Asia, Indonesia

East of Bali - 12 Day Indonesia Cruise

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To many seasoned travellers the chain of islands to the East of Bali is the most fascinating in all the Indonesian archipelago. Certainly, they are not on the mass tourism circuit and their beauty and customs are relatively unscathed by the modern world. Our adventure explores the Nusa Tenggara islands which cover a relatively small geographical area of the country but deliver a rich experience where neighbouring islands embrace different cultures, lifestyles and languages. As we sail from one island to another we will enter a timeless world that is blessed with pure white sandy deserted beaches that in turn give way to stunning, beautiful coral reefs in dazzlingly clear water. Obviously, such beauty and serenity is best enjoyed with a small number of travelling companions. After all, it would be disappointing to find yourself in the company of hundreds on what was a deserted beach. We have therefore chartered the Heritage Adventurer which accommodates a maximum of just 140 passengers and offers all the comforts of a larger vessel, but with the added luxury of a small number of passengers. The onboard fleet of Zodiacs gives us the freedom of spontaneity to explore and land in places where relatively few travellers have been before us.

Afloat and ashore, our expedition will be filled with unforgettable images and experiences, sky-piercing volcanoes, multi-coloured crater lakes, remote idyllic islets, kaleidoscopic reefs and endemic flora and fauna including the Komodo dragon. There will be opportunities to snorkel in the coral wonderlands and the cultural component of the region is equally unique; the spectrum of customs, spiritual beliefs and artistic craftsmanship is mind-boggling. We hope you can join us for what promises to be a wonderful adventure and an opportunity to set foot on islands of astonishing richness and beauty.

Day 1 Bali.

Arrive this afternoon and transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay. The remainder of the day is at leisure before we meet this evening for dinner in the hotel.

Day 2 Bali.

Spend the morning relaxing in the hotel or exploring the local area at your own pace. Check out in the late morning and after lunch we transfer to the Heritage Adventurer moored in Benoa and sail this evening.

Day 3 Lombok.

Overnight we sail the short distance to neighbouring Lombok. An island drive passes the beautiful scenery of rice fields and palm trees to the village of Banyu Mulek, famous for its handmade pottery. Continue to the unique Lingsar Temple. Built around 1714 and renovated with a stunning garden and lotus pools, it is sacred to both Hindus and Muslims. Our final call will be at Waktu Telu Sasak village with its unique traditional houses and bonnet-shaped rice barns which are the symbol of Lombok.

Day 4 Sumba.

Enjoy a relaxing morning at sea arriving into northern Sumba at lunchtime. From the port of Waikelo we head into the Kodi region where we will learn of the Pasola horseback fighting. Here rival Sumba tribes in traditional costume battle bareback on horses using hand carved spears (Pasola). This activity is a ceremonial part of the Marapu religion and is run during the harvest months. We will also visit Rotenggaro village and see the traditional Sumba houses, which are as high as coconut trees. Upon arriving at Rotenggaro village we will be welcomed by Merapu traditional danceand then there will be time to browse around the village, see the high roof houses with backdrops of the Indian Ocean and the large decorated tombs carved from stone.

Day 5 Flores.

Arriving in Flores at dawn we embark on a full day excursion to the remarkable Kelimutu National Park with its unique three coloured crater lakes. These three lakes change colours from time to time and nobody can explain why, but stories vary from a changing mineral content of the water to angry ancestor spirits. Kelimutu is sacred to the local population and they believe the souls of the dead go to the lakes. We will make our way to ‘Inspiration Point’ with views over all three lakes and enjoy lunch in the picturesque village of Moni which is ringed by volcanoes and dotted with rice fields before our scenic drive back to the vessel.

Day 6 Lamalera, Lembata.

Well off the tourist path, the island of Lembata is a perfect destination for us to explore with our small ship. Here we find traditional whaling villages, mentioned in Portuguese documents dating back to 1643, who hunt large sea animals, like whales and manta rays, to provide food and a living for the entire village. Using simple sailboats and following ancient beliefs and traditions they are exempt from the ban on whaling due to the small numbers of whales taken and the traditional hunting methods they use. We will have the chance to walk around the fascinating village and see the boats made entirely of wood with wooden pegs (there is not a nail to be found) and sails made of palm leaves. Return to the vessel for lunch and this afternoon we will find a suitable location to snorkel and swim.

Day 7 Kalabahi, Alor.

