Elite Resorts of Asia Pacific

In addition to up to 40% savings E.T.C. is able to offer a additional Elite/ Lightfoot onboard credit of A$500 per cabin for those departures featured.

This is valid for all committed E.T.C. - ORION 11 reservations made before 31 March 2012. To take advantage of this fantastic opportunity, click on the E.T.C button below to talk to a Elite Travel Consultant about your expedition today!

Cruise Schedules

We will visit some of the key destinations in Malaysian Borneo, from the famous Bako National Park to the remote islands of in the Anambas Archipelago. The Semenggoh Wildlife centre for orangutans, near Kuching, provides us with an opportunity to view, first hand, one of our closest relatives. The national parks of Tanjung Datu, Bako and Similajau provide us with a snapshot of the diverse ecosystems that once covered the entire island, and now provide refuge for the abundant wildlife. In addition, a visit to the Sarawak Cultural Village, near Kuching, will expand our understanding of the people of Borneo, and our visit to Bandar Seri Begawan in Brunei highlights the diversity of cultures embedded through the island.

We will explore some seldom visited and very remote islands to take advantage of the marine diversity that exists in the heart of the coral triangle. In addition we visit the key destinations of Sandakan and the Kinabatangan River. Described as Malaysia's Gift to the Earth, the Kinabatangan is a wildlife mecca and we immerse ourselves deep within its beauty with an inclusive overnight stay in the rainforest lodges of Sukau. We have the chance to view, wild orangutans, proboscis monkeys, macaques, and countless bird species as we journey along the river. We will explore the tragic history of the WWII Sandakan Death Marches, where only 6 survived from the initial 6,000 participants. Our visit to Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary gives us an insight into the plight, and struggle to save, one of our closest relatives.

Our expedition will take us down the seldom visited eastern side of Borneo. A visit to Samboja Lestari to view the reforestation projects and rehabilitation of the orangutans near Balikpapan is sure to be a highlight. We cross the famous Wallace Line, named after the 19th century British naturalist, and take an overnight journey through the ancient and mystical Toraja Land in Sulawesi. We will finish off the journey with an insight into the ancient Goan Kingdom and the more recent Dutch history of Makassar.

A myriad of exciting destinations await us as we voyage along the southern and western coastlines of Borneo. From isolated tropical islands to diverse National Parks, our itinerary will showcase some of Borneo’s undiscovered jewels. We will be joined by Dr. Galdikas onboard Orion II and at the landmark Camp Leakey in Tanjung Puting National Park, allowing us the opportunity to view the rehabilitation of the ex-captive orangutans. Tanjung Puting is one of the great wonders of Borneo and is a wildlife mecca. We also visit Bako National Parks to examine, first hand, the complexity of ecosystems that once covered the entire Island. They now provide a refuge for Borneo’s 15,000 species of plants, 222 species of mammals, 420 resident birds, and numerous other reptile, amphibian and fish species.

Enjoy a 7 night exploration of the coastlines and islands of Malaysia and Thailand. In addition to visiting some of Asia's major centres, Orion’s expeditions provide the opportunity to experience both traditional and modern Asia from a different perspective, often far away from the crowds. There is a balance of history, culture and relaxation on sublime islands and beaches, among the finest in South-East Asia.

Sailing between Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City,you will visit the World Heritage Listed temples of Angkor Wat. Our overnight package will include flights to Siem Reap and accommodation and the chance to explore the ancient temples. Options to explore Ton Le Sap, the inland sea of the Mekong will also be available. A venture into the Mekong Delta where guests will experience the famous floating markets of the Mekong is sure to be a highlight.

Sail this historic sea road from Vietnam to Korea and experience a kaleidoscope of Asian history, people and sights. The Parisian grace and Asian pace of Hanoi, the jade coloured waters of spectacular Ha Long Bay and the pristine beauty of Quan Lan Beach. In frenetic Macau, casino action meets picturesque 16th century Portuguese colony. Hong Kong and Taipei - exciting, sophisticated fusions of East and West. The resort island of Jeju, the perfect place to unwind and Jagalchi Market, Busan, a great place to haggle. The spirit of the colonial traders and fortune seekers is never far from this route.

This is a remarkable journey of discovery using Japanese cuisine as a window into the culture, art and ritual of this ancient society. Orion guests will have the opportunity to discover Japan and its ancient culture through the amazing diversity of Japanese food. At each port of call, we will discover a different Japanese dish, learn its history and visit local markets to shop for ingredients.

Onboard, expert chefs, including special guest chef Hideo Dekura, will teach guests how to prepare and present a range of the world's favourite Japanese dishes such as sushi; while time ashore will include visits to the markets where the locals shop, including the famous Jalgachi Fish Market in Busan. We'll explore the amazing variety of seafood, prepare mouth-watering Kobe beef, the most famous beef in the world, and learn why the notorious fugu puffer fish can be lethal and yet is sought by gourmet food lovers the world over. There can be no better way to experience Japan's culture than through the complexities and culture of the Japanese food experience. The ritual, history and philosophy of the Japanese all find expression at their table. Enjoy every taste on this unique voyage of discovery.