In the Wake of the Makassans

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.