Island Traditions To The Edge of Africa

Enjoy a relaxed morning prior to arriving at the Singapore Cruise Centre at 2:30pm for boarding from 4:00pm. After a delicious afternoon tea, Coral Geographer will depart on at 6:00pm.  Come out on the deck to see the lights of the Singapore sky line as we sail from the harbour.

Kota Melaka, or Malacca City, is the capital of the Malaysian state of Malacca. It has a long and illustrious history of trade and influence, due to its significant location on the Strait of Malacca – one of the most important shipping lanes in the world. Colonial influences, rich history, and peaceful coexistence of many different peoples make Malacca a fascinating tourist destination.

Here, we arrive early before the heat of the day. There is much to see, so tours will reveal the city to us. After a break for lunch, enjoy a cruise along the Melaka River.

A day’s sailing takes us up the scenic coast of Malaysia. Enjoy lectures on the history and culture of the region, before arriving into the state and island of Penang at the lively city of Georgetown. Famous for its fascinating blend of colonial, Indian, Malay and – especially – immigrant Chinese culture and food, enjoy a traditional dinner on shore and soak up the atmosphere.

In the morning, wander through the architectural heritage of Georgetown, with its spectacular Chinese temples and guildhalls.  The city has a sense of being frozen in time, with the historical centre home to over 12,000 old buildings which have earned Georgetown the status of UNESCO World Heritage site.  The history is only the beginning – incredible street art and street food provide a feast for the senses.

Sabang is the most westerly part of Indonesia, and lies in an important location at the entrance to the Malacca Strait. Dutch colonial buildings dot this sleepy little city, and the small group of islands is known for picturesque beaches and excellent marine life. Here we will ride a becak from the harbour to see the heritage architecture, and enjoy a performance by the local children.

Visit the geothermal Jaboi Valley, with its otherworldly bubbling pools and smell of sulfur. Later this afternoon, we explore the amazing dive sites around Pulau Seulako – where schools of fish flock around the coral walls in the clear water.

Today, we explore Banda Aceh. This city was hit very hard by the Boxing Day Tsunami of 2004. Learn about the events of that day, and visit the remarkable museum and memorial park. Enjoy a traditional meal on-shore and a display of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Practice of the Saman Dance. Enjoy time to relax and explore before we commence our ocean crossing to Sri Lanka.

On our visit to the south coast of Sri Lanka, we will discover the coastal villages, enjoy beachcombing on sprawling shorelines and interact with the local communities.

We may also have the opportunity to visit Yala National Park for a dusk safari experience where we will spot wild elephants and perhaps elusive leopards before returning to the wilderness resort for a traditional Sri Lankan feast and overnight stay.

The following day we may explore Galle and the surrounding countryside in the company of local guides. Cycle through paddy fields, visit the Temple and take in the aromas of one of Sri Lanka’s iconic tea and cinnamon plantations.

This morning we clear into the Maldives, before beginning our exploration of the exquisite coral atolls that comprise the nation of the Maldives.

Enjoy water activities off the white sand beaches of a stunning atoll island.  Enjoy snorkelling over the underwater coral gardens, strolling under the palm trees, and meeting the kind and courteous Maldivians.

This morning we find ourselves at Thanburan Reef, Hanifaru Bay, famous for its marine life. This is a protected area, and we may have the opportunity to swim and admire the underwater wonders.

After lunch we reposition to Olhugiri for more water activities and relaxation. The island is also known for breeding red-billed tropic bird and nesting turtles.

Explore Meemu Atoll and the uninhabited island of Maalhaveli. This atoll is a true paradise and geographic marvel. It is home to rich marine bio-diversity and a huge variety of diving and snorkelling experiences! Enjoy wall and drift dives over colourful reefs, with the opportunity to spot fish, mantas, or reef sharks.

Arrive in Hithadhoo, Addu Atoll in the afternoon. Here we will go to the famous Addu Nature Park to see wonderful birdlife in the mangrove forest.

Later you will have time to explore the township or go shopping, enjoy Maldivian cuisine, and relax before we depart.

Drive the scenic coastal road through quaint fishing villages and dense forest of contrasting shades of green to the UNESCO World Heritage Vallee de Mai Nature Reserves. Here we marvel at the forest of over 6000 Coco de Mer palms, with their enormous fan-shaped fronds and famously suggestive double-coconut seeds.

This afternoon, we enjoy swimming or walks at the Cote d’Or.

Awake to the amazing view of La Digue. This is the most well-known island of Seychelles because of the spectacular rock formations and huge granite boulders.

Visit the L’Union estate, a former coconut and vanilla plantation which provides an insight into the colonial history of the island.  Encounter giant tortoises, enjoy strolling around the grounds of the majestic plantation house, and relax on one of the most pristine beaches in Seychelles and ‘the most beautiful beach in the world’, Anse Source d’Argent.

In the afternoon, we visit Curieuse Island. This island has a tragic history, having been home to a leper colony, and still bearing the marks of a 1771 fire. However, here the giant tortoises roam free and Seychelles black parrot can be spotted amongst the protected Coco de Mer trees.

Aride is the northernmost island of Seychelles, and is home to some of the most important seabird populations in the Indian Ocean.  With eighteen species of native bird, including the world’s largest colonies of Lesser Noddy and Tropical Shearwater, the islands provides a huge amount of bird watching opportunities. Here, we may go ashore and enjoy a nature walk along the beach, looking out for Sooty Terns, Roseate Terns, Red-tailed Tropicbird, Frigatebirds, Brown Noddy, White Tern and Wedge-tailed Shearwater.

*The visit to Aride is weather dependant as access to shore requires favourable landing conditions.

This itinerary includes a total of 10 days at sea to reach these destinations. During sea days, relax or join our Expedition Team for a fascinating program of interactive workshops and informative presentations.

This morning, we arrive at Port Victoria, Mahe, Seychelles at 7:00am for disembarkation at 8:00am.