Seabourn Quest
March 2, 2025

Benoa, Bali, Indonesia, docks at Benoa Port, 10 kilometers from Denpasar, with shuttles or taxis for 20-minute rides. Travelers visit Uluwatu Temple, a 11th-century clifftop shrine, 30 minutes south. Local markets sell batik sarongs. Excursions to Ubud, 1 hour north, explore rice terraces and monkey forests. Tanah Lot, 45 minutes northwest, features a sea temple. Peak season June to September; taxis 50,000-100,000 IDR. Dining includes babi guling at warungs. Souvenirs feature silver jewelry.

Bau Bau, Indonesia, docks at Murhum Port, a 10-minute walk to downtown, population 150,000. Travelers visit the 17th-century Wolio Palace with royal regalia. Local markets sell ikat textiles. Excursions to Nirwana Beach, 20 minutes south, offer snorkeling. Cultural demos include Butonese dances. Peak season May to October; taxis 50,000 IDR. Dining includes kasuami (cassava cakes) at harbor stalls. Souvenirs feature kris daggers.

Ternate, Maluku Islands, Indonesia, offers docking at Ternate Port. Travelers explore Fort Oranje and Sultan’s Palace. Excursions visit Tidore’s clove plantations. Local markets sell sago porridge. The peak season, May to October, brings dry weather for island tours. Photography captures colonial forts and Molucca Sea vistas. Dining onboard includes cakalang fufu, an Indonesian favorite. Souvenirs, like spice crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Spice Islands history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while comfortable shoes enhance historic walks. Ternate’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Indonesian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of colonial heritage and scenic islands, making Ternate an engaging destination for exploration.

Bitung, Indonesia, docks at Bitung Port, 10 kilometers from downtown, with taxis for 15-minute rides. The city, population 200,000, serves as a gateway to Lembeh Strait for muck diving with octopus. Travelers visit Tangkoko Nature Reserve, 1 hour east, for tarsier sightings. Local markets sell nutmeg. Peak season May to October; taxis 50,000-100,000 IDR. Dining includes tinutuan porridge at harbor stalls. Souvenirs feature clove crafts.

Boracay, Philippines, docks at Caticlan Jetty Port, with ferries to Boracay’s Tambisaan Port, a 15-minute ride to White Beach. The island, population 30,000, offers kitesurfing at Bulabog Beach. Travelers explore Puka Beach, 20 minutes north, for shell collecting. Local markets sell calamansi muffins. Excursions to Ariel’s Point, 30 minutes by boat, include cliff diving. Peak season December to May; taxis 100-200 PHP. Dining includes adobo at beachfront stalls. Souvenirs feature shell necklaces.

Manila, Philippines, provides docking at Manila South Harbor. Travelers explore Intramuros’ colonial walls and Fort Santiago. Excursions visit Rizal Park and Taal Volcano. Local markets sell adobo. The peak season, November to April, brings dry weather for city tours. Photography captures Spanish-era architecture and Manila Bay sunsets. Dining onboard includes sinigang, a Filipino sour soup. Souvenirs, like barong tagalog shirts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Philippine history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Manila’s vibrant blend of colonial heritage and modern energy offers a dynamic Philippine stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic landmarks, bustling markets, and scenic beauty, making Manila a captivating destination for exploring the Philippines’ rich cultural tapestry and urban vitality.

Returning to Manila — see Day 10 above for port info.

Kaohsiung, Taiwan, has docking at Kaohsiung Port. Travelers explore Love River’s scenic waterfront and Cijin Island’s beaches. Excursions visit Fo Guang Shan’s Buddhist monastery. Local markets sell stinky tofu. The peak season, October to April, brings mild weather. Photography captures urban skylines and coastal vistas. Dining onboard includes beef noodle soup, a Taiwanese favorite. Souvenirs, like jade crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Taiwan’s history. Light clothing suits the subtropical climate. Comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Kaohsiung’s vibrant energy offers a dynamic Taiwanese stop, blending culture with coastal charm.

Hong Kong offers docking at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal. Travelers explore Victoria Peak and Temple Street Market. Excursions visit Lantau Island’s Big Buddha. Local markets sell dim sum. The peak season, October to April, brings mild weather for city tours. Photography captures skyscrapers and Victoria Harbour vistas. Dining onboard includes char siu, a Hong Kong favorite. Souvenirs, like jade crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Cantonese history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the subtropical climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Hong Kong’s urban charm offers a vibrant stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of modern landmarks and cultural markets, making Hong Kong an engaging destination.