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Peregrine Travel Centre

Wildlife & Warriors: West Papua

Wildlife & Warriors: West Papua

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Description

2019 is the 375th anniversary of the 2nd of Tasman’s great voyages. In that year our new vessel, Coral Adventurer, will make her maiden voyage through the same waters that Tasman did, and his great explorations will provide the theme for our own voyages to these remote, spectacular and historic regions.

Senior Master of the Coral Expeditions fleet, Captain Gary Wilson, has custom-designed this itinerary to retrace the voyages of the renowned 15th century explorer Abel Tasman and to explore the pristine nature and rich culture of these waters. A historian as well as a mariner, Captain Gary invites you to come aboard as he shares stories and traditional navigation skills.

Along the way, you will experience the megalithic constructions at Sangliat Dol, visit forgotten villages set in areas of pristine natural beauty in the Fakfak Regency and immerse yourself in the emerald waters of Triton Bay. The region is renowned for its spectacular diving, wildlife, and island formations. You will encounter the remarkable Asmat people of West Papua still living in isolated regions in the beautiful Lorentz National Park. These tribes are famed for their warriors, wood carvings and welcome you to share their cultural history.

Trip Name
Wildlife & Warriors: West Papua
Days
11
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Ship Length: 93.4 meters Passenger Capacity: 120 (60 staterooms) Built: 2017 Our brand new ship is built to take you closer to unspoilt vistas in comfort, style and safety. A culmination of two years of design and three decades of passion for expedition cruising – Coral Expeditions is proud to invite you to experience the Coral Adventurer. BIGGER IS NOT BETTER At a time when cruise ships get larger and glitzier, we remain stubbornly compact and intimate. Our ships are designed to take you to unspoilt destinations not accessible to large ships.  We want you to have the luxury of space, dine with whom you please, or find your quiet corner on deck.  So we have limited the Coral Adventurer to 60 spacious cabins.  This preserves the intimate atmosphere we are known for without sacrificing the stability and comfort of a true ocean going vessel. BUILT FOR DISCOVERY The Coral Adventurer features our trademark dual ‘Xplorer’ tenders cradled on a hydraulic platform slung off the back of the ship, enabling our guests to go ashore in comfort and ease.  The shallow draft of the ship enables us to go closer to shore than larger ships. Together with our renowned expedition team, our new ship will offer the most advanced expedition capabilities of any small ship afloat. BUILT FOR COMFORT With active stabilisers dampening sea motion, mostly balcony cabins, and interiors designed with the colours and textures of tropical Queensland, the Coral Adventurer is a comfortable ship.  She features promenade decks, generous communal areas that accommodate all guests, a passenger elevator, and an open kitchen where you can observe our chefs whip up small batch cuisine from locally sourced ingredients. BUILT FOR PERSONAL SERVICE The Coral Adventurer will continue our proud tradition of Australian flagged vessels with friendly and professional Australian crew.  Our onboard atmosphere remains refreshingly informal and intimate.  Take your seat at our bridge lounge, chat with the captain at your leisure or accompany our chefs on a market tour. Food and wine features * Single seating dining area with communal ‘wine table’ finished with Australian stone; serving buffet breakfast and lunch, and multi-course table d’hote dinners * Showcase galley visible to guests for fresh small-batch cuisine featuring Australian produce * Multiple indoor and outdoor bars, including our Explorer bar on the sundeck for sunset drinks with 180 degree views * Curated wine cellar featuring modestly priced boutique wines for daily drinking and exceptional vintage Australian reds. Guest comfort * All outside guest cabins with en-suite bathrooms; majority have private balcony * Active stabilisers to dampen sea motion * Gym equipped with elliptical trainers and treadmills * Passenger elevator * Wi-Fi available in all guest areas

