Osaka, Japan's third-largest city, is a neon-soaked, food-loving spectacle of giant signs, bustling restaurants, shopping, and glittering temples. Dotonbori Bridge glows above the canal, while Kuromon Ichiba Market-"the nation's kitchen"-has served street food for nearly 200 years, from pufferfish and okonomiyaki to octopus. Visit 16th-century Osaka Castle for history and city views, and cherry blossoms in spring. Kyoto's temples are a short train ride away.

Kochi is a small, friendly castle town dating to the early 17th century, home to one of only 12 Japanese castles that survived the feudal era. Though half the city was destroyed in a 1945 bombing, the original castle remained, a fine Edo-period example. A lively market nearby offers local and international food, including sugar tomato and rice omelette. Kochi is also known for scenic landscapes, varied hot springs, beaches, katsuo no tataki, and the Harimayabashi love legend.

Yakushima is a round subtropical island off southern Kyushu, in Kagoshima. One-fifth was designated a Natural World Heritage Site in 1993. It is famed for its cedar forests and Yakusugi, a term for cedars over 1,000 years old; the oldest may be over 7,000 years. With mountains near 2,000 m and heavy year-round rain, it offers rich flora from coral reef to alpine plants.

Drift into the subtropical beauty of Japan's Amami Islands, where emerald hills, mangrove forests and white-sand coves create a peaceful escape from the bustle of the mainland. This island chain is known for its clear seas, vibrant coral life and distinctive Ryukyu-influenced culture, with plenty to discover in local cuisine, crafts and gentle coastal scenery.

The Kerama Archipelago offers a blissful escape into one of Japan's most beautiful island settings, where turquoise waters, white-sand beaches and coral reefs create a paradise for swimming and snorkeling. With its relaxed pace, pristine scenery and abundant marine life, this chain of islands promises a refreshing taste of tropical Japan.

Remote and wonderfully unspoiled, Calayan in the Babuyan Islands offers a glimpse of the Philippines at its most natural and serene. Expect lush green scenery, clear waters, quiet beaches and dramatic coastal landscapes, with opportunities to enjoy the relaxed pace of island life and the warm welcome of a close-knit local community.

San Luis, Capul is a living museum where history lives. The island got its name from Acapulco, Mexico, reflecting its role in the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade during the Spanish era. Its well-preserved Spanish Colonial church complex, dedicated to St. Ignatius of Loyola, is enclosed by a square fort with varied bulwarks. At the island's northern tip is Faro de Capul, a lighthouse fortified by Japanese forces in World War II. Today, coconut farming is a major source of local income.

Bohol is a Philippine island province made up of Bohol Island and 75 smaller islands; its capital is Tagbilaran City. It is the country's 10th largest island, with a land area of 1,589.7 sq mi and a 162 mi coastline. Jesuits brought Christianity in the 1600s and built heritage churches, many damaged by the 2013 magnitude 7.2 earthquake and now being restored. Bohol is known for beaches, historic sites, the Chocolate Hills, world-class diving in Panglao, and the native Philippine tarsier.

The Philippines has over 7,600 islands, but tiny Kalanggaman Island, between Cebu and Leyte, is often called the most beautiful. Its white sand, palm trees, and clear blue sea feel like paradise. Only 750 metres long, it can be walked in under an hour. At low tide, its sandbar is perfect for photos. Visitors enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and diving among coral gardens, tropical fish, and sea turtles. Quiet and secluded, it offers peaceful beaches, sea breezes, and spectacular sunsets.

Donsol and Ticao Islands thrived in the 1500s as shipyard centers, rich in hardwood and skilled shipbuilders. With modernization and steel vessels, they declined: Donsol became a quiet fishing town, while Ticao shifted to cattle raising for Spanish haciendas. In the late 1990s, Donsol changed when whale sharks were discovered nearby. Once seen as pests, they are now protected through eco-tourism. Donsol offers near-certain whale shark sightings from November to June.

Our stay in San Fernando will present a unique opportunity to immerse ourselves in the traditional ways of Sibuyan Island.

