The Anambas Archipelago (Indonesian; Kepulauan Anambas) is an Island chain containing 283 known Islands. Located in the South China Sea between the Malaysian mainland to the west and the island of Borneo to the east, the Island group is virtually uninhabited. This coupled with the rich warm waters of the South China Sea provide an excellent opportunity for guests to enjoy the abundant coral reefs and diverse marine life that fringe the islands.

Included Expeditions
With so many Islands to choose from, our destination today will be determined by the prevailing weather conditions. Most likely our destination will be either Pulau Bawah or Pulau Lintang, both uninhabited and unspoilt tropical oases.

Today, we will have the opportunity to explore the fringing reef systems around the Islands. There will be snorkelling opportunities available to satisfy everyone from beginners to the advanced. Should the weather permit our expedition team will conduct snorkel safaris further afield for the more adventurous amongst us.

Taking advantage of the isolation we hope to be able to hold one of our famous beach BBQs ashore at this destination.

Bako National Park heralds an early arrival for us as we have no time to waste in experiencing its rainforests, wildlife, jungle streams, interesting plant life, secluded beaches and trekking trails.

Very few places in the world pack so much natural beauty into such a limited area. Bako contains almost every type of plant life found in Borneo, with over 25 distinct types of vegetation from seven complete ecosystems.

Included Expeditions
A series of walks of varying degrees of difficulty are available today throughout the Bako National Park, providing an opportunity to experience the many different ecosystems that have made this National Park Famous. There is also the chance to view some of the many bird and primate species that may be found throughout the park.

Our transfers to shore will take in the scenic coastal cliffs and rocky headlands that have been carved into sea arches and sea stacks with coloured patterns formed by iron deposition.

We hope to be able to spot the proboscis monkeys, silvery lutungs and macaques that have become less wary of humans since the area was afforded complete protection in 1957.

The State of Brunei Darussalam, or more simply Brunei as most of us know it is a sovereign state located on the north coast of the island of Borneo, between the Malaysian states of Sarawak and Sabah. Brunei has the second highest Human Development Index among the South East Asia nations, after Singapore, and significant economic growth between the 1970's and 1990's (averaging 56% from 1999 to 2008), has transformed Brunei Darussalam into a new modern industrialised nation. Bandar Seri Bagwan is the capital city of Brunei with a population of only 140,000 people. (Please note on south bound voyages departing Kota Kinabalu we will arrive in Brunei the night before for night activity options, north bound trips departing Singapore will see the ship stay in Brunei overnight for those activities departing for Labuan early the next morning).

Included Expeditions
After docking at the cruise terminal we have an inclusive city tour available this morning. The tour includes the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque and if not in use for prayers we will have the opportunity to examine this architectural marvel. We will continue on to the Royal Regalia museum near the city centre which has elaborate displays of gifts received by the Sultan, and to the Brunei Museum on the Kota Batu road which has an excellent display in the Islamic Art Gallery. This tour will also visit Matam fishing village for a look into traditional ways of life in Brunei. A complimentary shuttle bus will run into the city throughout the day for shopping and exploring the city itself. This service will continue into the evening as the city is elaborately light in the night, particularly the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, which is a sight to be seen with its decorative illuminations.

Optional Expeditions
MALAY WATER VILLAGE (Half Day)
Our visit to Kampong Ayer is a beautiful sight to see with hundreds of houses seemingly floating on water. This is the biggest of the Malay style Water Villages anywhere in the region. We will cruise through the village and visit a local home where you can witness the daily livelihood of typical villagers living in their stilt houses on the Brunei River.
Price: To be confirmed 

PROBOSCIS MONKEY RIVER SAFARI (Half Day)
Cruise along in a local wooden boat into a mangrove swamp, in search of the rare endangered primate-the proboscis monkey- endemic to the Borneo Island and Sumatra. In Brunei, you do not have to travel too far to see these monkeys as they co-exist with human settlements. There is still an abundance of these endangered species along the mangrove swamps making viewing easy.
Price: To be confirmed 

EVENING IN BRUNEI
The option is available to join an evening tour of the city, visiting key points that are elaborately lit in the evenings, and participating in a Malay style meal at a local restaurant before returning to the ship.
Price: To be confirmed

The Natuna Islands (Indonesian; Kepulauan Natuna) are a 272-island archipelago of Indonesia, located in the Natuna Sea between Peninsular Malaysia to the west and Borneo to the east.

