SuperStar Aquarius Returns to Sabah   New Cruises to Puerto Princesa Starting November

Reported by You T○ Ru / Taipei

Star Cruises announced that its cruise ship SuperStar Aquarius will once again return to Sabah, Malaysia, operating from Kota Kinabalu as its home port from November 8, 2014, to March 1, 2015, offering new cruises to Puerto Princesa in Palawan, Philippines. During its time based in Kota Kinabalu, the 13-deck SuperStar Aquarius will regularly offer one-night open sea cruises, three-day two-night open sea cruises (departing every other week), and brand-new four-day three-night cruises from Kota Kinabalu to Puerto Princesa.


▲ Luni Island. (Photo / Provided by Star Cruises)

When visiting Puerto Princesa, one must-see attraction is the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and listed among the New7Wonders of Nature. As one of the best nature reserves in the Philippines, the park boasts unpolluted natural beauty such as forest reserves, pristine white-sand beaches, a variety of endangered wildlife species, and an impressive limestone cave system. The park features an 8.2-kilometer underground river that flows directly into the South China Sea, which is also the longest navigable underground river in the world.

Palawan is home to several indigenous tribes, including the Batak people who live in the northeastern mountainous region of the island. “Batak” means “mountain dwellers who speak the Agta language,” and they are known for their rich traditional customs. The Batak’s lives are surrounded by nature, and visitors to Palawan may want to learn more about this peaceful and shy indigenous group. Travelers can also take boat tours to admire the tropical rainforest along the Maoyon River, another famous attraction on Palawan, and witness firsthand the century-old walnut trees that are the tallest and thickest in the Maoyon area.