Indonesian Explorer: Bali, Raja Ampat & Papua New Guinea

Discover Bali’s long-celebrated landscapes, from terraced rice fields to the slopes of Mount Agung. Transfer to your hotel for the first night of the expedition. In the evening, meet fellow travelers and expedition guides during dinner at the hotel.

Have breakfast, then explore the cultural and historical sites of Bali’s capital. In the afternoon, transfer to Heritage Adventurer, where the captain and expedition team greet you before departure for Sumbawa Island.

East of its more famous sibling Lombok, mountainous Sumbawa Island blends laid-back island life with spectacular volcanic ridges, terraced rice fields, tangled jungles, and beautiful sandy beaches replete with stunning coral reefs and remote bays awaiting exploration. Historically divided between east (Bimanese speakers) and west (Sumbawanese speakers) this isolated island that time almost forgot juxtaposes luxurious mansions alongside old wooden huts, remote wilderness and traditional Adat law and lore. Today you will experience a number of time-honored traditions and cultural encounters including meeting the creators of the famed intricate hand-woven ikat fabric, and observing martial arts displays and ancient tribal rites for a truly authentic immersion in the local culture.

A sanctuary for the giant monitor lizard, the Komodo Dragon, walk along a forested pathway to a viewing area for a closer look at these prehistoric reptiles which can grow up to 10 feet in length and weigh up to 300 pounds. The surrounding forest is home to Timor Deer, the favorite prey of the dragons, as well as elegant Yellow-crested Cockatoos. Enjoy the first snorkeling excursion off splendid Pink Beach, with world-class experience often described as “swimming in an aquarium”.

This morning you are welcomed by the stunning white sand beaches and turquoise waters of coral reef fringed Kodia Island. While excellent snorkelling and beachcombing are a given, hikers, photographers and birders will want to explore the dry forests home to an impressive number of birds and wildlife. Today is an authentic expedition day.

Famously described by legendary underwater explorer and conservationist Jacques Cousteau as an “underwater nirvana”, Wakatobi is a cetacean highway and home to breathtaking coral walls and gardens. Today’s snorkel excursions reveal an incredible array of marine reef inhabitants; underwater photographers will appreciate a bizarre macro world among corals as shallow as 20 feet. Highlights include colorful frogfish, octopus, marbled snake eels, cockatoo wasp fish, flying gurnards, multitudes of crab species, and dazzling anemones.

Fascinating and seldom visited, Buru Island is located at the boundary between the biogeographic zones of Australia and Asia. A high proportion of the species of birds and mammals that occur here are found nowhere else with 10 endemic bird species and 4 endemic mammals as well as a number of near-endemic species. This morning you will explore these remote shores together with the expert naturalists and guides. Enjoy opportunities to explore the forests in search of wildlife and many of the endemic species including the Blue-fronted Lorikeet and enjoy the hospitality of local communities during village visits.

One of Indonesia’s relatively undiscovered gems, Seram Island seamlessly blends stunning tropical island aesthetics with biologically rich and rare flora and fauna of the Wallacea region at the crossroads of Asia and Australasia. In addition to having Indonesia’s deepest cave, Hatu Saka, and the world’s longest underground river, Sapalewa; 6 of Seram Island’s 28 mammals and 33 of its more than 213 bird species are endemic or near-endemic. The explorations here could include venturing into the jungle to look for Seram Masked Owl, Thrush, Oriole, Honeyeater, Myzomela and Friarbird, Moluccan Cockatoo and Scops Owl, and visiting an interior stilt house village where life continues unchanged. Though headhunting is no longer practiced, traditional weapons including bow and arrow are still used for hunting.

Part of the Sultanate of Tidore during the spice trade wars, Misool Island is the second largest island in the aquatic wonderland that is Raja Ampat (aka Four Kings Islands, named after its four main islands) and your introduction to this stunning marine environment. Rich in heritage, it was colonized by the Dutch, however still maintains its cultural essence and traditional ways of life with indigenous constructions, folk dance, and respect for nature prevail. On land, discover caves hidden among verdant forests featuring rock art dating back more than 5,000 years, while under its protected waters Dugong, Bumphead Parrotfish, Clownfish, Manta Rays, Ghost Pipefish, Harlequin Shrimp, Pygmy Seahorse, and more can be found among spectacular coral gardens and sea-cave cemeteries. Over the course of the day, you aim to explore the labyrinth of caves and passages and hike up to the viewing platforms to enjoy the spectacular vistas and heart-shaped lagoon of Karawapop.

