Indonesia's Forgotten Islands & Borneo

South Pacific

Set sail on the Indonesia’s Forgotten Islands expedition aboard Heritage Adventurer, a 14-day small-ship cruise from Darwin to Singapore through some of Southeast Asia’s most remote and biodiverse regions. Encounter iconic wildlife including Komodo Dragons and orangutans, snorkel pristine coral reefs and discover jungles filled with rare birds and endemic fauna. Visit ancient cultural communities, colourful landscapes like Kelimutu’s tri-coloured lakes and hidden tropical gems far from the usual tourist trail

Highlights

  • 14-day expedition aboard Heritage Adventurer from Darwin to Singapore.
  • Walk with Komodo Dragons in Komodo National Park.
  • Visit Camp Leakey to see wild orangutans in Borneo’s rainforest.
  • Snorkel pristine coral reefs at Pink Beach, Savu & Alor Seas.
  • Explore Wetar, Alor and Satonda Islands with rare wildlife & endemic birds.
  • Experience ancient cultures like the Lamalerans & traditional island life.

One of the world’s 17 megadiverse countries, Indonesia is home to an incredible array of fauna and flora found nowhere else on Earth. Birdlife abounds in primaeval jungles as we search for endangered species, including the recently rediscovered Wetar Ground Dove, found exclusively on Wetar Island.

Walk alongside Komodo Dragons and snorkel at the ‘underwater aquarium’ of Pink Beach on Komodo Island. A major highlight will be visiting Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo, and the world-renowned research facility and Orangutan rehabilitation site, Camp Leakey. Observe the playful intelligence of these iconic primates as they swing through the rainforest canopy and immerse yourself in Tanjung Puting National Park, home to Proboscis Monkeys, Tarsiers, Clouded Leopards, Sun Bears and more.

There is a wealth of underwater delights to discover as we snorkel some of the most biologically diverse seas in the world. Pristine beaches lead to captivating coral gardens where neon-lit fish swim among drop-offs, caves, and gardens of large barrel sponges, sea fans, and soft corals in the Savu and Banda Seas, as well as the Alor Strait. Marvel at the kaleidoscopic hues of Kelimutu’s mystical ‘boiling lakes’ on Flores Island and discover one of Indonesia’s hidden treasures in Satonda Island, home to Hawksbill Turtles.

Comprising some 18,000 islands, this Southeast Asian archipelago also boasts a rich human history that stretches back almost 2 million years. Immerse yourself in ancient cultures as we visit Lembata Island, home to the Lamalerans, one of Indonesia’s last subsistence whaling communities and learn how they honour their ancestors through centuries-old hunting techniques. While on Alor Island, the Abui people still live by the same customs and practices of their ancestors. Experience the thrill of traditional Water Buffalo racing on Sumbawa Island and enjoy the unique culinary heritage of Kupang, indulging in the local speciality Se’i, Timorese smoked meat.

For botanists, birders, photographers, history and nature lovers alike, this is the ultimate expedition cruise of the hidden treasures of Southeast Asia. This expedition includes the option to join a sea kayaking excursion with an expert guide. Kayakers are rewarded with tranquil, tropical settings and are a source of fascination to the locals who often paddle their canoes out to join them and invite them back to their villages.

Stewart's Take

Join an amazing Expedition Cruise Through Indonesia & Borneo

Overview

Set sail on the Indonesia’s Forgotten Islands expedition aboard Heritage Adventurer, a 14-day small-ship cruise from Darwin to Singapore through some of Southeast Asia’s most remote and biodiverse regions. Encounter iconic wildlife including Komodo Dragons and orangutans, snorkel pristine coral reefs and discover jungles filled with rare birds and endemic fauna. Visit ancient cultural communities, colourful landscapes like Kelimutu’s tri-coloured lakes and hidden tropical gems far from the usual tourist trail

