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Exploring the Malay Archipelago – Luxury Small Ship Cruise

Exploring the Malay Archipelago – Luxury Small Ship Cruise

From AUD $13,330

Description

Embark on a captivating odyssey into the heart of the Malaysian archipelago, between South-East Asia and Oceania, where insular cultures with ancestral traditions meet preserved natural environments. Through this scattered chain of islands, the Philippines will reveal little-known shores that are perfect to be explored, with isolated beaches, historic villages and sailing to preserved islets. In Indonesia, the experience will continue. Observe enchanting marine life in Triton Bay, contemplate the pristine nature of the Tangkoko Nature Reserve, explore distant natural sites like Kitikiti Waterfall and discover Banda Neira in the Moluccas archipelago, a major site in the history of the spice trade. In West Papua, encounters and ancestral traditions will set the pace of your journey, while Triton Bay will enchant you with its karst landscapes visible during your Zodiac outing.

Trip Name
Exploring the Malay Archipelago - Luxury Small Ship Cruise
Days
15
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Small Ship Length: 142 metres Passenger Capacity: 264 Built: 2013 Sailing under the French flag, this magnificent yacht of only 132 staterooms and suites, with balconies, joined in 2013. You will be enchanted by the contemporary decor inspired by the luxury yachting world, with fluid lines and a modern colour scheme combining natural wood with shades of grey and white. A refined ambience is enhanced by the quality of the workmanship and materials: white Corian counters in the lobby contrast with the warmth of leather to recall a boat's hull, while the central scuplture of enamelled pieces takes its inspiration from the sea.  In the loungebar, the carpet picks up a tennis stripe theme symbolising a certain idea of cruising, one synonomous with French elegance and a chic seaside spirit.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 - Darwin
Darwin is located in Australia’s Northern Territory which is also known as the “Top End”. It is the capital city and the most populated town of the Northern Territory. Darwin is a beautiful tropical city, a melting pot of people and cultures, over 50 different cultures live and work side by side that prides itself in its unique and friendly laid-back lifestyle. Come discover the town’s still recent history through its emblematic buildings such as the new Parliamant House opened in 1994, a magnificent example of tropical architecture or Admiralty House declared heritage place, a tropical-style home elevated on stilts that has survived two cyclones and numerous air raids.
Day 2 - Day 2 - At sea
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Day 3 - Day 3 - Kei Islands, Maluku Islands
The Kei Islands are blessed with kilometres of stunning, yet almost entirely empty, white-sand beaches and a deeply hospitable population. Beneath the mostly Christian facade, Kei culture is fascinatingly distinctive. Local history holds that ancestors of contemporary Kei islanders came from Bali, part of the expanding Hindu Majapahit kingdom from the western archipelago. Enjoy a day of swimming and snorkelling on an idyllic uninhabited picture postcard tropical island.
Day 4 - Day 4 - Triton Bay, West Papua
Triton Bay is one of three regions in Indonesia’s West Papua province that comprise the Bird’s Head Seascape (the other two are Raja Ampat and Cenderawasih Bay), which is now considered by marine biologists to be the epicentre of the Coral Triangle. It contains more fish and coral species than anywhere else on the planet. Its unparalleled marine biodiversity and endemism, habitat richness, and relatively intact nature of its ecosystems are unique. Join your expedition team for a zodiac voyage through the spectacular rainforest capped karst islands. Later in the day enjoy the opportunity to explore the richness of the underwater realm.
Day 5 - Day 5 - Kitikiti Waterfall, Mommon
North of Triton Bay, in the Indonesian province of West Papua, lie the Bomberai Peninsula and Sebakor Bay. A real paradise for divers, this protected, authentic and very wild area boasts an exceptional biodiversity. Here, you will be able to admire the superb Kitikiti Waterfall where you could enjoy a swim or snorkel surrounded by lush nature, both on land and under water.
Day 6 - Day 6 - Banda Neira, Maluku Islands
From age-old traditional cultures and ancient vestiges, to coral reefs and lush green jungle… The attractions of the remote Banda archipelago seem endless. Better known as the legendary “Spice Islands” of the Ancient World, these small volcanic landmasses were the fabled prize of colonial powers for more than four centuries. Every colonial power of significance fought for control of these ten small islands that today have become largely forgotten. Walking the streets of Banda Neira is a surreal experience as your eyes are drawn to the eclectic mix of Portuguese, Dutch and British architecture, the remnants of a rich and tumultuous history. It is without doubt the most historically significant and interesting of all the “Spice Islands”.
Day 7 - Day 7 - Pulau Molana
In the heart of the Moluccas, Saparua Island offers an authentic port of call, where local traditions remain a way of life. After a traditional welcome in a small village, you will walk to a space devoted to cultural performances, before continuing on to a restored former Dutch fort, overlooking the ocean. With local guides, you will wander between the fort and the adjacent museum, dedicated to military history and regional conflicts. The island is particularly renowned for its traditional palm sugar production. Between heritage and strolling around the streets edged with old houses, this port of call will ensure a full immersion in the heart of the Moluccas culture.
