This stimulating cruise voyage of discovery will explore the ancient cultures, amazing wildlife and temples of South East Asia like no other. This is the first time this exciting itinerary with the highlights of two of our Borneo voyages has been offered on the one expedition - Tana Toraja, "Land of the Heavenly Kings" and the orangutans of the world famous Camp Leakey plus a day trip to the extraordinary lost temple of Borobudur in Central Java. Yur exploration starts with the creative surf culture and green volcanic mountains of Bali. You’ll experience prehistoric times when expedition guides lead you in search of one of the world's largest reptiles, the fabulous Komodo dragon in the world-renowned Komodo National Park.

There’s the fascinating colonial history and culture of Makassar and the majestic panoramas, captivating villages and dramatic ceremonies of Tana Toraja with its unique culture, and gentle people. Be amazed at Tanjung Putting, one of the natural wonders of the world, home of Camp Leakey and the famous Orangutan Foundation International that affords guests the rare opportunity to get close to orangutans - a wildlife experience like no other! All this plus the opportunity to visit legendary Borobudur, the long-lost 9th century Mahayana Buddhist temple of Central Java. Abandoned sometime in the 14th century and rediscovered from the overgrown jungle in 1814, and now listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. There will be afternoons of swimming and snorkelling or just relaxing on some of the most secluded beaches in South East Asia. And unforgettable tales to tell all the way from primates to primitive cultures.

Available Cruise Departure Dates:
October 22, 2012 (Orion II), September 29, 2013 (Orion)

Bali is an Indonesian island, the westernmost of the Lesser Sunda Islands, lying between Java to the west and Lombok to the east. It is one of the country's 33 provinces with the provincial capital at Denpasar towards the south of the island. With a population recorded as 3,151,000 in 2005, the island is home to the vast majority of Indonesia's small Hindu minority. 93.18% of Bali's population adheres to Balinese Hinduism, while most of the remainder follow Islam. It is also the largest tourist destination in the country and is renowned for its highly developed arts, including dance, sculpture, painting, leather, metalworking and music.

Airport transfer with private vehicle and English-speaking driver.

The Pita Maha is etched into the hillside that overlooks the Tjampuhan valley in Ubud. The Resort and Spa encompasses 24 villas that are spacious and elegantly designed in an Balinese style to anticipate every conceivable need. Immersed into the hillside overlooking the Tjampuhan valley in Ubud, the 5-star hotel Pita Maha Resort & Spa offers a holiday of wellbeing, leisure activities and Balinese culture on the enchanting Island of the Gods, Bali. Named after the artistic association that nurtured creative talents during the 1930's, Pita Maha means 'great shining' and today this boutique resort is an icon that showcases local artistry and design elements.

Overnight at Ubud - Pita Maha Resort and Spa (4.5*).

Start the day with a visit to Kerta Gosa, or Hall of Justice, built in 18th century in Klungkung. It is beautifully laid out within a moat and provides an exquisite example of the Klungkung style of painting and architecture which can be seen in their ceiling murals. Continue through spectacular views of terraced rice fields to Besakih temple, located on the slope of Mount Agung, Bali highest volcano. It is called Mother Temple of Bali as it houses ancestral shrines for all Hindu Balinese and a complex of nearly 24 temples. Our next stop is Kintamani where you can enjoy your lunch with a breathtaking view over the caldera lake, Danau Batur. Driving down, we arrive in the bottom of a lush green valley, where the Gunung Kawi temple, Bali largest ancient monument is located. It consists of 10 rock-cut candi (shrines) – memorials cut out of the rock face in imitation of actual statues and stand in 7m-high sheltered niches cut into the sheer cliff face. Our last stop will be Goa Gajah.

Witness this theatrical experience. The "Cak" or "Kecak" dance is the well-known “monkey dance” which is originally derived from a sacred sanghyang dance, it has subsequently been added to and adapted, incorporating scenes from the story of Ramayana. The Kecak dance is an amazing cacophony of interlocking sounds – 100 men, representing the Ramayana’s monkey army sit in concentric circles and chant. Their arms are thrown up to the skies, fingers outstretched, but the sounds and gestures have no meaning other than to drive out evil.

