16-Day Expedition Cruise From Taipei to Bali
SEPTEMBER 29 – OCTOBER 15, 2020
UNCOVER ASIA’S MOST
EXOTIC ISLANDS
This voyage provides a veritable playground of precious wild terrain and curiously beautiful sights found nowhere else in the world. With an itinerary that focuses on the exotic wilds of some of Asia’s most stunning tropical islands, this journey is perfect for lovers of both nature and natural wonders.
Highlights include the Philippines’ Hundred Islands National Park, with its mushroom-like limestone islets beckoning snorkelers, the playful young orangutans in the Borneo treetops, and the utter bliss of Bali – all part of a journey that redefines “wild luxury.”
Your Itinerary
Day 1,
EMBARK – 8:00 AM TAIPEI (KEELUNG), TAIWAN
Just 20 miles from Keelung, Taipei is located on the northern tip of Taiwan where the Tamsui and Keelung rivers meet. One of Asia’s fastest-growing cities, it is the gateway to an island of contrasts, from bustling urban areas to serene countryside. Key sites of interest include the 19th-century city gates and walls, the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, the Sun Yat-sen Memorial and the famous Grand Hotel.
Day 2
MORNING - HUALIEN, TAIWAN
Bustling and modern Hualien sits on the rugged east coast of Taiwan, an island laden with mountainous nature reserves bursting with enchanting scenery. Just to the city’s north is Taroko National Park, an absolute jewel of the region and home to Taroko Gorge, a sheer-walled, 12-mile-long river canyon accessed by a scenic winding highway. Eternal Spring Shrine, a picturesque temple complex built over a cascading waterfall, clings to the verdant cliffs of this must-see park’s interior.
Day 3
MORNING -
BASCO, BATAN ISLAND, PHILIPPINES
Situated in the translucent Philippine Sea midway between Taiwan and Luzon is the Philippine island of Batan, part of the sparsely populated Batanes archipelago. Its laid-back capital, Basco, sits amid a bucolic landscape of lush, rolling hills and gorgeous coastline where farming and fishing are the main industries. The observation deck of the Basco Lighthouse offers magnificent views of the surrounding ocean and Mount Iraya, an active volcano in the northern part of the island.
AFTERNOON - CALAYAN ISLAND, PHILIPPINES
The Babuyan Islands, the northernmost of the Philippines, are home to Calayan, a pearl of an island caressed by the cerulean waters of the Philippine Sea. Inhabited by a small farming and fishing community, the island exudes a rustic charm. Goats may be spotted grazing its lush landscape of verdant hills. Sibang Cove is a magnet for humpback whales, while a major attraction for bird-watchers is the flightless Calayan rail, a species only recently discovered by science.
Day 4
MORNING - HUNDRED ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK, PHILIPPINES
Nestled within the sapphire-blue waters of Luzon, the largest island of the Philippines, is the Hundred Islands National Park. This collection of emerald-green islets, numbering 123 or 124, depending on the tide, is a wonderland of hidden anemonefish for snorkelers, while roseate and black-naped terns are a delight for fortunate bird-watchers.
Day 5
MORNING - CORREGIDOR ISLAND, PHILIPPINES
At the entrance to beautiful Manila Bay sits Corregidor. This lush, green and rugged speck of an island, often simply called “The Rock,” is steeped in military significance due to its strategic location. Over the centuries, the island has been a witness to the occupation of the Philippines by Spain, the U.S. and Japan, often playing a pivotal role in the unfolding of history. Among its notable sites, perhaps the most moving is the Pacific War Memorial complex, which includes a museum.
Day 5 - 6
AFTERNOON - MANILA, PHILIPPINES
Set amid the forest-green splendor of Luzon Island is bustling Manila, the second largest city in Southeast Asia, with its towering skyscrapers and remarkable joie de vivre. Yet amid the big-city excitement are oases of calm: lush tropical parks, magnificent cathedrals and dramatic Spanish forts. North of the city, mountains beckon with their spectacular rice terraces, while across Manila Bay stands Mount Mariveles, a dormant volcano studded with scenic hiking trails.
