DAY 1 – MANILA, PHILLIPINES
Set amid the forest-green splendor of Luzon Island is bustling Manila, the second largest city in Southeast Asia, with its towering skyscrapers and remarkable joie de vivre. Yet amid the big-city excitement are oases of calm: lush tropical parks, magnificent cathedrals and dramatic Spanish forts. North of the city, mountains beckon with their spectacular rice terraces, while across Manila Bay stands Mount Mariveles, a dormant volcano studded with scenic hiking trails.
DAY 2 – SUBIC BAY, PHILIPPINES
Swim beneath the waves to discover the sunken treasure of WWII shipwrecks that lures divers from across the world to this former U.S. naval base on Luzon island. Or dive under the bamboo canopy for a hike through the forest that fringes the bay. There are sleepy beach towns and good surf further north along the Zambales coast, as well as vistas of steeply terraced rice fields and the jungle-strung peaks of the Cordillera, which hide ancient Spanish colonial towns in their folds. Here, too, you can discover the curious hanging coffins of Sagada; the mountain town’s cliffside caves have been a hallowed burial place for the Igorot people for centuries. The metropolitan thrills of the Philippines’ capital, Manila, beckon to the south, home of the world’s oldest Chinatown and the crumbling colonial sites of Intramuros, the old Spanish walled city.
DAY 3 – DAY AT SEA
Take time to enjoy a day at sea, relax by the pool, book in activities or sit back and enjoy the ample amenities all available at your fingertips.
DAY 4 & 5 – HONG KONG, CHINA
Famous for its bustling vivacity and countless skyscrapers, Hong Kong is a unique place with endless things to do. Dive into the heritage of the city in the Hong Kong Museum of History, explore its many shopping centers, and taste-tempting street food at the famous Temple Street Night Market. Don’t forget to admire the panoramic city views from Victoria Peak.
DAY 6 – KAOHSIUNG, TAIWAN
This vibrant modern metropolis of neon-lit skyscrapers is one of Taiwan’s top arts hubs. The place to start exploring is Pier-2 Art Center, where once-derelict warehouses have been reimagined as independent shops, cutting-edge galleries and cool cafés. Plus there’s head-turning installation art – from a two-ton Transformer robot to a right-angled sculpture of shipping containers. Other surprising discoveries in this future-facing city include the blissful waterside parks of Love River and the terracotta-roofed Dragon and Tiger pagodas amid the lily pads of Lotus Lake – just remember to enter through the dragon’s mouth and leave through the tiger’s jaws, because to do the reverse is said to bring bad luck.
DAY 7 – KEELUNG, CHINA
This seaside town is the perfect gateway to the modern and vibrant city of Taipei. There, you can visit numerous attractions such as the colorful night markets and the majestic Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall. To finish the day, ascend the Taipei 101 building to see the stunning skyline of this capital city.
DAY 8 – ISHIGAKI RYUKYU ISLANDS, JAPAN
Discover a slice of paradise that merges East Asian culture with tropical bliss, an intoxicating blend of beach and reef relaxation and Shinto-shrine enlightenment. Ishigaki is ideal for snorkeling, hiking, beachcombing and kayaking. Kabira Bay is an idyllic spot, part of the Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park, and popular for diving. Inland, dense palm forests, jungle-clad mountains and rivers lined with mangrove are a photographer’s and nature lover’s delight.
DAY 9 – AT SEA
Take time to enjoy a day at sea, relax by the pool, book in activities or sit back and enjoy the ample amenities all available at your fingertips.
DAY 10 – JEJU, SOUTH KOREA
Jeju, a South Korean island paradise, captivates with its volcanic landscapes and vibrant culture. Known as the `Island of the Gods,` it’s a haven of natural wonders, packed full of authentic experiences for those who are willing to explore this lesser visited destination. Start by discovering the awe-inspiring Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where ancient caves and geological marvels tell a geological tale. From the dramatic cliffs of Seongsan Ilchulbong to the serene shores of Hyeopjae Beach, Jeju’s beauty is diverse and enchanting.
Embrace local traditions like haenyeo (female divers) and indulge in Jeju’s distinct cuisine; try Momguk a savory, nutrient-rich boiled pork and seaweed dish, seafood ramen or seongge miyeokguk (sea urchin seaweed soup), the island specialty. With its blend of stunning scenery and rich heritage, Jeju promises a captivating journey into a world where nature, culture and cuisine fuse together to make a fabulous destination.
DAY 11 – YEOSU, SOUTH KOREA
Just look at that view of the ocean – no wonder Yeosu means “beautiful waters”. Set on the south coast of mainland South Korea, with a scoop of islands in its bay, this port intoxicates with its high-rise modernity and old soul. The curious traveler will relish what they find here; there are temples, markets, parks and nature reserves to feast on – as well as some of the best seafood in the country. Shop for authentic souvenirs in the markets of Nampo-dong, gaze at the traditional Korean architecture in the old quarter and walk or cycle along the shore in the sea breeze.
Take the Yeosu Maritime Cable Car from Jasan Park – one with a transparent floor if you dare look down on the sea far below – to Dolsan island to find Hyangiram Hermitage, a 6th-century Buddhist temple. Or cross the bridge to Odongdo island and follow the trails through the tangle of evergreens and bamboo, fragranced in spring by red camellia blossoms.
DAY 12 & 13 – INCHEON (SEOUL), SOUTH KOREA
Blessed with parks and markets to stroll through, it’s hard to resist stretching your legs in South Korea’s third-largest city. As you go, savor hot and crunchy deep-fried chicken, dakgangjeong, or a spicy skewer of fish cakes in a warming broth, eomuk, from the street-food stalls in Sinpo Market. Step through the great gate of the only official Chinatown in Korea and discover how its community helped create the country’s national dish at the eponymous Jajangmyeon Museum.
Delight in the clouds of cherry blossom that grace Jayu Freedom Park in spring. You won’t tire of Incheon but dynamic Seoul is temptingly close by Metro. You might like to prepare your senses for an onrush of blinking neon lights and blasting K-pop music in the capital, yet there are calm historic corners to be found amid the soaring skyscrapers. Bongeunsa Temple, with its Buddhist shrines, and Deoksugung Palace, for the changing of the guard, are among the must-sees.
