Manila to Darwin

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.

Enter one of the great underwater paradises on the planet — at once dazzling, delicate, and delirious, these living gardens of veiny corals, waving sea fans, and intricate sponges shine in crystal-clear waters. Apo Reef, the world’s second-largest contiguous coral reef system, is staggering in both scale and beauty. Snorkel or dive among colorful tropical fish, sea turtles, and reef sharks in waters so clear they seem unreal. The world-class diving draws explorers from across the globe to its turquoise shallows and deep blue depths. A designated UNESCO-listed Marine Sanctuary, Apo Reef’s glass-clear waters and rich ecosystems are unmatched. The small islands of the reef are fringed by stretches of white sand and backed by lush mangroves. Walk, swim, or go birdwatching — and experience the Philippines’ natural beauty in full, saturated color.

Whether it’s the sparkling turquoise seas, sawtooth mountain drama, or lush rainforest concealing tumbling waterfalls, Sibuyan is pure natural beauty unleashed. The setting invites deep discovery, immersing you in the landscapes through stirring adventures. Mount Guiting-Guiting is one of the most dramatic sights in the Philippines, its jagged peaks bursting from dense rainforest — and its remarkable biodiversity earning Sibuyan the nickname “the Galápagos of Asia.” Endemic creatures and diverse wildlife inhabit the raw beauty of this unspoiled wilderness. Down below the impressive peaks, hike through rainforests along mountain streams or explore secluded coves perfect for swimming and snorkeling, where turquoise seas burst with life among the corals. With its untouched forests, extraordinary marine life, and welcoming local communities and customs, Sibuyan is one of the Philippines’ most enchanting natural islands.

Feel your heart race as you glimpse the extraordinary outline of your first whale shark moving gracefully towards you. Donsol is one of the few places in the world where you can swim with these wide-mouthed, gentle giants in their natural habitat — a true once-in-a-lifetime encounter. Share the waters with these extraordinary creatures in an authentic eco-tourism experience. But there’s more to Donsol than its larger-than-life marine visitors. Sail the peaceful river through mangroves and jungle, home to rich and unique ecosystems. As dusk cloaks the forests, the Donsol River lights up with fireflies. Gain a genuine insight into the Philippines by visiting welcoming local communities and experiencing everyday life in this beautiful corner of the country. An encounter with giants — and a rare glimpse of harmony between people and nature — that will stay with you forever.

A true tropical-island fantasy, where wisps of white beach emerge from the cobalt-blue waters of Kalanggaman Island. The famous sandbar appears to float effervescently amid the remote turquoise waters that surround it. A heavenly vision from any angle, leaning palms offer a hint of island shade as you soak in the untouched beauty of this uniquely tranquil place — surely one of the world’s most beautiful beaches and most photographed spots in the Philippines. Walk the sandbar, adrift in an open Pacific paradise, or snorkel in the pristine waters above stunning coral gardens. Largely free from infrastructure, it’s just you and the surreal, impossibly minimalist beauty of this tiny island — a dazzling escape into one of the Philippines’ most remarkable natural wonders.

Pointing to the sky like a huge collection of mossy molehills, the Chocolate Hills are one of the Philippines’ most unique and iconic sites. More than 1,200 cone-shaped karst mounds are scattered across the landscape in a surreal and extraordinary display of natural whimsy. Visiting Bohol also introduces you to the Philippine tarsier, one of the world’s smallest — and cutest — primates. A quiet forest sanctuary protects these remarkable primates, famed for their impossibly large, saucer-like eyes. Palm trees line the coastline, where pristine beaches invite you to recline with just the sounds of folding waves for company. The island’s lush green interior is dissected by the Loboc River, which guides you through centuries-old colonial churches and local villages where culture is deeply rooted.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind, and catch up with what you've been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale-watching, catching up on your reading, or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shoreside.

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.

The Kinabatangan River is the second-longest river in Malaysia, flowing through the state of Sabah on the island of Borneo. It is one of Southeast Asia’s most important wildlife habitats, प्रसिद्ध for its incredible biodiversity and rich rainforest ecosystems.

Winding through dense jungles, mangroves, and floodplains, the river is part of the Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, a haven for rare and endangered species. Visitors often explore the river by boat, especially at dawn or dusk, when wildlife activity is at its peak.

The Kinabatangan is one of the best places in the world to spot the endangered Bornean orangutan, along with pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, crocodiles, and a wide variety of birds including hornbills.

Unlike typical tourist destinations, the experience here is immersive and nature-focused, offering a chance to witness wildlife in its natural habitat rather than in zoos or reserves.

