Grand Tour

SUNDA ISLANDS CRUISE

A 17-day cruise to the Lesser Sunda Islands. Few areas in Asia can match the cultural and natural diversity that can be found in the Lesser Sunda Islands: Towering active volcanoes, wildlife, quiet coastal villages, emerald seas, colourful markets and tribal rituals. Upon entry of the Flores Highlands you have the opportunity to hike to remote villages and witness the tedious process of weaving 'ikat', practiced amid an unsurpassed scenery of gigantic volcanoes, bamboo forests and intriguingly coloured crater lakes.

Day 1 Bali
After arrival at the airport Denpasar a transfer follows to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to spend.

Day 2 / 3 Bali
Bali is known as the islands of the Gods and Goddesses. Take the opportunity to explore this paradise during these two days, enjoying the sun, sand and the spirit.

Day 4 Bali - Lombok
This is it, the day that the cruise ship leaves from Benoa to Lombok and the exiting journey at sea begins. Prepare yourself for the beauty of the ocean.

Day 5 Lombok
Upon arrival in Lombok a visit is made to the mighty Rinjani volcano. Followed by a visit to the water palace of one of the last kings of Lombok. Discover the history. Then you will leave towards the east, where you will visit numerous interesting villages to learn about traditions and customs on this island. Lunch will be a typical Sasak-style meal, Sasak are the original inhabitants of Lombok.

Day 6 Lombok - Moyo
At the break of dawn the cruise ship sails out to Sumbawa Besar. Sumbawa is famous for its sandalwood, sturdy horses and finely woven cloths. Here a visit is brought to the former palace of the Sultan and afterwards you will have the opportunity to walk through one of the best markets in this area. Then the boat departs for Moyo Island, a nature and sea reserve, where you can spend the rest of the afternoon snorkelling, swimming or take a romantic stroll in the woods. After sunset the journey continues to Komodo.

Day 7 Moyo - Komodo
Today you will visit the "Komodo National Park" on the island of Komodo. Here live the last dragons on earth, the Komodo dragon, a wonderful experience. Overnight is at Komodo.

The Komodo Dragon is a vulnerable species and is found on the IUCN Red List. Komodo dragons were first recorded by Western scientists in 1910. There are approximately 4,000 to 5,000 living Komodo dragons in the wild. Their populations are restricted to the islands of Gili Motang, Gili Dasami, Rinca, Komodo and Flores. However, there are concerns that there may presently be only 350 breeding females. To address these concerns, the Komodo National Park was founded in 1980 to protect Komodo dragon populations on islands including Komodo, Rinca, and Padar.

Day 8 Komodo - Rinca
The sun rises and opens the serene morning, time to sail to Rinca, known for its varied flora and fauna. From the top of the hill you can enjoy a spectacular view. Take the time to explore al the beauty that is present. In the afternoon the boat sails back to Komodo National Park where the world famous underwater world and the colourful coral reefs can be visited. In the afternoon the cruise ship leaves to the extreme south-west cape of Flores.

Day 9 Rinca - Aimere
In the morning you will arrive in Aimere, followed by a visit to a village that is still living in the times of their own megalithic traditions. Enjoy the breathtaking views; Lush bamboo forests, plantations of vanilla and many more. In the evening the ship departs back towards the east.

Day 10 Aimere - Ende
After breakfast Ende is reached, located in Central Flores. Here starts an adventurous excursion to Kelimutu, a volcano with 3 different coloured crater lakes. Followed by a visit to a boarding school to experience the real life. Before sunset you go back on board and the ship sails to Waingapu (Sumba).

Day 11 Ende - Waingapu
On the program today is an excursion to the main town: Waingapu. Here you can see the difference in culture by the spectacular rituals and massive megalithic tombs. The influence of Hindu, Muslim and Christian religion have made a place here together. During the night the boat crosses to the island of Savu.

Day 12 Waingapu - Savu
After breakfast the cruise ship arrives at the friendly and hospitable island Savu. On the main land a visit is made to the ancient ruins of Bodo and the historic village Namata, the centre of the ancient animistic religion. This is the home of the priests and clan leaders of the ancient city of Sheba.

Day 13 Savu - Raijua
After the sun rises the adventure on sea continues to the neighbouring island Raijua. Take some time to explore the island and enjoy the quietness to rest and relax. Finally, the journey continues eastwards to West Timor.

Day 14 Rajjua - Kupang
From the calmness of the sea you will today encounter the busy city life of Kupang. A city tour is scheduled, in which the most stunning and interesting sights of the city are explored. Of course there is also time to do this by yourself.

Day 15 Kupang - Lembata
Out on the open ocean the warm breeze and shining sun will make you feel like you can handle the whole world. An amazing effect of this journey. In the afternoon the island Lembata is reached. Another highlight of the journey is definitely a visit to Lamalera, one of the two remaining whaling villages in Indonesia. For hundreds of years the whalers were and still are the dangers of the sea with their traditional boats.

Day 16 Lembata - Maumere
Today the final destination of this journey is reached: Maumere, East Flores. But not yet the last day. After arrival the day is free to spend. Take this opportunity to engrave Indonesia in your heart.

Day 17 Maumere
All good things of this journey have come to an end, but will never leave your mind. The end of this cruise adventure.

Price starting from € 3.595,- p.p.

* The arrangement as described can be booked as a private or as a group journey
* Due to weather conditions, current government regulations or other factors that cannot be
influenced by us, the program can be changed
* The journey includes full board, AC cabins with private bathroom
* The journey at land includes hotel or cottage accommodation including breakfast
* Transfer by private car
* Additional options can be arranged, such as:

- International or Domestic flights
- Daily guide, speaking the language of your choice
- Extra meals & extra fresh water on board
- Insurances
- Entrance fees at the sites
- Any other wish to complete your journey