Spice it up in Indonesia
This article is brought to you by Coral Expeditions.
The wealth of nations has relied upon minerals, oil, crops, produce. But centuries ago, there was a different type of gold… spices. Nature’s most exotic flavourings were in high demand over several centuries, with the challenge to source, buy and sail home with a hold full of aromatic cloves, nutmeg, pepper and mace fiercely competitive. At the epicenter of this demand was Indonesia, with its plethora of tiny islands sprinkled to the northeast, veritable gardens of Eden. Visited as far back as the 1520s by the Portuguese, then the Dutch and the English, they became known as the ‘Spice’ Islands (Maluku), and the best way to explore them is in a beautiful modern-day ship with Coral Expeditions.
For a true taste of these alluring islands, Coral Expeditions has itineraries to showcase the many delights of not just these gems but many others, with fascinating cultures, scenic beauty, ancient traditions and mythology. In the past, leaders would sometimes seek advice from dukun – shamans who were healers, spirit mediums, and sorcerers.
In the wild
Indonesia abounds with wildlife, and has a rich maritime heritage indelibly stamped in its DNA. One of the most popular creatures is the Komodo dragon, an engangered yet fierce reptile from the monitor lizard family that is only found in Indonesia’s Lesser Sunda islands between Flores and Sumbawa. See them up close – not too close – on Komodo Island in Komodo National Park, on a ranger-led tour with Coral Expeditions. These lizards are slightly scary, but the rangers have a forked stick to keep them at bay just in case. Locals here learn to live with the dragons, and they can often be found lazing in the shade around their dwellings. They are fast, can be feisty, and can swim.
Image credits: Coral Expeditions
Other wildlife that can be found in Komodo National Park includes Timor deer or Javan rusa, crab-eating macaques, Asian water buffalo and white-bellied sea eagles. Under the water, expect a rainbow of fish and coral that you can see by donning a snorkel and mask and taking to the gin-clear waters off sandy beaches – some of them pink – on pristine islands. You might also see manta rays, dolphins and turtles.
Locals are totally invested in conservation of the region, wanting to keep their natural environment as healthy as possible. Several marine protected areas have been established, and sustainable fishing techniques put into place to help support the local fishing villages and protect the fish stocks in the Flores Sea.
In the realm of the Kings
Coral Expeditions has been introducing guests to this archipelago – with over 1500 islands – for years and every guest sails away with nothing but awe at this ethereally beautiful region. Raja Ampat means the ‘Four Kings’, referring to four main islands – Waigeo, Batanta, Salawati and Misool – with Misool the starting point for Coral Expedition’s Raja Ampat itinerary. The word ‘special’ doesn’t cut it when talking about Raja Ampat, whose waters are home to around 75 per cent of the world’s coral and fish species. Iconic karst formations perfectly complement the blue hues of the sea, with several of them boasting peaks that are ideal to showcase just how exquisite Raja Ampat is. A great example is on the island of Wayag, where you can climb up to the top of Mount Pindito to marvel at the jagged green limestone cliffs and crystal clear water. It’s astonishing to behold.
Image credit: Coral Expeditions
Another huge drawcard is Cenderawasih Bay, where you can swim with whale sharks, the largest living non-mammalian vertebrate in the world, in what will be an unforgettable experience. Then there are the cultural immersions: being serenaded by locals in kora kora or traditional canoes, visiting the 17th century Dutch Fort Belgica at Banda Neira, and Fort Duurstede, a 17th- century Dutch fort at Saparua Island, where men and boys educating guests with a war dance complete with shields, swords, and cultural adornment. This is a location of cultural immersion and learning.
Jungle fever in Borneo
Wild is the word to describe Borneo, with lush rainforest, meandering rivers, incredible wildlife with rare fauna and flora, and fascinating cultural traditions. See the endemic proboscis monkeys in the trees and watch for some of the 264 species of birds that can be found in Bako National Park, which has seven ecosystems. Explore down the Nipah waterway in one of Coral Expedition’s Xplorer vessels, and in Kalimantan, prepare for the experience of a lifetime. The Xplorer vessels will take you into Tanjung Puting National Park where you’ll transfer into traditional wooden klotok boats to venture down the Sekonyer River. Keep alert as you may well spot wild orangutans, proboscis monkeys, as well as an array of birds en route to the star attraction, Camp Leakey. This is an outstanding orangutan sanctuary and conservation facility where you can learn from experts about the efforts to protect endangered orangutans.
Back in the city, experience the visceral sights and sounds at the bustling Banjarmasin floating markets, with sampans piled high with fresh produce, and deals done on the water.
Image credits: Coral Expeditions
Adventure made easy
Exploring with Coral Expeditions is more than cruising. For four decades, this Australian-owned company, based in Cairns, has been a quiet achiever, offering small ship, expedition-style cruising in the Great Barrier Reef, the Kimberley, the islands of the South Pacific, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.
Some of their Indonesia itineraries include a hosted charter flight to or from Indonesia, and there is plenty of helpful information about the visas guests will require along with vaccinations, some of which are required up to eight weeks before the trip.
Image credit: Coral Expeditions
Embark on an unforgettable expedition series with Coral Expeditions through island trails of the ancient East Indies to discover the rich history, fascinating cultures, and exotic wildlife of these remote realms. Set sail to discover the hidden treasures such as Alor in Lesser Sunda and Buton in Sulawesi, witness the multicoloured Kelimutu crater lakes, or conquer the stunning vista from the summit of Padar Island.
This article is brought to you by Coral Expeditions.
