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Torajaland - Darwin to Makassar

In the Wake of the Makassans

Departs Darwin & Makassar14 nightsAll InclusiveFrom $14,120.00* PP

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.

We invite you to embark on your own journey through the straits of the East Indies to Makassar on this 14-night voyage aboard Coral Geographer. Explore lesser-visited islands home to traditional seafaring traditions and rich cultural practices including at Alor and Torajaland. 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.

  • Special Event: Meet the people of Torajaland, high up in the mountains of Sulawesi, and encounter their astonishing cultural traditions and funeral rituals
  • Explore 17th century Fort Rotterdam in Makassar, which now houses museums and cultural wonders
  • Walk in the tracks of the endangered Komodo Dragons and spot this iconic monitor lizard in the wild with local guides
  • Meet the beachside boatbuilders of Tana Beru and admire the skillful construction of Phinisi ships
  • Explore the turquoise waters and tiny islands of Takabonarate Marine Park
  • Meet the Abui people of Alor Island and watch the Lego Lego dance in their traditional village
  • On Padar Island, hike to the summit to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views
  • Gaze out over the tri-coloured crater lakes of Kelimutu National Park

 

In partnership with Australian Geographic Society, our 23 April 2024 departure will be joined by Liz Ginis.


Itinerary

Coral-Expeditions---In-The-Wake-Of-The-Makassans---Darwin-to-Makassar---14-Nights

The following itinerary shows departing Darwin and arriving Makassar. For the opposite direction, the itinerary is in reverse. 

Darwin Port

Darwin Departure: Arrive at Darwin Fort Hill Wharf at 8:30am, where there is time to settle into your stateroom before our departure.

Makassar Departure: From your optional 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 day getting to know your fellow travellers. Enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Drinks before the first of many delicious dinners.

Passages-At-Sea-Lady-Drinking-Tea

Enjoy a peaceful day at sea as we make our way towards Tablolong Bay, where our first adventure of this journey awaits. Partake in onboard activities including workshops and lecturers from our special guests and Expedition Team.

Tablolong Bay

Arrive at Tablolong Bay, Kupang 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.

Alor Island

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.

Lamalera, East Indies

Lamalera is one of the last traditional whaling villages, where an ancient hunting tradition continues to provide for the subsistence lifestyle of this rarely-visited village. The villagers will welcome you and share their way of life, which follows ancient beliefs and uses traditional tools and methods. Observe hunting and Ikat weaving demonstrations, with opportunities to purchase the exquisite hand-woven cloth directly from the weavers.

Kelimutu National Park Crater Lakes

From the coastal town of Ende, travel a beautiful road up to Kelimutu. On the way, stop at a orphanage, where you will meet the nuns and orphans and share refreshments. 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.

Padar, East Indies

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.

Komodo Dragon

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 why villagers treat them with kindness. Later, enjoy a stroll along the dusky pink sands of Pink Beach and swim or snorkel in the clear water.

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 or coral transplanting under the guidance of National Park staff, before snorkelling in the pristine waters.

Sogori

The small island of Sogori is home to the Bajau and Bugis people. The surrounding white sandy beaches as well as several shipwrecks make it appealing for beach walking, swimming, snorkelling or scuba diving.

Toraja land

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. At a Torajan market, see where buffalo and pigs are purchased for funerals, and explore Kete Kesu, a 400-year-old village high in the mountains. Stay overnight and enjoy local music and dancing.

Phinisi Tana Beru

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.

Makassar

Makassar Arrival: at 7:00am. Farewell your Master, crew and fellow guests with disembarkation at 8:30am. An optional charter flight to Darwin will be available.

Darwin Arrival: 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.

We offer an optional direct charter flight connecting guests with ease between Darwin and Makassar.

The fare is estimated at $1,900 per person one way for this direct flight of approx. 2 hour duration. This flight is underwritten by Coral Expeditions for your convenience and the price we charge covers the costs of this service with no profit on our side.

To book this fare we will require your confirmation 90 days prior to voyage departure and we will invoice you with your final cruise payments. Please contact our reservations team on 07 4040 9999 or email [email protected] to book.

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. 



