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Ancient Kingdoms of the East Indies (Coral Adventurer)

Ancient Kingdoms of the East Indies (Coral Adventurer)

From AUD $8,200

Description

Join our small ship expedition “Ancient Kingdoms of the East Indies Islands” on a 10-night voyage aboard Coral Adventurer from Benoa (Bali) to Singapore. On this unique journey of discovery, you will experience ancient seafaring and island cultures, intriguing architecture, UNESCO World-heritage historic sites and maritime traditions steeped in centuries-old beliefs.

Witness the confluence of history and culture in a region which was once at the heart of global maritime trade. Meet the fishermen at the helm of elaborate fishing vessels of Perencak, see the mesmerising warrior-like Gandrung dance, wander through royal cemeteries and visit ancient UNESCO-listed temples. At the famed ninth century Bororbudur and Prambanan Temples, enjoy a rare opportunity to see the Ramayana Ballet in a setting once ruled by early Sailendra and Sanjaya dynasties. Continue the cultural immersion amidst the charming laneways of old Batavia with a Javanese traditional Wayang Kulit shadow puppetry performance, selected by UNESCO for its significant cultural heritage.

Along the way relax on white-sand beaches and snorkel over vibrant coral gardens of this rarely explored archipelagos.

Trip Name
Ancient Kingdoms of the East Indies (Coral Adventurer)
Days
11
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Ship Length: 93.4 meters Passenger Capacity: 120 (60 staterooms) Built: 2019 Designed and built to be the most modern tropical expedition ship afloat, Coral Adventurer debuted in April 2019. She features comfortable Australian interiors, Xplorer tender mechanism, intimate guest experience, and personalized service. EXPEDITION CAPABILITIES > Two trademark Xplorer tenders seat all passengers for shore excursions > Six zodiacs for more intrepid exploration > Lecture lounge with multimedia for daily expedition briefings and presentations > Small on-board Library > Shallow draft and advanced navigation and propulsion systems MARINE IMMERSION > Navigator lounge in the bridge giving a vantage point of ship operations > Over 1000 sq m of open deck space including a wrap-around promenade deck with panoramic views > Engine room tours and high level of crew interaction with guests > Barralong Room for hosting scientific research or exhibitions FOOD AND WINE FEATURES > Communal ‘wine table’ > Galley viewing window > Multiple indoor and outdoor bars, including our Explorer bar on the Vista Deck > Curated wine cellar featuring boutique wines and exceptional vintage Australian reds. GUEST COMFORT > All outside-facing guest cabins with en-suite bathrooms; majority have private balcony > Active stabilisers > Gym > Passenger elevator > Wi-Fi available in all guest areas

