Welcome to Indonesia! Explore the ancient seafaring city of Makassar. The Dutch Fort Rotterdam is your main stop, but your tour may also include Lagaligo Museum, the old harbour, and the Aryaduta Hotel. This bright and friendly city has a blend of nationalities and many historical sites, making it a can't-miss destination.

Be welcomed to Pare Pare with a colourful traditional dance. Experience the local Buginese village life and handicrafts. View tombstone carvers and blacksmiths at work. Visit the small village of Batu-Batu to visit Sao Mari – a large pole museum housing a collection royal regalia, antiques, ceramics and weaponry. Enjoy a taste of the local cuisine and mingle with the local people.

Arrive at the tranquil islands of Balabalagan in the Makassar Strait. Here you can enjoy snorkeling, diving, and just relaxing at the ideal tropical location.

You will visit the large and cosmopolitan city of Balikpapan, on the island of Borneo and journey to the Samboja Lestari Rainforest. Here encounter the endangered Sun Bear (Helarctor malayanus), the world’s smallest bear. The Sun Bear Center is dedicated to saving rescued bears. Walk to the adjoining Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation to see the iconic primates. The BOS Foundation rehabilitates orphaned or injured orangutans, as they are taught to survive in the wild in the surrounding rainforest.

Snorkelling and diving is wonderful at Tanjung Karang, with spectacular visibility underwater. There is also an opportunity to spot dolphins.

Samarinda is the capital province of East Kalimantan, located about fifty kilometres upstream from the mouth of the mighty Mahakam River.  A trading town established in 1730, Samarinda holds an intriguing history of Sultanates and traditional Dayak tribes, and the region has a wealth of ecological and cultural treasures that survive deep within the rainforests of the world’s third’s largest island.

You are welcomed to Samarinda by the traditional dance Dayak Kenyah. Travel to Pampang where you will experience the culture of the Dayak tribe at the Lamin traditional Longhouse. Enjoy a guided walk to gain a deeper understanding of the life and history of the tribe. Enjoy a visit to a weaving village and 400 year old mosque is next.

Spend your morning in Samarinda, with a visit to the Grand Mosque Darussalam, the second largest mosque in the southern hemisphere. This magnificence building’s minaret is the highest point in the city. Enjoy a visit to the Cita Niaga market to shop for souvenirs and handcrafts.

Toli Toli is the city of cloves. Many high-quality spices are cultivated in the steep rolling hills around the township, while fishermen live in stilt houses along the coastline. The centuries-old local folklore traces the history of the people.

Your tour of Toli Toli will take you through the traditional fisherman’s village in becaks (local pedi cabs) to the community house Rumah Adat to view a cultural performance, including Maragai and Mamanuk Tau Panau dances. Enjoy fresh young coconut and local cuisine while browsing local handcrafts. A walk through the village passes the tombs of Toli Toli kings and visits the old mosque before returning to the harbour.

An expedition stop on a picturesque island. Possible snorkelling and beach activities.

The most famous snorkeling and diving location in Indonesia, perhaps even the world, Bunaken is a bucket list destination. The underwater world is magnificent with an incredible diversity of marine life.

Bunaken is known for the clarity of its water, and the precipitous reef walls which create an otherworldly diving experience.
While some areas are more suitable for experienced divers, there are many places where snorkeling and beginner diving is possible.

Once again, enjoy underwater activities at Lembeh, also known for its reefs and marine life, or simply relax and take in the beautiful surroundings.
The Lembeh Strait is famous all over the world for its unrivaled macro and muck diving. Home to some of the most weird and wonderful marine creatures, Lembeh is a location that you won’t quickly forget.

Go ashore to explore Gorontalo. You may see traditional village buildings, cultural performances, enjoy forest walks, or go kayaking in the harbour. There is the possibility of swimming with whale sharks if they are present in the area.

Pulau Togean is a paradise on earth. It is the home of the Bajau people, whose traditional stilt houses sit above brilliant turquoise waters. Known as ‘sea gypsies’, who live from and on the sea, the Bajau are very welcoming. You will enjoy meeting them and discovering their unique way of of life.
Enjoy water activities such as snorkeling, diving, or kayaking in this beautiful location.

 

Dive and snorkel at another group of picturesque islands. You may see the famous Banggai cardinal fish.

Located 30 miles from the city of Kendari, Labengki Island is sometimes known as a mini Raja Ampat. The conservation area, which consists of two islands surrounded by little groups of islets, is formed by rocky karst overgrown with various types of orchids.

With white sandy beaches and some small reefs suitable for snorkeling, the area also provides various types of activities including kayaking around the lagoon, village visits and cultural experiences including a visit to the lighthouse, nature hikes and bird watching. A short hike rewards you with an awe-inspiring view towards the pinnacle of the island and over the lagoon.

Enjoy a cultural visit at Liya Village, WangiWangi, before enjoying water activities in this well-known diving destination.

Enjoy a cultural visit to the Bajau community on Kaledupa Island before enjoying water activities in this well-known diving destination.

Coral Adventurer docks in Bau Bau Harbour for official clearance and formalities. Be welcomed by a traditional dance performance, before being whisked away in local petepete transport to tour Buton Island. Visit a traditional market, a fisherman’s village, the Buton Fortress, Kraton (palace), and Wolio Cultural Center. See cultural performances, and ikat weaving. Enjoy this day in the historical center of the Buton Kingdom.

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.

Arrive in Makassar to disembark at 8:30am. Depending on charter flights, a city tour may be included. Continue your travels, or return home.