Set sail from Bali on an expedition to explore Indonesia's diverse cultural tapestry and picturesque tropical islands. Explore the entirety of this island nation's eastern half—Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. See areas that few outsiders have ever had the opportunity to view. Participate in enthusiastic welcome ceremonies in remote towns along the trip and step back in time as you hear about some of the Pacific Theater's bloodiest battles during WWII. As the National Geographic Orion makes her way to the Solomon Islands and Honiara, discover the amazing riverine world of the Asmat region, one of the globe's least-explored regions.
Highlights
Cruise in Sepik River and discover the hidden communities and vibrant wildlife.
Witness an impressive diversity of cultures, see traditional communities & some “primitive” art.
Discover the timeless traditions and exquisite art of the Asmat people.
Learn about the ancient legends and modern history of Papua New Guinea.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
This morning, check out of the hotel and head off to explore this paradise, where life and art are interwoven. Following lunch depart on your charter flight to Sorong, West Papua, and embark on the National Geographic Orion.
Settle into the comforts on board as you sail towards Cendrawasih Bay, one of the largest marine parks in Indonesia. Far off the beaten path, this region remains unspoiled and rarely visited. Explore the atolls and small islands, winding through mangroves and snorkeling in healthy coral reefs. You'll be on the lookout for the several species of sharks who inhabit these waters, including the endemic epaulet shark. With luck on our side, we may encounter the elusive dugong or a whale shark cruising through the deep trenches.
Located on the northern coast of New Guinea, Jayapura is the capital of Papua. You’ll head to Lake Sentani where you will visit the houses on stilts in the small fishing villages that dot the shoreline. The locals will share stories and traditions of life on the water. Admire the breathtaking views as you go in search of the myriad of birds found in the hills above that circle the city.
The communities along the Sepik River are renowned for their traditional dress and body decoration, for maintaining many of their traditional ways, and for the art which they produce. Sail up the serpentine course of the river and visit communities where you will meet residents, and learn about their daily lives and culture. This river is also home to a wide array of wildlife – over 100 fish species, saltwater crocodiles, birds of paradise, and dwarf cassowary to name just a few. You'll be on the lookout as you cruise the winding channels.
The picturesque town of Madang lies on a peninsula backed by mountain ranges. Visit the lovely Haya Village, set in the hills, and take in a “singsing.” Afterward, those who wish can walk the steep trails of the surrounding rainforest in search of wildlife. This afternoon, explore the markets and shops of Madang on your own, and be sure to look for flying foxes in the trees!
Tiny, volcanic Crown Island offers a fine walk up a trail, where you can look for giant lizards, birdlife, and butterflies. The island’s beaches are important turtle nesting grounds. Spend the afternoon exploring the pristine nearby reefs, where the snorkeling and viewing from the glass-bottom Zodiac are excellent.
The fringing reef surrounding Garove Island offers fine swimming, snorkeling, and views from our glass-bottom boat, and you will spend the morning there. As you approach Garove in the afternoon, you may be greeted by colorfully dressed local residents in outrigger canoes. The headdresses are particularly elaborate. After you land, you will be treated to a “singsing” by our enthusiastic hosts and will have a chance to tour the church and recently built community house.
Arrive this morning in Rabaul, the capital of the island of New Britain, where the town was buried in ash by the massive eruption of Mt. Tavurvur in 1994—a landmark event. You will have a guided exploration of Rabaul, with views of the ash-covered town, and see the remains of a Japanese ship hidden in a cave during World War II. After sunset, witness the traditional fire dance of the Baining people—performed by young men as an initiation into adulthood. Later, sail past Tavurvur for a close-up look at the ash clouds and pyrotechnics.
Settled as early as 25,000 BC by skull-worshipping tribes, today the friendly Solomons remain some of the least visited, most dive-worthy South Pacific islands. This region was a strategic WWII battleground and visit Kennedy Island, named after President John F. Kennedy who swam ashore here after the Japanese sank his PT-109 patrol boat. You will meet the woodcarvers of Marovo, reported to be the best in the Pacific, and explore isolated Marovo Lagoon, a proposed UNESCO site and an exceptional spot for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and diving.
The expedition concludes in Honiara, a former U.S. supply depot and a strategic WWII battleground. Tour around the outskirts of the city to see sites well known from the Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942-43. See the shores of Red Beach and the vital airbase at Henderson Field. Visit the hills above Honiara where some of the fiercest battles took place. Then, transfer to the airport for our flight to Brisbane, where you will overnight at a local hotel.
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Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$21,540
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
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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.
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
17 Breakfasts, 16 Lunches, 16 Dinners
17 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Assistance by the onboard National Geographic Photography Expert
Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits aboard the ship. We are also pleased to offer a selection of super premium wines and liquors that are available for purchase.
Crew gratuities
Complimentary Starlink-enabled Wi-Fi internet is available to all guests aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet, enabling email, messaging, and social media.
Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
Excursions, hotels, and airport transfers, as indicated in the itinerary
Selection of exploration tools curated to your destination, such as Zodiacs and glass-bottom boats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling equipment (including wetsuits, masks, and fins), and other state-of-the-art gear
Guidance and company of leading expedition staff
All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore. Meals are inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
Hors d’oeuvres inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
Presentations on your destination by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations
The services of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic where available
Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment where available
24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library stocked with regionally relevant literature, and other shared spaces
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, Wi-Fi and phone services (except when indicated as included)
We strongly recommend our guests to take Travel Protection Plan. A Plan with comprehensive coverage to protect you from cancellation fees, costs incurred due to trip delays/interruption, damaged or lost baggage, medical assistance, and evacuation during your travels
Airfare (except flights when indicated as included), pre- and post-expedition extensions, additional hotel nights, and private transfers (except when indicated as included)
Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees
Enhanced and premium Wi-Fi plans, which may enable video chat, web browsing, and streaming (connectivity permitting)
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Adventure Life has been an extraordinary travel resource for us over the years and today was no exception. Our River Cruise booking was handled by Jess (who has been our personal trip planner for several years) the same day as our inquiry. Suggestions were given for cabin choice and pre-trip options (that were not shown on the cruise line's website) like airport transfers and prepaid gratuities. Trip insurance recommendations followed and we were assigned a travel co-ordinator till the end of the tour. All we have to do is show up! Great service from friendly folks.
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