You can arrive into Bali at any time today. For centuries Bali has captivated the imagination of artists, writers, and travellers with its landscapes of emerald terraced rice fields back-dropped by the sacred volcano of Mount Agung. You will make your way to your included hotel, where you can meet your fellow guests and expedition guides this evening.

After breakfast you will have some time free to explore the cultural and historical delights of Bali’s capital. This afternoon you will be transferred to meet your expedition ship, where you will be welcomed onboard and set sail for Sumbawa Island.

Located to the east of its more famous sibling Lombok, mountainous Sumbawa Island blends laid back island life with spectacular volcanic ridges, terraced rice fields, tangled jungles and beautiful sandy beaches replete with coral reefs and remote bays awaiting exploration. Historically divided between east (Bimanese speakers) and west (Sumbawanese speakers) this isolated island that time almost forgot juxtaposes luxurious mansions alongside old wooden huts, remote wilderness and traditional Adat law and lore. Today you can experience time-honoured traditions and cultural encounters including meeting the creators of the famed intricate hand-woven ikat fabric and observing ancient tribal rites for a truly authentic immersion in the local culture.

Today you will explore in the Komodo National Park. A sanctuary for the giant monitor lizard, the Komodo Dragon, you can walk along a forested pathway to a viewing area for a closer look at these prehistoric reptiles which can grow up to more than 3 metres in length and weigh over 135 kilograms. The surrounding forest is home to Timor Deer, the favourite prey of the dragons, as well as elegant Yellow-crested Cockatoos. Later on, you can enjoy snorkelling off splendid Pink Beach, a world-class experience often described as “swimming in an aquarium”.

Famously described by legendary underwater explorer and conservationist Jacques Cousteau as an “underwater nirvana”, Wakatobi is home to breathtaking coral walls. Join a snorkel excursion to explore an incredible array of marine reef inhabitants; underwater photographers will appreciate a bizarre macro world among the corals. Highlights include colourful Frogfish, octopus, Marbled Snake Eels, Cockatoo Waspfish, Flying Gurnards, multitudes of crab species and dazzling anemones.

Fascinating and seldom visited, Buru Island is located at the boundary between the biogeographic zones of Australia and Asia. A high proportion of the species of birds and mammals that occur here are found nowhere else with 10 endemic bird species and 4 endemic mammals as well as a number of near-endemic species. This morning you can explore these remote shores together with your expert naturalists and guides. Enjoy opportunities to hike in the forests in search of wildlife and many of the endemic species and enjoy the hospitality of local communities during village visits.

You will spend these three days exploring amongst Raja Ampat's 1,500 tiny, jungle-cloaked islands surrounded by turquoise waters. You will plan to explore both on land and underwater; snorkelling some of the coral reefs with shoals of multi-coloured fish, and hiking some of the intriguing ocean-carved limestone formations and jungles of this tropical paradise of forgotten islands. Believed to contain the most biodiverse marine habitat on the planet, the waters surrounding Raja Ampat are home to 600 species of hard coral and 1,200 types of reef fish and make for exceptional snorkelling and Zodiac cruising. On land, spotting the brilliant Wilson’s Bird-of-paradise and Red Bird-of-paradise will be high on your agenda here, with early morning visits planned ensuring the very best opportunity for all to see these remarkable birds in their natural habitat and, hopefully, witness their rarely-seen mating dance around their ‘lekking’ trees. Other activities could include beachcombing, visiting villages and engaging in cultural exchanges with locals and forest walks.

Part of the Sultanate of Tidore during the spice trade wars, Misool Island is the second largest island in the aquatic wonderland that is Raja Ampat (aka Four Kings Islands, named after its four main islands). Rich in heritage, it was colonised by the Dutch, however still maintains its cultural essence and traditional ways of life with indigenous constructions, folk dance and respect for nature prevailing. On land, you can discover caves hidden among verdant forests featuring rock art dating back more than 5,000 years, while under its protected waters, Bumphead Parrotfish, Clownfish, Manta Rays, Ghost Pipefish, Harlequin Shrimp, Pygmy Seahorse and more can be found among spectacular coral gardens and sea-cave cemeteries. Over the course of the day you will aim to explore the labyrinth of caves and passages, and hike up to the viewing platforms to enjoy the spectacular vistas.