Day 7
MORNING - EL NIDO, PALAWAN
With its palm-fringed, white-sand beaches, colorful coral reefs and blue lagoons, El Nido is heaven on earth. Located on the Philippine island of Palawan, the town is known for its limestone cliffs where flocks of swiftlets make their home, resulting in the name El Nido or “nest” in Spanish. As a gateway to stunning Bacuit Bay, with its crystal-clear waters, islets and rugged peaks, it’s the perfect setting for beach strolls, snorkeling, kayaking and appreciating nature’s wonders.
Day 8
DAY AT SEA - CRUISING CELEBS SEA, PHILIPPINES
Aboard the world’s largest and most spacious luxury expedition yacht, you’ll find an array of unmatched experiences to immerse in during your days at sea. Indulge your senses at the serene Crystal Life Spa & Salon, work-out at our state-of-the-art fitness center, and learn about art, history and worldly destinations with our engaging enrichment programs. Or simply lounge poolside in solarium bliss while our attentive crew caters to your every whim. As evening arrives, indulge in the renowned culinary creations of Nobu Matsuhisa, enjoy special wine-makers dinners, lounge in luxurious spaces, or try your luck at the action-packed Resorts World At Sea Casino.
Day 9 - 10
MORNING - SANDAKAN, BORNEO, MALAYSIA
The sights and sounds of wildlife that can be found virtually nowhere else in the world permeates the air and every adventure in this lush forested region. Orphaned orangutans thrive in the treetops of the rehabilitation center, long-nosed proboscis monkeys perch in the jungles, and elephants meander along the Kinabatangan River, Malaysia’s second-longest waterway. Also look for the Bornean sun bear and birds that comprise the entire rainbow as you explore these wild wetlands.
Day 11
MORNING - DERAWAN ISLANDS, BORNEO, INDONESIA
Dramatically rising from the sea, Kakaban’s steep cliffsides present an imposing welcome to adventurists seeking uniquely wild encounters. Jellyfish Lake offers the possibility to dive among thousands of harmless species, while Barracuda Point attracts white-tip and leopard sharks, barracuda and other finned fascinations. Encounter Borneo’s famous orangutans in their natural habitats as you trek through the jungle trails to the soundtrack of hundreds of tropical birds calling from the treetops.
Day 12
DAY AT SEA - CRUISING MAKASSAR STRAIGHT, IDONESIA
Aboard the world’s largest and most spacious luxury expedition yacht, you’ll find an array of unmatched experiences to immerse in during your days at sea. Indulge your senses at the serene Crystal Life Spa & Salon, work-out at our state-of-the-art fitness center, and learn about art, history and worldly destinations with our engaging enrichment programs. Or simply lounge poolside in solarium bliss while our attentive crew caters to your every whim. As evening arrives, indulge in the renowned culinary creations of Nobu Matsuhisa, enjoy special wine-makers dinners, lounge in luxurious spaces, or try your luck at the action-packed Resorts World AT SEA® casino.
Day 13
MORNING - PARE PARE, SULAWESI, INDONESIA
As one of the largest islands in Indonesia (the eleventh largest in the world), Sulawesi overflows with bold pursuits. Pare Pare is a lovely port city of rolling hills, the ideal starting point for your cultural adventures, from intensive investigation of the elaborate burial ceremonies and costume of the Toraja people, to the masterful artistic skills and treasures that have permeated village life forever.
Day 14
MORNING - PALOPO, SOUTH SULAWESI, INDONESIA
With more than 125 documented mammal species – more than half found nowhere else in the world – Sulawesi is a tapestry of biodiversity and wildlife wonders. Greet the dwarf buffalo, tiny tarsiers, and menagerie of birds and other animals as you explore the fascinating ecosystems of the island, and spend a day in Torajaland, where the culture is as captivating and globally mysterious as the natural surroundings.
