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The Hidden Treasures of the Philippines and Borneo Luxury Cruise

The Hidden Treasures of the Philippines and Borneo Luxury Cruise

From AUD $14,470

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Description

Set off to explore the cultural and natural treasures of the Philippines, Brunei and Malaysia’s Sarawak region during an odyssey along the South China Sea. From Corregidor in Manila Bay, you will be immersed in a captivating history where the echoes of a colonial past and the battles of the Second World War still resonate. Throughout this journey, you will encounter a majestic natural world revealing the striking beauty of its wonders. Along these sun-drenched shores, the Puerto Princesa subterranean river flows through karst caves, the rich marine biodiversity of Coron invites discovery, while the beaches of the Balabac Islands stretch out under a gentle breeze, and abundant life flourishes in the lush mangroves of Brunei. Then, in Malaysia, fall under the spell of Kuching, the elegant capital of Sarawak, with its historic façades and lively markets, before the floating cities of Borneo reveal their heritage.

Trip Name
The Hidden Treasures of the Philippines and Borneo Luxury Cruise
Days
13
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Passenger Capacity: 92 cabins Built: 2018/2019 Le Jacques Cartier is the newest vessel in the PONANT Explorers series, blending contemporary French elegance with cutting-edge design and technology. Accommodating just 184 guests across 92 stylish staterooms and suites, the ship offers an intimate and refined cruising experience. Its sophisticated interiors feature open spaces filled with natural light, seamlessly connecting guests to the sea and surrounding landscapes. Expansive lounges, a theatre, and a swimming pool create inviting social areas, while the marina platform allows effortless access to Zodiac excursions and water activities. On board, Le Jacques Cartier embodies the essence of French art de vivre through exceptional gastronomy, fine wines, and attentive service. Wellness facilities provide a sanctuary for relaxation, complementing days of discovery and exploration. Built with the latest environmental innovations, the ship reflects PONANT’s commitment to responsible and sustainable cruising. Whether sailing through tropical islands, ancient coastlines, or polar waters, Le Jacques Cartier delivers a journey defined by comfort, culture, and connection to the natural world.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 - Manila
On first sight, the Philippines' capital shows its highly Americanised Asian megalopolis side, with ultramodern skyscrapers set all along the waterfront. But when you stroll through the cobbled streets of the Intramuros district, you'll discover a different side of Manila, one that's full of old-world charm. An enchanted pause in the middle of urban bustle, Rizal Park's 60 hectares of magnificent green parkland is perfect for recharging your batteries. To see the city from a different angle, take a walk along Roxas boulevard, a popular seaside promenade.
Day 2 - Day 2 - Corregidor Island
Located at the entrance to Manila Bay, Corregidor Island blends wild nature and historical remnants, offering an atmosphere that is at once peaceful and fascinating. Once the gateway to the transpacific trade facilitated by the Spanish, connecting Acapulco to Manila, it has become a strong symbol of the Second World War. Plunge into this historic sanctuary by discovering its fortifications, the ruins of its barracks and gun batteries, its tunnels and its impressive miliary memorial devoted to Filipino, American and Japanese soldiers.
Day 3 - Day 3 - Coron, Palawan
Anchored off the extreme north of Palawan in the heart of the Philippines' Calamian Islands, the little island of Coron is an emerald gem adorned with lakes. Among the many activities here, you can explore the shores of Lake Kayangan in a bangka, a traditional outrigger cano dive in the ﾠfresh, warm waters of Lake Barracuda. Famous for its limestone cliffs pierced with caves, the island also has an extraordinary cultural heritage. A stopover in Coron offers an excellent opportunity for meeting the indigenous Tagbanua tribe, a fishing and hunting people who ensure their island remains unspoilt. And it has paid off. Coron has retained all its natural wonders.
Day 4 - Day 4 - Culion, Palawan
Surrounded by 41 islets in the heart of the Calamian Archipelago, the island of Culion is a peaceful insular community located north of Palawan. It is renowned for its rich historical legacy and heritage sites, since it used to shelter a leper colony created in 1906 under American colonial rule. A very characterful place imbued with local atmosphere, Culion has many historical buildings that remain intact today. You will be able to discover its hospital, which houses a museum and archives of photos and historical objects. You will then visit the Church of Immaculate Conception, whose ceiling was painted by people with leprosy. It is part of an old Spanish fort affording views over the sea and surrounding villages. The visit will end with a local show on Rizal Square, where you will be able to observe the historic homes of former leprosy patients as well as the original theatre.
Day 5 - Day 5 - Modessa Island, Palawan
Nestling off the coast of Palawan, the island of Modessa is a veritable tropical and pristine refuge. This small isolated island, edged with beaches of white sand and shaded by coconut trees, invites you to enjoy a timeless interlude. Surrounded by coral reefs, it shelters teeming marine life (tropical fish, coral, starfish and turtles), offering ideal conditions for snorkelling, directly accessible from the shore. Between swimming in crystal-clear waters, moments of relaxation on the beach and immersion in intact nature, this insular setting is sure to be an unforgettable port of call.
Day 6 - Day 6 - Puerto Princesa, Palawan
Puerto Princesa, in the centre of Palawan island, is a great place for exploring many of the region's natural attractions. You won't have to go too far before donning your snorkelling kit and swimming with the abundant and richly diverse sealife: off Puerto Princesa, you'll enjoy the breathtaking coral islands of Honda Bay. If you'd like to experience nature in her most spectacular finery, make sure you see the karstic topography of the underground river in Puerto Princesaﾒs national park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Day 7 - Day 7 - Balabac
