Abundant in outdoor excursions to small ports and uncrowded destinations, this two-week cruise features stops in China, the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia. And what better way to experience this lovely region than with the people who know it best – the Windstar crew who hail from the Philippines and Indonesia. Snorkel among colorful fish and vibrant coral off Busuanga Island near Coron. Drift silently among shadowy limestone deposits and sleeping bats in the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park in the Philippines. Observe recuperating orangutans at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center near Sandakan. Uncover the remnants and relics cast off from centuries of Dutch colonialism around Ujung Padang, and discover Fort Rotterdam’s influences on trade and contemporary culture. Watch Komodo dragons lumber along sandy beaches in search of prey or venture inland for glimpses of koalas among the dense foliage of the Komodo National Park near Loh Liang. Relax on small reclusive beaches on Lombok or sample spicy nasi goreng, fried rice paired with egg, prawns or chicken and served with crunchy, cracker-like kerupuk at a local Lembar restaurant.

Our ship docks right in the heart of Hong Kong’s harbor, putting you at the center of all manner of attractions. Watch sampans and junks glide through the waters of Aberdeen. Soak in the towering skyscrapers, peaceful green hillsides and world-famous Harbour from the top of Victoria Peak. Pursue bargains at Stanley Market. Have your fortune told at the Temple Street Night Market. Visit Lantau Island where a giant bronze Buddha holds court.

There are actually 124 islands at low tide, 123 at high tide in Hundred Islands National Park. Very few of the islands are inhabited but you will find lots of marine life, including crab-eating macaques, civets, dolphins, the occasional dugongs and a number of sea turtle species.  Today is a day for island hopping, swimming, lounging on the beach or snorkeling.

Manila is considered one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world with a delightful blend of cultures and flavors. It has experienced Spanish, British, Japanese and American rule as evidenced in the variety of architecture. Sights to see in Manila include the Manila Cathedral, Fort Santiago, and San Agustin Church.  The city's Binondo neighborhood is home to the oldest Chinatown in the world. Rizal Park is home to many museums, themed gardens and other interesting sights. Overnighting in Manila will allow for plenty of time for the great shopping found there.

Another day in tropical paradise. The beaches of Boracay are the feature on this small island only 4 miles long and 1/2 mile wide. Sunbathe on the powdery white sand of White Beach, consistently rated as one of the top beaches in the world, or spend some time snorkeling the pristine waters.

Coron is famous for divers and snorkelers due to the numerous well-preserved Japanese shipwrecks from WWII that are found there. Sought-after snorkeling sites include Siete Pecados, the Twin Lagoons and Atuwayan Beach.  Coron itself is very small but offers beautiful beaches and is the jumping off place for island tours and boat trips.

Voted the "Best Island in the World" by Travel & Leisure Magazine in 2016, this island is a center for eco-tourism and home to multiple natural UNESCO sites including the coral reef Tubbataha and the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, the longest navigable underground river in the world. Other highlights of Puerto Princesa include the Palawan Heritage Centre, Iwahiq Penal Colony and Immaculate Conception Church.

Sandakan is the gateway to several eco-destinations like the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center, the Gomantong Caves, the Kinabatangan River, Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, Turtle Island and the long Rainforest Directory Centre canopy walk. It is also very important for exports of palm oil, tobacco, cocoa and coffee.

The bustling cosmopolitan city of Makassar is full of attractions, Dutch historical sites, a waterfront boardwalk, architectural landmarks and Amirul Mukminin Mosque, a floating mosque with a double blue dome that can house 500 people.  Pristine beaches are nearby where freshly caught seafood is a must try, as is the city’s iconic dessert, Es Pisang Ijo, a banana wrapped in thin green dough, shaved ice, syrup and sweetened condensed milk.

The home to about 5,700 of the unique Komodo dragons, this park works to protect its biodiversity,. It has been declared both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Man and Biosphere Reserve. In addition to Komodo dragons, there are other notable wildlife here such as the orange-footed scrub fowl and the Timor deer. Marine life here finds more than 1,000 species of fish, 260 species of coral, Dugong sharks, manta rays, over 14 species of whales, dolphins and sea turtle, plus 70 species of sponges.

Beautiful Lombok is a small, rarely visited port, offering a look at island life without large resorts. Dominating the island is Indonesia’s second largest volcano, Gunung  Rinjani, but this island is known for its lovely beaches and great surfing spots, deep turquoise-blue bays and massive headlands.  Other sites of interest include Suranadii Temple, Narmada Temple and Pringgasela village.

Described as paradise, Bali’s spectacular beauty is difficult to describe in words.  The calm waters and beautiful white sand beaches of the small village of Benoa have made it the prime water sports area of Bali. Bali Volcano, also known as Mount Batur is a popular sightseeing destination with magnificent views from the Batur Caldera. Batik is still very popular in Bali and is considered one of the country’s most highly developed art forms.