Today you will have a full day of exploration planned at the seldom visited Bomberai Peninsula, which is also often referred to as the Bird’s Beak Peninsula for its location to the south of Bird’s Head Peninsula. A lush tropical forest blankets the hills which rise to the remote Kumafa Mountains.The turquoise waters sculpting the karst limestone coast are renowned for the abundance and diversity of tropical fish species. Join your expedition team ashore discovering the unique plants and wildlife of the region before snorkelling among enormous colourful soft corals and a thousands strong cast from Finding Nemo attracted by the rich food source delivered via underwater channels and currents.

Today you can hope to have the opportunity to swim with the iconic Whale Sharks of Triton Bay. One of the best places in the world to snorkel with these gentle giants, you will aim to visit the local fishermen’s Bagans (handmade floating platforms) where these mega-fish (known to grow more than 12-metres in length), hopeful of catching some of the smaller fish escaping fishermen’s nets, are known to congregate. Later in the afternoon your expedition ship will drop anchor off Aiduma Island, one of the most remote islands in Indonesia and world-renowned underwater wonderland and dive site. Discover dazzling soft coral forests teeming colourful reef fish maybe including dinner plate-sized Blue-ring and Six-bar Angelfish, and impressive red and white striped Lionfish among others as you snorkel the reef.

This morning you will embark on an exploration of the seldom visited Etna Bay. Indenting the coastline of the Kaimana Regency and described by those who have visited as a “tropical fiord beneath mountains that rise abruptly from the sea”, a true expedition day awaits. Local mythology claims that Indonesia’s legendary Garuda bird and national emblem lives in these mountains. Join your expedition team as you explore this unknown terrain together.

Ten thousand square miles of mangrove forest, bamboo, and sago palms have long sheltered the Asmat region from outsiders. At high tide, your expedition ship will enter the shallow channel of the Flamingo River to anchor near the village of Agats, the regional capital of the Asmat. A remote riverine world is revealed as Zodiacs carry you along narrow waterways lined with the entwined branches of thick mangrove forests, home to Torresian Imperial Pigeons, Sulphur-crested Cockatoos, and bright red lorikeets.

As you make your way upstream, villagers – whooping and chanting in elaborate warrior gear and 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.

You will spend these two days at sea, leaving Indonesia as you make your way to Papua New Guinea and navigating the maze of reefs and islands of the Torres Strait which links the Coral and Arafura Seas with the Gulf of Carpentaria. Take the opportunity to relax, attend lectures and presentations with your expedition team, start processing your photos and of course, be sure to spend plenty of time in the observation lounge and out on deck watching the world go by.

This morning you will arrive in Port Moresby, bustling gateway and capital of Papua New Guinea where village and urban life exist side-by-side. After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport where you will board your flight to Cairns. To mitigate against any potential sailing or flight delays, we highly recommend that you plan to spend at least one night in Cairns at the end of your voyage. Alternatively, stay onboard to explore more of Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu on our 22 October Remote South Pacific Voyage from Port Moresby to Port Vila.

Note: During this expedition voyage, circumstances may make it necessary or desirable to deviate from the proposed itinerary. This can include poor weather and opportunities for making unplanned excursions. Your Expedition Leader will keep you fully informed. This tour offers a variety of activities and excursions. Your personal interests will determine which of these you wish to join. Please note that some activities and excursions will run at similar times, and it will not be possible to participate in both. Accordingly, refunds for excursions and missed landings are not available. Voyages are planned and scheduled pending final regulatory approval.

You can arrive into Bali at any time today. For centuries Bali has captivated the imagination of artists, writers, and travellers with its landscapes of emerald terraced rice fields back-dropped by the sacred volcano of Mount Agung. You will make your way to your included hotel, where you can meet your fellow guests and expedition guides this evening.

After breakfast you will have some time free to explore the cultural and historical delights of Bali’s capital. This afternoon you will be transferred to meet your expedition ship, where you will be welcomed onboard and set sail for Sumbawa Island.

