Philippines with Palau & Taiwan

February 29 – March 16, 2020 | 17 Days | Aboard the Caledonian Sky

MAP NOT TO SCALE Expedition Highlights

Keelung Taipei • Visit Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site Hualien famous for its high density of TAIWAN PACIFIC marine life with 600 fish species OCEAN and over 300 varieties of coral.

SOUTH • Trek through diverse landscapes at Basco CHINA Taroko National Park, home to the SEA Babuyan Islands world’s largest marble gorge, rugged coastal cliffs, narrow canyons, and Vigan lush, subtropical forest.

Hundred Islands • Snorkel amid thousands of stingless National Park jellyfish in Palau’s Jellyfish Lake. PHILIPPINES PHILIPPINE SEA • Experience warm welcomes and

APO REEF legendary Filipino hospitality as you Coron visit traditional villages and remote Island Limasawa Island island communities.

Pamilacan Island • Itinerary...... page 2 > TUBBATAHA PALAU REEF Koror • Flight Information ...... page 3 > • Ship, Deck Plan & Rates ...... page 4 > • Featured Leaders ...... page 5 > • Know Before You Go...... page 5 > ROCK ISLANDS CLOWNFISH

tour, visiting the place where the first Catholic Mass in the Itinerary Philippines was held, and spend time visiting with locals, learning about traditional housing, dress, and foods. Or, you Based on the expeditionary nature of our trips, there may be ongoing may choose to spend the day snorkeling or diving. enhancements to this itinerary.

Saturday, February 29 & Sunday, March 1, 2020 Friday, March 6 PAMILACAN ISLAND, PHILIPPINES DEPART USA / KOROR, PALAU Board your independent flight to Palau. Arrive in Koror on Arrive in the Philippines this morning. Spend the rest of the March 1 in the late evening and transfer to the Palau Royal day snorkeling or diving off tiny Pamilacan Island, with the Resort for overnight. possibility of going ashore to visit with locals.

Saturday, March 7 Monday, March 2 TUBBATAHA REEFS NATURAL PARK PALAU Today visit Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a marine and Today explore Palau’s geologically fascinating Rock Islands, a bird sanctuary that covers over 370 square miles. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Board a local boat for a cruise Coral Triangle, this area was recognized as a World Heritage among the limestone islands and islets and enjoy world-class Site due to the high density of marine species and important snorkeling among vibrant coral reefs. Then take a leisurely hike breeding grounds for seabirds and marine turtles. Spend the to world-famous Jellyfish Lake for an extraordinary snorkeling day snorkeling or diving over pristine reefs. experience. After centuries of biological isolation and subsequent evolution, the melon-sized jellyfish that live here have lost their ability to sting. Return to our hotel for dinner and overnight. Sunday, March 8 CORON ISLAND Explore the natural and cultural wonders of Coron, including an active hike up Coron’s vertical cliffs, which is rewarded Tuesday, March 3 with breathtaking views of Kayangan Lake. Afterwards there PALAU / EMBARK CALEDONIAN SKY is an opportunity to swim in the crystal-clear waters. In the Palau’s surrounding reefs are home to more than 1,500 afternoon, visit the Banuang Daan who will showcase their rich species of fish and 700 species of coral, while in the sandy traditions with a performance and display of handicrafts. shallows, thousands of giant clams can be found. Spend the morning exploring this incredibly rich marine environment at one of Palau’s many world-class snorkel sites. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before embarking the Caledonian Sky. Monday, March 9 APO REEF The second-largest contiguous coral reef in the world after the Great Barrier Reef, Apo offers a kaleidoscope of hard and soft Wednesday & Thursday, March 4 & 5 corals. Discover luminescent anemones and nudibranchs, pygmy AT SEA / LIMASAWA ISLAND seahorses, pipefish, and other wondrous small creatures, as well After a day at sea, visit beautiful Limasawa Island, historically as large pelagics such as sharks, tuna, and barracudas. significant as the first island of the Philippines to be visited by Magellan. Tour options today include a cultural walking

