PHILIPPINES WITH PALAU & TAIWAN. Expedition Highlights. February 29 March 16, Days Aboard the Caledonian Sky

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1 PHILIPPINES WITH PALAU & TAIWAN February 29 March 16, Days Aboard the Caledonian Sky MAP NOT TO SCALE Expedition Highlights Taipei TAIWAN Keelung Hualien PACIFIC OCEAN Visit Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its high density of marine life with 600 fish species and over 300 varieties of coral. SOUTH CHINA SEA Vigan Basco Babuyan Islands Trek through diverse landscapes at Taroko National Park, home to the world s largest marble gorge, rugged coastal cliffs, narrow canyons, and lush, subtropical forest. Hundred Islands National Park PHILIPPINES PHILIPPINE SEA Explore a tunnel on Batan used by Japanese soldiers during World War II. APO REEF Coron Island Experience warm welcomes and legendary Filipino hospitality as you visit traditional villages and remote island communities. TUBBATAHA REEF Pamilacan Island PALAU Koror Itinerary... page 2 > Flight Information... page 3 > Ship, Deck Plan & Rates... page 4 > Featured Leaders... page 5 > Know Before You Go... page 5 >

2 ROCK ISLANDS CLOWNFISH Itinerary Based on the expeditionary nature of our trips, there may be ongoing enhancements to this itinerary. Friday, March 6 PAMILACAN ISLAND, PHILIPPINES Arrive in the Philippines this morning. Spend the rest of the day snorkeling or diving off tiny Pamilacan Island, with the possibility of going ashore to visit with locals. Saturday, February 29 & Sunday, March 1, 2020 DEPART USA / KOROR, PALAU Board your independent flight to Palau. Arrive in Koror on March 1 in the late evening and transfer to the Palau Royal Resort for overnight. Monday, March 2 PALAU Today explore Palau s geologically fascinating Rock Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Board a local boat for a cruise among the limestone islands and islets and enjoy world-class snorkeling among vibrant coral reefs. This is an important nesting site for many species, and as you look up from the water, watch for wheeling white-tailed tropicbirds, fast flying sulfur-crested cockatoos, common and white terns, and slowflying Palauan fruit bats. Enjoy lunch on a white-sand beach. Return to our hotel for dinner and overnight. Saturday, March 7 TUBBATAHA REEFS NATURAL PARK Today visit Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a marine and bird sanctuary that covers over 370 square miles. Part of the Coral Triangle, this area was recognized as a World Heritage Site due to the high density of marine species and important breeding grounds for seabirds and marine turtles. Spend the day snorkeling or diving over pristine reefs. Monday, March 8 CORON ISLAND Explore the natural and cultural wonders of Coron, including an active hike up Coron s vertical cliffs, which is rewarded with breathtaking views of Kayangan Lake. Afterwards there is an opportunity to swim in the crystal-clear waters. In the afternoon, visit the Banuang Daan who will showcase their rich traditions with a performance and display of handicrafts. Tuesday, March 3 PALAU / EMBARK CALEDONIAN SKY Palau s surrounding reefs are home to more than 1,500 species of fish and 700 species of coral, while in the sandy shallows, thousands of giant clams can be found. Spend the morning exploring this incredibly rich marine environment at one of Palau s many world-class snorkel sites. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before embarking the Caledonian Sky. Tuesday, March 9 APO REEF The second-largest contiguous coral reef in the world after the Great Barrier Reef, Apo offers a kaleidoscope of hard and soft corals. Discover luminescent anemones and nudibranchs, pygmy seahorses, pipefish, and other wondrous small creatures, as well as large pelagics such as sharks, tuna, and barracudas. Wednesday & Thursday, March 4 & 5 AT SEA Two days at sea offer a chance to relax onboard, scan the skies and waters on deck with naturalists, and attend lectures from our experts. Wednesday, March 10 HUNDRED ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK Comprised of 124 lushly vegetated islands, Hundred Islands National Park offers lovely beaches, gorgeous vistas, and crystal-clear waters. Spend the day on one of these private islands birding, snorkeling, diving, and exploring by Zodiac. < 2 >

