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Peregrine Travel Centre

In the Wake of the Makassans (Makassar to Darwin)

In the Wake of the Makassans (Makassar to Darwin)

From AUD $10,600

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Description

Discover Sulawesi while cruising the exotic Indonesian islands from Makassar to Darwin on our In the Wake of the Makassans over 14 nights onboard Coral Adventurer. Follow the ancient Makassan trading routes and witness the confluence of cultural heritage and natural beauty from Sulawesi to the Lesser Sunda Islands on our Islands of Indonesia Sulawesi expeditions.

From the 16th century, and possibly even earlier, Makassan trepanger fishermen began to venture southwards from their homeland in South Sulawesi through the Flores and Savu seas towards Australia. Following in the wake of the Makassans, Coral Adventurer voyages from Makassar to Darwin through the Indonesian archipelago, exploring the undiscovered paradise of Indonesia’s less-visited islands. Traditional lifestyles continue in regions of astounding beauty, and this journey takes you into the heart of it all. Encounter traditional cultures from Pulau Alor, to Lamalera, Sogori, Torajaland and Tana Beru. Experience the dramatic beauty of Indonesia at Padar Island, Kelimutu Crater and Takabonerate and discover magnificent underwater world on pristine coral reefs.

Trip Name
In the Wake of the Makassans (Makassar to Darwin)
Days
15
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
Arrive on a charter flight from Darwin to enjoy the 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. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before taking a guided tour of the museum housed in Dutch-built 17th century Fort Rotterdam. Board Coral Adventurer at 4:30pm where there is time to settle into your cabin before our 6:00pm departure.As the sun sets meet your fellow explorers and crew for the Captain’s Welcome Drinks.
Day 2 - TANA BERU
Timber Phinisi boats have been crafted by the Bugis boat-builders on the beach at Tana Beru since the 14th century and were used by the Makassans to travel as far as Australia and Madagascar. 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 the craftsmanship of boat-builders.
Day 3 - TORAJALAND
Journey overland for an overnight expedition into the Sulawesi highlands of Torajaland. The drive passes through a scenic landscape of rice fields, and villages, rainforests and plantations from Palopo to Tana Toraja.During our time in Toraja, we will be immersed in the local lifestyle and see traditional houses at Marante, visit the stone graves with Tau-tau effigies at Lemo, and the famed traditional stone and hanging burial sites of Bori Parinding. Visit a Torajan market, where buffalo and pigs are purchased for funerals and other traditional ceremonies, and explore Kete Kesu, a 400-year-old village high in the mountains. Kete Kesu village is a living museum, where you will witness first-hand the ancient culture and traditions of the Torajan people.We will spend the night at the best hotel in the area and enjoy a buffet dinner accompanied by local music and dancing. On our second day at Torajaland we continue to explore this intriguing high country before returning to Coral Adventurer.
Day 4 - SOGORI ISLAND
Sogori Island is one of the small islands located around Kabaena Island in Southwest Sulawesi and is home to the Bajau and Bugis people. The surrounding white sandy beaches as well as several shipwrecks make it appealing for beach walking, swimming and snorkelling or for scuba diving.
Day 5 - TAKABONARATE MARINE PARK
Takabonarate Marine Park is located on the small teardrop-shaped island of Tinabo Besar with island visitors encouraged to help with island conservation programs through tree planting or coral transplanting under the guidance of National Park staff.At Jinato Island we enjoy a welcome ceremony and dance performance by the local people and take a guided tour through the village with its homes built on raised platforms. Villagers provide musical and craft demonstrations along with an insight to cottage industries such as making traditional dishes, coconut oil and fishing nets along with boat building.There are opportunities to enjoy the pristine waters of the marine park with snorkeling and swimming activities.
Day 6 - RINCA ISLAND (OR KOMODO ISLAND), PINK BEACH & KALANG ISLAND
The best time to see the famed Komodo Dragons is in the morning when they are most active, so our day starts bright and early. We take a guided walk with local rangers to maximise opportunities for seeing the Komodo Dragons as well as visiting a small village where Dragons are also likely to be viewed.Later, we go ashore on Pink Beach where there is time to relax on the dusky pink sands and swim or snorkel in the sea. Local traders may come by in their boats to set up impromptu souvenir stands.
Day 7 - PADAR ISLAND
