row of thatched luxury bungalows facing each other on a sunny day in indonesia
looking down the many of islands of indonesia with turquoise and aqua colored ocean in between
traveler scuba diving alongside a vibrant reef on the Islands of Indonesia small ship cruise
large komodo dragon standing on dry ground with trees in the background with its forked tongue sticking out
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$9480USD
Starting At
15
Days
Mar
Apr
Asia / Pacific Indonesia Cruise

Islands of Indonesia

Trace the path of the seafaring 16th century Makassan fishermen on this 15-day Sulawesi cruise. Snorkeling Indonesia is a highlight in the turquoise waters of Taka Bonerate National Park. Kayak, dive and swim amongst vivid marine life and famed waters. Visit Rinca or Komodo Island to see the prehistoric komodo dragon, the largest lizard in the world. Witness the ancient ceremonies of the Toraja people on an included one-night overland expedition.

SCUBA dive (additional cost) with highly qualified, experienced and popular Dive Instructors who provide an outstanding service to all guests. Dive Instructors patiently guide those who have never dived before through a resort dive program and expertly guide certified open-water divers to quality dive sites. A comprehensive range of dive equipment, including wetsuits, is provided. 

On this 15-day itinerary between Australia and Sulawesi, explore the undiscovered paradise of Indonesia’s less-visited islands. Journey into the heart of a region where traditional lifestyles continue in areas of astounding beauty. Encounter traditional cultures from Pulau Alor to Lamalera, Sogori, Torajaland and Tana Beru. Experience the dramatic beauty of Indonesia at Flores, Komodo and Takabonerate. This journey through the archipelago is a feast for the senses.

The 120-guest Coral Geographer is home base for the majority of the trip. Built for adventure and crafted for comfort, Coral Geographer features special attention to food and wine, efficient ship-to-shore operations, stability and Australian flare. Also featured is an overnight at the family-run Toraja Misiliana Hotel in the mountains of Sulawesi.

Indonesia is the world’s biggest archipelago, with over 17,000 islands. Each one has its own allure and its own story. The diversity of the cultures among the Indonesian archipelago is only matched by the diversity of the wildlife. The marine parks are home to the most biodiverse reefs in the world, and the rainforests are home to unique creatures both large and small. Many of Indonesia’s islands are relatively untouched and sometimes difficult to get to, making this Islands of Indonesia small ship cruise the perfect way to see them.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Indonesia cruises and Indonesia trips.



Itinerary

Northbound In The Wake of Makassans Itinerary

The northbound In The Wake of Makassans cruise begins in Darwin, Australia, and travels through the islands of Indonesia to end in Makassar, Indonesia.

Route map of Islands of Indonesia: In The Wake of Makssans small ship cruise, operating from Makassar, Indonesia, southbound to Darwin, Australia.
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Day 1
Embark Darwin, Australia

Board the ship at 8:30am for a 10:30am departure. Settle into your cabin and meet fellow explorers and crew for the captain’s welcome drinks.

Accommodations

Coral Geographer

Meals

dinner

Read More
Day 2
At Sea

Enjoy a peaceful day at sea as the ship makes her way towards Tablolong Bay, where the first adventure of this journey awaits. Partake in onboard activities including workshops and lectures from special guests and the expedition team.

Accommodations

Coral Geographer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Days 3 - 14
Exploration of Sulawesi

Tabolong Bay
Arrive at Tablolong Bay, Kupang and listen to the bright, harp like sounds produced by the traditional Sasando instrument with a beachside performance. Later, there is an opportunity to swim or snorkel.

Pulau Alor
Small, rugged Alor Island is home to around 140,000 people speaking 50 different languages. Visit the open-air Kadelang Market, the Museum of 1000 Moko and a traditional village, where you will be warmly welcomed. Witness the ceremonial Lego Lego dance in which ladies dressed in handwoven textiles and bronze bangles form a tightly-knit circle and dance rhythmically to gongs and Moko drums.

Lamalera
Lamalera is one of the last traditional whaling villages, where an ancient hunting tradition continues to provide for the subsistence lifestyle of this rarely-visited village. The villagers will welcome you and share their way of life, which follows ancient beliefs and uses traditional tools and methods. Observe hunting and Ikat weaving demonstrations, with opportunities to purchase the exquisite hand-woven cloth directly from the weavers.

Kelimutu Crater, Flores Island
From the coastal town of Ende, travel a beautiful road up to Kelimutu. On the way, stop at a orphanage, where you will meet the nuns and orphans and share refreshments. Arrive at the spectacular tricolored Crater Lakes, where we may throw stones into the lakes for good luck. Later, enjoy lunch at Kelimutu Eco Lodge accompanied by the traditional music of Flores.

Padar Island
A climb to the peak of Padar Island offers a chance to stretch your legs and be rewarded with a mesmerizing panoramic view over the island’s rugged peaks, beaches and vast blue sea. Alternatively, explore the island up close by Xplorer cruise.

