Coral Expeditions has mapped out a series of seven expeditions to the East Indies, exploring the small islands of Misool in Raja Ampat, Alor in the Lesser Sundas and Buton in Sulawesi.
The 2021 collection of voyages is available aboard the state-of-the-art new expedition ship Coral Adventurer and will feature extended explorations of the rich history, culture and wildlife of the region.
Some of the expedition highlights include walking through the fragrant markets of Banda Neira, the epicentre of the world’s spice trade 350 years ago. At isolated Lamalera village, guests will get an appreciation of the traditions and lifestyles of one of the last subsistence whaling communities in the world.
An included overnight stay allows guests to enjoy the dawn tranquillity of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Borobodur temple. And if all this does not excite, then a behind-the-scenes encounter at Camp Leakey with the famed orangutans of Borneo, joining Coral Expeditions in the conservation mission of the station, should.
If opportunities to relax in nature are the drawcard, the voyages include some of the world’s great marine parks – such as Bunaken and Lembeh – which are hard to reach except by sea. At Roon Island, guests can snorkel around a Japanese Zero plane wreck, as it shelters marine life in crystal clear shallow water.
“The Indonesian archipelago is vast and little seen, yet it offers an amazing diversity of attractions within easy reach of the Northern Australian coast,” says Jeff Gillies, Commercial Director of Coral Expeditions.
“We have been visiting the region for over a decade now and have built extensive local community connections. Our guests particularly enjoy the vast biodiversity of the region, and the intimate small group interactions with the locals. We have expert historians and anthropologists on board to interpret and explain – this is no ordinary pleasure cruise.”
Details of the full 2021 schedule are:
12-night Raja Ampat & Spice Islands
Darwin to Biak – departs 6 January 2021
Biak to Darwin – departs 18 January 2021
Priced from $9,900 per person twin share
Highlight: Swim with whale sharks at Cenderawasih Bay
10-night Island Realms of the East Indies, Darwin to Bali – NEW
Darwin to Bali – departs 30 January 2021
Priced from $8,200 per person twin share
Highlight: At the island of Lombok, participate in a local ceremony such as a traditional wedding, a coming of age celebration or the completion of a village house
10-night Ancient Kingdoms of the East Indies, Bali to Singapore – NEW
Bali to Singapore – departs 9 February 2021
Priced from $8,200 per person twin share
Highlight: Journey to Borobudur & Prambanan Temples – explore, share a meal, and enjoy a traditional dance performance and overnight stay at an historic hotel
14-night Into the Wilds of Borneo – NEW
Singapore to Makassar – departs 5 March 2021
Priced from $10,600 per person twin share
Highlight: Enjoy a behind the scenes experience at Camp Leakey and learn from experts about the efforts to protect the orangutans, before lending your support by adopting an orangutan with Coral Expeditions
20-night Circumnavigation of Sulawesi
Makassar to Makassar – departs 19 March 2021
Priced from $16,990 per person twin share
Highlight: Meet the beachside boatbuilders of Tana Beru and admire the skillful construction of Phinisi ships
14-night In the Wake of the Makassans
Makassar to Darwin – departs 8 April 2021
Priced from $11,990 per person twin share
Highlight: Meet the people of Torajaland, high up in the mountains of Sulawesi, and encounter their astonishing cultural traditions and funeral rituals with an overnight stay
For more information on the program, see coralexpeditions.com or call 1800 079 545.
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