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asia / pacific: asia

z -Ryukyu Islands & Sabah

This itinerary is unique as the cultures are disassociated by faiths and history. From the fascination of Japan and its Ryukyu Islands we travel south to the Spanish-American influenced Philippines, then onto the cultural melting pot of Kota Kinabalu. A mixture of many different races and ethnicities. There are thirty-six islands in the Ryukyu group stretching from Japan to Formosa. The islands enjoy a magnificent climate and are highly cultivated and productive. The coral reefs of the Ryukyus are one of the World Wildlife Fund’s Global 200 ecoregions. The reefs are endangered by sedimentation and eutrophication, mostly a result of agriculture, as well as damage from fishing.

Day 1 - Kobe
The city was briefly the capital of Japan in 1180 it became an important hub for trade with China and other countries. In the 13th century, the city came to be known by the name Hyōgo Port, as it is known today, it was founded on April 1, 1889, and was designated on September 1, 1956 by government ordinance. The history of the city is closely tied to that of the Ikuta Shrine, and the name "Kobe" derives from "kanbe" a name for those who supported the shrine. Kobe is sister city to Seattle USA and Brisbane Australia. From Kobi we cruise the inland sea to Hiroshima.

There are regular flights from Tokyo airport to Kobe airport.

Accommodations: Orion II
Included Meals: dinner

Day 2 - Hiroshima (Honshu Island) & Miyajima Island
Hiroshima is an intensely resilient and fascinating city. Having suffered in recent history from Atomic bomb destruction and severe typhoons’ Hiroshima is the center for international peace representations, a big car industry and a high consumption of cabbage. During the 1870s Hiroshima had one of the only seven English speaking schools in Japan among a wealth of other fascinating observations, Hiroshima recently made it onto Lonely Planet's list of the top cities in the world. Commuting times rank amongst the shortest in Japan and the cost of living is lower than other large cities in Japan such as Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, or Fukuoka.

Miyajima is a sacred site of both Shintoism and Buddhism and one of the most enchanting places on Earth. Across the mist-enshrouded sea, we will slowly approaching the island and its holy mountain of Misen San. Long before Buddhism came to Japan in the 5th century AD, Shinto sages lived as hermits in the mountain’s forested hills. Today the small island of only 12 square miles and is visited by pilgrims retaining its extraordinary sense of serenity and magic.

Blanketed with primeval forests, Misen San is the highest peak on Miyajima Island, rising to 530 meters (1739 feet). From its summit the panoramic view of many other islands in the Seto Inland Sea and the distant mountain ranges of Shikoku is spectacular. Near the summit are a few small temples including the Gumonjido, a temple founded in the early 9th century AD. A flame burning within the temple has burned consistently from the time of the temple's dedication to the present. The forests of Misen San are also home to some two thousand domesticated deer.

Accommodations: Orion II
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 3 - Cruise Inland Sea & Shimoneski
It is off the coast of Shimonoseki that one of the most important naval battles in medieval Japan took place in 1185. A final battle for supremacy over Japan took place between the Heike clan and the Genji clan. At Akama Shrine the emperor who lost the battle is worshiped. The Kozanji Temple built in 1327 is the oldest Zen building in Japan. Shimonoseki is also known for fugu (blowfish), its view on the Kanmon straits from the top of the 238 meter Mount Hino-yama, and the 360-degree views from the 143 meter high Kaikyo Yume Tower.

Accommodations: Orion II
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 4 -Nagasaki
Nagasaki has five peninsulas, 971 islands and many exotic precincts. A diverse, exciting and energetic area of varied cultural and topographical differences. Almost half of the total land area of the prefecture consists of 971 inhabited and uninhabited islands. Kujuku-shima Islands is part of part of Saikai National Park, and Fugen-dake, the principal peak of the volcano Unzen-dake, which is situated right in the center of the Shimabara-hanto Peninsula. From here cross the sea of Japan.

Accommodations: Orion II
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 5 - Kayoshima, Kyushu
Kagoshima, Kyushu has lush tropical landscapes, hot springs, active and dormant volcanoes and lakes. The great Sakurajima towers out of the bay opposite Kagoshima city and punctuates the day with mini-eruptions which can be felt up close and personal from the Observatory. An alternative on this day is a visit to the massive Kamikaze Museum, situated in Chiran, across the bay, which served as the main kamikaze sortie base for Japanese Army attacks on Allied ships around Okinawa.

Accommodations: Orion II
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 6 - Naha, Okinawa
Naha, Okinawa consists of hundreds of the Ryukyu Islands in a chain over 1,000 km long. Okinawa’s capital, Naha is a modern city, and was one of the most important ancient sites with human bone fragments from the Paleolithic era having been found. The restored and rebuilt Shuri Castle is one of the finest and the most important historical sites in Naha. The palace and a series of tunnels underneath it were used as a major command post by the Imperial Japanese military during WWII. Today Shuri Castle has been reconstructed after extensive damage.

