Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and its surrounding regions are true paradises both on earth and below the surface of their pristine waters. Sail through channels dotted with small, uninhabited islands, and hop into Zodiacs or kayaks to have white-sand beaches to yourself. Dive or snorkel among vibrant marine life from Raja Ampat to the Phi Phi Islands, and spot Komodo dragons, orangutans, and red birds of paradise in their natural habitats.
Heartily welcomed by friendly villagers, discover life in rarely explored places full of ancient rituals and traditional art. Add in the cosmopolitan delights of Singapore and Bali and the pull of this far-flung, diverse region becomes impossible to ignore.
NOTE: For expeditions departing April 2024 onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins. Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged.
Jun
From
$10,800
Prices are per person
Highlights
Indonesia & Papua New Guinea
New
Bali and Beyond: Exploring Indonesia’s Corals, Komodos, and Culture
Duration
14 days
NOTE: For expeditions departing April 2024 onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins. Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged.
Jun
From
$10,800
Top Highlights
Explore the rugged coastline of the Russian Far East aboard the National Geographic Orion, stepping ashore at remote Koryak villages and hiking through breathtaking fjords and valleys.
Witness a profusion of rare wildlife from the deck of our ship or aboard a nimble Zodiac, from whiskered auklets and northern fur seals to Steller’s sea eagles and brown bears.
Navigate the Kuril Islands, located between the Kamchatka Peninsula and Japan’s Hokkaido island, and marvel at their fascinating geology as you trek the tundra-covered volcanic slopes.
Spot the sacred red-crowned crane on a visit to the wetlands of Kushiro in Hokkaido, and learn about the unique culture of Japan’s indigenous Ainu people.
NOTE: For expeditions departing April 2024 onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins. Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged.
Aug
Sep
From
$11,488
Prices are per person
Highlights
Indonesia & Papua New Guinea
Jewels of the Java Sea: An Exploration Between Bali and Singapore
Duration
12 days
NOTE: For expeditions departing April 2024 onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins. Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged.
Aug
Sep
From
$11,488
Top Highlights
Experience the innovative melting pot that is Singapore–a spectacular blend of cultures, innovation, and beauty
Swim and snorkel the coral reefs off the pristine, uninhabited isles of the Natuna and Anambas archipelagos
Be awestruck at the grandeur and sheer size of Borobudur Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site
New
Journey through Southeast Asia: Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia
Duration
11 days
Aug
From
$11,152
Top Highlights
Experience the innovative melting pot that is Singapore—a spectacular blend of cultures, innovation, and beauty
Explore Malaysia's fascinating and colorful UNESCO Historical Cities: Malacca and Penang’s George Town
Be on the lookout for the gentle giants of Sumatra—orangutans—as we traverse the lush rainforest of Gunung Leuser National Park, part of the Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
NOTE: For expeditions departing April 2024 onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins. Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged.
May
Jun
Jul
From
$16,577
Prices are per person
Highlights
Australia and New Zealand
Indonesia & Papua New Guinea
Kimberley Expedition: Northwest Australia & Indonesia
Duration
16 days
NOTE: For expeditions departing April 2024 onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins. Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged.
May
Jun
Jul
From
$16,577
Top Highlights
Experience both Gwion Gwion and Wandjina rock art dating from 4,000 to 12,000 years in age
Zodiacs land virtually anywhere and take us up close to the unique wildlife in this region—watch for crocodiles, migrating humpback whales, and endearing wallabies
Visit the remarkable Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to go in search of the legendary Komodo dragon
Discover fascinating island nations teeming with incredible wildlife and home to welcoming cultures—many that continue to live close to their ancestral traditions. Sail along the wild coasts learning about the European history of trading and how the wars of far-flung nations were fought over these islands. Spend time relaxing on pristine beaches, dive in and explore the vibrant undersea, and see some of the planet’s most unique bird species.
It is a privilege to visit the far-flung and pristine islands of Southeast Asia, a richly diverse and culturally fascinating geography. And to the privilege of cruising in this region, National Geographic Orion adds the luxury of comfort—a quality of shipboard life and a philosophy of wellness designed to relax and revitalize body, mind, and spirit.
