Now Extended: End-of-Year Savings: 25% Off All 2023 Departures
Book August 14 - September 29, 2023. Save 25% on the cabin fare when booking any Category 1 cabin, including solo cabins, or Category SU on National Geographic Islander II, for departures in 2023 when you pay in full at time of booking. Valid for new bookings only, based on availability at time of booking, cannot be combined with other offers, and is not applicable on airfare or extensions. To qualify for the discount, non-refundable payment in full is due at the time of booking. Call for details.
A Region Lost to Time & Enveloped in Lore
Indonesia and Papua New Guinea are true paradises both on earth and below the surface of their pristine waters. Sail through channels dotted with small, uninhabited islands, and hop into Zodiacs or kayaks to have white-sand beaches to yourself. Dive or snorkel among vibrant marine life from Raja Ampat to Bunaken Marine Reserve, and spot Komodo dragons, orangutans, and red birds of paradise in their natural habitats.
Heartily welcomed by friendly villagers, discover life in rarely explored places full of ancient rituals and traditional art. Add in the cosmopolitan delights of Singapore and Bali and the pull of this far-flung, diverse region becomes impossible to ignore.
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(5) Indonesia & Papua New Guinea Itineraries
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NOTE: For expeditions departing April 2024 onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins. Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged. More details.
NOTE: For expeditions departing April 2024 onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins. Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged.
Aug
Sep
From
$14,360
Prices are per person
Highlights
Indonesia & Papua New Guinea
Jewels of the Java Sea: An Exploration Between Bali and Singapore
Duration
13 days
NOTE: For expeditions departing April 2024 onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins. Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged.
Aug
Sep
From
$14,360
Top Highlights
Experience the innovative melting pot that is Singapore–a spectacular blend of cultures, innovation, and beauty
Swim and snorkel the coral reefs off the pristine, uninhabited isles of the Natuna and Anambas archipelagos
Be awestruck at the grandeur and sheer size of Borobudur Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site
Explore the jungles of West Bali Barat National Park and Menjangan Island–be on the lookout for the colorful Javan banded pitta, the Bali myna, and the native barking deer
New
Journey through Southeast Asia: Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia
Duration
11 days
Aug
From
$13,940
Top Highlights
Experience the innovative melting pot that is Singapore—a spectacular blend of cultures, innovation, and beauty
Explore Malaysia's fascinating and colorful UNESCO Historical Cities: Malacca and Penang’s Georgetown
Be on the lookout for the gentle giants of Sumatra—orangutans—as we traverse the lush rainforest of Gunung Leuser National Park, part of the Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Immerse yourself in the earthy aromas and fresh ingredients used in some of the best local food in Asia, and cast your own vote on who has the tastiest chicken rice in Penang
Snorkel, dive, and kayak along reefs teeming with brightly colored fish, reef sharks, and spectacular corals; explore pristine white sand beaches and mangroves—all found on the picturesque islands of the Andaman Sea
NOTE: For expeditions departing April 2024 onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins. Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged.
May
Jun
Jul
From
$16,577
Prices are per person
Highlights
Australia and New Zealand
Indonesia & Papua New Guinea
Kimberley Expedition: Northwest Australia & Indonesia
Duration
18 days
NOTE: For expeditions departing April 2024 onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins. Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged.
May
Jun
Jul
From
$16,577
Top Highlights
Zodiac up the King George River to explore it at water level and experience its towering red rock canyon walls.
Zodiacs land virtually anywhere and take you up close to the unique wildlife in this Region -- see crocodiles, migrating humpback whales, and endearing wallabies.
Visit the world-renowned Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to go in search of the legendary Komodo dragon.
Snorkel and dive remote reefs with galaxies of colorful fish in Indonesia and pristine Rowley Shoals in Australia.
New
Wonders of the Western Pacific: Orangutans, Sun Bears & the Coral Triangle
Duration
14 days
Oct
From
$11,168
Top Highlights
Spend time in the company of the reclusive sun bear—the smallest of the bear family—and the gentle giants of Borneo: orangutans.
