Indonesia's Forgotten Islands - Southern Sea Ventures

Indonesia’s forgotten islands

Discover the untamed beauty of Indonesia’s tropical islands

Join us on a tropical archipelago-hopping adventure from Darwin to Singapore exploring Indonesian islands well off the usual tourist trail.
We’re excited to present this opportunity in collaboration with Heritage Expeditions on board the Heritage Adventurer. Journey into the heart of these relatively untouched islands, home to some of the most distinctive species on earth and experience paddling through azure waters, exploring unspoiled beaches and uncovering wildlife-rich rainforests.

Indonesia’s Remarkable biodiversity

Indonesia, an archipelago of over 18,000 islands, is renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity. Home to two of the planet’s 25 biodiversity hotspots, its dense forests and clear, tropical waters support an impressive array of species, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. We’ll discover rare flowering plants, an array of bird species, the incredible Komodo dragon on Komodo Island and, on our visit to Kalimantan in Indonesian Borneo, the gentle giant of the rainforest, the Orangutan.

Aboard the Heritage Adventurer

Our floating ‘base-camp’ is the comfortable and spacious Heritage Adventurer, a true pioneering expedition vessel of exceptional pedigree and often referred to as the ‘Grande Dame of Expedition Cruising’.
Originally designed to accommodate 184 guests, we now welcome just 140 expeditioners to create a spacious and comfortable on board experience.
Enjoy stylish, sophisticated accommodations spanning four decks, visit the captain and crew in the Bridge with our Open Bridge Policy and dine on gourmet fare from leading chefs.

FUN IN AND ON THE WATER!

There is a wealth of underwater delights to discover as we snorkel some of the most biologically diverse seas in the world. Pristine beaches lead to captivating coral gardens where neon-lit fish swim among drop-offs, caves and gardens of large barrel sponges, sea fans and soft corals.

Paddlers joining the kayak program will be part of a small, expert-led group experiencing the tranquility of tropical environments, the thrill of navigating through sea caves and pulling up on pristine beaches. Become a source of fascination for the locals who often paddle their dug-out canoes out to say hello and invite us back to their villages.

Immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of Indonesia’s tropical islands

Grade

Easy – Moderate

This trip is suitable for active individuals with a thirst for adventure. The kayaking option suits paddlers with some kayak experience.

Dates

2026
8-21 September


Cost

2026

From AU$16,255.00 per person*.

Additional kayaking supplement AU$1745.00 per person.

*Final price will depend on cabin chosen. Costs are in Australian dollars.

Includes

The price includes the Discovery Fund, all on board ship accommodation with meals, house beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner and all shore excursions and activities (excluding kayaking program), post cruise transfer and program of lectures by noted naturalists.

If you choose the kayaking option and pay the kayaking surcharge, this will include all your paddling and kayak equipment and the services of a professional sea kayak guide throughout the duration of the voyage.

Excludes

All items of a personal nature, laundry, extra drinks not included with meals, gratuities, international/domestic flights, visas, extensions and travel insurance.

Day 1

Darwin, Australia. Embark Heritage Adventurer in Darwin, Australia. Meet the captain and crew, settle into your cabins and join the expedition
team in the Observation Lounge or Observation Deck as we set sail for Indonesia.

Day 2

At Sea.
Settle into life on board Heritage Adventurer, relax poolside, join the Captain on the Bridge, watch your voyage unfold from the Observation Lounge or Deck and enjoy lectures from our expert team as we prepare for our adventure.

Day 3

Kupang, Indonesia.
We spend the morning exploring Indonesia’s southernmost city and enjoy our first snorkel of
the voyage.

Day 4

Wetar Island. Wetar is fringed by stunning beaches, coral reefs and deep seas. On land, dense tropical forests are home to rare wildlife and cover 80 per cent of the mountainous terrain. Welcomed by the local community, we will spend the day exploring the jungle and searching for wildlife, including the Wetar Scops-Owl and Wetar Ground Dove. Kayakers will take to the water to explore the coastline and snorkel vibrant reefs.

Day 5

Alor Island. This morning, we reach the culturally rich Alor Island and its world-class coral reef systems. Our day starts with a visit to the township of Kalabahi to meet
the locals and be introduced to their unique tribal culture.
Birding and snorkelling are also highlights of our day.

Day 6

Lembata Island. The largest island of the Solor Archipelago. A magical underwater world and astounding marine biodiversity awaits exploration, courtesy of Lembata’s unique location straddling two continents and at the intersection of three bodies of water – the Savu and Banda Seas, and Alor Strait.

Day 7

Ende, Flores Island. Ende, located on the southern coast of Flores Island,
boasts an impressive reputation for having the island’s most beautiful scenery, where jungle-capped volcanic hills meet tranquil streams and the still-smoking stratovolcano, Mount Lya.


Day 8

Komodo Island. Today’s visit to Komodo Island sees us walking alongside the island’s famed giant monitor lizards, Komodo Dragons, as we explore forested pathways with local guides. These prehistoric reptiles can grow up to 3 metres (10 ft) in length and weigh up to 135 kilograms (300 lbs). The surrounding forest is home to Timor Deer, the favourite prey of the dragons.
This afternoon we visit Pink Beach and enjoy a stunning snorkelling experience often described as “swimming in an aquarium”.


Day 9

Satonda & Sumbawa Islands. Satonda is considered one of Indonesia’s most underrated and least visited treasures and is
ours to explore this morning. Discover an incredible
underwater world along its shores, home to resident Hawksbill Turtles and float effortlessly in the salty lake created by a large tsunami in the 1800s. This afternoon, discover mountainous Sumbawa Island’s spectacular volcanic ridges, terraced rice fields, tangled jungles and beautiful sandy beaches replete with stunning coral reefs.



Day 10

West Bali National Park, Bali. West Bali National Park is home
to a unique set of ecosystems including mountain ranges, savannahs, rainforests, mangroves and coral reefs. During our land explorations we may have the opportunity to observe the East Javan Langur, Giant Squirrel, Javan Rusa Deer and some of the 160 bird species living here.

Day 11

At Sea. Relax on board after our adventures, join a lecture, edit your photos, update your journal or watch the world go by from the Bridge with the Captain,
in the Observation Lounge, or poolside, as we sail towards
Kumai and Tanjung Puting National Park on the island of Borneo.

Day 12


Day 12: Camp Leakey, Tanjung Puting National Park, Borneo. Today is sure to be a highlight of our voyage with a visit to the world-renowned research facility and Orangutan rehabilitation and release site- Camp Leakey. Located in the heart of Tanjung Puting National Park, we plan to observe the Orangutans going about their daily activities.
Other wildlife living in the national park include Proboscis Monkeys, Tarsiers, Clouded Leopards, Sun Bears, Mouse Deer and several species of Hornbill, Kingfisher and other birds, along with a variety of brightly-coloured butterflies and moths.

Day 13

At Sea. Relax and unwind following our incredible time among the Orangutans of Camp Leakey, reminisce on our adventures as we recap the highlights of our expedition and enjoy a farewell dinner tonight as we complete the last few miles of our journey.

Day 14

Singapore. Be sure to be out on deck or in the Observation
Lounge as we navigate the Singapore Strait enjoying the sights of Singapore’s world-famous city skyline.
This afternoon there will be a complimentary coach to Singapore Changi Airport. End of trip arrangements.


Trip Enquiry

Contact our office to ensure that the trip you have selected is available. Or any other queries below.

Kayak Journeys around the world