Komodo Island & Pink Beach
Take an early morning walk with local rangers to spot the Komodo Dragon and visit a local village. You will learn of the legends of the Komodo Dragons and why villagers treat them with kindness. Later, enjoy a stroll along the dusky pink sands of Pink Beach and swim or snorkel in the clear water.

Taka Bonerate National Park
Be welcomed at Tinabo Island with a dance performance before a guided tour through the village. Enjoy music and craft demonstrations and insights into the local cottage industries of coconut oil, fishing nets and boat building. At Tinabo Besar, visitors are encouraged to help with conservation programs of tree planting or coral transplanting under the guidance of National Park staff, before snorkeling in the pristine waters.

Sogori Island
The small island of Sogori is home to the Bajau and Bugis people. The surrounding white sandy beaches as well as several shipwrecks make it appealing for beach walking, swimming, snorkeling or scuba diving.

Torajaland
Disembark for an overland journey into the highlands of Sulawesi, to the remarkable Tana Toraja, where you will witness stunning limestone mountains and the ancient culture and traditions of the Torajan people. Visit the Tongkonan houses at Marante, the stone graves with Tau-tau effigies at Lemo and the hanging burial sites of Bori Parinding. At a Torajan market, see where buffalo and pigs are purchased for funerals, and explore Kete Kesu, a 400-year-old village high in the mountains. Stay overnight and enjoy local music and dancing.
Overnight: Toraja Misiliana Hotel

Tana Beru
Traditionally, wooden Phinisi ships have been crafted by the Bugis boat-builders on the beach at Tana Beru since the 14th century. The ancient technique, which uses no nails, has been handed down through generations. Hear the seafaring tales of the boat builders and climb into a Phinisi ship to admire its size and the craftsmanship of the boat-builders.

Final Night
On this final evening on board, reminisce about this Sulawesi expedition with new-found friends at the captain’s farewell drinks.

Accommodations

Coral Geographer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 15
Disembark Makassar, Indonesia

Around 7:00am, arrive into the ancient seafaring city of Makassar, the capital of South Sulawesi and heart of the golden era of the spice trade up until the 19th century. Say farewell to the crew and fellow guests and disembark at 8:30am. Note: An optional, added-cost charter flight from Makassar, Indonesia (UPG), to Darwin, Australia (DRW), is available for guests wishing to begin and end their trip in Darwin.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

dinner

Read More
Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Accommodations as booked; one pre-cruise hotel night; pre-cruise and post-cruise transfers; all meals; house beer and wine during lunch and dinner service; 24-hour tea and coffee; captain’s welcome and farewell drinks; access to islands, marine and national parks; guided tours in tender vessels; services of expedition staff and lecturers including briefings and knowledge-sharing sessions; standard WiFi on board; port taxes and government charges imposed by government authorities.

Exclusions

Airfare; optional group charter flight Makassar to Darwin (AUD1,250.00 per person in 2024, subject to change); optional scuba diving costs (contact AdventureSmith for pricing); entry visas or travel permits; insurance of any kind; items of a personal nature including but not limited to phone communications, WiFi upgrades and bar charges (outside of the included drinks package as highlighted), laundry charges and souvenir purchases.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 20% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. A name change/transfer of the booking to another person is considered a cancellation and cancellation penalties will apply. An AUD200.00 per person fee may be charged for any amendments not requiring a date change after booking is confirmed. There is an AUD500.00 per person fee if a date change is made more than 90 days before departure. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 90 days – 100% of deposit
89 to 60 days – 50% of total trip cost
59 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

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 Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The northbound In the Wake of Makassans cruise begins in Darwin, Australia (DRW), and ends in Makassar, Indonesia (UPG), with an optional, added-cost charter flight from Makassar to Darwin on Day 15 for guests wishing to both begin and end their trip in Darwin. Plan flights to arrive to Darwin in time for an 8:30am boarding and 10:30am departure. Plan flights to depart Makassar no earlier than 11:30am on Day 15. We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Internal Flights

An optional group charter flight between Makassar and Darwin may be pre-booked at an added cost of AUD1,250.00 per person (subject to change) on this trip’s itinerary. There is a strict luggage limit of 44 lbs (20 kg) checked luggage and 15 lbs (7 kg) cabin baggage on this flight. There is no option to pay for additional luggage.

Activities

Whether you are looking for light activity options or more challenging outdoor pursuits, the ship’s crew can tailor most excursions to suit your skill level. Adventure activities may include hiking, snorkeling, diving (added cost), kayaking, tender excursions, land treks, wildlife observation, cultural visits, village visits and participating in conservation efforts.

Room Configuration

Limited double occupancy cabins for solo use may be available at a sole use rate; ask your AdventureSmith Specialist for details. Contact AdventureSmith for further details and availability.

