JOURNEY THROUGH THE PHILIPPINES WITH PALAWAN & TUBBATAHA REEF
The Philippines archipelago of over 7,000 islands boast many ITINERARY natural wonderssoaring volcanoes and rugged mountains, Day 1: Sandakan / Embark Caledonian Sky draped in luxuriant foliage, colorful coral reefs, extensive Embark the Caledonian Sky this afternoon. limestone caves, and idyllic beaches. This itinerary offers a captivating mix of eastern and western cultures, exceptional Day 2: Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines snorkeling and diving, and lush, tropical forests filled with a Arrive in Puerto Princesa this afternoon. Learn about the Batak variety of endemic flora and fauna. Explore mangrove forests tribe at the local cultural center and watch a weaving and scenic coastlines on numerous Zodiac excursions, while demonstration at Binuatan Creations. Or, seek out the Palawan nature hikes reveal the amazing biodiversity of these isolated flycatcher, melodious babbler, and other resident species on a islands. A special highlight is the opportunity to interact with birding tour. native cultures whose customs are reflected in their intricate tribal dress, colorful dances, and rich folklore. Day 3: Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park Visit Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a marine and bird sanctuary that covers over 370 square miles. Part of the Coral Triangle, this area was recognized as a World Heritage Site due to a high density of marine species and important breeding grounds for seabirds and marine turtles. Spend the day snorkeling or diving over pristine reefs.
Day 4: Coron Island Explore the natural and cultural wonders of Coron, including an active hike up Coron’s vertical cliffs, which is rewarded with breathtaking views of Kayangan Lake. Afterwards there is an opportunity to swim in the crystal-clear waters. In the afternoon, visit the Banuang Daan who will showcase their rich traditions with 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
01432 507 280 (within UK) [email protected] | small-cruise-ships.com corals. Discover luminescent anemones and nudibranchs, take a dip in the refreshing pool. After visiting a village and local pygmy seahorses, pipefish, and other wondrous small creatures, market, enjoy a feast of traditional dishes, fresh seafood, and as well as large pelagics such as sharks, tuna, and barracudas. lechon, a whole roasted pig. After this, snorkel or dive off a nearby island. Day 6: Sibuyan Island This morning you are welcomed ashore with a traditional Day 10: Pintuyan / Limasawa Pag-alad performance. Then board Jeepneys—the colorful Board local boats to search for whale sharks, often found symbols of Philippine culture—for a scenic drive to the feeding around Pintuyan. This afternoon, visit beautiful Cantingas River’s hydro plant, a major source of the island’s Limasawa Island. clean energy. Learn about the process of harvesting and milling rice, using the traditional bayo method. Then roll up your Day 11: Capul sleeves, head into the field, and lend a hand planting rice The people of Capul possess a rich cultural heritage including a seedlings. Continue to Dagubdob Falls, a series of cascades language unique to this small island. After a short motorbike surrounded by dense tropical forest. After a lunch of local ride to the 17th-century fortress, enjoy a performance of dance delicacies, walk with naturalists to search for flora and fauna, or and songs set to folk music. A stroll past the 18th-century take a swim in the cool freshwater pool. lighthouse takes you to a farm to sample traditional dishes and fresh local produce. Day 7: Balicasag After a morning at sea, enjoy excellent snorkeling or diving at Day 12: San Miguel Island / Ticao Island Balicasag, a Marine Protected Area. Spend the morning snorkeling and diving at tiny San Miguel Island. In the afternoon, take a scenic Zodiac cruise along the Day 8: Bohol / Pamilacan Island coast of Ticao to the base of Catandayagan Falls—a supremely Rise early this morning for a scenic drive through the photogenic waterfall that cascades over sheer limestone cliffs countryside, past emerald rice paddies and forested hillsides. directly into the sea—then step ashore in a tiny fishing village to Arrive at the Chocolate Hills, a unique landscape of almost visit with locals. perfectly conical hills, and ascend to the viewing platform for commanding views. Spend the afternoon snorkeling or diving off Day 13: Manila / Disembark tiny Pamilacan Island, with the possibility of going ashore to Disembark in Manilla visit 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
