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Exploring the Indonesian Archipelago

Exploring the Indonesian Archipelago

From AUD $10,670

Description

Enjoy an unforgettable experience with this exciting itinerary into the heart of Indonesia’s most beautiful islands.

Departing from Bali, set sail aboard Le Lapérouse on a 15-day expedition cruise to Cairns.

From the ‘Island of Gods’, head to mysterious Komodo, a small wild island whose national park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home among other things to the famous Komodo dragons, gigantic monitor lizards that can grow more than 3 metres long, that you will be able to see in their natural environment.

Then follow in the footsteps of the traders who used to take the Spice Route in the past, to the Maluku Islands. These small tropical islands that get very few visitors offer fine possibilities for swimming and have strong historic interest, particularly Banda Neira, with its Dutch colonial buildings.

Further east, you will visit villages of thatched houses in the Asmat region, one of the most isolated in the world, with deeply-rooted traditions and ancestor worship that is still very much alive.

Le Lapérouse will finally reach Australia via the legendary Cape York, to finish on a high note exploring Lizard Island, an island with exceptional marine life, from multicoloured coral to giant clams.

Trip Name
Exploring the Indonesian Archipelago
Days
15
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Length: 127 metres Passenger Capacity: 92 cabins Built: 2017/2018 Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed cabins, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 cabins and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience. Aboard this ship that flies the French flag, you will experience the incomparable pleasure of an intimate cruise, with the possibility of exploring an ever-increasing range of destinations in an ethnic-chic ambiance with luxury service. Experience a luxurious setting where the accent is on authenticity and passion for travel. RESTAURANTS As it is an essential part of French culture, gastronomy will naturally have pride of place aboard this new ship. Through its two restaurants, Le Lapérouse will invite you on a journey to elegance and epicureanism. In a relaxed atmosphere, a first dining area located on Deck 3 and able to seat 70 will serve grilled meats daily, along with a variety of salads and desserts. To the back of Deck 4, you will find a 260 m² panoramic restaurant which can accommodate all of our passengers in a single sitting. Designed differently to that on our other ships, this dining area, which opens onto the outside, will have a buffet of salads, desserts and cheeses at your disposal. Our discreet and attentive crew will provide table service for hot meals. PUBLIC AREAS Like Le Boréal and its sisterships, Le Lapérouse has many common areas that are designed and equipped to meet all of your needs while preserving the intimacy of each passenger. A 140 m² reception area includes: A reception/concierge desk, An excursions desk, The ship’s administrative services, The sales office, manned by our Guest Relations Officer, Our 50 m² boutique which sells clothing, jewellery, beauty products, postcards and various accessories, Toilets accessible to passengers with reduced mobility. A new hydraulic platform with adjustable height provides: Easier boarding than on any other cruise ship, Easier Zodiac embarkation and disembarkation for expeditions, Easier access to the sea for swimming and practising various water sports such as kayaking or paddle-boarding. A pool deck offering: A pool with a panoramic view, equipped with a counter-current swimming system, A pleasant solarium, An outdoor bar and lounge with armchairs and sofas. A 200 m² main lounge which can accommodate all of our passengers to share convivial moments and to host activities organised during the day or evening. Lastly, a theatre that seats 188, equipped with: The latest sound and lighting technology, A LED wall as the stage backdrop, for the projection of high-resolution images and videos.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 - BENOA (BALI)
If it's a taste of exotic authenticity you're after, prepare to be spell-bound 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 on offer here make Bali a little slice of heaven on Earth. The island's southern coast enthrals with its white sand beaches, its picturesque little fishing villages such as Benoa, and its 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.
Day 2 - Day 2 - PULAU BANTA KOMODO NATIONAL PARK
Pulau Banta is an uninhabited Island located in the northern region of Komodo National Park. Komodo National Park lies in the Wallacea Region of Indonesia and has been identified by WWF and Conservation International as a global conservation priority area. Originally designed to provide refuge for the infamous Komodo Dragon the park now protects one of the richest marine ecosystems. This has resulted in an abundance of world class snorkelling and diving locations available to the traveller. Head ashore in a zodiac to enjoy this remote paradise. Snorkel over the fringing coral reef and marvel at the myriad of colours, or simply relax and take in the tranquil surroundings of this uninhabited paradise.
Day 3 - Day 3 - PULAU RINCA KOMODO NATIONAL PARK
