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Peregrine Travel Centre

Island Hopping through the Philippines Cruise

Island Hopping through the Philippines Cruise

From GBP £9,995

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Description

For the well-travelled, our voyage from Hong Kong to Kuala Lumpur offers a unique opportunity to visit little known and remote regions that are well away from the usual cruise routes. The privilege of exploring these remarkable lands from a small ship in the company of just over 100 fellow passengers and knowledgeable local guides is an opportunity not to be missed. Marvellous experiences are to be had as we land on pristine beaches, witness traditional ways of life in remote communities and explore mangrove forests while looking out for endemic flora and fauna, each evening returning to the considerable comforts of the all-suite MS Island Sky.
Setting sail from Hong Kong we spend a relaxing day at sea before arriving in Taiwan where, having first been under control of the Chinese empire in the 17th century and later a colony of Japan, history abounds. We will spend a day exploring the former capital of Tainan before making our way to the Philippines where we have the benefit of seven days to experience the legendary Filipino hospitality with visits to traditional villages and remote island communities and discover the rich cultural history with Chinese traders, Spanish conquistadors, and American rulers all having left their mark. We will spend time in the capital city of Manila where quaint street stalls sit side by side with ancient Spanish colonial and modern high-rise buildings and also visit Vigan, the finest surviving example of a Spanish Colonial town in Asia.
As we journey through the staggeringly beautiful Filipino islands, there will be opportunities to swim from the white-sand beaches and birders will delight in the opportunity to visit the Subterranean River National Park which is home to long-tailed macaques, blue-naped parrots and other indigenous wildlife. Our final few days will be spent immersing ourselves in the culture and nature of Malaysia as we observe the diverse range of plants, trees and wildlife including the ‘wild man of Borneo’ – the orangutan, before our journey ends in the city of Kuala Lumpur. We hope you will join us for this unparalleled opportunity to explore one of the most intriguing places on the map.

