Archipelagos Of The East

Tokyo, Japan's bustling capital, offers an eclectic mix of tradition and modernity. Begin your adventure with a visit to the Asakusa district, home to the ancient Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo's oldest and most significant temple. Nearby, Nakamise Street is perfect for souvenir shopping and sampling traditional snacks.

For a panoramic view of the city, head to the Tokyo Skytree, one of the world's tallest towers. Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest pedestrian intersections, is a must-see for its sheer scale and energy. To experience tranquility, visit the serene Meiji Shrine, nestled in a lush forest in Shibuya. Don't miss trying Tokyo's renowned sushi at Tsukiji Outer Market or exploring the vibrant Harajuku district for trendy fashion and unique cafes.

Yokohama Port serves as a gateway for travelers heading to Tokyo, located approximately 30 kms (about 19 miles) north of the port. The journey to Tokyo can take around 30 to 45 minutes by train. The Osanbashi Yokohama International Passenger Terminal is the main docking site for cruise ships. The most efficient way to travel is by train, with the Minatomirai Line directly connecting Yokohama to Shibuya, a major hub in Tokyo. This allows visitors to easily access famous sights such as the Shibuya Crossing, Meiji Shrine, and the vibrant district of Shinjuku. Given the limited time typical of cruise stopovers, planning ahead to prioritize which attractions to visit is advisable.

Tokyo, Japan's bustling capital, offers an eclectic mix of tradition and modernity. Begin your adventure with a visit to the Asakusa district, home to the ancient Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo's oldest and most significant temple. Nearby, Nakamise Street is perfect for souvenir shopping and sampling traditional snacks.

For a panoramic view of the city, head to the Tokyo Skytree, one of the world's tallest towers. Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest pedestrian intersections, is a must-see for its sheer scale and energy. To experience tranquility, visit the serene Meiji Shrine, nestled in a lush forest in Shibuya. Don't miss trying Tokyo's renowned sushi at Tsukiji Outer Market or exploring the vibrant Harajuku district for trendy fashion and unique cafes.

Yokohama Port serves as a gateway for travelers heading to Tokyo, located approximately 30 kms (about 19 miles) north of the port. The journey to Tokyo can take around 30 to 45 minutes by train. The Osanbashi Yokohama International Passenger Terminal is the main docking site for cruise ships. The most efficient way to travel is by train, with the Minatomirai Line directly connecting Yokohama to Shibuya, a major hub in Tokyo. This allows visitors to easily access famous sights such as the Shibuya Crossing, Meiji Shrine, and the vibrant district of Shinjuku. Given the limited time typical of cruise stopovers, planning ahead to prioritize which attractions to visit is advisable.

Miyako-Jima is celebrated for its spectacular coastal landscapes and warm subtropical climate. This island is ringed with some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world, offering unparalleled opportunities for snorkelling and diving. The clear, turquoise waters of beaches like Sunayama Beach and Yonaha Maehama Beach are ideal for those seeking relaxation and stunning ocean vistas.

The island also boasts a rich cultural heritage, evident in traditional events like the Paantu festival, where locals smear mud on each other for good luck and purification. For those interested in history and craftsmanship, the Miyakojima City Museum and local distilleries producing Awamori, a traditional Ryukyuan alcoholic beverage, provide insightful experiences.

Taipei City stands as a vibrant metropolis set against the backdrop of towering mountains, offering a unique blend of urban energy and natural beauty. Its iconic Taipei 101, once the world's tallest building, provides panoramic views of the sprawling cityscape. The bustling night markets, such as Shilin and Raohe, offer an array of local delicacies, showcasing Taipei's rich culinary heritage.

Culture and history intertwine at the National Palace Museum, housing an extensive collection of Chinese imperial art that spans millennia. For a peaceful retreat, the nearby hot springs of Beitou invite visitors to relax in their therapeutic waters. Taipei is a city that constantly surprises, combining tradition with modernity in ways that captivate the hearts of travellers.

In Keelung, cruise ships dock at the Keelung Port, which serves as the gateway to Taipei, located approximately 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) away. Travel time to Taipei can vary, but it generally takes about 30 to 45 minutes by car, depending on traffic.