01432 507 280 (within UK) [email protected] | small-cruise-ships.com 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 114 passengers in 57 spacious outside suites. Many have walk-in wardrobes and some feature tub baths. There will be seven categories of suites and sixteen suites will have private balconies. For those familiar with the MS Island Sky she will feel like a second home, although there are some differences. The many years that we are able to engender such an atmosphere. dining room, lounge, Lido Deck and bar are all similar. However, Your Suite Onboard there are 57 exceptionally spacious and the ‘Club’ on the MS Caledonian Sky has been transported to well designed suites. The passenger accommodation is the very top deck. Here, there is a library and bar which leads arranged over four decks and all suites have outside views. All out on to a lovely forward deck. The ‘Club’ has wonderful views feature a sitting room area and some have private balconies. with ceiling to floor windows. Each affords considerable comfort with en-suite bathroom If you like the MS Island Sky, we are sure you will also approve featuring a country style wash basin, hot towel rack and vanity of her sister. And, of course it is important that we offer the very unit with sink and walk-in shower and/or bath tub. best of facilities. However, equally as important are the staff on Facilities in the suites also include walk-in or spacious board whether they are the vessel’s crew or our own expedition wardrobes, dressing table with large mirror and stool or desk, staff. Noble Caledonia’s reputation has been built on providing mini-fridge, flat screen television, telephone, programmable the very best in all areas. Their crew of 74 not only offer an electronic safe, hairdryer, assorted toiletries, air-conditioning excellent service they are also noted for their kindness and and heating. Bottled water, towelling dressing gowns and attention to detail. A well run ship with a warm atmosphere is slippers are also provided for your comfort. what we are known for, and it is because most of our crew have Your space The spacious and finely decorated public rooms been with us for
01432 507 280 (within UK) [email protected] | small-cruise-ships.com include a large lounge where daily briefings and talks will be with the latest safety, navigation and communications provided throughout the voyage and an elegant bar where a equipment along with roll stabilisers to minimise the ship’s pianist plays periodically throughout the day. The bar also motion. The Captain and officers operate an open-bridge policy features a 24-hour tea and coffee station. In addition there is that allows passengers onto the bridge at most times with the the Club Lounge on the Panoramic Deck which features a bar. exception of arrival and departure from port and during times of The onboard travel library is the perfect place to relax with a complicated navigation. Here you can check the ship’s progress book and is stocked with reference books pertaining to the by charts and learn more from the officers about your journey. places the vessel is visiting along with a selection of games and There is also a dedicated channel on your television in your two computers with internet access. Daily newspapers and suite showing the routing of the vessel along with technical magazines are also placed in the library depending on local information and estimated times of arrival and departure from availability. Outside there is a rear Lido deck where meals are port. On board you will also find a clinic and doctor and a lift served in warm weather under shade. On the top deck there is a that serves all decks. Smoking on board is restricted to outside further observation and sun deck with bar service and decks only. comfortable deck furniture for sun bathing or relaxing with a Gratuities Unlike many other cruise vessels, onboard the MS book. There is also a small gymnasium onboard and Caledonian Sky you do not need to worry about tipping staff as hairdressers with appointments made on request. we have included them in your holiday price. In addition we tip Your dining With only one sitting and a maximum of just over all their guides and drivers along the way, thereby taking away 100 passengers, the quality of cuisine will be of a consistent the hassle of always having to remember to have some small superior quality. Where possible and when it meets his high change with you. 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
01432 507 280 (within UK) [email protected] | small-cruise-ships.com INSIDE YOUR SHIP
01432 507 280 (within UK) [email protected] | small-cruise-ships.com PRICING
01432 507 280 (within UK) [email protected] | small-cruise-ships.com