Island Traditions To The Edge of Africa, From Singapore to Seychelles

Description

Set sail from Singapore and across the vast arc of the Indian Ocean onboard Coral Geographer. Calling in at biodiverse Sumatra, the colourful island of Sri Lanka, the remote atolls of the Maldives and to the pristine Seychelles. Be immersed in rich cultural history of these exotic and vibrant locations and enjoy one-of-a-kind nature and wildlife experiences.

Discover the history and delicious cuisine of Malaysia and take in the aromas of a tea plantation in Sri Lanka. See exotic wildlife on a dusk expedition safari of Yala National Park including elephants and leopards. Meander through the pristine aquatic landscape of the Maldives and snorkel, dive, and kayak to encounter the remarkable marine life native to the area. Step into another world at northern Seychelles and the land of the giants characterised by enormous fronds and seeds of the Coco De Mer palm forest, huge granite boulders that resemble modern art sculptures, and the giant and ancient tortoises that forage along the foreshores.

Trip Name

Island Traditions To The Edge of Africa, From Singapore to Seychelles

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Expedition Passenger Capacity: 120 Built: 2020 Expedition capabilities > Two trademark Xplorer tenders seat all passengers and facilitate comfortable shore excursions > Six zodiacs for more intrepid exploration > Lecture lounge for daily expedition briefings and expert presentations > Small onboard library featuring books on destinations and wildlife > Shallow draft and advanced navigation and propulsion systems allowing access to locations closed to large cruise ships Marine immersion > Navigator lounge in the bridge > Over 1000 square metres of open deck space including a wrap-around promenade deck with panoramic views > Engine room tours and a high level of crew interaction with guests Food and wine features > Single seating dining with communal table serves buffet breakfast and lunch, and multi-course table d’hote dinners > Showcase galley with viewing window creating fresh small-batch cuisine featuring Australian and local produce > Multiple indoor and outdoor bars, including our Explorer bar on the sundeck for sunset drinks > Curated wine cellar featuring boutique wines and exceptional vintage Australian reds Guest comfort > All outside-facing guest cabins with en-suite bathrooms; the majority have a private balcony > Active stabilisers to dampen sea motion > Well-equipped gym > Passenger elevator > Wi-Fi available in all guest areas

Itinerary

Day 1 - DAY 1: SINGAPORE

Enjoy a relaxed morning prior to arriving at the Singapore Cruise Centre at 2:30pm. Check in and board from 4:00pm. After a delicious afternoon tea, Coral Geographer will depart on at 6:00pm. Come out on the deck to see the lights of the Singapore sky line as we sail from the harbour.

Day 2 - MELAKA, MALAYSIA

Kota Melaka, or Malacca City, is the capital of the Malaysian state of Malacca. It has a long and illustrious history of trade and influence, due to its significant location on the Strait of Malacca – one of the most important shipping lanes in the world. Colonial influences, rich history, and peaceful coexistence of many different peoples make Malacca a fascinating tourist destination.Here, we arrive early before the heat of the day. There is much to see, so tours will reveal the city to us. After a break for lunch, enjoy a cruise along the Melaka River.

Day 3 - PENANG, MALAYSIA

A day’s sailing takes us up the scenic coast of Malaysia. Enjoy lectures on the history and culture of the region, before arriving into the state and island of Penang at the lively city of Georgetown. Famous for its fascinating blend of colonial, Indian, Malay and – especially – immigrant Chinese culture and food, enjoy a traditional dinner on shore and soak up the atmosphere.In the morning, wander through the architectural heritage of Georgetown, with its spectacular Chinese temples and guildhalls. The city has a sense of being frozen in time, with the historical centre home to over 12,000 old buildings which have earned Georgetown the status of UNESCO World Heritage site. The history is only the beginning – incredible street art and street food provide a feast for the senses.

Day 4 - SABANG, PULAU WEH

Sabang is the most westerly part of Indonesia, and lies in an important location at the entrance to the Malacca Strait. Dutch colonial buildings dot this sleepy little city, and the small group of islands is know for picturesque beaches and excellent marine life. Here we will ride a becak from the harbour to see the heritage architecture, and enjoy a performance by the local children.Visit the geothermal Jaboi Valley, with its otherworldly bubbling pools and smell of sulfur. Later this afternoon, we explore the amazing dive sites around Pulau Seulako – where schools of fish flock around the coral walls in the clear water.

Day 5 - BANDA ACEH, SUMATRA

Today, we explore Banda Aceh. This city was hit very hard by the Boxing Day Tsunami of 2004. Learn about the events of that day, and visit the remarkable museum and memorial park. Enjoy a traditional meal on-shore and a display of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Practice of the Saman Dance. Enjoy time to relax and explore before we commence our ocean crossing to Sri Lanka.

Day 6 - HAMBANTOTA, SRI LANKA - SIGNATURE EVENT

Arrive in Sri Lanka early this morning. We will make our way overland from the ship on a scenic journey to soak up the surrounds of Sri Lanka. We will make our way to visit small villages, learn how to cook traditional dishes or make potteries. We reach the National Park for our special event: A dusk safari experience with the opportunity to spot local wild elephants and perhaps elusive leopards, before we sit down to an elaborate Sri Lankan feast at a wilderness resort. Tonight, stay overnight at the wilderness resort on the edge of the National Park.

