19-night Dragons & the Forgotten East Cruise

Nov 10, 2029 - Benoa

Benoa (Tanjung Benoa) is a modern Balinese resort - a government-run dreamland of coconut palms, white sand beaches and pristine waters located near the island's southernmost tip. Geologically, the area is quite different from the rest of Bali, and even from the rest of the Bukit peninsula upon which it rests. Instead of rice fields or limestone cliffs, there is sandy soil reaching down to a long, sandy beach protected by a reef. Coconut trees are everywhere. The climate here is also drier than the rest of Bali, freshened by a mild ocean breeze.

Nov 11, 2029 - Lombok

Located strategically between Bali to the West, Komodo Island in the East, and Tanah Toraja to the nortwest, Lombok is an excellent starting point. Only 20 minutes flight from Bali or 3.5 hours by ferry you can see "New Heaven". White sand Senggigi beach, and three Gili Islands, often mentioned by visitor as "Hoping Islands", are worth visiting. The Sasak, Samawa and Mbojo cultures live in harmony on West Nusa Tenggara.

Nov 12, 2029 - Satonda Island

Satonda Island is located on the southern islands of Indonesia. It is a stomping ground for many tourists who are visiting the island of Bali or Lombok. This destination offers white sand beaches with crystal clear waters. The island is uninhabited with the nearest recommended accommodations settled in Sumbawa. It is a volcanic island with great diving and hiking activities for its visitors.

Nov 13, 2029 - Komodo

A rare discovery awaits the traveler who ventures onto this remote island of Komodo. Walking through the dense vegetation, hearing and seeing a variety of bird and animal life, you may feel you've landed in another epoch. Indeed, the last vestiges of long-gone dinosaurs survive here, in the form of the legendary, giant lizards called Komodo Dragons.

Nov 14, 2029 - Komodo

A rare discovery awaits the traveler who ventures onto this remote island of Komodo. Walking through the dense vegetation, hearing and seeing a variety of bird and animal life, you may feel you've landed in another epoch. Indeed, the last vestiges of long-gone dinosaurs survive here, in the form of the legendary, giant lizards called Komodo Dragons.

Nov 15, 2029 - Larantuka

The port city of Larantuka was a Portuguese colony for about 300 years, and the modern culture reflects a good deal of Iberian influence. With its spectacular ridge of smoking volcanoes, high mountain lakes and stretches of tropical forest, Flores is considered one of Indonesia's most beautiful islands. The traditional villages situated on surrounding islands provide visitors with a close-up look at the unique cultures of these Eastern Indonesian islands. Traditional arts still endure in this archipelago, primarily in the form of fine hand-woven ikats.

Nov 16, 2029 - Kupang (West Timor)

Kupang is one of the largest urban centers in West Timor. Kupang offers delicious dining options, cultural museums, shopping, and beautiful beaches. At Pantai Laisiana you will find a splendid sandy beach and a sunset worth watching. Just a thirty minute boat ride away visitors will find  the island of Senmau with bamboo cottages, a forest reserve and exciting water sport activities.  

Nov 17, 2029 - Dili

Dili is the capital of East Timor and its largest city. Visitors enjoy its beautiful beaches and great diving in its untouched reef.

Nov 18, 2029 - Dili

Dili is the capital of East Timor and its largest city. Visitors enjoy its beautiful beaches and great diving in its untouched reef.

Nov 18, 2029 - Atauro

Offshore from Dili (15 mi/25 km) and accessible by ferry or by diving and sailing charters, the island is undisturbed and relaxed. The ferry departs Saturdays, frequently accompanied by pods of dolphins or whales. Roman Luan, a local nongovernmental organization, runs an eco-village with stilted accommodations on the beach. Roman Luan preserves heritage, traditions and environment on the island, introducing permaculture methods and gardens to the population.

Nov 19, 2029 - At Sea

Nov 20, 2029 - Darwin

Darwin
Soak up Darwin's balmy weather and the melting pot of food and cultures in the city's many outdoor festivals and markets. Then explore the region's dramatic history - from World War II air raids to Cyclone Tracey - in the museums and galleries. Sail Darwin harbour at sunset, cruise next to crocodiles and bushwalk through monsoon forest. Swim in the crystal-clear waterholes of Litchfield National Park and visit the colourful communities of the Tiwi Islands. This vibrant, tropical capital has a youthful energy you'll find hard to resist.

Five ways to discover Darwin and its surrounds:

1. At festivals, markets and on the harbour In Darwin, the action happens outside - in markets, parks, by the beach or on boats. You can join the locals with a crate and a plate of sizzling satay at The Mindil Beach Sunset Markets from May to October. Or watch them build boats out of beer or soft drink cans at the annual Darwin Beer Can Regatta in July. At the Deckchair Cinema from April to November you can watch movies under a canopy of stars with a drink from the bar and a picnic dinner. Soak up Darwin's tropical weather with a harbourside dinner at Cullen Bay Marina or a sunset harbour cruise complete with a history lesson.

2. With wildlife and in tropical parklands
Cycle past orchids and bromeliads and traditional Aboriginal plants in George Brown Botanic Gardens. Swim, have a sunset barbecue and explore sacred Aboriginal sites at Casuarina Coastal Reserve. In Berry Springs Nature Park, you can spot birds in monsoon forest and fish in the crystal clear swimming holes. Get up close to fish, birds-of-prey, nocturnal animals and reptiles in the Territory Wildlife Park, a 45-minute drive from Darwin. Have a close crocodile encounter at Crocodylus Park, the Darwin Crocodile Farm or on a crocodile cruise along Darwin's coastal fringe and rivers.

