Islands of Indonesia

Tana Beru
Timber Phinisi boats have been crafted by the Bugis boat-builders on the beach at Tana Beru since the 14th century and were used by the Makassans to travel as far as Australia and Madagascar. There are ceremonies involved in each stage of the boat building, and the boats are positioned along the coast in various stages of construction. Learn about the traditional construction methods, unchanged for centuries, and climb into a boat to admire its size and the craftsmanship of boat-builders.

Torajaland
Disembark at Palopo for the overland trip to Tana Toraja. The drive is through an enchanting landscape of rice fields and local villages. While climbing into the highland, enjoy marvelous views of pine trees, rainforests and plantations. In Toraja, see the local lifestyle and traditional houses at Marante, visit the stone grave with Tau-tau effigies at Lemo and visit the famous traditional stone and hanging burial sites of Bori Parinding. Also visit a Torajan market, where buffalo and pigs are for sale to those who will purchase them for funerals or other ceremonies, and Kete Kesu, a 400-year-old village concealed in the mountains. The village functions as a living museum, where one can experience first-hand the culture and tradition of the ancient Torajan people. Overnight at the best hotel in the area, Misiliana Hotel, and enjoy a buffet dinner accompanied by local music and dancing.

Sogori Island
Sogori Island is one of the small islands located around Kabaena Island in Southwest Sulawesi. This island is populated by the Bajonese and Buginese people. The surrounding white sandy beaches as well as several shipwrecks make it appealing for beach walking, swimming and snorkeling, or for scuba diving.

Taka Bonerate National Park
Taka Bonerate Marine Park is located on the small teardrop-shaped island of Tinabo Besar with island visitors encouraged to help with island conservation programs through tree planting or coral transplanting under the guidance of National Park staff. Arrive at Jinato Island to visit a peaceful village, being welcomed by the local Bajau and Bugis people. See the unique construction of the village, built on raised platforms, and enjoy cultural attractions and performances. Enjoy demonstrations of local music and handcrafts and insights into the cottage industry of the village with the making of coconut oil, traditional dishes, fishing nets and boat building. Take the opportunity to snorkel and swim.

Rinca or Komodo Island, Pink Beach & Kalang Island
The best time to see the famed komodo dragons is in the morning when they are most active, so the day starts bright and early. Take a guided walk with local rangers to maximize opportunities for seeing the komodo dragons as well as visiting a small village where dragons are also likely to be viewed. Later, go ashore on Pink Beach to relax on the dusky pink sands and swim or snorkel in the sea. Local traders may come by in their boats to set up impromptu souvenir stands.

Padar Island
Padar Island offers a chance to stretch our legs with an energetic hike to a hilltop lookout where hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of picturesque islands and sweeping beaches.

Kelimutu Crater, Flores Island
Go ashore at the city of Ende in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara. Journey to the Kelimutu National Park, stopping along the way at an orphanage. After refreshments, continue into the mountains, enjoying the spectacular views of the valley below. A hike to the extraordinary tri-colored crater lakes of Kelimutu is not complete without throwing a stone for good luck. Enjoy lunch at the Eco Lodge.

Lamalera
Lamalera is one of the last two traditional whaling villages in Eastern Indonesia. Although slowly dying out, the ancient tradition of whaling is still the principal economic activity here – as the many whale bones in the village prove. Whaling boats are made entirely of wood with wooden pegs instead of nails and sails are made of palm leaves. The patterns of the whale and the boats are often seen in Lamalera’s handwoven Ikat textiles.

Be welcomed by the villagers on the beach, enter the village and see traditional activities and dances. Depending on the sea conditions, there may be an opportunity to actually go on a mock whale hunt in the local boats, otherwise the villagers will bring their boats close to Coral Adventurer and will demonstrate how they hunt large marine creatures. The women will give a weaving/dyeing demonstration and textiles are available for purchase.

Pulau Alor
The entrance to Kalabahi Port and Alor Island is quite spectacular through a fjord-like channel with mountains on either side. This very rugged island is home to around 50 different language or dialect groups who are geographically isolated from each other. Choose to visit either the traditional villages of Takpala or Latafui where villagers from the Abui tribe perform the lego lego dances accompanied by famed moko drums. Pulau Alor islanders are well-known for their handcrafted Ikat textiles, which are on display. Visit the open-air Kadelang Market, a favorite with locals, and the Moko Drum Museum before returning to the ship. In the afternoon, enjoy snorkeling and swimming.

Tabolong Bay
Arrive early at Tablolong Bay at Palau Timor and enjoy a cultural performance on the beach with traditional Sasando music accompanying traditional dancing. Later, there is an opportunity to swim or snorkel before bidding farewell to Indonesia.

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.

Arrive into Darwin at 9:30am. Say farewell to the crew and fellow guests, then disembark at 11:30am.

Be welcomed to the historical city of Parepare with a colorful traditional dance. Experience the local Buginese village life and handicrafts. View tombstone carvers and blacksmiths at work. Visit the small village of Batu-Batu to see Sao Mari, a large pole museum housing a collection royal regalia, antiques, ceramics and weaponry. Enjoy a taste of the local cuisine and mingle with the local people. At day’s end, join fellow explorers and crew for the captain’s welcome drinks.

Balabalagan Islands
Arrive at the tranquil islands of Balabalagan in the Makassar Strait and enjoy snorkeling, diving and just relaxing at the ideal tropical location.