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1: DARWIN
This morning at 07:00am board Coral Adventurer at Darwin’s Fort Hill Wharf, where there is time to settle in before our 08:00am departure. Our Expedition Team present an introduction to our journey, and the many experiences you will enjoy.This afternoon, attend your first presentation by Historian and Captain Gary Wilson “The 375th Anniversary of Tasman’s 1664 Voyage”.This evening join your fellow travellers, the Captain and crew at the Captain’s Welcome Drinks.
Day 2 - DAY 2: SAUMLAKI / SANGLIAT DOL
This morning our expedition team share insights into the region before our arrival and clearances into one of the ‘Forgotten Islands’, Pulau Jamdena.This afternoon we embark on our first expedition to the small village of Sangliat Dol. This is a remarkable place, with ancient megalithic sites. The long flight of stairs leads up from the beach to reach the ceremonial area were the giant ancient stone boat remains. A ritual ceremony begins our 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.
Day 3 - DAY 3: AT SEA - POSSIBLE SNORKEL STOP AT ARU ISLANDS
Spend a day aboard Coral Adventurer as we steam towards West Papua. If time permits, enjoy a snorkel stop at the Aru Islands. This was a stop for Tasman and all early explorers.
Day 4 - DAY 4: AGATS
A welcome 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 we are accompanied by the Asmat tribe’s warrior war-canoes to Syuru village where we are greeted by a welcome dance set and performance by the Asmat women. After the ceremony we are invited deep into the “Men’s House” to experience wonderful items of traditional wooden arts and sculpture, which are offered for sale.
Day 5 - DAY 5: AGATS
We spend two days visiting the UNESCO world heritage Lorentz National Park The 2.35 million hectare Lorentz National Park is the largest protected area in SE Asia and the only one in the world to incorporate a continuous tract of unspoilt ecosystems from snow-capped, glaciated uplands to tropical marine environment, including a vast swathe of lowland wetlands. The park is regarded as having the highest level of biodiversity in the region. 630 species of bird and 123 mammalian species have been recorded in the park but given that much of Lorentz remains unmapped and unexplored, there may be more yet to be found.
Day 6 - DAY 6: TRITON BAY
Triton Bay lies within the heart of the Coral Triangle, a global centre of marine bio-diversity. We depart for a zodiac cruise among the islands in the channel between the mainland and Mauwara Island. Exceptionally picturesque, Triton Bay offers outstanding Zodiac cruising through dazzling tropical waters and scenery of spellbinding natural beauty. Mushroom-shaped eroded limestone formations rise from the emerald water, covered with lush pandanus and betel palm vegetation, and a profusion of wild orchids. Thought the area is uninhabited, small pile of shells and the occasional fishnet attest to human presence. Wildlife flourishes in this undisturbed habitat, including colorful bird species such as hornbills, rainbow lorikeets, helmeted friarbirds, egrets and black-palm cockatoos.
Day 7 - DAY 7: TRITON BAY
This morning, enjoy swimming and snorkeling from the beach at the best locations Triton Bay has to offer.Triton Bay is one of the three regions that together with Raja Ampat and Cenderawasih Bay comprise the Bird’s Head shape of West Papua. This still relatively unknown destination is full of beautiful corals, massive schools of fish and migrating whale sharks, where you are certain to enjoy a very private, privileged experience in one of the most remote and beautiful parts of the Coral Triangle.
Day 8 - DAY 8: FAKFAK
Join our expedition team and local experts to explore the charming village of Arguni, Andamata, and Kokas where we will have a welcome ceremony and a chance to walk around the village. This is followed by a zodiac cruise to see the Rock Art at Kokas, a prosperous fishing community that is home to about 4000 residents and the unique ancient blood paintings location on the steep rock cliffs walls at Andamata.
Day 9 - DAY 9: KEI ISLAND
Kei islands were visited by early explorers including Tasman in 1644.We start today’s experience with the stunning, soft white sandy beaches of Kei with a traditional welcome dance by the local villagers. We are again 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. Opportunities to purchase some of the local handicrafts are on display.After lunch aboard Coral Adventurer, we travel with Zodiacs to visit an ancient rock art site that includes at least 400 images.
Day 10 - DAY 10: AT SEA
Enjoy the onboard facilities as we cross the Timor Sea. Join our Expedition Staff in the ship’s lounge for a recap of the expedition. This evening, join your fellow travellers, the Captain and his crew at the Captain’s Farewell Drinks before the last of many spectacular dinners.
Day 11 - DAY 11: DARWIN
This morning at 10:00am we arrive at Darwin’s Fort Hill wharf for disembarkation at 10:30am.
Day 12 - Please Note:
This itinerary is an indication of the destinations we visit and activities on offer. Throughout the expedition we may make changes to the itinerary as necessary to maximise your expeditionary experience. Allowances may be made for seasonal variations, weather, tidal conditions and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel. The itinerary includes the possibility of interaction with wild animals and this interaction is subject to the presence of this wildlife on the day.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
13-05-201923-05-2019AUD $0Coral Deck Stateroom
13-05-201923-05-2019AUD $0Promenade Deck Stateroom
13-05-201923-05-2019AUD $0Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom
13-05-201923-05-2019AUD $0Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom
13-05-201923-05-2019AUD $0Bridge Deck Balcony Suite
13-05-201923-05-2019AUD $0Coral Deck Stateroom Sole
13-05-201923-05-2019AUD $0Promenade Deck Stateroom Sole
13-05-201923-05-2019AUD $0Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom Sole

Inclusions

    • Visit Sangliat Dol with its ancient megalithic stone stairs and ship structures
    • Experience local culture, including traditional dances, hand crafts, and fresh local food.
    • View ancient rock art at Kei Island and Andamata
    • Cruise the emerald water and limestone formations of Triton Bay while looking for hornbills, rainbow lorikeets, egrets, and helmeted friarbirds
    • Be welcomed to Lorentz National Park by an armada of canoes, rowed by Asmat warriors
    • Hear tales of early explorers as you follow their path

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