To South Sulawesi & Borneo for Christmas, From Broome to Singapore

Description

Join us on our state-of-the-art vessel Coral Geographer on an expedition voyage to the rarely seen islands of South Sulawesi and Borneo in Indonesia, the world’s most expansive archipelago. Visit remote communities, interact with locals, and see the unique flora and fauna of these lands. Join hands with locals in the traditional Lego-Lego dance of the Abui tribe at Lataful Village. Stroll along the boardwalk of the friendly fishing village of Sungsang. Admire the tropical landscape of the iconic Tanjung Puting National Park, while keeping an eye out for local orangutans. Walk along the pristine white sands of Tinabo Island. Enjoy the panorama from atop the historic Fort of the Palace of Buton.

This 17-night voyage from Broome to Singapore combines cultural insights, wildlife encounters and untouched natural habitats in one of the world’s last rainforest frontiers. Our ships are designed for these types of immersive expeditions – to navigate remote seas and disembark in village piers, remote beaches and riverbanks all with expert guidance and warm Australian hospitality.

Trip Name

To South Sulawesi & Borneo for Christmas, From Broome to Singapore

Days

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 - DEPART BROOME

After a pre-cruise SailSAFE check-in, make your way to Broome Port to board Coral Geographer at 8:30am. Depart at 10:00am and cruise towards Tablolong Bay while you settle into your stateroom and relax onboard.

Day 2 - AT SEA

Spend today at sea learning about Indonesia from our guest lecturers, and meeting your fellow guests and crew. To finish the day relax and enjoy the Captain’s welcome drinks as the sun sets.

Day 3 - TABLOLONG BAY, TIMOR

Our first stop is at the sweeping white sand beach of Tablolong Bay. Clear into Indonesia, before going ashore for a special welcoming ceremony. Traditional dance accompanied by Sasando music from neighbouring Rote Island will delight you and you are welcome to participate in the joyful ceremony. Stroll along the unspoilt shoreline or take to the clear warm waters for a dive, snorkel or a swim.

Day 4 - ALOR ISLAND

This morning, enjoy a relaxing morning dive or snorkel (This is one of the best locations to dive) before cruising through spectacular scenery toward Kalabahi Port, surrounded by mountains that overlook the river.Go ashore to visit the bustling markets and the Moko Drum Museum at Kalabahi before visiting the Village of the Abui people. Here we will observe the traditional Lego-Lego dance, a symbol of the strength and brotherhood of the Abui tribe. Joining hands in a circle, the rhythmic dance is performed to welcome guests as an expression of happiness. Celebrate this amazing experience by joining the circle and dancing alongside the Abui people.

Day 5 - WAKATOBI MARINE PARK

Today, explore the third largest marine park in Indonesia. Wakatobi covers 1.4 million hectares hosting 900,000 tropical coral reefs and is home to the highest number of fish species in the world. Our destination, Hoga Island, is the quintessential Wakatobi experience with turquoise waters and reefs brimming with colours and sea life. Passengers can snorkel, kayak, dive and beachcomb on our visit to experience all the natural wonder this location has to offer, during the year’s best weather conditions.

Day 6 - BAUBAU, BUTON ISLAND

At Baubau we will be immersed in the rich Buton culture. Upon arrival, be greeted with a traditional dance performance at the wharf before being transported to visit the historic Benteng (Fort) and Keraton (Palace) Buton, known as the world’s largest fortress. Standing atop a steep hill since the 16th century, the fort allows for views of sprawling hills and city views all the way to the Strait of Buton. The fort has served a critical role in the history of the Buton people, allowing them to avoid threat of enemies from an elevated vantage point. After exploring the fort and hearing the stories of its history, you’ll have time to wander the vibrant town square and explore the traditional market. Later, visit a fisherman’s village, and observe the creation of handwoven ikat textiles at Sula Village.

Day 7 - TAKABONERATE NATIONAL PARK

Tinabo Island, at the heart of the Taka Bonerate National Park, feels like a far-flung private paradise. With a white sandy beach and a plethora of surrounding reefs, the island is part of the Takabonerate Atoll. This atoll is of major ecological importance, brimming with marine and bird life.Spend time enjoying the clear turquoise waters with snorkelling, diving and kayaking. Famous throughout Indonesia, there is the opportunity to stand in the clear waters on the beach and interact with baby sharks swimming around your legs. Finally, take part in the important conservation work of preserving the island’s landscape by planting casuarina trees. You may also have a chance to learn about the other conservation efforts occurring here, such as work preserving turtle populations and transplanting of coral reefs.

