Indonesia & Papua New Guinea, New and Noteworthy
8° 31′ S 119° 28′ E
Colors of Indonesia: Corals, Komodos, and Vibrant Cultures
Highlights




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
Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia
Sorong, Indonesia
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, BaliDepart 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 ShipThis 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 IslandsOur 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 IslandExplore 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 SeaFlores 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, MoluccasSail 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 AmpatSnorkel 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, IndonesiaDisembark 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
Dates & Rates
Ships
National Geographic Orion
Guests
102
Cabins
53
An authentic expedition ship, purpose-built for exploring the South Pacific and its surrounding regions
Featuring 53 cabins, the gracious and intimate National Geographic Orion takes travelers to little-known waters and isles in the South Pacific, Australia, New Zealand, and Indonesia to experience each location's natural and cultural wonders up close. With her high ice-class rating, National Geographic Orion is strong enough to explore the polar regions, yet her elevated maneuverability allows for navigation practically anywhere accessible by sea.
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Expedition Team
Over 50+ years of exploring, Lindblad Expeditions’ veteran staff and the quality companionship they provide has established the company’s reputation. From expedition leaders to naturalists, most hold advanced degrees and are established authorities in their fields. Some join a few expeditions each year to explore the same sites, some of them spending some time in the field away from rigorous academic work. And others lead expeditions all around the world—with many guests saying, “Where you’re going, we’re going,” and returning time after time to travel with them. Browse our team directory to discover the full cast of expedition staff.
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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
AIR INCLUDED UP TO $5,000
View our brochure for more details
Talk to an Expedition Specialist
+1.800.397.3348From
$12,670
/ per person
View our brochure for more details
From
$12,670
/ per person
AIR INCLUDED UP TO $5,000
View our brochure for more details