
In partnership with Smithsonian Journeys
Voyage to Indonesia: Dragons, Reefs, and the Spice Islands – with Smithsonian Journeys
- ItineraryBenoa, Bali to DarwinDuration13 days
- Dates1 May 26 to 13 May 26Starting price
Onboard onto Le Jacques Cartier for an exquisite journey
In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.
This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.
On this 13-day voyage from Bali through the myriad islands of eastern Indonesia to the northern shores of Australia you will sail through the heart of the Coral Triangle, where beaches, mangroves, and rainforests host an amazing biodiversity, and where the surrounding seas comprise the richest coral reef system in the world. You will also encounter a rich human history as you discover the colonial legacy of European powers who fought one another for control of the trade in valuable spices, and as you visit with villagers whose way of life continues age-old traditions.
Leaving Bali, the aptly-named "Island of Gods," your first port of call, on the island of Sumbawa, is also your first encounter with a traditional village, where you will be welcomed by the residents and introduced to some of their customs. This glimpse of ancient and enduring ritual is followed by two days exploring the abundant wildlife of Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to an incredible diversity of species, including the eponymous Komodo dragons, giant monitor lizards that grow to more than ten feet long.
On the islands of Flores and Alor, you will experience some of the best snorkeling and diving opportunities of the voyage, as well as an opportunity to delve into the customs and traditions of the indigenous Takpala people. And in the Barat Daya Islands you will find more of the same, as well as amazing birdlife, including 162 different species, a number of which are endemic.
A full day in Band Neira in the Maluku Islands (spice islands) introduces you to the history of these small volcanic outcroppings that were fought over by virtually every colonial power interested in the South Pacific and the trade in cloves, nutmeg, and mace. As you walk the streets of the town, you will discover an eclectic mix of Portuguese, Dutch, and British architecture—the remnants of a long and tumultuous history.
Kitikiti Waterfall and Triton Bay, both on the coast of West Papua, provide two days of unparalleled diving, snorkeling, swimming, and Zodiac cruising in the "epicenter of the Coral Triangle." And your last call, before a day at sea brings you to Darwin, Australia, and the end of the voyage, will be in the Kei Islands, located in the heart of the Malukus, home to some of Indonesia’s most beautiful white sandy beaches.
Your voyage
All inclusive, gourmet cuisine, room service, evening entertainment, shows, fitness center, hammam, sauna… Discover what is included in every Ponant cruise.

Destination
Pacific Islands
Benoa, Bali to Darwin
Duration
13 days, 12 nights on board
Smithsonian Journeys, Discoveries

Smithsonian Journeys
Activity in each port of call + transfers included
Offres
Ponant Bonus 5%

Diving
Ref: BDAE45US - EX010526














Journey
Your journey day-by-day
- A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included activity in each port of call.
- Engaging discussions onboard with two Smithsonian Journeys Experts.
- Outings and shore visits in zodiac inflatables with a team of experienced naturalist guides.
- Discovering the lush and idyllic islands of Indonesia and experiencing their extraordinary biodiversity in the air, on land, and under the sea.
- Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Encounters with local people and introductions to their customs and traditions.
- Extensive possibilities for swimming and snorkeling in crystal clear waters with pristine coral reefs.
- Opportunities for PADI Advanced Open Water Divers (or equivalent) to join an experienced onboard instructor on dives at unbelievably clear dive sites (additional expense).

Customize your journey :

Date
28 Apr 26

Date
13 May 26
Staterooms and suites
Elegance and intimacy

Deluxe Stateroom
Guests
2
Surface
19 m²

Prestige Stateroom
Guests
2
Surface
19 m²

Deluxe Suite
Guests
3
Surface
27 m²

Prestige Suite
Guests
4
Surface
38 m²

Privilege Suite
Guests
3
Surface
32 m²

Grand Deluxe Suite
Guests
4
Surface
45 m²

Owner's Suite
Guests
4
Surface
45 m²
*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Details
More info
Services included in your cruise
Important trip details
In your luggage
Itinerary