Itinerary

Singapore, Tinggi Beach - Belitung Island, Hmas Perth & Anak Krakatau, Sunda Strait, Ujung Kulon, Tambling Wildlife Nature Conservation, Enggano Island & Dua Island, Bengkulu, Padang & Sikuai Island, Siberut Island, Tanah Balah Channel & Marit Island, South Nias, North Nias, Simeulue, Aceh, Banda Aceh, Medan, Strait Of Malacca, Singapore

Description

Pricing based on departure date 23 November 2024

Circumnavigation Of Sumatra

Itinerary Map

Board Coral Geographer at 4:00pm at the Harbourfront Passenger Terminal and settle into your stateroom before our departure at 5:00pm as we sail south towards Belitung on our clockwise circumnavigation of Sumatra. 

TINGGI BEACH - BELITUNG ISLAND, INDONESIA

Today we arrive at Belitung Island off the east coast of Sumatra. Board the Xplorer before a short trip over to Tinggi Beach, known for its serene and picturesque white sand, turquoise waters, and granite rock formations. Here we will swim, beachcomb, or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll to the headland along the shoreline to explore the unique rock formations.

UJUNG KULON, INDONESIA

Located in the southwestern tip of Java, this national park encompasses the Ujung Kulon peninsula, offshore islands, and the famous Krakatau reserve. It boasts the largest remaining area of lowland rainforests in the Java plain, hosting a rich variety of plant and animal species, including the endangered Javan rhinoceros. The park showcases diverse marine habitats, such as rocky shores, mangrove swamps, coral reefs, and sea trenches, offering captivating glimpses into the underwater world.  

In small groups we will be guided through this relatively inaccessible National Park by Park Rangers along an easy 1.2km trail through the towering pristine rainforest. Along the way we will learn about unique geological features, rich biodiversity, conservation efforts and the challenges and threats this park faces. Our guides will also explain the intricate mangrove ecology of the area and visit the Ciduan grazing ground, looking out for rhino footprints and other flora and fauna species.  

TAMBLING WILDLIFE NATURE CONSERVATION, INDONESIA

Today we will travel to the south-western tip of Sumatra, where the Tambling Wildlife Nature Conservation awaits us. Established to protect endemic species such as tigers and sunbears, this nature conservation area covers 45,000 hectares of land and includes a 14,082-hectare area of marine park. The center focuses on preserving the habitat of wild tigers, rehabilitating, and releasing tigers as well as contributing to the conservation of tigers and other wildlife.  

Laem Chabang (Bangkok), Thailand

Many of the country's most important historic areas can be found not far from Bangkok. Ayutthaya, the former Thai capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with impressive Buddhist ruins. The 16th-century town of Chachoengsao is known for its many temples, including Wat Saman Rattanaram with its 22-meter-long (72-foot-long) statue of the Hindu god Ganesha. In Pattaya, on the coast, the Pattaya Elephant Village is a sanctuary for Asian elephants.

ENGGANO ISLAND & DUA ISLAND, INDONESIA

About 100km southwest of Sumatra, one of the 92 outlying islands of Indonesia is Enggano Island. The Enggano people are one of the oldest tribes of Sumatra. Ethnically, they are closely related to the indigenous tribes of Java and Sumatra, from where migration flowed directly to Enggano Island. 

BENGKULU, INDONESIA

Singapore's food scene—which is arguably the world's most dynamic and runs the gamut from beloved street hawkers to Michelin-starred venues—would merit a trip alone, as would its never-ending shopping options. But the city is also packed with world-class museums, many designed by celebrated architects, and it hosts many major international events, such as the Formula One Grand Prix. Yet only about half of the 720-square-kilometer (278-square-mile) island is developed, which leaves plenty of room for parks and open spaces such as the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, where an old-growth forest still thrives. 

