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In the Trail of Tasman I (Singapore to Darwin)

In the Trail of Tasman I (Singapore to Darwin)

From $16,390 AUD

Description

This is the ultimate expedition voyage – 18 leisurely days starting in vibrant Singapore and ending in Darwin, gateway to northern Australia. In between you will sample the diversity of the Indonesian archipelago with excursions to Ujung Kulon National Park, the historic caldera of Anak Krakatua, and mountainous inland Lake Kastoba. You will experience a historic Indonesian towns and disembark on many very different islands. Enjoy some of Indonesia’s best snorkeling and diving at Satonda, Malona Island, and Taka Bonerate. Home will never be the same again!

Departing Singapore, we steam south along the Sumatran coast, where Tasman made trading voyages in 1642. Then on to the Sunda Strait, where Tasman passed through later in the same year, noting the volcano of Krakatau and the islands off Ujong Kulon, two highlights of our voyage. As we then steam east though the islands of Indonesia, we pass Batavia (now Jakarta) from where Tasman’s 3 ships left on 29th January 1644 and also sailed east. We will visit some of the places noted by Tasman in his journals, Bawean, Sumenep and the spice islands of the Ambon region, (where we will visit the Dutch fort at Saparua) culminating in the historic spice port of Banda, before steaming south to Darwin.

The Singapore to Darwin voyage will include elements of Tasman’s 1642 and 1644 voyages, and indeed even some of his earlier voyages for the VOC – the Dutch “United East India Company”

Trip Name
In the Trail of Tasman I (Singapore to Darwin)
Days
19
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Ship Length: 93.4 meters Passenger Capacity: 120 (60 staterooms) Built: 2017 Our brand new ship is built to take you closer to unspoilt vistas in comfort, style and safety. A culmination of two years of design and three decades of passion for expedition cruising – Coral Expeditions is proud to invite you to experience the Coral Adventurer. BIGGER IS NOT BETTER At a time when cruise ships get larger and glitzier, we remain stubbornly compact and intimate. Our ships are designed to take you to unspoilt destinations not accessible to large ships.  We want you to have the luxury of space, dine with whom you please, or find your quiet corner on deck.  So we have limited the Coral Adventurer to 60 spacious cabins.  This preserves the intimate atmosphere we are known for without sacrificing the stability and comfort of a true ocean going vessel. BUILT FOR DISCOVERY The Coral Adventurer features our trademark dual ‘Xplorer’ tenders cradled on a hydraulic platform slung off the back of the ship, enabling our guests to go ashore in comfort and ease.  The shallow draft of the ship enables us to go closer to shore than larger ships. Together with our renowned expedition team, our new ship will offer the most advanced expedition capabilities of any small ship afloat. BUILT FOR COMFORT With active stabilisers dampening sea motion, mostly balcony cabins, and interiors designed with the colours and textures of tropical Queensland, the Coral Adventurer is a comfortable ship.  She features promenade decks, generous communal areas that accommodate all guests, a passenger elevator, and an open kitchen where you can observe our chefs whip up small batch cuisine from locally sourced ingredients. BUILT FOR PERSONAL SERVICE The Coral Adventurer will continue our proud tradition of Australian flagged vessels with friendly and professional Australian crew.  Our onboard atmosphere remains refreshingly informal and intimate.  Take your seat at our bridge lounge, chat with the captain at your leisure or accompany our chefs on a market tour. Food and wine features * Single seating dining area with communal ‘wine table’ finished with Australian stone; serving buffet breakfast and lunch, and multi-course table d’hote dinners * Showcase galley visible to guests for fresh small-batch cuisine featuring Australian produce * Multiple indoor and outdoor bars, including our Explorer bar on the sundeck for sunset drinks with 180 degree views * Curated wine cellar featuring modestly priced boutique wines for daily drinking and exceptional vintage Australian reds. Guest comfort * All outside guest cabins with en-suite bathrooms; majority have private balcony * Active stabilisers to dampen sea motion * Gym equipped with elliptical trainers and treadmills * Passenger elevator * Wi-Fi available in all guest areas

