NO SOLO SUPPLEMENT! 18-night Indonesian Archipelago Expedition Cruise (Singapore to Darwin)

This itinerary is an indication of the destinations you will visit and activities on offer. Throughout the expedition changes may be made 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 1 - Depart Singapore

Check-in at Singapore Cruise Centre Harbourfront at 2:30pm for a special welcome in the VIP Room prior to boarding Coral Adventurer and departing at 6pm.

Day 2 - At Sea

There will be presentations today, and guests will be informed of the itinerary, safety procedures and protocols while visiting Indonesia. In the evening, enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Cocktail Party. Dinner will be followed by a presentation on Indonesia to prepare you for your exciting journey ahead.

Day 3 - Lengkuas Island, Belitung

Lengkuas Island, Belitung is a very pretty little island with a lighthouse. Guests can climb all the way to the top and be accorded a beautiful view. Visit a local eatery and be welcomed by local dancers. Rock-hop ‘painted beach boulders’ and explore undeveloped beachfront.The warmth of the locals and the beautiful idyllic setting is how we say hello to Indonesia

Day 4 - HMAS Perth and Krakatoa

We arrive at midday to pay homage to HMAS Perth.Our senior master Captain Gary will host a remembrance service for HMAS Perth with the Coral Adventurer positioned over the place where the HMAS Perth was torpedoed in the 1942 Battle of Sunda Strait.This afternoon, we continue on to Krakatoa.

Day 5 - Krakatoa

On the way to Ujong Kulon, we will pass by Krakatau. Krakatau (Krakatoa) is a black volcanic island in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra in Indonesia. The name is used for the island group, the main island, and the volcano as a whole. It has erupted repeatedly, massively, and with disastrous consequences throughout recorded history. The best-known eruption culminated in a series of massive explosions on August 26-27, 1883, which were among the most violent volcanic events in modern times. The sound of the explosion was heard as far away as Alice Springs, in Central Australia; fine ash reached as far as New York City, while the resultant tidal waves which caused complete destruction in the surrounding coastal areas. Despite the devastating effects, the disappearance of the gigantic Krakatoa also meant the birth of small islands in its place, including the present Anak Krakatau (Son of Krakatoa).From both West Java’s west coast, and from Sumatra’s Lampung Province, this young and very active volcano is clearly visible. Today the volcano is under 24-hour visual and electronic surveillance from Java. View the volcano as we cruise past towards Ujung Kulon

Day 5 - Ujung Kulon

Ujung Kulon, one of Indonesia’s best known national parks, lies on the island of Java. It is one of the last remaining natural forests on Java and one of very few areas offering a profile of sea-shore to mountain top tropical vegetation. The beautiful isolated beaches that cover the coastline are among Ujung Kulon’s best-kept secrets. While snorkelling, it is spectacular to see the variety of tropical fish in the clear blue crystal water.

The park holds well over 700 species of plant life, of which 57 are classified as rare. The rocky shores, mangrove swamps, mud flats, sea grass beds, coral reefs and sea trenches provide diverse and fascinating insights into the underwater world.Ujung Kulon is also home to the highly endangered Java rhinoceros.This park remains a pristine haven of nature although Java is one of the most densely populated islands in the world.Our guests will be exploring the National Park with local guides.

Day 6 - Batavia

Batavia is the old Capital of Dutch East indies company. Here we will visit the old building which still stands and was the Headquarters. Located at a square which is now called Fatahillah square, we will visitJakarta History Museum, Maritime Museumand old Dutch buildings. Jakarta – previously Batavia, from where Tasman commenced his voyages, both 1642 and 1644.

Day 7 - At Sea

Following the sails of the ancient mariners, we cross the vast Java Sea to reach the third biggest island in the world, Borneo. Our next stop is the Tanjung Puting National Park.

Days 8-9 - Tanjung Puting

We arrive at Tanjung Puting National Park early morning and we proceed to hop on traditional klotoks to cruise upriver and see the critically endangered Orang Utans at Pondok Tanggui – an orangutan rehabilitation and release center. We will walk through the tropical rainforest to observe and explore the ecological flora and fauna of Kalimantan, include wildlife and the exotic tropical plants. Join the feeding time at Pondok Tanggui and Pesalat.There is also the opportunity to hike through the jungle, and perhaps see some of the animals in the wild, including Proboscis Monkeys as well as long tailed Macaques. Be prepared for a slightly more adventurous few days, as this area is largely unsophisticated.

Days 10-11 - Banjarmasin

Today we explore Banjarmasin in South Kalimantan. It rests over a labyrinth of canals, thus giving it it’s illustrious nickname as the city of a thousand rivers.

