Luxury Small Ships, Mediterranean Cruises, Caledonian Sky, Kimberley Coast Cruises, Malaysia, Expedition Cruise
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GRAND EXPEDITIONS | 85 Stumble upon paradise at Flores Island Day 10. Pare Pare, Torajaland. Arrive at Pare Pare in the south of Sulawesi. From here, drive through an enchanting landscape of rice fields and local villages as you climb into the highlands of Torajaland. The indigenous culture here has long been a subject of great interest for Western anthropologists who travel here to study it. Tonight, enjoy a special dinner in your hotel accompanied by regional music and dance. BLD Day 11. Torajaland. Visit the grave sites where replicas of the Toraja ancestors are buried. Visit the Toraja's traditional market where buffaloes and pigs are sold for funerals and other ceremonies. Step back in time as you continue to Kete Kesu, a quaint 400 year-old village that's said to have remained largely unchanged over the ages. BLD Day 12. Sabalana Islands. Explore the Sabalana Islands in the Flores Sea. Here, you will have the chance to take a snorkel to discover the marine life, relax on the white beaches and explore new frontiers as you delve into remote village life. BLD Day 13. Rinca Island. Explore Rinca Island's Komodo National Park, searching for an encounter with Komodo dragons. Later, snorkel along Pink Beach, named for its unique pink-hued coastline where colourful fish abound. Finish the day on pristine Kaaba Island. BLD Day 14. Ende, Flores Island. Explore Ende, situated on Flores Island. A fascinating place, it is known for its active volcanoes and Indigenous cultures. Later, visit the three striking crater lakes of the volcano, Mount Kelimutu. BLD Day 15. Laulara, Dili. Now in East Timor, travel through coffee plantations to be met by a ritual ceremony in a small village. Visit the Australian World War II Memorial near Dare, before visiting The Timorese Resistance Archive and Museum. Later, enjoy a tour of East Timor's Portuguese-flavoured capital, Dili. BLD Day 16. At sea. Perhaps take in a lecture from your special guest or Expedition Team while you enjoy a relaxing day at sea. BLD Day 17. Darwin. Disembark in Darwin for a full day at leisure to explore the city. You can take a stroll along the Esplanade and grab some lunch (at your own expense) at one of the fantastic restaurants or pubs typical of the capital of the Top End. Perhaps take a trip to nearby Fannie Bay to see the Art Gallery and ITINERARY OVERVIEW DAY DESTINATION INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS 1-2 Manila City tour 3-4 Coron, Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park 5 Sandakan Freedom of Choice 6-7 Tawau, Kakaban Jellyfish Lake 8-9 Birahbirahan, Balikpapan Menumbar River 10-11 Pare Pare, Torajaland Highlands of Torajaland 12 Sabalana Islands Snorkel in the Flores Sea 13-14 Rinca Island, Ende, Flores Island Komodo National Park 15 Dili Timorese Resistance Museum 16 At sea Lectures from Expedition Team 17-18 Darwin, At sea A day at leisure DAY DESTINATION INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS 19 King George River King George Falls 20 Vansittart Bay, Jar Island Indigenous rock art 21 Bigge Island World War II DC3 wreckage 22 Prince Frederick Harbour, Naturalist Island Hunter River 23 Careening Bay, Prince Regent Reserve, St George's Basin Wandjina art sites 24 Montgomery Reef, Doubtful Bay, Raft Point Montgomery Reef Zodiac experience 25 Talbot Bay Ride through Horizontal Falls 26 Buccaneer Archipelago, Adele Islands Captain's Farewell Cocktails 27 Broome Depart