Asian Island Odyssey Cruise
From: $3,974 CAD
Join the ultimate tropical island-hopping cruise from Taipei, Taiwan, through the Philippines and Indonesia to Darwin, Australia, as we sail well off the traditional tourist route aboard our luxurious 140-guest expedition ship Heritage Adventurer.
Crossing both the Tropic of Cancer and the Equator, our adventure begins in Taiwan’s bustling capital Taipei, before we weave our way through hard-to-reach and rarely-visited tropical islands. Discover islands where impossibly blue waters gently lap white sand beaches and pristine coral gardens and walls abound with neon-lit fish, fascinating rare birds and wildlife dwell in primeval jungles, intriguing time-forget cultures and traditions await discovery. In addition to being among some of the most biodiverse regions on the planet and home to rare and endangered wildlife, these remote tropical outposts boast incredible history, heritage and ancient cultures. Escaping the tourist boom due to their hard-to-reach locations makes them perfect for exploration by expedition ship.
Highlights include Taiwan’s Yehliu Geopark and 19-kilometre-long canyon Taroko National Park and Marble Gorge with its 300 feet high marble walls, swimming with Whale Sharks and discovering the ‘eighth wonder of the world’ on Bohol Island. At Banda Neira we plan to delve into the fascinating history of the Spice Islands and explore the iconic five-sided Fort Belgica built in 1611 and pending World Heritage Site status. Observe thousands of stingless jellyfish at Tojoman Lagoon, look for the critically endangered Crested Black Macaque, known for their distinctive pink rumps and jet-black mohawks and the world’s smallest primate the saucer-eyed Tarsier at Bitung.
Discover Indonesia’s secret paradise Kei Kecil Island and postcard perfection of Ngurbloat Beach which are largely undiscovered by modern travellers, snorkel pristine coral reefs, sample local delicacies and experience thrilling cultural exchanges at villages where traditional life continues unchanged on this unforgettable adventure. This expedition includes the option to join a sea kayaking excursion with an expert guide. Kayakers are rewarded with tranquil, tropical settings and are a source of fascination to the locals who often paddle their canoes out to join them, and invite them back to their villages.