Day 8 - Day 7 - Pulau Saparua
An uninhabited island with untamed charm, Molana is perfect for a simple getaway by the sea. Edged by a vast white-sand beach, it is an invitation to relaxation, swimming and contemplation in pristine natural surroundings. You will see coconut shells broken by the coconut crab, a species that is only seen at night. Some traces of occasional occupation, such as an old abandoned site or temporary fishing camps, bear witness to human passage without altering the island’s isolated character. Between raw nature and absolute tranquillity, Molana offers a timeless port of call, ideal for savouring the simplicity of an intact environment.
Day 9 - Day 8 - At sea
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Day 10 - Day 9 - Tangkoko Nature Reserve, North Sulawesi
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Day 11 - Day 10 - At sea
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Day 12 - Day 11 - At sea
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Day 13 - Day 12 - Limasawa
The island of Limasawa is small, authentic, wild and well-preserved. It has historic importance, since it is known around the world as the cradle of Christianity in the Philippines. Luxuriant forests line its coastline, and many sites are perfect for diving. You will ride a tricycle up to Magellan’s Cross, an iconic site located on the island’s heights, before coming back down in the direction of the small temple and a wishing well where you will see typical shows and taste some local dishes. During a boat trip along the wooded coast, you will be able to go snorkelling and admire a great variety of coral and fish. Offering both discovery and relaxation, this port of call promises a total change of scenery.
Day 14 - Day 13 - Cuatro Islands
Travelling through the eastern provinces of the Philippines enables us to discover some of the last remaining pristine environments and remote untouched villages scattered throughout this nation of contrasts. The Cuatro Islands is a 12,500-hectare protected landscape and seascape situated in the municipalities of Inopacan and Hindang. The Cuatro Islands are four small islands renowned for their white sand beaches, traditional fishing villages and colourful marine environment. Here you will have the opportunity to witness village life in a remote, traditional fishing village and snorkel in the clear tropical waters.
Day 15 - Day 14 - Cresta de Gallo Island
Located off the coast of the large island of Sibuyan, in the Romblon Province, Cresta de Gallo offers a real change of scenery, thanks to its breathtaking natural landscapes and its tropical vegetation. This preserved sanctuary is composed of two islands connected by a long white sandbar. The island is known to shelter diverse marine life, particularly colourful tropical fish and sea turtles. It has no tourist infrastructure or local community, and its ecosystem is rich in coral reefs. You will be able to explore the island on foot and take a dip in its crystal-clear turquoise waters, perfect for relaxing and swimming.
Day 16 - Day 15 - Manila
On first sight, the Philippines' capital shows its highly Americanised Asian megalopolis side, with ultramodern skyscrapers set all along the waterfront. But when you stroll through the cobbled streets of the Intramuros district, you'll discover a different side of Manila, one that's full of old-world charm. An enchanted pause in the middle of urban bustle, Rizal Park's 60 hectares of magnificent green parkland is perfect for recharging your batteries. To see the city from a different angle, take a walk along Roxas boulevard, a popular seaside promenade.
Day 17 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
28-08-202711-09-2027AUD $0Superior Stateroom
28-08-202711-09-2027AUD $0Deluxe Stateroom
28-08-202711-09-2027AUD $0Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
28-08-202711-09-2027AUD $0Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
28-08-202711-09-2027AUD $0Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
28-08-202711-09-2027AUD $0Deluxe Suite
28-08-202711-09-2027AUD $0Prestige Suite Deck 5
28-08-202711-09-2027AUD $0Prestige Suite Deck 6
28-08-202711-09-2027AUD $0Owner's Suite
01-06-202815-06-2028AUD $0Deluxe Stateroom
01-06-202815-06-2028AUD $0Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
01-06-202815-06-2028AUD $0Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
01-06-202815-06-2028AUD $0Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
01-06-202815-06-2028AUD $0Deluxe Suite
01-06-202815-06-2028AUD $0Prestige Suite Deck 5
01-06-202815-06-2028AUD $0Prestige Suite Deck 6
01-06-202815-06-2028AUD $0Owner's Suite
01-06-202815-06-2028AUD $0Superior Stateroom
04-09-202818-09-2028AUD $0Superior Stateroom
04-09-202818-09-2028AUD $0Deluxe Stateroom
04-09-202818-09-2028AUD $0Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
04-09-202818-09-2028AUD $0Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
04-09-202818-09-2028AUD $0Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
04-09-202818-09-2028AUD $0Deluxe Suite
04-09-202818-09-2028AUD $0Prestige Suite Deck 5
04-09-202818-09-2028AUD $0Prestige Suite Deck 6
04-09-202818-09-2028AUD $0Owner's Suite

Inclusions

    • Unprecedented exploration of the Malaysian archipelago between the Philippines and Indonesia, discovering isolated islands, traditional communities and some of the richest marine ecosystems in the world.
    • Places of interest: immaculate beaches and historic villages (Cresta de Gallo, Limasawa); marine biodiversity and lush jungle (Triton Bay, Kitikiti Waterfall, Tangkoko Nature Reserve).
    • Signature experiences: optional zodiac excursions with naturalist guides, swimming and scuba diving (Level 2 or CMAS 2-star Diver or equivalent) with an instructor.

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