The daily lives of the Banjarese are intrinsically linked to the waterways on which they live, work and play. Traditional floating homes called “lanting” are built on stilts over the water, and vessels of all shapes and sizes ply the waterways.

This is one reason why there are floating markets everywhere. From daybreak boats come from villages around the rivers, bringing vegetables, fruits and other daily needs and household utensils. Buyers and sellers come to the market in small boats and close their transactions on the water. The best time to see market in action is in the early morning.

There is also the Sultan Suriansyah Mosque, the first mosque built in South Kalimantan and the location of the royal tombs. Another fascinating structure is the Museum Waja Sampai Ka Puting, which houses some of the historical collections of the struggle against Dutch colonialism. The building of the Museum itself is an old and genuine Banjarese traditional house in the “Bubungan Tinggi” style.

Day 12 - Sumenep

Sumenep is Madura Island’s most interesting town, situated just north of the eastern tip of Java. The history, culture and architecture of Sumenep can be seen in the Palace/Kraton Museum (such as a 500kg hand-written Quran), which include relics of the Hindu kingdoms.

Explore the historic Sumenep Palace and the museum. Marvel at Sumenep Jamik Mosque with its distinctive architecture. Visit Kalianget Old Town, with its relics of a salt factory, and colonial architecture built by the colonial Dutch government.Sumenep Square is a well-presented park, Taman Adipura, a horticulturalist’s delight; and the night markets provide a wide range of culinary specialties. Visitors can obtain fine batik cloth, wood carvings, Dutch antiques – browsing through shops and stalls is fascinating.

Day 13 - Satonda Island

Satonda Island is a small un-inhabited volcanic island off the north coast of Sumbawa, separated by a narrow strait from Tambora, the site of the largest and most devastating volcanic eruption in human history.In 1815 Tambora erupted expelling into the atmosphere twice as much material as the later Krakatoa in 1833. For the small island of Satonda, there is a lasting effect. The eruption was so great that it breached the rim of Satonda crater and dumped millions of gallons of sea water there, leaving the crater lake filled with salt-water instead of fresh. Satonda’s beach is remarkable because a major portion of its sediment consists of pebbles of pumice – a foamy volcanic glass, so light that it floats on water.This hidden gem offers quiet nature walk, some pristine white beaches, wonderful snorkelling,and birdwatching.

Day 14 - Rinca Island

Enjoy a morning nature walk at Rinca Island.Guests will have a choice of short, medium or a longer trek to encounter the Komodo Dragons of Rinca Island. The Lookout on top of the hill is stunning and offers an invigorating climb.In the afternoon, we may visit a local village on the island.

Day 15 - Pink Beach, Komodo Island

Enjoy a morning taking in the soft pink hues at Pink Beach for snorkelling and diving amongst colourful reef and plentiful marine life. There will also be an opportunity for kayaking. or walking along the pink sands of the beach.The beach gets its unique colour from microscopic organisms called Foraminifera which produce a red pigment on the Coral Reefs.

Day 16 - Maumere

Maumere is located in Flores Island, which is known for its active volcanoes, fascinating indigenous cultures, hand woven textiles, and its coral reefs which offer spectacular diving and snorkelling.

Watublapi is a traditional weaving village located on the hills on the southern coast of Maumere. Weavers here still use the traditional handspun yarn made out of local cotton as well as natural dyes. Here we will observe weaving demonstrations of preparing the cotton and using traditional ikat techniques.We will also enjoy musical and bamboo pole dancing in the very natural and beautiful jungle setting of the village. Some beautiful selections of ikat textiles as well as local crafts are on display for sale.

See the old The old Catholic church of Sikka which reflects the Portuguese influence in Flores, and the Alok traditional market. This is a colorful, crowded, and friendly place to visit where local women can be seen weaving their rustic bamboo mats, and everyday items to unusual goods can be seen and sampled.

Day 17 -Dili

Say hello to Timor Leste.As we sail into Dili Harbour, the landmark statue of Christo Rei will come into sight.Immigration and custom clearance will take place this morning, and once cleared we are free to start touring Dili.Guests are welcome to climb the stairs to the Christo Rei Statue (it is quite a climb), or visit the food and handicrafts markets. This is an opportunity to interact with locals, as well as being a photographer’s dream.

Day 18 - At Sea

As we cross the Arafura Sea,guests can recap their adventures on this trip with photo sharing and attend final lectures by our Expedition leaders. In the evening, enjoy the Captain’s Farewell Drinks.