3. Hot on the heels of history
Learn more about Darwin's rich Aboriginal heritage in the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. Here you can also relive the tragic Cyclone Tracy which hit Darwin on Christmas Eve in 1974. See the Chinese Temple it nearly destroyed in Litchfield Street. Darwin endured 64 Japanese air raids in World War II, and you can watch dramatic footage of the bombings and visit the bunker where Top End defense strategy was planned at East Point Military Museum. See original B52 bomber planes at the Aviation Heritage Centre and a network of walking trails leading to World War II oil tunnels around the Wharf Precinct. In Myilly Point Historical Precinct you can see some of the few surviving cottages designed by architect B.C.G Burnett in the colonial style popular before World War II.

4. Under the waterfalls of Litchfield National Park
Make time for a day trip to the waterfalls and plunge pools, wildlife and birdlife, ranges and rainforest of Litchfield National Park, a one-and-a-half hour drive from Darwin. Swim in the crystal-clear swimming hole at the base of Florence Falls and bush-walk through monsoon rain-forest to Walker Creek. Picnic next to roosting fruit bats at Wangi Falls and see sweeping valley views at Tolmer Falls. Take a wildlife cruise on the Reynolds River, part of a working cattle station. Explore this Tarzan landscape with traditional Aboriginal owners the Wagait people or peer into a pastoral past in the ruins of Blyth Homestead.

5. On a trip to the Tiwi Islands
Join in the excitement of the Tiwi Islands Grand Football Final, held every March in Nguiu. Browse and buy Tiwi art, distinctive for its strong design, decorative features and vivid colours. Take billy tea and damper tea with Tiwi ladies as they demonstrate traditional weaving and painting. Then watch them perform a traditional dance and a smoking ceremony to clear bad spirits. Catch big barramundi on a fishing tour on the Tiwi coast. You'll find a warm welcome and a lush landscape of rainforest, beaches and rock pools on Melville and Bathurst Islands, together known as the Tiwi Islands. Explore them on a day or overnight tour, traveling a 20-minute flight or two-hour ferry from Darwin.

Nov 21, 2029 - Seven Spirit Bay

Seven Spirit Bay is located in the north shore of Cobourg Peninsula in Australia. It is the closest to Indonesia. This location offers a variety of coastal ecosystems, including beaches, swamps, mangroves as well as areas of closed forest. The Seven Spirit Bay land offers modern and ancient history riches to be discovered.

Nov 22, 2029 - At Sea

Nov 23, 2029 - Wessel Islands

Nov 23, 2029 - Yirrkala

Nov 24, 2029 - Yirrkala

Nov 25, 2029 - Thursday Island

Thursday Island is the best known of the Torres Strait islands. It is a tiny island off the top of Cape York, Queensland's most northern point. At one time Thursday Island was a major pearling centre and pearlers' cemeteries give testimony to their hardships. Some pearls are still produced here, from seeded "culture farms.' It is a popular pause for passing yachts.

Nov 26, 2029 - Thursday Island

Thursday Island is the best known of the Torres Strait islands. It is a tiny island off the top of Cape York, Queensland's most northern point. At one time Thursday Island was a major pearling centre and pearlers' cemeteries give testimony to their hardships. Some pearls are still produced here, from seeded "culture farms.' It is a popular pause for passing yachts.

Nov 27, 2029 - Lizard Island

Lizard Island is one of a kind - nature's amazing work of art. It is located right on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and is a private paradise with 24 powdery white beaches just waiting to be explored. During his epic voyage of 1770, Captain James Cook climbed the peak on Lizard Island to chart a course out to sea through the maze of reefs which confronted him. Today there are many magnificent walks to be enjoyed on this island, and on at least one you can expect to glimpse a Monitor, the lizard after which the island was named. Lizard Island is renowned for its diving. At the world famous 'Cod Hole,' you can come face to face with a massive yet curious Potato Cod swimming right up to inspect you with child-like curiosity. You can also snorkel off a secluded beach to discover a garden of giant clams, some reputed to be over 120 years old.

Nov 28, 2029 - Lizard Island

Lizard Island is one of a kind - nature's amazing work of art. It is located right on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and is a private paradise with 24 powdery white beaches just waiting to be explored. During his epic voyage of 1770, Captain James Cook climbed the peak on Lizard Island to chart a course out to sea through the maze of reefs which confronted him. Today there are many magnificent walks to be enjoyed on this island, and on at least one you can expect to glimpse a Monitor, the lizard after which the island was named. Lizard Island is renowned for its diving. At the world famous 'Cod Hole,' you can come face to face with a massive yet curious Potato Cod swimming right up to inspect you with child-like curiosity. You can also snorkel off a secluded beach to discover a garden of giant clams, some reputed to be over 120 years old.

Nov 29, 2029 - Cairns

Cairns is the sunny garden city where the Great Barrier Reef meets the Wet Tropics Rainforest, mountains and the gulf savannah not too far away. The city's water front boasts a world class marina and wharf used by visiting cruise liners, yachts and tour vessels. Cairns is situated in the Northern end of Tropical Queensland Australia. It's a modern city with a good location to explore some of Australia's vast array of flora and fauna. With a magnificent Casino, Cairns is alive with more activities than a visitor will ever have time for. The principal attraction is the over 60 national parks from the wet tropical rain forests and lush tablelands to the truly wild Cape York Peninsula and the Great Barrier Reef.