Natural Treasures of Indonesia, Borneo & Taiwan

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Sailing overnight, Scenic Eclipse II will arrive at the port of Badas on Sumbawa Island this morning. Order your breakfast to your room and get ready for sights to behold. Though it is close to Bali and Lombok, Sumbawa has yet to be discovered by tourists and retains its strong cultural identity. The few who do venture here come mostly for the epic surf, spectacular reefs and wild terrain, and there’s plenty to satisfy a taste for adventure. The island of Sulawesi sits directly north of Sumbawa and its local Makassarese culture has had a strong influence on the island. You can tour a village where you’ll see centuries-old traditional cultures still in practice, like rice pounding and weaving. 

Pink Beach earned its name for the way the beach can appear to have a rosy hue in certain lights. The color comes from small flecks of red coral mixed in with the fine white reef sand. With a few trees along the beach for shade, this stretch of coast makes a fine place to relax or enjoy a snorkel or dive in the crystal clear waters. It is possible to spot a striped clown fish nestled among the protective tentacles of its sea anemone host, or to see a grouper lazily swimming by a flamboyant soft coral. The reef here is now protected by law and the maturing corals are a joy to behold.

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This is a momentous day for all those aboard Scenic Eclipse II, cruising into one of the world’s great natural treasures. Today come face to face with the eponymous species of giant lizard that has been roaming these forests for millions of years. Stretching up to three metres in length and weighing over 150kg, the Komodo dragon is a lizard unlike any other. It lives on just a handful of islands in the Indonesian archipelago, with the majority found on Komodo Island.  Board Scenic Eclipse II again at midday to cruise around the island to the famous Pink Beach. The soft sand is coloured pink by finely crushed pieces of coral and shells, just one of seven pink beaches found anywhere in the world. The turquoise water that laps the shoreline makes for a striking contrast. Beneath the surface, the wonders continue with hundreds of species of coral and an abundance of fish.  

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A world of wonder awaits beneath the surface in the Taka Bonerate National Park. Stretching into the Flores Sea, south of Sulawesi, the park covers more than half a million hectares and includes an atoll of 28 islands, the third largest coral atoll in the world. In 2015, it was recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve for its incredible variety of marine life including fish, turtles, dolphins, whales and birds. You’ll cruise right through the heart of this abundance of natural life; be sure to grab your in-suite binoculars or head to the Observation Lounge to look through the Swarovski telescopes. Scenic Eclipse, the World’s First Discovery Yachts use GPS Dynamic Positioning, which allows the ship to maintain position without the use of an anchor, protecting this sensitive ecosystem.   In this remote outpost, the captain will find a calm spot to stop for swimming, snorkelling and other water sports. Slip into the warm, crystal-clear waters and feel the cares of the world wash away. 

Palopo is a town of roughly 150,000 inhabitants. Founded at the northeastern end of the Gulf of Boni in the early 17th century, the town has always been a link for the Toraja people in the highlands of Sulawesi. A pleasant temperature and little rain during most of the year are only changed by the west monsoon from December to March when heavy rain and high humidity arrives. Near Palopo are clear rivers and small waterfalls. Surrounding Palopo and leading into the highlands are small plantations of mango, durian and rambutan. Because open and flat spaces are limited, on many occasions the locals use the roads to dry coffee beans in the bright sunshine.

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Arrive this morning in the town of Palopo, on the island of Sulawesi. The third largest town on the island, Palopo was founded around 1620 by the Muslim ruler Sultan Abdullah Muhiddin. The city’s first mosque, Masjid Jami, was built during his reign and still stands along one of its main streets. Palopo is the gateway to the lush highlands of Tana Toraja, home to one of Indonesia’s most exotic and mysterious ethnic groups. Tucked into a valley beneath the green peaks of the Wallacea mountain range, the villages are clustered around elaborately carved and painted houses with distinctive boat-shaped roofs. A visit to Tana Toraja will give you an insight into an ancient and intriguing culture that’s unique to this part of the earth. 

The UNESCO World Heritage site of Ujung Kulon National Park rests at the southwestern tip of Java. The National Park includes the Ujung Kulon Peninsula that contains the largest remaining lowland rain forest on the Java plain, as well as the Natural Reserve of Krakatoa. Birds that flourish in these habitats include Asian Pied Hornbill, Caspian and Bridled Terns, as well as White-bellied Sea Eagles, Tiger Shrikes, Sunda Minivets, and Javan Kingfisher. Hundreds of barking deer can also be found in the dense tropical forest, along with macaques, monitor lizards and wild boars.

