Bali to Raja Ampat & Papua New Guinea

Your expedition begins in beautiful Bali where, having arrived independently, you will make your way to the group hotel in Denpasar for your included overnight stay. Tonight you can meet the rest of your group and some of your expedition team during the welcome dinner, before getting a good night’s rest before the adventures that lie ahead.

The following morning, you will have time to explore the cultural and historical delights of Bali’s capital before your group transfer to the port to board your expedition ship. Settle into your comfortable cabin and meet the captain and the rest of the expedition team as we set sail for Sumbawa Island and our tropical adventure begins.

You may wish to arrive in Bali a couple of days before your expedition begins to sample some of the sights of this beautiful province. Our team will be happy to help you arrange this.

The first adventure on your South Pacific expedition cruise will take you to mountainous Sumbawa Island to discover a memorable blend of laid-back island life and spectacular landscapes of volcanic ridges, terraced rice fields, tangled jungles, picturesque sandy beaches and stunning coral reefs and remote bays that are just begging to be explored. During your time here you will have the chance to experience some of the time-honoured traditions of the area and immerse yourself in the local culture as you enjoy meet the creators of the famed intricate hand-woven ikat fabric and observe ancient tribal rites.

Today might see you tick off a bucket list experience as we visit Komodo National Park. Brace yourself for encounters with the iconic Komodo dragons, the world's largest living lizard, as they roam freely in their untamed habitat. We will take a walk along a forested pathway to a viewing area for a closer look at these prehistoric reptiles which can grow up to 10 feet in length and weigh up to 300 pounds.

Immerse yourself in the park's unparalleled biodiversity, as we also seek out sightings of elegant yellow-crested cockatoos and Timor deer, the favourite prey of the dragons. You will also have chance to discover the vibrant marine life and pristine coral gardens of the island’s underwater realm as you snorkel off splendid Pink Beach, an awe-inspiring experience often described as “swimming in an aquarium”

Famously described by legendary underwater explorer and conservationist Jacques Cousteau as an “underwater nirvana”, Wakatobi is a cetacean highway and home to breathtaking coral walls. Today you will have the opportunity to discover this for yourself as snorkel excursions unveil a stunning variety of marine reef dwellers, offering underwater photographers the chance to capture the peculiar macro universe thriving in depths as shallow as 20 feet. Noteworthy sightings may include vibrant Frogfish, elusive octopuses, Marbled Snake Eels, Cockatoo Waspfish, majestic Flying Gurnards, a myriad of crab species, and captivating anemones.

Today’s adventures take us to the captivating and off-the-beaten-path Buru Island, situated at the crossroads of the biogeographic zones of Australia and Asia, where we will step ashore to discover the hidden gems of this picturesque island that boasts a remarkable diversity of fauna. A significant number of bird and mammal species can be seen here that are found nowhere else on earth, with 10 endemic bird species and 4 endemic mammals as well as a number of near-endemic species. Accompanied by your team of expert naturalists and guides, the morning will be spent traversing through the lush forests and along the remote shores in pursuit of elusive wildlife including the Blue-fronted Lorikeet and much more. There will also be chance to experience the hospitality of local communities as we enjoy some village visits.

Our plan for the next few days is to enjoy an in-depth exploration of some of the 1,500 tiny, jungle-cloaked islands that make up the spectacular Raja Ampat archipelago off the northwest tip of Bird’s Head Peninsula in West Papua. Lapped by stunning turquoise waters, this incredibly picturesque area is home to a magical underwater world with a bounty of rainbow corals and shoals of multi-coloured fish that are a joy to explore via a snorkelling excursion or Zodiac boat cruise. Believed to contain the most biodiverse marine habitat on the planet, the waters here are home to around 600 species of hard coral and 1,200 types of reef fish!

On land, the wildlife spotting opportunities are just as impressive. As we scour the intriguing ocean-carved limestone formations and jungles of this tropical paradise, spotting the brilliant Wilson’s Bird-of-paradise and Red Bird-of-paradise will be high on our agenda, and we will time our excursions for early morning to give us the best chance of seeing these remarkable birds in their natural habitat and, hopefully, witnessing their rarely-seen mating dance around their ‘lekking’ trees. Other activities could include beachcombing, forest walks and visiting villages and engaging in cultural exchanges with locals.

