Mentebung, Indonesia, 8/10/2024, National Geographic Orion
Aboard the
National Geographic Orion
Indonesia & Papua New Guinea
Pandemonium aboard National Geographic Orion as we arose this morning because it came to our attention that late last night we had sailed across the equator. Penance had to be paid, the ultimate price to keep King Neptune happy, and all Pollywogs on board had to earn their right. Fortunately, King Neptune was in high spirits and National Geographic Orion sailed on with fair weather and calm seas.
Afternoon brought favorable conditions for a snorkel and glass bottom Zodiac ride in the pristine seas of Pulau Mentebung, in the Badas Islands.
Born and raised outside Philadelphia; Mike spent his childhood playing around at his family's gymnastics facility. From camping with his family throughout the US to annual ski trips to Park City Utah, he has always had an affinity for the outdoors. H...
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Our day in Cirebon began with a brilliant sunrise at 0537, casting a soft glow over the northern coast of Java. Guests joined Wellness Specialist Lani on deck six for morning stretches before enjoying a casual breakfast in the Outdoor Café, savoring the warm breeze and the promise of a clear day ahead. At 0900, Birgit’s insightful presentation on “Islam in Indonesia” in the lounge deepened our understanding of the country’s rich cultural and religious fabric. Following this, Photo Instructor Fiona shared tips and techniques in her “Photo Basics” session, perfectly timed for the afternoon’s adventures ashore. We set out to explore Cirebon at around 1240, greeted by a lively welcome performance at the pier. A short drive through the vibrant streets brought us to Kacirebonan Palace, where traditional music and the colorful spectacle of the Cirebon mask dance captivated everyone. Artisans demonstrated the intricate process of batik textile creation and glass painting, showcasing the city’s renowned craftsmanship. The afternoon offered opportunities to purchase beautifully crafted souvenirs, including the striking Cirebon batik with its vivid colors and Chinese-inspired motifs. As the day drew to a close, we returned aboard by 1730, carrying with us the vibrant spirit of Cirebon and its deep cultural heritage. Sunset brought an end to another unforgettable day in Indonesia.
Shireen, our National Geographic Expert, started our day with an inspiring presentation on her career as an ocean storyteller and the role photography plays in conservation. Her stories from the field were both eye-opening and thought provoking, highlighting the power of visual storytelling in raising awareness for ocean conversation. Soon after, we had the incredible opportunity to cruise past Anak Krakatoa, the volcanic island born from the caldera of Krakatoa following its catastrophic 1883 eruption. The sight of the still active volcano rising from the sea was incredible. It was a reminder of the region’s volatile history and the immense forces of nature at play. After lunch we visited the island of Krakatoa itself. Standing on the volcanic sand surrounded by raw beauty and geological significance was a fascinating experience. When we returned to the ship Naturalist Heather gave a captivating talk on the life of turtles. She shared insights into their behavior’s, habitats, and the challenges they face. Her talk deepened our appreciation of these creatures and why it’s important to protect them.
It is day three on this epic voyage through the Malacca Strait of Indonesia and today we reached the beautiful shores of Belitung Island. We were greeted with a royal welcome and honor guard by the friendly people of this land. Guests were invited to an enactment of a traditional wedding and were seated as honorable guests at the ceremony and treated to a feast of traditional local delicacies. We were then entertained by a series of cultural performances. Following this immersive experience, guests were taken by Zodiacs to a nearby island to participate in the releasing of baby hawksbill and green turtles into the ocean. This is in support of a local environmental project to increase and protect the turtle population of this region. Guests were moved by the opportunity to participate in this event and to be in the lagoon with their adopted baby turtles.