Lapped by stunning turquoise waters, Raja Ampat’s collection of 1,500 tiny, jungle-cloaked islands is among Indonesia’s most beautiful. The team plan to spend 2 days exploring the bounty of rainbow corals, shoals of multi-colored fish, intriguing ocean-carved limestone formations, and jungles of this tropical paradise of forgotten islands. Believed to contain the most biodiverse marine habitat on the planet, the waters surrounding Raja Ampat are home to 600 species of hard coral and 1,200 types of reef fish and make for exceptional snorkeling and Zodiac cruising. On land, spotting the brilliant Wilson’s Bird-of-paradise and Red Bird-of-paradise will be high on the agenda here, with early morning visits planned to ensure the very best opportunity for all to see these remarkable birds in their natural habitat and, hopefully, witness their rarely-seen mating dance around their ‘lekking’ trees. Other activities could include beachcombing, visiting villages, and engaging in cultural exchanges with locals and forest walks.

Located at the top of the Bird’s Head Peninsula and surrounded by lush rolling hills and the impressive spine of the Arfak Mountains, Manokwari is the capital of West Papua. Here you can plan to travel high into the Arfak Mountains to the Pegunungan Arfak Nature Reserve and enjoy the rare opportunity of exploring the higher elevations and misty tropical montane rainforests with their exceptional suite of endemic plants, animals, and birds. During the journey, you will be on the lookout for the Western Parotia and Vogelkop Bowerbird and visit the viewing hides for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to observe the Magnificent Bird-of-paradise, among the region’s 320 bird species. Alternatively, enjoy a sleep-in and explore the fascinating town of Manokwari, home to more than 24 different tribal groups

Enjoy the unforgettable experience of swimming with the iconic Whale Sharks of Kwatisore Bay in Cenderawasih Marine Park. One of the best places in the world to snorkel with these gentle giants, aim to visit the local fishermen’s Bagans (handmade floating platforms) where this mega-fish (known to grow more than 12-meters in length), hopeful of catching some of the smaller fish escaping fishermen’s nets, are known to congregate. This spectacular 15,000-square-kilometre marine park is also home to some of the finest coral reef examples in the world and 18 tropical islands, which you will explore, where 209 species of fish and 4 species of turtle can be seen. The team also plan to visit a village where the locals live with a unique mix of traditional, Dutch, and modern influences.

The seldom-visited Biak Island in the Schouten Islands archipelago of Cenderawasih Bay boasts the highest endemic biodiversity in Papua including 17 endemic birds. Among the species you may encounter are the Long-tailed Honey-buzzard, Red-capped Flowerpecker, Yellow-bibbed Fruit-dove, Geelvink Imperial-pigeon, Biak Black Flycatcher and Numfor Paradise-kingfisher and Leaf Warbler. In the afternoon plan to sail to the pristine and isolated Rusbasbedas Island with its white sand beaches, shear drop-offs and enormous corals teeming with brightly colored fish making it a paradise for snorkelers and beachcombers.

Enjoy a warm and unique welcome at Liki Island, part of the Koemamba Islands in formerly Dutch New Guinea, where villagers share local customs and traditions along with some of the island’s culinary delights. Explore the forest looking for wildlife on a nature walk, or snorkel along the edge of the abundant coral reef on this charming and rarely visited island.

The peaceful paradise of Lake Sentani, the glittering freshwater lake reflecting the steep, verdant mountains in the Cyclops Strict Nature Reserve of Papua’s capital Jayapura, is renowned for its famous artifacts, traditional motifs, pottery, woodworking and bark paintings, and is your destination following an early morning arrival. Taking local buses, you will journey to the lake’s edge before enlisting traditional longboats, passing stilt houses, as you navigate its many islands. Experience the local culture in the form of dance and artists at work making bark paintings and bride money before returning to the ship for lunch and sailing towards Vanimo and Papua New Guinea for an International arrival into Papua New Guinea.

The team have allowed plenty of time to fully appreciate this remarkable river, its birds, animals, and the people that call it home. The Sepik River, the longest in Papua New Guinea, flows from the highlands to the Bismarck Sea. It is a rich arterial river that has fostered great traditional artists. Plan to explore the river by Zodiac, following tributaries and channels in search of local wildlife. Enjoy a warm welcome at Kopar Village where you will experience village life and a traditional Dragon Dance unique to this region. The world-renowned artists of the Sepik region travel long distances to meet the ship and there is the opportunity to purchase unique carvings more directly from them.

The self-appointed ‘Prettiest Town in the South Pacific’, Madang is bound by lush rainforest, calm blue waters studded with volcanic islands, Tupira’s supreme surf break, flourishing coral gardens, and rich history. For those disembarking, a flight to Cairns will conclude your voyage, OR continue the adventure on Discover the Secrets of Melanesia.

Note: During your voyage, circumstances may make deviating from the proposed itinerary necessary or desirable. This can include poor weather and/or opportunities for making unplanned excursions. Your Expedition Leader will keep you fully informed.