Natural splendors and architectural wonders beckon throughout this exceptional journey rich in expedition cruising excursions exclusive to small ports that very few other ships visit. This is small ship cruising at its best – remote islands teeming with wildlife and small villages with friendly locals. Observe Komodo dragons, wombats, koalas, kangaroos, and wallabies in their natural habitats at Komodo National Park near Loh Liang. Browse unique knit shawls and sample artisan-made nutmeg preserves among tiny shops and Portuguese colonial architecture in Ambon. Walk the gray stone battlements of Fort Belgica, the former protector of all nutmeg trade bound for Europe in the 1600s. Ride swift Zodiacs from the small port of Kokas to 35,000-year-old paintings and handprints throughout the caves and cliff walls of Andamata, globally recognized among the oldest human artwork on the planet. Snorkel amid schools of rare tropical fish and colorful, reclusive eels along the edges of the Great Barrier Reef. Gain insights on cutting-edge coral reef experiments and the latest conservation efforts from researchers at Australia’s Lizard Island Research Station.

Described as paradise, Bali’s spectacular beauty is difficult to describe in words.  The calm waters and beautiful white sand beaches of the small village of Benoa have made it the prime water sports area of Bali. Bali Volcano, also known as Mount Batur is a popular sightseeing destination with magnificent views from the Batur Caldera. Batik is still very popular in Bali and is considered one of the country’s most highly developed art forms.

Beautiful Lombok is a small, rarely visited port, offering a look at island life without large resorts. Dominating the island is Indonesia’s second largest volcano, Gunung  Rinjani, but this island is known for its lovely beaches and great surfing spots, deep turquoise-blue bays and massive headlands.  Other sites of interest include Suranadii Temple, Narmada Temple and Pringgasela village.

The home to about 5,700 of the unique Komodo dragons, this park works to protect its biodiversity,. It has been declared both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Man and Biosphere Reserve. In addition to Komodo dragons, there are other notable wildlife here such as the orange-footed scrub fowl and the Timor deer. Marine life here finds more than 1,000 species of fish, 260 species of coral, Dugong sharks, manta rays, over 14 species of whales, dolphins and sea turtle, plus 70 species of sponges.

Located on the island of Flores, Ende has both a hospital and a university and people with good English skills. This remote harbor is located near Mount Kelimutu volcano where the 3 crater lakes change colors all the time, and also near Blue Stone Beach with rocks of all colors, At Wologai Traditional Village you will see traditional houses, master wood carvers and traditional cloth weavers.

The islands that make up the Banda Archipelago are perfect for people who want great snorkeling and diving, remote locations away from touristy places and the opportunity to try delicious local cuisine. Up until the mid-19^th century these islands were the world’s only source of nutmeg and mace. The main attractions here now is 17^th century Fort Belgica and the Gunung Api Volcano.

This will truly be your expedition opportunity. Kokas is a small village located on the McClure Gulf and known for ancient rock drawings known as blood paintings. Zodiacs can take you into caves or kayak on your own.

Triton Bay is at the heart of the Kaimana Marine Protected Area, the best diving location in Indonesia. Since it was first surveyed in 2006 the entire region is still being explored and new dive sites introduced every year. The bay has unique underwater habitats, colorful corals, an enormous fish life and is remote, lovely, pristine and the opportunity of a lifetime.

Unique Tual is a city with 66 small islands where only 13 are inhabited. Tual is rich in sea opportunities and visitors are encourage to see Ngurbloat Beach boasting the softest sand in the world.  Located on an unexplored archipelago the locals stay true to their traditional culture and the landscape and beaches are lovingly cared for and the waters are untouched by pollution.

Part of the fun of Thursday Island is the wet landing needed to get there. It will seem like time stands still on this colorful island paradise, which is home to the indigenous Torres Strait Islanders whose lifestyle has evolved from the sea. During World War II Thursday Island became a military base for Australian and U.S. forces. Enjoy a drink on the pub deck overlooking aquamarine waters and offers a chance to interact with the friendly locals.

Australia’s northernmost island resort, located on the Great Barrier Reef is not only tranquil and remote, but full of natural beauty. There are 24 powdery white isolated beaches with delightful snorkeling among the coral and abundant marine life.  Some of the world’s best dive sites can be found here. The simple but delicious food of the island embraces modern Australian, European and Asian cuisines using local fresh produce.

Here is the gateway to see the Great Barrier Reef and no one should miss it if you’ve come this far, so plan to expand your stay here. Other highlights of Cairns include the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park with stories of the indigenous aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders, the beautiful gorges, beaches and mountainous rainforest of Daintree National Park and the Cairns Esplanade full of local flavor in its bars and restaurants.