ASIAN ISLAND ODYSSEY-TAIPEI TO DARWIN

19-day expedition cruise

cruising the remote islands of the philippines and indonesia-starting from taipei and finishing in darwin

Sea kayak where few have paddled before on a 19-day voyage from Taipei to Darwin on board the 140-guest expedition ship, Heritage Adventurer. Crossing both the Tropic of Cancer and the Equator, we weave our way through hard-to-reach and rarely-visited tropical islands in the Philippines and Indonesia. Join us as we paddle along remote coastlines, snorkel pristine coral gardens and search for rare birds and animals in primeval jungles. We visit tropical outposts that boast incredible history and culture, with their hard-to-reach locations making them perfect for exploration by expedition ship.

REMOTE Philippine Islands

Our Philippine adventures start in the north at Calayan Island, one of the most remote and hardest to reach islands in the archipelago. We then spend seven days cruising the very best of the islands in this region, including
Divilacan Bay (lush forests, incredible snorkelling), Polillo Island (Heritage Adventurer may be the first expedition ship to visit this island), Caramoan Peninsula National Park (deep gorges, an underground river) and Bucas Grande Island (stunning white sand beaches, elaborate coral gardens and exotic wildlife). The adventure then continues into the Indonesian archipelago.

Indonesia’s Rich Biodiversity

Our journey from the Philippine islands takes us southward to the eastern side of the Indonesian archipelago. One of our first stops in Indonesian waters is Gorontalo, located in northern Sulawesi. Here, in a small village close by, we have the chance to swim and snorkel with whale sharks. These gentle giants are known to grow more than 12 metres in length and are an amazing sight to witness. Other highlights include a visit to Buru Island, located at the boundary between the biogeographic zones of Australia and Asia, where a high proportion of the birds and mammals are found nowhere else. With a fascinating history, the principle town of Banda Neira was the centre of the Spice Islands trade and offers a glimpse into history with its’ 17th century fort. Across a narrow strait from the fort lies the 640-metre cone of active volcano Gunung Banda Api, sitting on its own island and home to a variety of wildlife and bird species. Village visits and cultural immersion gives a fascinating insight into life on these remote islands.

Aboard the Heritage Adventurer

The Heritage Adventurer is 124 metres long and although designed to take 184 guests, there will only be a maximum of 140 expeditioners, creating
a spacious and comfortable on board experience. All cabins include an ensuite and are incredibly comfortable. Visit the captain and crew in the bridge with the ‘Open Bridge Policy’ and dine on gourmet fare from leading Australasian chefs. There are numerous indoor and outdoor viewing locations including the Observation Lounge resplendent with 270-degree views. Join a world-renowned team of naturalists, botanists, historians and experts as they interpret the natural and human history discovered during your voyage, as well as hosting regular lectures.

Grade

Easy – Moderate

This trip is suitable for active individuals with a thirst for adventure. The kayaking option suits paddlers with some kayak experience.

Trip Grading

Dates

2025
9-27 June

2026

25 June-13 July

Cost

2025

From AU$20,895.00 per person.

Additional kayaking supplement AU$1850.00 per person.

2026

From AU$22,650.00 per person.

Additional kayaking supplement AU$1940.00 per person.

*Final price will depend on cabin chosen. Costs are in Australian dollars.

Includes

Pre and post cruise transfers, one night hotel accommodation in Taipei, Taiwan (including dinner and breakfast), all on board ship accommodation with meals, house beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner and all shore excursions and activities. Program of lectures by noted naturalists.

If you choose the kayaking option and pay the kayaking surcharge, this will include all your paddling and kayak equipment and the services of a professional sea kayak guide throughout the duration of the voyage.

Excludes

All items of a personal nature, laundry, additional drinks not included with meals, gratuities. International/domestic flights, visas, extensions and travel insurance.

Day 1

Overnight in Taipei, Taiwan. Welcome dinner.

Day 2

Explore Taipei before boarding the Heritage Adventurer in the afternoon.

Day 3

Visit Hualien, Taipei’s second largest city and gateway to the incredible Taroko National Park.

Day 4

Calayan Island, Philippines.

Days 5-6

Divilacan Bay and Polillo Island, Philippines.

Day 7

Caramoan Peninsula National Park, Philippines.

Day 8

Samar Island, Philippines.

Day 9

Bohol Island, Philippines.

Day 10

Bucus Grand Island, Philippines.

Day 11

At Sea.

Day 12

Bitung, Indonesia.

Day 13

Gorontalo, Indonesia.

Day 14

Seho and Taliabu Islands, Indonesia.

Day 15-16

Buru Island and Banda Neira, Indonesia.

Day 17

Kei Kecil Islands, Indonesia.

Day 18