Trip Name
Island Hopping through the Philippines Cruise
Days
15
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Small Ship Length: 90 metres Passenger Capacity: 116  Built / refurbished: 1992 / 2010 / 2017 The MS Island Sky is an elegant small ship, offering the atmosphere of a private yacht combined with the comfort of a country house hotel. Accommodating just over 100 passengers in 59 spacious suites, all with outside views and many with private balconies, she provides a refined and intimate cruising experience. Suites are beautifully finished with wood panelling and brass details, and feature marble bathrooms, ample storage, and thoughtful amenities such as dressing gowns, refillable water bottles, and Noble Isle toiletries. Public spaces are equally well designed, with inviting lounges, a well-stocked library, observation decks, and a promenade for enjoying sweeping views. Complimentary Wi-Fi, a clinic with doctor, and a lift serving all decks ensure that modern comforts are seamlessly paired with classic style. Life on board is relaxed, sociable, and far removed from the bustle of large resort-style ships. With open seating in the dining room, guests can enjoy fine à la carte cuisine, enhanced by locally sourced produce and accompanied by included wines. Al fresco meals on the Lido Deck, afternoon tea, and pre-dinner canapés further enrich the dining experience. Days are shaped by enriching talks from Guest Speakers and the Expedition Team, with evenings offering convivial conversation, music in the lounge, or simply time to unwind. With excellent service, a warm atmosphere, and itineraries designed for discovery rather than distraction, the MS Island Sky offers a truly memorable way to explore the world in comfort and style.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 London to Hong Kong.
Fly by scheduled flight.
Day 2 - Day 2 Hong Kong.
Arrive today and transfer to the MS Island Sky. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner on board.
Day 3 - Day 3 At Sea.
Spend a relaxing day at sea as we make our way to Taiwan.
Day 4 - Day 4 Tainan, Taiwan.
This morning we arrive at our first port of call in Taiwan, the southern city of Kaohsiung which is our base for our excursion to nearby Tainan, the former capital of Taiwan. During our tour we will see the Chikan Tower, built by the Dutch in 1653 as an administrative centre, and the Koxinga Shrine, dedicated to General Chenggong. We will continue to the beautiful Confucius Temple which is over three hundred years old and played a key role in education and is now a venue for cultural festivals and events. This afternoon we will drive to the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum which covers over 100 hectares and is home to the 108 metre high bronze Buddha, the largest seated bronze Buddha in Asia. The museum houses a number of permanent exhibitions about the life of Buddha, Buddhist festivals and relics. We will enjoy lunch here before exploring this impressive site.
Day 5 - Day 5 Batanes Islands, Philippines.
Arrive this morning in the Philippines at the Batanes Islands, a chain of 10 isolated islands in the north of the country. Rugged and windswept, the three largest islands are inhabited by the Ivatan people who are famed for their distinctive typhoon-resistant houses and wearing the vakul, headgear which is designed to protect against the weather. During our island tour we will see the verdant pasturelands, the volcano, Basco Lighthouse, the pretty village of Mahatao, and Ivana with its picturesque yellow church and Batan’s oldest stone house. Also, see one of the Japanese tunnels built during World War II. Spend a leisurely afternoon at sea as we continue our journey south.
Day 6 - Day 6 Currimao for Vigan.
The port of Currimao will be our base to explore the UNESCO town of Vigan, one of the oldest towns in the Philippines and considered the best preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia. We will walk its cobblestone streets, including the pedestrianised Calle Crisologo, and discover a unique architectural style that fuses Philippine building design and construction with colonial European architecture. See the St Vincent Ferrer Church, built in 1795, before we visit the Hidden Garden where we enjoy a lunch of traditional Ilocano cuisine.
Day 7 - Day 7 Hundred Islands.
Awake this morning among the one hundred and twenty three islands that make up the Hundred Islands National Park in the Lingayen Gulf. The park is made up of mostly coral and supported by mangrove forests, which creates a healthy ecosystem for both marine and birdlife, as well as various lizards and mammals. We will spend the morning travelling between the islands on local boats, swimming amongst the coral or taking a walk on one of the islands. Return to the ship for lunch and sail this afternoon.
Day 8 - Day 8 Manila.
Arrive today in the capital of the Philippines. A morning tour will explore the colonial area within the well preserved 16th century walled city of Intramuros which was created by the Spanish elite during their colonisation of the Philippines. See the San Agustin Church, one of four Philippine churches constructed during the Spanish colonial period to be designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and which withstood heavy bombardment during the World War II. Later we visit Baluarte San Diego, Baluarte Dilao, Manila Cathedral and Plaza Roma before ending at Fort Santiago, one of the oldest forts in Manila strategically built in 1571 on the tongue of land where the Pasig River flows into Manila Bay.
Day 9 - Day 9 Marinduque.
We arrive at the heart shaped island of Marinduque this morning and will set out on a guided island tour, taking in its beautiful scenery. At Boac Town we will walk through the historic centre taking in the National Museum, the Cathedral as well as seeing many of the historic houses that still remain. The historic centre offers a glimpse into the islands Spanish colonial past. We will visit a Morion mask maker before visiting a butterfly farm. The island is known as the butterfly capital of the Philippines, with over 600 species of butterflies and contributes over 85% of the countries butterfly exports. Butterfly farming is a large part of the island’s economy as well as a vital part in keeping the butterfly populations high.
Day 10 - Day 10 Coron Island.
