Join this 12-day expedition cruise for a unique experience through Malaysia and Indonesia's wild lands. Board the comfortable and luxurious L'Austral in Kota Kinabalu and set sail to Sandakan, the gateway to the ecotourism destinations of Sabah. Sail in the Celebes Sea and visit the islands of Pulau Saronde and Pulau Lihaga, with their picture-postcard settings. Visit the Tangkoko Batuangus Nature Reserve, home to hundreds of mammals, birds, and species of reptiles and amphibians. Finish your Indonesian adventure in Darwin, the largest city in the sparsely populated Australian Northern Territory.
Highlights
Visit the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Sepilok, Borneo
Explore Saronde Islands' clear waters and beautiful coral reef systems
Swim and snorkel from the impressive beaches of Pulau Lihaga
Walk through the Tangkoko Batuangus Nature Reserve
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Embark L'Austral in Kota Kinabalu, formerly known as Jesselton and the capital of the Malaysian state of Sabah, on the island of Borneo. The city is located along the northwest coast of Borneo facing the South China Sea. The Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park lies in its west and Mount Kinabalu, which gave the city its name, is located towards the east. Kota Kinabalu has a population of 452,058.
The historical city of Sandakan is the second largest city in Sabah after the capital, Kota Kinabalu. It is located on the northeast coast of the island of Borneo and is the administrative center of the Sandakan Division. It was the former capital of British North Borneo and has an estimated population of 157,330.
Sandakan is the gateway for eco-tourism destinations in Sabah such as the Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary, Labuk Bay proboscis reserve, The Kinabatangan River, and the Gomantong Caves. It is also the notorious site of a World War II Japanese airfield which was built by the forced labor of Javanese civilians and Allied prisoners of war. In 1945, the surviving prisoners were sent on the Sandakan Death Marches—with only 6 surviving.
Take the option to undertake one of the following inclusive 1/2 day tours:
1. Labuk Bay proboscis Monkey Sanctuary
Labuk Bay was established in 1994 to provide a sanctuary for the endemic proboscis monkey as its habitat was rapidly dwindling in Sabah. The 400-plus acres of mangrove forest were initially bought for commercial development, but this plan was quickly dropped and these monkeys are now surviving without fear of losing their natural habitat. After a 45-minute drive arrive at the feeding platforms for an excellent opportunity to view this endangered primate at close quarters. There is also the opportunity to view other primate species including long-tailed macaques and silvery lutungs as well as some of the local bird species.
2. Sepilok Orangutan Centre & Sun Bear Rehabilitation facility
Sandakan is best known for the Sepilok Orang-Utan centre. Established in 1964 it was the first center on the Island of Borneo established for the rehabilitation and protection of orangutans. After a 45-minute drive to the edge of the Sepilok-kabili Forest Reserve visit the center's sun bear rehabilitation facility before entering into the orangutan feeding area.
3. History & Cultural Tour of Sandakan
Sandakan is the second largest town in the state of Sabah. It is steeped in history and contains a cosmopolitan mix of people, lifestyles, cultures and faiths. Explore the various landmarks of what makes Sandakan such a unique place including Sandakan Memorial Park, Puh Jih Syh Buddhist Temple, Agnes Keith’s House, and the St. Michael and All Angels’ Church.
The Saronde islands are located in the northern Gulf of Kwandang, part of the North Gorontalo regency. These small uninhabited islands are surrounded by clear waters and beautiful coral reef systems. Due to the remote nature of this destination there is very little information available. Transfer ashore by zodiac and witness a welcome dance. Rleax on shore or take the opportunity to swim and snorkel from the beach or offshore from the Zodiacs.