DAY 15
AFTERNOON - TAKA BONERATE NATIONTAL PARK, INDONESIA
Turtles, sharks and giant clams may be your swimming mates as you explore the reefs of Tinabo Island, as beach snorkeling adventures push your previous boundaries. Dive deeper at the Sumur Ikan dive site, which reveals even greater diversity of sea life, and take your study further at Taka Bonerate National Park, the third largest atoll in the world.
DAY 16
MORNING - BALI (BENOA), INDONESIA
Ringed by steep hillsides that fluctuate from jade green to rust red as the seasons shift, Komodo Island is a land of curious colors… and dragons. The largest island within the Komodo National Park, Komodo sports sandy beaches painted pink by the red coral that thrives on the reefs and locals who relish welcoming visitors. Besides the world’s largest lizards, other wild residents include wild boars, deer, water buffalo, cockatoos and macaques.
DISEMBARK - BALI (BENOA), INDONESIA
Your Accommodations and All-Inclusive Fares
King-size bed, piled high with the finest linens, plush duvets and pillows of choice
Personal butler service with gratuities included
Italian fashion house ETRO bath and shower amenities, custom-designed bathrooms with adjustable heated floors, dual vanities with glass-enclosed rain showers, and anti-fog mirrors
Spacious closets, integrated cabinetry, and storage accommodating longer stays
Dedicated heated storage space designed exclusively for storing and drying parkas after expeditions
High-tech in-suite amenities, including: bedside iPad directory, interactive TV system with complimentary movies on demand, extensive music library, ambient lighting and temperature controls
DELUXE Suites
Starting at $15,699*
expedition PentHouse
CALL FOR AVAILABILITY
Penthouse Suites
Starting at $23,449*
Owner's Suite
Call For Availability
Interested in this itinerary? Request a quote and our specialists will contact you as soon as possible.
Aboard the NEW crystal Endeavor
Intimate and elegant, Crystal Endeavor™ welcomes just 200 sophisticated travelers with all-suite, butler-serviced luxury – the perfect balance to a voyage teeming with rugged adventure.
The PC6 strengthened hull of the Endeavor™ allows the vessel to navigate the world’s most remote regions, from the Arctic to Antarctica.
Beyond typical routes, and far past destinations frequented by most ships, Crystal Endeavor™ forges her own path using anchor-free dynamic positioning technology to hover over underwater treasures without impact.
*All fares and savings are per person, in U.S. dollars based on double occupancy. Cruise Fares and Your Exclusive Fares are cruise only and do not include taxes, fees, and port charges of $850 per person. Your Crystal Savings are subject to availability at time of booking. Your Exclusive Fare includes Crystal Savings as well as any applicable Savings if available and does not include Crystal Society or Early Full Payment savings. Optional Personal Select Air Program is available to purchase for full-fare, full-cruise guests whose travel originates from a U.S. or Canadian airport and includes all government taxes and fees. Note: Early Full Payment savings do not apply to Personal select Air. Solo Traveler fares are available upon request. Crystal Society Savings are per person based on double occupancy. All offers may not be combinable with other promotions, apply to first two full-fare guests in stateroom or suite, are capacity controlled, subject to availability and maybe withdrawn or changed at any time without notice. For complete Cruise Fare and Promotional Information and General Ticket Terms and Conditions, click here. Crystal Cruises, LLC reserves to the right to correct errors or omissions and change any and all fares, fees, promotions and programs at any time without notice. Available on new bookings when booked by September 30, 2018.
Each Crystal Endeavor™ itinerary balances days at sea with scheduled ports of call, and is intentionally designed to be flexible, allowing the Captain and his team of experts to incorporate unplanned “expedition days” when favorable weather conditions invite the opportunity for uncommon discovery. The Expedition Team will maintain a keen eye so that if an opportunity arises and conditions allow, the Captain will attempt to position the vessel accordingly. At all times, itineraries and ports of call are subject to the Captain’s discretion based on prevailing weather and ice conditions. Wildlife sightings and wilderness highlights on any itinerary cannot be guaranteed.