This morning we enter the spectacular bay of Coron Island. Known to only a few, this remarkable area will one day most likely be a major tourist resort but for now you can enjoy the peace and beauty without the crowds. This morning you can choose an island tour including St Augustin Church and Lualhati Park before ending at the Maquinit Hot Springs where warm saltwater springs are said to have therapeutic qualities. Alternatively explore the coastline by local boat and take in the towering limestone cliffs, rock formations, idyllic lagoons and abundant reefs of the marine park. We plan to land on one of the white sand beaches for a swim in the crystal-clear waters before returning to the MS Island Sky.
Day 11 - Day 11 Palawan.
Arrive today on the island of Palawan where from our berth at Puerto Princessa we have a choice of tours. Perhaps cross the island, passing through picturesque countryside to Sabang where we board local boats to discover the Subterranean River National Park which is home to long-tailed macaques, blue-naped parrots and other indigenous wildlife. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was also listed as one of the new seven wonders of the world and on our 45 minute sailing in the underground river we are treated to a spectacular display of rock formations and cathedral like chambers sculpted over millions of years. Alternatively, explore Puerto Princessa and surrounding areas including the Binuatan Creations where we see the art of handloom weaving using local materials, the nearby butterfly eco-garden, the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, and the Palawan World War II Museum.
Day 12 - Day 12 Sandakan, Malaysia.
After a morning at sea we arrive into Borneo and the port of Sandakan where we have a choice of excursions. For the keen nature lovers, we visit the Rainforest Discovery Centre, one of the most accessible natural rainforests in Sabah. It sits by a lake at the edge of the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve and is managed by the Sabah Forestry Department which has been in operation since 1996 for environmental education purposes. Today, it is a 3-in-1 park (wildlife, bird and plant) where we can see the unique flora and fauna of Borneo. Our walk through the forest trails will lead to the canopy walkway where the centre boasts a pristine lowland dipterocarp forest with an astounding 300 species of birds recorded in the area. Alternatively, a city tour of Sandakan will include the lively market and the old-fashioned stone building of St Michael Church, one of the few surviving pre-war stone building built in 1893. We will also visit Newlands, the former home of author Agnes Newton Keith.
Day 13 - Day 13 Sandakan to Kuala Lumpur.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the Sepilok Centre where we will learn about the rehabilitation of the orangutans and the threats to their survival. We will visit the Sepilok Forest Reserve feeding platform and see orangutans in the third stage of their rehabilitation programme; the orphaned and injured orangutans are brought to Sepilok to be rehabilitated to return to forest life. Sepilok is a primary lowland rainforest and one of the few remaining in Sabah. Observe the fascinating diversity of plants, trees and wildlife as Sepilok is known to have more than 450 species of trees and more than 250 species of birds, and we also have a good chance of sighting macaques, leaf monkeys and other mammals. Close by is the Sun Bear Conservation Centre. Opened in 2014, this centre provides rehabilitation to the smallest bears in the world that are at risk from deforestation and poaching. After lunch we will transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to Kuala Lumpur. On arrival we transfer to our hotel for a two night stay and have the evening at leisure to relax at the hotel or explore independently.
Day 14 - Day 14 Kuala Lumpur.
Spend a day in Malaysia’s capital city of Kuala Lumpur. A morning walking tour begins in Independence Square, also known as Dataran Merdeka. This is the historical place where the Union Flag was lowered, and the Malayan flag was raised for the very first time on the 31st of August 1957. Continue to the Masjid Jamek Mosque, the oldest Islamic place of worship in Kuala Lumpur. Overlooking the Klang River, it offers breathtaking vistas due to the combination of ancient Moorish, Islam and Mughal architectural styles, verdant surroundings, and distant views of the city’s other iconic landmarks. Also see the Central Market, Chinatown and the extravagantly decorated Sri Mahamariamman Temple before ending at the Petronas Twin Towers which were once the tallest buildings in the world. The remainder of the day is free to explore further at your own pace before we meet for dinner this evening.
Day 15 - Day 15 Kuala Lumpur to London.
Check out this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled indirect flight to London. Arrive this evening.
Day 16 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
23-06-202707-07-2027GBP £9,995Magellan Deck Standard Suite
23-06-202707-07-2027GBP £10,295Columbus Deck Superior Suite
23-06-202707-07-2027GBP £10,495Marco Polo Deck Premium Suite
23-06-202707-07-2027GBP £10,995Marco Polo Deck Corner Suite
23-06-202707-07-2027GBP £11,495Erikson Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite
23-06-202707-07-2027GBP £11,795Explorer Deck Owner's Balcony Suite
23-06-202707-07-2027GBP £11,995Magellan Deck Standard Single
23-06-202707-07-2027GBP £12,295Explorer Deck Island Suite
23-06-202707-07-2027GBP £12,495Columbus Deck Superior Single

Inclusions

    • Tainan’s Historical and Cultural Treasures, Taiwan: Explore Tainan, Taiwan’s former capital, visiting the 17th-century Dutch-built Chikan Tower, the ancient Confucius Temple, and the expansive Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum, home to Asia’s largest seated bronze Buddha.
    • Vigan’s UNESCO Colonial Heritage, Philippines: Wander the cobblestone streets of Vigan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, marveling at its preserved Spanish colonial architecture, including Calle Crisologo and St Vincent Ferrer Church, and savor traditional Ilocano cuisine at the Hidden Garden.
    • Coron Island’s Pristine Marine Paradise: Discover Coron Island’s breathtaking bay, with options to tour St Augustin Church and Maquinit Hot Springs or explore towering limestone cliffs, idyllic lagoons, and vibrant coral reefs by local boat, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

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