Natural Treasures of Indonesia, Borneo & Taiwan

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.

Day programme:

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 dotted with ancient temples, tumbling waterfalls and hidden caves. Freechoice: Taroko Gorge National Park: Explore the dramatic Taroko Gorge National Park, visiting Swallow Grotto, admiring the Tunnels of Nine Turns, and crossing the Buluowan Suspension Bridge.Hualien City Tour: Discover the city’s rich cultural history and stunning views of Hualien Port and the Pacific. Visit Pine Garden, a historic Shinto shrine, and the largest Taoist temple, Kang Ten Temple.

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.

Day programme:

Manila, the densely populated capital of the Philippines, is a bustling city with a rich history dating back to the 16th century. The city was founded as a Spanish colony and soon became one of the New World’s main trading ports, earning it the name Pearl of the Orient. Today, it has become a hub for commerce, business, shopping, dining, culture and luxury hotels. The oldest district, Intramuros, is home to Spanish-era landmarks like Fort Santiago and Manila Cathedral. The city's rich history and vibrant culture make it an attractive destination for visitors.Downtown Manila and Intramuros: Take an immersive tour of the captivating landmarks of Manila, including the Planetarium, the National Museum, San Sebastian Church and Manila City Hall. The tour continues at Old Intramuros. Built by the Spaniards and home of the elite during that long period of Spanish colonization in the Philippines, World War II left the area in ruins. A significant survivor was the San Agustin Church.EnrichAn Evening of Filipino Music at Malate Church Enjoy this extraordinary event at the Malate Church, where the Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra fills the air with vibrant classical and contemporary music, set against the stunning backdrop of Plaza Rajah Sulayman and Manila Bay. Experience the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines as Banda Kawayan blends traditional bamboo instruments with modern arrangements for an unforgettable performance. 

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.

Day programme:

After a day spent exploring the past of this fascinating city, now it is time to explore modern Manila. Immerse yourself in the vibrant local cuisine or indulge in some shopping at the many markets and shops brimming with unique treasures.Freechoice: Malacañang Heritage Tour: Join a palace expert for a tour of the Malacañang Museum, home to the Presidential Museum. Explore archives and architecture, and possibly meet a Palace Executive.Tombs and Traditions of Manila: Explore the city’s second oldest cemetery. Located in Binondo, the Manila Chinese Cemetery is full of unique tombs, each with a story to tell. Afterwards, head to La Loma, famed for its live charcoal cooking.Yuchengco and Metropolitan Museum Art Tour: Discover contemporary and historic fine art in Yuchengco Museum and the local and international art of the Metropolitan Museum of Manila on this cultural tour.

Day programme:

Awake this morning in a magical place. Set on the northern edge of Palawan Island, El Nido 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. Scenic Eclipse II’s GPS Dynamic Positioning system lets her hold position without dropping anchor on ecologically sensitive seabeds, helping preserve this pristine environment.El Nido Island Beach Day: Enjoy a beach day with the Discovery Team. Your cruise calls here in April, which is the best time of the year to ensure perfectly clear water for swimming, snorkelling, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding or try the diving below in a Seabob. You’ll be completely immersed in this secluded paradise.Freechoice: Bird Watching and Nature Walk: Discover the full spectrum of Palawan's wildlife, from vibrant birds to unique plants and fascinating reptiles and amphibians. Embark on a leisurely beachside journey along a tranquil trail on this tour, which offers an immersive introduction to Palawan's rich biodiversity, renowned for its endemic species and rare treasures.Island Hopping by Local Qutrigger Boat: Experience the paradise of island-hopping in El Nido, where you can explore tranquil lagoon, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and be surrounded by majestic limestone cliffs and untouched beaches. It’s the perfect natural getaway. 

Borneo’s forbidding interior made it less attractive to early traders and explorers than neighboring areas, so what is now the state of Sabah remained unexploited by the British until the late 19th century, although traders long visited for exotic items such as bird’s nests (for the celebrated Chinese soup). In 1963, Sabah joined Sarawak, Malaya, and Singapore (which later seceded) in forming the Federation of Malaysia. Known as the “Land Below the Wind” because it’s south of the typhoon belt, Sabah occupies Borneo’s northern tip. It shares its southwestern border with Sarawak and the rest of its southern border with the Indonesian province of East Kalimantan. Today vast tracts of forest have been replaced by oil-palm plantations, and a sizable portion of remaining forest land is protected in national parks or conservation areas.On the shore of a deep bay, Sandakan was the capital of British North Borneo and one of the most important towns in Southeast Asia from the 1880s through the 1930s. But Japanese occupation during World War II and allied bombing virtually destroyed the town, and the capital was transferred to Jesselton (now Kota Kinabalu) in 1946. Sandakan enjoyed a revival in the 1970s as the center of the region’s logging industry. Logging has since declined, but Sandakan is still worth visiting for its rich history and proximity to some of Borneo’s most accessible wildlife attractions. Sandakan’s downtown, much of it built on landfill, is squeezed between a steep promontory and Sandakan Bay. In recent years, this city of 450,000 (counting its extensive suburbs) has begun redeveloping its downtown waterfront into a shopping and nightlife hub. Its working harbor area for passengers and cargo is 6 km (4 miles) west of downtown.

