Male to Darwin Cruise

Day 1 - Male

Arrive: Wed 08 May 2024 / Depart: Wed 08 May 2024 at 17:00

The Maldives encompass a chain of more than a thousand small, low-lying coral islands. Created by the peaks of an ancient submerged volcanic mountain range, the islands are protected from the open ocean by barrier reefs that enclose crystal-clear lagoons and brilliant white beaches. The atoll stretches across the equator in a thin strip 452 miles long and 70 miles wide. There are no hills or rivers in the Maldives and none of the islands rise more than nine feet above sea level. It is feared that the whole archipelago could be submerged within 30 years because of the rising sea level caused by the greenhouse effect. The history of the Maldives can be divided into two stages - before and after the conversion to Islam in 1153. According to a theory by Kon-Tiki explorer Thor Heyerdahl, the islands lying at the trading crossroads of several ancient maritime nations date from around 2000 BC. The first settlers are thought to have arrived from Ceylon and southern India at around 500 BC. While there is no concrete information of the pre-Muslim period, the second stage is well documented through a series of sultanic dynasties to the recent birth and rebirth of the republic. In the long history of the Maldives little interference was experienced from colonial powers except for a 15-year occupation by the Portuguese in the mid-16th century; it was a British protectorate from 1887 to 1965.

Day 2 - Vangaaru

Day 2 - Uligamu Island, Maldives

Arrive: Thu 09 May 2024 at 12:30 / Depart: Thu 09 May 2024 at 18:30

Uligan or Uligamu is one of the inhabited islands of Haa Alif Atoll and geographically part of the Ihavandhippolhu Atoll in the Maldives. It is an island-level administrative constituency governed by the Uligan Island Council.

Day 3 - Cochin

Arrive: Fri 10 May 2024 at 14:30 / Depart: Fri 10 May 2024 at 17:30

A hodgepodge of cultures collide on the banks of the estuary where Cochin carves out her home. Chinese fishing nets the size of skyscrapers, boxy Dutch architecture and pretty Portuguese palaces point to the blend of influence here, while the Raj era remnants, soaring spires of old-world mosques, and near-abandoned synagogues all add to the dense, varied tapestry of inspirations and imprints. Founded by a prince in the 15th century, Cochin immediately became a favoured anchorage for sailors and traders from every far-flung corner - even taking nearby Kerala’s crown as the world's first global port city. Now, fragrant spice markets cut the hot air with cardamom and clove, while antique stores groan beneath the weight of singing copper. Hit the backstreets of Fort Kochi for a deep and dreamy Ayurvedic massage, marvel at the Krishna murals that adorn the bedchamber walls of the Mattancherry Palace, or admire India’s one of the oldest European-built Christian churches - as you duck into the cool hues of St Francis. A day can easily meander past on a backwater cruise, spreading south from Cochin, and gliding down a lacy network of creeks, lagoons, lakes and rivers. Surrounded by swaying palms and rice paddies – you’ll experience rural India in her best dress. When daylight dwindles, taste the soft spicy kick of dal roti, followed by Firni – almonds, apricots, and sweet milk crushed with pastel green pistachios for a silky light finish.

Day 4 - Tinnakara, Lakswadeep Islands

Day 5 - Cheriyum

Day 6 - Cochin

Arrive: Mon 13 May 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 13 May 2024 at 20:00

A hodgepodge of cultures collide on the banks of the estuary where Cochin carves out her home. Chinese fishing nets the size of skyscrapers, boxy Dutch architecture and pretty Portuguese palaces point to the blend of influence here, while the Raj era remnants, soaring spires of old-world mosques, and near-abandoned synagogues all add to the dense, varied tapestry of inspirations and imprints. Founded by a prince in the 15th century, Cochin immediately became a favoured anchorage for sailors and traders from every far-flung corner - even taking nearby Kerala’s crown as the world's first global port city. Now, fragrant spice markets cut the hot air with cardamom and clove, while antique stores groan beneath the weight of singing copper. Hit the backstreets of Fort Kochi for a deep and dreamy Ayurvedic massage, marvel at the Krishna murals that adorn the bedchamber walls of the Mattancherry Palace, or admire India’s one of the oldest European-built Christian churches - as you duck into the cool hues of St Francis. A day can easily meander past on a backwater cruise, spreading south from Cochin, and gliding down a lacy network of creeks, lagoons, lakes and rivers. Surrounded by swaying palms and rice paddies – you’ll experience rural India in her best dress. When daylight dwindles, taste the soft spicy kick of dal roti, followed by Firni – almonds, apricots, and sweet milk crushed with pastel green pistachios for a silky light finish.

Day 7 - At Sea

Day 8 - Hambantota

Arrive: Wed 15 May 2024 at 08:30 / Depart: Wed 15 May 2024 at 20:00

Far to the south of Sri Lanka is the city of Hambantota with a colorful and storied traditional Ruhuna past and great promise for the future. This gateway to Sri Lanka is rich in resources and since being upset by the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, has put great emphasis on rebuilding and moving progressively into a central role in the development of the southern region of Sri Lanka. Traditionally an agricultural area, the region is also known for having some of the country’s most skilled jewelers and crafts people.

