14-night Island Treasures Of Indonesia & East Timor Cruise

Darwin
Soak up Darwin's balmy weather and the melting pot of food and cultures in the city's many outdoor festivals and markets. Then explore the region's dramatic history - from World War II air raids to Cyclone Tracey - in the museums and galleries. Sail Darwin harbour at sunset, cruise next to crocodiles and bushwalk through monsoon forest. Swim in the crystal-clear waterholes of Litchfield National Park and visit the colourful communities of the Tiwi Islands. This vibrant, tropical capital has a youthful energy you'll find hard to resist.

Five ways to discover Darwin and its surrounds:

1. At festivals, markets and on the harbour In Darwin, the action happens outside - in markets, parks, by the beach or on boats. You can join the locals with a crate and a plate of sizzling satay at The Mindil Beach Sunset Markets from May to October. Or watch them build boats out of beer or soft drink cans at the annual Darwin Beer Can Regatta in July. At the Deckchair Cinema from April to November you can watch movies under a canopy of stars with a drink from the bar and a picnic dinner. Soak up Darwin's tropical weather with a harbourside dinner at Cullen Bay Marina or a sunset harbour cruise complete with a history lesson.

2. With wildlife and in tropical parklands
Cycle past orchids and bromeliads and traditional Aboriginal plants in George Brown Botanic Gardens. Swim, have a sunset barbecue and explore sacred Aboriginal sites at Casuarina Coastal Reserve. In Berry Springs Nature Park, you can spot birds in monsoon forest and fish in the crystal clear swimming holes. Get up close to fish, birds-of-prey, nocturnal animals and reptiles in the Territory Wildlife Park, a 45-minute drive from Darwin. Have a close crocodile encounter at Crocodylus Park, the Darwin Crocodile Farm or on a crocodile cruise along Darwin's coastal fringe and rivers.

3. Hot on the heels of history
Learn more about Darwin's rich Aboriginal heritage in the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. Here you can also relive the tragic Cyclone Tracy which hit Darwin on Christmas Eve in 1974. See the Chinese Temple it nearly destroyed in Litchfield Street. Darwin endured 64 Japanese air raids in World War II, and you can watch dramatic footage of the bombings and visit the bunker where Top End defense strategy was planned at East Point Military Museum. See original B52 bomber planes at the Aviation Heritage Centre and a network of walking trails leading to World War II oil tunnels around the Wharf Precinct. In Myilly Point Historical Precinct you can see some of the few surviving cottages designed by architect B.C.G Burnett in the colonial style popular before World War II.

4. Under the waterfalls of Litchfield National Park
Make time for a day trip to the waterfalls and plunge pools, wildlife and birdlife, ranges and rainforest of Litchfield National Park, a one-and-a-half hour drive from Darwin. Swim in the crystal-clear swimming hole at the base of Florence Falls and bush-walk through monsoon rain-forest to Walker Creek. Picnic next to roosting fruit bats at Wangi Falls and see sweeping valley views at Tolmer Falls. Take a wildlife cruise on the Reynolds River, part of a working cattle station. Explore this Tarzan landscape with traditional Aboriginal owners the Wagait people or peer into a pastoral past in the ruins of Blyth Homestead.

5. On a trip to the Tiwi Islands
Join in the excitement of the Tiwi Islands Grand Football Final, held every March in Nguiu. Browse and buy Tiwi art, distinctive for its strong design, decorative features and vivid colours. Take billy tea and damper tea with Tiwi ladies as they demonstrate traditional weaving and painting. Then watch them perform a traditional dance and a smoking ceremony to clear bad spirits. Catch big barramundi on a fishing tour on the Tiwi coast. You'll find a warm welcome and a lush landscape of rainforest, beaches and rock pools on Melville and Bathurst Islands, together known as the Tiwi Islands. Explore them on a day or overnight tour, traveling a 20-minute flight or two-hour ferry from Darwin.

Destination Guide

Dili is the capital of East Timor and its largest city. Visitors enjoy its beautiful beaches and great diving in its untouched reef.

