In the Wake of the Makassans
with Coral Expeditions
- Relaxed small ship atmosphere
- Meet the people of Torajaland, high up in the mountains of Sulawesi, and encounter their astonishing cultural traditions and funeral rituals
- Explore lesser-visited islands of Alor and Torajaland
From the 16th century, Makassan trepangers began to venture from their homeland in South Sulawesi. Travelling through the Flores and Savu seas, they arrived at the shores of the Kimberley and Arnhem Land. On their journeys, Makassans encountered the peoples of northern Australia and left an impact on the cultures that survive to this day.
We invite you to embark on your own journey through the straits of the East Indies to Makassar on this 14-night voyage aboard Coral Geographer. Explore lesser-visited islands home to traditional seafaring traditions and rich cultural practices including at Alor and Torajaland. At Tana Beru, witness ancient traditional Phinisi boat building and visit one of the last traditional subsistence whaling villages at Lamalera. From encountering Komodo Dragons on a walking tour with local rangers to exploring the colourful underwater realm of Takabonarate Marine Park, these voyages are a feast for the senses.
The fleet
Coral Expeditions' small ships and unique itineraries take you to some of the most beautiful and remote regions of Australia, the Asia Pacific, South Pacific and the Indian Ocean. On board you will discover a personalised style of cruising. With ships carrying only 72 to 120 guests, you can say goodbye to queues, long waits, and assigned seating. Instead, enjoy a relaxed, convivial atmosphere shared with like-minded explorers.
Without crowds to worry about, the chefs can prepare small-batch meals made with Australian ingredients. Where possible, they procure from local food markets. The shallow draft and high manoeuvrability of the purpose-designed expedition ships let you get closer on coastal adventures to explore the sheltered bays and hidden inlets inaccessible to larger ships.
Coral Geographer
Launched in March 2021, Coral Geographer is the newest addition to the fleet, purpose-designed to access remote wilderness shores around the world that are often inaccessible to large cruise vessels. Coral Geographer carries a maximum of 120 guests, delivering Coral Expeditions’ renowned warm Australian hospitality, intimate onboard atmosphere, and world-class expedition experience.
- 120-passenger ship
- 6 bridge deck suites with horizon bathtubs
- 60 spacious staterooms – all outside facing
- Over 1000 square metres of open deck space
- Wrap-around promenade deck with panoramic views
- Shallow draft to access remote destinations
- Two trademark Xplorer tenders
- Six zodiacs for more intrepid exploration
Coral Adventurer
Launched in April 2019, Coral Adventurer is a tropical expedition ship purpose-designed to access remote wilderness shores in Australia and internationally, that are often inaccessible to large cruise vessels. Carrying a maximum of 120 passengers – Coral Adventurer is purpose-built to take you closer to unspoiled vistas in comfort, style, and safety.
- 120 guests
- 2 bridge deck ‘Cairns’ and ‘Darwin’ suites
- 60 spacious staterooms – all outside facing
- Over 1000 square metres of open deck space
- Wrap-around promenade deck with panoramic views
- Shallow draft to access remote destinations
- Two trademark Xplorer tenders
- Six zodiacs for more intrepid exploration
Coral Discoverer
Coral Discoverer is our smaller expedition yacht, designed to take you to destinations that are inaccessible to larger vessels. Carrying only 72 passengers, she offers an intimate expedition experience larger ships cannot replicate.
- 72 guests
- 6 spacious bridge deck balcony staterooms
- 36 spacious staterooms – all outside facing
- Over 1000 square metres of open deck space
- Wrap-around promenade deck with panoramic views
- Shallow draft to access remote destinations
- One trademark Xplorer tenders
- Two zodiacs for more intrepid exploration
Highlights
- Special Event: Meet the people of Torajaland, high up in the mountains of Sulawesi, and encounter their astonishing cultural traditions and funeral rituals
- Explore 17th century Fort Rotterdam in Makassar, which now houses museums and cultural wonders
- Walk in the tracks of the endangered Komodo Dragons and spot this iconic monitor lizard in the wild with local guides
- Meet the beachside boatbuilders of Tana Beru and admire the skillful construction of Phinisi ships
- Explore the turquoise waters and tiny islands of Takabonarate Marine Park
- Meet the Abui people of Alor Island and watch the Lego Lego dance in their traditional village
- On Padar Island, hike to the summit to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views
- Gaze out over the tri-coloured crater lakes of Kelimutu National Park
Inclusions
- All excursions with our Expedition Team
- Use of Xplorer, Zodiacs and Kayaks
- Snorkelling & SCUBA equipment (SCUBA diving at an additional cost)
- Daily lectures and briefings with Guest Lecturers
- All meals, chef-prepared on board
- Captain’s welcome and farewell events, and open bridge access
- Selected wines, selected beers and house spirits, juices, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner
- 24-hour barista-style coffee and tea station
- All entrance fees to National Parks, ports, traditional owner fees and charges imposed by governing authorities
- Tips and gratuities
- Use of all onboard facilities, incl. a reference library
- Your expedition photos captured during the voyage
- Post-cruise transfers (in most destinations)
Day 1: Depart Darwin / Makassar
Darwin Departure: Board Coral Geographer at 8:30am for a 10:30am departure. Meet your fellow explorers and crew for the Captain’s Welcome Drinks.