Day 7 - SCENIC ROAD JOURNEY

Today we depart for Galle overland, via the scenic coastal road, passing by quaint villages and stopping at local market to find a bargainAlong the way, through the scenic landscape of southern Sri Lanka enjoy stops at the pristine beaches of South Sri Lanka a village market, and one of Sri Lanka’s iconic tea plantations, the Tea Plantation Handunugoda tea estate. This relaxed drive will be in air-conditioned comfort.This afternoon we arrive at Galle, where we meet the Coral Geographer.

Day 8 - YALA NATIONAL PARK AND GALLE, SRI LANKA

Today guests have free time to explore the Fort and city. We have many options to explore Galle and the surrounding countryside. Tour with local guides, visit the Temple, cycle through paddy fields, or try your hand at making traditional Sri Lankan curry.

Day 9 - KULHUDHUFFUSHI, MALDIVES

This morning we clear into the Maldives, before beginning our exploration of the exquisite coral atolls that comprise the nation of the Maldives.Enjoy water activities off the white sand beaches of a stunning atoll island. Enjoy snorkelling over the underwater coral gardens, strolling under the palm trees, and meeting the kind and courteous Maldivians.

Day 10 - HANIFARU BAY & OLHUGIRI, BAA ATOLL, MALDIVES

This morning we find ourselves at Thanburan Reef, Hanifaru Bay, famous for its marine life. This is a protected area, and we may have the opportunity to swim and admire the underwater wonders.After lunch we reposition to Olhugiri for more water activities and relaxation. The island is also known for breeding red-billed tropic bird and nesting turtles.

Day 11 - MAALHAVELI, MEEMU ATOLL, MALDIVES

Explore Meemu Atoll and the uninhabited island of Maalhaveli. This atoll is a true paradise and geographic marvel. It is home to rich marine bio-diversity and a huge variety of diving and snorkelling experiences! Enjoy wall and drift dives over colourful reefs, with the opportunity to spot fish, mantas, or reef sharks.

Day 12 - HITHADHOO, ADDU ATOLL, MALDIVES

Arrive in Hithadhoo, Addu Atoll in the afternoon. Here we will go to the famous Addu Nature Park to see wonderful birdlife in the mangrove forest.Later you will have time to explore the township or go shopping, enjoy Maldivian cuisine, and relax before we depart.

Day 13 - PRASLIN, SEYCHELLES

Drive the scenic coastal road through quaint fishing villages and dense forest of contrasting shades of green to the UNESCO World Heritage Vallee de Mai Nature Reserves. Here we marvel at the forest of over 6000 Coco de Mer palms, with their enormous fan-shaped fronds and famously suggestive double-coconut seeds.This afternoon, we enjoy swimming or walks at the Cote d’Or.

Day 14 - LA DIGUE, SEYCHELLES

Awake to the amazing view of La Digue. This is the most well-known island of Seychelles because of the spectacular rock formations and huge granite boulders.Visit the L’Union estate, a former coconut and vanilla plantation which provides an insight into the colonial history of the island. Encounter giant tortoises, enjoy strolling around the grounds of the majestic plantation house, and relax on one of the most pristine beaches in Seychelles and ‘the most beautiful beach in the world’, Anse Source d’Argent.In the afternoon, we visit Curieuse Island. This island has a tragic history, having been home to a leper colony, and still bearing the marks of a 1771 fire. However, here the giant tortoises roam free and Seychelles black parrot can be spotted amongst the protected Coco de Mer trees.

Day 15 - ARIDE, SEYCHELLES

Aride is the northernmost island of Seychelles, and is home to some of the most important seabird populations in the Indian Ocean. With eighteen species of native bird, including the world’s largest colonies of Lesser Noddy and Tropical Shearwater, the islands provides a huge amount of bird watching opportunities. Here, we may go ashore and enjoy a nature walk along the beach, looking out for Sooty Terns, Roseate Terns, Red-tailed Tropicbird, Frigatebirds, Brown Noddy, White Tern and Wedge-tailed Shearwater.*The visit to Aride is weather dependant as access to shore requires favourable landing conditions.

Day 16 - AT SEA

This itinerary includes a total of 10 days at sea to reach these destinations. During sea days, relax or join our Expedition Team for a fascinating program of interactive workshops and informative presentations.

Day 17 - DAY 26: MAHE

This morning, we arrive at Port Victoria, Mahe to disembark at 8:00am.

Day 18 - 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. Coral Expeditions suggests that you do not arrive on the day of embarkation or depart on the day of disembarkation due to any changes that may occur in scheduling.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

Special Event: A dusk safari experience at Yala National Park, with the chance to spot elephants and leopards, followed by an elaborate Sri Lankan Feast and overnight stay at a wilderness resort
Visit the bustling Malaysian cities of Melaka and Penang to be immersed in the cultural history and savour delicious traditional cuisine
Visit a Sri Lankan tea plantation, and wander through the streets of historic Galle
Explore the paradise of the Maldives, with time spent at remote atolls for snorkelling and diving
Marvel at a Coco de Mer palm forest on Praslin, and see the iconic giant seeds, known for their suggestive shape
Explore the beautiful island of La Digue, and spend time on ‘the world’s most beautiful beach’, Anse Source d’Argent
Encounter the Aldabra giant tortoises of Seychelles
Witness the diversity of cultures throughout your voyage and get closer to the local people and lifestyle