Families & Children

Kids 12 years and older are welcomed aboard all departure dates; exceptions for children 11 years and under may be allowed with special pre-approval.

Travel Insurance

Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

As a condition of travel, guests must provide evidence of travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage OR complete a credit card authorization form for expenses incurred during a medical evacuation. Proof of travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage OR a completed authorization form must be provided prior to boarding.

Itinerary Notes

Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.

Southbound In The Wake of Makassans Itinerary

The southbound In The Wake of Makassans cruise begins in Makassar, Indonesia, and travels through the islands of Indonesia to end in Darwin, Australia.

Route map of Islands of Indonesia: In The Wake of Makssans small ship cruise, operating from Makassar, Indonesia, southbound to Darwin, Australia.
Read More
Day 1
Embark Makassar, Indonesia

Arrive in the ancient seafaring city of Makassar, the capital of South Sulawesi and heart of the golden era of the spice trade up until the 19th century. Board the ship at 4:30pm and settle into your cabin before the 6:00pm departure. As the sun sets, meet fellow explorers and crew for the captain’s welcome drinks. Note: An optional, added-cost charter flight from Darwin, Australia (DRW), to meet the ship in Makassar, Indonesia (UPG) is available for guests wishing to begin and end their trip in Darwin.

Accommodations

Coral Geographer

Meals

dinner

Read More
Days 2 - 13
Exploration of Sulawesi

Tana Beru
Traditionally, wooden Phinisi ships have been crafted by the Bugis boat-builders on the beach at Tana Beru since the 14th century. The ancient technique, which uses no nails, has been handed down through generations. Hear the seafaring tales of the boat builders and climb into a Phinisi ship to admire its size and the craftsmanship of the boat-builders.

Torajaland
Disembark for an overland journey into the highlands of Sulawesi, to the remarkable Tana Toraja, where you will witness stunning limestone mountains and the ancient culture and traditions of the Torajan people. Visit the Tongkonan houses at Marante, the stone graves with Tau-tau effigies at Lemo and the hanging burial sites of Bori Parinding. At a Torajan market, see where buffalo and pigs are purchased for funerals, and explore Kete Kesu, a 400-year-old village high in the mountains. Stay overnight and enjoy local music and dancing.
Overnight: Toraja Misiliana Hotel

Sogori Island
The small island of Sogori is home to the Bajau and Bugis people. The surrounding white sandy beaches as well as several shipwrecks make it appealing for beach walking, swimming, snorkeling or scuba diving.

Taka Bonerate National Park
Be welcomed at Tinabo Island with a dance performance before a guided tour through the village. Enjoy music and craft demonstrations and insights into the local cottage industries of coconut oil, fishing nets and boat building. At Tinabo Besar, visitors are encouraged to help with conservation programs of tree planting or coral transplanting under the guidance of National Park staff, before snorkeling in the pristine waters.

Komodo Island & Pink Beach
Take an early morning walk with local rangers to spot the Komodo Dragon and visit a local village. You will learn of the legends of the Komodo Dragons and why villagers treat them with kindness. Later, enjoy a stroll along the dusky pink sands of Pink Beach and swim or snorkel in the clear water.

Padar Island
A climb to the peak of Padar Island offers a chance to stretch your legs and be rewarded with a mesmerizing panoramic view over the island’s rugged peaks, beaches and vast blue sea. Alternatively, explore the island up close by Xplorer cruise.

Kelimutu Crater, Flores Island
From the coastal town of Ende, travel a beautiful road up to Kelimutu. On the way, stop at a orphanage, where you will meet the nuns and orphans and share refreshments. Arrive at the spectacular tricolored Crater Lakes, where we may throw stones into the lakes for good luck. Later, enjoy lunch at Kelimutu Eco Lodge accompanied by the traditional music of Flores.

Lamalera
Lamalera is one of the last traditional whaling villages, where an ancient hunting tradition continues to provide for the subsistence lifestyle of this rarely-visited village. The villagers will welcome you and share their way of life, which follows ancient beliefs and uses traditional tools and methods. Observe hunting and Ikat weaving demonstrations, with opportunities to purchase the exquisite hand-woven cloth directly from the weavers.

Pulau Alor
Small, rugged Alor Island is home to around 140,000 people speaking 50 different languages. Visit the open-air Kadelang Market, the Museum of 1000 Moko and a traditional village, where you will be warmly welcomed. Witness the ceremonial Lego Lego dance in which ladies dressed in handwoven textiles and bronze bangles form a tightly-knit circle and dance rhythmically to gongs and Moko drums.

Tabolong Bay
Arrive at Tablolong Bay, Kupang and listen to the bright, harp like sounds produced by the traditional Sasando instrument with a beachside performance. Later, there is an opportunity to swim or snorkel.

