STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY

STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY The Spice Islands and Beyond underwater edens of eastern indonesia

September 29 to October 15, 2014

a program of the stanford alumni association STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY wayag island Few places on earth are as ecologically and culturally diverse as Indonesia’s Spice Islands and the Raja Ampat Islands. With dramatic landscapes, lush rain forests, a profusion of land and marine flora and fauna, friendly islanders and incomparable coral reefs for underwater exploring, this little- traveled region offers an experience unequalled anywhere. There’s no better way to explore all of the riches of these remote islands than by small expedition ship, and our ship, the Oceanic Discoverer, more than fts the bill. As we ply the waters of the Banda and Ceram seas and New Guinea’s Cenderawasih Bay, soak up this wondrous amalgam of sea, sand, coral reefs, volcanoes and colorful cultures from the comfort of our state-of-the-art ship. Join us on this unforgettable adventure!

Brett S. Thompson, ’83, Director, Stanford Travel/Study

Highlights caption SNORKEL or dive in BE AWED by the sight EXPLORE World War II SEARCH in the island the waters between Pulau of Wayag Island with its wrecks while snorkeling forests for the elusive Red Kur and Pulau Kaimeer, hundreds of gumdrop- or diving in the renowned Bird of Paradise, one of known for having the best shaped islets popping crystal-clear waters off the the world’s most colorful, beaches in the Indonesian up out of turquoise-hued Amsterdam Islands. whimsically plumed birds. archipelago. lagoons.

biak Wayag Island AMSTERDAM ISLANDS Pacific RAJA Biak AMPAT Manokwari Ocean MISOOL ISLANDS SPICE ISLANDS Cenderawasih NEW Bay GUINEA Banda PAPUA Sea KAI ISLANDS NEW I NDON ESIA GUINEA TANIMBAR ISLANDS Arafura Timor Sea Sea A USTRALIA Darwin to Sydney BIAK

saturday, October 4 monday, October 6 glass-bottom-boat tour. Tanimbar Islands, Banda and the OCEANIC DISCOVERER (B,L,D) Itinerary Indonesia Spice Islands Rise and shine as we approach In the middle of the Banda Sea wednesday, October 8 MONday to wednesday, Saumlaki on Yamdena Island, the lies an enchanted fragment of Misool Islands September 29 to October 1 U.S./Darwin, Australia main town in the Tanimbar Islands history, nine tiny islands that were The Misool Islands, one of the Depart the U.S. on Monday and and our first Indonesian landfall. the center of the Spice Island trade. famed “Four Kings” island groups of cross the international date line en The islands are surrounded by Originally the world’s sole source the Raja Ampat region, are a gem- route to Australia. Arrive in Darwin pristine white sand beaches fringed of nutmeg and mace, these islands studded bracelet of islands and a on Wednesday and transfer to our with palm trees. The villagers of have attracted traders beginning at mecca for snorkelers and divers. hotel before joining fellow travelers the Tanimbars are master carvers least 2,000 years ago. In the 16th The islands boast dramatic scenery, for a festive welcome reception and and their magnificent ebony wood century, European explorers, in their with towering limestone pinnacles dinner. CROWNE PLAZA DARWIN (D) carvings are considered to be search for these islands, ended up jutting out of the water and white the finest in the entire Indonesian discovering entire continents. Join sand beaches adorned with palm archipelago. View the community’s an early morning hike to the top trees. Travel ashore and explore thursday, October 2 traditional ritual ceremony and of “Fire Mountain” for spectacular the region on a nature walk with the Darwin / Embark Oceanic Discoverer hear tales of how headhunting was views above the island’s main town expedition staff. Snorkel or dive in This morning tour the fascinating practiced here until well into the of Banda Neira. Then, become im- the waters surrounding the island, Museum and Art Gallery of the 20th century. OCEANIC DISCOVERER mersed in the colors and aromas which are home to at least three Northern Territory and enjoy views (B,L,D) of the Spice Islands on a stroll species of the pygmy seahorse, above the harbor before transferring down the wide, tree-lined streets of no larger than a fingernail, and the Sunday, October 5 Banda Neira and past the remnants most splendid soft coral jungles, to Darwin’s Fort Hill Wharf for the Kai Islands of mansions constructed during with their vibrant shades of orange, start of our great adventure. After The island of Kai Tanimbar is con- Dutch colonialism. Visit the fasci- red, purple and pink. OCEANIC boarding Oceanic Discoverer, take sidered to be the birthplace of Kai nating museum, the former VOC DISCOVERER (B,L,D) some time to settle in and explore Island culture. Today we cruise Governor’s Mansion, the old church the ship before joining our traveling and explore the many small islands and Fort Belgica. Our exploration thursday, October 9 companions for sunset drinks. and communities located between Dampier Straits, OCEANIC DISCOVERER (B,D) of Banda Neira concludes with a Pulau Kur and Pulau Kaimeer, rec- Raja Ampat Islands visit to the town’s nutmeg gardens, ognized as having the best beaches Awaken as we cruise the Dampier friday, October 3 shaded by wild almond trees. Straits, named in honor of famed At Sea in the Indonesian archipelago. Here OCEANIC DISCOVERER (B,L,D) Spend the day at leisure enjoying we have the opportunity to practice explorer William Dampier. Traveling the ship’s amenities as we cross the our snorkeling and diving skills. tuesday, October 7 ashore at Pulau Gam, we’ll be joined Timor Sea. Join our expedition staff As we pass between the islands, Pulau Gorong by a local Papuan guide on a walk in the ship’s lounge for informative keep an eye out for the ancient Continuing north we stop at the through the shady forests around presentations in preparation for petroglyphs that adorn the tower- pristine island of Pulau Gorong, Sawingrai village. Our guide’s local our first landing in the rarely visited ing cliffs. Painted in ochre, black where we spend the day exploring knowledge will hopefully allow us to Tanimbar Islands. This evening, join and white, the cliff drawings depict its enchanting saltwater lagoon, catch a glimpse of one of nature’s fellow travelers, the captain and historic sailing boats and intricately home to a myriad of native bird finest creations, the ethereal Red his crew at the captain’s reception. decorated locals wearing tall species. Choose from a range of Bird of Paradise. This afternoon OCEANIC DISCOVERER (B,L,D) headdresses. OCEANIC DISCOVERER in-water activities, including guided soak up the natural beauty of the (B,L,D) snorkeling, scuba diving and a Raja Ampat Islands. On Arborek MANOKWARI VILLAGE