Arrive this morning in the Solor and Alor archipelago for our visit to the island of Alor, home to indigenous tribal groups renowned for their Moko drum culture. This is a beautiful island with its smouldering volcanoes reaching down into crystal clear waters fringed with coral reefs, coconut palm beaches of pure white sand and traditional villages built halfway up mountainsides. From our berth in Kalabahi we will explore the rugged interior of the island where we find the indigenous Melanesian people living a very traditional life. In the village of Takpala, we will meet the Abui tribe, see demonstrations of local handicrafts made of wood and bamboo and observe their daily life. On our return to Kalabahi we will visit the colourful Kadelang traditional market and the local museum with its unique collection of ikats textiles, ceramics, traditional music and a bronze Dongson drum (Moko). After lunch on board we will enjoy a leisurely afternoon at sea.

Day 8 Taka Bonerate National Park.

Stretching south from the main island of Sulawesi into the Flores Sea is the Taka Bonerate National Park. Spread out over 220,000 hectares this is the largest coral reef in Indonesia and is rich in marine life and also a variety of bird species. Using our small ship to navigate and our Zodiacs to land, we will find a suitable spot amongst the 21 islands of the park to spend the day. The clear waters offer snorkellers a chance to explore the reefs where we find many species of coral and colourful reef fish as well as dolphins and turtles. Alternatively enjoy a walk in the sand dunes where we will find many land, coastal and sea birds.

Day 9 Komodo National Park.

One of the highlights of our expedition for many will be our visit to Komodo to see the distant cousins of the dinosaurs, the Komodo dragons. These rare, huge lizards grow up to twelve feet in length and were only known to the western world in 1910 when a Dutch lieutenant first laid eyes on them. Escorted by the island’s wardens in the national park we will walk to the dragon’s feeding station, seeing dragons in the wild. Today fewer than 300 of this protected species remain and its continuing existence hangs in the balance. During our walk we also hope to see frigate birds, white buffalo and long tailed monkeys. Over lunch we will sail to Pink Beach where we can relax, enjoy a nature walk or swim or snorkel from the beach.

Day 10 Satonda Island.

Spend the day exploring the diminutive Satonda Island, located between the large island of Sumbawa and the smaller Pulau Moyo. The island is wooded and uninhabited, with a fringing reef and a small but swimmable crater lake where the trees are decorated with ‘wishing’ stones, shells and pieces of coral. This is a snorkeller’s paradise with pristine reefs, colourful coral and abundant fish whilst guided walks inland will search for the local birdlife including the endemic island monarch and rufous chested flycatcher.

Day 11 Labahani, Moyo.

Awake this morning anchored off the lovely island of Moyo. Moyo is a nature reserve with wild oxen deer, wild boars and a great variety of bird species which we will explore on nature walks with our naturalists. If conditions allow there will be the opportunity to snorkel and explore by Zodiac. Return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon cruising as we return to Bali.

Day 12 Bali.

Disembark this morning in Benoa and transfer to the airport for your flight back home.

Please Note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

15 October, 2024 to 26 October, 2024
Heritage Adventurer

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MAIN DECK SINGLE CABINS

£8,145 GBP pp

DECK 3 | SIZE: 22m2 (235.SqFt) Main Deck Single Cabins on Deck 3 are a spacious 22m2 in size and feature two porthole windows, king bed, lounge area, writing desk, private ensuite bathroom with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system.

SUPERIOR SINGLE CABINS. From

£8,445 GBP pp

DECK 5 | SIZE: 22m2 (235.SqFt) Superior Single Cabins on Deck 5 are a spacious 22m2 and feature large panoramic windows, king bed, lounge area, writing desk, private en-suite bathroom with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system.

SUPERIOR CABINS DECK 4

£8,445 GBP pp

SIZE: 22m2 (235.SqFt) Superior Cabins are a spacious 22m2 and feature large panoramic windows, king or two single beds, lounge area, writing desk, private ensuite bathroom with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system.

SUPERIOR CABINS DECK 5

£8,645 GBP pp

WORSLEY SUITES

£9,645 GBP pp

DECK 6 | SIZE: 22m2 (235.SqFt) Located on Deck 6, Worsley Suites are a spacious 22m2 and feature large panoramic windows, king or two single beds, comfortable chaisestyle lounge suite, writing desk, private en-suite bathroom with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system.

HERITAGE SUITES

£10,145 GBP pp

DECK 6 | SIZE: 44m2 (475.SqFt) Located on Deck 6, Heritage Suites are an expansive 44m2 and feature large double panoramic windows, king bed, large living area with a sofa, coffee table and chairs, large writing desk and grand marble bathroom with a double basin, bathtub and shower, floor to ceiling storage and a flat screen entertainment system

Heritage Adventurer

Vessel Type: Expedition Ship

Length: 124 metres

Passenger Capacity: 140

Built: 1991

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, makes Heritage Adventurer perfect for pioneering New Zealand-based Heritage Expeditions 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 maximise their expedition adventure. Heritage Adventurer proudly continues our traditions of exceptional, personalised expedition experiences as Heritage Expeditions flagship.