Fares & Availability

Bridge Deck Suites

Private Balcony - 37.5m2

5 Available

Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom

Private Balcony - 21.4m2

14 Available

Promenade Deck Stateroom

Picture Window - 17m2

11 Available

Coral Deck Stateroom

Porthole Window - 17m2

6 Available
Book this Departure

Bridge Deck Suites

Private Balcony - 37.5m2

2 Available

Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom

Private Balcony - 21.4m2

17 Available

Promenade Deck Stateroom

Picture Window - 17m2

9 Available

Coral Deck Stateroom

Porthole Window - 17m2

1 Available
Book this Departure

Bridge Deck Suites

Private Balcony - 37.5m2

6 Available

Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom

Private Balcony - 21.4m2

25 Available

Promenade Deck Stateroom

Picture Window - 17m2

12 Available

Coral Deck Stateroom

Porthole Window - 17m2

9 Available
Book this Departure

Prices are per person twin share, listed in Australian Dollars (AUD).  Booking Terms & Conditions >
For solo traveller rates see our Solo Traveller Program


Additional Information

Inclusions:

  • All excursions with our Expedition Team
  • Use of Xplorer, Zodiacs and Kayaks
  • Snorkelling & 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, ports, traditional owner fees and charges imposed by governing authorities
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Use of all onboard facilities, incl. a reference library
  • Your expedition photos captured during the voyage
  • Post-cruise transfers (in most destinations)
  • Wifi Access – Standard speed connectivity enabling email, social image sharing, web browsing and messaging

Not Included:

  • Pre-cruise transfers
  • Pre and post cruise flights/charter flights
  • Pre and post cruise accommodation
  • Travel Insurance
  • SCUBA Diving (view Scuba diving rates)
  • Entry visas & travel permits for the country you are travelling to/from
  • Alcoholic drinks (including beer and wine) outside of lunch and dinner service
  • Laundry service (available at a cost)
  • Items of a personal nature such souvenir purchases
  • Optional Extras (in some destinations)

OTHER INFORMATION

Coral Geographer, the newest addition to our fleet, carries a maximum of 120 guests, delivering Coral Expeditions’ renowned warm Australian hospitality, intimate onboard atmosphere, and world-class expedition experience. More About Coral Geographer >

Travel Insurance is not included in your cruise fare. We highly recommend all guests to obtain comprehensive travel insurance with remote area evacuation coverage. Please refer to our Pre-Cruise Checklist page for facts that should be considered and shared when speaking with Travel Insurance suppliers regarding travel insurance.

At Coral Expeditions dining is a celebration of great food and good company enjoyed in extraordinary destinations. People and place are key to enjoyable dining experiences, where food becomes the vehicle for conversation and creating memorable occasions.

We now offer two wine selections that guests may purchase in addition to our new house selection of wines. These packages showcase contemporary choices of Australian wines and French Champagne. More About Cuisine & Wine >

  • A Taste of Australia Selection | 6 Bottles | $280.00
  • Connoisseur Selection | 6 Bottles | $400.00

Our Cruise Collection Merchandise including expedition gear is also available for purchase in our onboard gift shop. View our Cruise Collection here >

When it comes time for the exciting time of packing for your cruise, our packing lists are available to assist you. More specific information regarding weather conditions in your destination will be included in your Cruise Documentation which you will receive prior to your cruise.

The Islands of Indonesia packing list will be featured here shortly.

There are several walking options available on this departure, mostly through villages and at a leisurely pace, although there will be some longer walk options on offer.

An alternative excursion will always be offered in place of higher impact walks. The Expedition Team will advise walking conditions and requirements prior to each excursion. Should you have any physical limitations or mobility issues, please notify our reservations team in advance prior to your departure.

There will be multiple swimming/snorkelling opportunities on this itinerary at Tablolong Bay, Komodo Island, Takabonarate Marine Park, Sogori and more (subject to weather conditions). These opportunities are a guide and not all are guaranteed.

Scuba diving is not offered on this itinerary.

Please ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity from the time the expedition commences, and two blank pages. Please email a scanned colour copy of your passport identification page to our team at [email protected] no later than 45 days prior to your departure.

Important: Please bring your physical passport with you on all international departures.

The travel advice information below is for Australian guests only. If you are an non-Australian passport holder travelling on these departures, please contact your relevant government department, embassy or your travel agent for applicable information.
Travelling guests are fully responsible for arranging their own health and visa requirements to travel abroad. Further information will be provided closer to departure.

Sorong Post Cruise Transfer: We offer an optional direct charter flight connecting guests with ease between Sorong and Darwin at a cost.

Darwin Post Cruise Transfer: A complimentary transfer is provided to CBD hotels or the airport. We recommend allowing sufficient time to arrive for your flight in the event of any delays in disembarkation. 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.

Travelling guests are fully responsible for arranging their own health and visa requirements to travel abroad.  We recommend referring to the Smart Traveller website for Indonesia here. Please see your doctor or travel clinic to plan any vaccinations you may need at least 8 weeks before you leave.

We do not have currency exchange onboard. Guests are advised to exchange money into local currency prior to departure from their home port. Currency exchange and eftpos style point of sale is increasingly available in the regions we visit. We recommend carrying small denominations.

Indonesia: Rupiah

We want to ensure that your journey with us is smooth and hassle-free. To help you prepare for your cruise, refer to our Pre-Cruise Checklist for more detailed information on the milestones leading up to your voyage.

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