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Peregrine Travel Centre

Natural Wonders & Cultures of the Coral Triangle

Natural Wonders & Cultures of the Coral Triangle

From AUD $13,460

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Description

The PONANT Expedition Team has created a 15-day expedition cruise aboard Le Bellot, discovering the natural marvels of Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.

Departing from Darwin, set sail for an exceptional trip into the heart of remote regions of wild beauty.

Follow 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, shaped by Dutch and Portuguese influences.

As you voyage across Western New Guinea you will experience the spectacular Mommon Waterfall and the Cenderawasih Bay, with an unforgettable opportunity to swim with whale sharks.

Le Bellot will then set sail for Papua New Guinea, a fascinating land that is home to no fewer than 700 ethnic groups within a very rich ecosystem.

In the village of Kopar, situated at the mouth of the Sepik River, you will be welcomed with cultural performances and will witness life in a traditional village.

Next, you will arrive in the Solomon Islands and disembark in Honiara.

Please Note: your voyage rates include Transfer + Flight Honiara / Brisbane.

Trip Name
Natural Wonders & Cultures of the Coral Triangle
Days
15
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition / Cruise Ship Length: 131 metres Passenger Capacity: 184 Built: 2019-2020 Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed staterooms, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 staterooms and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience. As the first ship in a new series that remains true to the Ponant spirit, Le Bellot will embody the unique atmosphere that is the cruise line’s hallmark: a subtle blend of refinement, intimacy and comfort. 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. 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. In a relaxed atmosphere, an outdoor grill on Deck 3 will serve grilled meats with a variety of salads and desserts. PUBLIC AREAS Le Bellot 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 DARWIN
Darwin is located in Australia’s Northern Territory which is also known as the “Top End”. It is the capital city and the most populated town of the Northern Territory. Darwin is a beautiful tropical city, a melting pot of people and cultures, over 50 different cultures live and work side by side that prides itself in its unique and friendly laid-back lifestyle. Come discover the town’s still recent history through its emblematic buildings such as the new Parliamant House opened in 1994, a magnificent example of tropical architecture or Admiralty House declared heritage place, a tropical-style home elevated on stilts that has survived two cyclones and numerous air raids.
Day 2 - Day 2 AT SEA
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Day 3 - Day 3 BANDA NEIRA, MALUKU ISLANDS
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 4 - Day 4 MOMMON WATERFALL
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Day 5 - Day 5 AT SEA
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Day 6 - Days 6 - 7 CENDERAWASIH BAY
Cenderawasih Bay is located at the western end of New Guinea Island, south-east of the Bird's Head Peninsula. Covering more than 1.4 million hectares the bay is home to an abundant array of uninhabited islands, pristine coral reefs and the world’s largest fish, the Whale Shark. Over the years the whale sharks have learnt the habits of local fishermen who catch baitfish at night in nets lowered from fishing vessels known as "Bagans”. The Whale Sharks are now regular visitors feeding on the baitfish that spill from the nets at the surface. Cenderawasih Bay is part of the Bird’s Head seascape, the centre of marine biodiversity at the heart of the coral triangle. There are also the remains of World War II shipwrecks and aircraft in the bay.
Day 7 - Day 8 AT SEA
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Day 8 - Day 9 JAYAPURA, PAPUA & VANIMO
Jayapura City is the provincial capital of Papua province, Indonesia. It is a modern industrial city contrasting markedly with the surrounding hinterland where Papuan tribes live a subsistence lifestyle. The vast majority of Jayapurans are transmigrants from western Indonesia who control most of the industry and economics of the region. Guests have the opportunity to visit the Loka Budaya Museum with its vast collection of Papuan artefacts before leaving the city behind, and travelling to the traditional village of Asai on Lake Sentani. Here you can enjoy a cultural performance and witness life in a traditional Papuan village. Asai is famous for its production of Tapa cloth.
