Board Coral Adventurer at 1600 and settle into your cabin to relax as we set sail across the South China Sea. Join the Captain’s welcome drinks and meet your crew and fellow guests as the sun sets.

Lubang & Cabra IslandThis morning we arrive in Lubang Island, known for its long sandy beaches, lush rainforests and picturesque coastlines of towering rock cliffs. Here you will find great opportunities for hiking, snorkelling and beach hopping. Visit the Onoda Cave where Japanese soldier Hiroo Onoda hid for 29 years mistakenly believing that WWII was still raging. See the historic lighthouse on nearby Cabra Island, one of the first built by the Spanish during their colonisation of the archipelago.Apo ReefApo Reef is considered as the second largest atoll-like reef in the Philippines comprising of two isolated coral reefs that are disconnected by a 30-meter deep channel. The clear blue waters of the channel are teeming with almost 300 species of colourful marine life, including tropical aquarium fish, snappers and the crevice-dwelling moray eel. It is one best dive spots in the world, attracting divers year-round. The soft white sand and patches of fine corals, clearly visible through the crystal blue waters is an entrancing sight. Although most of the areas of the Reef are submerged, three beautiful islands: Apo Island, Apo Menor and Cayos del Bajo mark it on the surface.Coron IslandWe begin our day at Kayangan Lake, as we snorkel, swim and kayak through the island-dotted Coron region with its tranquil lagoons and white-sand beaches. Swim, kayak and snorkel the picturesque waterways of island-dotted Coron, including the crystal-clear waters of Kayangan Lake and Twin Lagoon, reached by swimming through a narrow crevice and Miniloc Island with its plunging limestone cliffs clad in lush jungle tumbling into turquoise lagoons.Palawan takes the title of “Most Beautiful Island in the World”, and for good reason: its landscape is lush with wildlife, jungle mountains, and beautiful beaches.Bacuit BayToday we spend the day snorkelling and swimming through the small islands of the Bacuit archipelago, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve noted for its sustainable development and conservation efforts. Standing out is El Nido, a cluster of 45 small islands that boast some of the best beaches and diving sites that the Philippines have to offer with Simzu Island’s limestone crags an impressive site. Our Xplorers take us to private Entalula Island for a beach BBQ before kayaking and swimming at Miniloc island. Choose to hike to the top of Pangulasian Island overlooking the Bacuit archipelago to take in the panoramic tapestry of electric blue and sea foam-green seas against imposing limestone outcrops of karst cliffs. Wander the grounds of historic and well-preserved Taytay Fortress, constructed in 1667 one of the best-preserved Spanish-colonial stone fortresses remaining in the Philippines.Tabon Cave, QuezonToday we explore the Tabon cave system, protected as a museum reservation, where 22,000-year-old human bones have been discovered. Located in Lipuun Point, north of Quezon, the Tabon Cave has been coined the Philippines’ ‘Cradle of Civilisation’. Later, swim, snorkel or kayak at Tabon beach, a 43-hectare strip of land carpeted with dense rainforest and secluded in the middle of a marine sanctuary.Kota KinabaluEnjoy a cultural experience while at Kota Kinabalu. Spend a day at the Kinabalu World Heritage National Park, then head to Poring Hot Springs for a tour of Kinabalu mountain. A lofty canopy walk will allow you to admire Borneo’s fauna and flora.Bandar seri BegawanDiscover the Sultanate of Brunei, meet the Indigenous Dusan, Iban and Kedayan people who live in rural areas, and enjoy a Ngajat traditional dance and visit the Royal Regalia Museum which houses regalia of the Sultan of Brunei and royalty. We will also visit the largest water village in the world.MiriAt Miri, learn about South East Asia’s first human existence at Niah Museum with 40,000-year-old relics displayed from the archaeological site of Niah Caves or visit Lambir Hill National Park and see an Iban Longhouse, the traditional home of the Iban people.BintuluArriving in Bintulu, our excursion takes us to Similajau National Park with a trek starting with a crossing of the Sungei Likau River. Similajau National Park boasts 24 recorded species of mammals, such as gibbons, banded langurs and log-tailed macaques and 185 species of birds.MukahSpend the morning in town, strolling around Old Sibu markets and visit an iconic 7-storey Chinese Pagoda, and learn about the handmade longevity noodle production. There is an optional full day excursion in Sibu and the Rajan River, the largest river of Malaysia. Located at the confluence of the Rajang and Igan Rivers, the city’s local life centres around the busy river with water taxis and floating grocery stores. After lunch we head upriver in our Xplorer’s to Iban territory in Sibu and Mukah. There is an optional half day excursion to Mukah and the Malanau Heartland, home of the Melanau people an ethnic group indigenous to Sarawak. Later we visit the famous 19th century chimney of the Sago Palms Factory, where local chieftains grew wealthy from the labour of farmers who extracted the starchy pith of tall palms manually. KuchingWith its rainforest, abundant wildlife, jungle streams, waterfalls, interesting plant life, secluded beaches and trekking trails, Bako National park offers visitors an excellent introduction to the rainforest of Borneo. Gazetted as a protected area in 1957, Bako is Sarawak’s oldest national park, covering an area of 2,742 hectares at the tip of the Muara Tebas peninsula. It is one of the smallest national parks in Sarawak, yet one of the most interesting, as it contains almost every type of vegetation found in Borneo. A well-maintained network of trails – from easy forest strolls to full-day jungle treks – allows visitors to get the most out of this unique environment. Look for wildlife such as gibbons, banded langurs and long-tailed macaques along with more than 180 bird species at Similajau National Park and proboscis monkeys, Borneo bearded pigs and monitor lizards at Bako National Park. We visit Semenggoh Nature Reserve where orangutans who have been orphaned or rescued from captivity, are rehabilitated before returning to the wild.Head into Kuching city for a guided tour showcasing the heritage of the city. We explore the Kuching Waterfront, visit the Tua Pek Kong Temple and the Sarawak Museum of Art and Natural History. In the afternoon we board the Xplorer tenders and cruise to nearby Lakei Island for an afternoon of relaxation.Tioman IslandThis morning we arrive in the nature reserve of Tioman Island off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia in the South China Sea. Ringed by beaches, the area is known for its shipwreck dive sites which teem with marine life. The island is covered in tropical rainforests, home to butterflies, lizards and monkeys. On the east coast, the Juara Turtle Project is a hatchery that protects and studies sea turtles. See a more authentic side of Tioman Island at Genting Village. The beach backs on to a traditional Malaysian village which is filled with local fishermen. Watch them hauling in their catch and get a glimpse of how the local community live and work on Tioman Island.

Our voyage ends in Singapore. 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.