– EAST INDONESIA –
Encounters with Whale Sharks, Dragons and Mystic Cultures – Eastbound
Encounters with Whale Sharks, Dragons and Mystic Cultures – Eastbound
11 Days / 10 Nights
Bali to Dili
From AU$17,495pp
Bali to Dili expedition
Encounters with Whale Sharks Dragons and Mystic Cultures
Delve deep into local cultures and amazing landscapes
2025 DEPARTURES:
20 JANUARY | 5 MARCH
REQUEST YOUR QUOTE
![5-3-25_EncountersWithWhaleSharksBaliToDili](https://paspaleypearlbyponant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/5-3-25_EncountersWithWhaleSharksBaliToDili.jpg)
![5-3-25_EncountersWithWhaleSharksBaliToDili](https://paspaleypearlbyponant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/5-3-25_EncountersWithWhaleSharksBaliToDili.jpg)
Flexible Expedition Itinerary
Experience the freedom of a flexible expedition itinerary, where the adventure unfolds in harmony with nature. Our itineraries adapt to tides and other environmental factors, ensuring an authentic exploration. Embrace the cultures, history and biodiversity of the remote areas we visit, guided by a team of expert guides who offer a dynamic and unforgettable journey tailored to the whims of the elements.
Embark on a journey through the captivating landscapes of East Indonesia, where every moment unfolds as a tribute to the nation’s diverse cultural tapestry. Experience extraordinary highlights as we invite you to join an expedition where each encounter is a celebration of Indonesia’s cultural treasures and natural wonders.
Expedition Highlights:
- Snorkel and swim with the world’s largest fish, the whale shark.
- Discover the traditional Alorese culture.
- Admire the intricate Ikat designs created by the Sikka women.
- Witness the recreation of history through song and dance in the mountains of Flores.
- Hike in search of the infamous Komodo Dragon.
- Enjoy the spectacular landscapes of Komodo National Park.
- Swim and snorkel in the clear tropical waters of the Seventeen Islands Marine Park.
- Visit the remote Lembata Island and discover their ancient traditions.
- Witness the traditional Buffalo races of Sumbawa Besar.
- Gain an insight into the history, culture, and incredible diversity of life from your expert expedition team.
![](https://paspaleypearlbyponant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/komodo_AdobeStock_157865710.jpeg)
![](https://paspaleypearlbyponant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/PNG_Spice_whale_Daily_AdobeStock_164725572.jpg)
![](https://paspaleypearlbyponant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/No-936_A110917_Kalabahi-AlorOeAStudioPONANT-NathalieMichel.jpg)
![](https://paspaleypearlbyponant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/0O5A6112_R091122_Komodo_Indonesie©PONANT-Julien-Fabr.jpg)
![](https://paspaleypearlbyponant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/EastTimor-087_R050922_Dili_East-TimorPONANT_Photo-Ambassador-Cindy-Miller-Hopkins.jpg)
Cabin Options | Suites & Staterooms
![onboard_pearl_01](https://paspaleypearlbyponant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/onboard_pearl_01.jpg)
![onboard_pearl_01](https://paspaleypearlbyponant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/onboard_pearl_01.jpg)
![onboard_pearl_01](https://paspaleypearlbyponant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/onboard_pearl_01.jpg)
Pearl Suite | 27m2 inc balcony
Fares from AU$27,495pp
What’s included?
![onboard_horizon01](https://paspaleypearlbyponant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/onboard_horizon01.jpg)
![onboard_horizon01](https://paspaleypearlbyponant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/onboard_horizon01.jpg)
Horizon Suite | 20m2 inc balcony
Fares from AU$22,995pp
What’s included?
![onboard_Cabin_Ocean1](https://paspaleypearlbyponant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/onboard_Cabin_Ocean1-1.jpg)
![onboard_Cabin_Ocean1](https://paspaleypearlbyponant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/onboard_Cabin_Ocean1-1.jpg)
![onboard_Cabin_Ocean1](https://paspaleypearlbyponant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/onboard_Cabin_Ocean1-1.jpg)
Ocean Stateroom | 18m2
Fares from AU$18,995pp
What’s included?
![onboard_Cabin_Ocean1](https://paspaleypearlbyponant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/onboard_Cabin_Ocean1-1.jpg)
![onboard_Cabin_Ocean1](https://paspaleypearlbyponant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/onboard_Cabin_Ocean1-1.jpg)
![onboard_Cabin_Ocean1](https://paspaleypearlbyponant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/onboard_Cabin_Ocean1-1.jpg)
Ocean Twin Stateroom | 16m2
Fares from AU$17,495pp
What’s included?