Overnight at Ubud - Pita Maha Resort and Spa (4.5*).

Start your cultural trip with a visit to Tohpati, which is known for its batik and continue to Celuk, the center of exquisite silver works and Mas, for fine woodcarvings. Enter Ubud, the cultural heart of Bali with many fine art galleries, and a home to a score of local and foreign artists. One of them is Agung Rai Museum of Art which has an extensive collection of paintings by Balinese, Indonesian and foreign artists in classic Balinese and contemporary styles. Afterwards, you can test your bargaining skill at Ubud art market prior to a visit to Puri Saren Agung whose royal family ruled Ubud from the late 1800’s until 1917.

You will be picked up from your Ubud hotel and transfered to South Bali Hotel by private car and english speaking guide.

Welcome to The Laguna Resort & Spa, Nusa Dua, Bali, a haven of relaxed luxury offering the highest level of personalized service to discerning travelers. Located in the exclusive Nusa Dua resort area, on Bali’s most beautiful beach, a tranquil haven of tropical gardens, sparkling lagoons and luxurious accommodation awaits you at The Laguna Resort & Spa, Nusa Dua, Bali.

Overnight at Nusa Dua - The Laguna Resort & Spa (4.5*).

Sleep in this morning and relax at your hotel.

A sunset outing to the southwestern tip of Bali for a visit of the Uluwatu Temple, which is perched precipitously atop sheer cliffs that drop straight into the pounding surf 250 below. This is one of the grandest and oldest temples in Bali, built in 11th century. Watch the spectacular sunset overlooking the Indian Ocean and enjoy the mystic atmosphere before we drive you to Jimbaran Beach for an extensive BBQ Seafood Dinner on the beach.

Overnight at Nusa Dua - The Laguna Resort & Spa (4.5*).

Cruise the Java and Banda seas, surrounded by the many islands of Indonesia. Glide along the coast in your luxury cruise vessel and make stops at port cities for daily excursions to explore the lush natural settings and intruiging cultural history that the Republic of Indonesia has to offer.

Harbor transfer with private vehicle and English-speaking driver.

Welcome aboard your cruise vessel! After embarkation, meet some of your fellow cruise passengers and get settled in.

Orion II is a private yacht-like expedition cruise ship built by Cantieri Navale Ferrari of Italy. After a number of years as a private yacht, Orion II was relaunched in 2009 following an extensive technical refit. Little expense was spared with this stylish, Italian built, all-suite Mega Yacht. Orion II now offers the finest standards in small-ship cruise travel. She also has an ice-strengthened hull for voyages in the Arctic and Antarctic and is fitted with stabilisers. The expedition equipment includes Zodiacs and fast tender to deliver the Orion expedition experience. Combining luxury and service will require staffing by 68 offices and crew to serve Orion II’s capacity of 100 guests. Excellence of design, craftsmanship and quality materials combined with Orion II’s spaciousness and intimate ambience make her ideal for distinctive cultural and expedition voyages.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (10N).

Today is your first full day spent at sea, as you cruise onward toward Semarang. Explore the length of the ship, and familiarize yourself with the facilities. Part of the onboard experience is to indulge in the specialty treatments on offer. Enjoy a pampering facial, relaxing massage, beauty or body treatment and then float into dinner looking fabulous with a new hairstyle.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (10N).

Today you will arrive in the port of Semarang early and begin your road trip to Central Java. After arriving in Jogjakarta you will take the time this morning to first visit the Hindu Temple complex of Prambanan. Lunch will be provided in Jogjakarta before then proceeding to the highlight of the day, the amazing monument of Borobudur.
After having ample time during the day to explore both these temples you will begin the road journey back to Semarang to rejoin the ship.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (10N).

Today is a full day at sea, spent cruising toward Tana Toraja. The onboard library is well-stocked with a wide variety of informative books and journals on your destinations, and both novels and games are also available. You'll also find a laptop here for internet access. Centrally located on Deck 4, the Lounge and Cocktail Bar is the hub of social life aboard your ship, comfortably seating all guests at once. Tour briefings are held here before dinner and a duo plays for your entertainment later in the evening.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (10N).

