Manila to Singapore

An underwater paradise teeming with biodiversity, Apo Reef Natural Park is a tentative UNESCO World Heritage site made up of a reef and three islands. Apo Island is the largest island and harbours mangroves and beach vegetation on its 22 hectares. Apo Reef, the important and main geographical features of the park, lies to the east of Apo Island. Snorkelers will enjoy the crystal blue waters and be looking for some of the 400 varieties of soft and hard corals registered, cushion stars, damsel fishes, butterfly fishes, angel fishes, parrot fishes, cardinal fishes, trigger fishes, and wrasses. Relax on the beach on Apo Island, which features a shallow lagoon surrounded by a verdant mangrove forest. Close to 50 species of birds have been recorded for the park and there are records of the rare Nicobar Pigeon for Apo Island.

The Philippines is an archipelago of over 7600 islands and tiny Kalanggamman Island, set between Cebu and Leyte is widely considered to be the most beautiful of all, a slice of paradise on earth.The approach to the island offers a first glimpse of abundant picturesque palm trees sprouting from whiter than white sand, seemingly floating in the middle of the clearest blue sea.The island was named “langgam”, a local word meaning bird and is indeed a rare bird. Just 750 metres long, you can walk round the bird shaped island in little under an hour. At low tide a stroll along the long sandbar of powdery sand and tiny seashells is the perfect place for a sublime photo opportunity.The blue and green crystal waters are enticing and swimming, snorkeling and diving opportunities are not to be missed. Once under the water, a colourful new world opens up, coral gardens teeming with shoals of exotic fish, sea turtles swimming lazily past,A peaceful and relaxing vibe predominates the island as visitors relish the outstanding beauty of this simple and secluded spot. The northern part of the island is quieter still, the only sounds being the sea breeze rustling the palm leaves and crashing waves.A barbeque of grilled fish on the beach, as the evening brings spectacular sunsets in buttery colou

Bohol is an island province consisting of Bohol Island and 75 minor surrounding islands. Its capital is Tagbilaran City. With a land area of 1,589.7 sq mi and a coastline 162 mi, Bohol is the tenth largest island of the Philippines. In the 1600’s, the Jesuits introduced Christianity to the region. They built huge churches, which were declared heritage sites in the early 2000’s. Unfortunately most of these churches were heavily damaged by the 7.2 magnitude earthquake of 2013. Today, some of these churches are being restored. The province is a popular tourist destination for its beaches, historical sites, natural beauty & geological features, such as the Chocolate Hills that consist of over 1600 hills of limestone formation. The island of Panglao, located just southwest of Tagbilaran City, is famous for its diving and routinely listed as one of the top ten diving locations in the world. The Philippine Tarsier, considered the second-smallest primate in the world, is indigenous to the island.

Sohoton Bay has many special sites, but the Sohoton Cove National Park just slightly to the east on Bucas Grande’s southwestern side is enchanting. It is almost impossible to find if you come at the wrong time of the day. The half-submerged entrance is the only way in and out and can only be used at low tide. Sohoton Cove National Park is filled with gorgeous, muffin-shaped, forest-covered islets. Most of them are untouched by human hands and the natural arrangement acts like a gigantic, natural maze. The blue lagoon is also home to several caves and caverns and a fantastic variety of flora and fauna. Situated in the middle of an islet, Hagukan sea-cave has a half-submerged, small entrance adorned with rock-oysters and a ceiling decorated with awe-inspiring stalactites. Magkukuob cavern is another cave in one of the 7 islets inside Sohoton Cove. Its walls have natural colours from yellow to aqua to turquoise which makes it surreal. Climbing an enthralling passage whose adjoining walls offers a stunning display of mineral-encrusted stalactites and stalagmites you will reach a 5-meter jump off point to the clear, blue sea right below your feet. Another attraction in Sohoton Cove is the jellyfish sanctuary at Tojoman Lagoon where one can swim with thousands of non – stinging spotted jellyfishes only found between March and June.

Kalabahi is the capital and main seaport of Alor Island the largest landmass in the Alor archipelago. Roughly 60 000 inhabitants call Kalabahi home and enjoy a wide variety of goods and services available here. Kalabahi has grown as a town in part because it is situated on some of the only level ground on the volcanic and rugged island of Alor. Inland from Kalabahi is the small traditional village of Takpala. The attractive rustic homes of the village are open and airy and the Abui people living here harvest dry roast and grind their coffee by hand. The traditional dances and welcome ceremonies express a close-knit society cultivated in this tranquil setting.

Komodo, the volcanic island of giant lizards, lies 320 miles (515 kilometres) east of Bali. Komodo is 25 miles (40 kilometres) long and 12 miles (19 kilometres) wide; its parched hills ascend to a height of 2,410 feet (734 metres). Komodo is home to a community of some 2000 people who make their living primarily from fishing. The island is the centrepiece of the Komodo National Park, where you will find the most tangible legacy left behind from the Jurassic Era. Komodo Island was little-known and the Komodo dragons were only a myth until the giant lizards were scientifically described in 1912 . Extinct almost everywhere else, the island attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world who come to see the Komodo dragons in their natural habitat. Komodo National Park has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve. The Komodo dragon’s great bulk and weight are its most unique characteristics; even hatchlings average 20 inches (51 centimetres) in length. The adult male can reach 10 feet (3 metres) and weigh up to 330 pounds (150 kilos). Females attain only two-thirds of this size, and lay up to 30 eggs at a time. With their saw-like teeth, these fierce creatures are able to rip apart a deer, goat or wild pig. The animals have an uncanny sense of smell, and are considered among the world's most intelligent reptiles. They are quite agile over short distances, and can move swiftly to capture their prey. The Indonesian Directorate of Nature Conservation (PPA) administers Komodo National Park. Park Rangers must escort all visitors; independent exploration of the park is not permitted.

Covered by coconut trees and surrounded by white sandy beaches Menyawakan Island lies some 64 nautical miles off Java’s coast in the Karimunjawa archipelago. This tranquil and secluded setting offers tropical and laid back ambiance and good snorkeling.

The island of Belitung is large, measuring roughly 4,800 square kilometer (1850 square miles). Along with neighbouring Bangka and the many other surrounding small islands this is not just an archipelago, but a substantial province of Indonesia. Belitung used to have many tin mines, but today the island is better known for its nature. The most distinct features of Belitung’s many beaches are the fascinating granite rock formations along the shallow shores. These rocks can reach the size of houses and lie in bold contrast to the white sand. Swimming and snorkeling in the crystal clear waters reveals healthy corals and hundreds of fish.