Your Itinerary | Encounters with Whale Sharks, Dragons and Mystic Cultures – Eastbound
1
Embarkation | Benoa. Bali, Indonesia
Bali is known for its forested volcanic mountains, iconic rice paddies and beaches. The island is home to many striking Hindu temples, such as the cliff side Uluwatu Temple, Tanah Lot, Goa Gajah in Ubud and the spectacular Ulun Danu Beratan Temple in Bedugul. The beachside strip from Kuta to Legian offer lively bars and a multitude of dining choices, while Seminyak, Sanur and Nusa Dua are popular resort areas.
PASPALEY PEARL will be alongside at Benoa Harbour, Bali.
![Indo_Encounters_Daily_Bali__0O5A4927_R091122_Bali_Indonesie_PONANT-Julien-Fabro](https://paspaleypearlbyponant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Indo_Encounters_Daily_Bali__0O5A4927_R091122_Bali_Indonesie_PONANT-Julien-Fabro.jpg)
![Indo_Encounters_Daily_Bali__0O5A4927_R091122_Bali_Indonesie_PONANT-Julien-Fabro](https://paspaleypearlbyponant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Indo_Encounters_Daily_Bali__0O5A4927_R091122_Bali_Indonesie_PONANT-Julien-Fabro.jpg)
DAY
2
Badas, Sumbawa Besar. West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
The port of Badas is part of the greater township of Sumbawa Besar, on the island of Sumbawa. Like most of Sumbawa, the people hold their culture strong as a major part of their identity. The island has a strong influence from the Makassarese of Sulawesi, who over the centuries have introduced a lot of their culture into Sumbawa.
![Indo_Encounters_Daily_Sumbawa_AdobeStock_412259792](https://paspaleypearlbyponant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Indo_Encounters_Daily_Sumbawa_AdobeStock_412259792.jpg)
![Indo_Encounters_Daily_Sumbawa_AdobeStock_412259792](https://paspaleypearlbyponant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Indo_Encounters_Daily_Sumbawa_AdobeStock_412259792.jpg)
DAY
3
Saleh Bay, Sumbawa Besar. West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
Enclosed by Moyo Island and the imposing Tembora Peninsula, the serene Saleh Bay is far from the regular tourist trail. In 2017 Conservation International assisted in the development of eco-tourism ventures focused on swimming with the world’s largest fish. Still in its infancy, visitors can swim with the whale sharks in the clear calm waters of Saleh Bay all year round. In addition to the presence of these majestic marine creatures, numerous uninhabited islands fringed by coral reefs are scattered across the azure waters of the bay.
![PNG_Spice_whale_Daily_AdobeStock_164725572](https://paspaleypearlbyponant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/PNG_Spice_whale_Daily_AdobeStock_164725572.jpg)
![PNG_Spice_whale_Daily_AdobeStock_164725572](https://paspaleypearlbyponant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/PNG_Spice_whale_Daily_AdobeStock_164725572.jpg)
DAYS
4-5
Komodo National Park. East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
Komodo National Park was granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 1989. With one of the lowest rainfalls in Indonesia, its climate provides the perfect habitat for the exotic wildlife of Wallacea. Dense monsoon forests in the protected gullies give way to open grassland savannas, studded with prickly Ziziphus trees providing the perfect habitat for the infamous Komodo dragon. Originally designed to provide refuge for the Komodo dragon, the park now protects one of the richest marine ecosystems. This has resulted in an abundance of world class snorkelling and diving locations available to the traveller.
![Indo_Encounters_Daily_LeLaperouse_220918_2761_NickRains](https://paspaleypearlbyponant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Indo_Encounters_Daily_LeLaperouse_220918_2761_NickRains.jpg)
![Indo_Encounters_Daily_LeLaperouse_220918_2761_NickRains](https://paspaleypearlbyponant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Indo_Encounters_Daily_LeLaperouse_220918_2761_NickRains.jpg)
DAY
6
Seventeen Islands Marine Park, Flores. East Nusa Tenggara. Indonesia
This diverse string of islands sit just off the Northern coastline of the island of Flores. Ironically, there are in fact 23 small Islands that comprise the archipelago, but government authorities decided on the number 17 as a convenient tie-in with Indonesia’s Independence Day, which is 17 August 1945. Largely uninhabited, except for the odd fishermen’s camp, the islands boast spectacular white sand beaches and turquoise waters fringed by colourful coral reefs.