3 TAROKO NATIONAL PARK VIGAN Thursday, March 11 VIGAN Established in the 16th century, Vigan stands as Asia s finest example of a planned Spanish colonial city. Exceptionally intact, its grid street pattern and architectural influences earned the city UNESCO status in Wander the cobbled streets, and pay a visit to the Pagburnayan pottery makers, to learn about the production of Vigan s famous burnay jars. Friday, March 12 BABUYAN ISLANDS The Babuyan Islands are home to steep foothills, volcanic cones, mangroves, and a marine sanctuary. Take a stroll along Calayan s gorgeous white-sand beaches and snorkel or dive in the warm waters, while birders search the forest for the Calayan rail, a flightless bird endemic to the island. Saturday, March 13 BATAN ISLAND Batan was the first domino to fall during Japan s invasion of the Philippines during World War II, and you will hear harrowing tales while visiting a tunnel used as a hideout by Japanese soldiers. Climb to the top of Radar Tukon, a former lighthouse and US weather station, which offers 360-degree views across the island. Savor the fresh air and bucolic setting of the Vayang Rolling Hills, then take a leisurely stroll around the town plaza, dominated by Santo Domingo de Basco Church, built in Monday, March 15 KEELUNG (TAIPEI) Dominated by Taipei 101 a 1,600-foot-high tower that resembles a stalk of bamboo Taiwan s capital offers a captivating mix of Asian and Western influences. The city is famous for its street food, so make a stop to sample a variety of xiaochi (little snacks) while visiting top attractions such as the Chinese-influenced Martyrs Shrine; Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, commemorating Taiwan s former president; and the National Palace Museum, which houses the world s largest collection of Chinese art. Or, leave the city bustle behind to visit Yehliu Geopark with its surreal rock formations, as well as Gold Ecological Park, built to offer insights into the region s gold-mining culture. Tuesday, March 16 TAIPEI / USA After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your independent homeward flight, arriving in the USA the same day. Flight Information You will need to purchase airfare from your home city/koror and Taipei/home city. Please contact our in-house Air Department for fare quotes, reservations, or other air-related questions. Sunday, March 14 HUALIEN, TAIWAN Arrive in Taiwan s second-largest city, located on the mountainous east coast. Hualien serves as your gateway to Taroko National Park, centered upon its namesake marble gorge. The park comprises some 227,000 acres and varying altitudes, from sea level at the mouth of the Liwu River to towering Mount Nanhu at more than 12,000 feet. Such dramatic climate changes create a diverse array of vegetation and habitats, hosting a third of Taiwan s vascular plants, half of its mammal species, and over 140 recorded bird species. SOOTY TERN < 3 >

