The Hidden Treasures of the Philippines and Borneo

Nicknamed the Garden City, Singapore stretches across Malaysia's southern-most region. Experience the vibrant hustle and bustle of this city-state for yourself at the Marina Bay. No too far away is the historic centre, offering up a unique smorgasbord of neoclassical buildings and contemporary towers. Decked out in topiary, the pavements of Orchard Road are also home to countless shopping centres. The colourful markets in Chinatown and Little India are the perfect opportunity to quell hunger pangs in a hawker centre, one of the city's traditional snack bars. Between the two districts, get a slice of history with a trip to the Raffles dock. It was here that Englishman Sir Raffles, the founder of the city, is said to have arrived one fateful day in January 1819.

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing.

This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the Ponant photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

On the island of Borneo, the state of Sarawak invites you to live out your dreams of adventure. The largest state in Malaysia is home to some of the oldest forest on the planet and we can easily understand why this little corner of paradise inspired Somerset Maugham, the British writer and traveller, to write one of his novels - The Casuarina Tree.

We invite you to follow in the footsteps of the writer and set off to discover the colonial capital of the State: Kuching, which is known as ”Cat City” in Malay, where a feline languor does indeed permeate this tantalizingly elusive city. Lying nonchalantly on the banks of the Sungai Sarawak, this little city is proud of its romantic past and its quaint charm and beauty.

Located on the central coast of Sarawak, the old fishing village of Bintulu is now a nerve centre of the Malaysian oil and gas industry, but also a dynamic town with a remarkably well-preserved cultural and natural heritage. Fall under the spell of its lively traditional markets, its Chinese temples, and its longhouses, living witnesses of its ancestral heritage. Bintulu also offers privileged access to the Similajau National Park, a veritable tropical nature sanctuary in which idyllic beaches, lush mangroves and wildlife make up a fascinating landscape, its beauty intact.

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.

Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah on the island of Borneo, is a vibrant city known for its stunning natural surroundings and rich cultural heritage. The city offers breathtaking views of the South China Sea and serves as a gateway to Mount Kinabalu, one of Southeast Asia's highest peaks, attracting hikers and nature enthusiasts from around the world.

The bustling waterfront markets, such as the Filipino Market, offer a taste of local cuisine and handicrafts. The Sabah State Museum provides insights into the region’s diverse cultures and history. Nearby, the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park consists of five islands with pristine beaches and clear waters, ideal for snorkeling and diving. With its blend of urban charm and natural beauty, Kota Kinabalu offers a unique and memorable experience in Borneo.

Located at the far south-west of the Philippines, opposite Sabah in Malaysia, the Balabac archipelago is composed of 32 islands forming the southernmost group of Palawan Province. There, you will discover idyllic white sand beaches edged with crystal clear water, a veritable invitation for swimming and relaxation.

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

Nestling off the coast of Palawan, the island of Modessa is a veritable tropical and pristine refuge. This small isolated island, edged with beaches of white sand and shaded by coconut trees, invites you to enjoy a timeless interlude. Surrounded by coral reefs, it shelters teeming marine life (tropical fish, coral, starfish and turtles), offering ideal conditions for snorkelling, directly accessible from the shore. Between swimming in crystal-clear waters, moments of relaxation on the beach and immersion in intact nature, this insular setting is sure to be an unforgettable port of call.

Surrounded by 41 islets in the heart of the Calamian Archipelago, the island of Culion is a peaceful insular community located north of Palawan. It is renowned for its rich historical legacy and heritage sites, since it used to shelter a leper colony created in 1906 under American colonial rule. A very characterful place imbued with local atmosphere, Culion has many historical buildings that remain intact today. You will be able to discover its hospital, which houses a museum and archives of photos and historical objects. You will then visit the Church of Immaculate Conception, whose ceiling was painted by people with leprosy. It is part of an old Spanish fort affording views over the sea and surrounding villages. The visit will end with a local show on Rizal Square, where you will be able to observe the historic homes of former leprosy patients as well as the original theatre.

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.

Located at the entrance to Manila Bay, Corregidor Island blends wild nature and historical remnants, offering an atmosphere that is at once peaceful and fascinating. Once the gateway to the transpacific trade facilitated by the Spanish, connecting Acapulco to Manila, it has become a strong symbol of the Second World War. Plunge into this historic sanctuary by discovering its fortifications, the ruins of its barracks and gun batteries, its tunnels and its impressive miliary memorial devoted to Filipino, American and Japanese soldiers.

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