Bohey Dulang Island is a spectacular volcanic island located in Sabah, Malaysia, within the Tun Sakaran Marine Park near Semporna. Known for its dramatic scenery and turquoise lagoon, it is one of the most visually stunning islands in the region.

The island was formed from the remnants of an ancient volcano, and its most iconic feature is the large lagoon at its center, surrounded by steep green hills. A short but steep hike to the island’s viewpoint rewards visitors with breathtaking panoramic views of the lagoon and surrounding islands—one of the most photographed scenes in Malaysia.

The surrounding waters are rich in marine biodiversity, making the area ideal for snorkeling and diving. Coral reefs, colorful fish, and clear waters create a vibrant underwater environment.

Bohey Dulang itself is uninhabited, preserving its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. Visits are usually managed to protect the environment, with controlled access to certain areas.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind, and catch up with what you've been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale-watching, catching up on your reading, or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shoreside.

Neolithic sites recently discovered in West Sulawesi bear witness to man's presence on the island for millennia. Buddhist artifacts dating from the 4th & 5th centuries were discovered in South Sulawesi. This region was with its protected bays an ideal spot on the trade routes to drop anchor. In fact, the Bugis are reputed for their gift of boat building. The first Western visitors were Portuguese and, as many of their ships were wrecked off the coast of Minahassa, they gave the name "Celibes' (formidable) to the island. The Portuguese were followed by the Spanish who came preaching Christianity from their base in the Philippines. When the Dutch arrived, they chased all foreigners from the island and established trade monopolies. Despite the foreign influences, some tribes preserved their ancient pagan ceremonies and today fascinate the ever-growing number of visitors to the island. These are in particular the Toalans and the Torajans. Pare Pare is South Sulawesi's second city with a population of 100,000 although it feels more like a market town. It is used by cargo ships to unload goods destined for the local population. The town runs up the coast in a long narrow strip and is only 2 or 3 streets wide. The center is marked by a statue of a man standing on a map of Indonesia "Monument Rkayat Rejuan". In the mountainous northern region of South Sulawesi live the 320,000 Toraja people at an altitude of 1200 meters. These mountain people remained isolated from the outside world until the 20th century, and many of their traditions still remain. The Toraja world consisted of three classes of people: To Parengnge (nobles), the Makaka (commoners) and the Kaunan (slaves). Their life cycle is based around complementary elements of life and death, East and West, sunrise and sunset, morning and afternoon, left and right, etc. The Rituals of the East (rambu tuka) are the life giving elements - smoke ascending; rice, exorcism, birth, first haircut. The Rituals of the West (rambu solo) are death rituals. The Toraja life centers around the death rituals, which often involve two ceremonies, the second taking place several months to years later. They can be prohibitively expensive for families and involve elaborate wrapping and lamentation rites, funeral rituals involving the slaughter of many bulls.

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.

This remote Indonesian atoll drifts in the Flores Sea, north of the Lesser Sunda Islands. Sabalana — the largest island in the group — lends its name to the archipelago, which was once known as the Postillon Islands. The tranquil isle encloses a sheltered lagoon, while the wider archipelago is home to local fishing communities and secluded beaches. Golden sands are met by clear waters where you can snorkel and swim above coral reefs. The lush, tropical islands draw reef sharks and sea turtles to their shores — a stunning, lesser-visited atoll where the rest of the world feels an eternity away.

Just when you think you’ve seen it all, a heavenly halo of an island like Pulau Satonda comes along. Appearing like a mirage from the intense turquoise waters of the Flores Sea, Pulau Satonda is an impossibly aesthetic ring of jungle-clad slopes, embracing a volcanic crater of tranquil water. Snorkel the reefs that encircle the island, or strap your boots on to hike up to the ridge. Trek with monkeys scuttling above and trees sagging under the weight of sleeping bats for the best, elevated views of the still interior lake. Formed by the machinations of underwater volcanic activity, the island's central crater dips to a depth of 86 meters. Shrouded in local legend and tradition, Pulau Satonda has many tales to share. It was a close witness to the unimaginable ferocity of Mount Tambora’s wrath, and that ominously beautiful volcano cone is visible from the sandy beaches to the south of the island. Mount Tambora’s fury devastated the entire planet, with the largest eruption in recorded history. The catastrophic explosion caused the Year Without a Summer in 1816, darkening and subduing skies around the world with ash. It’s theorized that a tsunami triggered by the eruption washed a wave of salt water to Pulau Satonda’s previously fresh-water lake. Dip into the refreshing waters, or make an offering on the shore by hanging a stone on a branch. If your wish comes true, you are obligated to travel back to give thanks - but a return trip to a place as beautiful as this is certainly no burden.

