In 1606, Willem Janszoon in Duyfken, sailed from Banda, through the Kai and Aru Islands, then along the south coast of what is now West Papua, on his voyage to be the first European to sail to the “Southland” In 1623, Carstenszoon did the same in the ships Arnhem and Pera. Coral Adventurer, on the 2nd stage of her inaugural voyage, sail to these rarely visited areas and explore those early voyages through this remote area. Visit the famous biodiverse 2.35 million hectares Lorentz National Park is the largest protected area in Southeast Asia and the only one in the world to incorporate a continuous unspoiled ecosystem from snow-capped, glaciated uplands to tropical marine environment, including a vast swathe of lowland wetlands.
Highlights
Enjoy cultural events including traditional dances at Sangliat Dol
Experience Kei's soft white sandy beaches & tastings of local food
Explore the charming villages of Arguni, Andamata and Kokas
Spend two days visiting the UNESCO world heritage Lorentz National Park
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 evening, enjoy hospitality at the Hilton Darwin, with a roast buffet dinner provided. Coach transfers will escort guests to the Coral Adventurer to embark on the ship.
This morning, enjoy an introduction to your journey, and the many experiences you will enjoy. In the afternoon, attend your first presentation by Captain Gary Wilson “The 375th Anniversary of Tasman’s 1664 Voyage”. You will be entertained by various lectures such as The Marine Life of Indonesia, and the history of the Asmat Tribe Warriors, whom you will be visiting tomorrow. Enjoy activities on board including Bridge and Engine room tours, Barralong Room exhibits, and a cooking demonstration. This evening join your fellow travelers, the Captain, and crew at the Captain’s Welcome Drinks.
Today you will be welcomed by an armada of about 40 or more war-canoes, rowed powerfully towards the ship by the Asmat warriors in traditional costume. Disembarking by Xplorer you are accompanied by the Asmat tribe’s warrior war-canoes to Syuru village where you'll be greeted by a welcome dance set and performance by the Asmat women. After the ceremony, you are invited deep into the “Men’s House” to experience wonderful items of traditional wooden arts and sculpture, which are offered for sale. After lunch onboard, visit Agats Township and the Museums there, with time to purchase artifacts and souvenirs.
At Aru you will visit Jedan. Where you'll get to meet the villagers and learn about their traditional lifestyle. You may also be lucky enough to see the Birds of Paradise in the lush rainforest.
Triton Bay lies within the heart of the Coral Triangle, a global center of marine biodiversity. This morning launch the Xplorer tenders and cruise amongst this exceptionally picturesque area with emerald water and mushroom-shaped limestone formations. Wildlife flourishes in this undisturbed habitat so opportunities to view colorful bird species such as hornbills, rainbow lorikeets, helmeted friarbirds, egrets and black palm cockatoos. This afternoon enjoy water activities off the beach.
Kei islands were visited by early explorers including Tasman in 1644. Start today’s experience with the stunning, soft white sandy beaches of Kei with a traditional welcome dance by the local villagers. Again, you will be enthralled by cultural attractions including Kipas-Kipas, Cakalele and Yerik Dances. Witness a demonstration of Enbal processing (a local food staple) and a Sasi, a ritual ceremony known to protect natural resources. Enjoy fresh young coconut or tastings of local food. Gain an interesting insight into the daily tribe/ fishermen family life of the village folk or stroll the stunning beach. You'll have opportunities to purchase some of the local handicrafts that are on display.
Join your expedition team and local experts to explore the charming village of Arguni, and Andamata, where you will have a welcome ceremony and a chance to walk around the village. Then, travel by Xplorer and zodiac to see the famous ancient rock art blood paintings located on the steep rock cliffs walls at Andamata, Fior, Forir and Arguni. The uniqueness of the painting is a picture of the hands of humans and animals. The red color on the cliff paintings also resembles the color of human blood. Therefore, local communities are often referred to as painting freehand drawing blood seal.
Today, explore a new destination called Sebakor Bay. Here you can enjoy water activities in the beautiful aquarium like water and visit the famous Mommon Waterfall which falls directly into the sea.
This morning your expedition team share insights into the region before your arrival and clearances into one of the ‘Forgotten Islands’, Pulau Jamdena. This afternoon, embark on your first expedition to the small village of Sangliat Dol. This is a remarkable place, with ancient megalithic sites. A flight of stairs leads up from the beach to reach the ceremonial area where the giant ancient stone boat remains. A ritual ceremony begins your visit, followed by cultural events including traditional dances, demonstrations of local handicrafts and traditional ways of cooking. Browse the village to observe an interesting insight into the daily life of the village, visit to the church, school and ancient stone boat wells, or mingle with the villagers.
Enjoy the onboard facilities as you cross the Timor Sea. Join your Expedition Staff in the ship’s lounge for a recap of the expedition. This evening, join your fellow travelers, the Captain and, his crew at the Captain’s Farewell Drinks before the last of many spectacular dinners.
Day 11: Darwin, Australia | Disembark
1 Breakfast
This morning arrive at Darwin’s Fort Hill wharf for disembarkation after breakfast.
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.
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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
I could not be happier with my Adventure Life experience, from beginning to end. I travel a lot, and I think your company and personnel do an outstanding job. I truly appreciate your professionalism, attentiveness, and flexibility. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend your company and would be happy to serve as a reference.
Constance Block
TrustScore 4.8 | 176 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 176 reviews on
9 hours ago
Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Scott Trochim
2 days ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
4 days 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
5 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.