Day 9 - Galle

Arrive: Thu 16 May 2024 at 06:30 / Depart: Thu 16 May 2024 at 18:00

Galle is an ancient Muslim port where different political influences from Europe have merged. In fact, the Galle Fort was occupied by the Portuguese, Dutch and British until the late 19th century. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, it is surrounded by the sea on three sides. The surviving Dutch-colonial architecture and narrow streets exude the historic atmosphere of this living fort. The 18th century Dutch church has a splendid wooden memorial to one of the commanders of Galle, while the Arab quarter has a distinctly Moorish touch.

Day 10 - At Sea

Day 11 - At Sea

Day 12 - Port Blair

Arrive: Sun 19 May 2024 at 06:00 / Depart: Sun 19 May 2024 at 20:00

Rising majestically up from emerald waters, Port Blair in the Andaman Islands has to be seen to be believed. An ex-18th century penal colony, the island is today the capital city in the Andamans as well as being the main entry point for the rest of the archipelago. As with the other islands in the archipelago (86% of the Andamans are covered with forest), wildlife is diverse and plentiful and offers much in the way of amusement: 270 species of birds (including 14 endemic birds) call the islands home.

Day 13 - At Sea

Day 14 - Belawan, Indonesia

Arrive: Tue 21 May 2024 at 20:00

To call North Sumatra’s Gunung Leuser National Park big is an understatement. It’s vast. It’s epic. At over 3,000 square miles, its behemoth. The park is named after Mount Leuser (10,230 feet) and straddles the border of North Sumatra and Aceh provinces. The range pf ecosystems in the park is astonishing; tropical rain forest, lowland forest, mountainous terrain, freshwater lakes and rivers and alpine meadows are just the beginning. This glorious diversity has earnt the park its place as a UNESCO World Heritage Biosphere Reserve site. Over 120 mammals, 350 species of birds and 4000 plant species are found in the park, including the exponentially rare Sumatran elephant, Sumatran tiger, Sumatran rhinoceros, sambar deer and leopard cat. Wildlife sightings are guaranteed. By following your experienced guide’s advice, trek in silence, wait and listen. You’ll be greeted with a cacophony of squawks and squeals and sightings that will go down in your personal history. Don’t be surprised if you hear the distinct kissing mating calls of orang-utan. The Bohorok Orangutan Sanctuary of Bukit Lawang is located on the eastern side of the park and is one of the world’s leaders for orang-utan observation. From its inception in 1973 to its temporary closing after a flash flood destroyed it in 2002, the rehabilitation centre cared for and released captive orang-utans to the wild. Thanks to several international aid agencies, the centre was rebuilt in 2004 and continues to do exceptionally fine work.

Day 15 - Belawan, Indonesia

Depart: Wed 22 May 2024 at 17:00

To call North Sumatra’s Gunung Leuser National Park big is an understatement. It’s vast. It’s epic. At over 3,000 square miles, its behemoth. The park is named after Mount Leuser (10,230 feet) and straddles the border of North Sumatra and Aceh provinces. The range pf ecosystems in the park is astonishing; tropical rain forest, lowland forest, mountainous terrain, freshwater lakes and rivers and alpine meadows are just the beginning. This glorious diversity has earnt the park its place as a UNESCO World Heritage Biosphere Reserve site. Over 120 mammals, 350 species of birds and 4000 plant species are found in the park, including the exponentially rare Sumatran elephant, Sumatran tiger, Sumatran rhinoceros, sambar deer and leopard cat. Wildlife sightings are guaranteed. By following your experienced guide’s advice, trek in silence, wait and listen. You’ll be greeted with a cacophony of squawks and squeals and sightings that will go down in your personal history. Don’t be surprised if you hear the distinct kissing mating calls of orang-utan. The Bohorok Orangutan Sanctuary of Bukit Lawang is located on the eastern side of the park and is one of the world’s leaders for orang-utan observation. From its inception in 1973 to its temporary closing after a flash flood destroyed it in 2002, the rehabilitation centre cared for and released captive orang-utans to the wild. Thanks to several international aid agencies, the centre was rebuilt in 2004 and continues to do exceptionally fine work.

Day 16 - At Sea

Day 17 - Singapore

Arrive: Fri 24 May 2024 at 06:00 / Depart: Fri 24 May 2024 at 23:00

Advanced, airy and elevated, Singapore is a spectacular, futuristic vision of utopian city life. A healthy population of almost six million call it home, but this is a city designed with space to breathe, and gorgeous outdoor parks, massive indoor greenhouses and beautiful recreational spaces spread between the City of Gardens' skyscrapers and soaring structures. Once a quiet fishing village, now a glistening island city-state and an international beacon of science, education and technology. View less Singapore is almost intimidatingly clean - and the hyper-efficient public transport system whips residents and visitors across the city's neighbourhoods in a heartbeat. Glorious fountains and audacious skyscrapers loom up - nodding to traditional feng shui beliefs - and putting on dazzling illuminated displays after dark. The lush green botanical gardens are a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site, covering 52 hectares and decorated with impressive colourful orchids. Or breathe in more of the freshest air by heading up to wander the canopy strung bridges of MacRitchie Reservoir Park. Head for the iconic Marina Bay - a landmark of the city crowned by three interconnected towers, which watch out over island sprinkled waters. Jaunt between Little India and the atmospheric Chinatown in minutes, where beautiful temples - like the Chinese Thian Hock Keng Temple and Hindu Sri Mariamman Temple add rich cultural intrigue. Singapore's cuisine is a mouthwatering fusion of its Indian, Chinese, Indonesian, and Malay influences, taking and enhancing the best of each. Enjoy dishes in towering restaurants, or toast the glowing skyline with the city's eponymous gin-soaked cocktail - a Singapore Sling.

