An Equatorial Adventure of Borneo & The Phillipines

A 16-night voyage traversing the northern coastlines and equatorial waters of Borneo, Malaysia, Brunei & the Phillipines..

Cruise Journey

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Package Details
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Itinerary
Terms and Conditions

Package Inclusions:

Your Fly, Cruise & Stay Package includes:

Return economy-class flight from Sydney* to Manila, returning from Singapore
1 night luxury accommodation in Manila including Breakfast
16 night Expedition cruise onboard Coral Geographer, Manila to Singapore
2 nights luxury accommodation in Singapore, including breakfast
Private transfers
Plus, on Coral Expedition cruises enjoy:
- All excursions with the expedition team
- Special travel credit of $2000* per person
- All chef-prepared meals on board
- Captain's welcome & farewell events, and open bridge access
- 24-hour barista style coffee and tea station
- Selected wines, beers & house spirits, juices and soft drinks served with lunch & dinner
-Standard speed WiFi access
- Gratuities

** Travel dates: 18 December 2025 to 06 January 2026

Join this inaugural 16-night voyage aboard Coral Geographer traversing the northern coastlines and equatorial waters of Borneo from Manila to Singapore. Your journey begins in Manila and will take you through the Philippines, Malaysia, the Sultanate of Brunei, Malaysian Borneo, and into Singapore, exploring rich traditional culture, ancient rainforests, and unparalleled marine biodiversity. We’ll dive and snorkel at Verde and Silonay Islands, immersing ourselves in the vibrant marine life at the heart of the Coral Triangle. On Marinduque Island, we’ll uncover unique traditions, and at Culion Island, we’ll visit the historical village and explore the UNESCO-inscribed leprosy archives. As we continue to Purao and Johnson Islands, you’ll enjoy rarely seen aquatic and geographical wonders before connecting with conservation efforts in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. Our voyage leads us to Malaysian Borneo, where we’ll savour a signature dinner in Kota Kinabalu, sampling local cuisine in a traditional longhouse set amongst exotic jungle surroundings. Discover the vibrant ecosystems and wildlife of Pulau Tiga Sabah and experience the cultural heritage of Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei, where we’ll visit Iban longhouses and observe the fusion of tradition and modernity. Exploring Miri, Sarawak, we’ll delve into the ancient mysteries of Niah Caves, home to some of Southeast Asia’s oldest human remains. Enjoy a day at sea before arriving in Kuching, where we’ll meet orangutans at the Semenggoh Wildlife and Conservation Centre, learning about their habitat challenges. In Bako National Park, an expert birding guide will help us explore diverse ecosystems, spotting proboscis monkeys and abundant bird species in the wild.
Highlights:
- Dive and snorkel at the geographical centre of the Coral Triangle amongst the most biodiverse marine habitats in the world
- Explore the historical village of Culion and the leprosy archives inscribed into the UNESCO Memory of the World Register
- Visit Iban longhouses deep in the jungles of Brunei and learn about past traditions in modernity
- Enjoy an exotic cultural feast event interacting with diverse ethnic groups at Mari Mari Cultural Village
- Explore one of the world’s most unique cave systems and archaeologies – Niah Caves
- Meet resident Orangutans and hear about the continuing plight of dislocation from natural environments at the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre
- Explore the seven complete ecosystems of Bako National Park and look out for the proboscis monkey and the 264 species of birds found in the area with a local expert birding guide
- Your Guest Lecturers for this voyage are Adam Woolcott and Linda Hoffman
Why Coral Expeditions:
> We focus on the destinations. Connecting guests with nature, culture, and heritage with more time ashore in remote natural areas away from the crowds.
> A true expedition ethos. Small ships mean fewer guests and more intimate and personal encounters along the way. We have deep respect and strong connections with the places we visit and maintain flexibility in our planning to make impromptu stops if extraordinary opportunities in nature present.
> Warm Australian hospitality. Our all-Australian crew are passionate and proud to share the adventure with you. Always attentive and caring with a friendly and approachable style in keeping with our Australian values.
> Purpose built ships. Designed for tropical expedition access, our fleet is comfortable, safe, and manoeuvrable enabling you to get in shallow and close to nature with ease where other operators cannot. Plenty of wide-open public spaces and all outward facing staterooms connect you with the destination.
> Our unique Xplorer tenders. The safari jeeps of the sea; our Xplorers enable guests safe and easy access onto excursions into remote rivers, reef systems and isolated beaches. All guests get out on excursion at once with no queues or waiting. Shade canopy to protect from the tropical sun, comfortable seats, open sides and audio systems enhance the journey. These are supported by Zodiacs along the way.
> Local expertise that is unrivalled. Our expert guides and local crew have decades of experience to draw on regarding the tides, the charts, and the seasons. We get you to the right place at the right time and always explore in a respectful and caring manner.
> All inclusive. Your cruise fare covers everything that matters most including excursions, activities, meals and drinks, expert guides, taxes, and fees. Unpack once and then simply relax and enjoy the experience.
> Our service and care. Our friendly staff and crew have one focus – to help you enjoy the trip of a lifetime. We will always be willing to assist and with a genuine care that is part of our culture.

Upgrade Options

Wish to elevate your cruise for a better experience?

Explorer Deck Balcony package from $24,999 per person

Wish to upgrade to business class for your flight?
Call us and speak to our dedicated Travel Advisor!

Itinerary

18 December 2025 - Sydney - Manila
Upon arrival into Manila, you will be transferred by private car to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your own leisure.