BIAK NUcaptTMEioGn w Island a profusion of plankton reefs that are home to hard and soft 50 square miles of pristine coral attracts giant manta rays and we corals, sea whips and sea fans. Join reef, which we snorkel over and dis- have the opportunity to swim among a glass-bottom-boat tour, snorkel cover on glass-bottom-boat tours. these majestic creatures. Aboard the or scuba dive over the reefs to view In the evening, join fellow travelers, ship’s Xplorer we’ll travel ashore to or swim among the profusion of fish the captain and his crew at the cap- nearby Kri Island, which offers per- found here, including barracudas. tain’s farewell event to reflect back haps the best snorkeling and diving OCEANIC DISCOVERER (B,L,D) on what has been an incredible jour- in the archipelago, if not the world. ney. OCEANIC DISCOVERER (B,L,D) OCEANIC DISCOVERER (B,L,D) Sunday, October 12 Manokwari and tuesday, October 14 Mansinan Island friday, October 10 Biak / Disembark Wayag Island Ride our ship’s Xplorer to the Oceanic Discoverer / Savor a day of exploration on shore of the West Papuan island Darwin, Australia Wayag Island. Our day starts with of Manokwari for an outstanding This morning we arrive in Biak and sydney opera house an early morning hike up Pindito cultural experience. This island is bid farewell to our captain and his Peak, where the reward is breath- home to 24 different tribal groups, staff. En route to our chartered jet taking views over the island and its each with its own unique language, for the flight back to Darwin, tour Optional Post-trip spectacular islet-studded lagoon. music, dances and customs. Visit Biak and learn of its fascinating Then, spend time lazing on the one of the traditional villages, where history. Later, upon arriving back in Extension to Sydney lagoon’s white sand beaches and the local artisans are well-known for Australia, transfer to our overnight october 15 to 18, 2014 gazing at the magical panorama of their beautiful wooden sculptures. accommodations. CROWNE PLAZA DARWIN (B,L,D) Spend three nights in Sydney karst (limestone) gumdrop-shaped Enjoy glass-bottom-boat tours on starting with a behind-the-scenes islets. OCEANIC DISCOVERER (B,L,D) the clear waters over the wrecks or snorkel over or dive to the wednesday, October 15 visit to the Taronga Zoo, where we Darwin / U.S. receive an introduction to Australia’s saturday, October 11 easily accessible Cross Wreck, a Transfer to the airport this morning Amsterdam Islands unusual wildlife and the wilderness Japanese Navy patrol boat, and the for international flights back to the Our expedition leader and guides famed Shinwa Maru, a Japanese of the Australian bushland. Enjoy U.S. (B) join us on an excursion to the freighter sunk by Allied forces in ample opportunities to photograph Amsterdam Islands today. The 1943. OCEANIC DISCOVERER (B,L,D) koalas, kangaroos and echidnas. beaches on these beautiful islands Explore Sydney’s historic Rocks are a favorite egg-laying spot of the monday, October 13 NOTE: This itinerary provides a look at district, a 19th-century village that world’s largest species of sea turtles, Cenderawasih Bay some of the islands, atolls and lagoons today sits in the shadow of the the leatherback, and it may be Today we enter the marine life along our route as well as the type of Harbour Bridge, before spending possible to witness the remarkable haven of Cenderawasih Marine Park activities we offer. While every effort the evening at the opera. Take a experience of the endangered in search of the biggest fish in the will be made to follow the itinerary, tour of the Sydney Opera House leatherbacks nesting. Later we’ll sea, the beautiful whale shark. This we may need to make allowances for and enjoy a pre-theater dinner at visit the “Junkyard” to explore the region is one of the few places in weather, tidal conditions and other the famed Guillaume at Bennelong World War II wrecks that litter the the world where it’s possible to unforeseen events. Our journey is restaurant prior to being seated at coastline. During the war, the U.S. swim, snorkel and dive among rich with opportunities to interact with the night’s performance. Navy scuttled a number of small these majestic animals. Cendera- native wildlife, however, we cannot Additional details and pricing will be boats and barges in the shallows, wasih Bay also supports over 200 promise the sighting of particular sent to confirmed passengers. which have now become coral species of tropical fish, along with species during our visit. Dining room

