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Peregrine Travel Centre

Scattered Islands of the Banda Sea

Scattered Islands of the Banda Sea

From AUD $8,130

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Description

Travel to one of the most beautiful destinations in the world: Indonesia.

From Darwin, we invite you to embark aboard Le Lapérouse for a 12-day tropical expedition cruise.

You will sail to the heart of Triton Bay, surrounded by beaches lined with coconut trees and karst islets adorned in tropical vegetation. Located within a protected marine environment in the middle of the Coral Triangle, this idyllic and wild place is home to countless marine species.

The highpoint of your cruise: sailing in the Maluku Islands, dubbed the “Spice Islands”. In the 16th century, it was here that European settlers would come to get cloves and nutmeg, spices that were much sought-after at the time. You will discover Banda Neira, shaped by Dutch and Portuguese influences.

You will then sail to the Wakatobi Marine Park, one of the largest barrier reefs in the world.

At Kalabahi, in the Alor Islands, you will encounter ethnic groups of the Flores people who have succeeded in preserving their traditional way of life.

You will conclude your cruise with the discovery of Komodo Island, famous for its eponymous dragon, a very large reptile that is a cousin to the dinosaurs.

Trip Name
Scattered Islands of the Banda Sea
Days
12
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Length: 127 metres Passenger Capacity: 92 cabins Built: 2017/2018 Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed cabins, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 cabins and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience. 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. Through its two restaurants, Le Lapérouse will invite you on a journey to elegance and epicureanism. In a relaxed atmosphere, a first dining area located on Deck 3 and able to seat 70 will serve grilled meats daily, along with a variety of salads and desserts. 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. PUBLIC AREAS Like Le Boréal and its sisterships, Le Lapérouse 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. Discover the new Parliamant House opened in 1994, a magnificent example of tropical architecture and Admiralty House declared heritage place, a tropical-style home elevated on stilts that has survived two cyclones and numerous air raids. You will also enjoy the bustling waterfront on the Timor Sea.
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 observer marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Day 3 - Day 3 KEI ISLANDS
The Kei Islands are blessed with kilometres of stunning, yet almost entirely empty, white-sand beaches and a deeply hospitable population. Beneath the mostly Christian facade, Kei culture is fascinatingly distinctive. Local history holds that ancestors of contemporary Kei islanders came from Bali, part of the expanding Hindu Majapahit kingdom from the western archipelago. Enjoy a day of swimming and snorkelling on an idyllic uninhabited picture postcard tropical island.
Day 4 - Day 4 TRITON BAY
Triton Bay is one of three regions in Indonesia’s West Papua province that comprise the Bird’s Head Seascape (the other two are Raja Ampat and Cenderawasih Bay), which is now considered by marine biologists to be the epicentre of the Coral Triangle. It contains more fish and coral species than anywhere else on the planet. Its unparalleled marine biodiversity and endemism, habitat richness, and relatively intact nature of its ecosystems are unique. Join your expedition team for a zodiac voyage through the spectacular rainforest capped karst islands. Later in the day enjoy the opportunity to explore the richness of the underwater realm.
Day 5 - Day 5 AT SEA
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Day 6 - Day 6 BANDA NEIRA (MOLUKKAS)
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 7 - Day 7 AMBON, MALUKU
Ambon is an island steeped in history from the first European contact by the Portuguese in 1526 to its strategic role in WWII. Today there still remains many historical and cultural sites among the remnants of forts built by the Dutch East Indies Company during the heyday of the spice trade. The ANZAC War Cemetery near Ambon commemorates the Allied soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice during World War II. All this aside, it is the friendliness of the Ambonese people that will leave the greatest impression. Today you have the opportunity to undertake a tour by local bus with your expedition team and local guides to visit the historical and cultural sites across the island.
Day 8 - Day 8 WAKATOBI MARINE PARK, SULAWESI
