Sulawesi Circumnavigation

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.

Charter Flight: An optional pre-cruise charter flight from Darwin to Makassar will be available (at an additional cost of approximately $1,250).

We arrive at the tranquil Balabalagan Islands and enjoy a leisurely day of swimming, snorkelling, diving and relaxation on the palm fringed sands of this picturesque destination.

From Balikpapan, journey to the Samboja Lestari Rainforest and the Sun Bear sanctuary to encounter the endangered species. The adjoining Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation rehabilitates orphaned and injured orangutans before releasing them into the wilds of the surrounding rainforest and we will visit the conservation centre to see these iconic primates.

Explore Samarinda with a visit to the Grand Mosque and strolling through the Cita Niaga street market to shop for traditional crafts and local food. With 2 days to explore, we may enjoy an Xplorer cruise upriver for a deeper exploration into this remote province.

From Samarinda we will make our way to Pampang to be welcomed by the traditional dance of the Dayak Kenyah tribe and visit the ancestral Lamin Longhouses. Enjoy a guided walk to gain a deeper understanding of the life and history of the Dayak people.

Explore famed Toli Toli, known as the ‘city of cloves’. Many spices are cultivated in the hills, while the coast is lined with stilt houses where fishermen ply their trade. Ride through the fisherman’s village in becaks to the Rumah Adat to enjoy the Maragai and Mamanuk Tau Panau dances. A walk through the village passes the tombs of Toli Toli kings and the historic mosque.

In true expedition style, we will let the winds and the tides guide us to explore the picturesque island chain of the Saronde region with options for snorkelling and beachside adventures.

Bunaken Marine Park is world renowned for its incredible diversity of marine life and is a must-see underwater destination for snorkellers and divers. The remarkable water clarity and precipitous walls of coral create an otherworldly diving or snorkelling experience.

Lembeh Strait is another spectacular underwater world, where you may spend a whole day exploring in search of the fascinating marine life that dwell in this marine sanctuary. There is also an opportunity to visit Kangkoko National Park where we may walk through the forest in search of Sulawesi’s endemic wildlife including threatened species, Celebes crested macaque, Sulawesi bear cuscus and Sulawesi dwarf cuscus.

At the remote city of Gorontalo, enjoy local cultural performances and a guided forest walk, before spending the afternoon swimming and kayaking in the sheltered waters of the harbour. If nature permits, there may be an opportunity to swim with the gentle whale sharks.

Arrive at the beautiful Togean Islands, home to the Bajau people who live in stilt houses built above the turquoise sea. The welcoming tribe will share their unique lifestyle with us. Swim or kayak in the pristine waters and swim with thousands of tiny harmless Amaranth jellyfish in Mariona Lake – an unforgettable and ethereal encounter.

The famous and endangered Banggai cardinalfish is a striking species not much bigger than a matchbox and recognisable by its vertical black stripes. They are endemic to the Banggai Archipelago and we hope to spot these elegant fish while snorkelling and diving around the islands.

Often compared to Raja Ampat for its geographical similarities, Labengki Island is surrounded by picturesque islets, covered in forest and colourful orchids. White-sand beaches shaded by palm trees are our base to enjoy water activities such as snorkelling over giant clams, kayaking around the lagoon and visiting the local village.

In the heart of the coral triangle, Wakatobi is part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves with extraordinary numbers of coral species, fish, whales, dolphin and turtle populations and some of the largest reef systems in the East Indies. Enjoy water activities and a cultural visit to Liya Village.

Be welcomed to the historical centre of the Buton Kingdom by a traditional dance performance, before being whisked away in local petepete transport to tour the island. Visit a traditional market, a fisherman’s village, the Buton Fortress, Kraton (palace) and Wolio Cultural Centre.

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.

Coral Geographer arrives in Makassar at 7:00am. Farewell your Master, crew and fellow explorers with disembarkation at 8:00am. An optional charter flight to Darwin will be available.

Charter Flight: An optional post-cruise charter flight from Makassar to Darwin will be available (at an additional cost of approximately $1,250).