Island Empires & Ancient Mariners
Komodo, Sulawesi, Ende and Padar

Embark Darwin: Arrive at Darwin Fort Hill Wharf for your 6:30am embarkation.

Embark Makassar: Arrive at Makassar Port for your 4:00pm embarkation.

Take the time to become acquainted with all the facilities onboard as you spend the evening getting to know your fellow travellers. Enjoy Captain’s Welcome drinks and the first of many delicious dinners. This is an indicative itinerary covering remote areas. Your Expedition Team will make changes to the daily schedule as necessary to maximise guest experience.

Spend today relaxing onboard, listen and learn from our Guest Lecturer presentations, or enjoy an engine room or bridge tour.

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.

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

Lamalera is one of the last traditional whaling villages, where an ancient hunting tradition continues to support the subsistence lifestyle of this rarely visited village. The villagers will welcome you 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.

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. Travel by bus to Kelimutu Crater Headquarters, walk 1.5km to the viewpoint, and enjoy a regional lunch at an eco-resort.

This morning, take on a 4km return climb to Padar Island’s peak for sweeping views of rugged mountains, pristine beaches, and the surrounding blue seas, with plenty of scenic stops along the way. Alternatively, explore the island by Xplorer cruise or enjoy snorkelling and diving.

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

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.

Enjoy a peaceful day at sea as we make our way to Palopo Port, the gateway to Tana Toraja. Participate in onboard activities, including workshops and lectures led by our special guests and Expedition Team.

Travel overland for 3.5 hours into Sulawesi’s highlands to Tana Toraja, renowned for its striking limestone landscapes and rich Torajan culture. Visit the traditional Tongkonan houses in Marante, the stone graves and Tau-tau effigies at Lemo, and the hanging burial sites of Bori Parinding. Explore the bustling Torajan market and the 400-year-old mountain village of Kete Kesu, then stay overnight in a local hotel, savouring traditional cuisine accompanied by local music and dance.

The small island of Sogori is home to the Bajau and Bugis people where they will welcome us to explore their village and daily life. The surrounding white sandy beaches, as well as several shipwrecks, make it perfect for beach walking, swimming, snorkelling or scuba diving.

Traditionally, wooden Phinisi ships have been crafted by 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.

Disembark Makassar: Makassar Port at 8:00am.

Disembark Darwin: Fort Hill Wharf at 8:00am. 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.