Heritage Expeditions continues to make cruise history visiting new islands and destinations on the Philippines leg of its recent Asian Island Odyssey voyage with special guide, lecturer and 'Ocean with David Attenborough' director and producer, Toby Nowlan.

The company's flagship vessel, Heritage Adventurer, was the first expedition cruise ship to visit the remote Philippine islands of Samar, Patnanungan and Matukad, as well as the National Parks of Caramoan and Sierra Madre on an expedition which showcased Heritage Expeditions commitment to exploration and supporting local communities and conservation.

Commercial Director and Expedition Leader Aaron Russ said it had been a thrilling few days visiting the new destinations and being so warmly welcomed by local villages and communities.

“It really is an incredible privilege to share the first ship visits to these beautiful, tropical islands and outposts with our intrepid guests,” he said.

“Making connections with, and supporting remote communities, understanding and experiencing new cultures, and exploring the wilderness and enjoying wildlife encounters well off the beaten path is the essence of authentic expedition cruising and all part of the Heritage Expeditions experience.”

With incredible turnouts, sometimes the whole village or island, guests often felt like celebrities visiting the islands, with Heritage Expeditions guide Toby Nowlan getting extra attention following the release of his movie Ocean with David Attenborough.

“The impact of this movie, and Toby's 16-year working relationship with David Attenborough, is incredible, it's reaching all corners of the planet with young children from remote villages on tiny islands recognising Toby from TikTok videos of the movie's launch,” said Aaron.

Guests were treated to a special screening of Ocean with David Attenborough, the first at sea, followed by a Q&A with Toby during the voyage.

"The global impact and reach of Ocean with David Attenborough is completely overwhelming, and like nothing we've known before in our industry,” said Toby.

“It was astounding to be received by some of the most remote villages in the Philippines who recognised me from TikTok videos about Ocean with David Attenborough.”

Toby described his time back on the ocean aboard Heritage Adventurer and as part of the Heritage Expeditions team as “an absolute pleasure”.

“Heritage Expeditions is clearly a very special company which offers something very different, with a clear legacy of conservation and support for remote communities and endangered island wildlife,” he said.

“I've loved sharing the story of Ocean with David Attenborough with the guests and expedition team on Asian Island Odyssey, and hope to join them back onboard Heritage Adventurer soon.”

Asian Island Odyssey 25 June - 13 July 2026

Asian Island Odyssey is the ultimate island-hopping expedition cruise sailing well off the traditional tourist from Taipei, through the islands of the Philippines and Indonesia to Darwin, crossing both the Tropic of Cancer and the Equator. Discover islands where impossibly blue waters gently lap white sand beaches and pristine coral gardens and walls abound with neon-lit fish, fascinating rare birds and wildlife dwell in primeval jungles, intriguing time-forget cultures and traditions await discovery. In addition to being among some of the most biodiverse regions on the planet and home to rare and endangered wildlife, these remote tropical outposts boast incredible history, heritage and ancient cultures. Escaping the tourist boom due to their hard-to-reach locations makes the islands perfect for exploration by expedition ship.

Prices from £13,320pp (£11,442 including 15% discount when booked by 29 August 2025) based on two guests sharing a Deck 4 superior twin cabin.

Download high-res images here

For more information, imagery or to arrange an interview please contact Debra Taylor on debra@toucanmoon.com / +44 7956 852197

About Heritage Expeditions

Every year Heritage Expeditions voyages with small groups of between 18 and 140 intrepid travellers to some of the most unique and remote islands, coasts and shorelines on earth aboard their expedition ships Heritage Adventurer and Heritage Explorer on voyages ranging from 4 – 28 days.

Founded in 1984 by the Russ family in Christchurch, New Zealand, Heritage Expeditions is still proudly family-owned and operated. Contributing to conservation through experiential learning and providing funds for research and management, they are pioneers in environmentally-responsible expedition travel offering intimate group excursions into the heart of Antarctica the Ross Sea; Australia and New Zealand's Subantarctic Islands; around coastal New Zealand; along Australia's Kimberley coast; through the Pacific Islands of Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea; and the Asian islands of Indonesia, Philippines and Japan on their purpose-built expedition ships.

Each expedition is meticulously planned and led by a team of botanists, ornithologists, naturalists and experts in their field, ensuring passengers maximise every opportunity to learn, discover and experience as much as possible, while minimising the impact of their visit and returning as ambassadors for these very special places.