In the Wake of the Makassans

Overview

From the 16th century, and possibly even earlier, Makassan trepangers began to venture down from their homeland in South Sulawesi. Travelling through the Flores and Savu seas, they arrived at the shores of the Kimberley and Arnhem Land. Fishing for sea cucumber, the Makassans encountered the peoples of northern Australia and left an impact on the cultures that survive to this day. The Yolngu people of Arnhem Land in particular recount stories of the Makassan visitors and images of their boats are recorded in rock art.

Coral Adventurer will make her own journey from Darwin up through the straits of the Indonesian archipelago on her way to Makassar and will return the same way. These two voyages explore the undiscovered paradise of Indonesia’s less-visited islands. Traditional lifestyles continue in regions of astounding beauty, and this journey takes you into the heart of it all. Encounter traditional cultures from Pulau Alor, to Lamalera, Sagori, Torajaland and Tana Beru. Experience the dramatic beauty of Indonesia at Flores, Komodo, and Takabonerate. This journey through the archipelago is a feast for the senses.

Included in your cruise is one night accommodation in Darwin, a welcome event, and coach transfers to your charter flight to Makassar (the charter flight is at an extra cost).

Arrive in Makassar to embark at 4:30pm. Spend the afternoon relaxing as you are welcomed on board Coral Adventurer. Join the expedition staff as they introduce you to the journey and the many experiences you will enjoy. This evening join your fellow travellers to enjoy the Captain’s welcome drinks.

This is is the famous place where Phinisi boats have been crafted by the Bugis boat builders since the 14th century. There are ceremonies involved in each stage of the boat building, and the boats are scattered along the coast in various stages of construction. Learn about the traditional construction methods, unchanged for centuries, and climb into a boat to explore its size and the craftsmanship of the boat-builders. Phinisi boats were used by the Makassans to travel as far as Australia and Madagascar.

Disembark at Palopo for your overland trip to Tana Toraja. The drive is through an enchanting landscape of rice fields and local villages. As you climb into the highland enjoy marvelous views of pine trees, rainforests and plantations.

During your time in Toraja, you will see the local lifestyle and traditional houses at Marante, visit the stone grave with Tau-tau effigies at Lemo, and visit the famous traditional stone and hanging burial sites of Bori Parinding. You will also visit a Torajan market, where buffalo and pigs are for sale to those who will purchase them for funerals or other ceremonies. You will also visit Kete Kesu, a quaint traditional village concealed in the mountains. The village is over 400 years old and functions as a living museum, where one can experience first-hand the culture and tradition of the ancient Torajan people.

Overnight at the best hotel in the area, Misiliana Hotel, enjoy a buffet dinner accompanied by local music and dancing.

On day 4 continue your time in Tana Toraja before making the overland trip back to the Coral Adventurer.

Sogori Island is one of the small islands located around Kabaena Island in Southwest Sulawesi. The island is populated by the Bajonese and Buginese people. The surrounding white sandy beaches as well as several shipwrecks make it enjoyable for water activities. Explore underwater with expedition style diving.

Selayar Island is the gateway to the extensive Taka Bonerate National Park. You will have the option of village and cultural activities, or snorkelling and diving in the incredible Taka Bonerate atoll – the third largest atoll in the world. The biodiversity of the reef is very high, offering attractive spot dives, including drop off dives in some places. The waters inside the atoll are magnificently turquoise, surrounded by the deepest blue imaginable.

Arrive at Jinato Island to visit this peaceful village. A welcoming ceremony by the local Bajau and Bugis people will lead you ashore. See the unique construction of the village, built on raised platforms, and enjoy cultural attractions and performances. Enjoy demonstrations of local music and hand-crafts. Enjoy insights into the cottage industry of the village with the making of coconut oil, traditional dishes, fishing nets, and boat building.

Moving to Tinabo Besar, guests are invited to join conservationist activities such as planting a tree or coral transplantation, assisted by National Park staff. Each guest will have his or her name on it as foster parents of the plants!

Today there is time to relax and enjoy the famous Pink Beach with plenty of opportunity for snorkeling and diving. Locals usually visit in their boats providing the opportunity to purchase handmade souvenirs.

Raft Point guards the entrance to this iconic area, with a host of destinations such as the mighty Sale River, Steep Island and Ruby Falls at Red Cone Creek. There may also be an opportunity to meet the Worrora people and experience the wonderous Wandjina art of Raft Point.

Go ashore at the city of Ende in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara. Journey to the Kelimutu National Park, stopping along the way at an orphanage. After refreshments, continue your journey into the mountains, enjoying the spectacular views of the valley below. A hike to the extraordinary tri-coloured crater lakes of Kelimutu is not complete without throwing a stone for good luck. Enjoy lunch at the Eco Lodge.

Lamalera is one of the last two traditional whaling villages in Eastern Indonesia. Although slowly dying out. The ancient tradition of whaling is still the principal economic activity here – as the many whale bones in the village prove. Whaling boats are made entirely of wood with wooden pegs instead of nails, and sails are made of palm leaves. The patterns of the whale and the boats are often seen in Lamalera’s handwoven ikat textiles.

Be welcomed by the villagers on the beach before entering the village to see traditional activities and dances. Depending on the sea conditions, there may be an opportunity to actually go on a “mock” whale hunt in the local boats, otherwise the villagers will bring their boats close to Coral Adventurer and will demonstrate how they hunt large marine creatures. The women will give a weaving/dying demonstrating and textiles are available for purchase.

This very rugged island is home to around 50 different language or dialect groups. The traditional villages are very intriguing, and you will visit Kadelang Market and Takpala village. Enjoy cultural shows and the the famous handwoven Ikat textiles. Snorkelling and water activities are offered in the afternoon.

Today you will leave Indonesia and journey to Tablolong Beach, where you will have a clearance and have time for snorkelling in Tablolong bay.

Cruise across the Arafura Sea, enjoying an expedition recap by the guest lecturers. This evening join your fellow travellers for the Captain’s farewell drinks.

Arrive in Darwin at 9:30am and disembark around 11:30am after clearing customs and immigration. Farewell your new friends and continue on your journey.