Rinca (pronounced Rincha) is part of Indonesia's Komodo National Park and has been granted UNESCO World Heritage status. The island is almost completely undeveloped with only one small fishing village. With one of the lowest rainfalls in Indonesia its climate provides the perfect habitat for the exotic wildlife of Wallacea. Dense Monsoon forest in the protected gullies gives way to open grassland savannas, studded with prickly Ziziphus trees protecting a few scattered watering holes where the infamous Komodo dragons can be spotted. Join members of the expedition team and the local park rangers for a guided walk in search of dragons and other unique flora and fauna.
Day 4 - Day 4 - KALABAHI, ALOR
The unique culture of the Alorese continues among the Takpala indigenous group who have preserved their 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 which is 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’s were discovered buried in the ground, and 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.
Day 5 - Day 5 - AT SEA
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Day 6 - Day 6 - BANDA NEIRA (MOLUKKAS)
From age-old traditional cultures and ancient vestiges, to coral reefs and lush green jungle… The attractions of the remote Banda archipelago 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 today have become largely forgotten. 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”.
Day 7 - Day 7 - KEI ISLANDS
The Kei Islands are a natural paradise with brightly coloured coral reefs offering some of the best diving sites in the world. You will have the opportunity to snorkel on the fringing reef from our fleet of zodiacs. The islands are blessed with kilometres of stunning, yet almost entirely empty, white-sand beaches and a deeply hospitable population. Local history holds that ancestors of contemporary Kei islanders came from Bali. Today mostly Christian, Kei culture is fascinatingly distinctive.
Day 8 - Day 8 - TRITON BAY
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 is now considered by marine biologists to be the epicentre 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.
Day 9 - Day 9 - AT SEA
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Day 10 - Day 10 - AGATS
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Day 11 - Day 11 - AT SEA
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Day 12 - Day 12 - THURSDAY ISLAND
Located at Australiaメs northernmost tip, Thursday Island is one of more than a hundred in the Torres Strait ,between Cape York Peninsula and Papua New Guinea. The historic military fort of Green Hill offers magnificent views and you can discover more about the region and its pearling history at the Gab Titui Cultural Centre.
Day 13 - Day 13 - AT SEA
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Day 14 - Day 14 - LIZARD ISLAND
Lizard Island is the northernmost resort Island on the Great Barrier Reef and boasts 24 powdery white sand beaches. Dominated by grasslands, the rugged beauty of Lizard Island, contrasts sharply with the sparkling blue waters and rich fringing coral reefs surrounding the island. Lizard Island is known as Dyiigurra to the Dingaal Aboriginal people and is regarded as a sacred place. It was used for the initiation of young males and for the harvesting of shellfish, turtles, dugongs and fish. The Dingaal believe that the Lizard group of islands had been created in the Dreamtime. After a short Zodiac ride to the beach at Watson’s Bay, guests can join a guided walk, relax on the beach or snorkel in the warm clear waters and view the “clam gardens”.
Day 15 - Day 15 - CAIRNS
Washed by the Coral Sea, the harbour town of Cairns is located on Australia's north-east coast. The seafront esplanade is a popular place for locals and visitors to walk, swim and picnic under the shade of swaying palm trees. The hills surrounding Cairns form the gateway to the Queensland Rainforests, proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage site for their fauna and flora from the Gondwana era.
Day 16 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
14-01-201928-01-2019AUD $0Deluxe Stateroom
14-01-201928-01-2019AUD $0Prestige Suite Deck 5
14-01-201928-01-2019AUD $0Prestige Suite Deck 6
14-01-201928-01-2019AUD $0Privilege Suite Deck 6
14-01-201928-01-2019AUD $0Privilege Suite Deck 5
14-01-201928-01-2019AUD $0Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6
14-01-201928-01-2019AUD $0Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 5
14-01-201928-01-2019AUD $0Owner's Suite
14-01-201928-01-2019AUD $0Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
14-01-201928-01-2019AUD $0Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
14-01-201928-01-2019AUD $0Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
14-01-201928-01-2019AUD $0Deluxe Suite Deck 5
14-01-201928-01-2019AUD $0Deluxe Suite Deck 3
14-01-201928-01-2019AUD $0Deluxe Suite Deck 6

Inclusions

    • Zodiac® outings & shore visits with your expedition team.
    • UNESCO site: Komodo National park.
    • Alor Island, formerly the Lesser Sunda Islands, with traditional fishing and the weaving of ikats.
    • The Malukus, the paradisiacal Spice Islands.
    • Discover the Asmat region and its small traditional villages, inhabitants and warrior ceremonies.
    • Cape York, the northernmost point of the Australian continent, which is very hard to reach apart from by sea.
    • Lizard Island, snorkelling the coral reefs of Watson’s Bay.

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