Circumnavigation of Sumatra

Depart on your independent flight to Singapore. Upon arrival transfer to the Odyssey for embarkation and overnight pier side.

After a morning at leisure and lunch onboard enjoy an afternoon tour of Singapore. Visit the National Orchid Garden and the colonial heart of the city. The Sultan Mosque on Arab Street offers stunning photographic opportunities and in Chinatown, visit the Sri Mariamman Hindu Temple. Return to the Odyssey this evening and set sail.

This morning explore Malacca, a 14th-century port city ruled by Malaysian princes, the Portuguese, Dutch, British, and Japanese—a tumultuous history brilliantly illustrated at the Ethnographical Museum. Visit the former official residence of the Dutch Governor, the impressive Christ Church, Baba Nyonya Museum, and the Portuguese fortress, known as A’Famosa, built in the 16th century.

Spend an enlightening day at sea as your lecturers prepare you for your adventures in Sumatra.

Two days in Belawan allow for in-depth exploration of two important areas—Brastagi and Gunung Leuser National Park.

On a full-day tour to Brastagi travel away from the coast reaching an elevation of over 4,000 feet, experiencing the refreshing cool of the Karo Highlands. Enjoy wonderful views of volcanic mountains as make your way to Peceren, a Batak Karo tribal village, where you will observe intricately carved traditional dwellings and witness daily life. A delicious Indonesian lunch, followed by a visit to a fascinating market filled with local fruits and vegetables, completes our day. Return to the ship for dinner and overnight pier side.

At Gunung Leuser National Park visit the Bukit Lawang Orangutan Rehabilitation Station and have the opportunity to view endangered Sumatran orangutans during feeding time. These endearing animals are orphans who are being taught to live in the wild. Enjoy nature hikes to search for a multitude of bird species including the violet cuckoo and rhinoceros hornbill.

Palau Weh is known for its large variety of fish species. This morning enjoy the opportunity to snorkel, or observe the underwater wonders by glass-bottom boat. After lunch on board visit Banda Aceh and witness the effects of the 2004 tsunami, including a 250-foot ship perched several miles inland in the same location it was deposited after riding the massive wave. Also visit the Tsunami Museum. Later attend a cultural performance by the Achenese People.

Attend lectures today as you cruise along Sumatra’s scenic west coast.

Well off the main trade routes, this island has retained its unique cultural heritage, including wonderful examples of tribal art and architecture. Visit the traditional Bawemataluwo Village, and watch a thrilling stone jumping demonstration, where talented local athletes leap over six-foot-tall stone walls.

Today explore the beautiful Batu Islands. Zodiacs bring you to pristine, sandy beaches to search for resident birds and wildlife. After lunch on board enjoy a snorkel or glass-bottom boat tour over the islands’ fringing coral reefs.

Today the ship docks in Padang’s Telukbayur Harbor. Board coaches for a drive to the village of Cupek. Here meet the Minangkabau, whose society is founded on matrilineal traditions combined with Adat, a nature-based philosophy that is still observed even as they have adopted a strict Muslim faith.

The British East India Company established a pepper-trading center and garrison here in 1685, and maintained their presence for 150 years before ceding it to the Dutch in 1824. This afternoon visit Fort Marlborough and the local museum, then attend a drumming and dance performance. Enjoy free time to explore the market and Chinatown.

Today visit Krui Village, known for their fine weaving; many ikats from this region are displayed in museums around the world. Enjoy a cultural presentation, including a weaving demonstration and opportunity to shop for ikats. Alternatively, spend the day exploring Pukit Barisan National Park which contains some of Sumatra’s last remaining lowland forest and is one of three parks in Sumatra that make up a World Heritage Site. This afternoon return to Krui for a resin harvesting demonstration.

This morning stop on the southwest tip of Java to visit Ujung Kulon National Park, a World Heritage Site. This national park includes the Ujung Kulon Peninsula and encompasses the natural reserve of Krakatoa. In addition to its natural beauty and geological interest, it contains the largest remaining area of lowland rain forests on the Java plain. Many species of flora and fauna can be found here and search for specialties such as the Javan lorikeet, Sunda coucal, and Javan kingfisher.

This afternoon the ship approaches the Sunda Strait and the fascinating volcanic island of Krakatoa, which is world-famous for its cataclysmic eruption in 1883, with a roar heard from Perth to Rangoon, and a cloud of ash and pumice that stretched 16 miles into the sky. Have splendid opportunities to photograph this legendary island as the ship slowly cruises past.

This afternoon arrive at the small island of Belitung. Tanjung Pandan’s mélange of cultures is revealed as enjoy a lively performance of Chinese, Javanese, and Balinese dances. Spend the rest of the day at beautiful Tanjung Tinggi beach, which boasts powder white sand framed by giant granite boulders. The warm, shallow waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

Your lecturers recap your experiences as you spend a relaxing day at sea. Celebrate the end of your circumnavigation with a festive captain’s farewell dinner.

After an early breakfast, disembark the ship and transfer to the airport for independent flights homeward.