Sublime Indonesia

After breakfast, we head south to Waimarang Waterfall. Located in the middle of the jungle, the waterfall was discovered only recently by a boy called Eric who lives in the nearby village. He stumbled upon the waterfall while out collecting firewood when he started to hear the sound of water. Following the sound, he soon uncovered what he describes as the most beautiful waterfall he had ever seen. Sharing the news with his father, the waterfall was soon brought to the attention of the local government. When asked by the government what he would like to happen to the waterfall, Eric informed them that he wished that a road would be built so that everyone could come and enjoy the beauty of the waterfall. Eric’s wish was made a reality and a road was built, making it possible for us to visit this beautiful sight today. Eric still lives in the village and his mother runs the small cafe at the parking area for the waterfall. The trek down to the waterfall is around 30 minutes along a well cleared path. It is not too steep, but some areas can become slippery if there has been rainfall. When arriving at the waterfall, there is a small pool which you can swim along before jumping down to the main pool. Here you will find a modest cascade falling into a wide plunge pool, partially enclosed by rugged stone walls. After some time cooling down in the water, it’s time to return to the carpark where we can enjoy a fresh coconut and a packed lunch before departing to Priayawang Traditional Village, which is one of the oldest villages in East Sumba. Here you will witness first-hand, the Sumbanese uma mbatangu (peaked houses) which surround the Megalith Tombs in the centre of the village. Your local guide will inform you about the unique culture of the Sumbanese people and introduce you to some of the people who call the village home and still practice the traditional way of their ancestors. Leaving the village, return to your hotel where you have the rest of the afternoon and evening to enjoy at your own leisure.

Following breakfast, continue your exploration of the East Sumba Regency, as we head to the Northeast of the island. Your first stop will be at Savannah Puru Kambera. The Savannah is packed with wild horses, buffalos, and cows on a good day. In the hot season, the savannah’s golden tones are reminiscent of the savannahs of Africa, but instead of zebra you are treated to the beautiful Sumba horses. The breed of horse found in Sumba is called the Sandalwood Pony, they originated from the island and are named after the Sandalwood trees, which are a major export of the country. Day to day, the horses are used for light farm work and riding from village to village. Once a year, some horses will be used for the annual bareback race and/or the Pasola Festival, Sumba’s most popular and traditional sport, which brings together dozens of riders to demonstrate their dexterity, precision and riding skills by throwing spears at their competitors. After enjoying your time at the savannah, continue to Morinda Villa where you will overnight. Morinda Villa offers simple, comfortable rooms. However, where the resort comes into its own and why we encourage you to spend a night at the property, is due of the breathtaking views that can be found here. Offering both sunrise and sunset viewpoints over a valley of beautiful green hills and a picturesque river which flows between them. In the evening, grab yourself a refreshment and sit back and be in awe of your natural
surroundings as the sun sets for the day.

An early morning start for your sunrise experience. Driving down to the bottom of the valley, you will hop into your own kayak and enjoy a guided kayak along the river as you watch the sunrise above the beautiful hills which surround you. Return to your hotel to enjoy breakfast before heading out on today’s adventure. Your first stop of the day will be Tangdendu Waterfall. Often referred to as the Grand Canyon of East Sumba or Twin Canyon in East Sumba because the its rocky cliffs and water flow, which are very similar to the Grand Canyon in the USA. After an adventurous morning, head to Pura Kembera Beach. The soft white sands and calm blue ocean make for the perfect spot to enjoy some downtime relaxing on the beach or swimming in the ocean. Due to the stillness of the water, it is possible to enjoy some snorkelling directly from the beach. A lunchbox will be provided for you to enjo some traditional Sumbanese food. In the late afternoon, depart the beach and head for Bukit Wairinding were you can enjoy one of the most special sunsets over the beautiful rolling hills of Northeast Sumba, before returning to the hotel.

An early start this morning as you transfer to the airport for your onwards flight to Denpasar. Transfer to your hotel where our group will spend the night before our cruise expedition begins. This evening meet your fellow voyagers and expedition guides over dinner at the hotel.

Enjoy breakfast followed by time to explore the cultural and historical delights of Bali’s capital, which for centuries Bali has captivated the imagination of artists, writers, and travellers with its landscapes of emerald terraced rice fields back-dropped by the sacred volcano of Mt. Agung. Board your ship this afternoon and settle into your cabin, join the captain and your expedition guides in the bridge as we set sail.

