Coral Expeditions launches 2021 expeditions to the East Indies

Coral Expeditions sails the East Indies in 2021 with seven expeditions exploring small islands like Misool in Raja Ampat, Alor in the Lesser Sundas and Bunton in Sulawesi.

The new collection of voyages will be serviced by their newest 120-guest ship launched last April, the Coral Adventurer, exploring the history, culture and wildlife of the region.

The collection of itineraries feature three brand new sailings. The 10-night “Island Realms of the East Indies, Darwin to Bali”, 10-night “Ancient Kingdoms of the East Indies, Bali to Singapore” and 14-night “Into the Wilds of Borneo” from Singapore to Makassar, with prices starting from $8,200pp twin share.

Some of the expedition highlights include walking through the markets of Banda Neira, the epicentre of the world’s spice trade 350 years ago. At isolated Lamalera village, guests will get an appreciation of the traditions and lifestyles of one of the last subsistence whaling communities in the world.

Guests will get to bus to the top of the Kelimutu crater and throw in a stone into the spectacular tri-coloured volcanic lake for good luck. An included overnight stay will also allow guests to experience the dawn tranquillity of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Borobodur temple. Guest can also get the chance to interact with famous Borneo orangutans at the conservation mission of Camp Leakey.

The voyages also include some of the world’s great marine parks – such as Bunaken and Lembeh – hard to reach except by sea. At Roon Island, guests can snorkel around a Japanese Zero plane wreck that shelters marine life in crystal clear shallow water.

“The Indonesian archipelago is vast and little seen, yet it offers an amazing diversity of attractions within easy reach of the Northern Australian coast,” says Jeff Gillies, Commercial Director of Coral Expeditions.

“We have been visiting the region for over a decade now and have built extensive local community connections. Our guests particularly enjoy the vast biodiversity of the region, and the intimate small group interactions with the locals. We have expert historians and anthropologists onboard to interpret and explain – this is no ordinary pleasure cruise.”

Details of the full 2021 schedule are:

12-night “Raja Ampat & Spice Islands”

Darwin to Biak – departs 6 January 2021

Biak to Darwin – departs 18 January 2021
Priced from $9,900 per person twin share
Highlight: Swim with the majestic Whale Sharks at Cenderawasih Bay

10-night “Island Realms of the East Indies, Darwin to Bali” – NEW
Darwin to Bali – departs 30 January 2021
Priced from $8,200 per person twin share
Highlight: At the island of Lombok, participate in a local ceremony such as a traditional wedding, a coming of age celebration or the completion of a village house

 10-night “Ancient Kingdoms of the East Indies, Bali to Singapore” – NEW
Bali to Singapore – departs 9 February 2021
Priced from $8,200 per person twin share

Highlight: Journey to Borobudur & Prambanan Temples – explore, share a meal, and enjoy a traditional dance performance and overnight stay at an historic hotel

14-night “Into the Wilds of Borneo” – NEW
Singapore to Makassar – departs 5 March 2021
Priced from $10,600 per person twin share
Highlight: Enjoy a behind the scenes experience at Camp Leakey and learn from experts about the efforts to protect the orangutans, before lending your support by adopting an orangutan with Coral Expeditions

20-night “Circumnavigation of Sulawesi”
Makassar to Makassar – departs 19 March 2021
Priced from $16,990 per person twin share
Highlight: Meet the beachside boatbuilders of Tana Beru and admire the skillful construction of Phinisi ships

14-night “In the Wake of the Makassans”
Makassar to Darwin – departs 8 April 2021
Priced from $11,990 per person twin share
Highlight: Meet the people of Torajaland, high up in the mountains of Sulawesi, and encounter their astonishing cultural traditions and funeral rituals with an overnight stay

For more details on the 2021 season of Australia’s Pioneering Cruise Line, please visit www.coralexpeditions.com or call 1800 079 545.