ZEGRAHM EXPEDITIONS | PHILIPPINES WITH PALAU & TAIWAN < 2 > TAROKO NATIONAL PARK VIGAN

Tuesday, March 10 mountainous east coast. Hualien serves as your gateway to HUNDRED ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK Taroko National Park, centered upon its namesake marble Comprised of 124 lushly vegetated islands, Hundred Islands gorge. The park comprises some 227,000 acres and varying National Park offers lovely beaches, gorgeous vistas, and altitudes, from sea level at the mouth of the Liwu River to crystal-clear waters. Spend the day on one of these private towering Mount Nanhu at more than 12,000 feet. Such islands birding, snorkeling, diving, and exploring by Zodiac. dramatic climate changes create a diverse array of vegetation and habitats, hosting a third of Taiwan’s vascular plants, half of its mammal species, and over 140 recorded bird species. Wednesday, March 11 VIGAN Established in the 16th century, Vigan stands as Asia’s finest Sunday, March 15 example of a planned Spanish colonial city. Exceptionally intact, KEELUNG (TAIPEI) its grid street pattern and architectural influences earned the Dominated by Taipei 101—a 1,600-foot-high tower that city UNESCO status in 1999. Wander the cobbled streets, resembles a stalk of bamboo—Taiwan’s capital offers a and pay a visit to the Pagburnayan pottery makers, to learn captivating mix of Asian and Western influences. The city is about the production of Vigan’s famous burnay jars. famous for its street food, so make a stop to sample a variety of xiaochi (little snacks) while visiting top attractions such as the Chinese-influenced Martyrs’ Shrine; Chiang Kai Shek Thursday, March 12 Memorial Hall, commemorating Taiwan’s former president; BABUYAN ISLANDS and the National Palace Museum, which houses the world’s The Babuyan Islands are home to steep foothills, volcanic largest collection of Chinese art. Or, leave the city bustle cones, mangroves, and a marine sanctuary. Take a stroll along behind to visit Yehliu Geopark with its surreal rock formations, Calayan’s gorgeous white-sand beaches and snorkel or dive as well as Gold Ecological Park, built to offer insights into in the warm waters, while birders search the forest for the the region’s gold-mining culture. Calayan rail, a flightless bird endemic to the island.

Monday, March 16 Friday, March 13 TAIPEI / USA BATAN ISLAND After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your independent Batan was the first domino to fall during Japan’s invasion of homeward flight, arriving in the USA the same day. the Philippines during World War II, and you will hear harrowing tales while visiting a tunnel used as a hideout by Japanese soldiers. Climb to the top of Radar Tukon, a former lighthouse and US weather station, which offers 360-degree views across Flight Information the island. Savor the fresh air and bucolic setting of the Vayang Rolling Hills, then take a leisurely stroll around the town plaza, You will need to purchase airfare from your home city/Koror and dominated by Santo Domingo de Basco Church, built in 1812. Taipei/home city. Please contact our in-house Air Department for fare quotes, reservations, or other air-related questions.

Saturday, March 14 HUALIEN, TAIWAN Arrive in Taiwan’s second-largest city, located on the

ZEGRAHM EXPEDITIONS | PHILIPPINES WITH PALAU & TAIWAN < 3 > The Caledonian Sky Deck Plan

The all-suite, 100-guest Caledonian Sky is a PANORAMA DECK spacious, yet intimate, expedition vessel. Refurbished Library in 2018, her beautifully designed public spaces Panorama Lounge Sun Deck

include a single-seating dining room, a large lounge, Bar elegant bar, enclosed panoramic viewing deck, sun Elevator deck, library, and gym. All suites have an ocean view and feature a sitting room, en suite bathroom, flat- BRIDGE DECK screen television, spacious wardrobes, and dressing 511 505507509 table. The Caledonian Sky carries a fleet of Zodiacs, Outdoor Cafe Bridge Elevator available for accessing remote shorelines and islands. 506508510512

Visit www.zegrahm.com/caledonian-sky for PROMENADE DECK more information about this ship. Salon 433 431 427 425 423 421 419 417 415

WC Elevator

Gym 434 432 428 426 424 422 420 418 416 414

CALEDONIAN DECK

Bar 347 345 343 341 339 335 333 331 329 Castle Deck Caledonian Deck Lounge Reception Elevator

