DESCRIPTION:

Indonesia’s islands, 17,000 at last count, are strewn across the Pacific. Rainforests, rice fields, ancient monuments, prolific wildlife, and over 300 distinct traditional cultures compose the vast archipelago and make wondrous destinations for exploration. This journey captures the essence of this diverse land in an artful synthesis, on a journey from Bali and its outlying islands to Java and Kalimantan (Indonesian Borneo).

 

A highlight of this trip is the six nights spent aboard a beautiful a 125-foot wooden schooner. The ship allows explorations of the islands of Komodo National Park as well as the less visited islands of Sumba, Flores, and Moyo in uncompromising comfort and style.

 

Exploring this area by ship allows access to the most interesting, remote areas in uncompromising comfort and style. While cruising the Nusa Tenggara, visit a wonderful variety of uninhabited and inhabited islands, enjoy safari-style wildlife walks, visits to local villages and markets, and spend time swimming and snorkeling amongst some of the most beautiful coral reef systems in Asia. Venture on game walks for giant Komodo lizards, wild pigs, feral horses, and more. Explore the town of Flores and its large cave system and snorkel in waters frequented by whale sharks and dolphin pods.

 

On magical Bali, walk through Ubud’s terraced green fields, small villages, and Hindu temples. Learn about art, mask making, gamelan music and Kecak dance, wander through the Monkey Forest, and visit a butterfly park. On Java, tour Borobudur, the world’s largest Buddhist monument, predating Angkor Wat by some 300 years. Tour Jogjakarta’s Sultan’s Palace, crafts markets, and artists’ studios.

 

In Kalimantan, cruise up the Senoyer River, under thick forest canopy, to Tanjung Putung National Park, a rehabilitation and research center for formerly captive orangutans. Spend several days here visiting three sites that conduct research and supplemental feedings for ex-captive orangutans. These are sublime settings for seeing endangered orangutans up close and possibly even in the wild. Traverse jungle tributaries surrounded by proboscis monkeys, long-tailed macaques, silver leaf monkeys, and hornbills.

 

This comprehensive journey intimately presents Indonesia’s highly varied culture and biodiversity in an unusual and superb itinerary.

 

CONSIDER:

This trip can focus on topics such as natural history, culture, the arts, history, religion, or any combination of these. Also, the schooner, although not luxurious, has 14 air-conditioned which cabins feature en suite bathrooms and either one double bed or two twin beds.

 

OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS & ADD-ONS:

Please inquire.

BEST TIME TO TRAVEL:

Generally, May through October are the driest months, although this cannot always be predicted.