In the Wake of the Makassans

Embark on a personalised voyage through the East Indies, with stops at enchanting islands like Komodo and Padar, culminating in Makassar during this 14-night expedition aboard Coral Geographer. Explore lesser-visited islands home to traditional seafaring traditions and rich cultural practices, including Alor and Tana Toraja. At Tana Beru, witness ancient traditional Phinisi boat building and visit one of the last traditional subsistence whaling villages at Lamalera. From encountering Komodo Dragons on a walking tour with local rangers to exploring the colourful underwater realm of Takabonarate Marine Park, these voyages are a feast for the senses.

From the 16th century, Makassan trepangers began to venture from their homeland in South Sulawesi. Travelling through the Flores and Savu seas, they arrived at the shores of the Kimberley and Arnhem Land.  On their journeys, Makassans encountered the peoples of northern Australia and left an impact on the cultures that survive to this day.

Adventure Made Easy: Includes hosted 2-hour pre-cruise charter flight departing Darwin to Makassar.

Your Fly, Stay & Cruise Package Includes:

• $800 flight credit per person
• 1 night 4-star accommodation in Darwin with breakfast
• 14 night East Indies expedition cruise onboard Coral Geographer, Darwin return

Includes:

• Pre-cruise charter flight from Darwin to Makassar
• All excursions with our Expedition Team
• Use of Xplorer, Zodiacs and Kayaks
• Snorkelling and SCUBA equipment (SCUBA diving at an additional cost)
• Daily lectures and briefings with Guest Lecturers
• All meals, chef-prepared on board
• Captain’s welcome and farewell events, and open bridge access
• Selected wines, selected beers and house spirits, juices, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner
• 24-hour barista-style coffee and tea station
• All entrance fees to National Parks, port charges and traditional owner fees
• Expedition diary, along with a photo and video gallery documenting the highlights of your voyage
• Post-cruise transfer
• Tips and gratuities
• Wifi access

Pricing is per person twin share and based on travel 08-23 January 2025

Cruise Itinerary:

Day 1: Depart Makassar

From your charter flight from Darwin, board Coral Geographer at Makassar Port at 5:00pm where there is time to settle into your cabin before departure.

Take the time to become acquainted with all the facilities onboard as you spend the evening getting to know your fellow travellers. Enjoy Captains Welcome drinks and the first of many delicious dinners.

Tana Beru, Indonesia

Traditionally, wooden Phinisi ships have been crafted by the Bugis boat-builders on the beach at Tana Beru since the 14th century. The ancient technique, which uses no nails, has been handed down through generations. Hear the seafaring tales of the boat builders and climb into a Phinisi ship to admire its size and the craftsmanship of the boat-builders.

Tana Toraja, Indonesia

An overland journey takes us into the highlands of Sulawesi to the remarkable Tana Toraja, where you will witness stunning limestone mountains and the ancient culture and traditions of the Torajan people. Visit the Tongkonan houses at Marante, the stone graves with Tau-tau effigies at Lemo and the hanging burial sites of Bori Parinding. See the Torajan market and explore Kete Kesu, a 400-year-old village high in the mountains. Stay overnight and enjoy local music and dancing.

Sagori, Indonesia

The small island of Sagori measures just 1.5km long and around 90m wide and is home to the seafaring masters the Bajau and Bugis people. Explore the marine diversity that surrounds the island ahead of learning more about the unique local way of life. The surrounding white sandy beaches as well as several shipwrecks make it appealing for beach walking, swimming, snorkelling, or scuba diving.

Takabonarate National Marine Park, Indonesia

Be welcomed at Tinabo Island with a dance performance before a guided tour through the village. Enjoy music and craft demonstrations and insights into the local cottage industries of coconut oil, fishing nets and boat building. At Tinabo Besar, visitors are encouraged to help with conservation programs of tree planting under the guidance of National Park staff, before snorkelling in the pristine waters.

Jailamu Island, Indonesia

An idyllic location for beachcombing, kayaking, swimming and snorkelling. Turtles often beach on this shoreline giving an opportunity to spot nests and learn more about their lifecycle from expert Guest Lecturers.

Komodo Island & Pink Beach, Indonesia

Take a walk with local rangers to spot the Komodo Dragon and visit a local village. You will learn of the legends of the Komodo Dragons and their mythological significance to peoples of these islands. Later, enjoy a stroll along the dusky pink sands of Pink Beach and swim or snorkel in the clear water.

Padar Island, Indonesia

A climb to the peak of Padar Island offers a chance to stretch your legs and be rewarded with a mesmerizing panoramic view over the island’s rugged peaks, beaches and vast blue sea. Alternatively, explore the island up close by Xplorer cruise.

Kelimutu Crater Lakes, Indonesia

From the coastal town of Ende, travel a scenic road up to Kelimutu. On the way, meet the Sisters of the Saint Francis Order over morning tea to learn about their social work within the local community. Arrive at the spectacular tricoloured Crater Lakes, where we may throw stones into the lakes for good luck. Later, enjoy lunch at Kelimutu Eco Lodge accompanied by the traditional music of Flores.

Lamalera Village, Indonesia

Lamalera is one of the last traditional whaling villages, where an ancient hunting tradition continues to provide for the subsistence lifestyle of this village. The small island of Sogori measures just 1.5km long and around 90m wide and is home to the seafaring masters the Bajau and Bugis people. Explore the marine diversity that surrounds the island ahead of learning more about the unique local way of life. Observe hunting and Ikat weaving demonstrations, with opportunities to purchase exquisite hand-woven cloth directly from the weavers.

Alor Island, Indonesia

Small, rugged Alor Island is home to around 140,000 people speaking 50 different languages. Visit the open-air Kadelang Market, the Museum of 1000 Moko and a traditional village, where you will be warmly welcomed. Witness the ceremonial Lego Lego dance in which ladies dressed in handwoven textiles and bronze bangles form a tightly-knit circle and dance rhythmically to gongs and Moko drums.

Tablolong Bay, West Timor

Arrive at Tablolong Bay, and listen to the bright, harp like sounds produced by the traditional Sasando instrument with a beachside performance. Later, there is an opportunity to swim or snorkel.

At Sea

Enjoy a peaceful day at sea as we make our way to Darwin. Partake in onboard activities including workshops and lecturers from our special guests and Expedition Team.

DAY 15: Arrive Darwin

Arrive and disembark at Darwin’s Fort Hill Wharf. Post cruise transfers to CBD hotels or the airport are included. If you’re not transferring directly to the airport why not spend the day enjoying the tropical city of Darwin with its landscaped waterfront and harbourside Wave Pool.

Prices listed are per person in AUD, based on twin occupancy, including all discounts unless otherwise stated. The offer is subject to availability at time of booking and shown on the lowest category available at the time.  Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice. Prices/Offers are correct as at 20-09-2024 and can be withdrawn without notice.   Cabin categories include prepaid government fees and port taxes unless otherwise stated.  Hotels may charge resort fees not included in this package, payable direct upon check in. Visas are not included.  Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge.