From Manila to Singapore · Asia · 12 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.
Coron is the name of both the largest town on Busuanga Island, in Palawan province, and of a smaller island just offshore. This region is the ancestral home of the Tagbanua people, and the waters surrounding the islands offer some excellent diving, with numerous Japanese shipwrecks from the Second World War lurking on the seabed.
Puerto, as the locals call it, is the capital of Palawan province, founded by the Spanish in 1872. The city is the only major metropolis in this otherwise pristine and sparsely populated region, and the main attraction here is the spectacular Subterranean River National Park just to the north.
Kota Kinabalu is the gateway to the Malaysian state of Sabah and makes for an excellent base, whether you’re planning on scaling the commanding heights of Mount Kinabalu, exploring the islands and turquoise waters of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, or embarking on a trip into the jungle to encounter Borneo’s fantastic wildlife.
Muara is the main port of Brunei Darussalam, a tiny Islamic sultanate on the northern coast of Borneo. The sultan’s wealth is legendary, as is his sprawling 300-acre palace, although the capital city, Bandar Seri Begawan, is a surprisingly understated and likeable place, with an intriguing mix of Malay, Chinese and indigenous cultures.
The port of Bintulu, on the north coast of Malaysian Borneo, is the gateway to Similajau National Park. The forests and mangroves of this compact park are home to wildlife including gibbons, long-tailed macaques and wild boar, and several of the beautiful beaches are used as nesting sites by green turtles.
The laid-back riverside city of Kuching is the state capital of Sarawak, and the gateway to some of Borneo’s most impressive natural sights. The lanes of old Kuching are a joy to explore, while nearby attractions include caves, mangrove swamps and the proboscis monkeys of Bako National Park.
Singapore’s heritage as an important trading post means that there is a real cultural mix, with four official languages: English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil. Step away from the gleaming towers and you’ll find yourself transported into another world amongst the intoxicating streets of Chinatown and Little India.