Observation Lounge – One of the most celebrated and best-known features of Heritage Adventurer is the awe-inducing Observation Lounge, Library and Bar. Located on Deck 7 and perched directly above the Bridge, enjoy sweeping 270-degree views through floor to ceiling windows, perfect for wildlife spotting and quick access to the outer deck. Bring your binoculars to spot wildlife, observe the ever-changing landscape, write in your journal or relax with a book.

Observation Deck – Enjoy 360-degree views from the highest point on the ship. The Observation Deck sits above the Observation Lounge and provides exceptional outside viewing options. Stretching the full width of the vessel, this is the perfect spot to take in the surrounding land and seascapes. Perfect on a sunny day, recline in the comfortable sun loungers protected from the wind and elements and watch your voyage unfold.

The Bridge – No expedition is complete without visiting Heritage Adventurer’s busy nerve centre. Located on Deck 6, Heritage Expeditions’ Open Bridge Policy means you are welcome to observe the Captain and crew at work while enjoying some of the ship’s best views. It’s a fascinating place to learn about navigation and vessel operations, however please note the Bridge will be closed when departing or arriving at port.

Dining Room – Indulge in fine international cuisine from our talented chefs in the lavish surrounds of our Dining Room on Deck 4. Sensational 270-degree views provide a stunning backdrop to meals here along with an international wine list featuring many outstanding regional wines. With relaxed seating arrangements, all guests can enjoy dining in a single sitting from hearty breakfasts setting you up for the day’s adventure to sumptuous lunches and multi-course evening dining.

Bistro – Simple fast and delicious meals and snacks are on offer in our relaxed Bistro on Deck 6. Perfect for early risers to enjoy tea, coffee and light breakfast options the Bistro provides great views and opens directly onto a covered and heated teak-deck outdoor dining area.

The Bar and Lounge – The social hub of Heritage Adventurer, the Bar and Lounge on Deck 5 features seating for all guests. Enjoy a beverage at the bar, sink into an armchair, relax on one of the many spacious loungers and watch the world go by through the panoramic windows or make new friends at the communal seating. This multi-tasking space also doubles as the location of daily briefings and evening recaps with the expedition team.

The Gym – Featuring spectacular ocean views, the well-equipped gym is adjacent to the pool, hot tub and sauna in Deck 7’s wellbeing zone. Maintain your routine with an elliptical cross trainer, treadmill, rowing machine, stationary bikes, TRX as well as free weights, yoga mats and fitness balls. Towels are provided with change room and shower amenities nearby.

Sauna and Steam Room – True to her Nordic origins, Heritage Adventurer features a dry-heat Finnish sauna and European steam room on Deck 7. Perfect for warming up post Polar plunge or unwinding after a day’s adventures, the sauna and steam room include change room facilities, showers and towels.

Swimming Pool and Hot Tub – Surrounded by relaxed teak seating including sun loungers, the open-air saltwater pool can be heated or chilled. Encased in glass the hot tub ensures all-weather use, perfect for those who like to relax with a view following a day of exploring.

Lectures and Presentations – Enjoy informative and entertaining lectures on history, biology, wildlife, and ecology in the comfort of the Presentation Theatre. With state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, our world-renowned expedition team will bring your adventure to life through interactive presentations and discussions.

Post-cruise Bali Extension. From (895.00 GBP)

Day 1 Benoa to Ubud, Bali, Indonesia. Day 2 Ubud. Day 3 Bali.

Inclusions

• Voyage on board in selected cabin category
• House wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner on board
• Expedition team
• Shore excursions as per the itinerary (Note: Some itineraries have optional excursions as per the specific exclusions)
• Gratuities
• Port Charges/ Taxes
• Transfers as per the itinerary (Note: Transfers are offered in conjunction with group flights only when booked together, both can be taken off if included in the itinerary and credited)

Exclusions

• Passport and Visa costs where applicable
• Travel insurance
• Beverages other than those listed in inclusions
• Meals when not on board the ship unless otherwise stated
• Pre and post voyage accommodation unless otherwise stated
• Optional excursions as per specific itinerary
• Any items of a personal nature

Expedition

Heritage Adventurer

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£8,145 GBP pp

Map for East of Bali - 12 Day Indonesia Cruise

Highlights

• Explore the Kelimutu National Park with its unique coloured crater lakes.

• Discover the Taka Bonerate National Park, the largest coral reef in Indonesia.

• Visit the traditional whaling villages on the island of Lembata.

• See Komodo Dragons in the wild and relax on the beautiful Pink Beach in Komodo National Park.

• Snorkel over pristine reefs around Satonda Island.

• Join our naturalists on guided nature walks to discover the flora and fauna.

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or call us on

NZ Freephone
0800 945 3327

AUS Freephone
1800 107 715

to help you make your reservation