trip specifics

price

2011

This small ship cruise promises to capture the excitement of old places and traditions captured anew. History and customs, long forgotten, re-discovered as you visit exotic Kisar, Alor, Maumere, Komodo, Sumba and Rote. This voyage embarks and disembarks in Darwin allowing convenient air connections to the Top End.

Day 1 - Darwin, Australia

Darwin is Australia's closest city to the equator and the gateway to the Top End. Following its bombing during World War II, Darwin was a frontier town of crocodile and buffalo shooters, and pioneer cattlemen. After the city was wiped out by Cyclone Tracy in 1974, it was rebuilt as Australia's cosmopolitan northernmost tropical capital. Beyond the city lies Litchfield National Park (about two hours drive) and to the southeast are the teeming wetlands of Australia's largest national park, Kakadu. Much architecture remains from the city's early periods with museums, markets and an incredible diversity of restaurants to keep visitors entertained. The harbor foreshore area is a great place to discover the city's maritime links. Take a relaxing cruise on an old pearl lugger, a thrilling flight in a seaplane or a gentle hovercraft trip. Spend a day out fishing for barramundi, jewfish, golden snapper and threadfin salmon, or go for adventure scuba diving around shipwrecks. At sunset, savor a taste of Asia's night markets at Mindil Beach, where you can browse the food stalls for a picnic dinner on the beach, and get ready to enjoy the small ship cruise extravaganza you are about to experience through the Spice Islands.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: dinner

Day 2 - At Sea

Your voyage begins the moment you step on board the Orion, so take this day to enjoy the open water, relax, and fill your head with cultural knowledge from the lectures and presentations of Indonesia Orion's Expedition team has prepared for you.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3 - Kisar, Maluku

After a Zodiac landing on the beach you will be transferred to the town center for a welcome ceremony at the former Dutch colonial residence. In small groups with local guides you will be invited to explore the island's history including visits to remnant architecture from the Dutch period which includes a stone church and a stone fort both over 400 years old. In addition, we will visit the Oirata village where cultural performances and displays will entertain you.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 4 - Alor, East Nusa Tenggara

The Island of Alor is just a few nautical miles from Timor, yet unlike its infamous neighbor the name of Alor will probably not be one you have heard unless you are an adventurous scuba diver. Alor has been identified by the East Nusa Tenggara Provincial authorities as having the most potential for tourism development in the future, but today apart from some eco-resorts catering for SCUBA divers there is no infrastructure to support such a development. Much of the area is free from the practice of dynamite fishing, found throughout Asia, resulting in the majority of reefs being in pristine condition. The local Christian villagers are friendly and their language and culture are strong. Although it is an often quoted line, many say Alor is just like Bali was before the onset of mass tourism. We will anchor close to the small but bustling town of Kalabahi in order to access both the town and the interior of the island. Today you will visit a traditional village demonstrating the Melanesian way of life on the island. Enjoy a visit to the Cultural Museum in town with a chance to wander through the markets which are dominated by Javanese migrants to the island and sell a huge array of goods. If conditions permit there will be an opportunity to enjoy some snorkeling in the afternoon.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 -Maumere, Flores

Orion will be berthed at Maumere, a port town on the northeastern coast of Flores. Centuries ago Portuguese explorers named the island "Cabo das Flora" (Cape of Flowers) after the abundant coral reefs in the surrounding seas. Today Flores is dotted with small villages inhabited by people of mixed ethnic origin who rely on traditional farming and fishing for survival. This mountainous island boasts no less than 14 active volcanoes and the most breathtaking scenery can be found at the three crater lakes beneath the rim of Keli Mutu volcano. Each lake is a different colour as a result of their varying dissolving minerals and oxygen levels. When set against the surrounding rugged terrain, the view is nothing short of spectacular. Set against this dramatic background of volcanoes is a land rich in ancient history. In October 2004 scientists confirmed the discovery of the 18,000 year old remains of Homo floresiensis, more widely known as “the hobbit man”. Our visit will include a visit to the mountain top Dokar Village where we will be greeted by local women lining the path to welcome us. A full traditional welcome, with offerings of Betel Nut and local Whiskey together with lively men's dances involving men being raised above the village to perform on top of Bamboo poles will follow.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 - Komodo

Loh Liang is the entry point to the world renowned Komodo National Park. The national park was established in 1980 to conserve the unique Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) and its habitat. These prehistoric creatures are among the world's largest reptiles, growing to over 3 metres long and weighing over 70kg. After landing on the beach we will be met by local Park Rangers and after a short briefing we will head off in search of the dragons. Pink Beach, just a short distance away from Loh Liang and still part of Komodo National Park, is so named because of the red organ pipe coral (Tubifera musica) that contributes to the sand on this spectacular beach. Swimming, snorkelling, sea kayaking or just relaxing on the beach are all options available for you today - make the most of your time on this world famous beach.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7 - Waingapu, Sumba Island

We will be landing at Kambera Beach outside of the town of Waingapu. Here you can swim, snorkel or simply wander the beach looking for shells and other signs of marine life. Whilst the beach is attractive the most interesting part of this destination is the people and their culture. We will visit two villages. One will display their traditional weavings and welcome us with their elaborate dancing and performances on horse back. The second village we will visit is a little more remote and showcases the traditional high pointed thatched roofs the island is famous for, and has numerous examples of the stone megalith tombs, another unique feature of Sumba.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8 - Kodi, West Sumba

Our morning in West Sumba will allow us to see the Pasola Horseback fighting. Pasola is the name of a unique traditional spear for fighting in tournaments that are performed by two groups of Sumbanese men, wearing traditional costumes. This activity is a ceremonial part of the Marapu religion.
In the afternoon we visit a traditional village to see the stone houses, learn about their lifestyles, and the large decorated tombs that are carved from stone.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 9 - Savu

