From Manila to Keelung (Taipei) · Asia · 9 nights
Sleek and stylish, Le Boréal, Le Soléal, L’Austral and Le Lyrial are wonderful small ships that blend luxury and intimacy with a discreet elegance and tasteful décor.
These chic sisters are amongst the most stylish ships at sea,
with muted natural tones, minimalist interiors and playful splashes
of colour. The accommodation is flexible, with the option to
combine staterooms and create expansive suites, while the
restaurants deliver the sort of outstanding gastronomic experience
that you would expect from a French flag cruise line.
Manila is a sprawling conglomeration of soaring skyscrapers, faded colonial facades and ramshackle slums, and it's certainly not everyone's cup of tea. But if you have the stamina and an inquisitive nature, there is plenty to be enjoyed in the Philippines' boisterous capital, including the world's oldest Chinatown, the historic walled city of Intramuros and the shopping malls of Makati. Grab some respite in Rizal Park, or explore the remarkable Chinese Cemetery, where Manila's wealthiest Chinese citizens are laid to rest in lavish mausoleums, complete with chandeliers, kitchens and air-conditioning!
The island fortress of Corregidor, situated at the entrance to Manila Bay, played a key role in both the Japanese occupation and the Allied liberation of the Philippines during the Second World War. History buffs will enjoy exploring the abandoned artillery batteries, barracks and eerie tunnels.
There are actually 123 islands in the Hundred Islands National Park, ranging from mushroom-shaped limestone outcrops to larger islands fringed with sandy beaches. Native wildlife includes macaques, dolphins, dugongs, turtles and giant clams, and there are some excellent snorkelling spots.
Kaohsiung is Taiwan’s second largest city and one of the world’s largest container ports, situated on the south west coast of the island. Formerly a rather grim industrial centre, the city has been transformed in recent years, with new parks, cafés, galleries and museums popping up all over the place.
Keelung is a fairly unremarkable port city close to Taipei, Taiwan’s capital. Taipei draws on an interesting mix of Chinese, Japanese and Western influences, and is home to attractive temples, a burgeoning street food scene and Taipei 101, which was the world's tallest building until it was eclipsed by Dubai's Burj Khalifa in 2010.
