Day 1 - Thursday - May 9, 2024
Arrive in Bali and transfer to your hotel. Meet your fellow travelers this evening at a welcome reception.
Day 2 - Friday - May 10, 2024
This morning, we check out of the hotel and head off into the countryside and the artists' town of Ubud-famous for silverwork, wood carving, and batik. As we wind our way up into the hills, we pass exquisite Hindu temples, lush forests, small villages, and the terraced rice fields cut into the cliffs. From water buffalo, to ducks, to harvest, learn how all the pieces of rice production flow together and nothing is wasted. Following lunch, and free time to wander through the galleries in Ubud, we head back to Benoa where we embark National Geographic Orion.
Day 3 - Saturday - May 11, 2024
| Satonda Island, Indonesia |
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Our first stop is the uninhabited Indonesian island of Satonda-a small circular island that is an ancient volcanic cone. Spend the morning snorkeling or diving the vibrant reefs or hike inland to the island's sacred lake. This afternoon, visit the island of Sumbawa, where villagers welcome us with a lively cultural display.
Day 4 - Sunday - May 12, 2024
Explore Komodo National Park, home to the world's largest living lizard-the Komodo dragon. Learn about the conservation of these prehistoric giants from park rangers, who will join us on a hike to spot the lizards in their natural habitat. Then, enjoy an afternoon of swimming, snorkeling, or beachcombing at Pink Beach, named for the soft pink hue that arises from the blending of red coral fragments and white sand.
Day 5 - Monday - May 13, 2024
Flores was once an important Portuguese trading center for sandalwood. Known for producing some of the finest ikat weaving in the world, we meet the people of this arid island at the weaving village of Watublapi. Whereas many other local weaving communities switched to industrially spun yarn and chemical dyes for the sake of saving time and money, the weavers of Watublapi still use the traditional, handspun yarn made out of local cotton, as well as local natural dyes. We also see a cultural dance presentation.
Day 6 - Tuesday - May 14, 2024
Day 7 - Wednesday - May 15, 2024
Sail into the Moluccas archipelago, also known as Maluku or the Spice Islands. In the heart of the Moluccas lay the Banda Islands, where a kora kora, or traditional war canoe, escorts us to the enchanted isle of Banda Neira. Banda Neira was once the center of the Spice Island trade and a hub of the Dutch East India Company. Stroll past Dutch architecture and visit Fort Belgica, built to protect the profitable spice trade. Next to Bandanaira, the near perfect conical volcano of Banda Api is visible, quietly steaming away, and the crystal-clear waters provide us with some great swimming and snorkeling.
Day 8 - Thursday - May 16, 2024
Snorkel and dive one of the richest and most intricate marine regions in the world. Explore the steep coral walls and drop-offs that are brimming with amazing life: colorful corals, giant clams, and literally hundreds of different fish species. Above sea level, the experiences are just as amazing, with lush islands, towering limestone pinnacles jutting out of the water, and hidden white-sand coves to discover by Zodiac or kayak. Birders may join a predawn nature walk to try to catch a glimpse of the ethereal red bird-of-paradise.
Day 9 - Friday - May 17, 2024
Day 10 - Saturday - May 18, 2024
Soaring mountains, pristine rainforest, and dozens of the most ancient, primal tribes on the planet can be found in this amazing section of Indonesia. Use Zodiacs to get up close to 20,000-year-old rock art near the fishing village of Kokas. Explore the fascinating skull caves and rock art of the Macassan culture. See the remains of the secret underground Japanese bunkers built here during World War II. Witness the traditional gaba-gaba, or stick dance, and learn about the myriad cultures that have passed through this region.
Day 11 - Sunday - May 19, 2024
Day 12 - Monday - May 20, 2024
| Asmat District, Indonesia |
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Arrive in the enchanting Asmat region, which spreads across mud flats and mangrove forests, with raised wooden boardwalks linking one village to the next. Elaborately painted "warriors" escort us to one of the stilt villages on shore, where we attend a fascinating welcome ceremony. Our subsequent exploration is dictated by the tides, as we venture to neighboring villages by Zodiac and encounter the ancient culture of the Asmat people, who are renowned for their wood carving.
Day 13 - Tuesday - May 21, 2024
| Asmat District, Indonesia |
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Day 14 - Wednesday - May 22, 2024
Day 15 - Thursday - May 23, 2024
| Cruising the Torres Strait |
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Day 16 - Friday - May 24, 2024
| Gulf of Papua, Papua New Guinea |
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We leave the Asmat region and sail through the Aru and Arafura seas. During the last ice age, when sea levels were over 100 meters lower than they are today, this region was a land bridge between Australia and New Guinea. We transit the shallow, island-strewn Torres Strait, which separates Australia from New Guinea, to enter the Gulf of Papua. We explore the coast and scattered islands looking for that perfect place to spend some time on a deserted beach or snorkel through a reef bursting with color and life.
Day 17 - Saturday - May 25, 2024
| Samarai Island, Papua New Guinea |
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Day 18 - Sunday - May 26, 2024
It is hard to imagine today that Samarai Island was once a bustling trading port and the second-largest city in Papua New Guinea. The town was evacuated at the onset of the Pacific War and many of its buildings deliberately destroyed. When the war ended, Samarai never regained its earlier importance. Life here today is much slower paced, and we have a chance to meet and be greeted by the town's residents. As we depart, be sure to be out on deck as the ship cruises through the beautiful neighboring islands.
Day 19 - Monday - May 27, 2024
Our expedition concludes in Honiara, a former U.S. supply depot and a strategic World War II battleground. Tour around the outskirts of the city to see sites well known from the Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942-1943. Visit the hills above Honiara, where some of the fiercest battles took place. Then, transfer to the airport for flights to Nadi where we overnight at a local hotel. Breakfast and lunch are included today. Dinner is on your own.
Day 20 - Tuesday - May 28, 2024
Transfer this morning to the airport for your flight home. Depart after 7 am local time.
