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JOURNEY THROUGH THE PHILIPPINES WITH PALAWAN & TUBBATAHA REEF
The Philippines archipelago of over 7,000 islands boast manynatural wonderssoaring volcanoes and rugged mountains,draped in luxuriant foliage, colorful coral reefs, extensivelimestone caves, and idyllic beaches. This itinerary offers acaptivating mix of eastern and western cultures, exceptionalsnorkeling and diving, and lush, tropical forests filled with avariety of endemic flora and fauna. Explore mangrove forestsand scenic coastlines on numerous Zodiac excursions, whilenature hikes reveal the amazing biodiversity of these isolatedislands. A special highlight is the opportunity to interact withnative cultures whose customs are reflected in their intricatetribal dress, colorful dances, and rich folklore.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Sandakan / Embark Caledonian Sky
Embark the Caledonian Sky this afternoon.
Day 2: Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines
Arrive in Puerto Princesa this afternoon. Learn about the Bataktribe at the local cultural center and watch a weavingdemonstration at Binuatan Creations. Or, seek out the Palawanflycatcher, melodious babbler, and other resident species on abirding tour.
Day 3: Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
Visit Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a marine and bird sanctuarythat covers over 370 square miles. Part of the Coral Triangle,this area was recognized as a World Heritage Site due to a highdensity of marine species and important breeding grounds forseabirds and marine turtles. Spend the day snorkeling or divingover pristine reefs.
Day 4: Coron Island
Explore the natural and cultural wonders of Coron, including anactive hike up Coron’s vertical cliffs, which is rewarded withbreathtaking views of Kayangan Lake. Afterwards there is anopportunity to swim in the crystal-clear waters. In the afternoon,visit the Banuang Daan who will showcase their rich traditionswith a performance and display of handicrafts.
Day 5: Apo Reef
The second-largest contiguous coral reef in the world after the Great Barrier Reef, Apo offers a kaleidoscope of hard and soft
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corals. Discover luminescent anemones and nudibranchs,pygmy seahorses, pipefish, and other wondrous small creatures,as well as large pelagics such as sharks, tuna, and barracudas.
Day 6: Sibuyan Island
This morning you are welcomed ashore with a traditionalPag-alad performance. Then board Jeepneys—the colorfulsymbols of Philippine culture—for a scenic drive to theCantingas River’s hydro plant, a major source of the island’sclean energy. Learn about the process of harvesting and millingrice, using the traditional bayo method. Then roll up yoursleeves, head into the field, and lend a hand planting riceseedlings. Continue to Dagubdob Falls, a series of cascadessurrounded by dense tropical forest. After a lunch of localdelicacies, walk with naturalists to search for flora and fauna, ortake a swim in the cool freshwater pool.
Day 7: Balicasag
After a morning at sea, enjoy excellent snorkeling or diving atBalicasag, a Marine Protected Area.
Day 8: Bohol / Pamilacan Island
Rise early this morning for a scenic drive through thecountryside, past emerald rice paddies and forested hillsides.Arrive at the Chocolate Hills, a unique landscape of almostperfectly conical hills, and ascend to the viewing platform forcommanding views. Spend the afternoon snorkeling or diving offtiny Pamilacan Island, with the possibility of going ashore tovisit with locals.
Day 9: Camiguin Island
Venture into the foothills of Mt. Hibok-Hibok, an active volcano, then make a stop at the 245-foot-high Katibawasan Falls and
take a dip in the refreshing pool. After visiting a village and localmarket, enjoy a feast of traditional dishes, fresh seafood, andlechon, a whole roasted pig. After this, snorkel or dive off anearby island.
Day 10: Pintuyan / Limasawa
Board local boats to search for whale sharks, often foundfeeding around Pintuyan. This afternoon, visit beautifulLimasawa Island.
Day 11: Capul
The people of Capul possess a rich cultural heritage including alanguage unique to this small island. After a short motorbikeride to the 17th-century fortress, enjoy a performance of danceand songs set to folk music. A stroll past the 18th-centurylighthouse takes you to a farm to sample traditional dishes andfresh local produce.
Day 12: San Miguel Island / Ticao Island
Spend the morning snorkeling and diving at tiny San MiguelIsland. In the afternoon, take a scenic Zodiac cruise along thecoast of Ticao to the base of Catandayagan Falls—a supremelyphotogenic waterfall that cascades over sheer limestone cliffsdirectly into the sea—then step ashore in a tiny fishing village tovisit with locals.
