Day at Sea - Christmas Day
Spend a relaxing day traversing the Karimata Strait which connects the South China Sea and the Java Sea. It was used as an invasion route by the British fleet in the 1811 Invasion of Java in the Dutch East Indies. Enjoy Christmas lunch onboard prepared by our team of chefs.
Kuching | Bako National Park
Today, we're in Kuching, a UNESCO Creative City known for its food. Our team will guide you through this picturesque city on the Sarawak River, delving into its rich ethnic culture, customs, and unique artisan crafts.
On the second day, explore Bako National Park's lush jungle and mangrove forests. Join nature walks to spot rare bird species, proboscis monkeys, macaques, and silver leaf monkeys. Various trails cater to different fitness levels:
Tanjung Sapi: 800m (30 mins) - Short but steep climb with great views.
Teluk Paku: 800m (1 hour) - Pass through a cliff forest to a secluded beach.
Telok Delima: 1km (45 mins) - Excellent for proboscis monkey sightings.
Telok Pandan Besar: 1.9km (1 hour) - Beautiful hike with a scenic bay view.
Before leaving Kuching, visit the Borneo Cultures Museum and Islamic Heritage Museum. Then, enjoy lunch onboard as we sail to Pontianak.
Pontianak
The riverside city of Pontianak is one of Indonesia’s most cultural cities. Here, you will visit the Equator Monument and many significant sites such as the Pontianak State Museum, Kayak Traditional House, Kadriah Palace, Jami Mosque, and Cathedral St. Yoseph Pontianak. Spend time wandering the waterfront markets where traders ply their wares from simple stalls or from sampans floating in the canals.
Karimata Islands - New Years Eve
Explore the remote Karimata Islands in the Karimata Strait, between Sumatra and Borneo. The largest islands, Karimata and Serutu, house quaint coastal villages inhabited by the Melayu and Bugis people. Smaller islands remain untouched. We'll relax on white-sand beaches, snorkel over coral reefs, and enjoy the island's serenity. In the afternoon, celebrate the New Year with sunset drinks and canapés.
Kamai Bay | Tanjung Puting National Park
Explore Tanjung Puting, a diverse coastal tropical forest in southern Borneo. Begin with an Xplorer cruise along Bulu Kecil River to spot rare wildlife, including seven primate species and over 230 bird species. On day two, start early in Kumai with an Xplorer cruise along Nipah and Sekonyer Rivers to transfer to local Klotok boats. Each boat has a guide to point out sights along the leisurely Sekonyer River journey to Camp Leaky. Named after Louis Leakey, this spot lets you observe rehabilitated orangutans at feeding platforms in the jungle.
Pondok Tanggui | Pangkalan Bun
Start the day with an early Xplorer expedition along the Sekonyer River to Pondok Tanggui. Walk on wooden boardwalks to a feeding platform and witness Orangutan feeding. Enjoy onboard lunch and then explore Pangkalan Bun's historical sites in the afternoon. Visit the 200-year-old Istana Kuning (Yellow Palace), the last Banjar royal structure in Central Kalimantan, and the region's oldest mosque, Kyai Gede, a 300-year-old piece of living history, in this centuries-old town on the Arut River.
Pondok Tanggui | Pangkalan Bun
Begin with an early Xplorer expedition along the Sekonyer River to Pondok Tanggui, walking on jungle boardwalks to witness Orangutan feeding. After onboard lunch, explore the historical sites of Pangkalan Bun in the afternoon. This busy town on the Arut River, with centuries-old history, features the 200-year-old Istana Kuning (Yellow Palace), showcasing architectural traditions of the sultans' assorted wives. Also, visit Kyai Gede, the region's oldest mosque, a 300-year-old piece of living history.
Bawean Island
This morning, anchor at Sangkapura Bay, Bawean Island, a small volcanic island with pristine beaches. Enjoy snorkeling, beachcombing, and swimming on its white sands. Fun Fact: Bawean deer, the 2018 Asian Games mascot, is endemic here.
Banjarmasin
Banjarmasin, a historic harbor town on Kalimantan, is famous for its abundant rivers and morning floating markets. Explore its diverse cultural influences in the bustling hub after lunch onboard Coral Geographer. Visit Museum Wasaka, displaying around 400 artifacts, and Kampung Sasirangan, known for weaving pamintan cloth. Stop by the Jingah River with traditional houses. The next morning, experience the Lok Baintan and Kuin floating markets where locals sell fresh produce and snacks from small boats. Remember to carry small local denominations for purchases.