Apo Reef Natural Park is a tentative UNESCO World Heritage site in the Philippines, made up of a reef and three islands. Its main feature, Apo Reef, lies east of Apo Island, the largest island, with mangroves and beach vegetation. Snorkelers can see crystal-blue waters, about 400 coral species, and many reef fish. Apo Island also has a shallow lagoon, mangrove forest, nearly 50 bird species, and rare Nicobar Pigeon records.

Manila, the "Pearl of the Orient," is the Philippines' bustling capital, rich in culture, creativity, and food. Friendly locals add to its charm. Baywalk offers famous sunsets; Intramuros is the historic Spanish-era core, with colonial architecture, cobbled streets, horse-drawn carriages, and Fort Santiago. Despite war and disasters, Manila endures. For calm, visit Rizal Park, a green oasis and national symbol honoring José Rizal.

Apo Reef Natural Park is a tentative UNESCO World Heritage site in the Philippines, made up of a reef and three islands. Its main feature, Apo Reef, lies east of Apo Island, the largest island, with mangroves and beach vegetation. Snorkelers can see crystal-blue waters, about 400 coral species, and many reef fish. Apo Island also has a shallow lagoon, mangrove forest, nearly 50 bird species, and rare Nicobar Pigeon records.

Our stay in San Fernando will present a unique opportunity to immerse ourselves in the traditional ways of Sibuyan Island.

Donsol and Ticao Islands thrived in the 1500s as shipyard centers, rich in hardwood and skilled shipbuilders. With modernization and steel vessels, they declined: Donsol became a quiet fishing town, while Ticao shifted to cattle raising for Spanish haciendas. In the late 1990s, Donsol changed when whale sharks were discovered nearby. Once seen as pests, they are now protected through eco-tourism. Donsol offers near-certain whale shark sightings from November to June.

The Philippines has over 7,600 islands, but tiny Kalanggaman Island, between Cebu and Leyte, is often called the most beautiful. Its white sand, palm trees, and clear blue sea feel like paradise. Only 750 metres long, it can be walked in under an hour. At low tide, its sandbar is perfect for photos. Visitors enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and diving among coral gardens, tropical fish, and sea turtles. Quiet and secluded, it offers peaceful beaches, sea breezes, and spectacular sunsets.

Bohol is a Philippine island province made up of Bohol Island and 75 smaller islands; its capital is Tagbilaran City. It is the country's 10th largest island, with a land area of 1,589.7 sq mi and a 162 mi coastline. Jesuits brought Christianity in the 1600s and built heritage churches, many damaged by the 2013 magnitude 7.2 earthquake and now being restored. Bohol is known for beaches, historic sites, the Chocolate Hills, world-class diving in Panglao, and the native Philippine tarsier.

Sabah's wildlife is unforgettable: orangutans, sun bears, and proboscis monkeys can be seen in rainforest and rehabilitation centres, where animals are cared for before release. Orangutans are especially moving to meet, sharing 97% of our DNA. Sandakan, on the Sulu Sea, was once a trading hub and is now a palm-oil and cacao exporter. Visit Sim-Sim Water Village for seafood, and the Memorial Park to learn about the Sandakan Death Marches of WWII.

Glide into the lush heart of Borneo along the Kinabatangan River, where tangled rainforest, mangrove-lined banks and quiet waterways create a haven for wildlife lovers. This remarkable river region is famed for its chances to spot proboscis monkeys, orangutans, hornbills and crocodiles, while nearby village life offers a glimpse of traditional Sabah culture amid one of Malaysia's most evocative natural landscapes.

Boheydulang Island, in Malaysia's Sabah state, is a tropical escape of turquoise waters, white sand and lush green hills. Part of the Tun Sakaran Marine Park, it's prized for snorkelling, island-hopping and easygoing beach time, while a climb to the island's famous viewpoint rewards you with sweeping views over the surrounding lagoons and reefs.

