INDONESIAN EXPLORER 14 DAY DISCOVER PARADISE AMONG INDONESIA’S LOST ISLANDS VOYAGE
Cultural exchange © The Ministry of Swimming with Whale Shark © D Brown Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia
Snorkelling © The Ministry of Tourism Raja Ampat © The Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia Red Bird of Paradise © D Brown of the Republic of Indonesia
true expedition voyage in every sense, our richest concentrations of flora and fauna on the planet. inaugural journey will explore Indonesia’s rarely- One of the world’s 17 mega diverse countries, Indonesia A visited and little known biodiverse-rich jungle- is home to 2 of the planet’s 25 biodiversity hotspots, 18 of capped volcanic islands scattered across pristine pellucid the World Wildlife Fund’s Global 200 ecoregions and 24 of waters well beyond traditional tourist routes. Join us and BirdLife International’s Endemic Bird Areas. Its dense forests, discover a true paradise where untouched dense jungles jungles, oceans and waterways we will be exploring boast home to some of the rarest flora and fauna on the planet more than 25,000 species of flowering plants (40 per cent meet crystalline tropical waters teaming with exotic marine of which are endemic), 1,592 bird species (430 of which life and some of the world’s best coral reefs all wrapped in are endemic and 114 considered extremely threatened), a land steeped in history and rich in culture and tradition. 1,051 reptile and amphibian species, 515 species of mammal and half of the world’s fish species. For botanists, Comprised of some 18,000 islands, this South East Asian birders and nature lovers alike, this expedition offers archipelago’s fascinating human history dates back numerous opportunities to spot once-in-a-lifetime species almost 2 million years to the fossilised remains of Homo and experience rare wildlife encounters on remote and erectus/‘Java Man’ discovered in the early 1890s, while unknown islands. ancient rock art waits in hidden caves on renowned Misool Island. European arrival saw Portuguese spice traders Indonesia’s extraordinary diversity also extends to its chasing the fragrant bounty of nutmeg and cloves in population where more than 300 ethnic groups, many the 16th Century, this was followed by Dutch colonisation with their own set of customs, cultures and languages, live then Japanese occupation during World War II before scattered throughout the archipelago. Our expedition Indonesia regained its independence in 1949 (excluding embraces some of these cultures with visits planned the Dutch territory of West New Guinea). to some of these villages. Sublime wildlife, incredible underwater encounters, exceptional birding and thrilling While still a heavy hitter on the spice trading scene, cultural exchanges await on ‘Indonesian Explorer’. Indonesia is now attracting attention for having one of the
WWW.HERITAGE-EXPEDITIONS.COM 24 Day 1: Sorong, Indonesia Arfak Nature Reserve and enjoy the for breathcatching lake views before One of the fastest growing locations in rare opportunity of exploring the higher returning to Spirit of Enderby for lunch Indonesia, Sorong is the starting point of elevations and misty tropical montane and sailing towards Vanimo and Papua our expedition. Meet your fellow travellers rainforests with their exceptional suite of New Guinea. at a central city location and transfer to endemic plants, animals and birds. During the ship. Settle into your cabin and meet our journey we will be on the lookout for the Day 13: Murik Lakes/Sepik River, your expedition team and captain for a Western Parotia, Vogelkop Bowerbird and Papua New Guinea welcome on board. Magnificent Bird of Paradise among the Undoubtedly a highlight on our voyage, region’s 320 bird species. we plan to explore by Zodiac the intricate Days 2: Misool Island network of lagoons and mangroves Part of the Sultanate of Tidore during Day 9: Cenderawasih Marine Park surrounding this cluster of salt and the spice trade wars, Misool Island is Enjoy an unforgettable day swimming freshwater lakes sustaining a myriad of the second largest island in the aquatic with the iconic Whale Sharks of Kwatisore wildlife where the Sepik River (the longest wonderland that is Raja Ampat (aka Four Bay in Cendrawasih Marine Park. One in Papua New Guinea) joins the Bismarck Kings Islands, named after its four main of the best places in the world to snorkel Sea. Used as a staging location for barge islands) and our introduction to this stunning with these gentle giants, we aim to visit traffic by the Japanese during World War marine environment. Discover caves the local fishermen’s Bagans (handmade II, it is also the location of at least four hidden among verdant forests featuring floating platforms) where these mega-fish, Allied aircraft that were lost or abandoned rock art dating back more than 5,000 years, hopeful of catching smaller fish escaping between 1943 and 1944. Home to more while under its protected waters Dugong, fishermen’s nets, are known to congregate. than 100 villages and inspiring the region’s Bumphead Parrotfish, Clownfish, Manta This spectacular 15,000-square-kilometre renowned Sepik art, we expect to enjoy Rays, Ghost Pipefish, Harlequin Shrimp, marine park is also home to some of the their hospitality and handiwork firsthand. Pygmy Seahorse and more can be found finest coral reef examples in the world and