Your Itinerary
Darwin is located in Australia’s Northern Territory which is also known as the “Top End”. It is the capital city and the most populated town of the Northern Territory. Darwin is a beautiful tropical city, a melting pot of people and cultures, over 50 different cultures live and work side by side that prides itself in its unique and friendly laid-back lifestyle. Come discover the town’s still recent history through its emblematic buildings such as the new Parliamant House opened in 1994, a magnificent example of tropical architecture or Admiralty House declared heritage place, a tropical-style home elevated on stilts that has survived two cyclones and numerous air raids.
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Day 3: Kei Islands, Maluku Islands
The Kei Islands are blessed with kilometres of stunning, yet almost entirely empty, white-sand beaches and a deeply hospitable population. Beneath the mostly Christian facade, Kei culture is fascinatingly distinctive. Local history holds that ancestors of contemporary Kei islanders came from Bali, part of the expanding Hindu Majapahit kingdom from the western archipelago. Enjoy a day of swimming and snorkelling on an idyllic uninhabited picture postcard tropical island.
Day 4: Triton Bay, West Papua
Triton Bay is one of three regions in Indonesia’s West Papua province that comprise the Bird’s Head Seascape (the other two are Raja Ampat and Cenderawasih Bay), which is now considered by marine biologists to be the epicentre of the Coral Triangle. It contains more fish and coral species than anywhere else on the planet. Its unparalleled marine biodiversity and endemism, habitat richness, and relatively intact nature of its ecosystems are unique. Join your expedition team for a zodiac voyage through the spectacular rainforest capped karst islands. Later in the day enjoy the opportunity to explore the richness of the underwater realm.
Day 5: Kitikiti Waterfall, Mommon
North of Triton Bay, in the Indonesian province of West Papua, lie the Bomberai Peninsula and Sebakor Bay. A real paradise for divers, this protected, authentic and very wild area boasts an exceptional biodiversity. Here, you will be able to admire the superb Kitikiti Waterfall where you could enjoy a swim or snorkel surrounded by lush nature, both on land and under water.
Day 6: Banda Neira, Maluku Islands
From age-old traditional cultures and ancient vestiges, to coral reefs and lush green jungle… The attractions of the remote Banda archipelago seem endless. Better known as the legendary “Spice Islands” of the Ancient World, these small volcanic landmasses were the fabled prize of colonial powers for more than four centuries. Every colonial power of significance fought for control of these ten small islands that today have become largely forgotten. Walking the streets of Banda Neira is a surreal experience as your eyes are drawn to the eclectic mix of Portuguese, Dutch and British architecture, the remnants of a rich and tumultuous history. It is without doubt the most historically significant and interesting of all the “Spice Islands”.
In the heart of the Moluccas, Saparua Island offers an authentic port of call, where local traditions remain a way of life. After a traditional welcome in a small village, you will walk to a space devoted to cultural performances, before continuing on to a restored former Dutch fort, overlooking the ocean. With local guides, you will wander between the fort and the adjacent museum, dedicated to military history and regional conflicts. The island is particularly renowned for its traditional palm sugar production. Between heritage and strolling around the streets edged with old houses, this port of call will ensure a full immersion in the heart of the Moluccas culture.
An uninhabited island with untamed charm, Molana is perfect for a simple getaway by the sea. Edged by a vast white-sand beach, it is an invitation to relaxation, swimming and contemplation in pristine natural surroundings. You will see coconut shells broken by the coconut crab, a species that is only seen at night. Some traces of occasional occupation, such as an old abandoned site or temporary fishing camps, bear witness to human passage without altering the island’s isolated character. Between raw nature and absolute tranquillity, Molana offers a timeless port of call, ideal for savouring the simplicity of an intact environment.
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Day 10: Tangkoko Nature Reserve, North Sulawesi
Tangkoko Nature Reserve is home to at least 127 mammal, 233 bird and 104 reptile and amphibian species. Enjoy a guided walk through the rainforest in search of the Celebes crested macaque, Sulawesi bear cuscus, and the Spectral Tarsier, one of the smallest primates in the world.
The island of Limasawa is small, authentic, wild and well-preserved. It has historic importance, since it is known around the world as the cradle of Christianity in the Philippines. Luxuriant forests line its coastline, and many sites are perfect for diving. You will ride a tricycle up to Magellan’s Cross, an iconic site located on the island’s heights, before coming back down in the direction of the small temple and a wishing well where you will see typical shows and taste some local dishes. During a boat trip along the wooded coast, you will be able to go snorkelling and admire a great variety of coral and fish. Offering both discovery and relaxation, this port of call promises a total change of scenery.
Travelling through the eastern provinces of the Philippines enables us to discover some of the last remaining pristine environments and remote untouched villages scattered throughout this nation of contrasts. The Cuatro Islands is a 12,500-hectare protected landscape and seascape situated in the municipalities of Inopacan and Hindang. The Cuatro Islands are four small islands renowned for their white sand beaches, traditional fishing villages and colourful marine environment. Here you will have the opportunity to witness village life in a remote, traditional fishing village and snorkel in the clear tropical waters.
Day 14: Cresta de Gallo Island
Located off the coast of the large island of Sibuyan, in the Romblon Province, Cresta de Gallo offers a real change of scenery, thanks to its breathtaking natural landscapes and its tropical vegetation. This preserved sanctuary is composed of two islands connected by a long white sandbar. The island is known to shelter diverse marine life, particularly colourful tropical fish and sea turtles. It has no tourist infrastructure or local community, and its ecosystem is rich in coral reefs. You will be able to explore the island on foot and take a dip in its crystal-clear turquoise waters, perfect for relaxing and swimming.
On first sight, the Philippines' capital shows its highly Americanised Asian megalopolis side, with ultramodern skyscrapers set all along the waterfront. But when you stroll through the cobbled streets of the Intramuros district, you'll discover a different side of Manila, one that's full of old-world charm. An enchanted pause in the middle of urban bustle, Rizal Park's 60 hectares of magnificent green parkland is perfect for recharging your batteries. To see the city from a different angle, take a walk along Roxas boulevard, a popular seaside promenade.
