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Philippines with Palau & Taiwan

Philippines with Palau & Taiwan

From USD $15,980

Description

On this exotic Philippines tour, explore mangrove forests and scenic coastlines on numerous Zodiac excursions, while nature hikes reveal the amazing biodiversity of these isolated islands.

Visit Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its high density of marine life with 600 fish species and over 300 varieties of coral.

Trek through diverse landscapes at Taroko National Park, home to the world’s largest marble gorge, rugged coastal cliffs, narrow canyons, and lush, subtropical forest.

Explore a tunnel on Batan used by Japanese soldiers during World War II.

Experience warm welcomes and legendary Filipino hospitality as you visit traditional villages and remote island communities.

Inclusions
Daily activity options including cultural tours, nature walks, snorkeling, and Zodiac cruises; all gratuities; all accommodations; world-class lecture and expedition team; all onboard meals and group meals ashore, including soft drinks, beer, and wine with lunch and dinner; all entrance fees, taxes, and landing and port charges; arrival and departure transfers on group dates; gift certificates for recommended expedition gear; medical expense coverage and emergency evacuation insurance.

Trip Name
Philippines with Palau & Taiwan
Days
15
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition Length: 90 metres Passenger Capacity: 114 (in 57 suites) Built: 1991 / refurbished 2012 The MS Caledonian Sky accommodates a maximum of 114 passengers in 57 spacious outside suites. Many have walk-in wardrobes and some feature tub baths. There will be seven categories of suites and sixteen suites will have private balconies. For those familiar with the MS Island Sky she will feel like a second home, although there are some differences. The dining room, lounge, Lido Deck and bar are all similar. However, the ‘Club’ on the MS Caledonian Sky has been transported to the very top deck. Here, there is a library and bar which leads out on to a lovely forward deck. The ‘Club’ has wonderful views with ceiling to floor windows. If you like the MS Island Sky, we are sure you will also approve of her sister. And, of course it is important that we offer the very best of facilities. However, equally as important are the staff on board whether they are the vessel’s crew or our own expedition staff. Noble Caledonia’s reputation has been built on providing the very best in all areas. Their crew of 74 not only offer an excellent service they are also noted for their kindness and attention to detail. A well run ship with a warm atmosphere is what we are known for, and it is because most of our crew have been with us for many years that we are able to engender such an atmosphere. Your Suite Onboard there are 57 exceptionally spacious and well designed suites. The passenger accommodation is arranged over four decks and all suites have outside views. All feature a sitting room area and some have private balconies. Each affords considerable comfort with en-suite bathroom featuring a country style wash basin, hot towel rack and vanity unit with sink and walk-in shower and/or bath tub. Facilities in the suites also include walk-in or spacious wardrobes, dressing table with large mirror and stool or desk, mini-fridge, flat screen television, telephone, programmable electronic safe, hairdryer, assorted toiletries, air-conditioning and heating. Bottled water, towelling dressing gowns and slippers are also provided for your comfort. Your space The spacious and finely decorated public rooms include a large lounge where daily briefings and talks will be provided throughout the voyage and an elegant bar where a pianist plays periodically throughout the day. The bar also features a 24-hour tea and coffee station. In addition there is the Club Lounge on the Panoramic Deck which features a bar. The onboard travel library is the perfect place to relax with a book and is stocked with reference books pertaining to the places the vessel is visiting along with a selection of games and two computers with internet access. Daily newspapers and magazines are also placed in the library depending on local availability. Outside there is a rear Lido deck where meals are served in warm weather under shade. On the top deck there is a further observation and sun deck with bar service and comfortable deck furniture for sun bathing or relaxing with a book. There is also a small gymnasium onboard and hairdressers with appointments made on request. Your dining With only one sitting and a maximum of just over 100 passengers, the quality of cuisine will be of a consistent superior quality. Where possible and when it meets his high standards, our accomplished chef will obtain local produce in markets or buy the catch of the day from a passing fishing boat. Such purchases enhance the well stocked larders and bring a local touch to the varied menus. In the main elegant dining room, breakfast is served buffet-style, with certain items cooked to order and lunch and dinner is à la carte. When weather permits, breakfast, a buffet-style lunch and dinner are also served on deck. To enhance your dining experience even further a selection of wines are included with lunch and dinner. Afternoon tea is served in the lounge and tea and coffee are available 24 hours. With sufficient notice, most diets can be catered for on board. For your comfort, safety and security The vessel is equipped with the latest safety, navigation and communications equipment along with roll stabilisers to minimise the ship’s motion. The Captain and officers operate an open-bridge policy that allows passengers onto the bridge at most times with the exception of arrival and departure from port and during times of complicated navigation. Here you can check the ship’s progress by charts and learn more from the officers about your journey. There is also a dedicated channel on your television in your suite showing the routing of the vessel along with technical information and estimated times of arrival and departure from port. On board you will also find a clinic and doctor and a lift that serves all decks. Smoking on board is restricted to outside decks only. Gratuities Unlike many other cruise vessels, onboard the MS Caledonian Sky you do not need to worry about tipping staff as we have included them in your holiday price. In addition we tip all their guides and drivers along the way, thereby taking away the hassle of always having to remember to have some small change with you.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Palau
Arrive in Koror and transfer to the Palau Royal Resort for overnight
