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Peregrine Travel Centre

Sulawesi Circumnavigation (Coral Adventurer)

Sulawesi Circumnavigation (Coral Adventurer)

From AUD $15,500

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Description

Discover the ancient seafaring kingdom of the Makassans on an expedition circumnavigation of Sulawesi and the eastern coastlines of Borneo. This rare and unique 20 night expedition aboard Coral Adventurer takes in a full coastal exploration and a fascinating confluence of cultural heritage, natural beauty and unique wildlife.

Famous for extraordinary cultures and maritime heritage, Sulawesi is inhabited by rare species such as small primates known as Tarsiers, the Sulawesi hornbill, the large-footed Maleo bird and the Celebes Macaque. Through the voyage, encounter the legendary Dayak people at Samarinda, share with the Bajau “sea gypsy” people in their stilt villages built over the water, and dive beneath the surface at the world-renowned reef locations of Bunaken and Lembeh. At Tana Beru, see traditional Phinisi boats being built on the beach accordingly to generations-old plans that use no nails. Detour for a brief visit to the east coast of Borneo to encounter orangutans and sun bears in a natural conservation habitat.

Amidst the history, cultural adventures and wildlife encounters, enjoy time ashore on the pristine palm-fringed beaches of remote islands, snorkel amongst vibrant coral reefs and enjoy solitude and seascapes from the comfort of our small expedition ship. Return at the end of the day to relax and delight in local cuisine onboard Coral Adventurer.

Sulawesi is the 11th largest island in the world and a rarely visited sanctuary amongst the Indonesian archipelago. With a rich diversity of culture and wildlife and the marine parks that are home to the most biodiverse reef systems in the world, it provides an unforgettable adventure.

Trip Name
Sulawesi Circumnavigation (Coral Adventurer)
Days
21
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Ship Length: 93.4 meters Passenger Capacity: 120 (60 staterooms) Built: 2019 Designed and built to be the most modern tropical expedition ship afloat, Coral Adventurer debuted in April 2019. She features comfortable Australian interiors, Xplorer tender mechanism, intimate guest experience, and personalized service. EXPEDITION CAPABILITIES > Two trademark Xplorer tenders seat all passengers for shore excursions > Six zodiacs for more intrepid exploration > Lecture lounge with multimedia for daily expedition briefings and presentations > Small on-board Library > Shallow draft and advanced navigation and propulsion systems MARINE IMMERSION > Navigator lounge in the bridge giving a vantage point of ship operations > Over 1000 sq m of open deck space including a wrap-around promenade deck with panoramic views > Engine room tours and high level of crew interaction with guests > Barralong Room for hosting scientific research or exhibitions FOOD AND WINE FEATURES > Communal ‘wine table’ > Galley viewing window > Multiple indoor and outdoor bars, including our Explorer bar on the Vista Deck > Curated wine cellar featuring boutique wines and exceptional vintage Australian reds. GUEST COMFORT > All outside-facing guest cabins with en-suite bathrooms; majority have private balcony > Active stabilisers > Gym > Passenger elevator > Wi-Fi available in all guest areas

