Description
Join Sarina Bratton AM, PONANT’s Asia Pacific Chairman, for an extraordinary 16-night adventure on board Le Soléal for a tropical expedition cruise to explore the sublime natural landscapes of Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.
From Darwin, you will sail in the Maluku Islands, also known as the Spice Islands. You will explore the island of Banda Neira, which was shaped by Dutch and Portuguese influences.
Then, you will sail to the heart of Triton Bay. Located within a protected marine environment in the middle of the Coral Triangle, you will enjoy an unforgettable zodiac cruise through the spectacular rainforest-capped karst islands.
Le Soléal will continue to sail in the Indonesian province of West Papua to allow you to admire the superb natural site of Kitikiti Waterfall where you may enjoy a swim or snorkel surrounded by lush nature, both on land and in the water.
As you voyage across Western New Guinea you will witness spectacular Cenderawasih Bay, with an unforgettable opportunity to swim with whale sharks.
Your ship will then set sail for Papua New Guinea, a fascinating land that is home to no fewer than 700 ethnic groups within a highly diverse yet mainly unexplored ecosystem.
In the village of Kopar, situated at the mouth of the Sepik River, you will be welcomed with cultural performances and will witness life in a traditional village. You will then head east along the coast to Madang, nicknamed ‘the most beautiful city in the South Pacific’. Within this stunning province exists great geographical diversity and 170 different languages are spoken there.
Your call at Tufi will be one of the highlights of your voyage. Dubbed the Scandinavia of the Tropics, you will undoubtedly fall under the charm of this picturesque region, with its deep ‘fjords’ known locally as ‘rias’, which were formed through volcanic activity. In this unique setting, local Papuan tribes will share their customs, beliefs and artwork with you.