Learn about the tapestry of cultures and customs that make up Indonesia on this 17-day cruise from Bali to Australia's Great Barrier Reef. Relax on secluded beaches and snorkel and dive extraordinary coral reefs. Rich in wildlife, this South Pacific cruise will not disappoint.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive in Bali and board the National Geographic Orion for your Indonesian adventure! (D)
Day 2: Sumbawa, Lesser Sunda Islands
Stop at the Indonesian island of Sumbawa and attend a lively cultural display put on by local villagers. Among the festivities, witness a traditional wedding ceremony and a local boxing match. (B,L,D)
Day 3: Komodo
Arrive at Komodo National Park, home to the world’s largest living lizard: the Komodo dragon. Join the park rangers to learn about the conservation of these prehistoric giants and take a hike to spot the lizards in their natural habitat. Enjoy an afternoon of swimming, snorkeling, or beachcombing at 'Pink Beach,' named for the coral fragments that lend their color to the sand. (B,L,D)
Day 4-5: Flores / Alor
Journey to Flores, a small island which was once an important Portuguese sandalwood trading center. Visit the town of Larantuka, a refuge for deserters of the Dutch East India Company, and meet with the locals to learn about their history and customs. Travel to the island of Alor, known for the rich biodiversity of its reefs, and venture to its rugged interior to experience the traditions of the indigenous population. Visit a market selling intricate ikat textiles, and marvel at ancient bronze moko drums at a local museum. (B,L,D)
Day 6-7: At Sea / Banda Islands, Moluccas
Amid the glittering Banda Sea lie isolated coral reefs and atolls. Take a day to explore these tropical gems, then sail into the Moluccas archipelago, also known as Maluku or the Spice Islands. Visit the nutmeg-rich island of Run, which played a pivotal role in the 17th century spice wars and was traded by the British in exchange for the Dutch island of New Amsterdam, later renamed New York. Delve into the history of the Dutch East India Company at Bandanaira island, and go swimming and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters. (B,L,D)
Day 8-9: The Banda and Arafura Seas
In true expedition fashion, these two days remain flexible to take full advantage of the conditions of the moment. Whether exploring on walks ashore, or with mask, fins and snorkel, this region is rich with possibilities.
Day 10-12: At Sea / The Asmat
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 you to one of the stilt villages on shore to attend a fascinating welcome ceremony.
Your next exploration is dictated by the tides, as you venture to neighboring villages by Zodiac and encounter the ancient culture of the Asmat people, who are renowned for their woodcarving. (B,L,D)
Day 13-14: At Sea/Torres Strait and Thursday Island, Australia
Spend a relaxing day at sea before sailing into the Torres Strait. Stop at Thursday Island to learn about the pearl industry which once made this island known, and continue on to explore Cape York. (B,L,D)
Day 15-16: The Great Barrier Reef and Lizard Island
Spend two days immersed in the wonders of the world's largest reef system: Australia's Great Barrier Reef. Snorkel or dive with a vast amounts of marine life, including starfish, sea anemones, reef sharks and turtles. Cruise south along the Queensland coast to Lizard Island National Park, a secluded group of islands considered sacred by the indigenous Dingaal people. Explore the white-sand beaches and coral gardens inhabited by colorful fish and giant clams. (B,L,D)
Day 17: Disembark in Cairns, Australia
Arrive in Cairns and disembark. Transfer to the airport for your connecting flights. (B)
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
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Category 1
Cat 1 #316, 318-321. Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two single beds, two beds converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed. An armchair, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
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Category 1 Single
Cat 1S #301, 322, 323. These solo cabins feature a window or two portholes, a queen-size bed, except for #301 which has a double bed, writing desk and chair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a roomy shower stall with a glass door.
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Category 2
Cat 2 #302-312, 314, 315, 317. Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two single beds, two beds converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed. An armchair, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized, and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
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Category 3
Cat 3 Suite with Window #401-412, 414-419. These suites feature a sitting area with a large window, a sofa–except slightly smaller #401 & #402–an armchair or two, writing/laptop desk, reading lamps, flat screen TV, & climate controls. Beds are configurable (call for details). Marble bathrooms include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
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Category 3 Single
Cat 3S Suite with Window #512. This solo suite features two beds and two large windows, plus two armchairs and small table, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls. The marble bathroom is generously sized and includes a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
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Category 4
Cat 4 Deluxe Suite with Window #511, 515. These two suites feature separate sleeping and sitting areas, with a chair and armchair and a two-cushion sofa facing an expansive window. Beds are configurable (call for details). Ample storage, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities.
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Category 5
Cat 5 Suite with French Balcony #501, 503-506, 508. These spacious suites feature open living areas and sliding glass doors opening to a shared French balcony. Beds are configurable (call for details.) A sitting area with arm chairs and a sofa, a writing/laptop desk, well-placed reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the decor.
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Category 6
Cat 6 Owner’s Suite with French Balcony #502, 507, 509*, 510. These large, elegant suites feature a French balcony, with the exception of #509 which has double windows. Each provides a separate living area with a sofa and two arm chairs, except for #502, which uniquely offers a 'soaking tub with a view' in addition to a shower stall and expansive vanity.
Notes
Single supplement varies by itinerary. A solo traveler matching program may be available but is subject to availability.
Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
Lisa Bridge
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
1 day ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.