Island Treasures of Indonesia & East Timor

Ponant invites you to set sail on a 16-day tropical expedition cruise aboard Le Lapérouse discovering the stunning scenery of the Indonesian archipelago and East Timor. It is on these islands, scattered like a string of pearls at the far west of South-East Asia, that the fascinating transition from Asia to Oceania is most powerfully felt, through the peoples and landscapes encountered. Timor, Flores, Sumbawa, Komodo, Banda Neira... Just mentioning these names is enough to conjure up images of spectacular blooms, wide emerald-coloured bays, island-volcanoes, villages peopled with inhabitants who...read more have preserved their perennial traditions, and prehistoric animals.

Not to mention hills covered in savannah, tropical forests, dazzling white sandy beaches and waves crashing down on the coral. Your first port of call will be Flores, the flower island, followed by the Alor Archipelago, two destinations where the locals have successfully preserved their ancient, traditional way of life. In the Moluccas (Maluku Islands), dubbed the Spice Islands, you will explore the island of Banda Neira, which was shaped by Dutch and Portuguese influences. Le Lapérouse will continue on to the Indonesian province of West Papua to give you the opportunity to admire the Kiti-Kiti Waterfall.

Surrounded by lush vegetation, you will undoubtedly be tempted to swim or snorkel at the foot of this stunning natural site. Then, you will sail to the heart of Triton Bay. Located within a protected marine environment in the middle of the Coral Triangle, you will enjoy an unforgettable zodiac cruise through the spectacular rainforest-capped karst islands. You will reach a former Portuguese colony, and call at Baucau, between Portuguese atmosphere and beautiful sandy beaches.

During your port of call in the Timorese capital, Dili will reveal to you the beauty of its intact landscapes, between tropical forest and immaculate sandy beaches, and also the riches of its historic and cultural heritage. Le Lapérouse will then make its way towards mysterious Komodo, a small, wild island whose national park is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Among other things, it is home to the famous Komodo dragons, gigantic monitor lizards that can grow more than three metres long. Here you will be able to see them in their natural environment.

Your ship will set sail for Badas on the island of Sumbawa. You will be welcomed by the inhabitants of Pamulung village, where you will be able to witness a traditional ceremony. Your cruise will conclude in Bali - 'the island of the gods' - with its captivating charm and grace. The encounters with the wildlife described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.