Continuing our exciting exploration of Raja Ampat, today we will arrive at Misool Island, the archipelago’s second largest island, and perhaps its most renowned. During your time here we will aim to explore the island’s labyrinth of caves and passages hidden among verdant forests featuring rock art dating back more than 5,000 years, snorkel in its spectacular coral gardens in search of Dugong, Bumphead Parrotfish, Clownfish, Manta Rays, Ghost Pipefish, Harlequin Shrimp, Pygmy Seahorse, learn about the island’s culture and heritage, and hike up to the viewing platforms to enjoy the spectacular vistas of the heart-shaped lagoon of Karawapop.

Next up is the excellent, seldom visited Bomberai Peninsula where we will enjoy a full day of exploration. Traversing the lush tropical forest that blankets the hills which rise to the remote Kumafa Mountains, your accompanying naturalist guides and expedition team will help you discover the unique plants and wildlife of the region. In the afternoon it will be time for another snorkelling adventure as you discover the fascinating underwater world where enormous colourful soft corals and a huge array of tropical fish can be found. Make sure to look out for the cast of Finding Nemo!

It's time for another bucket list experience as we make our way to Triton Bay, one of the best places in the world to snorkel with whale sharks! We aim to visit the local fishermen’s Bagans (handmade floating platforms) where these iconic animals are known to congregate, for the chance to swim with these gentle giants. Later that day, we will make our way to Aiduma Island, one of the most remote islands in Indonesia, for the chance to snorkel in this world-renowned underwater wonderland and dive site.

On the morning of day 15 we will attempt to uncover the mysteries of the rarely-explored Etna Bay. Etching its presence along the coastline of the Kaimana Regency, this bay has been eloquently depicted as a "tropical fjord beneath mountains that rise abruptly from the sea" by those fortunate enough to visit. Prepare for an authentic expedition filled with adventure in this uncharted territory.

According to local mythology, the legendary Garuda bird, Indonesia's national emblem, is said to reside within the folds of these majestic mountains. Accompany your expedition team as we venture into this undiscovered landscape, where the allure of the unknown beckons, and each step promises a unique encounter with nature's wonders.

Over the next two days, we will discover the ten thousand square miles of mangrove forest, bamboo, and sago palms that make up the Asmat Villages as we sail into the shallow channel of the Flamingo River to anchor near the village of Agats. Our time here will be spent enjoying Zodiac cruises through the narrow waterways in search of fascinating birds including Torresian Imperial Pigeons, Sulphur-crested Cockatoos, bright red lorikeets and much more. As you make your way upstream, villagers – whooping and chanting in elaborate warrior gear and war paint – paddle vigorously toward you in intricately carved canoes to escort you ashore where an enthusiastic welcome awaits. A walk along elevated wooden boardwalks leads to a cathedral with superb carvings, and museum with displays of ancestor poles, drums, body masks, shields, daggers, and skulls; a reminder that cannibalism and head-hunting was practiced by the ancestors of some villagers. Asmat woodcarvings are known for their powerful lines and coarse, expressive motifs, and are widely considered by collectors and scholars to be among the world’s finest carvings and can be purchased directly from the village artisans.

Enjoy some well-earned relaxation onboard as we make our way towards Australia’s Thursday Island.

It's sadly time for our final adventure as we reach Thursday Island, Australia’s northernmost point, to spend the day exploring this colourful island paradise. One of the 274 islands scattered between the northern tip of Queensland and Papua New Guinea in the Torres Strait, Thursday Island is a small, sleepy town that is as historically fascinating as it is picturesque. You will have time here to explore and discover the underground tunnels which house the Torres Strait Heritage Museum, walk up to Green Hill Fort to take in the beautiful views, and immerse yourself in the island’s rich culture and arts.

Day 18 will be spent at sea sailing towards Papua New Guinea. Take time to reflect on your adventures as you join your expedition team and fellow travellers for a recap and special farewell dinner celebration.

Arrival into Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea’s bustling capital city, signals the end of your expedition and after breakfast it will be time to disembark and bid a fond farewell to your expedition team. A visit to the National Museum and Arts Centre is included today before your included flight to Cairns in Australia where your itinerary will come to an end.