East of its more famous sibling Lombok, mountainous Sambawa Island blends laid back island life with spectacular volcanic ridges, terraced rice fields, tangled jungles and beautiful sandy beaches replete with stunning coral reefs and remote bays awaiting exploration. Historically divided between east (Bimanese speakers) and west (Sumbawanese speakers) this isolated island that time almost forgot juxtaposes
luxurious mansions alongside old wooden huts; remote wilderness and traditional Adat law and lore. Today we will experience a number of time-honoured traditions and cultural encounters including meeting the creators of the famed intricate hand-woven ikat fabric, observing martial arts displays and ancient tribal rites for a truly authentic immersion in the local culture.

A sanctuary for the giant monitor lizard, the Komodo Dragon, walk along a forested pathway to a viewing area for a closer look at these prehistoric reptiles which can grow up to 10 feet in length and weigh up to 300 pounds. The surrounding forest is home to Timor Deer, the favourite prey of the dragons, as well as elegant Yellow-crested Cockatoos. Enjoy the first snorkelling excursion off splendid Pink Beach, with world class experience often described as “swimming in an aquarium”.

This morning we are welcomed by the stunning white sand beaches and turquoise waters of coral reef fringed Kodia Island. While excellent snorkelling and beachcombing are a given, hikers, photographers and birders will want to explore the dry forests home to an impressive number of birds and wildlife. Today is an authentic expedition day.

Famously described by legendary underwater explorer and conservationist Jacques Cousteau as an “underwater nirvana”, Wakatobi is a cetacean highway and home to breathtaking coral walls. Today’s snorkel excursions reveal an incredible array of marine reef inhabitants; underwater photographers will appreciate a bizarre macro world among corals as shallow as 20 feet. Highlights include colourful frogfish, octopus, marbled snake eels, cockatoo wasp fish, flying gurnards, multitudes of crab species, and dazzling anemones.

Fascinating and seldom visited, Buru Island is located at the boundary between the biogeographic zones of Australia and Asia. A high proportion of the species of birds and mammals that occur here are found nowhere else with 10 endemic bird species and four endemic mammals as well as a number of near-endemic species. This morning we will explore these remote shores together with our expert naturalists and guides. Enjoy opportunities to explore the forests in search of wildlife and many of the endemic species including the Blue-fronted Lorikeet and enjoy the hospitality of local communities during village visits.

One of Indonesia’s relatively undiscovered gems, Seram Island seamlessly blends stunning tropical island aesthetics with biologically rich and rare flora and fauna of the Wallacea region at the crossroads of Asia and Australasia. In addition to having Indonesia’s deepest cave, Hatu Saka, and the world’s longest underground river, Sapalewa; six of Seram Island’s 28 mammals and 33 of its more than 213 bird species are endemic or near endemic. Our explorations here could include venturing into the jungle to look for Seram Masked Owl, Thrush, Oriole, Honeyeater, Myzomela and Friarbird, Moluccan Cockatoo and Scops Owl, and visiting an interior stilt house village where life continues unchanged. Though headhunting is no longer practised, traditional weapons including bow and arrow are still used for hunting.

Part of the Sultanate of Tidore during the spice trade wars, Misool Island is the second largest island in the aquatic wonderland that is Raja Ampat (aka Four Kings Islands, named after its four main islands) and our introduction to this stunning marine environment. Rich in heritage, it was colonised by the Dutch, however still maintains its cultural essence and traditional ways of life with indigenous  constructions, folk dance and respect for nature prevailing. On land, discover caves hidden among verdant forests featuring rock art dating back more than 5,000 years, while under its protected waters Dugong, Bumphead Parrotfish, Clownfish, Manta Rays, Ghost Pipefish, Harlequin Shrimp, Pygmy Seahorse and more can be found among spectacular coral gardens and sea-cave cemeteries. Over the course of the day we aim to explore the labyrinth of caves and passages, and hike up to the viewing platforms to enjoy the spectacular vistas and heart-shaped lagoon of Karawapop.

