Natural Treasures of Indonesia, Borneo & Taiwan

Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Benoa, Indonesia. Depending on flight schedule and departure city you may depart one day prior.

Welcome to Bali, the Island of the Gods. Spectacularly beautiful, culturally diverse and brimming with luxury, Bali is truly a little piece of paradise. Scenic Eclipse II will be waiting for you off the coast of Benoa, a peninsula on the southern edge of the island. Meal: D

Sailing overnight, Scenic Eclipse II will arrive at the port of Badas on Sumbawa Island this morning. Though it is close to Bali and Lombok, Sumbawa has yet to be discovered by tourists and retains its strong cultural identity. The island of Sulawesi sits directly north of Sumbawa and its local Makassarese culture has had a strong influence on the island. You can tour a village where you’ll see centuries-old traditional cultures still in practice, like rice pounding and weaving. Meals: B, L, D

Today come face to face with the eponymous species of giant lizard that has been roaming these forests for millions of years. Stretching up to three metres in length and weighing over 300 pounds, the Komodo dragon is a lizard unlike any other. It lives on just a handful of islands in the Indonesian archipelago, with the majority found on Komodo Island.

Board again at midday to cruise around the island to the famous Pink Beach. The soft sand is coloured pink by finely crushed pieces of coral and shells, just one of seven pink beaches found anywhere in the world. The turquoise water that laps the shoreline makes for a striking contrast. Beneath the surface, the wonders continue with hundreds of species of coral and an abundance of fish. Meals: B, L, D

A world of wonder awaits beneath the surface in the Taka Bonerate National Park. In 2015, it was recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve for its incredible variety of marine life. You’ll cruise right through the heart of this abundance of natural life; be sure to grab your in-suite binoculars or head to the Observation Lounge to look through the Swarovski telescopes. In this remote outpost, the captain will find a calm spot to stop for swimming, snorkeling and other water sports. Slip into the warm, crystal-clear waters and feel the cares of the world wash away. Meals: B, L, D

Arrive this morning in the town of Palopo, the gateway to the lush highlands of Tana Toraja, home to one of Indonesia’s most exotic and mysterious ethnic groups. Tucked into a valley beneath the green peaks of the Wallacea mountain range, the villages are clustered around elaborately carved and painted houses with distinctive boat-shaped roofs. A visit to Tana Toraja will give you an insight into an ancient and intriguing culture that’s unique to this part of the earth. Meals: B, L, D

Today is yours to do as much or as little as you want. Take some time to explore your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht, from the Sky Bar and outdoor Vitality Pool on the Sky Deck to the tranquil Senses Spa. Stop for a coffee or a cocktail at one of the nine bars and lounges on board, or curl up with a good book in the library of the Observation Lounge. Meals: B, L, D

After days of remote archipelagos and relaxed cruising at sea, Scenic Eclipse II will arrive in Makassar, the largest city in eastern Indonesia, a bustling and gritty metropolis that clings to the south- western tip of Sulawesi island. For centuries, Makassar was the global gateway to Indonesia, or the Dutch East Indies as it was then known. It has remained a vital port, with vast container ships and freighters from around the globe calling here every day. The city itself has few charms, but the surrounding countryside is the real attraction. The limestone karst mountain ranges of nearby Rammang Rammang look as though they have been pulled from the time of the dinosaurs. These ancient peaks, formed by erosion over millions of years, are covered in thick green foliage and interwoven by tranquil waterways. A handful of traditional villages are dotted throughout the area, where the people have been tending their rice paddies the same way for generations. Meals: B, L, D

Make the most of another sea day indulging in the many exceptional dining experiences on board Scenic Eclipse. Start with breakfast al fresco at the Yacht Club (be sure to return later to visit the large gelato fridge). For lunch, Azure Bar & Café serves light meals, pizza and salads that are available for grazing throughout the day. Elements is the ship’s main restaurant, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, where the menu ranges from Italian to steak and seafood. Meals: B, L, D

