hidden caves to discover.

Enjoy water activities and leisurely beach walks at some of the Philippines famously scenic beaches with their palm-fringed white sand, aquamarine sea and coral reefs populated by vibrant coral and tropical fish. Enjoy having the island to yourself. At the UNESCO Geopark Reserve of Catanduanes Island explore its unique landscape with lagoons, caves and waterfalls and learn about the melding of Philippines and Spanish culture and history at the Museo de Cataduanes.

Biri Island, a marine protected reserve with opportunities to explore the underwater marine wonderland, we also learn about Biri Island’s place in WWII 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 as 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 and Carnaza Island offer 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. Enjoy an optional traditional Mactan meal for lunch at the Sut TuKil restaurant.

Ticao Island is an ecological frontier for the conservation of Manta Rays and a rare subspecies of Visayan warty pig. Swim with Manta Rays and pass over wrecks of the world’s biggest battleship – IJN Musashi. We may also stop in at Matangtibig Spring for a fresh-water dip. Admire the old-style homes of San Jacinto and Monreal and enjoy watching the sunset onboard with a view of Guinlatayan Rock.

Go on a cultural tour by visiting heritage houses, churches and shrines. Browse traditional handicrafts stores and souvenir shops to learn more about the island province’s local industries. 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.

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.