Tropical Indonesian Odyssey

Darwin, the capital of Australia's Northern Territory—also known as the "Top End"—is a vibrant tropical city and the region's most populous hub. It is a true cultural melting pot home to over 50 diverse communities, creating a unique and welcoming atmosphere. Experience Darwin's rich history through its iconic landmarks, such as the striking Parliament House, an impressive example of tropical architecture that opened in 1994. Discover Admiralty House, a heritage-listed, stilted tropical home withstood two cyclones and multiple air raids, offering a glimpse into the city's resilient past.

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, do some shopping in the boutique, or meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. It is an enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest, and entertainment.

The Kei Islands have kilometers of stunning yet almost empty white-sand beaches and a deeply hospitable population. Beneath the mostly Christian facade, Kei culture is fascinatingly distinctive. Local history holds that ancestors of contemporary Kei islanders came from Bali, part of the expanding Hindu Majapahit kingdom from the western archipelago. Enjoy a day of swimming and snorkeling on an idyllic, uninhabited picture postcard tropical island.

Triton Bay is one of three regions in Indonesia’s West Papua province that comprise the Bird’s Head Seascape (the other two are Raja Ampat and Cenderawasih Bay), which marine biologists now consider to be the epicenter of the Coral Triangle. It contains more fish and coral species than anywhere else on the planet. Its unparalleled marine biodiversity and endemism, habitat richness, and relatively intact nature of its ecosystems are unique. Join your expedition team for a zodiac voyage through the spectacular rainforest-capped karst islands. Later in the day, enjoy the opportunity to explore the richness of the underwater realm.

North of Triton Bay, in the Indonesian province of West Papua, lies the Bomberai Peninsula and Sebakor Bay. A real paradise for divers, this protected, authentic, and wild area boasts exceptional biodiversity. Here, you can admire the superb Kitikiti Waterfall, where you can enjoy a swim or snorkel surrounded by lush nature, both on land and underwater.

From age-old traditional cultures and ancient vestiges to coral reefs and lush green jungles, the remote Banda archipelago attractions seem endless. Better known as the legendary “Spice Islands” of the Ancient World, these small volcanic landmasses were the fabled prize of colonial powers for more than four centuries. Every colonial power of significance fought for control of these ten small islands that are largely forgotten today. Walking the streets of Banda Neira is a surreal experience as your eyes are drawn to the eclectic mix of Portuguese, Dutch, and British architecture, the remnants of a rich and tumultuous history. It is, without doubt, the most historically significant and interesting of all the “Spice Islands.”

If you are looking for exoticism and authenticity, then be captivated by the Barat Daya Islands, an Indonesian archipelago lying east of the Lesser Sunda Islands, bathed by the Banda Sea and surrounded by coral reefs. With their fine sandy beaches, marine environments, preserved nature, and paddy fields, these islands in the Maluku archipelago are a real concentration of the beauty Southeast Asia has to offer. A lush environment in which fauna and flora flourish. Notably, there are almost 162 bird species, including four endemic and three endangered ones.

The unique culture of the Alorese continues among the Takpala indigenous group, which has preserved its traditional architecture and ceremonies. The island of Alor is also known as the island of a Thousand Moko’s. The Moko is a small bronze kettledrum believed to have originated from the Dong Son culture of Vietnam. However, it remains a mystery as to how these prehistoric Dong Son drums arrived in Alor. Local legend says that the Moko were discovered and buried in the ground; indeed, mokos are still being uncovered today. Join the expedition team and local guides for a tour by local transport to Takpala village, the Museum of a Thousand Mokos, and the thriving main market of Kalabahi.

Floresians have an ancient culture stretching back millennia before the first arrival of Europeans in search of trade opportunities. Their history is shared through oral traditions and is recreated in song and dance. The mountainous terrain of Flores has preserved the diversity of cultures, and Maumere serves as the capital of the Sikka district and main trading port. Few tourists make it to Maumere, most stopping at Labuan Bajo and heading west to the islands of Komodo. Consequently, Maumere has kept its charming atmosphere, an eclectic mix of a bustling trading town and a coastal paradise. Join your expedition team and local guides for a tour by local transport to the markets and tribal villages in the hinterland of Maumere.

Between the islands of Sumbawa and Florès, Komodo National Park welcomes you to discover its natural wonders. At the very heart of the Indonesian archipelago, the three islands that form it – Komodo, Rinca, and Padar - owe their renown to the famous eponymous dragons, enormous lizards over two meters long, which live in its grassy savannah. This jagged and hilly volcanic territory of the Sunda Islands is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its incredible terrestrial and marine biodiversity. Admire its palette of colors, intermingling the sparkling whites of the beaches, the deep blues of the coral-filled water, and the soft greens of its pastures.

The port of Badas is part of the greater township of Sumbawa Besar, on the island of Sumbawa. Like most of Sumbawa, the people hold their culture strong as a significant part of their identity. The island has a strong influence from the Makassarese of Sulawesi, who, over the centuries, have introduced much of their culture into Sumbawa. Join your expedition team and local guides for a tour by bus to Pamulung Village, where the head of the village will welcome you and allow you to witness first-hand the local traditions of rice pounding and weaving and a wedding procession. Your visit will conclude with an exciting Sumbawa buffalo race, an event that will be held in honor of your visit.  

If it's a taste of exotic authenticity you're after, prepare to be spellbound by the island of Bali, tucked away in the heart of the Indonesian archipelago. The beauty and diversity of its landscapes, the depth and richness of its cultural heritage, and the plethora of activities here make Bali a little slice of heaven on Earth. The island's southern coast enthralls with its white sand beaches, picturesque little fishing villages such as Benoa, and hills patchworked with terraced rice paddies further inland. Nicknamed 'the Island of Gods' for its sumptuous temples, Bali is the beating heart of Indonesian Hinduism.

Disembark after breakfast.