Tropical Odyssey between Indonesia and North East Australia

From $9,000 per person

16 days

Ship: Le Soléal

Tropical Odyssey between Indonesia and North East Australia
Ponant

Sail from island to island, experiencing idyllic landscapes and unforgettable encounters as you discover the riches of the Indonesian archipelago and the northern shores of Australia. From Bali, the celebrated “island of the gods”, set off to explore a fascinating territory, home to Komodo dragons, karst islands, stunning sea life and captivating history. Between a few swims or snorkelling session, immerse yourself in the local Indonesian and Papuan communities, guardians of a thousand-year-old traditional way of life, and plunge into the mysteries of these remote lands, which reveal lush and wild nature.  The wildlife encounters are possible experiences and cannot be guaranteed.

Journey Summary

  • Day 1 - Dec. 4, 2026, Fri. - Benoa, Bali
  • Day 2 - Dec. 5, 2026, Sat. - At Sea
  • Day 3 - Dec. 6, 2026, Sun. - Komodo Island
  • Day 4 - Dec. 7, 2026, Mon. - Maumere, Flores
  • Day 5 - Dec. 8, 2026, Tue. - Kalabahi
  • Day 6 - Dec. 9, 2026, Wed. - Barat Daya Islands
  • Day 7 - Dec. 10, 2026, Thu. - Banda Neira
  • Day 8 - Dec. 11, 2026, Fri. - Mommon Peninsula, West Papua
  • Day 9 - Dec. 12, 2026, Sat. - Triton Bay
  • Day 10 - Dec. 13, 2026, Sun. - At Sea
  • Day 11 - Dec. 14, 2026, Mon. - Asmat, Papua
  • Day 12 - Dec. 15, 2026, Tue. - At Sea
  • Day 13 - Dec. 16, 2026, Wed. - Cape York, Queensland
  • Day 14 - Dec. 17, 2026, Thu. - At Sea
  • Day 15 - Dec. 18, 2026, Fri. - Lizard Island National Park, Queensland
  • Day 16 - Dec. 19, 2026, Sat. - Cairns, Queensland

Detailed Itinerary

Day-by-day description of your cruise and cruise activities.

Day 1 - December 04, 2026

Benoa, Bali

Bali really is as alluring as everyone says. This island, slightly bigger than Delaware, has it all: beaches, volcanoes, terraced rice fields, forests, renowned resorts, surfing, golf, and world-class dive sites. But what sets Bali apart from other nearby tropical destinations is Balinese tradition, and villagers dedicated to celebrating it. The hundreds of temples, dances, rituals, and crafts linked to their ancient Hindu faith aren't a show for tourists, but a living, breathing culture in which visitors are warmly received by the Balinese, who cherish their own identities.

Day 2 - December 05, 2026

At Sea

Day 3 - December 06, 2026

Komodo Island

Pink Beach earned its name for the way the beach can appear to have a rosy hue in certain lights. The color comes from small flecks of red coral mixed in with the fine white reef sand. With a few trees along the beach for shade, this stretch of coast makes a fine place to relax or enjoy a snorkel or dive in the crystal clear waters. It is possible to spot a striped clown fish nestled among the protective tentacles of its sea anemone host, or to see a grouper lazily swimming by a flamboyant soft coral. The reef here is now protected by law and the maturing corals are a joy to behold.

Day 4 - December 07, 2026

Maumere, Flores

Day 5 - December 08, 2026

Kalabahi

Day 6 - December 09, 2026

Barat Daya Islands

Day 7 - December 10, 2026

Banda Neira

Banda Neira is the main island and town of the minute Banda Archipelago in the Banda Sea some 2500 kilometers away from Jakarta. Although the Portuguese already contacted the Banda Islands for nutmeg and mace in 1512, it was only ninety years later that the Dutch established a trading post on Neira and neighboring Lonthor to export the spices. Rivalries between the Dutch and the British led to forts being built –the ruins of Fort Nassau and the restored Fort Belgica can be visited on Banda Neira. The area surrounding the town still has nutmeg plantations and several sites relate to the Dutch spice trading time.

Day 8 - December 11, 2026

Mommon Peninsula, West Papua

Day 9 - December 12, 2026

Triton Bay

In 2008, the Kaimana Regency declared a 6000 square kilometer (over 2,300 square mile) Marine Protected Area around the waters of Triton Bay. Conservation International maintains an office in Kaimana and a field station out in Triton Bay where visiting scientists can do their work studying the staggering marine biodiversity of the reserve. It is truly second to none, and the area offers everything from the tiniest pygmy seahorses, to large and graceful whale sharks. Triton Bay is known for its beautiful soft coral gardens as well as nesting green turtles, and a population of coastal Bryde’s whales.

Day 10 - December 13, 2026

At Sea

Day 11 - December 14, 2026

Asmat, Papua

Western New Guinea (once known as Irian Jaya) is one of the most remote and mysterious regions of the planet. Even today, there are at least 44 tribes that have never had contact with the outside world. The Asmat region, in the south-west corner of the island, is well-known as the realm of head-hunters and cannibals and it maintains its ancient traditions. Start your expedition of the area with a Zodiac® transfer to Syuru village, where you will be met by a multitude of Asmat warrior canoes. Once ashore, enjoy a traditional ceremony among the traditional people of the area.

Day 12 - December 15, 2026

At Sea

Day 13 - December 16, 2026

Cape York, Queensland

Day 14 - December 17, 2026

At Sea

Day 15 - December 18, 2026

Lizard Island National Park, Queensland

Day 16 - December 19, 2026

Cairns, Queensland

Tourism is the lifeblood of Cairns (pronounced Caans). The city makes a good base for exploring the wild top half of Queensland, and tens of thousands of international travelers use it as a jumping-off point for activities such as scuba diving and snorkeling trips to the Barrier Reef, as well as boating, fishing, parasailing, scenic flights, and rain-forest treks.It's a tough environment, with intense heat and fierce wildlife. Along with wallabies and grey kangaroos in the savannah and tree kangaroos in the rain forest, you'll find stealthy saltwater crocodiles, venomous snakes, and jellyfish so deadly they put the region’s stunning beaches off- limits to swimmers for nearly half the year. Yet despite this formidable setting, Cairns and tropical North Queensland are far from intimidating places. The people are warm and friendly, the sights spectacular, and—at the right time of year—the beachside lounging is world-class.

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Dec 04, 2026

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