Itinerary

Day 1: Darwin, Australia Join Heritage Adventurer this afternoon at Darwin Port, Australia's ‘northern gateway’ famous for its glittering harbour, World War II history and enviable tropical outdoor lifestyle. The captain and expedition team will be waiting to greet you on arrival and show you to your cabin. You will have time to settle in and familiarise yourself with the ship; we will also take the opportunity to introduce you to your expedition team and our voyage plans. You are invited to join the expedition team in the Observation Lounge and up on the Observation Deck as we set sail for Indonesia. Day 2: At Sea Settle into life on board Heritage Adventurer, relax poolside, join the Captain on the Bridge, watch your voyage unfold from the Observation Lounge or Deck and enjoy lectures from our expert team as we prepare for our adventure. Day 3: Kupang, Indonesia Welcome to Indonesia. After completing arrival formalities we will spend the morning exploring Indonesia’s southernmost city and enjoy our first snorkel of the voyage. Perched on the waterfront of Timor Island where the Arafura Sea meets the coastline, Kupang is packed with natural attractions including dryland forests, shrublands, excellent swimming and snorkelling opportunities with sea caves and waterfalls to explore. While its scenic city is steeped in centuries of history as a trading port, Kupang has a unique culinary heritage of its own, including local speciality Se’i, Timorese smoked meat. Day 4: Wetar Island Part of Indonesia’s 1,000-kilometre -long archipelago of ‘forgotten islands’, remote tropical outpost Wetar is fringed by stunning beaches, coral reefs and deep seas while on land, dense tropical forests are home to rare wildlife and cover 80 per cent of the mountainous terrain. Welcomed by the local community, we will spend the day exploring the jungle, searching for wildlife including the Wetar Scops-Owl and endangered Wetar Ground Dove, one of the world’s most elusive birds, which was recently rediscovered here, beachcombing and snorkelling. Day 5: Alor Island This morning, we reach the culturally rich Alor Island and its world-class coral reef systems. Our day starts with a visit to the township of Kalabahi to meet the locals and be introduced to their unique tribal culture. More than 100 different tribes live on the island with many speaking their own dialect, while the Abui people reside exclusively on Alor. There may also be the chance to join birding and nature excursions including snorkelling reefs where rich currents and upwellings in the strait to the west of Alor attract a variety of marine life, including Scorpionfish, Pygmy Seahorse, nudibranches, whales, reef sharks, Hammerheads, Sunfish, Devil Fish, Hairy Frogfish and more. Day 6: Lembata Island We plan to visit Lembata Island this morning, the largest island of the Solor Archipelago. Meet the Lamalerans, one of Indonesia’s last subsistence whaling communities, still practicing their five centuries-long tradition of hunting Sperm Whales. Using handmade bamboo harpoons and traditional, oar-rowed boats, this rich history is kept alive under approval of the International Whaling Commission during May through October. Other cultural traditions include weaving homegrown cotton using natural Ikat dyeing techniques. A magical underwater world, and astounding marine biodiversity, awaits exploration this afternoon courtesy of Lembata’s unique location straddling two continents and at the intersection of three bodies of water – the Savu and Banda Seas, and Alor Strait. Day 7: Ende, Flores Island Located on the southern coast of Flores Island, Ende boasts an impressive reputation for having the island’s most beautiful scenery where jungle-capped volcanic hills meet tranquil streams and the still-smoking stratovolcano, Mount Lya. Our plan for today includes visiting Kelimutu National Park and the spectacular wonder that is the trifecta of coloured ‘boiling lakes’, all named Kelimutu. Thought to be the resting place for departed souls, westernmost is Lake Tiwu Ata Mbupu (Lake of Old People), middle Lake Tiwu Nuwa Muri Koo Fai (Lake of Young Men and Maidens) and the third Lake Tiwu Ata Polo (Lake for Evil Spirits), with all three lakes changing colour independently. Day 8: Komodo Island Today’s visit to Komodo Island sees us walking alongside the island’s famed giant monitor lizards, Komodo Dragons, as we explore forested pathways with local guides. Make your way to a viewing area for a closer look at these prehistoric reptiles which can grow up to 3 metres (10 ft) in length and weigh up to 135 kilograms (300 lbs). The surrounding forest is home to Timor Deer, the favourite prey of the dragons, as well as elegant Yellow-crested Cockatoos. This afternoon visit world-famous Pink Beach and enjoy a world-class snorkelling experience often described as “swimming in an aquarium”. Day 9: Satonda & Sumbawa Islands Lapped by the turquoise waters of the Flores Sea, ring-shaped Satonda Island combines tangled jungles and pristine waters with a crater lake at its centre. Satonda is considered one of Indonesia’s most underrated and least visited treasures and is ours to explore this morning. Discover an incredible underwater world along its shores, home to resident Hawksbill Turtles, float effortlessly in the salty lake created by a large tsunami in the 1800s and look for wildlife in the jungles. This afternoon, discover mountainous Sumbawa Island’s spectacular volcanic ridges, terraced rice fields, tangled jungles and beautiful sandy beaches replete with stunning coral reefs and remote bays. Enjoy a rare cultural immersion experiencing several time-honoured traditions and cultural encounters including Water Buffalo racing, a practice unique to Sumbawa. Day 10: West Bali National Park, Bali West Bali National Park is home to a unique set of ecosystems including mountain ranges, savannahs, rainforests and mangroves and coral reefs spanning some 190 square kilometres, featuring an incredible diversity of flora and fauna. Spending our morning exploring on land, we may have the opportunity to observe the East Javan Langur, Giant Squirrel, Javan Rusa Deer and some of the 160 species of birds living here, including the Bali Starling. Our afternoon adventures will take us to uninhabited Menjangan Island, where unspoiled white sandy beaches meet excellent snorkelling. Explore stunning coral reefs featuring deep drop-offs, caves and gardens of large barrel sponges, sea fans and soft corals inhabited by Grouper, Moray Eel, Batfish, Angelfish, turtles and three species of dolphin. Day 11: At Sea Relax on board after our adventures, join a lecture, edit your photos, update your journal or watch the world go by from the Bridge with the Captain, in the Observation Lounge, or poolside, as we sail towards Kumai and Tanjung Puting National Park on the island of Borneo. Day 12: Camp Leakey, Tanjung Puting National Park, Borneo Sure to be a highlight of our voyage is our visit to Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo, and the world-renowned research facility and Orangutan rehabilitation and release site Camp Leakey. Located in the heart of Tanjung Puting National Park, we plan to spend time among these gentle gardeners of the forest, observing their activities alongside rangers and scientists. The success of the programme, created to improve the quality of life of wild-born ex-captive Orangutans, is evidenced by the large number of Orangutans now living wild, many of which are parents and grandparents. Other wildlife living in the national park include Proboscis Monkeys, Tarsiers, Clouded Leopards, Sun Bears, Mouse Deer and several species of Hornbill, Kingfisher, Ibis and other birds, and a variety of brightly-coloured butterflies and moths. Day 13: At Sea Relax and unwind following our incredible time among the Orangutans of Camp Leakey, reminisce on our adventures as we recap the highlights of our expedition and enjoy a farewell dinner tonight as we complete the last few miles of our journey Day 14: Singapore Be sure to be out on deck or in the Observation Lounge as we navigate the Singapore Strait enjoying the sights of Singapore’s world-famous city skyline, and the activity of one of the world’s greatest maritime trading ports. This afternoon there will be a complimentary coach to Singapore Changi Airport. To allow time for disembarkation procedures and travel from Singapore, we do not recommend booking flights departing before 1800 hours. Note: During our voyage, circumstances may make it necessary or desirable to deviate from the proposed itinerary. This can include poor weather and opportunities for making unplanned excursions. Your Expedition Leader will keep you fully informed. This tour offers a variety of activities and excursions. Your personal interests will determine which of these you wish to join. Please note that some activities and excursions will run at similar times, and it will not be possible to participate in both. Accordingly, refunds for excursions and missed landings are not available. Voyages are planned and scheduled pending final regulatory approval.