There are two main activities to be enjoyed whilst at Tanjung Puting National Park. One activity involves taking local boats for a full day exploration of the river system surrounding Camp Leakey and visits to several feeding stations and Camp Leakey itself. This area will give you the rare opportunity to get very close and interact with the orangutans. This will be a full day activity including lunch based on the local boats, which are large and spacious and have their own bathroom onboard, and includes the landings at the feeding stations, which are all quite easy to reach on foot.

Please note that there is a reasonable amount of walking at Camp Leakey which includes walking along slippery and unven surfaces.

Orion II is a private yacht-like expedition cruise ship built by Cantieri Navale Ferrari of Italy. After a number of years as a private yacht, Orion II was relaunched in 2009 following an extensive technical refit. Little expense was spared with this stylish, Italian built, all-suite Mega Yacht. Orion II now offers the finest standards in small-ship cruise travel. She also has an ice-strengthened hull for voyages in the Arctic and Antarctic and is fitted with stabilisers. The expedition equipment includes Zodiacs and fast tender to deliver the Orion expedition experience. Combining luxury and service will require staffing by 68 offices and crew to serve Orion II’s capacity of 100 guests. Excellence of design, craftsmanship and quality materials combined with Orion II’s spaciousness and intimate ambience make her ideal for distinctive cultural and expedition voyages.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (10N).

The other activity provided at Tanjung Puting is a visit to the Orangutan Foundation International's wildlife rehabilitation centre. You're offered an exclusive look into the operation of the centre with all three stages of orangutan rehabilitation being visited; the forest training area, the "pre school" and the infant care facility.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (10N).

Days at sea are less structured than on a typical cruise ship. Rise at your leisure and select from a variety of breakfast options. Late morning consider joining a presentation in the Lecture Theatre by one of the Expedition Staff or a Guest Speaker. Luncheon is served both indoors and out and the timeless tradition of afternoon tea is observed at 4:00pm.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (10N).

You have two action-packed days starting out from Pare Pare. In Pare Pare you will disembark the ship to travel inland to Tana Toraja, staying overnight in Rantepeo. With majestic panoramas, captivating villages and dramatic ceremonies, Tana Toraja is the undisputed highlight of any journey to Sulawesi. This unique culture, the scenic beauty, cool climate and gentle people are the main reason that Toraja is gaining popularity as a tourist destination. 

The Toraja Heritage Hotel, at an altitude of 700 meters (2,300 feet) with views across to a huge mountain range, follows the architectural style of traditional Torajan clan houses with a massive roof shaped like a ship’s prow. Inside however, the resort has been furnished to the highest standards to provide the perfect blend of tradition and comfort.

Overnight at Toraja Heritage Hotel (Or Similar).

A second day in Tana Toraja, you will again use the day to explore the history and culture of this incredible place. Tana Toraja, often referred to as the "Land of the Heavenly Kings" is home to an ethnic group who believes that their forefathers descended from heaven onto a mountain some twenty generations ago. The Torajans have a unique culture based on animistic beliefs. Known for their grand burial ceremonies on cliffs or hanging graves, they practice an ancestral cult even today where death and afterlife ceremonies are great feasts. Buffaloes are sacrificed in the final death ceremony, after which the deceased's remains are placed in a coffin and interred in caves hollowed out in high cliffs. The mouth of the cave is guarded by lifelike statues, looking out from a "balcony". "Tongkonan" (family houses) are built on stilts with roofs on each end rising like the prows of a ship, representing the cosmos.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (10N).

Today you continue cruising to your final destination, Bali. Relax at the jacuzzi on the sun deck, or make your way to the hub of social life, the lounge on deck 3.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (10N).

Today you'll arrive at the port in Bali, where you will disembark from your ship, and say farewell to your fellow cruisemates.

Airport transfer with private vehicle and English-speaking driver.

 End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart .