In response to a rising demand for wildlife experiences in the Far East, we have launched a special tour of China and Borneo to see some of the planet’s most endangered animal species. The 16 day tour includes a day’s volunteering at the Bifengxia Giant Panda Research Base in Sichuan, and a chance to see a number of critically endangered species in the wilds of Borneo. For every person who books this special wildlife tour we pledge to donate US$50 to the WWF.

Our tour starts in China’s western province of Sichuan to spend a day volunteering at the Bifengxia Giant Panda Research Base. Following 2008’s earthquakes which forced the closure of China’s largest panda base at Wolong, many giant pandas were transported to nearby Bifengxia which now has a crucial role to play in altering the destiny of this endangered species. With the guidance of a researcher volunteers will help to clean cages, collect the pandas from their bamboo groves, and have the chance to hold and feed baby pandas.

From Western China the tour continues to Sabah in Northern Borneo, home to the greatest variety of wildlife in the Far East. The Borneo leg of the tour starts with an overnight stay on Selingan in the Turtle Islands National Park, as featured on the BBC’s “Last Chance to See” with Stephen Fry. This National Marine Park protects a group of pristine islands in the Sulu Sea which are an important breeding ground for the critically endangered Hawksbill Turtle, and the Green Turtle. Staying overnight on Selingan Island provides a high chance of seeing turtles laying eggs on the beach throughout the year, and each evening new hatchlings are released into the sea by the National Park Rangers.

Heading back to the mainland of Borneo, the tour then includes a visit to Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre. This crucial facility was founded in 1964 to care for abandoned and previously captive Orang-utans, and teach them to fend for themselves before being returned to the forest. After learning about the rehabilitation process and the conservation work being carried out by the volunteers at the centre, there is the opportunity to see recently released Orang-utans that return to feed at specially constructed platforms in the forests surrounding the reserve.
The designated wildlife corridors along the Kinabatangan River provide a wonderful place to see Borneo’s wildlife, especially the proboscis monkey. Found only in Borneo, the male of this species has a large pendulous nose, fat belly, thick white tail and webbed feet. The tour includes a 2 night stay in Sukau for excursions on the Kinabatangan River to spot proboscis monkeys and other animals, and bird life including oriental darters, bee-eaters and hornbill.

The tour finishes at the Danum Valley Conservation Area, a pocket of primary rainforest the size of Singapore with one of the world’s most complex ecosystems, and the highest concentration of wild orang-utans anywhere. Danum Valley is the largest remaining habitat for Borneo’s most endangered species including the Sumatran rhino, Borneo pygmy elephant and clouded leopard.

Prices for this 16 day tour start from £2,895 per person sharing which includes return international flights, accommodation and all wildlife excursions and transfers with English speaking guides.

The finishing touches are being made to the Jayavarman, a small luxury boat which will be the first of its kind to offer short river cruises on the Mekong that can easily be included within more extensive tours of the region. Named after the Khmer king who ruled Angkor at its zenith, this newly built vessel has been designed to blend French colonial flair with enchanting Indochinese touches to create a sanctuary of style and space. The 27 meticulously designed staterooms feature floor to ceiling sliding glass doors leading on to spacious private balconies, and there is ample public space and facilities spread over 4 decks.

The Jayavarman offers a selection of journeys on the waterways between Saigon and Siem Reap, ranging from 3 to 8 days in length, taking in World Heritage sites, floating Mekong towns and cruising through rural areas giving an insight into local life. The full but relaxed itineraries combine well with the onboard activities and luxurious facilities which include early morning Tai Chi, Vietnamese cooking classes, traditional Khmer music and dancing, and treatments at the “Apsara” Spa.

To coincide with the inauguration of the Jayavarman, we have launched a number of luxury tours that include the cruises within varied and exciting itineraries of the Indochina region. Please see our Vietnam & Cambodia pages for full details.

With thousands of islands fringed by sparkling white sand beaches, and legendary resorts such as Boracay and Amanpulo, it is little wonder that the Philippines are often regarded as one of the world’s hottest beach destinations. But this exotic archipelago has so much more to offer those who are prepared to dig a bit deeper. We have recently launched a series of private tours to explore the variety of marine and bird life, rare and colourful flora, striking natural wonders and rich culture of these wonderfully diverse islands. These exciting new itineraries include the UNESCO protected rice terraces at Banaue, a luxury kayaking ‘safari’ exploring a chain of small tropical islands, the striking landscape of Bohol looking out over 1,268 ‘Chocolate Hills’, trekking to the summit of Mount Pinatubo, a visit to Taal Volcano – the world’s smallest, visits to local fiestas, whale watching in the Visayas and bird watching on the ‘last frontier’ of Palawan.

If you are looking for a different and exciting destination to visit you should consider the Philippines. With excellent natural and cultural sightseeing, great beaches and very friendly locals, what more could you want?

Inspired by Rick Stein’s recent series, we have put together a special 3-week private tour “A Far Eastern Odyssey”, which follows his epic culinary journey through Indochina and Thailand. The tour offers the chance to learn about, and indulge in, the tantalizing cuisine of the region, and the opportunity to mix with local people to get a sense of their daily lifestyles.

Highlights of the tour include the temples of Angkor, the undeveloped Cambodian coastline at Kep, a 2-night cruise through the bustling waterways of the Mekong Delta, an overnight cruise around Halong Bay, and a few days to relax at Hua Hin. In between comprehensive private sightseeing our clients will experience a number of the culinary adventures Rick Stein experienced on his inspirational journey through the region. These include lunch at Sala Bai Cookery School & Restaurant in Siem Reap, a delicious meal of Khmer delicacies prepared by under privileged young Cambodians who are learning skills to develop a career in the hospitality industry. For an insight into Cambodian produce there is a visit to Kep’s fish and vegetable markets, and a tour of a Kampot Pepper farm where the famous Kampot pepper is being re-introduced after years of dwindling interest. Also on Cambodia’s South Coast is a private boat trip to Rabbit Island for a day to relax on this idyllic tropical island, and the region’s signature dish of swimmer crab cooked with Kampot Pepper served at a beach shack. In Hanoi there is a “street food experience”, where clients will be taken to the most trusted and hygienic food stalls in the atmospheric Old Quarter to try famous North Vietnamese delicacies including “Bun Cha Hang Manh” (vermicelli and grilled pork) and the ubiquitous noodle dish known as “Pho”. Also in the Vietnamese capital there is dinner at Chac Ca La Vong Restaurant to try the deep fried catfish for which the restaurant has become famous. In addition to these dining experiences there are 3 carefully chosen cooking classes in Phnom Penh, Hanoi and Bangkok to teach clients the skills, and provide confidence, to cook Khmer, Vietnamese and Thai cuisine on their return home.

Prices are from £3,495 per person sharing which includes return international flights, 22-nights’ accommodation and comprehensive private sightseeing with English speaking guides. Please see our website for more information.

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