Accommodations

Coral Geographer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 14
At Sea

Enjoy a relaxing sea day at leisure as the ship cruises across the Timor Sea towards Darwin, enjoying the continuation of the expedition program of activities and informative presentations. On this final evening on board, reminisce about this Sulawesi expedition with new-found friends at the captain’s farewell drinks.

Accommodations

Coral Geographer

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 15
Disembark Darwin, Australia

Arrive and disembark at Darwin’s Fort Hill Wharf at 9:30am. Say farewell to the crew and fellow guests, then disembark at 11:30am. Post-cruise transfers to central business district hotels or the airport are included. If you’re not transferring directly to the airport, then consider spending the day enjoying the tropical city of Darwin with its landscaped waterfront and harborside Wave Pool.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

Read More
Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Accommodations as booked; one pre-cruise hotel night; pre-cruise and post-cruise transfers; all meals; house beer and wine during lunch and dinner service; 24-hour tea and coffee; captain’s welcome and farewell drinks; access to islands, marine and national parks; guided tours in tender vessels; services of expedition staff and lecturers including briefings and knowledge-sharing sessions; standard WiFi on board; port taxes and government charges imposed by government authorities.

Exclusions

Airfare; optional group charter flight Darwin to Makassar (AUD1,250.00 per person, subject to change); optional scuba diving costs (contact AdventureSmith for pricing); entry visas or travel permits; insurance of any kind; items of a personal nature including but not limited to phone communications, WiFi upgrades and bar charges (outside of the included drinks package as highlighted), laundry charges and souvenir purchases.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 20% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. A name change/transfer of the booking to another person is considered a cancellation and cancellation penalties will apply. An AUD200.00 per person fee may be charged for any amendments not requiring a date change after booking is confirmed. There is an AUD500.00 per person fee if a date change is made more than 90 days before departure. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 90 days – 100% of deposit
89 to 60 days – 50% of total trip cost
59 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

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 Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The southbound In the Wake of Makassans cruise begins in Makassar, Indonesia (UPG), and ends in Darwin, Australia (DRW), with an optional, added-cost charter flight from Darwin to Makassar on Day 1 for guests wishing to both begin and end their trip in Darwin.

For the added-cost charter flight: Plan flights to arrive to Darwin anytime the day prior to Day 1. A pre-cruise hotel night and welcome event in Darwin on Day 0 is included for guests who opt for the charter flight or arrange an independent flight from Darwin on Day 1. On Day 1, transfer from the Darwin hotel to your optional, added-cost charter flight is also included.

For independent travel arrangements: Plan flights to arrive to Makassar prior to the 4:30pm boarding and 6:00pm departure on Day 1.

Departing: Plan flights to depart Darwin no earlier than 3:00pm on Day 15.

We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Internal Flights

An optional group charter flight between Darwin and Makassar may be pre-booked at an added cost of AUD1,250.00 per person (subject to change) on this trip’s itinerary. There is a strict luggage limit of 44 lbs (20 kg) checked luggage and 15 lbs (7 kg) cabin baggage on these flights. There is no option to pay for additional luggage.

Activities

Whether you are looking for light activity options or more challenging outdoor pursuits, the ship’s crew can tailor most excursions to suit your skill level. Adventure activities may include hiking, snorkeling, diving (added cost), kayaking, tender excursions, land treks, wildlife observation, cultural visits, village visits and participating in conservation efforts.

Room Configuration

Limited double occupancy cabins for solo use may be available at a sole use rate; ask your AdventureSmith Specialist for details. Contact AdventureSmith for further details and availability.

Families & Children

Kids 12 years and older are welcomed aboard all departure dates; exceptions for children 11 years and under may be allowed with special pre-approval.

Travel Insurance

Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

As a condition of travel, guests must provide evidence of travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage OR complete a credit card authorization form for expenses incurred during a medical evacuation. Proof of travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage OR a completed authorization form must be provided prior to boarding.

Itinerary Notes

Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.

Rates & Dates

Cruise Rates & Dates

Listed prices for this trip are based on foreign currency exchange rates and may vary. USD pricing will be calculated at the time of final payment based on the market conversion rate plus a 1% banking conversion fee of total invoiced amount. Please contact AdventureSmith for current pricing.

Departures available regularly March & April. Contact us for current dates, rates and availability.

Accommodations

Learn About the Small Ship & Hotel on Your Itinerary

Expedition Ship
Coral Geographer

The 120-guest Coral Geographer Australian expedition ship offers six balcony suites, a showcase galley, a passenger elevator and advanced navigation and propulsion systems.

Hotel
Toraja Misiliana Hotel

The Toraja Misiliana Hotel is a family-owned-and-operated hotel in Toraja Land, Indonesia offering a unique combination of international ambiance with traditional Torajanese culture.

Book with the confidence that comes from experience.

100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip.

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