Off the beaten track

“Off the beaten track”
Indonesia
West to East, in comfort and style
Yangon, (Myanmar) to Cairns (Australia)
LUXURY EXPEDITION CRUISE
L’ Austral 5 star
31 fabulous days - 21 fascinating destinations - Nov/Dec 2017
31Days
9th November 2017
09/11 - Yangon (Myanmar)
10/11 - At Sea
11/11 - Mergui Archipelago (Myanmar)
12/11 - Mergui Archipelago (Myanmar)
13/11 - At Sea
14/11 - Belawan (North Sumatra)
15/11- Banda Aceh (Aceh)
16/11 - Pulau Simeulu (Aceh)
17/11 - Pulau Nias (North Sumatra)
18/11 - Padang (West Sumatra)
19/11- Benkulu (Sumatra)
20/11 - Krakatoa
21/11 - At Sea
22/11 - Sumenep (East Java)
23/11 - Probolingo(East Java)
24/11 - Benoa, Bali
25/11 - Pink Beach (Lesser Sunda Islands)
26/11 - Komodo (Lesser Sunda Islands)
27/11- Larantuka (Flores)
28/11- At Sea
29/11 - Banda Neira (Maluku)
30/11 - Kai Islands (Maluku)
01/12 - Triton Bay (West Papua)
02/12 - At Sea
03/12 - Agats (West Papua)
04/12 - At Sea
05/12 - Good Island/Cape York (Australia)
06/12 - At Sea
07/12 - Lizard Island (Australia)
08/12 - Cairns (Australia)
CALL TODAY TO BOOK THIS
‘Off the Beaten Track’
INDONESIA, WEST TO EAST
5-star Expedition Cruising with Ponant
Yangon (Burma) to Cairns (Australia)
Hosted by Beth & Bob Malcolm
(21 ports of call - 17 in Indonesia)
HIGHLIGHTS - THE AMAZING & UNIQUE
Krakatoa - 1883 cataclysmic volcanic eruption site
Sumatran Orangutans - Belawan, rare habitat
Komodo Dragons - ancient order of rare monitor lizards
Sunrise over Mount Bromo & the ‘Sea of Sand’
Pink Beach - one of only 7 on the planet
Banda Aceh - 167,000 killed by the 2004 tsunami
Banda Neira - most historically significant spice island
Sumatra’s largest matrilineal society - Padang
War dances and ritual stone jumping of Pulau Nias
World renowned wood carving skills - Agats
Bull racing - Madura
Traditional village visits & cultural performances
History & cultural tour - Benkutu
Active volcanoes - Many distinctive cultures
Indonesia’s longest bridge - Madura
Tip of Cape York - Australia’s most northerly point
LUXURY EXPEDITION CRUISE
Indonesia
West to East
PONANT EXPEDITION CRUISE
Our Ship - 5 Star ‘L’ Austral’
French & English speaking - 140 crew - Asian service staff Indoor-outdoor buffet & grill with active
cooking station - deck 6 Gastronomic Restaurant
open seating dining - deck 2
Ponant Line, only French
Cruise Line, ultra-modern
fleet with 4 ships
Small boutique ships, luxury
with a refined design - been
operating 25 years World’s
No 1 5 star polar cruise
company (Arctic & Antarctic)
Company is a leader in
environmental issues L’Austral
- Premium 5 star boutique ship
- 132 guest staterooms
Fully Expedition equipped
International Green Ship
Awarded, Class Comfort 1
certified Entered service 2013
- 11,000 tons
L’Austral has an electric propulsion system & efficient green
equipment Relaxed stylish environment, Intimate & unique
French ambience Specialises in secluded unique
destinations - mostly discovering nature & cultures All-inclusive
cruising, including open bar and expedition excursions
(tipping & wifi extra)
All staterooms and suites
have oceanviews, 125 with
balcony, 24 hour room
service, Mini-bar, TV, I-pod
player, refrigerator, personal
safe, hairdryer, bathrobe,
French toiletries. Individual
air-conditioning, good
wardrobe space, narrow
High quality
naturalist/guides
and lecturers
provide info,
cultural & historic
perspectives
12 zodiacs for
up-close shoreline
exploration and
transfers.
balconies, well insulated -220V
2 lifts, sun deck, heated pool,
library, panoramic lounges No
self-serve laundry. Full range
of Spa Facilities, massage &
treatments, fitness room with
sea views Entertainment show
lounge/lecture theatre
cabaret-style entertainment.