Day programme:

Your 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 and its most famous resident, the shaggy, orange orangutan.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 is at the heart of the island’s conservation efforts and first began rescuing orphaned orangutans for almost 60 years.Freechoice: Orangutan Experience: Visit the famed Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary to observe the large apes living in the reserve, watch a feeding session and see the babies from an outdoor nursery viewing area.Sandakan War Heritage: Explore Australia's wartime legacy on a half-day guided tour of the moving Sandakan War Memorial, including the commemorative pavilion, park and obelisk.

Day programme:

Sprinkled off the east coast of the island of Borneo, the World Heritage-listed Derawan Islands are simply stunning. The 31 islands are fringed with white-sand beaches and waving palm trees surrounded by turquoise seas. 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, join the Discovery Team for a dip alongside rare stingless jellyfish in a natural lake on Kakaban Island. You can also try swimming and snorkelling off the pristine beach.

Day programme:

After days of remote archipelagos and relaxed cruising, this morning you will arrive in Makassar. The largest city in eastern Indonesia, this is a bustling and gritty metropolis that clings to the south-western tip of Sulawesi. For centuries, it was the global gateway to Indonesia and remains a diverse, multicultural city, with a population of local Makassarese, indigenous Bugis people and a large Chinese contingent.Nearby, the limestone karst mountain ranges of Rammang Rammang look as though they have been pulled from the time of the dinosaurs, covered in thick green foliage and interwoven by tranquil waterways.Freechoice: Makassar History & Highlights: Explore the stunning Laeng Laeng Caves, historic Fort Rotterdam and the vibrant streets of China Town on a full-day bus-based tour, showcasing the region's rich history.Fort Rotterdam & China Town: Join a local guide for a tour of Fort Rotterdam, a former Dutch Colonial power base. Then visit Chinatown to uncover centuries of Chinese trade and culture.

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.

Day programme:

Palopo is the third largest town on the island of Sulawesi and 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.Tana Toraja Experience: Palopo is the gateway to the lush highlands of Tana Toraja, home to one of Indonesia’s most exotic and mysterious ethnic groups. On a fascinating tour, you’ll explore cultural landmarks, caves and historic tombs, then visit a Nanggala Village to learn about their unique burial customs and distinctive houses.

Day programme:

Stretching into the Flores Sea, south of Sulawesi, the Taka Bonerate National 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 World Heritage-listed Biosphere Reserve for its incredible variety of marine life including fish, turtles, dolphins, whales and birds. Be sure to grab your in-suite binoculars or head to the Observation Terrace to look through the Swarovski telescopes.In this remote outpost, the Captain will find a calm spot to stop for swimming, snorkelling and other water sports including diving below the surface with a SEABOB.

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.

Day programme:

Today you’ll see the famed Komodo dragon, a unique species of lizard that has been roaming this island for millions of years. Stretching up to three metres in length, they can weigh over 150kg.Komodo Dragon Walking Tour: Join an expert guide for an unforgettable walking adventure, encountering these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.Board Scenic Eclipse II again at midday to cruise around the island to the famous Pink Beach, one of just seven found anywhere in the world. Swim and snorkel in the vibrant turquoise water to admire hundreds of species of coral and an abundance of fish.

Day programme:

Sailing overnight, you will arrive at the port of Badas on Sumbawa Island. 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.Sumbawa Buffalo Racing Village Tour: Immerse yourself in an authentic village experience, where you’ll explore the vibrant tapestry of Sumbawan life. Guided by a local, you’ll enjoy traditional music and dancing, witness the art of rice preparation, and experience the unique practice of buffalo racing.

Bali really is as alluring as everyone says. This island, slightly bigger than Delaware, has it all: beaches, volcanoes, terraced rice fields, forests, renowned resorts, surfing, golf, and world-class dive sites. But what sets Bali apart from other nearby tropical destinations is Balinese tradition, and villagers dedicated to celebrating it. The hundreds of temples, dances, rituals, and crafts linked to their ancient Hindu faith aren’t a show for tourists, but a living, breathing culture in which visitors are warmly received by the Balinese, who cherish their own identities.

Day programme:

Arrive at your final port this morning, Bali (Denpasar), the Island of the Gods. It’s just one of more than 18,000 islands that make up the country of Indonesia, but it’s long been a favoured destination for travellers from all over the world. Spectacularly beautiful, culturally diverse and brimming with luxury, Bali is truly a little piece of paradise.Scenic Eclipse II will dock off the coast of Benoa, a peninsula on the southern edge of the island. Farewell your fellow guests and crew before you depart, taking memories of exotic islands, fascinating cultures and unparalleled 6-star indulgence.Please book your flight to depart out of Denpasar after 12:00 PM.^The helicopter and submersible are not operational in Indonesia. #Spa treatments at additional cost. +All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits. *The specialty restaurant requires a reservation.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.