Indonesian Island Empires & Ancient Mariners: Darwin to Makassar

Pricing is based on departure date: 28 November 2026

The East Nusa Tenggara Islands, where every island tells a different story. Sail through the Bugis and Bajau communities scattered across the Banda Sea, then venture into Toraja’s remarkable highlands in Sulawesi.

• Meet Toraja highlanders, Bugis boat builders, and Bajau communities.
• Sail beautiful isles and untamed coastal wilderness.
• Follow routes through East Nusa Tenggara’s ancient kingdoms.
• Witness boat-building traditions & explore remote island life.

• Expert Guides - Daily lectures and briefings from experts of the region.
• Wifi Access – Starlink standard connectivity for messaging and staying in touch while travelling remotely
• Post-cruise transfers to CBD hotel or airport upon disembarkation
• All excursions with our Expedition Team
• All meals, chef-prepared on board
• Expedition diary, along with a photo gallery documenting the highlights of your voyage
• Selected wines, selected beers and house spirits, juices, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner
• Daily lectures and briefings with Guest Lecturers
• Use of all onboard facilities, incl. a reference library
• Captain’s welcome and farewell events, and open bridge access
• Tips and gratuities
• Use of Xplorer, Zodiacs and Kayaks
• All entrance fees to National Parks, ports, traditional owner fees and charges imposed by governing authorities
• 24-hour barista-style coffee and tea station

ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS

Alor Island
Alor is the largest island in the Alor Archipelago and is one of the 92 officially listed outlying islands of Indonesia. It is located at the eastern Lesser Sunda Islands that runs through southeastern Indonesia, which from the west include such islands as Bali, Lombok, Sumbawa, Komodo, and Flores.

Lamalera Village, Indonesia
Be welcomed by villagers with a traditional dance and share their way of life, which is rooted in ancient beliefs and utilises traditional tools and methods. Observe hunting and Ikat weaving demonstrations, with opportunities to purchase the exquisite hand-woven cloth directly from the weavers.

Komodo Island
Steep hillsides and real dragons make you feel like you're in an exotic adventure, as the Komodo Islands welcome you to several opportunities to explore. Pink sand beaches, manta points for diving, the Komodo Island National Park for live komodo dragon viewing, access and trails to hidden waterfalls, and enjoy unique Indonesian cuisine.

Pink Beach, Komodo
Pink Beach, or Pantai Merah, as it is aptly named, is one of seven pink beaches on the planet, and is just one of the many amazing features of Komodo Island

Jailamu Island
An ideal spot for beachcombing, kayaking, swimming, snorkelling, and diving, where turtles often come ashore, offering the chance to see nests and hear from expert Guest Lecturers about their lifecycle.

Tana Toraja
Tana Toraja Regency is a regency of South Sulawesi Province of Indonesia, and home to the Toraja ethnic group. The local government seat is in Makale, while the center of Toraja culture is in Rantepao.

Exclusions

• Premium Internet services
• Pre and post cruise accommodation
• Scuba Diving (additional Cost)
• Pre-cruise transfers
• Entry visas & travel permits for the country you are travelling to/from
• Travel Insurance
• Items of a personal nature such souvenir purchases
• Alcoholic & non alcoholic specialty beverages outside of lunch and dinner service
• Laundry service (available at a cost)

Your Ship: Coral Geographer

Launched in March 2021, Coral Geographer is the newest addition to our fleet, purpose-designed to access remote wilderness shores around the world that are often inaccessible to large cruise vessels. 

Coral Geographer is as comfortable as she is capable – her design draws on the latest technical advances as well as Coral Expeditions’ 37 years of experience building and operating expedition ships. The ship’s lightweight dual Xplorer tenders, a trademark feature of all our vessels, extend the capabilities of the ship by allowing deeper exploration on shore excursions. These ‘safari jeeps’ of the sea are fast, sturdy, and comfortable and developed to allow easy boarding from the ship and walk-off disembarkation onto remote shores.

Able to navigate into shallow bays, disembark onto remote islands, and visit small villages without overwhelming the environment or community, Coral Geographer explores the hidden nooks and crannies of Australia’s Kimberley Coast, Australia’s West and South coastlines and international voyages including to New Zealand, Sulawesi, Japan and the Philippines.

Coral Geographer carries a maximum of 120 guests, delivering Coral Expeditions’ renowned warm Australian hospitality, intimate onboard atmosphere, and world-class expedition experience.

Darwin, At Sea, Tablolong Bay, Alor Island, Lamalera Village, Ende Flores, Padar Island, Komodo Island & Pink Beach, Komodo, Jailamu Island, At Sea, Tana Toraja, Sogori, Tana Beru, Makassar

All fares are displayed in AUD, and pricing is per person based on twin share occupancy unless stated otherwise. Although all due care is taken to keep information as up-to-date as possible, pricing and availability are subject to change without notice: due to varying timing schedules of supplier automated update processes; currency fluctuations; fuel surcharges or government tax & fee changes and may not be guaranteed until paid in full. Gratuities may be an additional onboard charge depending on particular cruise line selected. Please ask your cruise consultant for any clarification of Terms & Conditions.