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After days of remote archipelagos and relaxed cruising at sea,  Scenic Eclipse II will arrive in Makassar, the largest city in eastern Indonesia, a bustling and gritty metropolis that clings to the south-western tip of Sulawesi island. For centuries, Makassar was the global gateway to Indonesia, or the Dutch East Indies as it was then known. It has remained a vital port, with vast container ships and freighters from around the globe calling here every day. Makassar has long been a diverse, multicultural city, with a population of local Makassarese, Bugis people indigenous to Sulawesi and a large Chinese contingent. The city itself has few charms, but the surrounding countryside is the real attraction. The limestone karst mountain ranges of nearby Rammang Rammang look as though they have been pulled from the time of the dinosaurs. These ancient peaks, formed by erosion over millions of years, are covered in thick green foliage and interwoven by tranquil waterways. A handful of traditional villages are dotted throughout the area, where the people have been tending their rice paddies the same way for generations. 

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Sprinkled off the east coast of the island of Borneo, the Derawan Islands are made up of 31 islands, of which only four are accessible. Added to the World Heritage List in 2015, the archipelago is impossibly beautiful with turquoise seas, white sand beaches and waving palm trees. It’s also one of the region’s most biodiverse places, home to giant manta rays, whale sharks, dolphins, endangered sea turtles and hundreds of species of fish. For a truly out-of-this-world experience, take a dip alongside rare stingless jellyfish in a natural lake on Kakaban Island. The four species found in the lake – moon jellyfish, upside down jellyfish, spotted jellyfish and box jellyfish – normally have stingers, but have lost the ability over time because they have been isolated from predators. Kakaban Lake is one of only two places on earth where this phenomenon has been recorded. The jellyfish are practically tame and swimming amongst their translucent forms is something you’ll never forget. 

The capital of Sabah, Borneo’s northernmost state, Kota Kinabalu is wedged between a tropical rainforest and the South China Sea. Many explorers use it as a launching point to venture off and see the surrounding jungle and marine life. Mt. Kinabalu challenges climbers daily, and top diving spots reel in underwater adventurers. The city is made up of a dense grid of concrete buildings built over reclaimed land along the coast. Several waterfront seafood restaurants and a diverse mix of hotels appeal to the travelers passing through, mostly off to explore the region.

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Your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht will cross from Indonesia into Malaysia this morning, arriving at the city of Sandakan. Once the capital of British North Borneo, the city is today the gateway to the island’s incredible wildlife encounters. Some of the world’s most vulnerable and endangered animals live here in Borneo, and concerted conservation efforts have worked hard to turn the tide. The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre first began rescuing orphaned orangutans for almost 60 years. Today, around 60 to 80 orangutans live independently in the reserve and up to 25 babies live in the nursery. These large apes with their distinctive shaggy orange coats can be seen from an outdoor viewing platform set in the lush jungle, where they will arrive for their twice daily feeding, or you can watch the juveniles from the nursery in their last stages of rehabilitation. Nearby, the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre is committed to the protection of the world’s smallest bear. Found only in South East Asia, these bears are threatened by forest clearing and illegal hunt. Around 40 bears currently live at the centre, where you can see them living in their natural habitat. 

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Awake this morning in the middle of a magical place. El Nido sits on the northern edge of the Philippine Island of Palawan with the breathtaking Bacuit Archipelago rolling out into the ocean beyond. El Nido is a place that has to be seen to be believed, with its sun-kissed islands, towering marble cliffs, blindingly white beaches, rich green jungle and inviting tropical waters.You'll enjoy a picturesque spot as your Discovery Yacht stops at bay. Fitted with state-of-the-art GPS Dynamic Positioning system, Scenic Eclipse II is able to hold her position without dropping anchor on ecologically sensitive seabeds. Your cruise arrives here in April, which is the best time of year to ensure perfectly clear water for swimming, snorkelling, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. You’ll be completely immersed in this secluded paradise.