promenade deck stateroom

xplorer excursions oceanic discoverer w Oceanic Discoverer The recently built Oceanic Discoverer comprises 36 spacious, modern staterooms, offering a choice of twin or junior king beds. All staterooms have an ocean view, en suite facilities, settee, large wardrobe, desk, luggage storage and individual air-conditioning con- Active Stabilizers trol. Spacious and finely appointed public areas include a reference library, lecture lounge, purser’s desk, dive shop, large sun deck, spa pool and two bars. The restaurant offers buffet-style breakfast and Spa SUN DECK lunch service and a three-course table d’hôte dinner service. Menus are “modern Australian,” with the chefs seeking out the freshest of local ingredients to prepare truly memorable dining experiences; all guests are accommodated at a single seating. The state-of-the- Captain’s art Oceanic Discoverer is equipped with the latest technology, active A05 A03 Cabin stabilizers, wifi access and the Xplorer, its specially designed alumin- Lounge BRIDGE DECK ium expedition vessel used for the majority of our excursions. A06 A04 A02

* Program Cost B21 B19 B17 B15 B13 B11 B09 B07 B05 B03 B01 Rates per person, based on double or single occupancy, as noted PROMENADE DECK DOUBLE SINGLE** B22 B20 B18 B16 B14 B12 B10 B08 B06 B04 B02 Bridge Deck, 195 sq. ft. $14,895 –

Promenade Deck, 195 sq. ft. $14,595 $19,595 C09 C07 C05 C03 C01 Xplorer Dining Room MAIN Boarding DECK C08 C06 C04 C02 Promenade Deck, 175 sq. ft. $14,395 $18,895

Main Deck, 195 sq. ft. $13,895 $18,095 Length: 207 feet Beam: 43 feet Draft: 10 feet Main Deck, 195 sq. ft. $13,595 $17,795 Number of guests: 72 Speed: 14 knots *Association nonmembers add $200 per person. ** Single accommodations are limited at these rates. Registry: Australia Information Terms & Conditions