Itinerary
Thu 09 Nov. Yangon (Rangoon)
This is one of the most interesting places
to visit in Asia. Myanmar’s
largest city (but not the capital), is a real
melting pot - a diversity of cultures and
communities in terms of people,
settlement and religions. Nature lovers will
appreciate the city’s stunning lakes, shady
parks and verdant tropical trees. Yangon
balances tradition, culture and
modernity, for those who want to
see a different side of Asia.
We join our 5 star expedition
ship, L’ Austual today.
Tue 14 Nov. Belawan,
Sumatra
Home to the Gunung Leuser World
Heritage listed tropical
rainforest, part of the largest
wilderness area in South East Asia,
where the national park has a
particularly wide range of
Eco-systems. It is one of the two
remaining habitats of the Sumatran
Orangutans. We spend the full day in
the national park, including a
visit to the Orangutan sanctuary.
Wed 15 Nov. Banda Aceh
We spend two full days at this
archipelago of more than 800
isolated and mostly uninhibited
islands off southern Myanmar. The
sea gypsies of the Andaman Sea have
a strong and distinctive cultural
identity. For most of the year they live
entirely on their boats, only living on land
during the rainy season. Our
activities in the archipelago will
include time to swim and snorkel
from beautiful isolated beaches.
The capital of the province of Aceh
(pop approx 250,000), Banda Aceh was
hit by the 2004 tsunami, caused by a 9.2
magnitude
earthquake in the Indian Ocean, killing
167,000 inhabitants and
destroying 60% of its buildings. Foreign
and domestic aid has
resulted in major reconstruction and
modernisation. The city had long been
a centre of protracted conflicts including
wars with the Dutch, the Japanese, and
the Indonesian government. The
generosity of international and national
support in the aftermath of the tsunami
has largely brought about cessation of
the conflicts. We experience the city
including the Tsunami Museum and
memorial, and the famous
Bailurrahman Mosque that can
accommodate 9,000 people.
Sun 12 Nov. Merqui Archipelago
Thu 16 Nov. Pulau Simeulu
Fri 10 Nov. Day at Sea
On-board lectures, activities and
entertainment, scenic cruising.
Sat 11 Nov. Mergui Archipelago
Mon 13 Nov. Day at Sea
On-board lectures, activities and
entertainment, scenic cruising.
Today is an opportunity to
sunbake, swim, snorkel and enjoy
the white sand beaches, coral reefs and
clear water of the Simeulu
Archipelago.
Fri 17 Nov. Pulau Nias, Sumatra
The unique culture of the people of the
Nias Islands is one of the very few
Megalithic cultures in existence today.
It bears some resemblance to the
colourful Torajan culture of central
Sulawesi in northern Indonesia and the
Sumbanese culture of Nusa Tenggara
in eastern Indonesia. The most
famous events are War Dances and
Stone Jumping. Stone Jumping is a
manhood ritual where young men jump
over two metre stone towers in a rite of
passage. The higher they jump, the
better chance they have of acquiring a wife.
The traditional music of Nias, performed
mostly by women, is noted worldwide for
it’s haunting beauty. We visit a traditional
village to experience the culture and enjoy
a local performance.