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1: DEPART MAKASSAR
Prior to boarding, enjoy the multicultural, friendly and ancient seafaring city of Makassar, the capital of South Sulawesi and heart of the golden era of the spice trade up until the 19th century. Board Coral Adventurer at Makassar Port at 4:30pm where there is time to settle into your cabin before our 6:00pm departure.
Day 2 - PAREPARE
Be welcomed to the historical city of Parepare with a colourful traditional dance. Experience the local Buginese village life and handicrafts and see tombstone carvers and blacksmiths at work. Step ashore in the small village of Batu-Batu to see Sao Mari – a large pole museum housing a collection of royal regalia, antiques, ceramics and weaponry. Enjoy a taste of local delicacies and mingle with the local people.At days end, join fellow explorers, and crew for the Captain’s Welcome Drinks on the Vista Deck of Coral Adventurer.
Day 3 - BALABALAGAN ISLANDS
We arrive at the tranquil Balabalagan Islands in the Makassar Strait and enjoy a leisurely day of swimming, snorkelling, diving and relaxation on the palm-fringed sands of this picturesque location.
Day 4 - BALIKPAPAN
After an overnight voyage, we awake to explore the bustling city of Balikpapan on the island of Borneo before journeying to the Samboja Lestari Rainforest and the Sun Bear Centre to see endangered sun bears, the world’s smallest bear. The Sun Bear Centre is an environmental education facility and is dedicated to saving rescued bears. We then walk to the adjoining Borneo Orangutan Survival (BOS) Foundation to see these threatened and iconic primates. The BOS Foundation rehabilitates orphaned and injured orangutans before releasing them into the wilds of the surrounding rainforest.We will return to Coral Adventurer after a short visit to local markets.
Day 5 - SAMARINDA
We make our way via the Xplorer tenders to explore Samarinda, the capital province of East Kalimantan, which is located 50km upstream from the mouth of the mighty Mahakam River. A trading town with an intriguing history of Sultanates and traditional Dayak tribes, the native people of Borneo, Samarinda is a hub for regional wealth. Ecological and cultural treasures are to be found deep within the rainforests that surround. We are welcomed to Samarinda by the traditional dance of the Dayak Kenyah before making our way to Pampang to experience the culture of the Dayak people and their traditional Lamin Longhouses. We enjoy a guided walk to gain a deeper understanding of the life and history of their tribal traditions. There is also an opportunity to visit a village known for its talented weavers along with a 400-year-old mosque.On our second day discovering Samarinda, we journey further upriver in the Xplorer tenders for a deeper exploration into the people and places that sit at the heart of this remote province.
Day 6 - AT SEA
Enjoy a leisurely day at sea and join our Expedition Team for a program of activities, demonstrations and informative presentations.
Day 7 - TOLI TOLI
We explore famed Toli Toli, which is a city steeped in folklore and known as the “city of cloves”. An abundance of varied spices is cultivated in the hills surrounding the township while the coast is lined with stilt houses where fishermen ply their trade.Our tour of Toli Toli will take you through the traditional fisherman’s village in becaks (three-wheeled bicycle cabs) to the community house Rumah Adat to share a cultural performance, including Maragai and Mamanuk Tau Panau dances. Enjoy fresh young coconut and local cuisine while browsing local handcrafts. A walk through the village passes the tombs of Toli Toli kings and includes the old mosque before returning to Coral Adventurer.
Day 8 - SARONDE ISLANDS
In true expedition style, we will let the winds and the tides guide us to explore the picturesque island chain of the Saronde region. We will search for an adventure ashore with options for snorkelling and beachside adventures.
Day 9 - BUNAKEN
Bunaken Marine Park is world renowned for its incredible diversity of marine life and is a ‘must see’ underwater destination for snorkellers and divers. With remarkable water clarity, precipitous walls of corals create an otherworldly diving experience with opportunities for both novice and experienced divers and snorkellers.
Day 10 - LEMBEH
Lembeh Strait is yet another spectacular underwater world. Well known for its coral reefs and marine life, we spend a whole day exploring this aquatic sanctuary in search of the weird and wonderful marine life and to enjoy these pristine surrounds.
Day 11 - GORONTALO
We arrive at the remote city of Gorontalo where we will enjoy local cultural performances before setting off on a guided forest walk. After we return to the ship for a hearty lunch, we will spend the afternoon with a swim and kayak in the sheltered waters of the harbour. If nature permits, there may be an opportunity to swim with the gentle giants of the sea, the whale sharks.
Day 12 - TOGEAN