An Impactful Return to the Asmat Region
It has been years since any ships have visited the remarkably remote Asmat villages of West Papua, Indonesia. Recently, National Geographic Orion returned to the region and our guests were welcomed with the most jubilant celebration.
Raja Ampat: The Epicenter of Coral Diversity
Learn more about what makes National Geographic Orion a unique home base for undersea exploration in Indonesia's most spectacular reef system.
A Return to Indonesia: Immersive Adventures, Remote Discoveries
Next year we’re returning to Indonesia, the world’s most expansive archipelago, with a compelling array of new offerings. See what awaits in this earthly paradise.
On Indonesia’s Lesser Sunda Islands, the Komodo dragon is king. These remarkable predators live up to their legend, eating any and all other animals (wild boar, deer, snakes, birds, goats, even smaller dragons!) that share their tropical domain.
Venturing to The Asmat of Papua New Guinea with the Consummate Guide
Explorer, anthropologist, filmmaker, author, and public speaker Dr. Lawrence Blair, known for the Emmy-winning BBC/PBS series Ring of Fire, will join guests on Lindblad's new expedition to Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.
Photographers David Doubilet and Jennifer Hayes have explored this marine paradise numerous times, and one thing they’ve learned is to always expect the unexpected.
Only in Indonesia & Papua New Guinea: 5 Unique Discoveries
The isolation of Indonesia and Papua New Guinea has allowed for the evolution of extraordinary avian and aquatic life, while at the same time preserving unique cultural monuments and indigenous arts. These compelling elements all come together to create a travel experience like nowhere else in the world.
The largest Buddhist monument in the world, Borobudur Temple rises towards the heavens from a Javanese hilltop. This complex feat of architecture is an absolute must-see for any traveler to Indonesia.
It’s great to just wander around the island villages where the people are so welcoming and friendly and take time to show us their way of life.
Terrence C
Adventure with seasoned expedition teams
Explore with top expedition teams
Expedition Leader
Veteran expedition leaders are the orchestrators of your experience. Many have advanced degrees and have conducted research or taught for years. They have achieved expedition leader status because they possess the skills, experience, and the depth of knowledge necessary to continually craft the best expedition possible for our guests.
Undersea specialists are your eyes on the world that lies beneath the waves. Using an array of tools including a high-definition camera, our Cousteau-like undersea specialist dives frequently during the voyage to show you strikingly clear images of the seldom-seen world beneath the ship.
Every expedition aboard a ship in our National Geographic-flagged fleet offers an exclusive service—a Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor. This naturalist is specially trained to offer assistance with camera settings, the basics of composition, and to help you become a better, more confident photographer.
It is my fervent hope that I can convince you to one day come here, if you have not yet. There is so much beauty and wonder, both naturally and culturally.
Our last full day on this epic voyage across the north of New Guinea to the Solomon Islands was spent in Marovo Lagoon. Most guests went ashore in the morning and were greeted by warriors, incredible singing, and some of the most beautiful woodcarvings in the world. Learning about daily life was fun, and many coconuts were consumed. Fun was had by all. The other half of our day was spent in the underwater world. On this voyage, we have experienced some of the best snorkeling and diving the planet has to offer. Today was no different. Fish life was abundant, and the coral was diverse and healthy. New critters were enjoyed by all. What a voyage it has been, beginning in Indonesia, then across Papua New Guinea, and finally into the Solomons. What an incredible world!