This little known Island group is home to the main Island of Natuna Besar (also known as Bunguran Island). There is a small population on the main Island with smaller remote fishing villages located on the outlying Islands.

Its location and isolation maintain a spectacular landscape of towering volcanic domes coupled with white sandy beaches fringed by colourful coral reefs.

Included Expeditions
With so many Islands to choose from, our destination today will be determined by the prevailing weather conditions. Most likely our destination will be either Pulau Senua or Pulau Tiga, both uninhabited and unspoilt tropical oases.

Today, Orion II guests will be presented with a cultural welcome from the local community and have the opportunity to explore the fringing reef systems around the Islands.

There will be snorkelling opportunities today. Should the weather permit our Expedition Team will conduct snorkel safaris further afield for the more adventurous amongst us.

Pulau Labuan is a tiny island town off Sabah’s coast that was formerly known as Victoria Town. Today, it is a hub for duty-free goods and boasts some nice cultural touches and landmarks. Because of its proximity to Brunei, Labuan attracts many visitors as well as avid scuba divers for its rich marine life. Labuan played a role in World War II particularly during Operation Oboe Six, which was the codename for the campaign by Australian forces to retake Brunei and Labuan island from Japanese forces between 10 June 1945 and the end of World War II. In 1990, it was declared an international offshore financial centre and free trade zone.

Included Expeditions
Today's activities will focus on the island's history during WWII. Our included tour today will visit the Commonwealth War Cemetery housing the graves of many Australian, Indian and other Commonwealth forces killed during the retaking of Labuan and other parts of the Borneo campaign.

We will also visit the memorial peace park and "surrender point", the location where Japanese forces surrended to the Commonwealth forces at the end of the war. We will also visit the Labuan Chimney, situated on a rise at Tanjung Kubong this famous ‘Chimney’, is a high red brick stack believed to be possibly linked to the coal mining days of Labuan. The Chimney was made from more than 23,000 pieces of red bricks imported from England. The bricks layering and works are typical of British style. The ‘Chimney’ is still very much a mystery until today. Various hypothesis has been put forward to its purpose. Some say it is an unfinished mansion. While others say it was a light house beaconing passing ships.

Lankayan and nearby Billian Island are small tropical coral islands in the Sulu Sea, northwest of the mainland of Borneo. These jewels in the ocean will provide us with great opportunities to explore the underwater world today. The fauna that inhabit the waters of the island include scads, yellow tail barracudas, and jacks. Other fauna include blacktip sharks, giant clams, claw anemone fishes, decorator and spider crabs, coral shrimps, nudibranchs, prawn gobies, seahorses, ghost pipefish, flying gurnards, parrotfishes, rays and guitarfish. The indigenous plants include casuarina trees and pandan screwpine. Green and hawksbill sea turtles make this island a key nesting spot in the Salu Sea.

Included Expeditions
Our day today will be spent on the beach with swimming and snorkelling available all day. Our expedition team will run guided snorkel expeditions through out the day.

Optional Expeditions
LANKAYAN SCUBA DIVE
An option is available here for certified SCUBA divers to undertake a dive with a local dive operator. Exact location on the day depends on local conditions and number and capability of participants.
Price: To be confirmed

The Mantanani Islands are a group of three isolated islands northwest of Kota Belud, 80 km north of Kota Kinabalu. It was so isolated in fact that until recently, only a few locals knew the existence of the islands. If we are lucky we may catch sight of the dugongs (sea cows) that frequent the waters around the island. The sheltered bays around the Mantanani Islands seem to provide the ideal habitats for dugongs. Sea grass beds are found on shallow sandy areas within the encircling fringing reef of the islands. The island boasts miles and miles of incredibly white sand beaches and crystal clear blue water. A small human population has caused minimal pollution and there is very little boat traffic. The shallow coastline and fringing reef provides ideal snorkelling conditions.