4 The Caledonian Sky Deck Plan The all-suite, 100-guest Caledonian Sky is a spacious, yet intimate, expedition vessel. Refurbished in 2012, her beautifully designed public spaces include a single-seating dining room, a large lounge, elegant bar, enclosed panoramic viewing deck, sun deck, library, and gym. All suites have an ocean view and feature a sitting room, en suite bathroom, flatscreen television, spacious wardrobes, and dressing table. The Caledonian Sky carries a fleet of Zodiacs, available for accessing remote shorelines and islands. PANORAMA DECK BRIDGE DECK Outdoor Cafe Library Panorama Lounge Bar Sun Deck Bridge Visit for more information about this ship. PROMENADE DECK Salon WC Gym CALEDONIAN DECK Bar Castle Deck Caledonian Deck Lounge Reception CATEGORY 1 CATEGORY 2 CATEGORY 3 CASTLE DECK Restaurant Doctor Rates CATEGORY 1 $15,980 CATEGORY 4 $19,280 CAT 1 / SOLO $15,980 CATEGORY 2 $17,180 CATEGORY 5 $20,680 CAT 2 / SOLO $17,180 CATEGORY 3 $18,180 CATEGORY 6 $22,680 CAT 4 /SOLO $19,280 Solo Travelers: No solo supplement in select categories! (Limited availability). INCLUDED: Daily activity options including cultural tours, nature walks, snorkeling, diving, and Zodiac cruises All gratuities All accommodations World-class lecture and expedition team All onboard meals and group meals ashore, including soft drinks, beer, and wine with lunch and dinner All entrance fees, taxes, and landing and port charges Arrival and departure transfers on group dates Gift certificates for recommended expedition gear Medical expense coverage and emergency evacuation insurance NOT INCLUDED: Airfare from your home city/koror and Taipei/home city Excess baggage charges Airport arrival and departure taxes Transfers for independent arrivals and departures Passport and/or visa fees Travel insurance Items of a personal nature such as laundry, alcoholic beverages, (other than listed at left), and other incidentals /Internet/fax/telephone charges Scuba Diving: Limited to 16 Advanced Open Water (AOW) certified scuba divers. You must complete two open water dives within the 12 months prior to the trip s departure. A 25% per person deposit will secure your space on this expedition. All rates are per person, based on double occupancy, quoted in US dollars, and must be paid in US dollars. Rates and itineraries are subject to change. Please review our Terms & Conditions online at or call our office for a printed copy. < 4 >

5 Featured Leaders Our leaders have visited this area numerous times and will provide valuable insight and commentary on the history, culture, and wildlife of this intriguing region. Fascinating lectures, photo presentations, daily recaps, and informal discussions will enhance your understanding and appreciation of the wonders you will see. Leaders from additional fields of study will join the leaders featured below. MICHAEL MOORE (EXPEDITION LEADER) A Chicago native, Michael earned both his B.S. in biology and an M.S. degree in ecology, ethology, and evolution at the University of Illinois. He then spent 10 years conducting research around the Pacific Rim, where he lived in the highlands of New Guinea, logged hundreds of hours beneath its waters working for conservation organizations, and taught field biology courses for the University of PNG. His research led him to a career as an expedition leader taking travelers from New Guinea to Alaska and many places in between. JACK GROVE A marine biologist and professional naturalist, Jack has spent much of the past two decades traveling on, and lecturing about, the world s oceans. A leading authority on the fishes and marine environments of the eastern tropical Pacific, in 1997, Stanford University Press published his book, The Fishes of the Galápagos Islands, and he received his Ph.D. from Pacific Western University. He is a cofounder of Zegrahm Expeditions, an avid scuba diver, certified divemaster, and Fellow of The Explorers Club. RICH PAGEN Rich first became enthralled by the wonders of the natural world around the tide pools and forests of his native New York. Since then, he has embarked on a career in conservation biology, including a variety of field biology projects from the Arctic to the Amazon. Rich was ultimately drawn back to the sea where he taught marine science and island ecology on Catalina Island in California for several years. He has also conducted shipboard surveys for marine mammals and seabirds, as well as tagging studies of sea turtles and pelagic sharks. BRENT STEPHENSON Born in New Zealand, Brent has been an avid birder since childhood. In 2005 he completed his Ph.D., studying the breeding biology of Australasian gannets in New Zealand. His passion for travel, birds, and the ocean has led him to many corners of the world working on small expedition vessels. Brent spends much of the southern summer in New Zealand, where he co-owns and runs Wrybill Birding Tours, NZ. In 2013, with co-author Paul Scofield, he completed Birds of New Zealand: A Photographic Guide. Know Before You Go For most activities, a moderate level of exertion is required. You will need to climb, unaided, into and out of Zodiacs for snorkeling and excursions ashore. You must be able to walk moderate distances over sometimes rough and uneven terrain, and some stairs will be uneven and without handrails. Temperatures will range from the high 70sº to mid-90sºf with cooler temperatures in Taiwan FAX Elliott Avenue Suite 250 Seattle, WA reservations@zegrahm.com To reserve, visit or contact your travel consultant. < 5