Day 13: Manila / Disembark
Disembark in Manilla
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YOUR SHIP: CALEDONIAN SKY ZE
YOUR SHIP: Caledonian Sky ZE
VESSEL TYPE: Luxury Expedition
LENGTH: 90 metres
PASSENGER CAPACITY: 114 (in 57 suites)
BUILT/REFURBISHED: 1991 / refurbished 2012
The MS Caledonian Sky accommodates a maximum of 114passengers in 57 spacious outside suites. Many have walk-inwardrobes and some feature tub baths. There will be sevencategories of suites and sixteen suites will have privatebalconies. For those familiar with the MS Island Sky she will feellike a second home, although there are some differences. Thedining room, lounge, Lido Deck and bar are all similar. However,the ‘Club’ on the MS Caledonian Sky has been transported tothe very top deck. Here, there is a library and bar which leadsout on to a lovely forward deck. The ‘Club’ has wonderful viewswith ceiling to floor windows.If you like the MS Island Sky, we are sure you will also approveof her sister. And, of course it is important that we offer the verybest of facilities. However, equally as important are the staff onboard whether they are the vessel’s crew or our own expeditionstaff. Noble Caledonia’s reputation has been built on providingthe very best in all areas. Their crew of 74 not only offer anexcellent service they are also noted for their kindness andattention to detail. A well run ship with a warm atmosphere iswhat we are known for, and it is because most of our crew havebeen with us for
many years that we are able to engender such an atmosphere. Your Suite Onboard there are 57 exceptionally spacious and well designed suites. The passenger accommodation is arranged over four decks and all suites have outside views. All feature a sitting room area and some have private balconies. Each affords considerable comfort with en-suite bathroom featuring a country style wash basin, hot towel rack and vanity unit with sink and walk-in shower and/or bath tub. Facilities in the suites also include walk-in or spacious wardrobes, dressing table with large mirror and stool or desk, mini-fridge, flat screen television, telephone, programmable electronic safe, hairdryer, assorted toiletries, air-conditioning and heating. Bottled water, towelling dressing gowns and slippers are also provided for your comfort. Your space The spacious and finely decorated public rooms
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include a large lounge where daily briefings and talks will be provided throughout the voyage and an elegant bar where a pianist plays periodically throughout the day. The bar also features a 24-hour tea and coffee station. In addition there is the Club Lounge on the Panoramic Deck which features a bar. The onboard travel library is the perfect place to relax with a book and is stocked with reference books pertaining to the places the vessel is visiting along with a selection of games and two computers with internet access. Daily newspapers and magazines are also placed in the library depending on local availability. Outside there is a rear Lido deck where meals are served in warm weather under shade. On the top deck there is a further observation and sun deck with bar service and comfortable deck furniture for sun bathing or relaxing with a book. There is also a small gymnasium onboard and hairdressers with appointments made on request. Your dining With only one sitting and a maximum of just over 100 passengers, the quality of cuisine will be of a consistent superior quality. Where possible and when it meets his high standards, our accomplished chef will obtain local produce in markets or buy the catch of the day from a passing fishing boat. Such purchases enhance the well stocked larders and bring a local touch to the varied menus. In the main elegant dining room, breakfast is served buffet-style, with certain items cooked to order and lunch and dinner is à la carte. When weather permits, breakfast, a buffet-style lunch and dinner are also served on deck. To enhance your dining experience even further a selection of wines are included with lunch and dinner. Afternoon tea is served in the lounge and tea and coffee are available 24 hours. With sufficient notice, most diets can be catered for on board. For your comfort, safety and security The vessel is equipped
with the latest safety, navigation and communicationsequipment along with roll stabilisers to minimise the ship’smotion. The Captain and officers operate an open-bridge policythat allows passengers onto the bridge at most times with theexception of arrival and departure from port and during times ofcomplicated navigation. Here you can check the ship’s progressby charts and learn more from the officers about your journey.There is also a dedicated channel on your television in yoursuite showing the routing of the vessel along with technicalinformation and estimated times of arrival and departure fromport. On board you will also find a clinic and doctor and a liftthat serves all decks. Smoking on board is restricted to outsidedecks only. Gratuities Unlike many other cruise vessels, onboard the MSCaledonian Sky you do not need to worry about tipping staff aswe have included them in your holiday price. In addition we tipall their guides and drivers along the way, thereby taking awaythe hassle of always having to remember to have some smallchange with you.