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Vessel

Luxury Expedition Vessel: Heritage Adventurer

Heritage Adventurer

The purpose built polar expedition vessel Heritage Adventurer provides a most capable, safe, and exclusive expedition cruise experience.  Heritage Adventurer is a true pioneering expedition vessel of exceptional pedigree. Often referred to as the 'Grande Dame of Exploration Cruising' due to her celebrated history and refined design, she was purposebuilt for adventure in 1991 at Finland's Rauma shipyard and specifically designed for Polar exploration.

Setting a peerless standard in authentic expedition travel, Heritage Adventurer (formerly known as MS Hanseatic) combines the highest passenger ship iceclass rating (1A Super) with an impressive history of Polar exploration. She held records for the most northern and southern Arctic and Antarctic navigations, and for traversing both the Northwest and Northeast Passages. Originally designed to accommodate 184 guests, Heritage Adventurer now welcomes just 140 expeditioners ensuring spacious, stylish and comfortable voyages, while a fleet of 14 Zodiacs ensures all guests are able to maximise their expedition adventure.

For full information about this vessel click here:

Booking Information

Essential Information

Deposits

Reservations require a deposit of 25% at the time you receive a booking confirmation from Expeditions Online. A payment link will be sent to you and this may be paid by major credit card. Bookings within 90 days of departure require full payment.

Final Payments

  Balances are due 90 days prior to departure.

Cancellations

  All requests for cancellation must be received in writing to Expeditions Online. Cancellations received 180 days or more prior to departure, are refunded less a $US750.00 per person administration fee. For cancellations received within 179 and 91 days of the embarkation date the full deposit will be forfeited. If cancellation occurs within 90 days prior to the departure date the total price is forfeited. If cancellation occurs within 90 days and full payment has not yet been received, the total price will still apply and any unpaid monies are due immediately. We strongly recommend that you obtain adequate trip cancellation insurance.

Booking Terms

  Please read carefully the General Booking Conditions for Expeditions Online. This voyage is operated by Heritage Expeditions and you additionally travel under their terms and conditions as the operator as well as of the Shipping Company/transport carrier. Details will be forwarded to you at the time of booking

Included

  • Discovery fund,
  • all on board ship accommodation with meals,
  • house beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner and
  • all shore excursions and activities,
  • post cruise transfer.
  • Programme of lectures by noted naturalists.

Excluded

  • Kayaking,
  • all items of a personal nature, laundry, drinks, gratuities.
  • International/domestic flights,
  • visas, extensions and travel insurance.
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