Balikpapan
Visit the large and cosmopolitan city of Balikpapan on the island of Borneo and journey to the Samboja Lestari Rainforest. Visit the Sun Bear Center, dedicated to saving rescued bears, and encounter the endangered Sun Bear (Helarctor malayanus), the world’s smallest bear. Walk to the adjoining Borneo Orangutan Survival (BOS) Foundation to see the iconic primates. The BOS Foundation rehabilitates orphaned or injured orangutans, as they are taught to survive in the wild in the surrounding rainforest. Return to the ship after a short visit to local markets.

Samarinda
Explore Samarinda, the capital province of East Kalimantan, located about 30 miles upstream from the mouth of the mighty Mahakam River. A trading town with an intriguing history of Sultanates and traditional Dayak tribes, the native people of Borneo, Samarinda is a hub for regional wealth. Ecological and cultural treasures are to be found deep within the rainforests that surround. Be welcomed by the traditional dance of the Dayak Kenyah before heading to Pampang to experience the culture of the Dayak people and their traditional Lamin Longhouses. Enjoy a guided walk to gain a deeper understanding of the life and history of their tribal traditions. There is also an opportunity to visit a village known for its talented weavers along with a 400-year-old mosque. On the second day discovering Samarinda, journey farther upriver for a deeper exploration into the people and places that sit at the heart of this remote province.

Enjoy a leisurely day at sea and join the expedition team for a program of activities, demonstrations and informative presentations.

Tolo Toli
Toli Toli is the city of cloves. Many high-quality spices are cultivated in the steep rolling hills around the township, while fishermen live in stilt houses along the coastline. The centuries-old local folklore traces the history of the people. The tour of Toli Toli goes through the traditional fisherman’s village in becaks (local pedi cabs) to the community house Rumah Adat to view a cultural performance, including Maragai and Mamanuk Tau Panau dances. Enjoy fresh young coconut and local cuisine while browsing local handcrafts. Walk through the village passing the tombs of Toli Toli kings and visit the old mosque before returning to the ship.

Saronde Islands
In true expedition style, explore the picturesque island chain of the Saronde region according to the winds and tides. Search for an adventure ashore with options for snorkeling and beachside adventures.

Bunaken
Bunaken Marine Park is world renowned for its incredible diversity of marine life and is a must see underwater destination for snorkelers and divers. With remarkable water clarity, precipitous walls of corals create an otherworldly diving experience with opportunities for both novice and experienced divers and snorkelers.

Lembeh
Lembeh Strait is yet another spectacular underwater world. Spend a whole day exploring this aquatic sanctuary known for its coral reefs and marine life.

Gorontalo
Arrive at the remote city of Gorontalo to enjoy local cultural performances before setting off on a guided forest walk. Return to the ship for a hearty lunch, then spend the afternoon with a swim and kayak in the sheltered waters of the harbor. Weather permitting, swim with the gentle giants of the sea, the whale sharks.

Togean
Awake early to explore Pulau Togean, the home to the Bajau sea gypsy peoples who live in stilt houses built above the turquoise sea. Traditionally, the Bajau lived solely off the sea, coming ashore only when necessary. These fascinating people are accomplished divers and fishermen, very welcoming and enjoy sharing their unusual lifestyle with visitors. Later in the day, relax with a swim, snorkel or kayak in these idyllic waters.

After a night on anchor, awake to explore nearby Mariona Lake, also known as jellyfish lake. This is one of the highlights of Togean, where it’s possible to swim with thousands of amaranth jellyfish, each about the size of a human fist. The lake was formed by rapid geological activity, which left the jellyfish stranded without predators, evolving over time to lose their sting and making them safe to swim amongst. This is a surreal and unforgettable experience.

Banggai
Endemic to the Banggai Archipelago, the famous and endangered Banggai cardinalfish is a striking species not much bigger than a matchbox and is recognizable by its vertical black stripes. Hope to spot these elegant fish while snorkeling and diving around the islands.

Labengki Island
The conservation area of Labengki Island is sometimes known as a mini Raja Ampat for its geographical similarities. The two main islands are surrounded by little groups of islets, formed by rocky karst overgrown with various types of orchids. With white sandy beaches and some small reefs suitable for snorkeling, the area also provides various types of activities including kayaking around the lagoon, nature hikes, village visits and cultural experiences including a visit to the lighthouse. The majority of Labengki Kecil’s 600-strong population are Muslims with fishing being a traditional pastime.

Wakitobi National Park
In the heart of the coral triangle, the 143 mostly uninhabited islands that make up Wakatobi were declared a marine conservation area in 1996, then later a national park in 2002. The park is part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves with extraordinary numbers of coral species, fish, whales, dolphin and turtle populations. The coral reefs of Wakatobi form part of one of the largest reef systems in Indonesia. In addition to many opportunities for extraordinary water activities, enjoy a cultural visit to Liya Village, Wangi Wangi.

Bau Bau, Buton Island
The ship docks in Bau Bau Harbor for official clearance and formalities. Be welcomed by a traditional dance performance before being whisked away in local petepete transport to tour Buton Island. Visit a traditional market, a fisherman’s village, the Buton Fortress, Kraton (palace) and Wolio Cultural Center. See cultural performances and Ikat weaving. Enjoy this day in the historical center of the Buton Kingdom.

Tana Beru
Traditionally, timber Phinisi boats have been crafted by the Bugis boat-builders on the beach at Tana Beru since the 14th century. Over the centuries they have been used by the seafaring Makassans to travel as far as Australia and Madagascar to trade in spices and trepang. This is an ancient craft handed down through the ages and still relevant today. There are ceremonies involved in each stage of the boat building, and the boats are positioned along the coast in various stages of construction. Learn about the traditional construction methods, unchanged for centuries, and climb into a boat to admire its size and craftsmanship of the boat-builders.

Arrive into Makassar at 6:00am. Say farewell to the crew and fellow explorers, then disembark at 8:00am.