Makassar Departure: From your optional charter flight from Darwin, board Coral Geographer in Makassar. Settle into your stateroom and get to know your fellow guests and crew at the Captain’s Welcome Drinks.
An optional pre-cruise charter flight from Darwin to Makassar will be available (at an additional cost of approximately $1,250).
Day 2 - 14: In the Wake of Makassans Cruise
At sea
Enjoy a peaceful day at sea as we make our way towards Tablolong Bay, where our first adventure of this journey awaits. Partake in onboard activities including workshops and lecturers from our special guests and Expedition Team.
Tablolong Bay
Arrive at Tablolong Bay, Kupang and listen to the bright, harp like sounds produced by the traditional Sasando instrument with a beachside performance. Later, there is an opportunity to swim or snorkel.
Alor Island
Small, rugged Alor Island is home to around 140,000 people speaking 50 different languages. Visit the open-air Kadelang Market, the Museum of 1000 Moko and a traditional village, where you will be warmly welcomed. Witness the ceremonial Lego Lego dance in which ladies dressed in handwoven textiles and bronze bangles form a tightly-knit circle and dance rhythmically to gongs and Moko drums.
Lamalera Village
Lamalera is one of the last traditional whaling villages, where an ancient hunting tradition continues to provide for the subsistence lifestyle of this rarely-visited village. The villagers will welcome you and share their way of life, which follows ancient beliefs and uses traditional tools and methods. Observe hunting and Ikat weaving demonstrations, with opportunities to purchase the exquisite hand-woven cloth directly from the weavers.
Kelimutu Crater Lakes
From the coastal town of Ende, travel a beautiful road up to Kelimutu. On the way, stop at a orphanage, where you will meet the nuns and orphans and share refreshments. Arrive at the spectacular tricoloured Crater Lakes, where we may throw stones into the lakes for good luck. Later, enjoy lunch at Kelimutu Eco Lodge accompanied by the traditional music of Flores.
Padar Island
A climb to the peak of Padar Island offers a chance to stretch your legs and be rewarded with a mesmerizing panoramic view over the island’s rugged peaks, beaches and vast blue sea. Alternatively, explore the island up close by Xplorer cruise.
Komodo Island & Pink Beach
Take a walk with local rangers to spot the Komodo Dragon and visit a local village. You will learn of the legends of the Komodo Dragons and why villagers treat them with kindness. Later, enjoy a stroll along the dusky pink sands of Pink Beach and swim or snorkel in the clear water.
Takabonarate Marine Park
Be welcomed at Tinabo Island with a dance performance before a guided tour through the village. Enjoy music and craft demonstrations and insights into the local cottage industries of coconut oil, fishing nets and boat building. At Tinabo Besar, visitors are encouraged to help with conservation programs of tree planting or coral transplanting under the guidance of National Park staff, before snorkelling in the pristine waters.
Sogori
The small island of Sogori is home to the Bajau and Bugis people. The surrounding white sandy beaches as well as several shipwrecks make it appealing for beach walking, swimming, snorkelling or scuba diving.
Torajaland
An overland journey takes us into the highlands of Sulawesi to the remarkable Tana Toraja, where you will witness stunning limestone mountains and the ancient culture and traditions of the Torajan people. Visit the Tongkonan houses at Marante, the stone graves with Tau-tau effigies at Lemo and the hanging burial sites of Bori Parinding. At a Torajan market, see where buffalo and pigs are purchased for funerals, and explore Kete Kesu, a 400-year-old village high in the mountains. Stay overnight and enjoy local music and dancing.
Tana Beru
Traditionally, wooden Phinisi ships have been crafted by the Bugis boat-builders on the beach at Tana Beru since the 14th century. The ancient technique, which uses no nails, has been handed down through generations. Hear the seafaring tales of the boat builders and climb into a Phinisi ship to admire its size and the craftsmanship of the boat-builders.
Day 15: Arrive Makassar / Darwin
Makassar Arrival: at 7:00am. Farewell your Master, crew and fellow guests with disembarkation at 8:30am. An optional charter flight to Darwin will be available.
An optional post-cruise charter flight from Makassar to Darwin will be available (at an additional cost of approximately $1,250).
Darwin Arrival: Arrive and disembark at Darwin’s Fort Hill Wharf. Post cruise transfers to CBD hotels or the airport are included. If you’re not transferring directly to the airport why not spend the day enjoying the tropical city of Darwin with its landscaped waterfront and harbourside Wave Pool.
This itinerary is an indication of the destinations we visit and activities on offer. Throughout the expedition we may make changes to the itinerary as necessary to maximise your expeditionary experience. Allowances may be made for seasonal variations, weather, tidal conditions, and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel.
| Coral Geographer |
Per person, twin share |
Per person, sole use one way |
| Coral Deck | $15,920 | $21,180 |
| Promenade Deck | $18,780 | $25,470 |
| Explorer Deck | $24,420 | $33,930 |
| Bridge Deck Balcony Suite | $32,180 | n/a |
*Terms & Conditions apply. Prices are per person, listed in Australian Dollars (AUD) and include GST. A non-refundable 20% deposit is required at time of booking, balance of the fare is due 90 days prior to departure. A $500pp date change fee for changes made more than 90 days before departure applies. Date change within 90 days of departure is considered a cancellation and standard Cancellation Policy applies. Further Coral Expeditions terms & conditions apply. Please contact your RAC travel consultant for full terms and conditions.
General RAC Travel terms and conditions apply.