348 346 344 342 340 338 336 334 332 330 CATEGORY 1 CATEGORY 2 CATEGORY 3

CASTLE DECK

261 259 257 255 Doctor Restaurant

Elevator 260262 258 254256 252 250

Rates

CATEGORY 1 $15,980 CATEGORY 4 $19,280 CAT 1 / SOLO $15,980 Solo Travelers: No solo supple- CATEGORY 2 $17,180 CATEGORY 5 $20,680 CAT 2 / SOLO $17,180 ment in select categories! (Limited availability). CATEGORY 3 $18,180 CATEGORY 6 $22,680 CAT 4 /SOLO $19,280

INCLUDED: NOT INCLUDED: • Daily activity options including cultural tours, nature walks, • Airfare from your home city/Koror and snorkeling, and Zodiac cruises Taipei/home city • All gratuities • Excess baggage charges • All accommodations • Airport arrival and departure taxes • World-class lecture and expedition team • Transfers for independent arrivals and departures • All onboard meals and group meals ashore, including soft • Passport and/or visa fees drinks, beer, and wine with lunch and dinner • Travel insurance • All entrance fees, taxes, and landing and port charges • Items of a personal nature such as laundry, alcoholic beverages, • Arrival and departure transfers on group dates (other than listed at left), and other incidentals • Gift certificates for recommended expedition gear • Email/Internet/fax/telephone charges • Medical expense coverage and emergency evacuation insurance

Scuba Diving: Scuba Diving is available on this expedition for an additional cost of $500 per person. Limited to 16 Advanced Open Water (AOW) certified scuba divers. You must complete two open water dives within the 12 months prior to the trip’s departure. A 25% per person deposit will secure your space on this expedition. All rates are per person, based on double occupancy, quoted in US dollars, and must be paid in US dollars. Rates and itineraries are subject to change. Please review our Terms & Conditions online at www.zegrahm.com/terms, or call our office for a printed copy.

ZEGRAHM EXPEDITIONS | PHILIPPINES WITH PALAU & TAIWAN < 4 > Featured Leaders Our leaders have visited this area numerous times and will provide valuable insight and commentary on the history, culture, and wildlife of this intriguing region. Fascinating lectures, photo presentations, daily recaps, and informal discussions will enhance your understanding and appreciation of the wonders you will see. Leaders from additional fields of study will join the leaders featured below.

JACK GROVE – A marine biologist BRENT STEPHENSON – Born in and professional naturalist, Jack has New Zealand, Brent has been an spent much of the past two decades avid birder since childhood. In 2005 traveling on, and lecturing about, the he completed his Ph.D., studying world’s oceans. A leading authority the breeding biology of Australasian on the fishes and marine environ- gannets in New Zealand. His passion ments of the eastern tropical Pacific, for travel, birds, and the ocean has in 1997, Stanford University Press led him to many corners of the world published his book, The Fishes of the working on small expedition vessels. Galápagos Islands, and he received Brent spends much of the southern his Ph.D. from Pacific Western University. He is a cofounder of summer in New Zealand, where he co-owns and runs Wrybill Zegrahm Expeditions, an avid scuba diver, certified divemaster, Birding Tours, NZ. In 2013, with co-author Paul Scofield, he and Fellow of The Explorers Club. completed Birds of New Zealand: A Photographic Guide.

RICH PAGEN – Rich first became enthralled by the wonders of the natural world around the tide pools and forests of his native New York. Since then, he has embarked on a career in conservation biology, including a variety of field biology projects from the Arctic to the Amazon. Rich was ultimately drawn back to the sea where he taught marine science and island ecology on Catalina Island in California for several years. He has also conducted shipboard surveys for marine mammals and seabirds, as well as tagging studies of sea turtles and pelagic sharks. TAIPEI

Know Before You Go For most activities, a moderate level of exertion is required. You will need to climb, unaided, into and out of Zodiacs for snorkeling and excursions ashore. You must be able to walk moderate distances over sometimes rough and uneven terrain, and some stairs will be uneven and without handrails. Temperatures will range from the high 70sº to mid-90sºF with cooler temperatures in Taiwan.

To reserve, visit www.zegrahm.com/philippines or contact your travel consultant. < 5