Day 19 - Arrive Darwin

Coral Adventurer will arrive into Darwin’s East Arm Wharf at 2:30pm, and guests will disembark and clear customs around 4:30pm on 2 February 2020.

• Departs Singapore on Sun 02 Feb 2020
• Arrives in Darwin on Thu 20 Feb 2020

Please note prices are subject to availability at time of booking and may change without notice.

Coral Deck - was $22,125 - NOW $14,750 per person twin share/sole use

Promenade Deck - was $23,325 - NOW $15,550 per person twin share/sole use

Explorer Deck -was $27,990 - NOW $18,660 per person twin share/sole use

Freecall our local travel team on 1300 414 198 to book your cabin on this expedition.

Why not extend your holiday and spend additional time in Singapore and/or Darwin? Talk to our friendly consultants and they can assist you with flights, accommodation, transfers and travel insurance.

CORAL ADVENTURER

This recently delivered (April 2019) brand new 120 passenger ship is built to take you closer to unspoilt vistas in comfort, style and safety.

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

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

Coral Deck Stateroom:

Coral Deck Staterooms are located below the Promenade Deck and furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles.A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included.A compact en-suite has a toilet, shower and ample storage. A porthole window gives you views of the world outside. Coral Deck Staterooms are 17 square metres

Promenade Deck Stateroom:

Promenade Deck Staterooms are located below the Explorer Deck and are identically furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles.A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included.A compact en-suite has a toilet, shower and ample storage.A large picture window gives you wide views of the world outside. Promenade Deck Staterooms are 17 square metres

Explorer Deck Stateroom:

Our Explorer Deck staterooms are located below the Bridge Deck and are comfortably furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles.A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included.A compact en-suite has a toilet, shower and ample storage.Your private balcony has seating for two from which to view the passing coastal vistas. Explorer Deck Balcony Staterooms are 21.4 square metres

What level of fitness is required?

A cruise on the Coral Adventurer is suitable for guests of all fitness levels, however a reasonable level of mobility is required to travel and enjoy all your cruise itinerary has to offer. All guests should be in good general health, able to walk reasonable distances over sometimes uneven terrain, and stand during excursions. Hikes and walks do vary in intensity and where possible groups will be split to suit easy and moderate walkers. For most activities a relatively low level of exertion is required.

You will need to climb into and out of zodiacs and other excursion tenders for excursions ashore: there will be staff and crew members on hand to assist. Ashore, you must be able to walk moderate distances over sometimes rough terrain. Although the Coral Adventurer features a lift, it is still essential that all guests have reasonable agility to use the steep stairways between decks. Participants will most enjoy the remarkable opportunities these expeditions offer if they travel with a spirit of adventure.

Getting on and off the ship for shore excursions?

Your small ship is equipped with a fleet of excursion tenders to make travelling ashore as simple and comfortable as possible. The unique excursion tender ‘Xplorer’ ensure that even the least intrepid adventurer can explore ashore with ease. Our excursion boats board directly from the ship’s main deck, before the hydraulic platform gently lowers into the water, avoiding the need to clamber aboard or get your feet wet.

The unique Xplorer tenders, comfortably appointed with shading and on board toilet facilities, enable penetration inland, with explorations up shallow rivers and streams, to waterfalls and other amazing landscapes. Our inflatable Zodiacs and kayaks enable guests an up-close-and-personal view of reefs, islands and atolls and allow peaceful explorations to out of the way places.

What should I pack?

We recommend that you pack simply and lightly. Clothing that you can layer will prepare you for all kinds of weather. More specific information regarding clothing and the weather conditions in your destination are included in your Cruise Documentation which you will receive prior to your cruise.

Do I need to bring spending money? What might I need to pay for onboard?

Upon embarkation, we will automatically open your personal shipboard account. We operate a chit system and for your security, ask that you sign each chit as you order from our bar, shop or make any other on board purchases. At the end of the voyage your account may be settled in Australian dollars cash, and by American Express; Visa; MasterCard or Diners Club.
On International cruises, it is often not possible to obtain cash at the villages and towns we visit. We suggest you bring enough local currency with you for the duration of your cruise.

Can I get my laundry done during my trip?

Laundry services are available on board, however the service is limited. Laundry bags and forms are stored in your wardrobe for collection by your cruise attendants. Charges for this service will be posted to your onboard account.

Is there a Doctor or Nurse onboard?

While senior crew are trained in remote area first aid, it is important to note that we do not employ doctors or nurses on board our cruises. As our itineraries cover remote regions, they are not suitable for those with serious medical conditions. Any ongoing medical issues should be disclosed to reservations staff at the time of booking.