Day 2 - Day 2 Palau
Today explore Palau’s geologically fascinating Rock Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Board a local boat for a cruise among the limestone islands and islets and enjoy world-class snorkeling among vibrant coral reefs. This is an important nesting site for many species, and as you look up from the water, watch for wheeling white-tailed tropicbirds, fast flying sulfur-crested cockatoos, common and white terns, and slow-flying Palauan fruit bats. Enjoy lunch on a white-sand beach. Return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 3 - DDay 3 - Palau - / Embark Caledonian Sky
Palau’s surrounding reefs are home to more than 1,500 species of fish and 700 species of coral, while in the sandy shallows, thousands of giant clams can be found. Spend the morning exploring this incredibly rich marine environment at one of Palau’s many world-class snorkel sites. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before embarking the Caledonian Sky.
Day 4 - Day 4-5
Two days at sea offer a chance to relax onboard, scan the skies and waters on deck with naturalists, and attend lectures from our experts.
Day 5 - Day 6 Pamilacan Island, Philippines
Arrive in the Philippines this morning. Spend the rest of the day snorkeling or diving off tiny Pamilacan Island, with the possibility of going ashore to visit with locals.
Day 6 - Day 7 Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
Today visit Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a marine and bird sanctuary that covers over 370 square miles. Part of the Coral Triangle, this area was recognized as a World Heritage Site due to the high density of marine species and important breeding grounds for seabirds and marine turtles. Spend the day snorkeling or diving over pristine reefs.
Day 7 - Day 8 Coron Island
Explore the natural and cultural wonders of Coron, including an active hike up Coron’s vertical cliffs, which is rewarded with breathtaking views of Kayangan Lake. Afterwards there is an opportunity to swim in the crystal-clear waters. In the afternoon, visit the Banuang Daan who will showcase their rich traditions with a performance and display of handicrafts.
Day 8 - Day 9 Apo Reef
The second-largest contiguous coral reef in the world after the Great Barrier Reef, Apo offers a kaleidoscope of hard and soft corals. Discover luminescent anemones and nudibranchs, pygmy seahorses, pipefish, and other wondrous small creatures, as well as large pelagics such as sharks, tuna, and barracudas.
Day 9 - Day 10 Hundred Islands National Park
Comprised of 124 lushly vegetated islands, Hundred Islands National Park offers lovely beaches, gorgeous vistas, and crystal-clear waters. Spend the day on one of these private islands birding, snorkeling, diving, and exploring by Zodiac.
Day 10 - Day 11 Vigan
Established in the 16th century, Vigan stands as Asia’s finest example of a planned Spanish colonial city. Exceptionally intact, its grid street pattern and architectural influences earned the city UNESCO status in 1999. Wander the cobbled streets, and pay a visit to the Pagburnayan pottery makers, to learn about the production of Vigan’s famous burnay jars.
Day 11 - Day 12 Babuyan Islands
The Babuyan Islands are home to steep foothills, volcanic cones, mangroves, and a marine sanctuary. Take a stroll along Calayan’s gorgeous white-sand beaches and snorkel or dive in the warm waters, while birders search the forest for the Calayan rail, a flightless bird endemic to the island.
Day 12 - Day 13 Batan Island
Batan was the first domino to fall during Japan’s invasion of the Philippines during World War II, and you will hear harrowing tales while visiting a tunnel used as a hideout by Japanese soldiers. Climb to the top of Radar Tukon, a former lighthouse and US weather station, which offers 360-degree views across the island. Savor the fresh air and bucolic setting of the Vayang Rolling Hills, then take a leisurely stroll around the town plaza, dominated by Santo Domingo de Basco Church, built in 1812.
Day 13 - Day 14 Hualien, Taiwan
Arrive in Taiwan’s second-largest city, located on the mountainous east coast. Hualien serves as your gateway to Taroko National Park, centered upon its namesake marble gorge. The park comprises some 227,000 acres and varying altitudes, from sea level at the mouth of the Liwu River to towering Mount Nanhu at more than 12,000 feet. Such dramatic climate changes create a diverse array of vegetation and habitats, hosting a third of Taiwan’s vascular plants, half of its mammal species, and over 140 recorded bird species.
Day 14 - Day 15 Keelung (Taipei)
Dominated by Taipei 101—a 1,600-foot-high tower that resembles a stalk of bamboo—Taiwan’s capital offers a captivating mix of Asian and Western influences. The city is famous for its street food, so make a stop to sample a variety of xiaochi (little snacks) while visiting top attractions such as the Chinese-influenced Martyrs’ Shrine; Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, commemorating Taiwan’s former president; and the National Palace Museum, which houses the world’s largest collection of Chinese art. Or, leave the city bustle behind to visit Yehliu Geopark with its surreal rock formations, as well as Gold Ecological Park, built to offer insights into the region’s gold-mining culture.
Day 15 - Day 16 Taipei
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your independent homeward flight.
Day 16 - Please note:
Based on the expeditionary nature of our trips, there may be ongoing enhancements to this itinerary.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
01-03-202016-03-2020USD $15,980Category 1 Special Single Rate (Limited)
01-03-202016-03-2020USD $15,980Category 1
01-03-202016-03-2020USD $17,180Category 2 Special Single Rate (Limited)
01-03-202016-03-2020USD $17,180Category 2
01-03-202016-03-2020USD $18,180Category 3
01-03-202016-03-2020USD $19,280Category 4
01-03-202016-03-2020USD $19,280Category 4 Special Single Rate (Limited)
01-03-202016-03-2020USD $20,680Category 5
01-03-202016-03-2020USD $22,680Category 6

Inclusions

    • Visit Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its high density of marine life with 600 fish species and over 300 varieties of coral.
    • Trek through diverse landscapes at Taroko National Park, home to the world's largest marble gorge, rugged coastal cliffs, narrow canyons, and lush, subtropical forest.
    • Explore a tunnel on Batan used by Japanese soldiers during World War II.
    • Experience warm welcomes and legendary Filipino hospitality as you visit traditional villages and remote island communities.

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