Accommodations: Orion II
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 7 - Iriomote Island & Ishigaki Island
Ninety percent of Iriomote Island is covered in lush virgin jungle. Most of the island is a Japanese national park due to its diverse eco-systems, containing unique vegetation and animals, such as the famous Iriomote Wild Cat. The culture of Iriomote Island is an authentic representation of the traditional way of life there. Ishigake Island is surrounded by coral reefs and small uninhabited islands. We explore beautiful beaches, both sandy and rocky, that offer great snorkeling in clear waters.

Accommodations: Orion II
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 8 - Cruise Inland Sea & Uno Ko (Honshu Island)
Uno Ko presents some of the finest walks in the region, through one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens, Koraku-en, a 17th century formal garden encompassing 28 acres of walking trails, ponds, plum and cherry trees, and a classic tea house. Okayama features the Hayabashi Art Gallery, Crow Castle (built by a nephew of Hideoshi). Kurashiki is an old port, with rows of merchants warehouses along the canal, and cobbled streets.

Accommodations: Orion II
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner

Days 9-10 - At Sea
Enjoy these two days relaxing at sea. Take a soak in the jacuzzi or indulge in a private massage. Use this time reflect on the amazing new sights you have encountered over the past couple of days, and get ready to experience more.

Accommodations: Orion II
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 11 - Port Sual (for Baguio), Luzon
Port Sual is our port in Luzon for the mountain top town of Baguio. En route, there are rice fields and scenic vistas as we climb higher. For Filipinos, it’s the escape of choice from the stifling heat of the lowlands. The city was constructed as a mountain retreat by US military forces in the early 1900’s. The area’s original inhabitants, the Ibaloi and Kankanay, assimilated long ago into Baguio society. This is very different to your Japan experience as it reflects the Latino influences and religious background that is so very different to the earlier part of your voyage.

Accommodations: Orion II
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 12 - Puerto Galera, Mindoro
Puerto Galera, Mondoro, has a deep natural harbor, sheltered on all sides, and was a favored anchorage well before the Spanish arrived in 1572. Yachties from all over the world are still drawn to Puerto Galera and its beaches. About 3km out of town, on the road to Tamaraw Falls, an un-signposted track winds 2km up to Python Cave. This large cavern is said to be home to a 2 meter long python. At Tamaraw Falls, cool mountain waters plummet 30 meters into a natural pool beside the road which then flows into a spectacular jungle gorge.

Accommodations: Orion II
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 13 - At Sea
Enjoy the sights, as you cruise the islands of the Philippines.

Accommodations: Orion II
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 14 - Puerto Princesa, Palawan
Puerto Princesa, Palawan is a classic beach experience, regarded as the most beautiful place in the Philippines with large caves that our Zodiacs can access and enter from the water. This area is becoming quite exclusive. We will probably anchor off one of the small offshore islands, instead of the mainland, to experience an Orion secluded moment in paradise.


Accommodations: Orion II
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 15 - Kota Kinabalu
Say your farewells, and depart for home.

Accommodations: Orion II
Included Meals: breakfast


Deposit and Final Payment: To secure your reservation a deposit of 25% of the fare is required. The deposit must be accompanied by a completed and signed Guest Booking Form and is due within 7 days of booking. Final payment must be received no later than 90 days before sailing. Separate conditions apply to the Cancellation Protection Plan.

Cancellation Policy: The following cancellation fees will apply to all reservations. The day on which written notice is received will determine the applicable penalties.
Day on Which Notice is received Penalty
121 days and over - 50% of deposit
120 - 91 days prior 100% of deposit
90 days or less 100% of fare
No show - no written notice 100% of fare

Travel Insurance: We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with Travel Insurance. Please note that you must purchase your Travel Insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions.


Shoreside Expeditions: We include a number of complimentary shore experiences utilizing our Zodiacs. In addition we offer an exciting and diverse selection of optional shore experiences which can be either booked for in advance or reserved on board and charged to your on board account. Due to limited numbers on some experiences we recommend you pre-register to avoid disappointment. Details will be provided with your ticket.

Arrival/Departure: The Ryukyu Islands & Sabah cruise begins in Kobe and ends in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. Embarkation time is between 3:00 – 4:00pm on day of departure. Disembarkation is after breakfast on final day between 9:00 – 10:30am. Please schedule flights based on these time frames.

Qualifications: This trip will be enjoyed by anyone who is in good health and leads an active life. Any medical condition, advanced pregnancy or disability must be advised to AdventureSmith Explorations when a request for accommodation is made. On every Orion voyage extensive use of the ship’s Zodiacs will be made transporting guests between ship and shore. It is anticipated this travel may be physically demanding from time to time. In order for the crew to determine if safe passage can be offered, guests may be asked to provide additional information, such as a medical assessment of their fitness for expeditionary travel. All guests must sign a disclaimer on board to participate in offship activities. Guests should be sure to bring on board sufficient supplies of any prescription medication they may require.

General Information: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms & Conditions:. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list, extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation. We strongly recommend the purchase of Trip Insurance through AdventureSmith Explorations. If purchased within 14 days of sign-up, the pre-existing condition exclusion is waived.

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Call today.

For additional information and reservations, please contact us:

800-728-2875 | 530-583-1775 | fax 530-583-1711 | travel@AdventureSmithExplorations.com