In The Trail Of Tasman II 13 MAY 2019
11 DAYS
MAY 2019
FROM $9,690*PP
INCLUDES: Cruise | Guided Sightseeing Tours | Meals | Drinks
OVERVIEW
In 1606, Willem Janszoon in Duyfken, sailed from Banda, through the Kai and Aru Islands, then along the south coast of what is now West Papua, on his voyage to be the first European to sail to the “Southland” In 1623, Carstenszoon did the same in the ships Arnhem and Pera. Coral Adventurer, on the 2nd stage of her inaugural voyage, sail to these rarely visited areas and explore those early voyages through this remote area. Visit the famous biodiverse 2.35 million hectares Lorentz National Park is the largest protected area in Southeast Asia and the only one in the world to incorporate a continuous unspoiled ecosystem from snow-capped, glaciated uplands to tropical marine environment, including a vast swathe of lowland wetlands.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Visit Sangliat Dol with its ancient megalithic stone stairs and ship structures
- Experience local culture, including traditional dances, hand crafts, and fresh local food.
- View ancient rock art at Kei Island and Andamata › Cruise the emerald water and limestone formations of Triton Bay while looking for hornbills, rainbow lorikeets, egrets, and helmeted friarbirds
- Be welcomed to Lorentz National Park by an armada of canoes, rowed by Asmat warriors
- Hear tales of early explorers as you follow their path
Darwin, Australia | Embark
This morning board Coral Adventurer at Darwin’s Fort Hill Wharf, where there is time to settle in before your mid-morning departure. Spend the day at leisure as you cross the Timor Sea towards Saumlaki. Join your Expedition Staff in the ship’s lounge for an interesting introduction to your journey, and the many experiences you can share. This afternoon enjoy your first Presentation by Historian and Captain Gary Wilson entitled the 375th anniversary of Tasman’s 1664 voyage. In the evening join your fellow travelers, the Captain and his crew at the Captain’s Welcome Drinks
Saumlaki | Sangliat Dol
Enjoy a relaxing morning as you make your approach to your first landfall. This morning your expedition team share insights into the region before your arrival and clearances. This afternoon embark on your first expedition to the small village of Sangliat Dol, a remarkable village with its ancient megalithic sites of stone boat shape. A cultural ceremony of local villagers welcome you ashore then leads you on a walk through a long flight of stairs leading up from the beach to reach the ceremonial area where the giant ancient stone boat remains. Begin with a ritual ceremony followed by culture events including traditional dances, demonstrations of local handicrafts and traditional ways of cooking. Browse the village to observe an interesting insight into the daily tribe family life of the village folk, visit the church, school, and ancient stone boat wells or mingle around with the villagers.
Kei islands
Kei islands were visited by early explorers including Tasman in 1644. Start today’s experience with the stunning, soft white sandy beaches of Kei with a traditional welcome dance by the local villagers. Be enthralled by cultural attractions including Kipas-Kipas, Cakalele, and Yerik Dances. Witness a demonstration of Enbal processing (a local food staple) and a Sasi, a ritual ceremony known to protect natural resources. Enjoy fresh young coconut or tastings of local food. Gain an interesting insight into the daily tribe/ fishermen family life of the village folk or stroll the stunning beach. Opportunities to purchase some of the local handicrafts are on display. After lunch aboard Coral Adventurer, travel with Zodiacs to visit an ancient rock art site that includes at least 400 images of humans, hand stencils, boats, various artifacts such as spears, bows, daggers, axes, and probably shields, fishing nets, and fish.
Fakfak
Join your expedition team and local experts to explore the charming village of Arguni, Andamata, and Kokas where you have a welcome ceremony and a chance to walk around the village. This is followed by a zodiac cruise to see the Rock Art at Kokas, a prosperous fishing community that is home to about 4000 residents and the unique ancient blood paintings location on the steep rock cliffs walls at Andamata.
Triton Bay
Triton Bay lies within the heart of the Coral Triangle, a global center of marine biodiversity. This morning launch the Xplorer tenders and cruise amongst this exceptionally picturesque area with emerald water and mushroom-shaped limestone formations. Wildlife flourishes in this undisturbed habitat so opportunities to view colorful bird species such as hornbills, rainbow lorikeets, helmeted friarbirds, egrets and black palm cockatoos. This afternoon enjoy water activities off the beach.
