Exploring the Indonesian Archipelago

Overview

From Singapore to Darwin, set sail on a 12-day expedition cruise aboard Le Bellot, into the heart of fascinating Indonesia. With more than 700 languages, Indonesia is a true cultural melting-pot and the variety of landscapes, from rainforest-covered volcanic islands to white sandy beaches, is sure to delight.

After calling in at the Tembelan Islands, a dream destination for those who enjoy lazing at the water’s edge, set off to meet the Orang-Utans of Tanjung Puting National Park, in southern Borneo. An unforgettable moment in the midst of an ancient tropical forest. In Badas, you will be welcomed by the inhabitants of Pamulung village, where you will be able to witness a traditional ceremony. Continue your trip with a visit to Komodo National Park. This wild and isolated island is home to the famous Komodo Dragons, as well as Pink Beach, one of only a handful of pink sand beaches in the world. You will then set sail for Flores, the island of flowers, followed by the Alor Archipelago, two destinations where the inhabitants have successfully maintained their age-old traditional lifestyle.

Nicknamed the Garden City, Singapore stretches across Malaysia’s southern-most region. Experience the vibrant hustle and bustle of this city-state for yourself at the Marina Bay. No too far away is the historic centre, offering up a unique smorgasbord of neoclassical buildings and contemporary towers. Decked out in topiary, the pavements of Orchard Road are also home to countless shopping centres. The colourful markets in Chinatown and Little India are the perfect opportunity to quell hunger pangs in a hawker centre, one of the city’s traditional snack bars. Between the two districts, get a slice of history with a trip to the Raffles dock. It was here that Englishman Sir Raffles, the founder of the city, is said to have arrived one fateful day in January 1819.

Off the west coast of Kalimantan (Borneo) lies a group of Indonesian islands called the Tembelan archipelago. Administratively a part of the Riau Islands Province, they offer visitors myriad opportunities to swim and snorkel in an idyllic setting. The Tembelan islands are small, partly inhabited dots of land lying just north of the Equator. Nature here is still pristine and wild. Large rocks sitting on the edge of the water, coral, white-sand beaches lined with coconut trees, green hills and fishing villages: these are the many faces you will be lucky enough to discover on these exotic and charming islands where sea turtles are often spotted.

During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, you will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Not far from Kumai in the south of Borneo, discover the magnificent Tanjung Puting National Park, one of Indonesia’s must-see sites. Listed as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, you will explore it from a Zodiac, surrounded by tropical rainforest. People tend to come here particularly for the orang-utans. These fascinating primates have been part of a rehabilitation programme here for several years. For what is sure to be a moving experience, you may see them in their natural habitat.

During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

The port of Badas is part of the greater township of Sumbawa Besar, on the island of Sumbawa. Like most of Sumbawa the people hold their culture strong as a major part of their identity. The island has a strong influence from the Makassarese of Sulawesi, who over the centuries have introduced a lot of their culture into Sumbawa. Join your expedition team and local guides for a tour by bus to Pamulung Village where you will be welcomed by the head of the village and have the opportunity to witness first-hand the local traditions of rice pounding, weaving and also witness a wedding procession. Your visit will conclude with an exciting Sumbawa buffalo race, an event that will be held in honour of our visit.

From age-old traditional cultures and ancient vestiges, to coral reefs and lush green jungle. The attractions of the remote Banda archipelago seem endless. Better known as the legendary “Spice Islands” of the Ancient World, these small volcanic landmasses were the fabled prize of colonial powers for more than four centuries. Every colonial power of significance fought for control of these ten small islands that today have become largely forgotten. Walking the streets of Banda Neira is a surreal experience as your eyes are drawn to the eclectic mix of Portuguese, Dutch and British architecture, the remnants of a rich and tumultuous history. It is without doubt the most historically significant and interesting of all the “Spice Islands”.

Situated on the volcanic island of Komodo, Loh Liang is the gateway to Komodo National Park. This protected nature reserve, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991, is home to a wonderfully rich marine environment and numerous terrestrial species. Most notably, the world’s largest living species of lizard, commonly called “the Komodo Dragon”, can be observed there. These prehistoric-looking reptiles can measure more than 3 metres in length and weigh around 70 kg. They can be found nowhere else. You will set off in search of them during a trek, accompanied by park rangers. A unique and unforgettable experience.

Floresians have an ancient culture stretching back millennia before the first arrival of Europeans in search of trade opportunities. Their history is shared through oral traditions and is recreated in song and dance. The mountainous terrain of Flores has preserved the diversity of cultures and Maumere serves as the capital of the Sikka district and main trading port. Few tourists make it to Maumere with most stopping at Labuan Bajo and heading west to the islands of Komodo. Consequently, Maumere has kept its charming atmosphere, an eclectic mix of a bustling trading town and a coastal paradise. Join your expedition team and local guides for a tour by local transport to the markets and tribal villages in the hinterland of Maumere.

The unique culture of the Alorese continues among the Takpala indigenous group who have preserved their traditional architecture and ceremonies. The island of Alor is also known as the island of a Thousand Moko’s. The Moko is a small bronze kettledrum which is believed to have originated from the Dong Son culture of Vietnam. However, it remains a mystery as to how these prehistoric Dong Son drums arrived in Alor. Local legend says that the Moko’s were discovered buried in the ground, and indeed mokos are still being uncovered today. Join the expedition team and local guides for a tour by local transport to Takpala village, the Museum of a Thousand Mokos and the thriving main market of Kalabahi.

During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, you will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Darwin is located in Australia’s Northern Territory which is also known as the “Top End”. It is the capital city and the most populated town of the Northern Territory. Darwin is a beautiful tropical city, a melting pot of people and cultures, over 50 different cultures live and work side by side that prides itself in its unique and friendly laid-back lifestyle. Come and discover the town’s still recent history through its emblematic buildings such as the new Parliament House opened in 1994, a magnificent example of tropical architecture or Admiralty House declared heritage place, a tropical-style home elevated on stilts that has survived two cyclones and numerous air raids.