19 December 2025 - Manila, Phillipines- Embarkation
After breakfast, enjoy Manila before a private car will transfer you from your hotel to the Cruise Terminal for embarkation, ship sails at 4:00pm.
Join the Captain's welcome drinks tonight.

20 December 2025 - Verde Island & Silonay Island, Phillipines
Arriving at the biodiverse Verde Island in the Coral Triangle, we’ll explore its vibrant marine life, swim and snorkel, visit a local fishing village, and later, tour Silonay Conservation Ecopark to learn about mangrove preservation and its impact on the community.

21 December 2025 - Boac, Marinduque Island, Phillipines
Marinduque, a heart-shaped island and the Philippines’ geodetic center, offers a rich history, a traditional ‘Putungan Welcome,’ and vibrant cultural experiences like the Mariones Festival; we’ll explore Boac Cathedral, ancestral houses, and meet artisans who create unique festival artefacts.

Boac, Moriones Mask, Marinduque Island, Philippines

22 December 2025 - Culion Island, Phillipines
Culion Island, once a leprosarium and now a UNESCO-listed heritage site, offers a unique history preserved in its 1900s architecture; we’ll tour the Culion Museum, Archives, and historic structures, then snorkel and dive at Lusong Island’s Gunboat Wreck and Coral Garden.

23 December 2025 - Purao & Johnson Island, Phillipines
Enjoy a final morning on Johnson Island’s remote beaches, snorkeling among stingrays and coral, before a relaxing afternoon onboard en route to Malaysia Borneo.

Guests Snorkeling

24 December 2025 - Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Phillipines
Start the day exploring the UNESCO-listed Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park, with its impressive limestone formations and St. Paul’s Underground River Cave, one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature.

25 December 2025 - Kota Kinabalu, Malaysian Borneo - Signature Dinner
Spend a day at sea en route to Kota Kinabalu, then enjoy an immersive cultural feast at Mari Mari Cultural Village, experiencing the traditions, crafts, and performances of Sabah’s five ethnic groups.

Tinking, Kota Kinabalu

26 December 2025 - Kota Kinabalu & Pulu Tiga Sabah, Malaysian Borneo
Join our Chef for a morning visit to Kota Kinabalu’s Pasar Besar market, then enjoy a locally inspired lunch onboard as we sail to Pulau Tiga for beach activities and volcanic mud baths, ending the day with sunset drinks on Kalampunian Island.

27 December 2025 - Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
Today, we explore Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei's capital, with its rich history and preserved jungles, visiting an Iban Kampung to experience traditional weaving, dances, and a bamboo-cooked lunch in the Longhouses of Labi Forest Reserve.

Bandar seri Begawan

28 December 2025 - Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
On our second day in Brunei, enjoy a guided tour of the city, exploring Kampung Ayer and visiting key sites like the Royal Ceremonial Hall, Parliament House, Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, and the Sultan's Palace.

29 December 2025 - Miri, Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo
In Miri, explore the coastal city’s rich history and choose from three excursions: hike Lambir Hills National Park, visit the sacred Niah Caves, or dive at Miri-Sibuti Coral Reef National Park, known for its vibrant marine life and wreck dives.

Niah Caves

30 December 2025 - At Sea

31 December 2025 - Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo
After WWII, Kuching emerged as a vibrant city and culinary hub; today, we’ll visit Semenggoh Nature Reserve to see rehabilitated orangutans, enjoy lunch on the Coral Geographer, and explore the city's rich culture, waterfront, and museums.

01 January 2026 - Bako National Park, Santubong, Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo
Bako, Sarawak’s oldest national park, features diverse ecosystems and wildlife, including 264 bird species; well-maintained trails cater to all fitness levels, offering a unique opportunity to explore Borneo’s vegetation, depending on local tides.

proboscis monkeys TH

02 January 2026 - Kuching Wetlands, Santubong, Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo
On our final morning in Malaysian Borneo, we’ll cruise through the RAMSAR-designated Kuching Wetlands, spotting diverse wildlife like proboscis monkeys and estuarine crocodiles before heading to Singapore.

03 January 2026 - At Sea

04 January 2026 - Singapore - Disembarkation
Arrive in Singapore ready to disembark at 08:00am. A private car will transfer you to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of day at leisure.

05 January 2026 - Singapore
After breakfast enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

06 January 2026 - Singapore - Sydney
After breakfast, depending on your flight time a private car will transfer you to your hotel for your flight home where you will return with the most unforgettable memories.
End of your amazing holiday.

Terms and Conditions

Terms and Conditions apply: All prices are quoted in Australian dollars, based on per person double occupancy unless stated otherwise, and inclusive of all taxes and discounts. All prices & itineraries are current as at 29 October 2024 & subject to change without notice. Prices are subject to change due to availability, currency fluctuations, fuel price, and tax increases. Price includes any stated bonus nights, upgrades & package savings, if applicable. All passports, visas, travel permits, and vaccinations are the responsibility of the travelling passenger to secure prior to travel. Airfares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice, based in economy class from Sydney and are subject to the carriers’ flight schedules and conditions. Airfares are based on the lowest available fare, which comes with strict conditions like non-refundable, non-changeable. Please ask your consultant for pricing on flexible fare options that allow cancellations and/or amendments at a fee. Please call us for prices from other airports. Special travel credit of $2000pp applies - use promo code atlas24 - applicable on promenade deck or above - not available for solo travellers. new twin-share bookings only. not combinable with any other offer including xplorers club. Cruise & Travel packages advertised may include multiple products provided by several suppliers to provide a travel itinerary. Each component of the package will be treated independent of each other, and the specific terms & conditions of each product supplier will apply. Hotels may charge resort fees, or a security bond not included or mentioned in this package, payable direct upon check-in.