Dates Deposit & Final Payment Responsibility September 29 to October 15, 2014 (17 days) A $1,000-per-person deposit is The Stanford Alumni Association, required to hold space for this Stanford University and our program. An additional $200-per- operators act only as agents Size person deposit is required to hold for the passenger with respect Limited to 69 participants space for the optional post-trip to transportation and ship extension. Complete and return arrangements and exercise every Included the attached reservation form or care possible in doing so. However, 2 nights of deluxe hotel accommodations 12-night cruise sign up online. Final payment is we can assume no liability for aboard the Oceanic Discoverer 14 breakfasts, 12 lunches due 120 days prior to departure. injury, damage, loss, accident, As a condition of participation, all delay or irregularity in connection and 14 dinners Welcome and farewell cocktail receptions confirmed participants are required with the service of any automobile, Filtered water on excursions Gratuities to porters, guides, to sign a Release of Liability. motorcoach, launch or any other drivers and ship crew for all group activities All tours and conveyance used in carrying shore excursions as described in the itinerary Transfers Cancellations & Refunds out this program or for the acts and baggage handling on program arrival and departure days Deposits and any payments are or defaults of any company or Chartered jet flight from Biak to Darwin on 10/14 Port fees refundable, less a $500-per- person engaged in conveying the person cancellation fee, until 120 passenger or in carrying out the and embarkation taxes Minimal medical, accident and evacu- days prior to departure. After that arrangements of the program. We ation insurance Educational program with lecture series and date, refunds can be made only cannot accept any responsibility for pre-departure materials, including recommended reading list, if the program is sold out and losses or additional expenses due a selected book, map and travel information Services of our your place(s) can be resold, in to delay or changes in air or other professional tour manager to assist you throughout the program which case a $1,000-per-person services, sickness, weather, strike, cancellation fee will apply. We war, quarantine, force majeure or recommend trip-cancellation other causes beyond our control. Not Included insurance; applications will be All such losses or expenses will International and U.S. domestic airfare Passport and visa sent to you. have to be borne by the passenger fees Immunization costs Meals and beverages other than as tour rates provide arrangements those specified as included Independent and private trans- Insurance only for the time stated. We reserve fers Trip-cancellation/interruption and baggage insurance Stanford Travel/Study provides the right to make such alterations all travelers who are U.S. or to this published itinerary as may Excess-baggage charges Personal items such as internet Canadian citizens with minimal be deemed necessary. The right access, telephone and fax calls, laundry and gratuities for medical, accident and evacuation is reserved to cancel any program nongroup services coverage under our group-travel prior to departure in which case insurance policy. Our group policy the entire payment will be refunded Air Arrangements is intended to provide minimal levels without further obligation on our International and U.S. domestic airfare is not included in the of protection while you are travel- part. The right is also reserved ing on this program. We strongly to decline to accept or retain program cost. Round-trip, economy-class airfare on Qantas recommend that you subscribe any person as a member of the Airways from San Francisco to and from Darwin, Australia, is to optional baggage and trip-can- program. No refund will be made approximately $2,200 as of April 2014 and is subject to change cellation insurance. A brochure for an unused portion of any tour without notice. Information on recommended flight itineraries offering such insurance will be unless arrangements are made in will be sent by our designated agent. mailed with your confirmation about sufficient time to avoid penalties. one week after we receive your It is understood that the ship’s deposit. The product offered in this ticket, when issued, shall constitute F uel C os t s brochure includes special benefits if the sole contract between the In the uncertain, often volatile oil market of late, it is difficult to you postmark your insurance payment passenger and the cruise company. predict fuel costs over the long term and, more specifically, at within a specified window: 15 days Baggage is carried at the owner’s the time of operation of this voyage. Our prices are based upon of the date listed on the confirmation risk entirely. The airlines concerned the prevailing fuel rates at the time of brochure printing. While letter for the Waiver of Pre-existing are not to be held responsible Conditions and coverage for Financial for any act, omission or event we will do everything possible to maintain our prices, if the fuel Insolvency; 21 days for the Cancel for during the time that passengers rates increase significantly, it may be necessary to institute a Any Reason benefit. are not onboard their plane or fuel surcharge. conveyance. Neither the Alumni Eligibility Association, Stanford University We encourage membership in the What to Expect nor our operators accept liability for Alumni Association as the program We consider this to be a mildly strenuous program. No prior any carrier’s cancellation penalty cost for nonmembers is $200 more incurred by the purchase of a snorkeling experience is necessary and all participants should be than the members’ price. Parents nonrefundable ticket in connection comfortable swimming unassisted in open water. Boarding our and their children under 21 may with the tour. Program price is excursion vessel, the Xplorer, is safe and easy, you simply step travel on one membership. For based on rates in effect in April aboard from the Main Deck and Oceanic Discoverer’s unique more information or to purchase a 2013 and is subject to change hydraulic platform will gently lower the excursion vessel into the membership, visit alumni.stanford. without notice to reflect fluctuations edu/goto/membership or call water, ensuring that you don’t need to clamber aboard or get your in exchange rates, tariffs or fuel (650) 725-0692. charges. feet wet. Ashore, you must be able to walk moderate distances, uaided, along beaches and sometimes over rough terrain, includ- California Seller of Travel Program Registration #2048 523-50 ing steep and sandy trails. Participants must be physically fit, active and in good health. We welcome travelers 15 years of age and older on this program. © COPYRIGHT 2013 STANFORD ALUMNI ASSOCIATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Printed on recycled, FSC-certified paper in the U.S. Stanford Faculty Leader

