Exploring Indonesia: Bali, Raja Ampat & Papua New Guinea

This morning check out of the hotel and head off into the countryside and the artist’s town of Ubud–famous for silver working, wood carving and batik. Wind along into the hills, passing exquisite Hindu temples, lush forests, small villages and the terraced rice fields cut into the cliffs. From water buffalo, to ducks, to harvest, learn how all the pieces of rice production flow together and nothing is wasted. Following lunch and free time to wander through the galleries in Ubud, head back to Benoa and embark the ship.

The ship’s first stop is the uninhabited Indonesian island of Satonda–a small circular island that is an ancient volcanic cone. Spend the morning snorkeling or diving the vibrant reefs or hike inland to the island’s sacred lake. This afternoon visit the island of Sumbawa, where villagers welcome all with a lively cultural display. Witness a traditional wedding ceremony and a local boxing match.

Explore Komodo National Park, home to the world’s largest living lizard—the Komodo dragon. Learn about the conservation of these prehistoric giants from park rangers, who will join on a hike to spot the lizards in their natural habitat. Then enjoy an afternoon of swimming, snorkeling or exploring the sands at “Pink Beach,” named for the coral fragments that lend their color to the sand.

Flores was once an important Portuguese trading center for sandalwood. Travel inland from Maumere to the weaving village of Watublapi and meet the people of this arid island, known for producing some of the finest ikat weaving in the world. Whereas many other local weaving communities switched to industrially spun yarn and chemical dyes for the sake of saving time and money, the weavers of Watublapi still use the traditional, handspun yarn made out of local cotton, as well as local natural dyes. Also see a cultural dance presentation.

Sail into the Molucca archipelago, also known as Maluku or the Spice Islands. In the heart of the Moluccas lay the Banda Islands, where a kora kora, or traditional war canoe, escorts all to the enchanted isle of Pulau Naira. Neighboring Banda Neira was once the center of the Spice Island trade and a hub of the Dutch East India Company. Stroll past Dutch architecture and visit Fort Belgica, built to protect the profitable spice trade. Next to Bandanaira, the near perfect conical volcano of Banda Api will be visible, quietly steaming away, and the crystal-clear waters provide great swimming and snorkeling opportunities.

Snorkel and dive one of the richest and most intricate marine regions in the world. Explore the steep coral walls and drop offs that are brimming with amazing life–colorful corals, giant clams and literally hundreds of different fish species. Above sea level, the experiences are just as amazing, with lush islands, towering limestone pinnacles jutting out of the water, and hidden white-sand coves to discover by Zodiac or kayak. On Gam Island birders may join a pre-dawn nature walk to try to catch a glimpse of the ethereal red bird-of-paradise.

Soaring mountains, pristine rain forest, and dozens of the most ancient, primal tribes on the planet can be found on this amazing section of Indonesia. Use Zodiacs to get up close to 20,000-year-old rock art near the fishing village of Kokas. Explore the fascinating skull caves and rock art of the Macassan culture. See the remains of the secret underground Japanese bunkers built here during World War II. Witness the traditional gabagaba, or stick dance, and learn about the myriad cultures that have passed through this region.

Arrive in the enchanting Asmat region, which spreads across mud flats and mangrove forests, with raised wooden boardwalks linking one village to the next. Elaborately painted “warriors” escort all to one of the stilt villages on shore, to attend a fascinating welcome ceremony. Today’s subsequent exploration will be dictated by the tides, as Zodiacs bring all to neighboring villages to encounter the ancient culture of the Asmat people, who are renowned for their woodcarving.

We leave the Asmat region and sail through the Aru and Arafura Seas. During the last ice age, when sea levels were over 325 feet lower than they are today, this region was a land bridge between Australia and New Guinea. Transit the shallow, island-strewn Torres Strait, which separates Australia from New Guinea, to enter the Gulf of Papua. Explore the coast and scattered islands looking for that perfect place to spend some time on a deserted beach or snorkeling through a reef bursting with color and life.

It’s hard to imagine today that Samarai Island was once a bustling trading port and the second largest city in Papua New Guinea. The town was evacuated at the onset of the Pacific War and many of its buildings deliberately destroyed. When the war ended, Samarai never regained its earlier importance. Life is much slower paced nowadays, and there is a chance to meet and be greeted by the town’s residents. While departing, be sure to be out on deck as the ship cruises through the beautiful neighboring islands.

The expedition concludes in Honiara, a former U.S. supply depot and a strategic WWII battleground. Tour around the outskirts of the city to see sites well known from the Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942-43. See the shores of Red Beach and the vital airbase at Henderson Field. Visit the hills above Honiara where some of the fiercest battles took place. Then, transfer to the airport for a group flight to Brisbane, to overnight at a local hotel.

Transfer this morning to the airport for your flight home.