Pulau Lintang, Anambas Islands, Indonesia, 9/1/2023, National Geographic Orion
Aboard the
National Geographic Orion
Indonesia & Papua New Guinea
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.
Erin Katie is a biologist from the Northern Territory Australia. Having grown up in remote parts of the country such as the Kimberley and Central Australia where she developed a curiosity for landscapes, ecology and particularly the wildlife.
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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.
Another day of adventure and discovery unfolded as we anchored at beautiful Mentebung in the Badas Islands. Our journey through this Indonesian paradise continues to delight us with each passing day. The morning commenced with our beloved stretch class, setting a perfect tone for the day's exploration. For some of us (including this author), it was more of a proximity stretch class as we couldn't resist passing by and soaking in the refreshing energy. Our morning was designated as an "expedition morning," offering various options to suit our preferences. Some ventured into the depths to explore the vibrant underwater world through snorkeling, while others donned their diving gear for deeper immersion. Mother Nature graced us with superb conditions – crystal-clear waters, thriving coral reefs, and a kaleidoscope of colorful marine life. The stories we collected during these adventures were filled with awe-inspiring encounters, from enchanting reef fish to the mesmerizing world of brightly-colored, burrowing clams. After a very fulfilling morning, the hospitality team, with their ever-smiling faces, treated us to a delectable lunch to recharge our energy for the day. In the afternoon, our thirst for knowledge was quenched by engaging presentations from our experts. Ricky Qi, our National Geographic expert, unveiled his fascinating work in a presentation entitled, "The Stories We Tell." His insights deepened our appreciation for the wonders of the region where he works. Later, undersea specialist Chris Cook enlightened us on "Coral Reef Ecology," providing a glimpse into the intricate ecosystems we are privileged to explore throughout our journey. As the day transitioned into evening, we gathered for a sumptuous dinner, a perfect conclusion to yet another extraordinary day of exploration, learning, and camaraderie. Mentebung had shared its treasures with us, and we eagerly await tomorrow’s adventures.
The first full day of our Indonesian voyage brought us to the exquisite Pulau Lintang, nestled within the breathtaking Anambas Island group. The sun smiled upon us with glorious weather, setting the stage for an unforgettable day of exploration and adventure. As the golden rays kissed the shores of Pulau Lintang, our day began with a refreshing stretch class, and we embraced the tranquility of the island. Energized and eager, we gathered for a delightful breakfast that not only satisfied our appetites but also invigorated our spirits. The heart of our expedition lies in our exceptional expedition team, and today was no exception. We had the privilege of joining an iPhone photography workshop that was expertly hosted by the talented CPI Andrew Peacock. His insights and guidance sparked our creativity, ensuring we were well-prepared to capture the magic of our surroundings. After a fantastic lunch put on by the wonderful hospitality team, it was time to head off to our very own island, Pulau Lintang. With pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, this untouched gem invited us to indulge in nature's wonders. Many of us embraced the opportunity to snorkel straight from the beach, immersing ourselves in a world teeming with marine life. Pulau Lintang, with its tranquility and unspoiled beauty, made for an ideal start to our voyage through Indonesia. We were not just travelers; today, we were able to really connect with our very own little slice of paradise. As the sun dipped below the horizon, we gathered for the Captain's Cocktail Party, toasting to the day's adventures and the promise of incredible experiences on the horizon. Pulau Lintang had cast its spell upon us, and our hearts were brimming with anticipation for the treasures yet to be uncovered on this remarkable journey.
