Darwin is the largest city in the sparsely populated 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, and today is a multicultural capital where more than 50 different ethnicities coexist. 

Arrive in Darwin and embark Le Soleal between 3 and 4 PM this evening. Settle in to your cabin and familiarize yourself with the ship and her crew.

As your ship sails away from mainland Australia, continue to familiarize yourself with your new "home," and become acquainted with her amenities.

Banda Neira was the global center for the 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. The original Bandanese inhabitants were massacred by the colonial governors of the Dutch East India Company during the period of their brutal control of the spice trade. This 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.”
 
Right next door to Banda Neira is the near perfect conical volcano of Banda Api, quietly steaming away. At the base of the 1988 lava flow is an emerging coral reef. As you snorkel over the crystal clear landscape, be amazed to think that the entire reef is only 26 years old.
 
Disembark by tender or zodiac to the town’s jetty. On arrival follow a guided walking tour visiting Fort Nassau, Fort Belgica, Hatta’s House, the Dutch Governor’s house, and the VOC church. In the afternoon, zodiacs bring you to Banda Api where you can swim and snorkel.

Continue on your voyage to another part of the Indonesian Archipelago. Spend time today on deck to watch for marine- and bird-life that might be following in your ship's wake.

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. Prior to European arrival in the early 1600s, Ternate was the dominant political and economic power over the majority of the "Spice Islands" of Maluku. Today, Ternate City is the largest town in the province of North Maluku, with a population of just under 200,000. There are still plenty of historical relics of the island's turbulent past.
 
It was on Ternate that the eminent naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace wrote his paper on natural selection and famously sent it to Charles Darwin in 1858. This led to the presentation and publication of what became known as the Darwin – Wallace Theory of Natural Selection.

Disembark the ship via tender or zodiac, which takes you directly to the town’s jetty. Once ashore, have the opportunity to tour the Ternate ancient kingdom and world’s oldest clove plantation.

Bunaken Marine Park was established in 1991 and was among the first of Indonesia's growing system of marine parks. It covers a total area of 890.65 km², 97% of which is marine habitat. The remaining 3% of the park is terrestrial, including the five islands of Bunaken, Manado Tua, Mantehage, Nain, and Siladen. The southern part of the park covers part of the Tanjung Kelapa coast. A rich coral ecosystem covers most of the park, comprising fringing and barrier reef systems. At least 390 species of hard coral have been recorded in the waters of the park. There are seven times more genera of coral than in Hawaiian waters, and more than 70% of all the known fish species of the Indo-Western Pacific. The area is densely populated, with 22 villages inside the park comprising about 35,000 people. Most locals work as fishermen or farmers cultivating coconut, sweet potato, banana, or seaweed for export, while a small number are employed in tourism as dive guides, boat operators and cottage staff. Transfer by ship’s zodiac directly onto the beach, expecting a wet landing. During lunch onboard, your ship repositions adjacent to the Tangkoko National Park. 

The first conservation area at Mount Tongkoko was established in 1919. The Duasaudara area was added in 1978 and the Batu Angus and Batu putih areas in 1981. Together they comprise a total area of 8,718 hectares officially known as the Tangkoko Batu Angus Nature Reserve. This reserve protects at least 127 mammal, 233 bird, and 104 reptile and amphibian species. Of these 79 mammals, 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.

Transfer ashore by zodiac for a wet landing onto the beach. Enjoy a late afternoon 2 hour walk in the National Park in search of the crested black macaque, spectral tarsier, and various bird species that inhabit the park.  

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. Transfer ashore by zodiac to Pulau Saronde and witness a welcome dance. Once ashore relax in the shade as well as swim and snorkel from the beach or offshore from the fleet of zodiacs. 

If you haven't already, perhaps use this day at sea to take advantage of your ship's many luxurious amenities,  take some time to finally open that book you brought, chat with fellow travelers, or simply enjoy the sea breeze.

Welcome to Borneo. 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 Orangutan 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.

Discover the Orangutan Rehabilitation Center. Located in the northwest of Borneo, the protected reserve of Kabili Sepilok covers some 43 ha. The orangutan is the only Asian representative of the great apes and this primate, whose Malaysian name means “man of the forest”, is easily recognizable by its long arms and its flamboyant orange fur. Aside from mothers and their young, orangutans are a solitary species that spend most of their life swinging from the tops of tall trees. Here, orphaned animals or those born in captivity are taught to live independently so that they can be returned to their natural habitat, which are always very moving moments. This reserve offers you the opportunity to admire these adorable creatures in their natural environment.

Select from 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. After a 45 minute drive, arrive at the feeding platforms where you have 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 Center
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 enter the orangutan feeding area.
 
3. History and 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. 

Kota Kinabalu was formerly known as Jesselton and is 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 on its west and Mount Kinabalu, which gave the city its name, is located towards the east. Following breakfast on board, disembark and transfer to the airport for your homeward journey.