Joel Simon, ’74, BS ’75, MS ’77, has two passions: photography and marine biology. His desire to investigate the content of Southern California tide pools at the age of 11 motivated him to build his own diving gear out of a one-liter soda bottle, surgical tubing and the gas valve off an old stove. Not long afterwards, he began taking his camera underwater. A seasoned travel operator, marine biologist, freelance photographer and writer with over 30 years of experience in leading group tours, he has designed and directed educational travel programs on all seven continents, and is a veteran of land-, ship-, train- and plane-based journeys in over “Whether you 100 countries. Joel is the president of Sea for Yourself, a tour operator specializing in educational snorkeling programs. During his tenure as snorkeling editor for Skin Diver magazine, he published approach it from dozens of articles on snorkeling technique and destinations. His ongoing photographic an academic work includes an extensive portfolio of Stanford University images. Joel has been a popular interest in biology photography instructor with Stanford Continuing Studies since 2010. or an aesthetic appreciation of colors, textures, Expedition Study Leader and forms, this trip Joining us aboard the Oceanic Discover to augment our lecture program is Dr. N’Deane offers a wealth of Aaliyah Helajzen. She is currently a professor of anthropology at Melbourne University in Australia. Dr. Helajzen focuses her work on improving health conditions in remote visual and intellectual communities and has spent significant time in the South Pacific, New Guinea and Indonesia stimulation in the conducting research. She received her bachelor of science and masters degrees in social health context of cultural at Melbourne University and is involved in several professional organizations, for instance, the and natural history.” Australian Anthropology Association, the American Anthropological Association and the National Joel Simon, ’74, Association for the Practice of Anthropology, to name just a few. BS ’75, MS ’77

STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY

SIGN UP Reservation Form ONLINE! The Spice Islands I/We have read the Terms and Conditions for the program and agree to them. and Beyond Signature ______If this is a reservation for one person, please indicate: September 29 to October 15, 2014 I wish to have single accommodations. OR I plan to share accommodations with ______OR I’d like to know about possible roommates. MR. / MRS. / MS. MISS / DR. / PROF. Category Preference: NAME AGE STANFORD CLASS 1st choice: ______Twin Beds Junior King MR. / MRS. / MS. MISS / DR. / PROF. 2nd choice: ______Twin Beds Junior King NAME AGE STANFORD CLASS Here is my deposit of $______($1,000 per person) for ______space(s), plus $______($200 per person) for the optional post-trip extension. ADDRESS Enclosed is my check (make payable to Stanford Alumni Association) OR Charge my deposit to my: Visa MasterCard American Express CITY / STATE / ZIP

CARD # EXPIRES HOME PHONE WORK PHONE

AUTHORIZED CARDHOLDER SIGNATURE DATE CELL PHONE Mail completed form to address on mail panel or fax to (650) 725-8675 or place your deposit online at alumni.stanford.edu/trip?spice2014. Please submit your reservation only once to avoid multiple charges to your account. EMAIL ADDRESS 10769 Stanford Travel/Study Nonprofit Org. Frances C. Arrillaga Alumni Center U.S. Postage The Spice Islands 326 Galvez Street PAID Stanford, CA 94305-6105 Stanford and Beyond (650) 725-1093 Association underwater edens of eastern indonesia

September 29 to October 15, 2014

alumni.stanford.edu/goto/travelstudy

“I was so pleased to find that there is such a great way for me to travel to more challenging destinations where I would not go on my own.” Patricia Leicher, ’70, Stanford Traveler

STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY

CENDERaWASIH bay