After epic adventures over the top of wild northern New Guinea, National Geographic Orion arrived at the Solomon Islands. After clearing immigration, we went to nearby Kennedy Island where we learned of John F. Kennedy’s heroic swimming efforts after his PT-109 boat sank during World War II. Snorkeling from the beach, the detritus of war covered the sea floor in the form of ship masts and other ship parts. The snorkeling was exceptional and the water super clear. We were immediately greeted by a school of crocodile needlefish and then found some pipefish (a seahorse relative) and the most amazing fish of them all, the crocodile fish. Incredibly well camouflaged by its large, flat, and elongated head, it looks just like a crocodile and its fins look like feet! Wow! In the afternoon, we went ashore on Kolombangara Island for a walk in the rainforest. The volcanic cone of Kolombangara rises from a circular 18-mile base to a crater rim at 5840’. The last eruption was over 10,000 years ago, and the cone has since heavily eroded, with a major gash in one side where the Vila River drains the center of the crater. After hearing some amazing marimba music at the landing, we hopped into the back of trucks and headed up the mountain. Driving through tree plantations, it was obvious the land had a story to tell. The Solomon Islands have been subjected to many outside forces that have contributed to the pillaging of natural resources. In 1905, the British thought the island was largely uninhabited, not realizing that people were living on the higher slopes and in the valleys of the crater. Lever Brothers were given a license to use the land for 999 years to grow coconut palm trees to produce oil for soap. In 1968, the focus shifted to timber. Levers Pacific Timber, a subsidiary of the larger Unilever Company, began extensive logging of the rainforests of the lower slopes. Very few trees were left standing on the coastal lands of Kolombangara. Today, 60% of the lease lands are owned by a Taiwanese investor. The logging activities have destroyed the unique flora and fauna of the lower elevations. In 2008, landowners signed a Conservation Agreement that promised they would not log or mine above 1300’ altitude. This agreement is not without threat, and today, there are efforts to turn the area into a national park. After driving up the mountain, we arrived at Imbu Rano Lodge. The lodge looks out over the Vila River valley and across to the high crater rim summit of the 5570’ Mt Rano, one of the highest peaks of Kolombangara Island. From there, we divided into groups to explore the amazing forests of the crater.
Onboard National Geographic Orion , we spent the day at sea as we made our way to the Solomon Islands. The day was full of presentations and galley tours. Undersea Specialist Mike G. did a presentation on reef fish. We spent time spotting wildlife from the bow with much success. We finished the day with the famous National Geographic Orion Crew Show, which was delightful.
Today National Geographic Orion made its way into Simpson Harbor in the town of Rabaul. This was the ship’s second day on the island of New Britain. This morning there were tours into the town to learn about the volcanoes and visit the local market. In the afternoon we all toured the World War II sites around the town, such as Yamamato’s Bunker and the Underground Japanese Hospital. At the end of the day, we got to experience some amazing local cuisine. What a day!
National Geographic Orion woke up to a drizzly, moody morning with dynamic cloud cover and the sun wrestling with the sky. As we sailed to our first destination in the early morning, the clouds broke up a little, revealing a dappled sky with a lush, tropical forest in the distance. We had no idea what was in store. Well, we knew we were doing water activities, but little did we know the amazing things that we would see. Fire and water were the themes for the day! With stunning coral everywhere we looked, all the undersea lovers were in for a treat. In the morning, not only did the snorkelers get out to see some amazing coral and an incredible selection of fish, but the divers got to dive and there was also the option to take out the good old Tom Ritchie, glass-bottom Zodiac. Everyone got a chance to look down and see what the rich waters of New Britain had to offer. After a light lunch of pizza, mac-n-cheese, fish and chips and chocolate brownie, instead of a nap, the undersea enthusiasts went out again for another round of snorkeling! And diving! And glass-bottom Zodiacs! This time some of the snorkelers found an underwater wreck with an old engine block exposed in the coral. Some guests who were more interested in looking to the skies and forests, got to work on their photography and birding via a Zodiac cruise. Everyone gathered back for an early dinner in anticipation of the evening’s activities. We were going to witness a Baining, also known as a fire dance. The origin of these fire dance ceremonies started as a celebration: The birth of a child, the end of harvest, a rite of passage. The dance included elaborate, large masks, hand carved from bark, bamboo, and leaves. There was percussion accompaniment and lots of singing and chanting. The masked dancers would occasionally pass through the central bonfire with their incredibly large and intracate masks. We were all speechless as we watched this very special ritual take place before our eyes. It is hard to capture in words just how magical and powerful the evening felt. There were over a hundred locals gathered on a very tiny islet for this performance. People from the lowlands and people from the highlands came together for this stunningly special evening and we were so lucky to get to witness the ritual.
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