About as remote as it gets in this part of the world, the tiny island of Savu sits beneath Sumba and above Timor in almost isolation. The Savunese people consider themselves of Indian-Aryan descent and have strong historical to other traditionally Hindu parts of the island archipelago such as Java and Bali. Barely influenced by the outside world, today the island is predominately Christian. The great naturalist explorer Alfred R Wallace once commented on meeting his first Savu Islanders in 1868 "some chiefs of the island of Savu represented characters very distinct from either the Malay or Papuan races. They most resemble Hindus, having well formed features and straight thin noses with clear brown complexions". The island is extremely dry, receiving no more than around 100mm a year, which will generally fall in one massive downpour during the monsoon season. The land is mostly covered by grasslands and tall Lontar palms, used for making palm sugar and a potent local drink. The Savunese people will display there culture for us in both performance and in the form of artworks including the woven ikat fabrics. Swimming and snorkeling will also be available during the day.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 10 - Nusa Manuk, Rote

Nusa Manuk is part of the Roti (often spelt Rote) regency. Roti is one of the driest parts of Indonesia and resembles nearby Timor in both climate and plant life. Agriculture is a mainstay, but is not practiced on a large scale due to the dry climate. Fishing is an important part of daily life from both a subsistence and commercial point of view, and due to the proximity of Australian territorial waters fisherman from Roti often come in to conflict with Australian law enforcement bodies. Our day in the Roti regency will be enjoyed on one of Nusa Manuk's white sand beaches with easy access to the fringing reef for swimming and snorkeling. Local cultural groups will travel from the nearby Rotinese village of Nembralla to entertain us during the day and Orion's executive chef will host a seafood beach BBQ. A continuous Zodiac shuttle will be available to the island of Nusa Manuk. Swimming, snorkeling or just relaxing on the beach are some of the activities available today. Snorkel lessons will be available for the novice and guided snorkel tours will be available for the more experienced snorkelers amongst us. Our fleet of sea kayaks will also be in action today. Local cultural groups will perform and a beach BBQ will take place (weather permitting).

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 11 - At Sea

The perfect opportunity to reflect on the multitude of cultures and experiences we have encountered during Orion's expedition through the Spice Islands.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 12 - Darwin, Australia

Back to Darwin for one more brief touring of Australia’s most northernmost state capital and multicultural city by the sea before your departure back home and farewell to the small ship cruise experience.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast

Notes on Itinerary: We may occasionally alter itineraries slightly for safety, or to take advantage of weather, wildlife, and unplanned discoveries. Our ability to be flexible makes our style of cruising unique.

Single, Triple and Quad Travelers: Single travelers may reserve sole occupancy of a twin occupancy stateroom for 25% less than the regular stateroom (twin occupancy) fare in categories JS, A and B. Subject to availability. Some staterooms accommodate a third or fourth person. Adults age 16 years and over pay 50% (children ages 2-15 years pay 25%) of the applicable stateroom category fare when sharing the room with two full-fare guests

Cost Includes: Included in your cruise fare are accommodations as booked, cruise transportation, all meals onboard, 24-hour room service, entertainment and educational programmes, use of ship's sporting equipment and facilities, port & handling charges, Zodiac excursions and tender transfers, access to the ship's library, Govt. Fees & Taxes. Fares also include the services of 75 experienced crew.

Not Included: Fares do not include items of a personal nature, including but not limited to: travel and medical insurance, laundry charges, shopping onboard, bar expenses, hair dressing and massage treatments, optional shore experiences, medical treatment, telephone and internet charges.

Deposit and Final Payment: To secure your reservation a deposit of 25% of the fare is required. The deposit must be accompanied by a completed and signed Guest Booking Form and is due within 7 days of booking. Final payment must be received no later than 90 days before sailing. Separate conditions apply to the Cancellation Protection Plan.

Cancellation Policy: The following cancellation fees will apply to all reservations. The day on which written notice is received will determine the applicable penalties.
Day on Which Notice is received Penalty
121 days and over - 50% of deposit
120 - 91 days prior 100% of deposit
90 days or less 100% of fare
No show - no written notice 100% of fare

Travel Insurance: We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with Travel Insurance. Please note that you must purchase your Travel Insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions.


Shoreside Expeditions: We include a number of complimentary shore experiences utilising our Zodiacs. In addition we offer an exciting and diverse selection of optional shore experiences which can be either booked for in advance or reserved onboard and charged to your onboard account. Due to limited numbers on some experiences we recommend you pre-register to avoid disappointment. Details will be provided with your ticket.

Arrival/Departure Information: The Spice Island Adventure cruise begins and end in Darwin, Australia. Embarkation time is between 3:00 – 4:00pm on day of departure. Disembarkation is after breakfast on final day between 9:00 – 10:30am. Please schedule flights based on these time frames.

Qualifications: This trip will be enjoyed by anyone who is in good health and leads an active life. Any medical condition, advanced pregnancy or disability must be advised to AdventureSmith Explorations when a request for accommodation is made. On every Orion voyage extensive use of the ship’s Zodiacs will be made transporting guests between ship and shore. It is anticipated this travel may be physically demanding from time to time. In order for the crew to determine if safe passage can be offered, guests may be asked to provide additional information, such as a medical assessment of their fitness for expeditionary travel. All guests must sign a disclaimer onboard to participate in offship activities. Guests should be sure to bring onboard sufficient supplies of any prescription medication they may require.

General Information: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms & Conditions:. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list, extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation. We strongly recommend the purchase of Trip Insurance through AdventureSmith Explorations. If purchased within 14 days of sign-up, the pre-existing condition exclusion is waived.

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Call today.

return to top of page

AdventureSmith Explorations

Travel Specialists  |  Contact Us