Transfer ashore to a wet landing at Pulau Lihaga. Spend the morning swimming and snorkeling from the beach, returning to the ship for lunch. During lunch the ship anchors adjacent to Tangkoko National Park. Tangkoko Batuangus Nature Reserve protects at least 127 mammals, 233 bird, and 104 reptile and amphibian species. Of these, 79 mammal, 103 bird, and 29 reptile and amphibian species are endemic to the island of Sulawesi. Threatened mammals include the Celebes crested macaque, of which about 5,500 remain on the island, spectral tarsier, Sulawesi bear cuscus, and Sulawesi dwarf cuscus. Birds include the knobbed hornbill, Sulawesi hornbill, and maleo.
Today visit the Ternate ancient kingdom & world’s oldest clove plantation tour. Those not going on tour can explore the main town with a tender shuttle service. Ternate, along with its neighboring island, Tidore, is visually dramatic. The entire island is a stratovolcano (Mt. Gamalama) rising straight out of the sea. The islands were once the world's only producers of cloves. It was this monopoly that allowed the sultanates to become the wealthiest and most powerful within the Malay Archipelago.
Enjoy a half-day tour in Ambon, then take the rest of the afternoon to walk around the port and town area. Ambon was colonized by the Portuguese in 1526 and originally named Nossa Senhora de Anunciada. It has a number of interesting historical and cultural sites among the remnants of forts built by the Dutch East Indies Company during the heyday of the spice trade. The ruins of the Portuguese fort at Hila are almost entirely hidden beneath the contorted roots of a giant Banyan tree. The ANZAC War Cemetery near Ambon commemorates the Allied soldiers who died in this region during World War II. The museum Siwa Lima has a fine collection of local arts and crafts.
This morning take part in a guided walking tour in Banda Neira. Visit Fort Nassau, Fort Belgica, Hatta’s House, Dutch Governor’s house, local markets, Christopher Cole’s House, and the VOC church. Banda Neira was the global center for nutmeg trade for more than 4 centuries, as the Banda Islands were the only source for both nutmeg and mace until the mid-19th century. It is an island steeped in history where one can view the ruins of both Dutch and Portuguese forts, as well as the home of Christopher Cole, the British captain who liberated the Bandanese from their oppressive Dutch dictators. Walking down the streets is like stepping back in time to when every colonial power of significance was fighting for control of this small island that today has become almost forgotten. It is without doubt the most historically significant and interesting of all the Spice Islands.
Sail in the Timor Sea, a relatively shallow sea containing a number of reefs and uninhabited islands.
Day 12: Darwin, Australia | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Disembark this morning in Darwin, the largest city in the sparsely populated Australian Northern Territory, with a population of 136,245. It is the smallest and most northerly of the Australian capital cities, and acts as the Top End's regional center. Darwin was originally a pioneer outpost.
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.
$5,800
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Superior Stateroom
8 cabins, 226 sq ft, located on Le Champollion Deck. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area and private bath.
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Deluxe Stateroom
28 cabins, 200 sq ft with private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, private bath.
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Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4
200 sq ft with 43 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, private bath.
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Prestige Stateroom - Deck 5
200 sq ft with 43 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, private bath.
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Prestige Stateroom - Deck 6
200 sq ft with 43 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, private bath.
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Deluxe Suite
3 suites, 290 sq ft with 54 sq ft private balcony, located on the Le France Deck. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, desk, minibar, private bath.
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Prestige Suite - Deck 5
398 sq ft with 86 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, communicating cabins available. Separate living area, private bath.
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Prestige Suite - Deck 6
398 sq ft with 86 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, communicating cabins available. Separate living area, private bath.
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Owners Suite
484 sq ft with 97 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, communicating cabins available. Separate living, dining areas, private bath with large tub and shower, minibar, 2 flat screen TVs, DVD, CD, and IPOD, Video on demand, Satellite phone
Notes
Please note:
Fares are based on double occupancy and are capacity controlled. Rates may increase at any time as the ship sells out and subject to change without notice.
We are so glad that we chose Adventure Life. The service is top-notch. Everything is well taken care of and we just have to print the documents and go. Franny even gave us timely updates on possible airport strike.
KC Chan
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
1 day ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
3 days 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
4 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.