Included Expeditions
Today we will enjoy the picturesque islands for the day with ample opportunity for swimming and snorkelling. The famous Orion beach BBQ will take place today to round the day on the beach. All going to plan we may also receive a cultural performance from the local fishing village during the day.

Mataking is in fact two islands connected by a sandbar. Mataking Besar (Big Mataking) has a small resort and a police station, Mataking Kecil (Small Mataking) also known as "offspring island" on the other end of the sand bar is a much smaller than its larger counterpart and has no buildings on it. Here on Mataking we will be in the heart of the coral triangle with some amazing diversity in coral species. Powdery sand, crystal clear turquoise water, enchanting reefs and magical undersea paradise all combine for the makings of a great day.

Included Expeditions
Today we will spend the day relaxing, swimming and snorkelling in the waters off Mataking. Take a stroll down the sand bar to visit the larger island and its resort. The marine life is abundant and the snorkelling is some of the best anywhere in the world. Snorkel expeditions further off shore will be conducted by the expedition team today for the more advanced and adventurous snorkellers.

Optional Expeditions
MALAY COOKING CLASS (Half Day)
The nearby resort will be offering a cooking class today for those who wish to learn more about the Malay style of cooking.
Price: To be confirmed 

MATAKING SCUBA DIVE
For certified SCUBA divers the opportunity exists to purchase a dive through the local dive resort.
Price: To be confirmed

Sandakan is the second-largest city in Sabah, on the north-eastern coast of Borneo and was the former capital of British North Borneo. Sandakan provides us with the opportunity to visit Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary. Established in 1964 for rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned baby orangutans from logging sites, plantations, and illegal hunting it is located within the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve. The orphaned orangutans are trained in the essential skills required for them to survive in the wild. The area is also infamous as the site of a World War II Japanese airfield, built by the forced labour of 6,000 Javanese civilians and Allied prisoners of war. In 1945, the surviving prisoners were sent on what became known as the Sandakan Death Marches; of which only 6 of them survived, all of whom escaped.

Included Expeditions
Included today is a visit to the Sandakan Memorial for a wreath laying ceremony. This memorial commemorates all those who lost their lives in the camps and the infamous Sandakan death march. We will also visit the Sepilok wildlife rehabilitation centre which will include an exclusive behind the scenes tour of the centre. At the centre we will witness the work being done with both orangutans and Sun Bears. A shuttle bus will be available today for those who wish to explore the city on their own time.

Optional Expeditions
SANDAKAN CITY TOUR (Half Day)
You can undertake a guided city tour today as an option that will take in all the highlights of the city. The tour includes a visit to St Michaels Church where the stained glass windows were donated by Australian ex-servicemen. This tour will also visit China Town and a Buddhist Temple. Finally this tour will also visit Agnes Keith House, with its sprawling green lawns and colonial-style wooden walls, the residence has been restored by the Sabah Museum, in collaboration with the Federal Department of Museums and Antiquities.
Price: To be confirmed 

LABUK BAY PROBOSCIS MONKEY SANCTUARY (Half Day)
In the centre of the mangrove forests of Semawang is the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, where you can see Borneo's indigenous proboscis monkeys. This privately-owned sanctuary located within an oil palm estate gives you the chance to observe these animals up close and personal.

The remarkable males sport big dangling noses, reddish flat-top hairstyles, white tails and markings, and pot bellies. The females on the other hand, are much smaller and have up-turned noses.
Price: To be confirmed

First gazetted on 1 December 1976 and published to the public on 20 April 1978 with and area of 7,064 hectares of virgin forest, Similajau National Park now comprises 8,996 hectares along a thin coastal strip from the Sungai Likau in the South to the Sungai Similajau in the North.