Located to the east of its more famous sibling Lombok, mountainous Sumbawa Island blends laid back island life with spectacular volcanic ridges, terraced rice fields, tangled jungles and beautiful sandy beaches replete with coral reefs and remote bays awaiting exploration. Historically divided between east (Bimanese speakers) and west (Sumbawanese speakers) this isolated island that time almost forgot juxtaposes luxurious mansions alongside old wooden huts, remote wilderness and traditional Adat law and lore. Today you can experience time-honoured traditions and cultural encounters including meeting the creators of the famed intricate hand-woven ikat fabric, observing martial arts displays and ancient tribal rites for a truly authentic immersion in the local culture.

Today you will explore in the Komodo National Park. A sanctuary for the giant monitor lizard, the Komodo Dragon, you can walk along a forested pathway to a viewing area for a closer look at these prehistoric reptiles which can grow up to more than 3 metres in length and weigh over 135 kilograms. The surrounding forest is home to Timor Deer, the favourite prey of the dragons, as well as elegant Yellow-crested Cockatoos. Later on, you can enjoy your first snorkelling excursion off splendid Pink Beach, a world-class experience often described as “swimming in an aquarium”.

This morning you will arrive at the stunning white sand beaches and turquoise waters of coral reef fringed Kodia Island. Enjoy a true expedition day here with opportunities for snorkelling and beachcombing before exploring the dry forests which are home to an impressive number of bird species and wildlife.

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. Join a snorkel excursion to explore an incredible array of marine reef inhabitants; underwater photographers will appreciate a bizarre macro world among corals as shallow as 20 feet. Highlights include colourful Frogfish, octopus, Marbled Snake Eels, Cockatoo Waspfish, Flying Gurnards, multitudes of crab species and dazzling anemones.

Fascinating and seldom visited, Buru Island is located at the boundary between the biogeographic zones of Australia and Asia. A high proportion of the species of birds and mammals that occur here are found nowhere else with 10 endemic bird species and 4 endemic mammals as well as a number of near-endemic species. This morning you can explore these remote shores together with your expert naturalists and guides. Enjoy opportunities to hike in the forests in search of wildlife and many of the endemic species and enjoy the hospitality of local communities during village visits.

One of Indonesia’s relatively undiscovered gems, Seram Island seamlessly blends stunning tropical island aesthetics with biologically rich and rare flora and fauna of the Wallacea region at the crossroads of Asia and Australasia. In addition to having Indonesia’s deepest cave, Hatu Saka, and the world’s longest underground river, Sapalewa; 6 of Seram Island’s 28 mammals and 33 of its more than 213 bird species are endemic or near endemic. Your expedition day here could include venturing into the jungle to look for the endemic Salmon-crested/Seram or Moluccan Cockatoo (the largest of the white cockatoos), Thrush, Oriole, Honeyeater, Myzomela and Friarbird, and visiting a stilt house village where life continues unchanged. Though headhunting is no longer practised, traditional weapons including bow and arrow are still used for hunting.

Part of the Sultanate of Tidore during the spice trade wars, Misool Island is the second largest island in the aquatic wonderland that is Raja Ampat (aka Four Kings Islands, named after its four main islands). Rich in heritage, it was colonised by the Dutch, however still maintains its cultural essence and traditional ways of life with indigenous constructions, folk dance and respect for nature prevailing. On land, you can discover caves hidden among verdant forests featuring rock art dating back more than 5,000 years, while under its protected waters, Bumphead Parrotfish, Clownfish, Manta Rays, Ghost Pipefish, Harlequin Shrimp, Pygmy Seahorse and more can be found among spectacular coral gardens and sea-cave cemeteries. Over the course of the day you will aim to explore the labyrinth of caves and passages, and hike up to the viewing platforms to enjoy the spectacular vistas Raja Ampat is rightly famous for.

You will spend these two days exploring amongst Raja Ampat's 1,500 tiny, jungle-cloaked islands surrounded by turquoise waters. You will plan to explore both on land and underwater; snorkelling some of the coral reefs with shoals of multi-coloured fish, and hiking some of the intriguing ocean-carved limestone formations and jungles of this tropical paradise of forgotten islands. Believed to contain the most biodiverse marine habitat on the planet, the waters surrounding Raja Ampat are home to 600 species of hard coral and 1,200 types of reef fish and make for exceptional snorkelling and Zodiac cruising. On land, spotting the brilliant Wilson’s Bird-of-paradise and Red Bird-of-paradise will be high on your agenda here, with early morning visits planned ensuring the very best opportunity for all to see these remarkable birds in their natural habitat and, hopefully, witness their rarely-seen mating dance around their ‘lekking’ trees. Other activities could include beachcombing, visiting villages and engaging in cultural exchanges with locals and forest walks.