![Indo_Encounters_Daily_Nusa_Tengara_AdobeStock_232254021](https://paspaleypearlbyponant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Indo_Encounters_Daily_Nusa_Tengara_AdobeStock_232254021.jpg)
![Indo_Encounters_Daily_Nusa_Tengara_AdobeStock_232254021](https://paspaleypearlbyponant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Indo_Encounters_Daily_Nusa_Tengara_AdobeStock_232254021.jpg)
DAY
7
Maumere, Flores. East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
Floresians have an ancient culture stretching back millennia before the first arrival of Europeans in search of trade opportunities. Their history is shared through oral traditions and is recreated in song and dance. The mountainous terrain of Flores has preserved the diversity of cultures and Maumere has kept its charming atmosphere, an eclectic mix of a bustling trading town and a coastal paradise.
![Indo_Encounters_Daily_Maumere](https://paspaleypearlbyponant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Indo_Encounters_Daily_Maumere.jpg)
![Indo_Encounters_Daily_Maumere](https://paspaleypearlbyponant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Indo_Encounters_Daily_Maumere.jpg)
DAY
8
Lamalera, Lembata. East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
Located on the south coast of the island of Lembata, Lamalera remains one of the last traditional whaling villages on earth. As traditional tools and methods are still used, the whale hunts are exempt from the international ban on whaling. Whaling is essential to the continued subsistence existence of this rarely visited remote village. The island is dry and barren, so very little food can be grown on its soil. Villagers depend almost entirely on what the sea provides.
![Indo_Encounters_Daily_lamalera_AdobeStock_442218407](https://paspaleypearlbyponant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Indo_Encounters_Daily_lamalera_AdobeStock_442218407.jpg)
![Indo_Encounters_Daily_lamalera_AdobeStock_442218407](https://paspaleypearlbyponant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Indo_Encounters_Daily_lamalera_AdobeStock_442218407.jpg)
DAY
9
Kalabahi, Alor. East Nusa Tenggara. Indonesia
The unique culture of the Alorese continues among the Takpala indigenous group, who have preserved their traditional housing construction that resembles a pyramid, covered with coconut leaves, bamboo plaited walls, and four main wooden pillars. The island of Alor is also known as the island of a Thousand Moko’s. The Moko is a small bronze kettledrum which is believed to have originated from the Dong Son culture of Vietnam. However, it remains a mystery as to how these prehistoric Dong Son drums arrived in Alor. Local legend says that the Moko’s were discovered buried in the ground, and indeed Moko’s are still being uncovered today.
![Indo_Encounters_Daily_kalabahi_70_Indonesie_Alor_Island_Village_de_Kalabahi_Takpala©StudioPONANT_Laure_Patricot](https://paspaleypearlbyponant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Indo_Encounters_Daily_kalabahi_70_Indonesie_Alor_Island_Village_de_Kalabahi_Takpala©StudioPONANT_Laure_Patricot.jpg)
![Indo_Encounters_Daily_kalabahi_70_Indonesie_Alor_Island_Village_de_Kalabahi_Takpala©StudioPONANT_Laure_Patricot](https://paspaleypearlbyponant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Indo_Encounters_Daily_kalabahi_70_Indonesie_Alor_Island_Village_de_Kalabahi_Takpala©StudioPONANT_Laure_Patricot.jpg)
DAY
10
Kupang. West Timor. East Nusa Tenggara. Indonesia
Perched on the southwestern corner of the island of Timor, lies the provincial capital of Kupang. Formerly known as Koepang, it is the largest city and port on the island of Timor with a population of just under 500,000 people. It was an important port and trading post during the Portuguese and Dutch colonial eras and many ruins and remnants of the colonial presence remain today. During the twentieth century the city was used for landing and refuelling by long-distance flights between Europe and Australia. It was under Japanese occupation between 1942 and 1945, and much of the Old Town was destroyed by Allied bombing during that time.
![Indo_Encounters_Daily_kupang_AdobeStock_563439856](https://paspaleypearlbyponant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Indo_Encounters_Daily_kupang_AdobeStock_563439856.jpg)
![Indo_Encounters_Daily_kupang_AdobeStock_563439856](https://paspaleypearlbyponant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Indo_Encounters_Daily_kupang_AdobeStock_563439856.jpg)
DAY
11
Disembarkation | Dili. Timor Leste
Lying on the northern coast of the island of Timor, along the narrow plains between the central mountains and the Ombai Strait, the laidback seaside city of Dili was thrust into the role of a national capital when Timor Leste became an independent country in May 2002. The peaceful city has a small-town vibe with a distinct Portuguese flavour.
PASPALEY PEARL will be alongside in Dili and disembarkation will commence after breakfast.
