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Forgotten Islands Photography Expedition

On this unique Orion expedition, you’ll have the opportunity to enhance your photographic skills in some of the world’s most photogenic locations. This trip will be a floating masterclass with a renowned professional photographer through Wallacea, the legendary transition zone that separates the flora and fauna of Australia and Asia. Our route takes us from Bali along the trade routes of the early navigators and traders who opened up this new world of spices, gold and pearls. Every step of the way, you’ll have the experience of a professional photographer to help you create stunning travel photography. Step back in prehistoric times when we explore Komodo, home of the fabulous dragons. The southwest corner of Maluku is virtually inaccessible, with unspoilt islands, fringing reefs and ancient cultures. Very few outsiders set foot here and a unique experience is guaranteed as we rediscover these forgotten islands. Voyage to Yamdena Island, the former Dutch trading colony and the tiny island of Kisar with a heritage of 400 years of European history. You can capture the images of these ancient cultures, colorful ceremonies and the unique flora and fauna with the guidance of tutorials including camera operation, travel photography tips, printing and processing methods. After exploring Thursday Island in the Torres Strait, sail on to Cairns in Queensland where you will leave the expedition with a personal collection of creative travel photography.

Day 1 - Bali – Embark

The Indonesian island of Bali represents an oxymoron. The city center of Denpasar is crammed with hotels and tourist activity. It is renowned for its highly developed arts, including dance, sculpture, painting, leather, metalworking and music. The countryside is picturesque incorporating rice paddies flooding the hillsides and volcanoes reaching to the skies. The rain-forests are lush and tropical, and the beaches are washed by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. The island is home to the vast majority of Indonesia's small Hindu minority. Embark Orion and begin the adventure.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: dinner

Days 2-3 - Komodo, East Nusa Tenggara

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 meters long and weighing over 70kg.

After landing on the beach, meet up with local Park Rangers and after a short briefing 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 (Tubipora musica) that contributes to the sand on this spectacular beach. Swimming, snorkeling, 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. Day three's activities will be similar.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - At Sea

Spend this relaxing time at sea brushing up on your art and culture while Orion's Expedition team gives presentations and lectures about the Forgotten Islands.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 - Kisar, Maluku

The Maluku region, probably more familiar to most as "the Moluccas" (as the area was previously known) is truly a collection of forgotten islands located just north of Australia. Sitting between New Guinea and Timor it is part of Wallacea, the legendary deep water area that separates the Australian and Asian continental plates.

The south west corner of Maluku, part of the predominately Christian area of Indonesia, is virtually inaccessible but is home to numerous stunning islands with fringing reefs and ancient cultures. Very few outsiders have ever set foot on these islands and a unique experience is guaranteed as we discover the "Forgotten Islands" of Maluku.

Our visit will be to the tiny island of Kisar, which serves as our official entry point into the archipelago. Kisar has over 400 years of European history and despite being only a few hundred miles off the coast of Australia, its European history is virtually unknown.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 - Sangliat Dol & Weluan Beach, Yamdena Island

This traditional village in the Tanimbar islands of Maluku is the centre of the ancient "boat" culture of Maluku. In the centre of the village is a stone boat. Not a boat that was ever meant to float, but a boat built to symbolise the arrival from the sea of the original inhabitants of Maluku. Most villages simply abandoned their giant stone boats and the culture that was attached when they were moved to the coast. But Sangliat Dol was different. Although on the coast a steep rise starting immediately from the foreshore meant that the original village built for safety and security on the hill top, was already close to the coast. The village of Sangliat Dol was therefore not required to move during the colonial period and the legacy of that is their giant stone boat and the culture associated with it remains intact today. A giant stone stair case leads from the beach to the hill top ceremonial area. The village structure still follows the organization of a boat today. The village head is seen as the Captain or Master "steering" the direction of the village. Many other positions of the village basically translate as "helmsman" "harpooner" "bailer boy" and other boat related names. There are two further figures in the structure the "herald" or "speaker" who is the father of the village and speaks for the village (traditionally basically in times of war) and the "sacrificer" or mother of the village. The mother and father of the village represent the cooperation as in a marriage to ensure the continuing existence of the village.

