Misool Eco Resort

Head out on a boat in the late afternoon, circling nearby islands as daylight begins to soften. The slow pace allows time to scan the shoreline, treetops and open water for birdlife found across both Australian and Asian regions. With a guide on board, you’ll learn how to spot and identify species such as sulphur-crested cockatoos, Blyth’s hornbills, brahminy kites, sea eagles, reef egrets and beach kingfishers.

Frigate birds often pass overhead as the boat moves between islands. You’re encouraged to bring a bird list and pencil, noting each sighting as conditions change towards sunset, before returning as the light fades.

Move by boat to Kalig Island in the late afternoon, timed to reach the beach as the sun begins to drop. Cold drinks are waiting when you arrive and you’ll choose how to spend the time before nightfall. You’ll settle into a beanbag on the sand, watch the light change across the water and take photographs as the sky shifts colour.

If you prefer to move, you’ll walk along the shoreline or climb to the island’s viewpoint for a higher perspective. The focus stays on the setting sun, open space and an unhurried close to the day before returning after dusk.

Travel about twenty minutes by boat towards west to a network of karst islands and shallow lagoons. The route winds through narrow channels, opening into clear water edged by limestone cliffs. You’ll step ashore to walk short trails, spotting wild orchids, pitcher plants and birdlife along the rock faces and trees. Time is set aside for a picnic on an empty beach, followed by swimming or snorkelling in bright lagoons close by.

The focus stays above the waterline, mixing short walks with time to float, drift and look back at the islands from the water before returning later in the afternoon as daylight softens slowly.