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Indonesian Explorer: Raja Ampat to Papua New Guinea - Heritage Adventurer
Travel to Papua New Guinea and the most remote islands in Indonesia with a highly enthusiastic, wildlife-obsessed, expert expedition team.
SPECIAL OFFER
8.9*
ECO SCORE
140
PASSENGERS
19
DAYS
3/5
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Indonesia: Drink It In
Welcome Aboard the
Heritage Adventurer
A true expedition voyage in every sense, our journey will explore Indonesia's rarely visited and little known biodiverse-rich jungle-capped islands scattered across pristine pellucid waters well beyond traditional tourist routes. Join us and discover a true paradise where untouched dense jungles home to some of the rarest flora and fauna on the planet meet crystalline tropical waters teeming with exotic marine life and some of the world's best coral reefs all wrapped in a land steeped in history and rich in culture and tradition.
- • Explore one of the richest concentrations of flora and fauna on the planet with 25,000 species of flowering plants,1,592 bird species and half of the world's fish species.
• Boarding traditional longboats and sailing among stilt houses that are the home to Papuan artisans and dancers is just one of the many opportunities you'll have on this voyage to meet local people and experience local culture.
•This outstanding New Zealand operator is considered one of the world's foremost authorities on bird life and the other wonders in this region.
Travel Curator’s Insights:
SPECIAL OFFER:
Rates:
from $13,450 per person
September to October is an ideal time to explore Raja Ampat and Papua New Guinea, as the region enjoys calm seas and excellent visibility, perfect for diving and snorkeling in its vibrant coral reefs. This transitional season also provides optimal weather for wildlife spotting, including colorful birds of paradise and other endemic species, while cultural visits benefit from the drier conditions and comfortable temperatures.
Inquire for specific dates.
September & October;
Hover here for more information.
Departures:
Trip Sustainability Awards
Transportation
Provides ship transport of freight and personnel to and from nature reserves
Education
Partners with True Young Explorer to provide travel scholarships for young people
Conservation
Helps sponsor the Spoon-billed Sandpiper conservation project with BirdLife International
Itinerary
Day 1: Bali, Indonesia
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 Mt. Agung. Make your way to the hotel where our group will spend the first night of the expedition. This evening meet your fellow voyagers and expedition guides over dinner at the hotel.
Day 2: Denpasar
Enjoy breakfast followed by time to explore the cultural and historical delights of Bali’s capital. This afternoon transfer to Heritage Adventurer where your Captain and Expedition Team will welcome you aboard as we set sail for Sumbawa Island.
Day 3: Sumbawa Island
East of its more famous sibling Lombok, mountainous Sambawa Island blends laid back island life with spectacular volcanic ridges, terraced rice fields, tangled jungles and beautiful sandy beaches replete with stunning 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 we will experience a number of 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.
Day 4: Komodo National Park
A sanctuary for the giant monitor lizard, the Komodo Dragon, 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. The surrounding forest is home to Timor Deer, the favourite prey of the dragons, as well as elegant Yellow-crested Cockatoos. Enjoy the first snorkelling excursion off splendid Pink Beach, with world-class experience often described as “swimming in an aquarium”.
Day 5: Wakatobi National Park
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’s snorkel excursions reveal 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.
Day 6: Buru Island
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 we will explore these remote shores together with our expert naturalists and guides. Enjoy opportunities to explore the forests in search of wildlife and many of the endemic species and enjoy the hospitality of local communities during village visits.
Days 7, 8 & 9: Raja Ampat
Lapped by stunning turquoise waters, Raja Ampat’s collection of 1,500 tiny, jungle-cloaked islands are among Indonesia’s most beautiful. We plan to spend 2 days exploring the bounty of rainbow corals, shoals of multi-coloured fish, 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 our 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.
Day 10: Misool Island
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) and our introduction to this stunning marine environment. 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, discover caves hidden among verdant forests featuring rock art dating back more than 5,000 years, while under its protected waters Dugong, 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 we aim to explore the labyrinth of caves and passages, and hike up to the viewing platforms to enjoy the spectacular vistas and heart-shaped lagoon of Karawapop.
Day 11: Bomberai Peninsula
Today we 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.
Day 12: Triton Bay
Enjoy the unforgettable experience of swimming with the iconic Whale Sharks of Triton Bay. 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 afternoon Heritage Adventurer drops 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 colorful reef fish including dinner plate-sized Blue-ring and Six-bar Angelfish, and impressive red and white striped Lionfish, among others, on a snorkelling highight.
