Coral Adventurer will make her journey from Darwin up through the straits of the Indonesian archipelago on her way to Makassar, and will return the same way. These two voyages explore the undiscovered paradise of Indonesia’s less-visited islands. Traditional lifestyles continue in regions of astounding beauty, and this journey takes you into the heart of it all. Encounter traditional cultures from Pulau Alor, to Lamalera, Sagori, Torajaland and Tana Beru. Experience the dramatic beauty of Indonesia at Flores, Komodo, and Takabonerate. This journey through the archipelago is a feast for the senses.
Highlights
Observe the famous dragons at Komodo Island
Climb the Kelimutu volcano to experience the tri-colored crater lakes
Enjoy the breathtaking view of Taka Bonerate National Park
Experience the beauty of Tablolong Beach by swimming and snorkeling
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Spend the afternoon relaxing as you are welcomed on board Coral Adventurer in Darwin. Join your expedition staff as they introduce you to the journey and the many experiences to enjoy.
Cruise across the Arafura Sea, enjoying presentations by your guest lecturers. This evening, join your fellow travelers for the Captain’s welcome drinks.
Welcome to Indonesia! Visit Tablolong Beach for swimming and snorkeling. A highlight is hearing the traditional ‘sasando‘ being played and enjoying the cultural performances and refreshments.
This very rugged island is home to around 50 different language or dialect groups. The traditional villages are very intriguing, and you will visit Kadelang Market and Takpala village. Enjoy cultural shows and the famous handwoven ikat textiles. Snorkeling and water activities may be offered in the afternoon, time permitting.
Lamalera is one of the last two traditional whaling villages in Eastern Indonesia. Although slowly dying out, the ancient tradition of whaling is still the principal economic activity here – as the many whale bones in the village prove. Whaling boats are made entirely of wood, with wooden pegs instead of nails, and sails are made of palm leaves. The patterns of the whale and the boats are often seen in Lamalera’s handwoven ikat textiles.
After being welcomed by the villagers on the beach, enter the village and see traditional activities and dances. Depending on the sea conditions, there may be an opportunity to actually go on a “mock” whale hunt in the local boats, otherwise the villagers will bring their boats close to the Coral Adventurer and demonstrate how they hunt large marine creatures. The women will give a weaving/dying demonstration, and textiles are available for purchase.
Go ashore at the city of Ende in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara. Journey to the Kelimutu National Park, stopping along the way at an orphanage. After refreshments, continue your journey into the mountains, enjoying the spectacular views of the valley below. A hike to the extraordinary tri-colored crater lakes of Kelimutu is not complete without throwing a stone for good luck. Enjoy lunch at the Eco Lodge.
Another walk, this time exploring Komodo Island. While both Rinca and Komodo Island are home to the Komodo dragon, each island has a different landscape and its own beauty.
Time permitting, follow with a visit to Komodo village to meet the people who live among these ancient creatures.
In the afternoon, water activities may be available.
Arrive at Jinato Island to visit this peaceful village. A welcoming ceremony by the local Bajau and Bugis people leads you ashore. See the unique construction of the village, built on raised platforms, and enjoy cultural attractions and performances. Enjoy demonstrations of local music and hand-crafts, as well as insights into the cottage industry of the village with the making of coconut oil, traditional dishes, fishing nets and boat building.
Moving to Tinabo Besar, guests are invited to join conservationist activities such as tree planting or coral transplantation, assisted by National Park staff. Each guest will have his or her name on it as foster parents of the plants!
Selayar Island is the gateway to the extensive Taka Bonerate National Park. You have the option of village and cultural activities, or snorkeling and diving in the incredible Taka Bonerate atoll – the third largest atoll in the world. The biodiversity of the reef is very high, offering attractive dive spots, including drop-off dives in some places. The waters inside the atoll are magnificently turquoise, surrounded by the deepest blue imaginable.
Sogori Island is one of the small islands located around Kabaena Island in southwest Sulawesi. This island is populated by the Bajonese and Buginese people. The surrounding white sandy beaches as well as several shipwrecks make it good for water activities. Explore underwater with expedition style diving.
Day 12: Torajaland
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Disembark at Palopo for your overland trip to Tana Toraja. The drive is through an enchanting landscape of rice fields and local villages. As you climb into the highland, enjoy marvelous views of pine trees, rainforests and plantations.
During your time in Toraja, you will see the local lifestyle and traditional houses at Marante, visit the stone grave with Tau-tau effigies at Lemo, and visit the famous traditional stone and hanging burial sites of Bori Parinding. You will also visit a Torajan market, where buffalo and pigs are for sale to those who purchase them for funerals or other ceremonies. You will also visit Kete Kesu, a quaint traditional village concealed in the mountains. The village is over 400 years old and functions as a living museum, where you can experience first-hand the culture and tradition of the ancient Torajan people.
Overnight at the best hotel in the area, Misiliana Hotel, and enjoy a buffet dinner accompanied by local music and dancing.
This is is the famous place where Phinisi boats have been crafted by the Bugis boat builders since the 14th century. There are ceremonies involved in each stage of the boat building, and the boats are scattered along the coast in various stages of construction. Learn about the traditional construction methods, unchanged for centuries, and climb into a boat to explore its size and the craftsmanship of the boat-builders. Phinisi boats were used by the Makassans to travel as far as Australia and Madagascar.
In the afternoon, enjoy a village visit and water activities at Liukang Island.
Day 15: Makassar | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Arrive in Makassar to disembark at 8:30am. Dependent on charter flights, a city tour may be included.
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.
$11,990
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Coral Deck Stateroom
Identical to the Promenade Deck Staterooms except for their location one deck below. These staterooms have twin portholes rather than picture windows.
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Promenade Deck Stateroom
Located below the Explorer deck and furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk, and armchair are included.
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Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom
Comfortably furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk, and armchair are included.
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Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom
Comfortably furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk, and armchair are included.
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Bridge Deck Balcony Suite
Suites are equipped with a lounge area, minibar, and personal coffee machine. They have special King sized beds which can be separated into two singles.
Notes
Important Fare Information:
Rates are posted based off of the current exchange rates from Australian Dollars. Please contact us for current exchange rates
Initial deposit is 25%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by Bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
Nancy Sin
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
8 hours 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
1 day ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.