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1: SINGAPORE
Embark Coral Adventurer at 3.30pm at the Singapore Cruise Centre Harbour Front for a 5pm departure. Enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Drinks while you meet the crew and fellow guests with a spectacular view of the sun setting over the Singapore skyline.
Day 2 - DAY 2: PULAU PENUBA, INDONESIA
Today, we will be welcomed at Pulau Penuba with a Pencak Silat martial arts display. Meet the local people to learn about their way of life and culture on a guided walk through the village. A display of traditional Gendang drumming and dancing will farewell us from this friendly island.
Day 3 - DAY 3: PELAMBANG
This morning we cruise up the Musi River to Pelambang, the capital city of South Sumatra. This cosmopolitan port city is one of the oldest in in the Malay archipelago and southeast Asia, dating back to the 7th century. A melting pot of cultures including Malay, Javanese, Indian, Chinese and Arab, this fascinating port was visited by Tasman in April 1642, so that he could meet and trade with the Sultan. See the Ampera Bridge and the Great Mosque on a town tour.
Day 4 - DAY 4: PELAMBANG / AT SEA
Relax on board as we cruise back up river and south to our next destination. Attend informative presentations offered by our expedition team and guest lecturers, and enjoy the state-of-the-art facilities of the Coral Adventurer.
Day 5 - DAY 5: ANAK KRAKATUA, INDONESIA
Situated in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra sits Anak Krakatua ‘Child of Krakatoa’. In the afternoon, we will steam past main Krakatau where the 1883 eruption killed over 36,000 people, and has been recorded as the loudest sound in modern history. We will anchor at Chilli Beach for water activities including snorkelling and kayaking.
Day 6 - DAY 6: KRAKATOA & UJONG KULON, INDONESIA
Today choose to stretch your legs on a guided hike with the local rangers to the summit of the caldera of Anak Krakatau for a magnificent photo opportunity, or take a leisurely cruise on Xplorer around the island. This afternoon we arrive to Ujong Kulon National Park, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1991, and deemed as the last refuge for the remaining few of the rarely seen Javanese Rhinoceros.Tasman recorded passing Prince Island (now Panaitan Island – just off Ujung Kulon) as he passed through Sunda Strait 16th & 17th Aug 1642.
Day 7 - DAY 7: UJONG KULON & AND HMAS PERTH
This morning we explore Ujong Kulon, home to over 35 species of mammals including Gibbons, Macaque, Deer and Javan Pigs as well as 240 species of birdlife including the Great Hornbill. We will split into small groups to be guided by Park Rangers on an easy trail through towering, pristine rainforest to Karang Copong and the Cidaon grazing grounds. This afternoon we experience a remembrance ceremony at sea, as we cross the location of the Battle of the Java Sea where HMAS Perth and USS Houston were scuttled by Japanese forces.Pass Jakarta – previously Batavia, from where Tasman commenced his voyages, both 1642 and 1644.
Day 8 - DAY 8: AT SEA
As we cruise the Sunda Straits, enjoy leisurely on‑board activities and let our Captain take you back in time, as we follow Tasman’s epic 1642 and 1644 voyages through the Malay archipelago, Spice Islands and beyond.
Day 9 - DAY 9: BAWAEN, INDONESIA
Discover the mountainous inland Lake Kastoba, an idyllic retreat set in the heart of Bawean Island, where you can swim and view the magnificent rainforest clad slopes. Visit the highly threatened Bawean Deer Sanctuary then cruise to isolated Gili Noko for a relaxing afternoon enjoying the water activities on offer.Tasman recorded passing Bawean 10th June 1643
Day 10 - DAY 10: SUMENEP, INDONESIA
Explore Sumenep with her colourful colonial past, visit the Kraton palace to see royal artefacts and furniture from a bygone era. Wander the beautiful water gardens, see the ‘Fountain of Youth’ and explore the museum to learn about the imperial history dating back to the Hindu kingdoms which flourished in Java more than five hundred years ago. A visit to the Great Mosque and the Tombs of the Kings completes our visit to Madura, prior to an afternoon of snorkelling and swimming.Tasman recorded passing here 9th June 1643
Day 11 - DAY 11: PULAU SATONDA, INDONESIA