Sat 18 Nov. Padang, Sumatra
Prior to Indonesian independence,
Padang was a major trading centre in the
Dutch East Indies. Today it is the capital
of western Sumatra with a population
of approx one million. The local
Minangkabau culture is the largest
matrilineal society of Sumatra in spite
of its Islamic faith. During the 16th and
17th centuries, pepper was cultivated
and traded with India, UK, Netherlands
and Portugal, but the most important
export was gold. When the mines were
exhausted, the people turned to the
production of coffee, salt and textiles.
Sun 19 Nov. Benkutu, Sumatra
In the early 1600’s, the British East India
Company controlled the spice trade of
southern Sumatra from its port of
Banten in Java. In 1682 the Dutch East
India Company attacked and captured
Banten expelling all other Europeans,
leading the British to establish Benkutu
where they built Fort Marlborough.
The British ceded the town to the Dutch
in 1824 as part of the Anglo-Dutch Treaty,
and like the rest of Indonesia it
remained Dutch until WW2.
We will enjoy a history and cultural
tour of Benkutu.
Mon 20 Nov. Krakatoa
This world famous volcanic island lies
in the Sunda Strait between Sumatra
and Java. The surrounding group of
small islands are the remnants of a much
larger volcanic island blown apart by
a cataclysmic eruption in 1883 which
destroyed two-thirds of the Island, and
unleashed a tsunami killing more than
36,000 people. The explosion was heard
4,800 kms away, the loudest sound in
modern history. In 1927, a new island
(‘Child of Krakatoa’) emerged from the
caldera formed in 1883. It is still active
and has continued to erupt and grow at
an average of 13 cm per week since the
1950’s. Quiet periods of a few days
alternate with almost continuous
Strombolian eruptions since 1994.
Depending on conditions at the time,
we will either tour by zodiac, view from
the ship, or land on the Island.
Tue 21 Nov. Day at Sea
On-board lectures, activities and
entertainment, scenic cruising.
Wed 22 Nov. Sumenup, Java
The Island of Madura (pop approx
3,650,000) and the town of Sumenup is
now connected to Java by
Indonesia’s longest bridge, but retains its
own distinctive culture and customs. It
is famous for its bull racing competition
where a jockey rides a simple wooden
sled over a course of about 100 metres,
pulled by a pair of bulls. Today, bull
breeding is big business on the Island.
We experience Sumenup and watch the
bull racing.
Thu 23 Nov. Proboligno, Java
Mount Bromo in eastern Java is
Indonesia’s most well known mountain.
It’s volcanic, and sits in the middle of a
vast plain called the ‘Sea of Sand’. We
make the journey early in the morning
to experience sunrise over this
spectacular scene.
Sat 25 Nov Pink Beach, Komodo
One of only seven beaches of this colour on
the planet, Pink Beach is also one of the
easiest and best places to snorkel and
explore nature’s marine realm in the
fringing coral, straight from the beach.
The distinct pink colour of the beach is the
result of white sand mixed with the eroded
deep red skeleton of the organ coral.
Sun 26 Nov Komodo, Lesser Sunda
The inhabitants of the Island (approx 2,000)
are descendants of former convicts exiled here
who mixed with the Bugis people of Sulawesi
in northern Indonesia. Komodo is home to
the Komodo Dragon, a dinosaur like reptile
believed to date back to the
Jurassic age. Thought to be extinct until
rediscovered in 1912, it is a remnant of an
ancient order of monitor lizards. Fewer than
300 remain. They can grow to almost four
metres in length, and are protected. We will
walk with trained National Park guides in
search of sightings.
Fri 24 Nov. Benoa, Bali
Tanjung Benoa, like many other beachside
destinations in Bali, used to be just a fishing
village and an old dock. Development has
been significant and the shore side is now
lined with hotels, resorts and water sports
operators. The cape and beautiful beach
was meant to be an alternative tourist
destination to Bali. It does not have a great
cultural profile, but its coconut groves,
Chinese temple and rustic fishing village
are pleasant and interesting. the Nusa Dua
enclave and tourist centres of Bali are
not far away.