Located at the top of the Bird’s Head Peninsula and surrounded by lush rolling hills and impressive spine of the Arfak Mountains, Manokwari is the capital of West Papua. After an early breakfast you will travel high into the Arfak Mountains to the Pegunungan Arfak Nature Reserve exploring the higher elevations and misty tropical montane rainforests with their exceptional suite of endemic plants, animals and birds. Your guides will be on the lookout for the Western Parotia and Vogelkop Bowerbird, and visit the viewing hides for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hopefully observe the Magnificent Bird-of-paradise, among the region’s 320 bird species. Alternatively, you can enjoy a more leisurely morning and explore the fascinating town of Manokwari, home to more than 24 different tribal groups.

Today you can hope to have the opportunity to swim with the iconic Whale Sharks of Kwatisore Bay in Cenderawasih Marine Park. One of the best places in the world to snorkel with these gentle giants, we aim to visit the local fishermen’s Bagans (handmade floating platforms) where these mega-fish (known to grow more than 12-metres in length), hopeful of catching some of the smaller fish escaping fishermen’s nets, are known to congregate. This spectacular 15,000-square-kilometre marine park is also home to some of the finest coral reef examples in the world and 18 tropical islands, which you can explore, where 209 species of fish and 4 species of turtle can be seen. You will also plan to visit a village where the locals live by a unique mix of traditional, Dutch and modern influences.

The seldom-visited Biak Island in the Schouten Islands archipelago of Cenderawasih Bay boasts the highest endemic biodiversity in Papua including 17 endemic birds. Among the species you can hope to encounter are the Long-tailed Honey-buzzard, Red-capped Flowerpecker, Yellow-bibbed Fruit-dove, Geelvink Imperial-pigeon, Biak Black Flycatcher and Numfor Paradise-kingfisher and Leaf Warbler. In the afternoon you will plan to sail to the pristine and isolated Rusbasbedas Island with its white sand beaches, sheer drop-offs and enormous corals teeming with brightly coloured fish for snorkelling and beachcombing.

Enjoy a warm welcome on Liki Island, part of the Koemamba Islands in formerly Dutch New Guinea, where villagers share local customs and traditions along with some of the island’s culinary delights. Explore the forest looking for wildlife on a nature walk, or snorkel along the edge of the abundant coral reef on this charming and rarely visited island.

The peaceful paradise of Lake Sentani, the glittering freshwater lake reflecting the steep, verdant mountains in the Cyclops Strict Nature Reserve of Papua’s capital Jayapura, is renowned for its famous artifacts, traditional motifs, pottery, woodworking and bark paintings, and is your destination following an early morning arrival. You will journey to the lake’s edge before enlisting traditional longboats, passing stilt houses, as you navigate its many islands. Experience local culture in the form of dance and artists at work making bark paintings and bride money before returning to the ship for lunch and sailing towards Vanimo and for your International arrival into Papua New Guinea.

You will spend today exploring this remarkable river, its birds, wildlife and the people who call it home. The Sepik River, the longest in Papua New Guinea, flows from the highlands to the Bismarck Sea. It is a rich arterial river that has fostered great traditional artists. You will plan to explore the river by Zodiac, following tributaries and channels in search of local wildlife. Enjoy a warm welcome at Kopar Village where you can experience village life and their traditional Dragon Dance. The world-renowned artists of the region travel long distances to meet the ship and there is the opportunity to purchase unique carvings and more directly from them.

The self appointed ‘Prettiest Town in the South Pacific’, Madang is bound by lush rainforest, calm blue waters studded with volcanic islands, Tupira’s supreme surf break, flourishing coral gardens and rich history. After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport where you will board your flight to Cairns. To mitigate against any potential sailing or flight delays, we highly recommend that you plan to spend at least one night in Cairns at the end of your voyage. Alternatively, stay onboard to explore more of Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu on our 23 October Remote South Pacific Voyage from Madang to Port Vila.

Note: During your expedition, circumstances may make it necessary or desirable to deviate from the proposed itinerary. This can include poor weather and/or opportunities for making unplanned excursions. Your Expedition Leader will keep you fully informed.