Satonda Island was formed by a volcanic eruption and thrust up millions of years ago, creating a magnificent inland lake. A short walk takes us to the clear waters for a therapeutic swim and for those who wish, a walk to capture the superb views. This charming island situated in the Flores Sea offers fabulous snorkelling and diving on the surrounding coral reefs, with warm and welcoming locals.
Day 12 - DAY 12: TAKA BONERATE ISLANDS, INDONESIA
This afternoon we arrive to Taka Bonerate National Marine Park. This group of atoll islands consists of separate table reefs and lagoons, offering a myriad of snorkelling opportunities – the national park is considered to contain some of world’s highest marine biodiversity.Tasman passed through the Selayar strait in June 1643.
Day 13 - DAY 13: PALAU BUTON, INDONESIA
Today we visit Pulau Buton – the kingdom of Buton existed from the 14th to 16th century and was important trade link with Ternate. Visit the city of Bau-Bau and learn about local history, take in a panorama of the surrounding islands from Buton Fortress.Tasman passed Buton, including time at anchor 1st to 5th June 1643
Day 14 - DAY 14: AT SEA
Today we learn more about Abel Tasman’s life and the various ships he commanded. We shall pass Buru, Ceram and Ambon, all important islands in the Dutch East India company trade route.
Day 15 - DAY 15: SAPARUA & MAMALA, INDONESIA
Visit the historic town of Saparua where the locals will be waiting to greet us – we will be led into Duurstedt Fort where we await a war party dance. The local museum is a must for the history buffs, enjoy a walk with one of the many friendly locals. After lunch enjoy snorkelling, diving and glass bottom boat tours at Molana Island’s pristine reef environment.
Day 16 - DAY 16: PALAU HATTA AND BANDA ISLAND
Go ashore at tiny Pulau Hatta, where there is time to snorkel or dive of the beach on fantastic reef wall, or walk through the island village, seeing the locals prepare the harvested nutmeg. This afternoon we explore the centre of the spice trade, Banda Island. Coral Adventurer will be escorted into port by spectacular Kora Kora canoes, before guests embark on a town tour and learn about Banda’s pivotal role in the spice trade. Explore Fort Belgica, built by the first Governor General of the Dutch East Indies in 1611. Be entertained by locals performing traditional dances, and enjoy a glass of champagne whilst watching the sunset from the fort.Tasman visited Banda on his 1644 voyage, and possibly on earlier voyages as well.
Day 17 - DAY 17: BANDA, INDONESIA
This morning snorkel or dive on the nearby lava flow system, or go ashore and enjoy morning tea with the locals on the waterfront. Immerse yourself in the colours and aromas of the Spice Islands in this vibrant town.
Day 18 - DAY 18: AT SEA
Relax as we cruise the Arafura sea back to Australia. Learn about the navigation techniques of 17th century mariners, and enjoy a recap of the last 17 days following in the wake of Tasman.
Day 19 - DAY 19: DARWIN
Arrive 8.00amFarewell your fellow passengers and the crew before a complimentary transfer to your city hotel or the airport.
Day 20 - 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
24-04-201912-05-2019AUD$22,940Bridge Deck Balcony Suite
24-04-201912-05-2019AUD$19,880Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom
24-04-201912-05-2019AUD$19,280Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom
24-04-201912-05-2019AUD$17,790Promenade Deck Stateroom
24-04-201912-05-2019AUD$28,920Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom Sole
24-04-201912-05-2019AUD$26,685Promenade Deck Stateroom Sole
24-04-201912-05-2019AUD$24,585Coral Deck Stateroom Sole
24-04-201912-05-2019AUD$16,390Coral Deck Stateroom

Inclusions

    • Indigenous mariners of pre
    • written history have been sailing these waters for thousands of years
    • settling, trading and fishing; then it was the European explorers, that over a number of centuries, put these areas on the charts of the world. Our expeditions follow in the wake of some of these famous ships.
    • Discovers the Spice Island of Banda
    • it was from here that Willem Janszoon sailed the jacht (an armed scout ship) Duyfken to Cape York to become the first known European to touch the Australian coast in 1606.

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