Mon 27 Nov. Larantuka, Flores
On the easternmost tip of beautiful Flores
Island, attractive Larantuka is famous for its
indigenous (Easter) rituals that continue the
old Portuguese traditions brought 500 years
ago. The native islanders still hunt whales
manually, harpooning precariously
from small boats.
Tue 28 Nov. Day at Sea
On-board lectures, activities and
entertainment, scenic cruising.
Wed 29 Nov. Banda Neira
Banda Neira is by far the most historically
significant and interesting of Indonesia’s
spice islands. The only source of nutmeg
and mace until the mid 19th century, it was
the global centre of the nutmeg trade for
over four centuries. Steeped in history, we
can see the ruins of both Dutch and
Portuguese forts, and the home of
Christopher Cole, the British captain who
liberated the Bandanese from their
oppressive Dutch dictators. We meet the
people and visit the spectacular forts,
Hatta’s house, the Dutch Governor’s house
and the VOC church. Very close to Banda
is a perfectly conical volcano, quietly
steaming away. At the base of the 1998 lava
flow is a very young emerging coral reef,
where we can snorkel or swim in
the warm waters.
Thu 30 Nov. Kai Islands
On the edge of the Banda Sea, and South
of the Birds Head Peninsula of New
Guinea, the Kai Islands are blessed with
kilometres of stunning white sand beaches
and a deeply hospitable population whose
culture is both distinctive and fascinating.
We will land on a soft sand beach and
zodiac rides will be organised for us.
We can swim directly from the beach for
our marine activity and perhaps snorkel
on the fringing reef.
Fri 01 Dec. Triton Bay
Because of its unparalleled marine
diversity and endemism, habitat
richness, and intact ecosystems, Triton
Bay contains more fish and coral species
than anywhere else on the planet. It is the
epicentre of the famous Coral Triangle. It
has nesting grounds for green turtles, a
population of coastal Bryde’s whales,
groupers and whale sharks. We take
zodiac rides through the karst islands of
the bay, and land on a remote beach.
Sat 02 Dec. Day at Sea
On-board lectures, activities and
entertainment, scenic cruising.
Sun 03 Dec. Agats
The Asmat are an authentic ethnic
people of western New Guinea who
exist mainly on sago palm, fish and
forest game. Much of their land is
low lying, and floods daily. Their
traditional homes are typically built
on raised wooden posts a couple of
metres above the ground. They practise
vibrant traditional woodcarving skills
recognised globally and sought after by
collectors worldwide. These works of
art are elaborate, stylised, and designed
to honour ancestors. The Asmat have
traditionally placed great emphasis on
the veneration of ancestors. We will
visit the village of Syuru accompanied
by warrior canoes where we will traverse
the raised walkways,witness traditional
ceremonial performances, and take
a guided walk through the village to
observe this unique lifestyle.
Mon 04 Dec. Day at Sea.
On-board lectures, activities and
entertainment, scenic cruising.
Tue 05 Dec. Good Island/Cape
York
The Cape York region is Australia’s
largest unspoilt wilderness, and the Cape
itself is our country’s northernmost point,
usually difficult to reach by road. We will
access the tip of Cape York by zodiac, only
having to walk approx 500 metres.
Wed 06 Dec. Lizard Island, QLD
Captain Cook arrived at Lizard Island
after repairing the ‘Endeavour’ at modern
day Cooktown. It was used by the Dingaal
aboriginal people as a sacred place used
for the initiation of young males, and for
harvesting shellfish, turtles, dugong and
fish. In 1939 the Island with its pristine
white sand beaches and healthy coral reef
ecosystems, was declared a national park.
There are excellent walking trails for all
levels of fitness. We will access the beach at
Watson’s Bay for our water activities.
Thu 07 Dec. Cairns, QLD, AUST
We disembark this morning, at the
conclusion of a real life adventure.