Located at the far south-west of the Philippines, opposite Sabah in Malaysia, the Balabac archipelago is composed of 32 islands forming the southernmost group of Palawan Province. There, you will discover idyllic white sand beaches edged with crystal clear water, a veritable invitation for swimming and relaxation.
Day 8 - Day 8 - Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Located on the north-east coast of the Malaysian State of Sabah on the island of Borneo, Kota Kinabalu is an excellent jumping-off point for exploring the natural attractions of the region. It is close to Mt Kinabalu, but before you head off to climb the holy mountain check out the heart of the old city, nicknamed KK by locals. Although there isn't much left of its colonial heritage, ﾠits multi-cultural restaurants, shops and friendly atmosphere is immensely appealing. Don't miss a stroll along the KK's busiest promenade, the colourful Waterfront.
Day 9 - Day 9 - Muara
A port town located in north-east Brunei, Muara is a privileged access route towards Bandar Seri Begawan, the country’s capital. Developed around the famous village on stilts, Kampong Ayer, the capital is distinguished by its majestic Islamic architecture, symbol of the Sultanate’s greatness through its imposing mosques and its impressive royal buildings. Here, tradition and modernity live together in harmony, offering a face of Brunei that is at once historic, spiritual and contemporary.
Day 10 - Day 10 - Bintulu, Sarawak
Located on the central coast of Sarawak, the old fishing village of Bintulu is now a nerve centre of the Malaysian oil and gas industry, but also a dynamic town with a remarkably well-preserved cultural and natural heritage. Fall under the spell of its lively traditional markets, its Chinese temples, and its longhouses, living witnesses of its ancestral heritage. Bintulu also offers privileged access to the Similajau National Park, a veritable tropical nature sanctuary in which idyllic beaches, lush mangroves and wildlife make up a fascinating landscape, its beauty intact.
Day 11 - Day 11 - Kuching, Sarawak
On the island of Borneo, the state of Sarawak invites you to live out your dreams of adventure. The largest state in Malaysia is home to some of the oldest forest on the planet and we can easily understand why this little corner of paradise inspired Somerset Maugham, the British writer and traveller, to write one of his novels - The Casuarina Tree. We invite you to follow in the footsteps of the writer and set off to discover the colonial capital of the State: Kuching, which is known as ”Cat City” in Malay, where a feline languor does indeed permeate this tantalizingly elusive city. Lying nonchalantly on the banks of the Sungai Sarawak, this little city is proud of its romantic past and its quaint charm and beauty. 
Day 12 - Day 12 - At sea
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Day 13 - Day 13 - Singapore
Nicknamed the Garden City, Singapore stretches across Malaysia's southern-most region. Experience the vibrant hustle and bustle of this city-state for yourself at the Marina Bay. No too far away is the historic centre, offering up a unique smorgasbord of neoclassical buildings and contemporary towers. Decked out in topiary, the pavements of Orchard Road are also home to countless shopping centres. The colourful markets in Chinatown and Little India are the perfect opportunity to quell hunger pangs in a hawker centre, one of the city's traditional snack bars. Between the two districts, get a slice of history with a trip to the Raffles dock. It was here that Englishman Sir Raffles, the founder of the city, is said to have arrived one fateful day in January 1819.
Day 14 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
20-05-202701-06-2027AUD $18,010Superior Stateroom
20-05-202701-06-2027AUD $19,460Deluxe Stateroom
20-05-202701-06-2027AUD $21,570Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
20-05-202701-06-2027AUD $22,630Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
20-05-202701-06-2027AUD $23,900Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
20-05-202701-06-2027AUD $33,180Deluxe Suite
20-05-202701-06-2027AUD $44,750Prestige Suite Deck 5
20-05-202701-06-2027AUD $47,070Prestige Suite Deck 6
20-05-202701-06-2027AUD $54,020Owner's Suite
22-01-202803-02-2028AUD $15,620Deluxe Stateroom
22-01-202803-02-2028AUD $17,260Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
22-01-202803-02-2028AUD $18,080Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
22-01-202803-02-2028AUD $19,060Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
22-01-202803-02-2028AUD $26,280Deluxe Suite
22-01-202803-02-2028AUD $35,310Prestige Suite Deck 5
22-01-202803-02-2028AUD $37,120Prestige Suite Deck 6
22-01-202803-02-2028AUD $49,750Owner's Suite
22-01-202803-02-2028AUD $14,470Superior Stateroom
28-04-202810-05-2028AUD $17,310Deluxe Stateroom
28-04-202810-05-2028AUD $18,180Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
28-04-202810-05-2028AUD $18,700Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
28-04-202810-05-2028AUD $19,400Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
28-04-202810-05-2028AUD $25,830Deluxe Suite Deck 3
28-04-202810-05-2028AUD $25,830Deluxe Suite Deck 4
28-04-202810-05-2028AUD $25,830Deluxe Suite Deck 5
28-04-202810-05-2028AUD $25,830Deluxe Suite Deck 6
28-04-202810-05-2028AUD $27,730Prestige Suite Deck 5
28-04-202810-05-2028AUD $28,610Prestige Suite Deck 6
28-04-202810-05-2028AUD $29,300Privilege Suite Deck 5
28-04-202810-05-2028AUD $29,300Privilege Suite Deck 6
28-04-202810-05-2028AUD $30,160Grand Deluxe Suite
28-04-202810-05-2028AUD $34,310Owner's Suite

Inclusions

    • An odyssey through the island territories of South-East Asia, to discover the cultural and natural treasures of this region.
    • Places of interest: Vigan, the best-preserved colonial town in Asia; Coron Island and the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (both UNESCO-listed); and Corregidor Island, a memorial site dedicated to the Second World War.
    • Combined discovery of the Philippines, Brunei and Malaysia, featuring major historical sites, traditional villages and iconic natural landscapes of Southeast Asia.

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