Dragons, Reefs and the Spice Islands

23 Days

Discover the breathtaking natural beauty of Bali, its tranquil temples and beautiful beaches before embarking on a cruise through the Komodo National Park and legendary Spice Islands to Darwin, in Australia’s Northern Territory.

Day 1-2 - UK - Bali

Fly from London to Bali, via Singapore. On arrival transfer to Nusa Dua for a 3-night stay at the beach.

Day 3 - 4 - Nusa Dua

Unwind on Nusa Dua’s beautiful beaches and relax into the Balinese way of life.

Day 5 & 6 - Ubud

From Nusa Dua, a private transfer will take you to Ubud, home to beautiful temples, arts and crafts and surrounded by lush green rice terraces and sweeping views.

Day 7 - Board Ponant Cruise

Transfer to the port for your departure aboard your Ponant cruise.

Day 8 - Pamulung Village

Explore Pamulung Village with the expedition team and witness local traditions including rice pounding, weaving and a Sumbawa buffalo race.

Day 9 - Komodo National Park

Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Komodo National Park and the 3 islands of Komodo, Rinca and Padar. These are home to the enormous lizards which live on the grassy savannah.

Day 10 - Maumere

Join your guides for a tour to the markets and tribal villages in the hinterland of Maumere. Few visitors make it here and you will be rewarded with a charming atmosphere and eclectic mix of bustling town and coastal paradise.

Day 11 - Alor

The island of Alor is known as the island of a Thousand Moko’s and you’ll experience the unique culture of the Alorese who have preserved their traditional architecture and ceremonies.

Day 12 - Barat Daya Islands

Lying east of the Lesser Sunda Islands, surrounded by coral reefs and the waters of the Banda Sea, the Barat Daya Islands are exotic and authentic. This lush environment allows flora and fauna to flourish and notably gives habitat to nearly 162 different bird species.

Day 13 - Spice Islands

Discover the age old traditions, coral reefs and lush jungle of the remote Banda archipelago, also known as the Spice Islands of the Ancient World. These tiny volcanic land masses were fought over for more than 4 centuries.

Day 14 - Bomberai Peninsula

Explore the Bomberai Peninsula and Sebakor Bay, a paradise for divers. This is a protected and wild area, which boasts exceptional bio-diversity.

Day 15 - West Papua

Triton Bay in West Papua is considered by marine biologists to be the epicentre of the Coral Triangle and contains more fish and coral species than anywhere else on the planet. Join a zodiac through rainforest capped karst islands and discover the under water realm.

Day 16 - Kei Islands

The Kei Islands are blessed with mile upon mile of almost empty pristine white beaches. Enjoy a relaxing day of swimming and snorkelling in the midst of the tropics.

Day 17 - At Sea

At sea.

Day 18 - Darwin

Arrival into Darwin, the capital city of Australia’s Northern Territory, also known as the ‘Top End’. This vibrant city is a melting pot of more than 50 different cultures that live here and enjoy the laid-back lifestyle. Disembark and transfer to your hotel.

Day 19 - 21 - Darwin

Time to explore Darwin or venture further afield with a trip into Kakadu, Katherine or Litchfield national parks.

Day 22 - Singapore

Depart Darwin for Singapore.

Day 23 - Singapore to UK

Depart Singapore for the UK.