Experience authentic life in a traditional Indonesian village and discover enduring local customs. Kenanga Village welcomes visitors with genuine Sumbawanese hospitality and the chance to observe traditional crafts that remain a key part of daily life. Watch as locals build thatched roofs, process coffee beans, and pound rice, using time-honored techniques passed down through generations.

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.

On the approach to Pulau Komodo, a tiny island just 36 km (22 miles) long and 16 km (9 miles) across at its widest point, it's hard to imagine that this is the home of the fearsome dragons described by late-19th-century explorers. The island, in the Indonesian region of Nusa Tenggara, lies between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores at the heart of the Komodo National Park, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New7Wonders of Nature. At first look, steep hillsides of parched, golden grasses slide down into topaz bays covered in glass-clear waters, and white-sand beaches hem quiet shorelines. But then you remember that this innocent-looking island is inhabited by 13-foot-long, 220-pound ora, as Komodo dragons are known locally. Don't be frightened: Although stories of people disappearing run rampant, a trip here is quite safe—as long as you stay with a park guide.While Komodo dragons are the main attraction, several other large species also reside here. Dark-brown deer and small buffalo nibble the grasses of the high plains, macaques peer through the trees, and wild pigs crash through the underbrush. More than 150 types of birds also inhabit the island, including cockatoos, imperial pigeons, sea eagles, and mound-building megapodes. Offshore in the marine reserve, you might spot dolphins, dugong (a relative of the manatee), sea turtles, manta rays, and even whales, as well as more than 1,000 species of fish.Lodging on Pulau Komodo was nonexistent until 2012, when a modest, eco-friendly resort and diving club opened, providing a rare opportunity for scuba divers and snorkelers to explore this pristine habitat's extensive coral reefs and extraordinary marine life. Travelers can also find comfortable lodging and a convenient base from which to explore the many natural wonders of the Komodo National Park in Labuan Bajo, on the island of Flores (East Nusa Tenggara).

Lamalera is a traditional coastal village located on Lembata Island (historically referred to as Lomblem) in Indonesia’s East Nusa Tenggara province. It is widely known for its centuries-old whaling traditions, making it one of the most culturally unique communities in the world.

The village practices a form of subsistence whaling that dates back hundreds of years, using small wooden boats and hand-thrown harpoons. These hunts are deeply rooted in local customs, spiritual beliefs, and strict traditional rules, and they are carried out primarily to support the community rather than for commercial purposes.

Set against a rugged volcanic coastline, Lamalera offers a dramatic natural setting, with dry hills, deep blue seas, and a strong sense of isolation. Life here remains largely traditional, with close-knit families and a culture shaped by the rhythms of the ocean.

Visitors to Lamalera gain rare insight into an ancient way of life that has survived into the modern era, though it is also a subject of global discussion due to conservation concerns.

Kalabahi is the capital and main seaport of Alor Island, the largest landmass in the Alor archipelago. Roughly 60,000 inhabitants call Kalabahi home and enjoy a wide variety of goods and services available here. Kalabahi has grown as a town in part because it is situated on some of the only level ground on the volcanic and rugged island of Alor. Inland from Kalabahi is the small traditional village of Takpala. The attractive rustic homes of the village are open and airy, and the Abui people living here harvest, dry, roast, and grind their coffee by hand. The traditional dances and welcome ceremonies express a close-knit society cultivated in this tranquil setting.

Kupang is the capital city of East Nusa Tenggara province in Indonesia, located on the western tip of Timor Island. Facing the Savu Sea, it serves as the main gateway to the lesser-known islands of eastern Indonesia.

The city has a laid-back coastal atmosphere, with scenic beaches and sunsets being some of its main highlights. Areas like Lasiana Beach are popular for relaxing, swimming, and enjoying local street food, especially in the evening.

Kupang is also a cultural hub where visitors can experience traditional Timorese culture, local markets, and regional cuisine. The city is a starting point for exploring nearby attractions such as waterfalls, caves, and smaller surrounding islands.

Though less touristy than other Indonesian destinations, Kupang offers an authentic experience with warm hospitality, simple charm, and access to beautiful natural landscapes.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind, and catch up with what you've been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale-watching, catching up on your reading, or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shoreside.

Darwin is the cultural hub of the continent’s northernmost region. The laid-back city got its name after the HMS Beagle sailed into the harbor during a surveying expedition in 1839. The famed naturalist Charles Darwin was so esteemed that its captain named this newest discovery for him. Today, it is the largest city in the thinly populated Northern Territory state. It boasts a rich and lively arts and culture scene, much of it centered on the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. Its collection of art and artifacts reflects the region and its indigenous people.