Board Coral Adventurer at 4:00 pm at Keelung, Taiwan, on 19 November 2021. Settle into your cabin and relax as we set sail across the Pacific Ocean. This evening, join the Captain’s welcome drinks and meet your crew and fellow guests as the sun sets.

These are expedition itineraries covering remote regions. Your Captain and Expedition Team may make changes to the daily schedule when necessary to maximise guest experience. Below are the highlight destinations of your voyage.Hualien, TaiwanThis 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 showcases 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 over millions of years, the spectacular Gorge is the largest marble canyon in the world and boasts a wide variety of trails, temples and landscapes.Aparri, PhillipinesIn the Xplorer, cruise up the Cagayan River to the site of a Spanish Galleon Fort on a day filled with historical insight and immersion. Aparri was formerly a Japanese trading post because of its location at the northern tip of Luzon at the mouth of the Cagayan River. It was the main area for trade for Japan in the island of Luzon. Much of the area was once home to the native Ibanag people, who were at the time in alliance with Japan as an early form of an informal protectorate city-state. It was formally established under Spanish rule in 1605 after the Spanish Crown seized the Philippines and made it part of the Spanish East Indies.Camiguin or Fuga IslandLittle known Camiguin Island is filled with green jungles to explore, white sand beaches to stroll on, turquoise water to swim in and volcanoes to hike. Admire the multiple peaks of Camigun Island, a small island shaped by its volcanic history, including a cemetery which slid into the sea and is marked by an over-sized cross. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed island is home to exceptional cultural artistic and historical significance to the Philippines.Palaui IslandExperience the natural beauty of Palaui Island National Park where wildlife encounters, both on land and in the, sea are its main attractions along with historic Cabo Engano lighthouse. 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.Polillo IslandA relaxed tropical island, Polillo is one of 27 islands that make up the archipelago, where we spend time snorkelling, swimming and kayaking around the small islets.Catanduanes IslandsEnjoy 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. 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 IslandA marine protected reserved with opportunities to explore the underwater marine wonderland, we also learn about Biri Island’s place in WWII history.CapulCapul 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.MaripipiKnown as the ‘Isle of Gems for its crystal-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.Leyte 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. There’s a marble wall near the sculptures that contain the proclamation of MacArthur upon his arrival to the country. Without a doubt, this park will make you appreciate the courage of the soldiers who fought for the nation’s independence. BoholBoard 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. Learn about the art of making guitars, ukulele’s and the bandurria, a plucked chordophone similar to a mandolin and used in Spanish folk music.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.MactanLapu Lapu Monument is a majestic 20m bronze statue of the hero armed with a kampilan (a native sword) and a shield. It is erected to honor 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. The shrine is open to the public, so don’t forget to stop by and marvel at the towering structures and their significance to Philippine history. Also prominently displayed at the shrine is a sprawling painting depicting the Battle of Mactan. Truly, there is no better place to learn about the rich history of Mactan than at the Mactan ShrineTicaoSwim with Manta Rays and pass over wrecks of the worlds biggest battleship – IJN Musashi. We may also stop in at Matangtibig Spring for a fresh-water dip.MarinduqueGo on a cultural tour by visiting heritage houses, churches and shrines, and stop by 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, a pilgrimage site.

Our voyage ends in the Philippines capital of Manila. Disembark Coral Adventurer at 8:00 am and bid farewell to new-found friends, the Master and crew.

This itinerary is an indication of the destinations we visit and activities on offer. Throughout the expedition, we may make changes to the itinerary as necessary to maximise your expeditionary experience. Allowances may be made for seasonal variations, weather, tidal conditions and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel. The itinerary includes the possibility of interaction with wild animals and this interaction is subject to the presence of this wildlife on the day.