Indonesia & Papua New Guinea, New and Noteworthy

8° 31′ S 119° 28′ E

Rice terrace in Tegalalang in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
ExpeditionsUi Arrow rightColors of Indonesia: Corals, Komodos, & Vibrant Cultures

Colors of Indonesia: Corals, Komodos, and Vibrant Cultures

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Highlights

Traditional house and dance performance in Pulao Belitung, Bangka Belitung Islands, Indonesia
  • Encounter Indonesia’s vibrant cultures during traditional welcome ceremonies and visits to remote island villages and markets

  • Snorkel and dive the spectacular reefs of Raja Ampat, home of some of the world’s highest marine biodiversity, and kayak amid the archipelago’s karst formations and white sand coves

  • Search Komodo National Park for Komodo dragons, prehistoric creatures that can reach a length of 10 feet

  • Trace the legacy of the Dutch East India Company in the Banda Islands, part of the Moluccas, or Spice Islands

Day by Day

Starts at

Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia

Ends at

Sorong, Indonesia

Download Itinerary

Days 1-2

U.S. / Denpasar, Bali

Depart on your overnight flight to Bali. Check in to the Grand Hyatt Bali (or similar). Meet your fellow travelers this evening at our welcome reception.

Meals Included: Dinner

Days 1-2

U.S. / Denpasar, Bali

Depart on your overnight flight to Bali. Check in to the Grand Hyatt Bali (or similar). Meet your fellow travelers this evening at our welcome reception.

Meals Included: Dinner

Day 3

Bali / Embark Ship

This morning we check out of the hotel and set off into the countryside and the artist’s 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.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

Bali / Embark Ship

This morning we check out of the hotel and set off into the countryside and the artist’s 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.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

Satonda / Sumbawa, Lesser Sunda Islands

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.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

Satonda / Sumbawa, Lesser Sunda Islands

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.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

Komodo Island

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 search for the lizards in their natural habitat. Then enjoy an afternoon of swimming, snorkeling, or beachcombing at Pink Beach, named for the coral fragments that lend their color to the sand.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

Komodo Island

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 search for the lizards in their natural habitat. Then enjoy an afternoon of swimming, snorkeling, or beachcombing at Pink Beach, named for the coral fragments that lend their color to the sand.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 6-7

Flores Island / At Sea

Flores was once an important Portuguese trading center for sandalwood. Known for producing some of the finest ikat weaving in the world, we’ll 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.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 6-7

Flores Island / At Sea

Flores was once an important Portuguese trading center for sandalwood. Known for producing some of the finest ikat weaving in the world, we’ll 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.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8

Banda Neira, Banda Islands, Moluccas

Sail into the Molucca 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.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8

Banda Neira, Banda Islands, Moluccas

Sail into the Molucca 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.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 9-11

Raja Ampat

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 pre-dawn nature walk to try to catch a glimpse of the ethereal red bird of paradise.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 9-11

Raja Ampat

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 pre-dawn nature walk to try to catch a glimpse of the ethereal red bird of paradise.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 12-13

Sorong, West Papua / Disembark Ship / Bali, Indonesia

Disembark today in Sorong, West Papua. After a brief tour, board our charter flight to Bali, Indonesia, and connect to flights home, arriving the next day.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Days 12-13

Sorong, West Papua / Disembark Ship / Bali, Indonesia

Disembark today in Sorong, West Papua. After a brief tour, board our charter flight to Bali, Indonesia, and connect to flights home, arriving the next day.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Download Itinerary

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Indonesia & Papua New Guinea 2023-25


Set sail from Bali on an expedition to discover Indonesia’s rich tapestry of cultures and lush tropical islands. Watch for rare Komodo dragons in the wild; snorkel and dive at pristine coral reefs of the Moluccas, Raja Ampat, and West Papua; take part in welcome ceremonies at secluded villages; and step back in time as we learn about some of the fiercest battles of the Pacific theater during World War II.

From

$12,670

/ per person

Does not include flight

Book Now
dates
Oct
duration
13 Days
starts at
Bali, Indonesia
ends at
Sorong, Indonesia
Book before Jun 30

AIR INCLUDED UP TO $5,000

See all offers

View our brochure for more details

Indonesia & Papua New Guinea 2023-25

Talk to an Expedition Specialist

+1.800.397.3348

From

$12,670

/ per person

Book Now
dates
Oct
duration
13 Days
starts at
Bali, Indonesia
ends at
Sorong, Indonesia

View our brochure for more details

Indonesia & Papua New Guinea 2023-25

From

$12,670

/ per person

Book Now
dates
Oct
duration
13 Days
starts at
Bali, Indonesia
ends at
Sorong, Indonesia
Book before Jun 30

AIR INCLUDED UP TO $5,000

See all offers

View our brochure for more details

Indonesia & Papua New Guinea 2023-25