L’AUSTRAL DECK PLAN AND INFO
OWNER’S SUITE - 3 DELUXE SUITES WITH PRIVATE BALCONY - 20 PRESTIGE STATEROOMS WITH PRIVATE
BALCONY (WITH 18 PRESTIGE STATEROOMS CONVERTIBLE INTO 9 PRESTIGE SUITES - POOL - GRILL
RESTAURANT - INTERNET STATION - LIBRARY - PANORAMIC LOUNGE - PANORAMIC TERRACE
37 PRESTIGE STATEROOMS WITH PRIVATE BALCONY (WITH 22 PRESTIGE STATEROOMS CONVERTIBLE INTO
11 PRESTIGE SUITES - FITNESS - BEAUTY CORNER - RELAXATION ROOM - HAIRDRESSER - IMAGE & PHOTO
CORNER - BRIDGE
35 PRESTIGE STATEROOMS WITH PRIVATE BALCONY - THEATRE
28 DELUXE STATEROOMS WITH BALCONY
8 SUPERIOR STATEROOMS - MAIN LOUNGE - SHOP - RECEPTION DESK - EXCURSION DESK - MEDICAL CENTRE
Dimensions
GASTRONOMIC RESTAURANT - MARINA
Length...................................................................................... 466ft
Beam........................................................................................ 59ft
Draft........................................................................................ 15.3ft
Cruising speed.......................................................................16 knots
Ice class..................................................................................... 1 c
Classification..................................................................... Bureau Veritas
Flag......................................................................................... French
Guest decks.................................................................................6
Guest capacity (double occupancy)...................................up to 264 pax
Normal crew size.......................................................................140
Fleet of expedition zodiac®................................................ (MARK V HD)
Gross tonnage....................................................................10 944 UMS
Electric motors................................................................... 2 x 2300 kw
Installed power......................................................................6400 kw
L’AUSTRAL SHIP’S CABINS
OWNER’S SUITE (DECK 6) (484sq.ft + 97 sq.ft private balcony)
UP TO 20 PRESTIGE SUITES (DECKS 6-5) (398sq.ft + 86 sq.ft private balcony)
UP TO 92 PRESTIGE STATEROOMS (DECK 4,5,6) (200sq.ft + 43 sq.ft private balcony)
3 DELUXE SUITES (DECK 6) (290sq.ft + 54 sq.ft private balcony) 28 DELUXE STATEROOMS (DECK 3)
(200sq.ft + 43 sq.ft private balcony)
Your Hosts - Bob & Beth Malcolm
BETH & BOB MALCOLM, DIRECTORS OF TRAVEL MASTERS, ARE
CONSUMMATE TRAVELLERS WITH PERSONAL EXPERIENCE OF EXOTIC
DESTINATIONS IN ALL CORNERS OF THE GLOBE.
THEY WILL BE HOSTING THE TRAVEL MASTERS PARTICIPANTS
ON THIS FABULOUS EXPEDITION CRUISE.
INDONESIA - WEST to EAST
Luxury Expedition Cruising
9th of November to 8th December 2017
Don’t miss this golden opportunity!
L’ Austral
5 Star Max Guests 264
31 DAY EXPEDITION
Includes: all your zodiac expedition experiences,
open bar, 24 hour free room-service and heaps more!!
PRESTIGE STATEROOM fr $16,513PP
THE PONANT SIGNATURE
PLEASE NOTE THESE FARES CAN
CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.
THESE FARES ARE YEILD MANAGED BY
PONANT - CALL FOR YOUR QUOTATION
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KAZAKHSTAN - UZBEKISTAN - TURKMENISTAN
19 CULTURALLY MAGNIFICENT DAYS - Tuesday 28th March 2017
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ALL FLIGHTS, COMPREHENSIVE SIGHTSEEING,
SPECIAL EVENTS AND TIPS ARE INCLUDED
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32 Amazing Days
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ALMATY to ASHGABAT by PRIVATE TRAIN