MANILA, the capital city of the Philippines, was founded in, 1571 by Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi. It is one of the oldest cities in the country and was the seat of power for most of the colonial rules of the Philippines. It is situated on the eastern shore of Manila Bay and contains a multitude of landmarks, some of which date back to the 16th century. It is home to the baroque 16th-century San Agustin Church as well as Fort Santiago, a storied citadel and military prison. In the 19th century Manila became one of the most modern cities in Asia. Before the Spanish–American War, Manila saw the rise of the Philippine Revolution. Under the American rule following the Spanish-American War, the United States changed the official language from Spanish to English. Towards the end of World War II, during the Battle of Manila, most of the city was flattened by intensive aerial bombardment. Today, tourism is a vital industry in Manila. Major shopping malls and bazaars thrive around Manila.

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From one extreme to the other – welcome to the densely populated, high-rise city of Manila. The Philippine capital moves at a frenetic pace 24 hours a day, the streets jammed with cars and teeming with pedestrians. It’s a hub for commerce and business as well as shopping, dining, culture and luxury hotels. Take a deep breath and then decide what you’d like to see first. If you’re interested in history, Manila’s is enticingly rich. The city was founded as a Spanish colony in the 16th century and soon become one of the New World’s main trading ports, earning it the name Pearl of the Orient. Wander the streets of the oldest district, the Intramuros, which covers around 50 blocks and is full of Spanish-era landmarks like Fort Santiago, Manila Cathedral and the original walls that protected the city. Across the river, marvel at the ornate façade of the Basilica of San Sebastian, which is built entirely from prefabricated steel panels. Scenic Eclipse II will be docked here overnight, so you will be able to experience some of Manila’s legendary nightlife after enjoying one of the up to 10 all-inclusive dining experiences on board. Alternatively, take a stroll along the Manila Baywalk to watch the sunset. 

MANILA, the capital city of the Philippines, was founded in, 1571 by Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi. It is one of the oldest cities in the country and was the seat of power for most of the colonial rules of the Philippines. It is situated on the eastern shore of Manila Bay and contains a multitude of landmarks, some of which date back to the 16th century. It is home to the baroque 16th-century San Agustin Church as well as Fort Santiago, a storied citadel and military prison. In the 19th century Manila became one of the most modern cities in Asia. Before the Spanish–American War, Manila saw the rise of the Philippine Revolution. Under the American rule following the Spanish-American War, the United States changed the official language from Spanish to English. Towards the end of World War II, during the Battle of Manila, most of the city was flattened by intensive aerial bombardment. Today, tourism is a vital industry in Manila. Major shopping malls and bazaars thrive around Manila.

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After a day stepping back in time, today you might like to discover modern Manila.  The city has a thriving contemporary art scene. You may be able to visit major museums, like the Metropolitan Museum of Manila and Pinto Art Museum, or hunt out the smaller galleries that have taken over abandoned warehouses and stately homes to transform them into edgy exhibition spaces. Discover works from up-and-coming Filipino artists or pieces from international artists who have come to the Philippines to be inspired.  

One of the world’s biggest producers of marble, Hualin is the largest city on the east coast of Taiwan. Sitting on the mountain-fringed plains just south of the Taroko Gorge, it is a great location from which to explore Taroko National Park.

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Enjoy a relaxed morning on board today as Scenic Eclipse II arrives in port at midday. The city of Hualien sits on the east coast of the island of Taiwan, famed for its beautiful coastline. It’s the gateway to Taroko Gorge National Park, one of Taiwan’s most famous sites. The landscape of Taroko Gorge has been formed by the great forces of nature, from typhoons and earthquakes to millions of years of erosion. Today, it is a patchwork of marble gorges, bright blue rivers and pockets of untouched forest. There are challenging trails for experienced hikers or gentler routes that take you past ancient temples, tumbling waterfalls and hidden caves. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the most spectacular moments. 

With the glittering lights of Taipei – a futuristic metropolis of culture and ideas – sparkling nearby, Keelung is the first calling point for many visitors arriving in Taiwan. While this port city essentially serves as Taipei’s ocean gateway, you shouldn’t be too hasty in dashing off to Taipei’s neon-lit magic – first it’s well worth spending some time exploring the famous glowing night market, which hums with life each evening and is famous for its local seafood.

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Today, it is time to farewell Scenic Eclipse after 17 magical days on board. Be sure to fit in one last indulgent breakfast at the Yacht Club or ask your butler to bring coffee to your suite so you can take your time packing up. If you would like to explore more of Taiwan, Scenic can arrange post-cruise accommodation and suggest tours or activities. The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the cruise will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.Please book your flight to depart out of Taipei after 12:00 PM.