Islands of Indonesia

Spend the afternoon relaxing as you are welcomed on board Coral Adventurer in Makassar. Join the expedition staff as they make introductions to the journey and the many experiences ahead. Note that day 1 may include an optional, added-cost charter flight from Darwin, Australia (DRW), to Makassar, Indonesia, for guests wishing to begin and end their trip in Darwin.

This is the famous place where Phinisi boats have been crafted by the Bugis boat builders since the 14th century. There are ceremonies involved in each stage of the boat building and the boats are scattered along the coast in various stages of construction. Learn about the traditional construction methods, unchanged for centuries and climb into a boat to explore its size and the craftsmanship of the boat-builders. Phinisi boats were used by the Makassans to travel as far as Australia and Madagascar. In the afternoon, enjoy a village visit and water activities at Liukang Island.

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 quaint traditional village concealed in the mountains. The village is over 400 years old and 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.

Continue enjoying time in Tana Toraja before making the overland trip back to the Coral Adventurer.

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 good for water activities. Explore underwater with expedition style diving.

Selayar Island is the gateway to the extensive Taka Bonerate National Park, where there is the option of village and cultural activities or snorkeling and diving in the incredible Taka Bonerate atoll – the third largest atoll in the world. The biodiversity of the reef is very high, offering attractive spot dives, including drop off dives in some places. The waters inside the atoll are magnificently turquoise, surrounded by the deepest blue imaginable.

Arrive at Jinato Island to visit this peaceful village. A welcoming ceremony by the local Bajau and Bugis people leads you ashore. 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. Move to Tinabo Besar to join conservationist activities such as planting a tree or coral transplantation, assisted by National Park staff and have your name marking your new foster plants.

Today enjoy another walk, this time exploring Komodo Island. While both Rinca and Komodo Island are home to the Komodo Dragon, each island has a different landscape and its own beauty. Time permitting, there may be a visit to Komodo village to meet the people who live among these ancient creatures. In the afternoon, water activities may be available.

Enjoy a morning nature trek at Rinca Island (choices of short, medium or long treks available) to encounter the Komodo dragons. In the afternoon, enjoy snorkeling off the famous Pink Beach on Komodo 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 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.

This very rugged island is home to around 50 different language or dialect groups. Visit the intriguing traditional villages of Takpala, as well as the Kadelang Market. Enjoy cultural shows and the the famous handwoven ikat textiles. Snorkelling and water activities are offered in the afternoon.

Take a tour to see the old harbor, the colonial church and Tablolong Beach. A highlight is hearing the traditional sasando being played and enjoying the cultural performances and refreshments.

Cruise across the Arafura Sea, enjoying presentations by guest lecturers. This evening join fellow shipmates for the captain’s welcome drinks.

Arrive in Darwin to disembark at 8:30am. Dependent on charter flights, a city tour may be included.

Welcome to Indonesia! Explore the ancient seafaring city of Makassar. The Dutch Fort Rotterdam is today’s main attraction, but the tour may also include Lagaligo Museum, the old harbour and the Aryaduta Hotel. This bright and friendly city has a blend of nationalities and many historical sites, making it a must-see destination.

Be welcomed to Pare Pare 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.

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

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 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.

Snorkeling and diving is wonderful at Tanjung Karang, with spectacular visibility underwater. There is also an opportunity to spot dolphins.

Samarinda is the capital province of East Kalimantan, located about 30 miles upstream from the mouth of the mighty Mahakam River.  A trading town established in 1730, Samarinda holds an intriguing history of Sultanates and traditional Dayak tribes, and the region has a wealth of ecological and cultural treasures that survive deep within the rainforests of the world’s third’s largest island.

Feel welcomed to Samarinda by the traditional dance Dayak Kenyah. Travel to Pampang to experience the culture of the Dayak tribe at the Lamin traditional Longhouse. Enjoy a guided walk to gain a deeper understanding of the life and history of the tribe. Enjoy a visit to a weaving village and 400-year-old mosque is next.

Spend this morning in Samarinda, with a visit to the Grand Mosque Darussalam, the second largest mosque in the southern hemisphere. This magnificence building’s minaret is the highest point in the city. Enjoy a visit to the Cita Niaga market to shop for souvenirs and handcrafts.

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 harbor.

Today’s expedition stop on a picturesque island includes possible snorkeling and beach activities.

The most famous snorkeling and diving location in Indonesia, perhaps even the world, Bunaken is a bucket list destination. The underwater world is magnificent with an incredible diversity of marine life. Bunaken is known for the clarity of its water and the precipitous reef walls that create an otherworldly diving experience. While some areas are more suitable for experienced divers, there are many places where snorkeling and beginner diving is possible.

Once again, enjoy underwater activities at Lembeh, also known for its reefs and marine life, or simply relax and take in the beautiful surroundings. The Lembeh Strait is famous all over the world for its unrivalled macro and muck diving. Home to some of the most weird and wonderful marine creatures, Lembeh is a location that you won’t quickly forget.

Go ashore to explore Gorontalo. Perhaps see traditional village buildings, cultural performances, enjoy forest walks or go kayaking in the harbor. There is the possibility of swimming with whale sharks if they are present in the area.

Pulau Togean is a paradise on earth. It is the home of the Bajau people, whose traditional stilt houses sit above brilliant turquoise waters. Known as sea gypsies who live from and on the sea, the Bajau are very welcoming. Enjoy meeting them and discovering their unique way of life. Later, enjoy water activities such as snorkeling, diving or kayaking in this beautiful location.

Dive and snorkel at another group of picturesque islands and perhaps see the famous Banggai cardinal fish.

Located 30 miles from the city of Kendari, Labengki Island is sometimes known as a mini Raja Ampat. The conservation area, which consists of two islands surrounded by little groups of islets, is 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, village visits and cultural experiences including a visit to the lighthouse, nature hikes and bird watching. A short hike rewards with an awe-inspiring view towards the pinnacle of the island and over the lagoon.

Enjoy a cultural visit at Liya Village, WangiWangi, before enjoying water activities in this well-known diving destination.

Coral Adventurer docks in Bau Bau Harbour 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 Centre. See cultural performances and ikat weaving. Enjoy this day in the historical center of the Buton Kingdom.

This is the famous place where Phinisi boats have been crafted by the Bugis boat builders since the 14th century. There are ceremonies involved in each stage of the boat building, and the boats are scattered along the coast in various stages of construction. Learn about the traditional construction methods, unchanged for centuries, and climb into a boat to explore its size and the craftsmanship of the boat-builders. Phinisi boats were used by the Makassans to travel as far as Australia and Madagascar. In the afternoon, enjoy a village visit and water activities at Liukang Island.

Arrive in Makassar to disembark at 8:30am. Dependent on charter flights, a city tour may be included.