Heritage Adventurer, 13 Night Indonesia's Forgotten Islands ex Darwin, NT, Australia to Singapore

This departure is from Darwin to Singapore.

Discover a forgotten world where pristine coral reefs, remote tropical islands and jungles filled with rare and endangered birds and wildlife, including the Orangutans of Camp Leakey, meet ancient customs and thrilling cultural exchanges on an authentic, 14-day expedition cruise through Indonesia and Borneo. Join Heritage Expeditions on this tropical island-hopping adventure, exploring well off traditional tourist routes and experiencing Southeast Asia’s most captivating and rarely-seen wonders. 
One of the world’s 17 megadiverse countries, Indonesia is home to an incredible array of fauna and flora found nowhere else on Earth. Birdlife abounds in primaeval jungles as we search for endangered species, including the recently rediscovered Wetar Ground Dove, found exclusively on Wetar Island. 
Walk alongside Komodo Dragons and snorkel at the ‘underwater aquarium’ of Pink Beach on Komodo Island. A major highlight will be visiting Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo, and the world-renowned research facility and Orangutan rehabilitation site, Camp Leakey. Observe the playful intelligence of these iconic primates as they swing through the rainforest canopy and immerse yourself in Tanjung Puting National Park, home to Proboscis Monkeys, Tarsiers, Clouded Leopards, Sun Bears and more.
There is a wealth of underwater delights to discover as we snorkel some of the most biologically diverse seas in the world. Pristine beaches lead to captivating coral gardens where neon-lit fish swim among drop-offs, caves, and gardens of large barrel sponges, sea fans, and soft corals in the Savu and Banda Seas, as well as the Alor Strait. Marvel at the kaleidoscopic hues of Kelimutu’s mystical ‘boiling lakes’ on Flores Island and discover one of Indonesia’s hidden treasures in Satonda Island, home to Hawksbill Turtles. 
Comprising some 18,000 islands, this Southeast Asian archipelago also boasts a rich human history that stretches back almost 2 million years. Immerse yourself in ancient cultures as we visit Lembata Island, home to the Lamalerans, one of Indonesia’s last subsistence whaling communities and learn how they honour their ancestors through centuries-old hunting techniques. While on Alor Island, the Abui people still live by the same customs and practices of their ancestors. Experience the thrill of traditional Water Buffalo racing on Sumbawa Island and enjoy the unique culinary heritage of Kupang, indulging in the local speciality Se’i, Timorese smoked meat.For botanists, birders, photographers, history and nature lovers alike, this is the ultimate expedition cruise of the hidden treasures of Southeast Asia. This expedition includes the option to join a sea kayaking excursion with an expert guide. Kayakers are rewarded with tranquil, tropical settings and are a source of fascination to the locals who often paddle their canoes out to join them and invite them back to their villages.

***Note: Some voyages will operate the itinerary in reverse.***

Heritage Adventurer is a true pioneering expedition vessel of exceptional pedigree. Often referred to as the 'Grande Dame of Polar Exploration' due to her celebrated history and refined design, she was purposebuilt for adventure in 1991 at Finland's Rauma shipyard and specifically designed for Polar exploration.

Setting a peerless standard in authentic expedition travel, Heritage Adventurer (formerly known as MS Hanseatic) combines the highest passenger ship iceclass rating (1A Super) with an impressive history of Polar exploration. Having held records for the most northern and southern Arctic and Antarctic navigations, and for traversing both the Northwest and Northeast Passages, makes Heritage Adventurer perfect for pioneering New Zealand-based Heritage Expeditions signature experiential expedition travel.

Originally designed to accommodate 184 guests, Heritage Adventurer now welcomes just 140 expeditioners ensuring spacious, stylish and comfortable voyages, while a fleet of 14 Zodiacs ensures all guests are able to maximise their expedition adventure. Heritage Adventurer proudly continues our traditions of exceptional, personalised expedition experiences as Heritage Expeditions flagship.

Every year Heritage Expeditions voyages with small groups of between 18 and 140 intrepid travellers to some of the most unique and remote islands, coasts and shorelines on earth aboard their expedition ships Heritage Adventurer and Heritage Explorer on voyages ranging from 5 – 28 days.

Founded in 1985 by the Russ family in Christchurch, New Zealand, Heritage Expeditions is still proudly family-owned and operated. Contributing to conservation through experiential learning and providing funds for research and management, they are pioneers in environmentally-responsible expedition travel offering intimate group excursions to Antarctica and the Subantarctic Islands, through the Pacific, and around New Zealand on their purpose built expedition ships.

Each expedition is meticulously planned and led by a team of botanists, ornithologists, naturalists and experts in their field, ensuring guests maximise every opportunity to learn, discover and experience as much as possible, while minimising the impact of their visit and returning as ambassadors for these very special places.