Day 9 - Day 10 KOPAR
The people of the Sepik region speak more than 250 languages and are knitted together in systems of trade and cultural interaction. Kopar village’s location at the mouth of the Sepik river makes it an important trading point for surrounding villages. Here the crocodile is worshiped as the water spirit. As is custom in all Sepik societies, the men's house is the place where important decisions regarding the village are made, where boys are initiated and become men and ceremonies to please the spirits are performed. Guests will be welcomed ashore with a ceremony and cultural performance, including the famous “dragon dance.” There will be an opportunity to walk around the village of Kopar to experience traditional life in the lower Sepik.
Day 10 - Day 11 MADANG
Madang Township was once known as the "prettiest town in the South Pacific". Its peninsula setting is a show-place of parks, waterways, luxuriant shade trees and sparkling tropical islands. The diverse geographical nature of Madang province is reflected in the 170 different languages that are spoken. This diversity is showcased in the Madang festival with its colourful displays of “sing sings” performed by numerous cultural groups from across the Madang Province. Join your expedition team for a tour to the local village of BilBil, famous for the production of clay pots. You will also be treated to a number of cultural performances showcasing the local customs, costume and dance of the coastal, midland and highland communities.
Day 11 - Day 12 TAMI ISLAND
The Tami Islands (Kalal, Wanam & Idjan) are a small group of uplifted coral atolls, with two main villages on the two larger islands and many smaller reefs and cays. In the centre is a beautiful, crystal clear blue lagoon with abundant marine life and stunning coral formations. The islands, located in Morobe Province not far from the town of Finschaffen are seldom-visited. Tami Islanders are renowned artisans and are most famous for their intricately decorated bowls.
Day 12 - Day 13 TROBRIAND ISLANDS
The Trobriand Islands remain one of the most culturally intact places in the Pacific. Their unique social system is dominated by hereditary chiefs who wield tremendous power, although inheritances and lines of power are matrilineal. The Trobriands are often referred to as the ‘islands of love’. A reference to the customs and sexual practices of the islanders during the Yam harvesting festival of Milamala. Dance and celebration continue to play an important role in society with the rhythm of the dances retaining their sensuality, despite the best efforts of missionaries. Today you will be welcomed ashore to watch an energetic cultural performance, after which you can walk to the village or swim and snorkel in the clear warm waters.
Day 13 - Day 14 AT SEA
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Day 14 - Day 15 HONIARA, GUADALCANAL ISLAND
Honiara is the capital city of The Solomon Islands, administered as a provincial town on the north western coast of Guadalcanal Island. Honiara comes from the local Ghari Language “naho-ni-ara” meaning 'facing the ara', the place where the southeast winds meet the land. Discover this city, its beautiful landscape, and the significant role it played in World War II. Particularly The Battle of Henderson Field, the last of the three major land offensives conducted by the Japanese in 1942.
Day 15 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
04-12-202018-12-2020AUD $13,460Deluxe Stateroom
04-12-202018-12-2020AUD $33,160Prestige Deck 6 Suite
04-12-202018-12-2020AUD $34,830Privilege Suite
04-12-202018-12-2020AUD $38,300Grand Deluxe Suite
04-12-202018-12-2020AUD $40,210Owner's Suite
04-12-202018-12-2020AUD $15,080Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
04-12-202018-12-2020AUD $15,810Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
04-12-202018-12-2020AUD $16,610Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
04-12-202018-12-2020AUD $23,240Deluxe Suite
04-12-202018-12-2020AUD $31,590Prestige Deck 5 Suite

Inclusions

    • Discover the mysteries of Indonesia and Papua-New Guinea, the land of a thousand cultures.
    • Outings and shore visits in Zodiac® inflatables with a team of experienced naturalist guides.
    • Discover the Malukus, the paradisiacal Spice Islands.
    • Encounters with local people: cultural performances, dances, arts & crafts.
    • Many opportunities for swimming and snorkeling in idyllic sites.
    • Possibility of diving (PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent) with an experienced instructor on board and of snorkelling with your expedition team.

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