The flora consists of three main types namely; Beach, Kerangas and Mixed Dipterocarp Forest, which provide home to various species of plants, trees and wildlife. Among the well-known plants found here is the Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longisolia) and Bintangor trees (Barringtonia Asiatica).

The terrestrial fauna of the park boasts 24 Recorded species of mammals, such as gibbons, banded langurs and long-tailed macaques. The Park records the presence of 230 species of birds, which include hornbills and migratory water birds like Storm’s Stork. A very noteworthy reptile found here is the Saltwater Crocodile.

Included Expeditions
Today Orion II guests will use our fleet of Zodiacs to explore the Sungai Similajau at the Northern extremity of the park. Our late afternoon zodiac voyage will give us an opportunity to sight various bird species including the black and pied Hornbills that are occasionally seen in the region.

If we are lucky we may have the opportunity to spot some of the long tailed macaques and hear the long deep calls of the gibbons that make this national park their home.

Please note that we will not be making any landings within the National Park.

Tanjung Datu National Park is one of the smallest parks in Sarawak, with an area approximately 14km² (1,379 ha). Half of the peninsula is situated within Sarawak and the other portion lies in Kalimantan.

Described as the ”Heaven of Borneo” by most visitors, its natural features of rain forest and unique coral reefs make it a significant area for its biodiversity. Its mountain ranges and luxurious mixed dipterocarp forest and fauna make the park a fascinating place to visit. Remoteness and isolation makes for a spectacular destination for us in Borneo.

Included Expeditions
Orion II Zodiacs will land on a sandy beach allowing us to explore the tracks of Tanjung Datu National Park this morning. If we are lucky, the wildlife may surround us as we explore, featuring a great mix of primates and birdlife.

Later in the day there will be the opportunity to explore further into the wildlife reserve by Zodiac for more wildlife spotting.

Tanjung Puting is one of the natural wonders of the world! To make the most of this location we will arrive early, and stay for two days and one night.

The area was originally declared as a game reserve in 1935 and a National Park in 1982. While the Park has a chequered history of weak protection, it remains substantially wild and natural. Best known for the orangutans and made famous through the efforts of Orangutan Foundation International, which is based at the landmark Camp Leakey research station. Tanjung Puting also boasts the bizarre looking proboscis monkey with its “Jimmy Durante” nose as well as seven other primate species. Tanjung Puting hosts over 220 species of birds, including hornbills, deep forest birds and many wetland species. Tanjung Puting is well known for its “bird lakes,” housing seasonal rookeries, endangered waterbirds and nesting grounds for white egrets.

Camp Leakey was established in 1971 by Dr. Biruté Galdikas and former spouse Rod Brindamour. It was named after the legendary paleo-anthropologist, Louis Leakey, who was both mentor and an inspiration to Dr. Galdikas as well as Drs. Jane Goodall and Dian Fossey. Originally consisting of just two huts, Camp Leakey is now an assemblage of permanent wooden structures designed to provide a base for scientists, staff, students, and Park Rangers.

Included Expeditions
There are two main activities to be enjoyed whilst at Tanjung Puting National Park. One activity involves taking local boats for a full day exploration of the river system surrounding Camp Leakey and visits to several feeding stations and Camp Leakey itself. This area will give you the rare opportunity to get very close and interact with the orangutans. This will be a full day activity including lunch based on the local boats, which are large and spacious and have their own bathroom onboard, and includes the landings at the feeding stations, which are all quite easy to reach on foot.

Today will be a prime wildlife experience like no other! The other activity we have on offer here at Tanjung Puting is a visit to the Orangutan Foundation International's wildlife rehabilitation centre. Orion offers you an exclusive look into the operation of the centre with all three stages of orangutan rehabilitation being visited; the forest training area, the "pre school" and the infant care facility.

Please note that there is a reasonable amount of walking at Camp Leakey which includes walking along slippery and unven surfaces.