Legendary underwater explorer and conservationist, Jacques Cousteau referred to the Wakatobi islands as an “Underwater Nirvana”. The Wakatobi Marine Park comprises a total of 1.4 million hectares and is recognised as being one of the most biodiverse marine systems on earth. The region is also home to the largest barrier reef in Indonesia, second only to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Located right in the heart of the Coral Triangle, the Wakatobi Islands offer crystal clear pristine waters containing a rich biodiversity of underwater life, a true paradise for snorkelers and divers. Enjoy a day of swimming and snorkelling on an idyllic uninhabited tropical island.
Day 9 - Day 9 KALABAHI, ALOR
The unique culture of the Alorese continues among the Takpala indigenous group who have preserved their traditional architecture and ceremonies. The island of Alor is also known as the island of a Thousand Moko’s. The Moko is a small bronze kettledrum which is believed to have originated from the Dong Son culture of Vietnam. However, it remains a mystery as to how these prehistoric Dong Son drums arrived in Alor. Local legend says that the Moko’s were discovered buried in the ground, and indeed mokos are still being uncovered today. Join the expedition team and local guides for a tour by local transport to Takpala village, the Museum of a Thousand Mokos and the thriving main market of Kalabahi.
Day 10 - Day 10 PINK BEACH (KOMODO)
Imagine a pure blue sky with only a few cotton wool clouds lazily bobbing across it, a calm sea that gently laps against a beach where the soft sand is neither golden nor black, but a delicate powder pink... Pink Beach is one of just seven beaches on the planet where this very special pink sand can be seen. The distinct pink hue results from the mixture of calcareous white sand with the eroded deep red skeleton of the organ pipe coral. The fringing coral reef is in excellent condition, the waters are crystal clear and harbour colourful reef fish that can be found just a short distance from shore. Enjoy an afternoon ashore at Pink beach, one of the easiest places in the tropics to snorkel and explore nature’s richest realm.
Day 11 - Day 11 LOH LIANG, KOMODO
Situated on the volcanic island of Komodo, Loh Liang is the gateway to Komodo National Park. This protected nature reserve, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991, is home to a wonderfully rich marine environment and numerous terrestrial species. Most notably, the world’s largest living species of lizard, commonly called “the Komodo Dragon”, can be observed there. These prehistoric-looking reptiles can measure more than 3 metres in length and weigh around 70 kg. They can be found nowhere else. You will set off in search of them during a trek, accompanied by park rangers. A unique and unforgettable experience.
Day 12 - Day 12 BENOA (BALI)
If it's a taste of exotic authenticity you're after, prepare to be spell-bound by the island of Bali, tucked away in the heart of the Indonesian archipelago. The beauty and diversity of its landscapes, the depth and richness of its cultural heritage and the plethora of activities on offer here make Bali a little slice of heaven on Earth. The island's southern coast enthrals with its white sand beaches, its picturesque little fishing villages such as Benoa, and its hills patchworked with terraced rice paddies further inland. Nicknamed 'the Island of Gods' for its sumptuous temples, Bali is the beating heart of Indonesian Hinduism.
Day 13 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
31-08-201911-09-2019AUD $8,130Deluxe Stateroom
31-08-201911-09-2019AUD $24,710Grand Deluxe Suite
31-08-201911-09-2019AUD $26,000Owner's Suite
31-08-201911-09-2019AUD $9,200Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
31-08-201911-09-2019AUD $9,710Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
31-08-201911-09-2019AUD $14,660Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
31-08-201911-09-2019AUD $14,660Deluxe Suite
31-08-201911-09-2019AUD $20,240Prestige Suite Deck 5
31-08-201911-09-2019AUD $21,290Prestige Suite Deck 6
31-08-201911-09-2019AUD $22,400Privilege Suite

Inclusions

    • Outings and shore visits in Zodiac® inflatables with a team of experienced naturalist guides.
    • A cruise entirely devoted to discovering Indonesia and its most beautiful ports of call.
    • UNESCO World Heritage Site: Komodo National Park, home to the famous monitor lizards.
    • Sailing in the heart of the Coral Triangle, a place of exceptional marine biodiversity.
    • The Malukus, the paradisiacal Spice Islands.
    • Pink Beach, a pink sand beach that is unique in the world.
    • Many opportunities for swimming and snorkelling in idyllic sites.

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