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Peregrine Travel Centre

In the Wake of the Makassans – 15 Day Indonesia Cruise

In the Wake of the Makassans – 15 Day Indonesia Cruise

From AUD $14,120

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Description

From the 16th century, Makassan trepangers began to venture from their homeland in South Sulawesi. Travelling through the Flores and Savu seas, they arrived at the shores of the Kimberley and Arnhem Land. On their journeys, Makassans encountered the peoples of northern Australia and left an impact on the cultures that survive to this day.

We invite you to embark on your own journey through the straits of the East Indies to Makassar on this 14-night voyage aboard Coral Geographer. Explore lesser-visited islands home to traditional seafaring traditions and rich cultural practices including at Alor and Torajaland. At Tana Beru, witness ancient traditional Phinisi boat building and visit one of the last traditional subsistence whaling villages at Lamalera. From encountering Komodo Dragons on a walking tour with local rangers to exploring the colourful underwater realm of Takabonarate Marine Park, these voyages are a feast for the senses.

Trip Name
In the Wake of the Makassans - 15 Day Indonesia Cruise
Days
15
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Passenger Capacity: 120 Built: 2020 Expedition capabilities > Two trademark Xplorer tenders seat all passengers and facilitate comfortable shore excursions > Six zodiacs for more intrepid exploration > Lecture lounge for daily expedition briefings and expert presentations > Small onboard library featuring books on destinations and wildlife > Shallow draft and advanced navigation and propulsion systems allowing access to locations closed to large cruise ships Marine immersion > Navigator lounge in the bridge > Over 1000 square metres of open deck space including a wrap-around promenade deck with panoramic views > Engine room tours and a high level of crew interaction with guests Food and wine features > Single seating dining with communal table serves buffet breakfast and lunch, and multi-course table d’hote dinners > Showcase galley with viewing window creating fresh small-batch cuisine featuring Australian and local produce > Multiple indoor and outdoor bars, including our Explorer bar on the sundeck for sunset drinks > Curated wine cellar featuring boutique wines and exceptional vintage Australian reds Guest comfort > All outside-facing guest cabins with en-suite bathrooms; the majority have a private balcony > Active stabilisers to dampen sea motion > Well-equipped gym > Passenger elevator > Wi-Fi available in all guest areas

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1: DEPART DARWIN
Board Coral Geographer at 8:30am for a 10:30am departure. Meet your fellow explorers and crew for the Captain’s Welcome Drinks.
Day 2 - AT SEA
Enjoy a peaceful day at sea as we make our way towards Tablolong Bay, where our first adventure of this journey awaits. Partake in onboard activities including workshops and lecturers from our special guests and Expedition Team.
Day 3 - TABLOLONG BAY, KUPANG
Arrive at Tablolong Bay, Kupang and listen to the bright, harp like sounds produced by the traditional Sasando instrument with a beachside performance. Later, there is an opportunity to swim or snorkel.
Day 4 - ALOR ISLAND
Small, rugged Alor Island is home to around 140,000 people speaking 50 different languages. Visit the open-air Kadelang Market, the Museum of 1000 Moko and a traditional village, where you will be warmly welcomed. Witness the ceremonial Lego Lego dance in which ladies dressed in handwoven textiles and bronze bangles form a tightly-knit circle and dance rhythmically to gongs and Moko drums.
Day 5 - LAMALERA VILLAGE
Lamalera is one of the last traditional whaling villages, where an ancient hunting tradition continues to provide for the subsistence lifestyle of this rarely-visited village. The villagers will welcome you and share their way of life, which follows ancient beliefs and uses traditional tools and methods. Observe hunting and Ikat weaving demonstrations, with opportunities to purchase the exquisite hand-woven cloth directly from the weavers.
Day 6 - KELIMUTU CRATER LAKES
From the coastal town of Ende, travel a beautiful road up to Kelimutu. On the way, stop at a orphanage, where you will meet the nuns and orphans and share refreshments. Arrive at the spectacular tricoloured Crater Lakes, where we may throw stones into the lakes for good luck. Later, enjoy lunch at Kelimutu Eco Lodge accompanied by the traditional music of Flores.
Day 7 - PADAR ISLAND
A climb to the peak of Padar Island offers a chance to stretch your legs and be rewarded with a mesmerizing panoramic view over the island’s rugged peaks, beaches and vast blue sea. Alternatively, explore the island up close by Xplorer cruise.
Day 8 - KOMODO ISLAND & PINK BEACH
Take a walk with local rangers to spot the Komodo Dragon and visit a local village. You will learn of the legends of the Komodo Dragons and why villagers treat them with kindness. Later, enjoy a stroll along the dusky pink sands of Pink Beach and swim or snorkel in the clear water.
Day 9 - TAKABONARATE MARINE PARK
Be welcomed at Tinabo Island with a dance performance before a guided tour through the village. Enjoy music and craft demonstrations and insights into the local cottage industries of coconut oil, fishing nets and boat building. At Tinabo Besar, visitors are encouraged to help with conservation programs of tree planting or coral transplanting under the guidance of National Park staff, before snorkelling in the pristine waters.
Day 10 - SOGORI
The small island of Sogori 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, snorkelling or scuba diving.
Day 11 - TORAJALAND
An overland journey takes us into the highlands of Sulawesi to the remarkable Tana Toraja, where you will witness stunning limestone mountains and the ancient culture and traditions of the Torajan people. Visit the Tongkonan houses at Marante, the stone graves with Tau-tau effigies at Lemo and the hanging burial sites of Bori Parinding. At a Torajan market, see where buffalo and pigs are purchased for funerals, and explore Kete Kesu, a 400-year-old village high in the mountains. Stay overnight and enjoy local music and dancing.
Day 12 - TANA BERU
Traditionally, wooden Phinisi ships have been crafted by the Bugis boat-builders on the beach at Tana Beru since the 14th century. The ancient technique, which uses no nails, has been handed down through generations. Hear the seafaring tales of the boat builders and climb into a Phinisi ship to admire its size and the craftsmanship of the boat-builders.
Day 13 - DAY 15: ARRIVE MAKASSAR
Arrive in Makassar at 7:00am. Farewell your Master, crew and fellow guests with disembarkation at 8:30am. An optional charter flight to Darwin will be available.Optional Post-Cruise Charter flight: Makassar to Darwin. This will be a direct flight to Darwin, with no stopovers, with a Coral Expeditions staff member to accompany guests. Limited seats available, call our reservations team to book.
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. Coral Expeditions suggests that you do not arrive on the day of embarkation or depart on the day of disembarkation due to any changes that may occur in scheduling.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
23-11-2024AUD $0-
09-01-202523-01-2025AUD $14,120Coral Deck
09-01-202523-01-2025AUD $16,980Promenade Deck Stateroom
09-01-202523-01-2025AUD $22,620Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom
09-01-202523-01-2025AUD $30,380Bridge Deck Balcony Suite

Inclusions

    • Special Event: Meet the people of Torajaland, high up in the mountains of Sulawesi, and encounter their astonishing cultural traditions and funeral rituals
    • Explore 17th century Fort Rotterdam in Makassar, which now houses museums and cultural wonders
    • Walk in the tracks of the endangered Komodo Dragons and spot this iconic monitor lizard in the wild with local guides
    • Meet the beachside boatbuilders of Tana Beru and admire the skillful construction of Phinisi ships
    • Explore the turquoise waters and tiny islands of Takabonarate Marine Park
    • Meet the Abui people of Alor Island and watch the Lego Lego dance in their traditional village
    • On Padar Island, hike to the summit to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views
    • Gaze out over the tri-coloured crater lakes of Kelimutu National Park

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