For our visit and for other important events a massive ritual takes place surrounding the stone boat. Traditionally all village decisions would revolve around such a ceremony. After the ceremony the six host families will take their adopted guests on a mini-tour of the village, including seeing the host families housing and cooking areas, an ikat weaving display, and a market area selling ikat weavings, wooden carvings very similar to those found in new Guinea and possible even old Dutch artifacts such as plates and coins. At the end of the morning, as guests finish at the markets they will descend the staircase, again with dozens of locals assisting, back to the beach, the zodiacs, and the ship for lunch.

The remainder of the day after the visit to Sangliat Dol will be spent at Weluan Beach outside of Saumlaki town, the capital of Yamdena and the main administrative area for southern Maluku. Here a wide range of local artifacts including many carvings that almost resemble the style found slightly further east in New Guinea, can be found and purchased if desired. Other products such as the local eucalyptus oil and a potent spirit distilled from the inflorescence of the sugar palm will also be on display. The brave may even sample this distilled liquor! Swimming and rides in local sailing canoes will be available and a giant Christ Statue, (not quite in the same league as Rio!), overlooks the beach giving spectacular views of the beach and nearby township.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 7-8 - At Sea

Spend these two days relaxing aboard the luxurious Orion as we head to our next destination of the journey.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 9 - Thursday Island, Torres Strait

Thursday Island (traditionally known as Waiben) is recognized as one of the last frontiers in Australia, as it holds some great Australian history. At the Torres Strait Museum, learn about the feared Russian invasion of 1898. Had it eventuated, the invaders would have been greeted with a salvo from the 6-inch guns which still peer out over the ocean approach from Green Hill Fort, now home of the museum. Wander through pearlers’ cemeteries where stories of this once dangerous occupation are revealed. Or take in brilliant panoramic vistas of the surrounding islands and tropical seas from Lions Lookout.

The Gab Titui (Star of our Journey) Cultural Center is a place where Orion guests can discover the rich diversity of the Torres Strait Islander people. It is the region’s first public keeping place for historical and cultural artifacts and tools, as well as both modern and traditional art.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 10 - Orion Reef

This officially unnamed section of reef, which we have christened Orion Reef, is one of the most diverse and interesting snorkeling areas on the Great Barrier Reef. It is home to a profusion of marine life in the turquoise waters ranging from starfish and anemones to multicolored tropical fish, reef sharks and turtles. Set in the far northern section of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and on the true outer Reef, Orion Reef lies far from the potentially damaging effects of population or agricultural run off. The naturally clean and clear water in this part of the Marine Park provides ideal conditions for a healthy reef environment.

This morning Orion will take position at Orion Reef affording guests a unique and spectacular opportunity for swimming and snorkeling.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 11 - Cairns – Disembark

The Cairns region is internationally recognized for world class attractions, superb natural features and friendly north Queensland hospitality. It is the focal point for the magnificent World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and is surrounded by tropical rainforests. Visitors enjoy browsing at indigenous art galleries, shopping at the night markets and dining out on multicultural cuisine in the many restaurants along the esplanade.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast



Itinerary Notes: 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.

Included: Included in your cruise fare are accommodations aboard Orion, cruise transportation, all meals onboard, 24-hour room service, entertainment and educational programes, 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.

Exclusions: 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.

Room Configurations: 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

Payment & Cancellation: 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

Terms & Conditions: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation.

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. Click the link below for a selection of policies from our partners at Travelex.



Activities: A number of complimentary shore experiences utilizing Zodiacs are included. In addition, an exciting and diverse selection of optional shore experiences can be either booked 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.

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.

For additional information and reservations, please contact us:

800-728-2875 | 530-583-1775 | fax 530-583-1711 | travel@AdventureSmithExplorations.com