Explore the winding streets of Saigon and its eclectic blend of modern skyscrapers, Buddhist temples and bustling markets
Attend onboard lectures where our staff share their knowledge of this fascinating and diverse region. They share stories of the diverse island cultures that thrive on many of the small islands and the lengths the countries have gone to protect the natural world
Hike to the center of Eil Malk Island in Palau where you’ll be rewarded with the beauty of Jellyfish Lake and a serene swim with hundreds of jellyfish who have lost their ability to sting
Take advantage of the National Geographic Resolution’s state-of-the-art amenities, from wellness programs and spa treatments to gourmet dining options and wine tastings
Discover fascinating island nations teeming with incredible wildlife and home to welcoming cultures—many that continue to live close to their ancestral traditions. Sail along the wild coasts learning about the European history of trading and how the wars of far-flung nations were fought over these islands. Spend time relaxing on pristine beaches, dive in and explore the vibrant undersea, and see some of the planet’s most unique bird species.
It is a privilege to visit the far-flung and pristine islands of Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, a richly diverse and culturally fascinating geography. And to the privilege of cruising in this region, National Geographic Orion adds the luxury of comfort—a quality of shipboard life and a philosophy of wellness designed to relax and revitalize body, mind, and spirit.
An Impactful Return to the Asmat Region
It has been years since any ships have visited the remarkably remote Asmat villages of West Papua, Indonesia. Recently, National Geographic Orion returned to the region and our guests were welcomed with the most jubilant celebration.
Raja Ampat: The Epicenter of Coral Diversity
Learn more about what makes National Geographic Orion a unique home base for undersea exploration in Indonesia's most spectacular reef system.
A Return to Indonesia: Immersive Adventures, Remote Discoveries
Next year we’re returning to Indonesia, the world’s most expansive archipelago, with a compelling array of new offerings. See what awaits in this earthly paradise.
On Indonesia’s Lesser Sunda Islands, the Komodo dragon is king. These remarkable predators live up to their legend, eating any and all other animals (wild boar, deer, snakes, birds, goats, even smaller dragons!) that share their tropical domain.
Venturing to The Asmat of Papua New Guinea with the Consummate Guide
Explorer, anthropologist, filmmaker, author, and public speaker Dr. Lawrence Blair, known for the Emmy-winning BBC/PBS series Ring of Fire, will join guests on Lindblad's new expedition to Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.
Photographers David Doubilet and Jennifer Hayes have explored this marine paradise numerous times, and one thing they’ve learned is to always expect the unexpected.
Only in Indonesia & Papua New Guinea: 5 Unique Discoveries
The isolation of Indonesia and Papua New Guinea has allowed for the evolution of extraordinary avian and aquatic life, while at the same time preserving unique cultural monuments and indigenous arts. These compelling elements all come together to create a travel experience like nowhere else in the world.
The largest Buddhist monument in the world, Borobudur Temple rises towards the heavens from a Javanese hilltop. This complex feat of architecture is an absolute must-see for any traveler to Indonesia.
It’s great to just wander around the island villages where the people are so welcoming and friendly and take time to show us their way of life.
Terrence C
Adventure with seasoned expedition teams
Explore with top expedition teams
Expedition Leader
Veteran expedition leaders are the orchestrators of your experience. Many have advanced degrees and have conducted research or taught for years. They have achieved expedition leader status because they possess the skills, experience, and the depth of knowledge necessary to continually craft the best expedition possible for our guests.
Undersea specialists are your eyes on the world that lies beneath the waves. Using an array of tools including a high-definition camera, our Cousteau-like undersea specialist dives frequently during the voyage to show you strikingly clear images of the seldom-seen world beneath the ship.
Every expedition aboard a ship in our National Geographic-flagged fleet offers an exclusive service—a Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor. This naturalist is specially trained to offer assistance with camera settings, the basics of composition, and to help you become a better, more confident photographer.
It is my fervent hope that I can convince you to one day come here, if you have not yet. There is so much beauty and wonder, both naturally and culturally.