Padar Island offers a chance to stretch our legs with an energetic hike to a hilltop lookout where hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of picturesque islands and sweeping beaches.
Day 8 - KELIMUTU CRATER, FLORES
We travel by vehicle along a scenic route from the coastal town of Ende to the multi-coloured crater lakes of Kelimutu, stopping on the way at a Convent where we will meet the orphans and enjoy refreshments. At Kelimutu Crater, there is a short walk to the crater viewpoint where we may toss stones into the lake for good luck. Before returning to Coral Adventurer we enjoy lunch at Kelimutu Crater Eco Lodge accompanied by local musicians, then visit a traditional village and learn about cultural rituals.
Day 9 - LAMALERA
Lamalera is one of the last two traditional whaling villages in Eastern Indonesia, as the ancient tradition of whaling remains the principal economic activity here. Whaling boats are made entirely of timber with wooden pegs used in place of nails and sails made from palm leaves. The patterns of the whale and the boats are often seen in Lamalera’s hand-woven ikat textiles.Depending on weather conditions, we may have the rare opportunity to go on a ‘mock’ whale hunt with villagers in their whaling boats. Alternatively, they will bring their boats close to Coral Adventurer and demonstrate how they hunt large marine creatures and whales using traditional methods.We are welcomed by the villagers on the beach and are guided into the village to see traditional activities and dances. The women demonstrate weaving and dyeing crafts and there is an opportunity to purchase unique Ikat textiles.
Day 10 - PULAU ALOR
The entrance to Kalabahi Port and Alor Island is quite spectacular through a fjord-like channel with mountains on either side. This very rugged island is home to around 50 different language or dialect groups who are geographically isolated from each other. We have the option to visit either the traditional villages of Takpala or Latafui where villagers from the Abui tribe perform the lego lego dances accompanied by famed moko drums. Pulau Alor islanders are well-known for their handcrafted Ikat textiles, which are on display. We visit the open-air Kadelang Market, a favourite with locals, and the Moko Drum Museum before returning to Coral Adventurer.Later, we enjoy snorkelling and swimming in the afternoon.
Day 11 - TABLOLONG BAY
We arrive early at Tablolong Bay at Palau Timor and enjoy a cultural performance on the beach with traditional Sasando music accompanying traditional dancing. Later, there is an opportunity to swim or snorkel before we bid farewell to Indonesia.
Day 12 - AT SEA
Enjoy a relaxing sea day at leisure as we cruise across the Timor Sea towards Darwin, enjoying the continuation of our expedition program of activities and informative presentations. On your final evening onboard Coral Adventurer, reminisce about your Sulawesi expedition with new-found friends at the Captain’s Farewell Drinks.
Day 13 - DAY 15: DARWIN
Coral Adventurer arrives into Darwin at 9:30 am. Farewell your Master, crew and fellow guests with disembarkation at 11:30 am.
Day 14 - 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.
Day 15 - DAY 14: AT SEA
Cruise across the Arafura Sea, enjoying an expedition recap by our guest lecturers. This evening join your fellow travellers for the Captain’s farewell drinks.
Day 16 - DAY 15: DARWIN
Arrive in Darwin to disembark at 8:30am.
Day 17 - Please Note:
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
08-04-202122-04-2021AUD $10,600CORAL DECK STATEROOM
08-04-202122-04-2021AUD $12,600PROMENADE DECK STATEROOM
08-04-202122-04-2021AUD $15,000EXPLORER DECK BALCONY STATEROOM
08-04-202122-04-2021AUD $15,900CORAL DECK STATEROOM SOLE
08-04-202122-04-2021AUD $16,600BRIDGE DECK BALCONY STATEROOM
08-04-202122-04-2021AUD $18,900PROMENADE DECK STATEROOM SOLE
08-04-202122-04-2021AUD $21,600BRIDGE DECK BALCONY SUITE
08-04-202122-04-2021AUD $22,500EXPLORER 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.
    • Visit the beachside boatbuilders of Tana Beru to hear seafaring tales and admire the traditional construction of the wooden Phinisi ships, built without nails.
    • Meet the people of Torajaland, high up in the mountains of Sulawesi, and encounter their astonishing cultural traditions and funeral rituals
    • Explore the turquoise waters and tiny islands of Takabonerate Marine Park
    • Walk in the tracks of the endangered Komodo Dragon and spot the iconic monitor lizard in the wild with local guides
    • On Padar Island, hike to the summit to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views
    • See the famed tri-coloured crater lakes of Kelimutu National Park
    • Meet the Abui tribe of Pulau Alor and watch the Lego Lego dance in their traditional village
    • Hear the ceremonial Sasando music at a welcome in Tablolong Bay

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