Day 8 - MATASIRI ISLAND, BORNEO

Matasiri belongs to the archipelago of the Laut Kecil islands of Borneo. The island is a secluded destination where you can find sanctuary in the sheltered bay and explore by paying a visit to the village and swimming/snorkelling in the pristine waters. This stop is a rare expedition style location where you can take a walk along the sand and soak in the unspoiled native flora and fauna.

Day 9 - KUMAI & TANJUNG PUTING NATIONAL PARK

Tanjung Puting National Park is a remarkable destination. Start your day of exploration by cruising along the uncanny inky-black waters of the Nipah waterway and the winding Sekonyer River. Along the way, look out for some of the rare wildlife that take haven in this tropical forest, including clouded leopards, proboscis monkeys, sambar deer and Malayan sunbears. The area is home to over 230 bird species such as hornbills, crimson sunbirds and wetland species. However, the highlight of our day will be the opportunity to see orangutans in their natural habitat. This National Park is a conservation area for this endangered species, and conservation efforts include the establishment of 4 research centres by the Leakey Foundation and Orangutan Foundation.On our second morning at Kumai, we will explore the Bulu river, a narrow river through dense mangroves, for an immersive experience in nature.

Day 10 - SUNGSANG VILLAGE

Today, go ashore at a traditional fishing village at the mouth of the Musi River. After a brilliantly coloured traditional dance performance by the locals, discover the rural beauty of Sungsang village. Here, walk along the narrow boardwalk lanes lined with stilt houses on the water and enjoy local snacks and delicacies. One of the highlights of this destination is meeting the local people and returning the smiles of local children. The distinction between this region and the eastern part of the archipelago will fascinate you, as you come to understand the rich rural culture of Indonesia.

Day 11 - TANJUNG KELIAN

Tanjung Kelian, on the west coast of Bangka Island, is primarily know for its sturdy white and red lighthouse, built by the Dutch in 1862. We will visit this historic lighthouse tower, and those who wish to may climb the 117 stone steps that wind up to the top of the tower to be rewarded with panoramic ocean views.Tanjung Kelian has a historically significant and culturally rich past. Guided by our team, discover the Bangka Massacre monument and learn about the event it commemorates. Visit locations such as the Chinese mayor’s house, the township of Muntok to learn about the region, and witness a traditional Borangsai dance and Wushu martial arts at Kong Fuk Miao temple. Before we leave, there may be time to relax on the beach below the lighthouse and meet the locals who gather here to enjoy the soft white sand and communal atmosphere.

Day 12 - AT SEA

Spend the day at leisure and join our Expedition Leader and Guest Lecturers in the lounge for presentations and briefings before arriving at Singapore.

Day 13 - ARRIVE SINGAPORE

After a day at sea, spent relaxing and reflecting on our extraordinary journey, farewell you fellow guests, Captain and crew at the Captain’s Farewell Drinks. In the morning, Coral Geographer will sail into Singapore Cruise Centre at around 8:00am for a 9:00am disembarkation.

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

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

Witness and join the ancient tradition of Lego Lego dance at the island of Alor, and visit the Moko Drum Museum
Snorkel and dive the famed Wakatobi Marine National Park at Hoga Island, South Sulawesi
In Takabonerate National Park, join in conservation efforts at Tinabo, including tree planting and coral preservation
Visit the historic Palace and Fort of Buton Kings which ruled the Indonesian seas in ancient times
Cruise the Sekonyer River to spot the Bornean orangutan in its natural habitat, with the chance to spot other wildlife in Tanjung Puting National Park
Enjoy enriching culture at the remote villages, and learn the local customs & lifestyle throughout your voyage
Discover the diversity of the Indonesian islands, with tasting of local snacks and delicacies and exploring unique villages along the way
Witness demonstrations of iconic crafts and music such as ikat weaving at Sula and Sasando playing at Tablolong Bay