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1: DEPART BENOA
Board Coral Adventurer at Benoa (Bali) at 5:00pm where there is time to settle into your cabin before our departure.
Day 2 - PERENCAK & BANYUWANGI
The elaborately adorned timber fishing vessels of Perencak are built in the Bugis tradition with intricately painted designs. We meet the fishermen as they return to shore with their catch and learn about the customs and beliefs passed down through the generations that underpin their lives.Later, arrive at Banyuwangi, a lovely city in Eastern Java. Here, go ashore to enjoy the spectacle of the sacred Gandrung Dance – a well-known part of the culture of Banyuwangi. Gandrung, which means ‘desperately in love’ in Javanese, is danced to honour the goddess of the rice paddy, Dewi Sri. Traditionally a harvest dance, Gandrung is now danced for many other events, accompanied by the vibrant and earthy sounds of a gamelan orchestra. You may have the opportunity to learn several of the moves from this complex dance.
Day 3 - PROBOLINGO & MT BROMO
Indonesia is carved from volcanic origins, with 2,329m high Mt Bromo on the island of Java one of the most visited. Situated in the middle of a plain known as the ‘sea of sand’, the spectacular vista of the five volcanoes is best observed from the lookout of Mt Penanjakan. The volcanic region is considered safe, and we will explore up the slopes to enjoy the view over the magnificent Tengger Caldera by jeep and donkey.
Day 4 - SUMENEP, MADURA ISLAND
Sumenep is Madura Island’s most interesting town with intriguing history, culture and architecture showcased in the Sumenep Palace and Kraton Museum, complete with a 500kg hand-written Quran alongside relics of the Hindu kingdoms.We visit the Royal cemetery of the historic Madurese Kingdom and admire Dutch-influenced architecture of the grand palace complex, enjoy a cultural performance and taste local cuisine at the Kraton (palace).There is an opportunity to explore Kalianget Old Town, with its relics of a salt factory, and Dutch colonial architecture, Sumenep Square, a well-presented park and Taman Adipura, a horticulturalist’s delight.
Day 5 - BAWEAN ISLAND
Pulau Bawean is a small island located in the Java Sea. The island has a circular coast-hugging road and is dominated by an extinct volcano at its centre that rises to 655m. As a result of many men leaving the island for work, females constitute about 77% of the actual population of the island, which is often referred to as the ‘island of women’. The island is renowned for its natural attractions and many endemic species, such as the Bawean Deer which is only found on Bawean Island. Here we will explore up the hills to spot deer and meet the local people.
Day 6 - BOROBUDUR & PRAMBANAN TEMPLES
Journey from the port of Semarang to the UNESCO World Heritage site Borobudur Temple. Wandering the many galleries amidst the world’s largest Buddhist temple, we learn of the culture of the Sailendra Dynasty. Enjoy sunset with a backdrop of the ninth century Mahayana Buddhist temple and stay overnight in a nearby hotel. We may watch a performance of the epic Ramayana Ballet which is significant to both Sailendra and Sanjaya dynasties.The following morning visit another UNESCO World Heritage site, Prambanan Temple complex. Wander the vast Hindu Temple compound and hear stories that reach as far back as the ninth century when the temple was constructed during the Sanjaya Dynasty. Indonesia’s ancient art form of batik is steeped in symbolism with patterns influenced by cultures and regional traditions – observe batik being made and have the opportunity to stamp your own batik!
Day 7 - BATAVIA
Amongst the colonial-era streetscapes of old Batavia, once the headquarters of the Dutch East Indies Company, we learn about Batavia’s role in exploration history at the National Museum and the Maritime Museum which is housed in an historic Dutch spice warehouse. Enjoy a performance of Javanese traditional shadow puppetry, known as Wayang Kulit. Wayang Kulit was designated by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2003.
Day 8 - AT SEA
Enjoy a relaxing sea day at leisure and the continuation of our expedition program of activities and informative presentations.
Day 9 - TANJUNG KELIAN
Enjoy a welcoming ceremony full of life and traditional dancing before taking a guided tour of Tanjung Kelian, with the stunning backdrop of a 156-year-old lighthouse. There is the option to walk up the 177 stairs to the top of the lighthouse to enjoy panoramic views while market stalls set up around the lighthouse base offer opportunities to taste local cuisine.
Day 10 - DAY 11: ARRIVE SINGAPORE
Coral Adventurer arrives into Singapore at 3:00pm. Farewell your Master, crew and fellow guests with disembarkation at 5:00pm.
Day 11 - Please Note:
This itinerary is an indication of the destinations we visit and activities on offer. Throughout the expedition, we may make changes to the itinerary as necessary to maximise your expeditionary experience. Allowances may be made for seasonal variations, weather, tidal conditions and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
09-02-202119-02-2021AUD $8,200CORAL DECK STATEROOM
09-02-202119-02-2021AUD $9,600PROMENADE DECK STATEROOM
09-02-202119-02-2021AUD $11,500EXPLORER DECK BALCONY STATEROOM
09-02-202119-02-2021AUD $12,300CORAL DECK STATEROOM SOLE
09-02-202119-02-2021AUD $12,500BRIDGE DECK BALCONY STATEROOM
09-02-202119-02-2021AUD $14,400PROMENADE DECK STATEROOM SOLE
09-02-202119-02-2021AUD $16,500BRIDGE DECK BALCONY SUITE
09-02-202119-02-2021AUD $17,250EXPLORER DECK BALCONY STATEROOM SOLE

Inclusions

    • Meet the fishermen at the helm of elaborately adorned fishing vessels of Perencak and hear their stories
    • Watch and participate in the mesmerizing warrior-like Gandrung Dance of the Oseng culture
    • Visit Mt Bromo volcano, with the option to take a donkey ride to see the magnificent view
    • Wonder through the Royal cemetery, historic kraton (palace), and relics of the Madurese Kingdom in Sumenep
    • Visit the ancient temple sites of Borobudur and Prambanan and explore with local custodians to learn of the ancient kingdoms of Sailendra and Sanjaya
    • Enjoy a performance of the famous Wayang Kulit shadow puppetry of Java
    • Jeffrey Mellefont will be our guest and will use his vast knowledge of the region to tell fascinating stories and bring history to life along your voyage
    • Special Event: Spend a special day exploring Borobudur Temple, with a spectacular traditional Ramayana Ballet performance and overnight stay

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