To South Sulawesi & Borneo for Christmas

Make your way to the Broome Jimmy chi hall for SailSAFE check-in at 07:00am before your transfer to Broome Port to board Coral Geographer at 8:30am. Depart at 10:00am and cruise towards Tablolong Bay while you settle into your stateroom and relax onboard.

Spend today at sea learning about Indonesia from our guest lecturers, and meeting your fellow guests and crew. To finish the day relax and enjoy the Captain’s welcome drinks as the sun sets.

Our first stop is at the sweeping white sand beach of Tablolong Bay. Clear into Indonesia, before going ashore for a special welcoming ceremony.  Traditional dance accompanied by Sasando music from neighbouring Rote Island will delight you and you are welcome to participate in the joyful ceremony. Stroll along the unspoilt shoreline or take to the clear warm waters for a dive, snorkel or a swim.

This morning, enjoy a relaxing morning dive or snorkel (This is one of the best locations to dive) before cruising through spectacular scenery toward Kalabahi Port, surrounded by mountains that overlook the river.

Go ashore to visit the bustling markets and the Moko Drum Museum at Kalabahi before visiting the Village of the Abui people. Here we will observe the traditional Lego-Lego dance, a symbol of the strength and brotherhood of the Abui tribe. Joining hands in a circle, the rhythmic dance is performed to welcome guests as an expression of happiness. Celebrate this amazing experience by joining the circle and dancing alongside the Abui people.

Today, explore the third largest marine park in Indonesia. Wakatobi covers 1.4 million hectares hosting 900,000 tropical coral reefs and is home to the highest number of fish species in the world.  Our destination, Hoga Island, is the quintessential Wakatobi experience with turquoise waters and reefs brimming with colours and sea life. Passengers can snorkel, kayak, dive and beachcomb on our visit to experience all the natural wonder this location has to offer, during the year’s best weather conditions.

At Baubau we will be immersed in the rich Buton culture. Upon arrival, be greeted with a traditional dance performance at the wharf before being transported to visit the historic Benteng (Fort) and Keraton (Palace) Buton, known as the world’s largest fortress. Standing atop a steep hill since the 16th century, the fort allows for views of sprawling hills and city views all the way to the Strait of Buton. The fort has served a critical role in the history of the Buton people, allowing them to avoid threat of enemies from an elevated vantage point. After exploring the fort and hearing the stories of its history, you’ll have time to wander the vibrant town square and explore the traditional market. Later, visit a fisherman’s village, and observe the creation of handwoven ikat textiles at Sula Village.

Tinabo Island, at the heart of the Taka Bonerate National Park, feels like a far-flung private paradise. With a white sandy beach and a plethora of surrounding reefs, the island is part of the Takabonerate Atoll. This atoll is of major ecological importance, brimming with marine and bird life.

Spend time enjoying the clear turquoise waters with snorkelling, diving and kayaking. Famous throughout Indonesia, there is the opportunity to stand in the clear waters on the beach and interact with baby sharks swimming around your legs.  Finally, take part in the important conservation work of preserving the island’s landscape by planting casuarina trees. You may also have a chance to learn about the other conservation efforts occurring here, such as work preserving turtle populations and transplanting of coral reefs.

Matasiri belongs to the archipelago of the Laut Kecil islands of Borneo. The island is a secluded destination where you can find sanctuary in the sheltered bay and explore by paying a visit to the village and swimming/snorkelling in the pristine waters. This stop is a rare expedition style location where you can take a walk along the sand and soak in the unspoiled native flora and fauna.

Tanjung Puting National Park is a remarkable destination. Start your day of exploration by cruising along the uncanny inky-black waters of the Nipah waterway and the winding Sekonyer River. Along the way, look out for some of the rare wildlife that take haven in this tropical forest, including clouded leopards, proboscis monkeys, sambar deer and Malayan sunbears. The area is home to over 230 bird species such as hornbills, crimson sunbirds and wetland species. However, the highlight of our day will be the opportunity to see orangutans in their natural habitat. This National Park is a conservation area for this endangered species, and conservation efforts include the establishment of 4 research centres by the Leakey Foundation and Orangutan Foundation.

On our second morning at Kumai, spend your Christmas day on an immersive exploration of the Bulu river, a narrow river that runs through dense mangroves to spot wildlife. Return to the ship for a celebratory Christmas dinner.

Today, go ashore at a traditional fishing village at the mouth of the Musi River.  After a brilliantly coloured traditional dance performance by the locals, discover the rural beauty of Sungsang village. Here, walk along the narrow boardwalk lanes lined with stilt houses on the water and enjoy local snacks and delicacies.  One of the highlights of this destination is meeting the local people and returning the smiles of local children.  The distinction between this region and the eastern part of the archipelago will fascinate you, as you come to understand the rich rural culture of Indonesia.

Tanjung Kelian, on the west coast of Bangka Island, is primarily know for its sturdy white and red lighthouse, built by the Dutch in 1862.  We will visit this historic lighthouse tower, and those who wish to may climb the 117 stone steps that wind up to the top of the tower to be rewarded with panoramic ocean views.

Tanjung Kelian has a historically significant and culturally rich past. Guided by our team, discover the Bangka Massacre monument and learn about the event it commemorates. Visit locations such as the Chinese mayor’s house, the township of Muntok to learn about the region, and witness a traditional Borangsai dance and Wushu martial arts at Kong Fuk Miao temple.  Before we leave, there may be time to relax on the beach below the lighthouse and meet the locals who gather here to enjoy the soft white sand and communal atmosphere.

Spend the day at leisure and join our Expedition Leader and Guest Lecturers in the lounge for presentations and briefings before arriving at Singapore.

After a day at sea, spent relaxing and reflecting on our extraordinary journey, farewell you fellow guests, Captain and crew at the Captain’s Farewell Drinks. In the morning, Coral Geographer will sail into Singapore Cruise Centre at around 8:00am for a 9:00am disembarkation.