Indonesia & Philippines Expedition

Day 1, Arrive Taipei, Taiwan

Arrive in the capital of Taiwan, Taipei where you’ll be transferred to your hotel. Be sure to try some delicious Xiao Long Bao (steamed soup dumplings) during your time in this sleek city. In the evening you’ll meet your guides and fellow travellers over dinner at the hotel.

Overnight: Taipei Marriott Hotel

Days 2–3: Taipei to Hualien – Temples, Coastlines & Taroko National Park

The following day, explore the magnificent Taroko National Park, where the Marble Gorge carves through mountains cloaked in bamboo forest. Keep watch for over 140 bird species and the elusive Nanhu Salamander.After breakfast, travel to the port town of Keelung to visit the National Palace Museum and Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall before sampling local Xiaochi snacks. In the afternoon, board the Heritage Adventurer and set sail for Hualien.

Overnight: Heritage Adventurer

Days 4–5: Northern Philippines – Calayan Island & Divilacan Bay

Continue south to Divilacan Bay, snorkelling the reefs off heart-shaped Honeymoon Island and cruising through mangroves to learn about the Mabuwaya Foundation’s crocodile conservation work.Sail into the Philippines to reach Calayan Island, one of the country’s most remote and pristine destinations. Discover Nagudungan and Bangaan Hills, coastal caves, waterfalls, and the surrounding waters frequented by dolphins and whales.

Overnight: Heritage Adventurer

Days 6–8: Polillo, Caramoan & Samar Islands – Forests, Reefs & Rainforest Giants

At Caramoan Peninsula National Park, explore dense forests, rivers, underground caves, and crystal-clear bays used in Survivor. Continue to Samar Island, home to the Philippines’ largest lowland rainforest and the endangered Philippine Eagle.Land on Polillo Island, the first expedition ship to ever visit this remote region. Search for rare wildlife such as the Philippine Brown Deer, warty pig, Rufous Horseshoe bat, and the Butaan Lizard – a tree-dwelling cousin of the Komodo Dragon.

Overnight: Heritage Adventurer

Days 9–10: Bohol & Bucas Grande Islands – Chocolate Hills & Coral Gardens

Cruise onwards to Bucas Grande Island to swim in the serene Blue Lagoon, sip cinnamon tea, and explore mangroves, peaceful coves, and the Sohoton Jellyfish Sanctuary.On Bohol Island, climb to the top of the Chocolate Hills, visit the Tarsier sanctuary, and explore coral gardens in search of sea turtles.

Overnight: Heritage Adventurer

Days 11–13: Sailing to North Sulawesi – Bitung & Gorontalo

Spend a relaxing day at sea as you leave the Philippines behind and sail towards the Indonesian archipelago.

Arrive at the vibrant port of Bitung and venture into the Tangkoko Nature Reserve, a lush wilderness stretching from beach to mountain peak.

Here you can spot Crested Black Macaques, Sulawesi Bear Cuscus, and the remarkable Draco Flying Lizard gliding between trees, while birders can look for Knobbed Hornbills, Maleo birds, and Sulawesi Mynas.

Continue to the mountainous island of Gorontalo, where white-sand beaches meet a rich cultural heritage. Explore historic Portuguese forts overlooking the coast, then swim alongside the gentle giants of the sea – Whale Sharks – in the calm, turquoise waters.

Overnight: Heritage Adventurer

Days 14–16: Spice Islands – Seho, Buru & Banda Neira

End in Banda Neira, the heart of the ancient spice trade, surrounded by coral reefs, volcanic landscapes, and relics of colonial history.Journey through Indonesia’s legendary Spice Islands. On Seho Island, hike through jungle trails alive with birds and wildlife, then snorkel among coral forests before visiting spice plantations and markets on Taliabu. On Buru Island, encounter endemic bird and mammal species while learning from local communities.

Overnight: Heritage Adventurer

Days 17–19: Kei Kecil Island & Voyage to Darwin – The Perfect Farewell

Your final stop in Indonesia is Kei Kecil Island, where five kilometres of pristine white sand are framed by swaying coconut palms and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Take a final swim or simply relax on the beach as Manta Rays glide gracefully past offshore.

As evening falls, set sail once more and enjoy a leisurely day at sea. Your guides will recap the highlights of your incredible journey before a farewell dinner with your fellow adventurers. The following morning, sail into Darwin, Australia, where you’ll disembark after breakfast and transfer to either downtown Darwin or the international airport for your onward travels.

Overnight: Heritage Adventurer