Destination Guide

About three hours east of Dili by car, Baucau is East Timor's second-largest city. It gets much more rain than the capital, and the surrounding area is lush and green. The highlight of Baucau is the beach. It's a long, wide stretch of sand. The water is perfect for swimming. In town, the old Pousada de Baucau, once a Portuguese-government guesthouse, is a relatively comfortable inn. The eight-room Albergaria Planalto Inn, perched on a hill, was built in 2001. Clean and quiet, it is US$30 per day, with breakfast. Notable sites are the Baucau Cathedral and ruins of the colonial Mercado de Baucau.

Destination Guide

Kalabahi is the only town on Alor Island, in Indonesia. The waters around Kalabahi are excellent for scuba diving and snorkeling and there are a number of dive companies with rental equipment in the area. There are a number of mountains on the outskirts of the town, and hiking to the top of these peaks is a fantastic way to get an idea of the unspoiled natural beauty of the area.

A rare discovery awaits the traveler who ventures onto this remote island of Komodo. Walking through the dense vegetation, hearing and seeing a variety of bird and animal life, you may feel you've landed in another epoch. Indeed, the last vestiges of long-gone dinosaurs survive here, in the form of the legendary, giant lizards called Komodo Dragons.

Destination Guide

Excursions

Komodo Dragon Adventure with Pink Beach – 4 hours - Komodo — Optional Private Excursions
Highlights:

• During your half-day adventure, you’ll take an approximately 30 minute moderately active trek through the dry, tropical grasslands to a viewing point for a look at these massive creatures, later, you’ll cool off in the sparkling waters of nearby Pink Beach.
• After boarding the tender, you’ll cruise across the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean to Komodo Island.
• Once you step off at the park’s entrance, you’ll be met by a friendly English-speaking guide and a park ranger who will share their intimate knowledge of the park as you head out on an approximately 30 minute moderately active walk.
• After arriving at the viewing point have your camera ready, a Komodo dragon or two may make an appearance.
• To experience this undersea phenomenon for yourself you’ll return to the jetty for the transfer by boat to Pink Beach where you can swim and dive in the inviting waters (snorkelling gear will be provided).
• Then, take in the splendid views as your boat glides through the ocean on your return trip to your ship with wonderful memories to share both with passengers and family back home.

Tour Duration: 4 hours

Tour can operate: Morning

Wheelchair Accessible: No

Physical Activity Level: Moderate

Inclusions:

• Pick up/ Drop off at Loh Liang Jetty
• National Park Entrance Fees, English speaking guide assistance
• Soft drinks / mineral water / refreshments
• Snorkeling equipment

Not Included:

• Personal expenses, telephone, laundry service, tips and gratuities, personal travel insurance
• All services which are not mentioned on the program above.

Badas is a small protected port city located on Sumbawa Island. Badas is port to Sumbawa Besar, which is famous for its fine woven cloths and sandalwood horses, which can be found at the local markets in this traditional village.

Benoa (Tanjung Benoa) is a modern Balinese resort - a government-run dreamland of coconut palms, white sand beaches and pristine waters located near the island's southernmost tip. Geologically, the area is quite different from the rest of Bali, and even from the rest of the Bukit peninsula upon which it rests. Instead of rice fields or limestone cliffs, there is sandy soil reaching down to a long, sandy beach protected by a reef. Coconut trees are everywhere. The climate here is also drier than the rest of Bali, freshened by a mild ocean breeze.

Destination Guide

Excursions

Bali Highlights & Twin Lakes - 9 hours - Benoa — Optional Private Excursions
Highlights:

• Your adventure begins at the conclusion of your welcoming ceremony.
• After boarding your motor coach you’ll drive through the emerald green hills and into central Bali.
• Your first stop is Sangeh Monkey Forest, a 34-acre sanctuary for hundreds of monkeys.
• Visit the 400-year-old Pura Bukit Sari Sangeh Temple.
• Next on your itinerary, you’ll see Lake Bratan. Located almost 4,000 feet above sea level, this sparkling lake sits in the crater of Mt. Catur.
• Then, you’ll make a photo stop at a viewing area where you can look out over the “twin lakes,” Buyan Lake, the smallest lake in Bali, and Tamblingan Lake.
• Continuing on, you’ll head over to the highland village of Munduk for lunch.
• After lunch, you’ll visit the colourful Pasar Candi Kuning market. In addition to fresh fruits and vegetables, you can also purchase handicrafts, paintings, and fabrics.
• Your final destination is the village of Tohpati, famous for its fine batik. After observing the batik process you can try your hand at painting traditional batik designs.
• Later, you're invited to browse for souvenirs, gifts and fine Balinese crafts.
• When your exciting highland exploration comes to an end, you’ll return to your motorcoach, perhaps laden with crafts from the market or Tohpati, for the relaxing ride back to your ship.