Portuguese were the first Western visitors to Sulawesi's Minahassa coast, though many ships wrecked there; they called it "Celibes." Spaniards later spread Christianity from the Philippines. The Dutch expelled other foreigners and imposed trade monopolies. Some tribes, especially Toalans and Torajans, kept pagan rites. Pare Pare is a narrow port city of about 100,000. In the north, 320,000 Toraja live at 1,200 m, long isolated. Their society had nobles, commoners, and slaves, and ritual life centered on rambu tuka and rambu solo; death rites, often with bull sacrifices, are central and costly.

Palopo is a municipality in South Sulawesi, Indonesia, with about 150,000 people. Founded in the early 1600s, it has long been a trade gateway to the highlands of Tana Toraja via a winding mountain pass. Toraja is known for houses decorated with water buffalo horns and bold red-black carvings, cliff and hillside burials, and elaborate funeral rites that can take months to prepare and last for days, drawing hundreds in a festival-like atmosphere.

Remote and beautifully unspoilt, Sabalana Island offers a glimpse of island life in Indonesia's lesser-known waters. Expect dazzling turquoise seas, quiet sandy shores and a relaxed tropical pace, with opportunities to snorkel, swim or simply soak up the scenery. This is the kind of place where nature takes centre stage, and the appeal lies in its serene, off-the-beaten-path charm.

Pulau Satonda is a stunning ring-shaped island in the Flores Sea, with jungle slopes around a volcanic crater lake. Snorkel the reefs or hike the ridge for views of the still interior water, with monkeys and bats overhead. Formed by underwater volcanism, its crater is 86 m deep. It witnessed Mount Tambora's 1815 eruption, and a tsunami may have turned its freshwater lake saline. Local tradition says hang a stone on a branch to make a wish, then return to give thanks if it comes true.

Kenanga Village offers a glimpse of Indonesia's more tranquil side, where tropical greenery, warm hospitality and easy-going village life create an inviting shore experience. Set against a backdrop of sea and coastline, it's a place to enjoy local culture, colourful markets and the simple rhythms of island living, with opportunities to relax, explore and soak up the scenery.

Discover Bali's hundreds of temples, dances, rituals, and crafts. Submerge yourself with Indonesia's culture all while sailing in our unique luxurious cruise!

Komodo, a volcanic island 320 miles east of Bali, is 25 miles long and 12 wide, with hills rising to 2,410 feet. About 2,000 people live there, mainly by fishing. It anchors Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve, famed for the Komodo dragon: rediscovered in 1912 after long being a myth. Adults can reach 10 feet and 330 pounds; hatchlings are 20 inches. They hunt deer, goats, and pigs. Rangers must escort all visitors.

On the remote island of Lembata, Lamalera Village offers a glimpse of traditional Indonesian island life, with a simple harbour setting, dramatic coastal scenery and a strong sense of local culture. Known for its age-old seafaring customs and warm community spirit, this is a fascinating place to experience a quieter side of the archipelago, where volcanic landscapes, fishing traditions and handcrafted textiles reveal the character of eastern Indonesia.

Kalabahi is the capital and main seaport of Alor Island, the largest in the Alor archipelago. About 60,000 people live there, helped by its many goods and services and its location on one of the island's few flat areas. Inland is Takpala, a traditional Abui village known for open rustic homes, hand-processed coffee, and welcoming dances and ceremonies.

On the sun-drenched island of Timor, Kupang offers a relaxed blend of tropical coast, bustling markets and Indonesian charm. This lively port city is a gateway to bright coral waters, palm-fringed beaches and nearby hill country, while the harbourfront and local eateries provide a taste of everyday life in eastern Indonesia.

Darwin, Australia's tropical north capital, is a uniquely isolated outpost near the equator, about 2,000 miles from Sydney and Melbourne. Named for Charles Darwin, it's known for nearby islands, Pacific flavours, and access to the Top End. Explore crocodile-filled waterways and Kakadu by airboat, relax in George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens or on Mindil Beach, and browse the sunset market for food and crafts. Its resilience is shaped by WWII bombing in 1942 and Cyclone Tracy in 1973.