Lapped by stunning turquoise waters, Raja Ampat’s collection of 1,500 tiny, jungle-cloaked islands are among Indonesia’s most beautiful. We plan to spend two days exploring the bounty of rainbow corals, shoals of multicoloured fish, intriguing ocean carved limestone formations and jungles of this tropical paradise of forgotten islands. Believed to contain the most biodiverse marine habitat on the planet, the waters surrounding Raja Ampat are home to 600 species of hard coral and 1,200 types of reef fish and make for exceptional snorkelling and Zodiac cruising. On land, spotting the brilliant Wilson’s Bird-of paradise and Red Bird-of-paradise will be high on our agenda here, with early morning visits planned ensuring the very best opportunity for all to see these remarkable birds in their natural habitat and, hopefully, witness their rarely-seen mating dance around their ‘lekking’ trees. Other activities could include beachcombing, visiting villages and engaging in cultural exchanges with locals and forest walks.

Located at the top of the Bird’s Head Peninsula and surrounded by lush rolling hills and impressive spine of the Arfak Mountains, Manokwari is the capital of West Papua. Options here include an early rise travelling high into the Arfak Mountains to the Pegunungan Arfak Nature Reserve exploring the higher elevations and misty tropical montane rainforests with their exceptional suite of endemic plants, animals and birds. During our journey we will be on the lookout for the Western Parotia and Vogelkop Bowerbird, and visit the viewing hides for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to observe the magnificent Bird-of-paradise, among the region’s 320 bird species. Alternatively, enjoy a sleep in and explore the fascinating town of Manokwari, home to more than 24 different tribal groups.

Enjoy the unforgettable experience of swimming with the iconic Whale Sharks of Kwatisore Bay in Cenderawasih Marine Park. One of the best places in the world to snorkel with these gentle giants, we aim to visit the local fishermen’s Bagans (handmade floating platforms) where these mega-fish (known to grow more than 12-metres in length), hopeful of catching some of the smaller fish escaping fishermen’s nets, are known to congregate. This spectacular 15,000-square-kilometre marine park is also home to some of the finest coral reef examples in the world and 18 tropical islands, which we will explore, where 209 species of fish and 4 species of turtle can be seen. We also plan to visit a village where the locals live by a unique mix of traditional, Dutch and modern influences.

The seldom-visited Biak Island in the Schouten Islands archipelago of Cenderawasih Bay boasts the highest endemic biodiversity in Papua including 17 endemic birds. Among the species we may encounter are the Long-tailed Honey-buzzard, Red-capped Flowerpecker, Yellow-bibbed Fruitdove, Geelvink Imperial-pigeon, Biak Black Flycatcher and Numfor Paradise-kingfisher and Leaf Warbler. In the afternoon we plan to sail to the pristine and isolated Rusbasbedas Island with its white sand beaches, shear drop-offs and enormous corals teeming with brightly coloured fish make it paradise for snorkellers and beachcombers.

Enjoy a warm welcome on Liki Island, part of the Koemamba Islands in formerly Dutch New Guinea, where villagers share local customs and traditions along with some of the island’s culinary delights. Explore the forest looking for wildlife on a nature walk, or head to the water and snorkel along the edge of the abundant coral reef on this charming and rarely visited island.

The peaceful paradise of Lake Sentani, the glittering freshwater lake reflecting the steep, verdant mountains in the Cyclops Strict Nature Reserve of Papua’s capital Jayapura, is renowned for its famous artifacts, traditional motifs, pottery, woodworking and bark paintings, and is our destination following an early morning arrival. We will journey to the lake’s edge before enlisting traditional longboats, passing stilt houses, as we navigate its many islands. Experience local culture in the form of dance and artists at work making bark paintings and bride money before returning to the ship for lunch and sailing towards Vanimo for our International arrival into Papua New Guinea.

We have allowed plenty of time to fully appreciate this remarkable river, its birds, wildlife and the people who call it home. The Sepik River, the longest in Papua New Guinea, flows from the highlands to the Bismarck Sea. It is a rich arterial river that has fostered great traditional artists. We plan to explore the river by Zodiac, following tributaries and channels in search of local wildlife. Enjoy a warm welcome at Kopar Village where we will experience village life and their traditional Dragon Dance. The world- renowned artists of the region travel long distances to meet the ship and there is the opportunity to purchase unique carvings and more directly from them.

The self appointed ‘Prettiest Town in the South Pacific’, Madang is bound by lush rainforest, calm blue waters studded with volcanic islands, Tupira’s supreme surf break, flourishing coral gardens and rich history. For those disembarking, a flight to Port Moresby will conclude your voyage.