Tour Duration: 9 hours

Tour can operate: Morning

Wheelchair Accessible: No

Physical Activity Level: Moderate

Inclusions: 

• Pick up/ Drop off at Benoa Port
• Entrance Fees, English speaking guide assistance, Welcome dance
• Soft drinks/ mineral water/ refreshments, Lunch

Not Included:

• Personal expenses, telephone, laundry service, tips and gratuities, personal travel insurance
• All services which are not mentioned on the program above.

Bali’s Heritage Sites – 9 hours - Benoa — Optional Private Excursions
Highlights:

• After a traditional Balinese pendet welcome dance, you’ll board your motorcoach and travel to Tohpati near the capital city of Denpasar. Along the way, you’ll see beautiful landscapes of coastal plains, lush terraced hillsides, rice paddies, and fruit and spice plantations.
• Once you arrive in Tohpati, you’ll visit a factory to see first hand the entire batik process.
• After observing the batik process you can try your hand at painting traditional batik designs.
• Later, you're invited to browse for souvenirs, gifts and fine Balinese crafts.
• Re-board your coach and travel to Penglipuran Culture Village. The village people live under strict rules just like their ancestors centuries ago.
• Continuing on, you’ll visit Pura Besakih, the Mother Temple of Bali. Perched over 3,000 feet up the gentle slopes of Mt. Agung, Bali’s largest and holiest temple dates back 2,000 years.
• Next, is a delicious buffet lunch featuring Indonesian dishes in the village of Rendang. As you enjoy your meal, marvel at the breathtaking views of the rice paddies and Mt. Agung.
• Following lunch, you’ll journey to the village of Klungkung for a photo stop at Kertha Gosa.
• Finally, you’ll travel to your ship with photos and memories to share with everyone back home.

Tour Duration: 9 hours

Tour can operate: Full day

Wheelchair Accessible: No

Physical Activity Level: Moderate

Inclusions:

• Pick up/ Drop off at Benoa Port
• Entrance Fees, English speaking guide assistance, Welcome dance
• Soft drinks / mineral water / refreshments / lunch / snacks

Not Included:

• Personal expenses, telephone, laundry service, tips and gratuities, personal travel insurance.
• All services which are not mentioned on the program above.

Mt. Batur & Rural Bali with a Local Family – 8 hours - Benoa — Optional Private Excursions
Highlights:

• This unique full-day excursion not only introduces you to a local family but offers you the opportunity to learn a little bit about their culture and language.
• Your day begins with a pendet welcome ceremony at the pier.
• Then, you’ll board your motorcoach and travel into central Bali.
• You’ll continue on to a charming village and disembark at a Balinese home and meet a local family. After a warm welcome, you’ll join them for a traditional Balinese breakfast, which may include fried banana fritters and rice cakes served with coffee or tea.
• Later, you’ll go for a stroll through the village and stop for a welcome dance performed by local children. Then, you’ll walk through the farms and watch the farmers at work in the rice fields.
• To experience the spiritual side of Bali, you’ll climb back aboard your coach bound for Kehen Temple, considered the most beautiful Hindu temple on the island.
• You’ll then proceed to an Indonesian buffet lunch in the village of Kintamani, which sits on the edge of Mt. Batur. Relax over your delicious meal while marvelling at the outstanding views of the active volcano and the sparkling waters of Lake Batur
• Kemenuh is the centre of the intricate art of woodcarving. You’ll visit a woodcarving studio and watch skilled craftsmen.
• Before returning to port, you can comb through the gallery and purchase these wooden works of art that capture the spirit of this incredible place.

Tour Duration: 8 hours

Tour can operate: Full day

Wheelchair Accessible: No

Physical Activity Level: Moderate

Inclusions:

• Pick up/ Drop off at Benoa Port
• Entrance Fees, English speaking guide assistance, Welcome dance
• Soft drinks/ mineral water/ refreshments, Balinese breakfast, lunch

Not Included:

• Personal expenses, telephone, laundry service, tips and gratuities, personal travel insurance
• All services which are not mentioned on the program above