Aru East
Enjoy an expedition stop at the region visited by all the early explorers including Abel Tasman on his 1644 voyage.
Lorentz National Park
A welcome by an armada of about 40 or more war-canoes, rowed thunderously towards the ship by the Asmat warriors in traditional costume. Disembarking by Xplorer as you are accompanied by the Asmat tribe’s warrior war-canoes to Syuru village where we are greeted by a welcome dance set and performance by the Asmat women. The atmosphere is filled with excitement and joy throughout ceremonial rituals. After the ceremony, you'll be invited deep into “the Men’s house” to experience wonderful items of traditional wooden arts and sculpture, which are offered for sale.
Lorentz National Park
Spend two days visiting the UNESCO world heritage Lorentz National Park The 2.35 million hectare Lorentz National Park is the largest protected area in SE Asia and the only one in the world to incorporate a continuous tract of unspoiled ecosystems from snow-capped, glaciated uplands to tropical marine environments, including a vast swathe of lowland wetlands. The park is regarded as having the highest level of biodiversity in the region. 630 species of bird and 123 mammalian species have been recorded in the park but given that much of Lorentz remains unmapped and unexplored, there may be more yet to be found.
Dobo, Aru Islands
A stop for Tasman and all early explorers join your expedition team on this our final stop before your ocean crossing to Darwin. Following your final clearance from Indonesia as is spend a quiet afternoon reflecting your experiences and enjoy a presentation by one of the expedition team
At Sea
Enjoy the onboard facilities as you cross the Timor Sea. Join your Expedition Staff in the ship’s lounge for a recap of the expedition. This evening, join your fellow travelers, the Captain and, his crew at the Captain’s Farewell Drinks before the last of many spectacular dinners.
Darwin, Australia | Disembark
This morning arrive at Darwin’s Fort Hill wharf for disembarkation after breakfast.
Bridge Deck Balcony Suite |
| Our two Cairns and Darwin suites are spacious and elegant retreats after a busy day ashore. Suites are equipped with a lounge area, minibar and personal coffee machine. They have special King sized beds which can be separated into two singles. An 8 sq m private balcony has an outdoor daybed and lounge chair for two. A unique outside-facing bathroom with picture windows, bath and separate shower complete the suite experience. A complimentary minibar is replenished daily. Bridge Deck Balcony Suites are 55.8 square metres. |
Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom |
| Our two Bridge Deck staterooms are comfortably furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk and arm chair are included. A compact en-suite has a toilet, shower and ample storage. French windows opening to a balcony with seating for two gives you a private perch to watch the panorama unfold outside. These staterooms are located on the bridge deck with superb views and adjacent to the Cairns and Darwin suites. Bridge Deck Balcony Staterooms are 21.4 square metres |
| Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom |
| Our Explorer Deck staterooms are comfortably furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk and arm chair are included. A compact en-suite has a toilet, shower and ample storage. Your private balcony has seating for two from which to view the passing coastal vistas. These staterooms are located on the Explorer deck. Explorer Deck Balcony Staterooms are 21.4 square metres |
Promenade Deck Stateroom |
| Promenade Deck Staterooms are located below the Explorer deck and furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk and arm chair are included. A compact en-suite has a toilet, shower and ample storage. A large picture window gives you wide views of the world outside. Promenade Deck Staterooms are 17 square metres |
| Coral Deck Stateroom |
| Coral Deck Staterooms are identical to the Promenade Deck Staterooms except for their location one deck below. These staterooms have twin portholes rather than picture windows. Coral Deck Staterooms are 17 square metres |
| CORAL ADVENTURER | TWIN SHARE PER PERSON | SOLE USE |
|---|---|---|
| Bridge Deck Suite | $13,490 | n/a |
| Bridge Deck Stateroom | $11,690 | n/a |
| Explorer Deck | $11,390 | $17,085 |
| Promenade Deck | $10,490 | $15,735 |
| Coral Deck | $9,690 | $14,535 |