Indonesia's Forgotten Islands Cruise

Welcome to Indonesia. After completing arrival formalities we will spend the morning exploring Indonesia’s southernmost city and enjoy our first snorkel of the voyage. Perched on the waterfront of Timor Island where the Arafura Sea meets the coastline, Kupang is packed with natural attractions including dryland forests, shrublands, excellent swimming and snorkelling opportunities with sea caves and waterfalls to explore. While its scenic city is steeped in centuries of history as a trading port, Kupang has a unique culinary heritage of its own, including local speciality Se’i, Timorese smoked meat.

This morning, we reach the culturally rich Alor Island and its world-class coral reef systems. Our day starts with a visit to the township of Kalabahi to meet the locals and be introduced to their unique tribal culture. More than 100 different tribes live on the island with many speaking their own dialect, while the Abui people reside exclusively on Alor. There may also be the chance to join birding and nature excursions including snorkelling reefs where rich currents and upwellings in the strait to the west of Alor attract a variety of marine life, including Scorpionfish, Pygmy Seahorse, nudibranches, whales, reef sharks, Hammerheads, Sunfish, Devil Fish, Hairy Frogfish and more.

We plan to visit Lembata Island this morning, the largest island of the Solor Archipelago. Meet the Lamalerans, one of Indonesia’s last subsistence whaling communities, still practicing their five centuries-long tradition of hunting Sperm Whales. Using handmade bamboo harpoons and traditional, oar-rowed boats, this rich history is kept alive under approval of the International Whaling Commission during May through October. Other cultural traditions include weaving homegrown cotton using natural Ikat dyeing techniques. A magical underwater world, and astounding marine biodiversity, awaits exploration this afternoon courtesy of Lembata’s unique location straddling two continents and at the intersection of three bodies of water – the Savu and Banda Seas, and Alor Strait.

Located on the southern coast of Flores Island, Ende boasts an impressive reputation for having the island’s most beautiful scenery where jungle-capped volcanic hills meet tranquil streams and the still-smoking stratovolcano, Mount Lya. Our plan for today includes visiting Kelimutu National Park and the spectacular wonder that is the trifecta of coloured ‘boiling lakes’, all named Kelimutu. Thought to be the resting place for departed souls, westernmost is Lake Tiwu Ata Mbupu (Lake of Old People), middle Lake Tiwu Nuwa Muri Koo Fai (Lake of Young Men and Maidens) and the third Lake Tiwu Ata Polo (Lake for Evil Spirits), with all three lakes changing colour independently.

Today’s visit to Komodo Island sees us walking alongside the island’s famed giant monitor lizards, Komodo Dragons, as we explore forested pathways with local guides. Make your way to a viewing area for a closer look at these prehistoric reptiles which can grow up to 3 metres (10 ft) in length and weigh up to 135 kilograms (300 lbs). The surrounding forest is home to Timor Deer, the favourite prey of the dragons, as well as elegant Yellow-crested Cockatoos. This afternoon visit world-famous Pink Beach and enjoy a world-class snorkelling experience often described as “swimming in an aquarium”.

Lapped by the turquoise waters of the Flores Sea, ring-shaped Satonda Island combines tangled jungles and pristine waters with a crater lake at its centre. Satonda is considered one of Indonesia’s most underrated and least visited treasures and is ours to explore this morning. Discover an incredible underwater world along its shores, home to resident Hawksbill Turtles, float effortlessly in the salty lake created by a large tsunami in the 1800s and look for wildlife in the jungles. This afternoon, discover mountainous Sumbawa Island’s spectacular volcanic ridges, terraced rice fields, tangled jungles and beautiful sandy beaches replete with stunning coral reefs and remote bays. Enjoy a rare cultural immersion experiencing several time-honoured traditions and cultural encounters including Water Buffalo racing, a practice unique to Sumbawa.

West Bali National Park is home to a unique set of ecosystems including mountain ranges, savannahs, rainforests and mangroves and coral reefs spanning some 190 square kilometres, featuring an incredible diversity of flora and fauna. Spending our morning exploring on land, we may have the opportunity to observe the East Javan Langur, Giant Squirrel, Javan Rusa Deer and some of the 160 species of birds living here, including the Bali Starling. Our afternoon adventures will take us to uninhabited Menjangan Island, where unspoiled white sandy beaches meet excellent snorkelling. Explore stunning coral reefs featuring deep drop-offs, caves and gardens of large barrel sponges, sea fans and soft corals inhabited by Grouper, Moray Eel, Batfish, Angelfish, turtles and three species of dolphin.

Relax on board after our adventures, join a lecture, edit your photos, update your journal or watch the world go by from the Bridge with the Captain, in the Observation Lounge, or poolside, as we sail towards Kumai and Tanjung Puting National Park on the island of Borneo.

Sure to be a highlight of our voyage is our visit to Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo, and the world-renowned research facility and Orangutan rehabilitation and release site Camp Leakey. Located in the heart of Tanjung Puting National Park, we plan to spend time among these gentle gardeners of the forest, observing their activities alongside rangers and scientists. The success of the programme, created to improve the quality of life of wild-born ex-captive Orangutans, is evidenced by the large number of Orangutans now living wild, many of which are parents and grandparents. Other wildlife living in the national park include Proboscis Monkeys, Tarsiers, Clouded Leopards, Sun Bears, Mouse Deer and several species of Hornbill, Kingfisher, Ibis and other birds, and a variety of brightly-coloured butterflies and moths.

Be sure to be out on deck or in the Observation Lounge as we navigate the Singapore Strait enjoying the sights of Singapore’s world-famous city skyline, and the activity of one of the world’s greatest maritime trading ports. This afternoon there will be a complimentary coach to Singapore Changi Airport. To allow time for disembarkation procedures and travel from Singapore, we do not recommend booking flights departing before 1800 hours.

Note: During our voyage, circumstances may make it necessary or desirable to deviate from the proposed itinerary. This can include poor weather and opportunities for making unplanned excursions. Your Expedition Leader will keep you fully informed. This tour offers a variety of activities and excursions. Your personal interests will determine which of these you wish to join. Please note that some activities and excursions will run at similar times, and it will not be possible to participate in both. Accordingly, refunds for excursions and missed landings are not available. Voyages are planned and scheduled pending final regulatory approval.