PADANG & SIKUAI ISLAND, INDONESIA

About 100km southwest of Sumatra, one of the 92 outlying islands of Indonesia is Enggano Island. The Enggano people are one of the oldest tribes of Sumatra. Ethnically, they are closely related to the indigenous tribes of Java and Sumatra, from where migration flowed directly to Enggano Island. 

SIBERUT ISLAND

Today we arrive at Siberut Island, known for its rich biodiversity including various primate species and fringing coral reef system. The island’s geography features diverse coastal areas, mangrove forests, Barringtonia forests, hilly interiors, and swamp forests, contributing to its unique ecosystem.  . 

TANAH BALAH CHANNEL & MARIT ISLAND, INDONESIA

Today we board the Xplorer for a cruise through a section of the Tanahbala Channel, separating Tanah Balah Island from Tanah Masa Island, surrounded by coral reef. Enjoy the opportunity to see coastal villages, rock and reef formations as well as birdlife, as this area is only accessible by small sailing or local boats.

SOUTH NIAS, INDONESIA

Today we arrive at the island of Nias off the western coast of Sumatra. Known for its cultural individuality, this isolated chain of islands has been trading dating back to prehistory, with some historians citing the local culture as one of the very few remaining megalithic cultures still in existence today.  

NORTH NIAS, INDONESIA

This morning we return to Nias to explore the considerably less visited northern area which has only become accessible in the last 20 years. Be greeted with a traditional welcome (Tari Moyo – Eagle Dance) from the village of Sisarahili Teluk Siabang community and try local sweets. Meet our local interpreter and guide as we wander the mangrove forest and learn about the newly established community initiatives, with long-term aims for this remote fishing village.

SIMEULUE, ACEH, INDONESIA

Aceh is the only province that has special privileges and wide-ranging autonomy to govern itself within Indonesia. Sharia law in Aceh is only intended for every Muslim resided in Aceh, however the observance of respectful and conservative dress by guests is well received by locals. Simeulue locals are known for their interesting dance art, with colourful costumes and dynamic movements. Some dances are performed using live percussion to hold the rhythm.  

BANDA ACEH, ACEH

This morning we will come alongside in the city of Banda Aceh, well known as the city that was hit by the devastating Boxing Day Tsunami of 2004. Learn about the events of that day and visit the remarkable museum and memorial park for a moving symbolic reminder of the devastation affected on the local people. Following this there will be time to explore the city and purchase souvenirs.  

MEDAN, INDONESIA

Medan is the capital and largest city of the Indonesian province of North Sumatra. Take a guided tour of this city that exemplifies the multicultural fabric of Medan. Enjoy a cultural performance, try the exotic and confronting Durian fruit, see the splendor of the Sultan of Delhi’s Palace, take time to photograph Dutch and English Art Deco buildings still standing today and learn more about the history and culture of the Batak Karo people. Get a taste of local life with a becak tour of the old town. 

DAY AT SEA - STRAIT OF MALACCA

The Strait of Malacca is a narrow stretch of water 800km long between the Malay Peninsula to the northeast and Sumatra to the southwest, connecting the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. One of the busiest and most important trade and strategic routes in the world. Named after the Malacca Sultanate that ruled over the strait between 1400 and 1511, over 120,000 ships now pass through the Strait every year, a billion-dollar highway carrying goods such as oil, gas and manufactured products and accounting for a 3rd of the worlds trade and 50% of its oil shipments. Spend the day relaxing before we complete our circumnavigation and arrive back in Singapore the next morning.

DAY 19: ARRIVE SINGAPORE

This morning we arrive in Singapore at 7:00am. Farewell your Master, crew, and fellow guests before disembarking at 8:00am.

 Your Ship

CORAL GEOGRAPHER EXPEDITION CRUISE SHIP

 Launched in March 2021, Coral Geographer is the newest addition to our fleet. Carries a maximum of 120 guests, delivering Coral Expeditions’ renowned warm Australian hospitality, intimate onboard atmosphere, and world-class expedition experience.