The Derawan Islands are one of the region’s most biodiverse places, home to giant manta rays, whale sharks, dolphins, endangered sea turtles and hundreds of species of fish. For a truly out-of-this-world experience, take a dip alongside rare stingless jellyfish in a natural lake on Kakaban Island. The four species found in the lake – moon jellyfish, upside down jellyfish, spotted jellyfish and box jellyfish – normally have stingers, but have lost the ability over time because they have been isolated from predators. Kakaban Lake is one of only two places on earth where this phenomenon has been recorded. The jellyfish are practically tame and swimming amongst their translucent forms is something you’ll never forget. Meals: B, L, D

Some of the world’s most vulnerable and endangered animals live on the island of Borneo, and concerted conservation efforts have worked hard to turn the tide. The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre first began rescuing orphaned orangutans for almost 60 years. Today, around 60 to 80 orangutans live independently in the reserve and up to 25 babies live in the nursery. These large apes with their distinctive shaggy orange coats can be seen from an outdoor viewing platform set in the lush jungle, where they will arrive for their twice daily feeding, or you can watch the juveniles from the nursery in their last stages of rehabilitation. Nearby, the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Center is committed to the protection of the world’s smallest bear. Found only in South East Asia, these bears are threatened by forest clearing and illegal hunt. Around 40 bears currently live at the center, where you can see them living in their natural habitat. Meals: B, L, D

After a couple of active days on shore, today would be a good time for some relaxation. If you’re feeling more energetic, the state- of-the-art gym is fully equipped for cardio workouts and strength conditioning – all with a spectacular view of the ocean. The Yoga & Pilates Studio is the only of its kind at sea, offering traditional yoga and Pilates classes, plus aerial yoga (using silk hammocks strung from the ceiling), TRX and mindfulness meditation. Meals: B, L, D

El Nido is a place that has to be seen to be believed, with its sun-kissed islands, towering marble cliffs, blindingly white beaches, rich green jungle and inviting tropical waters. Your cruise arrives here in April, which is the best time of year to ensure perfectly clear water for swimming, snorkelling, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. You’ll be completely immersed in this secluded paradise. Meals: B, L, D

From one extreme to the other – welcome to the densely populated, high-rise city of Manila. It’s a hub for commerce and business as well as shopping, dining, culture and luxury hotels.

If you’re interested in history, Manila’s is enticingly rich. Wander the streets of the oldest district, the Intramuros, which covers around 50 blocks and is full of Spanish-era landmarks like Fort Santiago, Manila Cathedral and the original walls that protected the city. Across the river, marvel at the ornate façade of the Basilica of San Sebastian, which is built entirely from prefabricated steel panels.

Scenic Eclipse II will be docked here overnight, so you will be able to experience some of Manila’s legendary nightlife. Alternatively, take a stroll along the Manila Baywalk to watch the sunset. Meals: B, L, D

After a day stepping back in time, today you might like to discover modern Manila. You may be able to visit major museums, like the Metropolitan Museum of Manila and Pinto Art Museum, or hunt out the smaller galleries that have taken over abandoned warehouses and stately homes to transform them into edgy exhibition spaces. Discover works from up and-coming Filipino artists or pieces from international artists who have come to the Philippines to be inspired. Meals: B, L, D

This will be your last full day at sea, cruising north through the waters of the South China Sea. Your butler is on call at all times and can bring morning coffee, afternoon tea or cocktails to enjoy on your private verandah while marvelling at coastal scenery or ocean wildlife. Meals: B, L, D

The city of Hualien sits on the east coast of the island of Taiwan, famed for its beautiful coastline. It’s the gateway to Taroko Gorge National Park, one of Taiwan’s most famous sites.The landscape of Taroko Gorge has been formed by the great forces of nature, from typhoons and earthquakes to millions of years of erosion. Today, it is a patchwork of marble gorges, bright blue rivers and pockets of untouched forest. Meals: B, L, D

Today, it is time to farewell Scenic Eclipse after 17 magical days on board. Be sure to fit in one last indulgent breakfast at the Yacht Club or ask your butler to bring coffee to your suite so you can take your time packing up. Meal: B