among spectacular coral gardens and 18 tropical islands where 209 species of fish, Day 14: Madang sea-cave cemeteries. We aim to explore 4 species of turtle, dolphin and Blue Whale The self appointed ‘Prettiest Town in the the labyrinth of caves and passages can be seen. South Pacific’, Madang is bound by lush including the water-filled dome-topped rainforest, calm blue waters studded with network of Tomolol Caves and enjoy the Day 10: Biak & Supiori Islands volcanic islands, 34-sunken ship dive sites, extraordinary experience of swimming Exploring the seldom-visited remote Tupira’s supreme surf break, flourishing coral among thousands of stingless jellyfish. coasts, white sand beaches and gardens and rich history. crystalline waters of twin islands Biak Day 3: Kofiau Island and Supiori in the Schouten Islands For those disembarking, a transfer to a Kofiau Island is an ancient slice of isolated archipelago of Cendrawasih Bay is our central hotel, or the airport, will conclude continental crust covered in lush rainforest, plan for today. Separated by a narrow your voyage, OR continue the adventure the least visited among the major islands in mangrove-lined channel, the Islands with us on ‘Melanesian Discoverer’. Raja Ampat and ours to explore. Activities boast the highest endemic diversity Enquire for a full itinerary. on offer during the day include snorkelling in Papua including 17 endemic birds. and exploring the Island where we will be Among the species we may encounter on the lookout for the endemic birds Kofaiu are the Long-tailed Honey Buzzard, Red- Paradise Kingfisher and Kofiau Monarch, capped Flowerpecker, Yellow-bibbed Raja Ampat lime-green Kofiau Green-tree Python and, if Fruit Dove, Geelvink Imperial Pigeon, Biak Manokwari lucky, the Red Bird of Paradise. Black Flycatcher and Numfor Paradise Biak Kofiau Sorong Mamberamo River Kingfisher and Leaf Warbler. A snorkel Misool Days 4 to 6: Raja Ampat excursion exploring the abundant marine Cenderawasih Jayapura Lapped by stunning turquoise waters, life and pristine reefs is also planned. Murik Lakes Raja Ampat’s collection of 1,500 tiny, PAPUA Madang NEW jungle-cloaked islands are Indonesia’s Day 11: Mamberamo River GUINEA least developed and easternmost islands. Flanked by tropical rainforest and Forming part of the Coral Triangle (one at around 800-kilometres long, the of the most biodiverse marine habitats biologically-rich Mamberamo River is on the planet), we plan to spend 3 days considered the Amazon of Papua. Snaking exploring the bounty of rainbow corals, through dense, unexplored and unspoiled 30 September – 13 October 2019 shoals of fish, ocean-carved limestone terrain it sustains a plethora of wildlife VOYAGE #SOE1955 FUTURE DATE S formations and jungles of this tropical including wallabies, tree shrews, crocodiles, SEE WEBSITE paradise of forgotten islands. Spotting the frogs, butterflies, endemic birds and Prices: 2019 Wilson’s Bird of Paradise and Red Bird of hundreds of species of plants, as well as a Heritage Suite $12,100 pp* Paradise will be high on our agenda, with number of traditional tribes who are largely two early morning visits ensuring the best cut off from the outside world. We plan to Mini Suite $11,300 pp* opportunity to see these spectacular Zodiac cruise the river’s mouth searching Superior Plus $10,300 pp* birds in their natural habitat. If we are for wildlife and visit local tribal people. lucky we may also spot the Lesser Bird Superior $ 9,595 pp* of Paradise. Day 12: Jayapura (Port Numbay) The peaceful paradise of Lake Sentani, Main Deck $ 8,595 pp* Day 7: Amsterdam Island the glittering freshwater lake reflecting Main Deck Triple $ 7,595 pp* Part of the Su Islands (Mios Su) or the Soe the steep, verdant mountains in the Island Group, a cluster of small islands off Cyclops Strict Nature Reserve of Papua’s * The price listed includes the additional local the northern coast of Western New Guinea, capital Jayapura, is renowned for its payment of $600 which is payable in US$ cash our visit to little-known and explored famous artifacts, traditional motifs, onboard the ship. (All prices are per person in US$). Amsterdam Island channels the true pottery, woodworking and bark Price Includes: expedition nature of our voyage providing paintings.Taking local buses, we will Pre/Post cruise transfers, one night hotel an opportunity to explore this pristine journey to the seldom visited lake’s edge accommodation in a twin share room environment very few have seen. before enlisting traditional longboats, (incl. dinner/breakfast), all on board ship passing stilt houses, as we navigate its accommodation with meals and all shore Day 8: Manokwari & Arfak Mountains many islands. Experience local culture Located at the top of the Bird’s Head excursions and activities. Programme of in the form of dance and artists at lectures by noted naturalists. Peninsula and surrounded by lush rolling work making bark paintings and bride hills and imposing spine of the Arfak money, visit the small church built at Price Excludes: Mountains, Manokwari is the capital of the beginning of the 20th Century and All items of a personal nature, laundry, drinks, West Papua. Here we plan to travel into World War II monument to General gratuities. International/domestic flights, visas, the Arfak Mountains to the Pegunungan Douglas MacArthur on Gunung Ifar extensions and travel insurance.