Bali to Borneo Expedition Cruise

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.

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 feet above the sea. 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 you are driven to Jimbaran Beach for an extensive BBQ Seafood Dinner on the beach.

You will be picked up by a private vehicle with an English speaking guide and transferred to the harbour in South Bali.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.