![PNG_Spice_whale_Daily_EastTimor-103_R050922_Dili_East-TimorPONANT_Photo-Ambassador-Cindy Miller Hopkins](https://paspaleypearlbyponant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/PNG_Spice_whale_Daily_EastTimor-103_R050922_Dili_East-TimorPONANT_Photo-Ambassador-Cindy-Miller-Hopkins.jpg)
![PNG_Spice_whale_Daily_EastTimor-103_R050922_Dili_East-TimorPONANT_Photo-Ambassador-Cindy Miller Hopkins](https://paspaleypearlbyponant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/PNG_Spice_whale_Daily_EastTimor-103_R050922_Dili_East-TimorPONANT_Photo-Ambassador-Cindy-Miller-Hopkins.jpg)
Pre & Post Voyage Packages | Coming Soon
Speak to our Yacht Concierge for more information.
The Pearl Suite
The Pearl Suite is sophisticated and meticulously crafted.
Suite inclusions:
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Elegantly and thoughtfully designed stateroom with large wardrobes.
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Floor to ceiling glass doors opening to private balcony.
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One king-size bed or two twin beds
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Spacious bathrooms with shower and heated floors, complemented by luxury amenities and hairdryer.
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Individually-controlled air conditioning.
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International 240V sockets , USB charging points and wall-mounted reading lamps.
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Flat screen TV with on-demand entertainment system
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Complimentary and unlimited Wi-Fi (connectivity dependent on navigation and latitude)
![onboard_pearl_01](https://paspaleypearlbyponant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/onboard_pearl_01.jpg)
![onboard_pearl_01](https://paspaleypearlbyponant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/onboard_pearl_01.jpg)
![onboard_pearl_01](https://paspaleypearlbyponant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/onboard_pearl_01.jpg)
The Horizon Suite
The Horizon Suite is an elegantly designed suite
Suite inclusions:
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Elegantly and thoughtfully designed stateroom with large wardrobes.
-
Floor to ceiling glass doors opening to private balcony.
-
One king-size bed or two twin beds
-
Spacious bathrooms with shower and heated floors, complemented by luxury amenities and hairdryer.
-
Individually-controlled air conditioning.
-
International 240V sockets , USB charging points and wall-mounted reading lamps.
-
Flat screen TV with on-demand entertainment system
-
Complimentary and unlimited Wi-Fi (connectivity dependent on navigation and latitude)
![onboard_horizon01](https://paspaleypearlbyponant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/onboard_horizon01.jpg)
![onboard_horizon01](https://paspaleypearlbyponant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/onboard_horizon01.jpg)
The Ocean Stateroom
The Ocean Stateroom is a tastefully designed accommodation.
Suite inclusions:
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Elegantly and thoughtfully designed stateroom with large wardrobes.
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One king-size bed or two twin beds
-
Spacious bathrooms with shower and heated floors, complemented by luxury amenities and hairdryer.
-
Individually-controlled air conditioning.
-
International 240V sockets , USB charging points and wall-mounted reading lamps.
-
Flat screen TV with on-demand entertainment system
-
Complimentary and unlimited Wi-Fi (connectivity dependent on navigation and latitude)
![menu-cabin](https://paspaleypearlbyponant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/menu-cabin.jpg)
![menu-cabin](https://paspaleypearlbyponant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/menu-cabin.jpg)
![menu-cabin](https://paspaleypearlbyponant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/menu-cabin.jpg)
The Ocean Twin Stateroom
The Ocean Twin Stateroom offers a blend of elegance and practical design.
Suite inclusions:
-
Elegantly and thoughtfully designed stateroom with large wardrobes.
-
One king-size bed or two twin beds
-
Spacious bathrooms with shower and heated floors, complemented by luxury amenities and hairdryer.
-
Individually-controlled air conditioning.
-
International 240V sockets , USB charging points and wall-mounted reading lamps.
-
Flat screen TV with on-demand entertainment system
-
Complimentary and unlimited Wi-Fi (connectivity dependent on navigation and latitude)
![menu-cabin](https://paspaleypearlbyponant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/menu-cabin.jpg)
![menu-cabin](https://paspaleypearlbyponant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/menu-cabin.jpg)
![menu-cabin](https://paspaleypearlbyponant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/menu-cabin.jpg)
Request your Quote
Our local Yacht Concierge is ready to help you with any questions or quote requests you may have.
Please either complete the form on this page or call us directly on:
(AU) 1300 849 299 or (NZ) 0800 823 505
You can also request a quote or make a booking through your preferred travel agent.
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