For exploring Taipei, travellers have several transportation options including taxis, buses, and trains. The city is renowned for its rich blend of modern and traditional cultures, with must-visit sights like the Taipei 101 skyscraper and the historical Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. For a convenient and immersive experience, consider joining a guided tour or utilizing the efficient MRT (Metro) system to navigate the city's highlights.

Kaohsiung, Taiwan's second-largest city, is a vibrant metropolis known for its bustling port, rich cultural scene, and scenic beauty. The city boasts the impressive Dragon and Tiger Pagodas at Lotus Pond, where visitors can enter through the dragon’s mouth and exit through the tiger’s, symbolising turning bad luck into good fortune.

Kaohsiung's artistic side is showcased at the Pier-2 Art Centre, a repurposed warehouse district now filled with galleries, shops, and installations. The city’s Love River is ideal for a leisurely boat ride or a scenic walk along its banks. Nearby, Cijin Island offers beautiful beaches, fresh seafood, and historical sites like the Cihou Fort. With its blend of cultural landmarks, modern attractions, and natural beauty, Kaohsiung is a dynamic destination in Taiwan.

Known as the Pearl of the Orient, Manila is the Philippine's sprawling capital city and a bustling hub of diverse cultures and heritage. Manila’s heady assortment of historical influences combine to give the city its unique identity. Ships will dock at the cruise terminal.

Top Things to Do in Manila:

• visit Fort Santiago
• admire Filipino art at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila
• take a scenic drive to Tagaytay
• take the ferry to Corregidor Island to see sites that played pivotal roles in WWII

Coron is a stunning destination known for its world-class diving spots and breathtaking natural beauty. The area is celebrated for its clear, emerald waters and majestic limestone cliffs, which provide a dramatic backdrop to the idyllic scenery.

Coron is part of the larger Calamian Islands, offering pristine white sand beaches and rich marine biodiversity, making it a haven for snorkellers and divers alike.

Key attractions include the famous Kayangan Lake, known for its crystal-clear waters, and several Japanese shipwrecks submerged during World War II, which have created an underwater wonderland.

The town itself is quaint and charming, with a laid-back atmosphere.

The capital city of Palawan Island in the Philippines is a fascinating landscape of caves, forests, and coastline. Often acclaimed as the cleanest and greenest city in the Philippines, it offers a wealth of attractions such as turquoise water, white-sand beaches, underground rivers, and wildlife reserves. Ships will dock at the port.

Top Things to Do in Puerto Princesa:

• tour the Subterranean River
• explore the islands of Honda Bay
  
• visit the Immaculate Conception Cathedral
• relax on Nagtabon Beach

Muara, located in Brunei, is a key port town known for its strategic importance and access to natural beauty. As Brunei's main deep-water port, Muara plays a vital role in the country's trade and economy. The town's coastline features serene beaches such as Muara Beach, where visitors can enjoy relaxing walks, picnics, and stunning sunsets.

Nearby, the Serasa Beach offers opportunities for water sports and is home to the Serasa Water Sports Complex, catering to enthusiasts of windsurfing, sailing, and jet skiing. The town is also close to the Muara Naval Base, an essential part of Brunei's maritime operations. With its blend of peaceful beaches and strategic significance, Muara provides a unique glimpse into Brunei's coastal and economic life.

Singapore has two main cruise terminals. Small and medium cruise ships generally dock at the Harbourfront Center on the western end of the city across from Sentosa Island. This terminal is in one big mall, and sits beside an even bigger mall, Vivocity. There is a MRT stop conveniently located here.

A new cruise terminal, Marina Bay Cruise Centre opened May 2012 accommodating bigger cruise ships. Marina South Pier MRT station provides convenient access to the city. The station is 600m away from the cruise terminal along a sheltered walkway.

Singapore has two main cruise terminals. Small and medium cruise ships generally dock at the Harbourfront Center on the western end of the city across from Sentosa Island. This terminal is in one big mall, and sits beside an even bigger mall, Vivocity. There is a MRT stop conveniently located here.

A new cruise terminal, Marina Bay Cruise Centre opened May 2012 accommodating bigger cruise ships. Marina South Pier MRT station provides convenient access to the city. The station is 600m away from the cruise terminal along a sheltered walkway.