We awake early to explore Pulau Togean, the home to the Bajau “sea gypsy” peoples who live in stilt houses built above the turquoise sea. Traditionally, the Bajau lived solely off the sea, coming ashore only when necessary. They are fascinating people and are accomplished divers and fishermen.The Bajau people are very welcoming and enjoy sharing their unusual lifestyle with visitors. Later in the day we find more time to relax with a swim, snorkel and kayak in these idyllic waters.After a night on anchor, we awake to explore nearby Mariona Lake, also known as ‘jellyfish lake’. This is one of the highlights of Togean, where it possible to swim with thousands of Amaranth jelly fish, each about the size of a human fist. The lake was formed by rapid geological activity, which left the jellyfish ‘stranded’ without predators, evolving over time to lose their sting and making them safe to swim amongst. This is a surreal and unforgettable experience.
Day 13 - BANGGAI
The famous and endangered Banggai cardinalfish is a striking species not much bigger than a matchbox and are recognisable by its vertical black stripes. They are endemic to the Banggai Archipelago and we hope to spot these elegant fish while snorkelling and diving around the islands.
Day 14 - LABENGKI ISLAND
The conservation area of Labengki Island is sometimes known as a mini Raja Ampat for its geographical similarities. The two main islands are surrounded by picturesque islets, cloaked in forest and colourful orchids. White-sand beaches bookended by rocky outcrops and shaded by palm trees make Labengki Island a terrific base to enjoy water activities such as snorkelling over giant clams and coral gardens, or swimming and kayaking around the lagoon.Later that day, there are opportunities to visit the village and enjoy a cultural performance, visit the lighthouse and take a nature walk. The majority of Labengki Kecil’s 600-strong population are Muslims with fishing being a traditional pastime.
Day 15 - WAKATOBI NATIONAL PARK
In the heart of the ‘coral triangle’, the 143 mostly uninhabited islands that make up Wakatobi were declared a marine conservation area in 1996, then later a national park in 2002. The park is part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves with extraordinary numbers of coral species, fish, whales, dolphin and turtle populations. The coral reefs of Wakatobi form part of one of the largest reef systems in Indonesia.As well as many opportunities for extraordinary water activities, we enjoy a cultural visit to Liya Village, Wangi Wangi.
Day 16 - BAU BAU, BUTON ISLAND
Coral Adventurer docks in Bau Bau Harbour for official immigration clearance and formalities. We are welcomed by a traditional dance performance, before being whisked away in local petepete transport to tour Buton Island. Visit a traditional market, a fisherman’s village, the Buton Fortress, Kraton (palace), and Wolio Cultural Centre. See cultural performances, and ikat weaving in the historical centre of Buton Kingdom.
Day 17 - TANA BERU
Traditionally, timber “Phinisi” boats have been crafted by the Bugis boat-builders on the beach at Tana Beru since the 14th century. Over the centuries they have been used by the seafaring Makassans to travel as far as Australia and Madagascar to trade in spices and trepang.This is an ancient craft handed down through the ages and still relevant today. There are ceremonies involved in each stage of the boat building, and the boats are positioned along the coast in various stages of construction. We learn about the traditional construction methods, unchanged for centuries, and climb into a boat to admire its size and craftsmanship of the boat-builders.
Day 18 - DAY 21: ARRIVE MAKASSAR
Coral Adventurer arrives into Makassar at 6:00 am. Farewell your Master, crew and fellow explorers with disembarkation at 8:00 am.
Day 19 - 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.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
19-03-202108-04-2021AUD $15,500CORAL DECK STATEROOM
19-03-202108-04-2021AUD $18,000PROMENADE DECK STATEROOM
19-03-202108-04-2021AUD $21,500EXPLORER DECK BALCONY STATEROOM
19-03-202108-04-2021AUD $23,250CORAL DECK STATEROOM SOLE
19-03-202108-04-2021AUD $23,500BRIDGE DECK BALCONY STATEROOM
19-03-202108-04-2021AUD $27,000PROMENADE DECK STATEROOM SOLE
19-03-202108-04-2021AUD $30,500BRIDGE DECK BALCONY SUITE
19-03-202108-04-2021AUD $32,250EXPLORER DECK BALCONY STATEROOM SOLE

Inclusions

    • Explore historic turtle-shaped Fort Rotterdam in Makassar, the former regional headquarters of the Dutch East Indies, and wander through the 17th century buildings, now housing museums and cultural wonders.
    • Meet the Buginese people of Parepare, and experience local village life
    • On the island of Borneo, encounter endangered Orangutans and Sun bears in native conservation habitats and hear about the efforts to protect them
    • Join locals of the Dayak Kenyah tribe in traditional dances before being invited into the traditional Lamin Longhouses to discover their traditions and culture
    • Discover the remarkable underwater worlds of renowned diving locations in Bunaken Marine Park, Wakatobi Marine Park, Lembeh Strait and Banggai Archipelago
    • Visit the stilt villages of the ‘sea gypsies’, the Bajau people, who life off the sea and love to share their traditional lifestyle with visitors
    • Swim in Mariona Lake, Togean Islands, and have the ethereal experience of being surrounded by thousands of harmless Amaranth jellyfish
    • Visit the beachside boatbuilders of Tana Beru to hear seafaring tales and admire the traditional construction of the wooden Phinisi ships, built without nails.

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