On a calm, tropical morning, National Geographic Orion anchored off the coast of Pulau Belitung, an island in the Java Sea off the east coast of Sumatra. By Zodiac, we landed at the beautiful beach of Tanjung Kelayang to a warm welcome with a dance performance by members of the local community. The beach is very photogenic with many colorful longboats anchored beside the white sand. Under cover and protected from the hot morning sun, we were entertained by the reenactment of a traditional Indonesian marriage ceremony, complete with the requisite gift giving and financial negotiations between the families before the union could be completed! Before heading back to the ship for lunch, guests enjoyed snorkeling around the spectacular granite boulders in the area, which is formally recognized as a UNESCO geopark.
On the final expedition morning of our voyage from Bali to Singapore we absorbed as much sun, sand, and sea as possible at our exquisite island location in the Anambas archipelago. Pulau Lintang is a small, uninhabited island within this group between Malaysia and the island of Borneo. This group of islands consists mostly of weathered granite rocks and associated sediments; it was formed at least 60 million years ago, deep within the Sunda shelf. The vast patch of coral reef stretching out from our beach base provided many delights for those keen to snorkel the waters and explore. We found a variety of marine life, including small blacktip reef sharks, moray eels, and curious damselfish guarding their algae gardens.
After a hearty helping of fresh blueberry pancakes, we continued our northward journey to the Badas Islands. With a few hours at sea we had the opportunity to hear from our naturalist team about some of the creatures that make this archipelago so unique. Erin O’Brien brought the magnificent Komodo dragon to life, telling us a little more about this gargantuan King of the Lizards. Phil Chaon, one of our newest naturalists, followed this with an explanation of Wallace’s Line, a now invisible barrier that divides the faunas of Asia and Australia. In the early afternoon we arrived at Pulau Mentebung — a slice of paradise that you could skip a stone across with a strong arm. We were not the first to arrive on the beach that day, as a set of tracks revealed that a hawksbill sea turtle had recently ventured up the beach to lay eggs. Unlike many of our recent arrivals, we were not met with fanfare but with a relaxed and warm hello as we strolled into the village during the languid hours of mid-afternoon. The 100 or so residents of Mentebung showed us around the brightly colored town, under the shade of coconut palms and beach almonds. Our shipboard photo experts, Dan Westergren and Fiona Wardle, gave us some valuable photo tips and helped us capture this idyllic afternoon. On the beach we were treated to some of the finest snorkeling and most stunning reefs of our trip. We swam among neon blue corals and a kaleidoscopic array of tropical fish; time slipped away as we shared the beautiful waters with the friendly residents of the Badas Islands. After working up an appetite on shore, we enjoyed a gourmet seven-course meal back on the ship.
As we sailed towards Pulau Belitung this morning, we enjoyed some lectures on board. National Geographic photographer Dan Westergren spoke about his work and connecting with people he meets while on assignment; undersea specialist Rory Mulloy shared information on mangrove ecology and the challenges facing restoration. After lunch we arrived and were greeted with an overwhelming welcome by the people of Tanjung Kelayang, on Belitung Island. Everywhere we have visited on this trip through Indonesia, the people have greeted us with extraordinary openness and genuine hospitality. This time our welcome was exceptional, and many of us were left speechless. There were choreographed dances and rehearsed performances, all set to the hypnotic drum beat that has become synonymous with our time ashore here. Afterward we were presented with an array of local treats to enjoy. After enjoying the welcome and showing appreciation for the kindness of the local community, we cooled off with a swim in the clear waters, chasing fish amongst the patches of coral. We had a small beach on Pulau Kelayang to ourselves, with a spectacular backdrop of granite rock formations, smoothly carved by the wind and seas. Before sunset we had the chance to assist in a local turtle conservation project by releasing hatchlings into the ocean. Once back on board, we enjoyed an Indonesian barbecue dinner on the sundeck. Then our guests experienced what was surely the highlight of the trip — the famous National Geographic Orion “Crew Show.”
Today on National Geographic Orion , we enjoyed a wonderful breakfast at the outdoor café, followed by two morning presentations. The first was by cultural navigator Tua Pittman, and the second was by guest speaker Louis Mitchell. In the afternoon, we arrived at Krakatoa and began our activities. Divers headed off to the dive location with a view of Krakatoa in the background, and the rest of the guests enjoyed snorkelling and kayaking on the beautiful island of Pulau Rakata. The day was finished off with a cruise past the volcano.
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