Day 13: Etna Bay
This morning we 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”, an authentic expedition adventure awaits. Local mythology claims that Indonesia’s legendary Garuda bird and national emblem lives in these mountains. Join your expedition team as we explore this unknown terrain together.
Days 14 & 15: Asmat Villages
Ten thousand square miles of mangrove forest, bamboo, and sago palms have long sheltered the Asmat region from outsiders. At high tide our ship enters 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 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.
Day 16: At Sea
Relax on board after our adventures, join a lecture, update your photos/journal or watch the world go by in the Observation Lounge or from the poolside.
Day 17: Thursday Island, Australia
The colourful island paradise of Australia’s northernmost point, Thursday Island, is one of 274 islands scattered between the northern tip of Queensland and Papua New Guinea in the Torres Strait. Settled in the late 19th Century, its early fame rested on pearling by Japanese fishermen, while during WWII, Australian and American troops were stationed at the base here. Explore the small sleepy town, discover the island’s rich culture and arts, and take in the sweeping view from Green Hill Fort, built in 1893, which once guarded the island’s main approaches. Its underground tunnels, now refurbished, house the Torres Strait Heritage Museum.
Day 18: At Sea
Enjoy some well-earned downtime after our day at Thursday Island and relive the memories of this fantastic adventure with a recap and special farewell dinner celebration.
Day 19: Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea to Cairns, Australia
Arrive in Port Moresby, bustling gateway and capital of Papua New Guinea where village and urban life exist side-by-side. After breakfast, enjoy a visit to the National Museum and Arts Center, exhibiting one of the finest collections of primitive art in the world and lunch before boarding your flight to Cairns, OR continue the adventure with us on Discover the Secrets of Melanesia.
Please Note: During our voyage, 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.
Heritage Adventurer
Heritage Adventurer is a true pioneering expedition vessel of exceptional pedigree. Often referred to as the 'Grande Dame of Polar Exploration' due to her celebrated history and refined design, she was purpose built for adventure in 1991 at Finland's Rauma shipyard and specifically designed for Polar exploration. Setting a peerless standard in authentic expedition travel, Heritage Adventurer (formerly known as MS Hanseatic) combines the highest passenger ship ice class rating (1A Super) with an impressive history of Polar exploration. Having held records for the most northern and southern Arctic and Antarctic navigations, and for traversing both the Northwest and Northeast Passages, the Heritage Adventurer is perfect for pioneering New Zealand-based signature experiential expedition travel.
Originally designed to accommodate 184 guests, Heritage Adventurer now welcomes just 140 expeditioners ensuring spacious, stylish and comfortable voyages, while a fleet of 14 Zodiacs ensures all guests are able to maximize their expedition adventure. Heritage Adventurer proudly continues our traditions of exceptional, personalized expedition experiences as this operator's flagship.
Capacity: 140 Guests
Cabins: 90
Specialists: Seasoned Expedition Leader, Highly-credentialed Naturalists, Expert Crew
ACHIEVEMENTS
Featured in the documentary "Go Further South"
2014 World Responsible Tourism Award Candidate
2012 New Zealand Travel Awards Finalist
"The Heritage Adventurer, formerly the Hanseatic Explorer, is a comfortable and spacious ship perfect for long expeditions. Her roomy cabins all have seating areas and offer a great use of space. The stars of the show are this operator's expedition leaders and naturalist guides. These are some of the most seasoned and intrepid expeditioners in the world. If you're looking for true adventure on an attractive and comfortable ship, the Heritage Adventurer will provide adventure for you in spades."
Wild Nectar
Life On Board
Deck Plan
Click to enlarge
Rates
If you're looking for a true expedition in the sense that everyday will be a complete surprise, travel with these bird and wildlife-passionate experts to a region where locals love them and every nautical mile brings new delights.
Joy Martinello, Founder
What’s Included & Cancellation Policy:
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Discovery fund, pre cruise transfer, post cruise flight Port Moresby to Cairns, one night hotel accommodation in a twin share room (incl. dinner/breakfast), all on board ship accommodation with meals, house beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner and all shore excursions and activities. Program of lectures by noted naturalists.
NOT INCLUDED
All items of a personal nature, laundry, drinks, gratuities. International/domestic flights, visas, extensions and travel insurance.