Day 18 - At Sea

Day 19 - Belitung Islands, Indonesia

Arrive: Sun 26 May 2024 at 09:00 / Depart: Sun 26 May 2024 at 13:30

The island of Belitung is large, measuring roughly 4,500 square kilometer (1740 square miles). Along with neighbouring Bangka and the many other surrounding small islands this is not just an archipelago, but a substantial province of Indonesia. Belitung used to have many tin mines, but today the island is better known for its nature. The most distinct features of Belitung’s many beaches are the fascinating granite rock formations along the shallow shores. These rocks can reach the size of houses and lie in bold contrast to the white sand. Swimming and snorkeling in the crystal clear waters reveals healthy corals and hundreds of fish.

Day 20 - Karimunjawa

Arrive: Mon 27 May 2024 at 12:00 / Depart: Mon 27 May 2024 at 18:00

Covered by coconut trees and surrounded by white sandy beaches, Menyawakan Island lies some 64 nautical miles off Java’s coast in the Karimunjawa archipelago. This tranquil and secluded setting offers tropical and laid back ambiance and good snorkeling.

Day 21 - At Sea

Day 22 - Pulau Satonda

Day 23 - Komodo Island

Arrive: Thu 30 May 2024 at 06:30 / Depart: Thu 30 May 2024 at 12:00

Komodo, the volcanic island of giant lizards, lies 320 miles (515 kilometres) east of Bali. Komodo is 25 miles (40 kilometres) long and 12 miles (19 kilometres) wide; its parched hills ascend to a height of 2,410 feet (734 metres). Komodo is home to a community of some 2000 people who make their living primarily from fishing. The island is the centrepiece of the Komodo National Park, where you will find the most tangible legacy left behind from the Jurassic Era. View less Komodo Island was little-known and the Komodo dragons were only a myth until the giant lizards were scientifically described in 1912 . Extinct almost everywhere else, the island attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world who come to see the Komodo dragons in their natural habitat. Komodo National Park has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve. The Komodo dragon’s great bulk and weight are its most unique characteristics; even hatchlings average 20 inches (51 centimetres) in length. The adult male can reach 10 feet (3 metres) and weigh up to 330 pounds (150 kilos). Females attain only two-thirds of this size, and lay up to 30 eggs at a time. With their saw-like teeth, these fierce creatures are able to rip apart a deer, goat or wild pig. The animals have an uncanny sense of smell, and are considered among the world's most intelligent reptiles. They are quite agile over short distances, and can move swiftly to capture their prey. The Indonesian Directorate of Nature Conservation (PPA) administers Komodo National Park. Park Rangers must escort all visitors; independent exploration of the park is not permitted.

Day 23 - Pink Beach, Komodo

Arrive: Thu 30 May 2024 at 13:30 / Depart: Thu 30 May 2024 at 18:00

Pink Beach earned its name for the way the beach can appear to have a rosy hue in certain lights. The color comes from small flecks of red coral mixed in with the fine white reef sand. With a few trees along the beach for shade, this stretch of coast makes a fine place to relax or enjoy a snorkel or dive in the crystal clear waters. View less It is possible to spot a striped clown fish nestled among the protective tentacles of its sea anemone host, or to see a grouper lazily swimming by a flamboyant soft coral. The reef here is now protected by law and the maturing corals are a joy to behold.

Day 24 - Kupang

Arrive: Fri 31 May 2024 at 13:00 / Depart: Fri 31 May 2024 at 19:00

Don't let first impressions cloud your judgement - while Indonesia may offer prettier destinations, Kupang's got a real depth of character, and a visit will leave you ideally placed to explore some wonderful coastal spots. The Capital of West Nusa Tenggara has a youthful buzz to it, thanks to the sizeable student population who call it home, and the new arrivals regularly inject new life into it. Hop around on small bemos minibuses for the best way to absorb everything this lively destination has to offer. View less The local cuisine is mouth watering, and you'll be salivating at the prospect of eating tender se'i babi, a form of flavourful, smoked pork. So prepare to enjoy fishing boats bobbing offshore, waterfalls sloshing down rocks, and beaches offering all of the space you need to unwind, during your call in Kupang. There's no shortage of history here, and Kupang was ultimately the destination where William Bligh would land, after a remarkable journey of 3,618 nautical miles. He was forced to take this unplanned detour, after being cast adrift from his ship, when he was betrayed in the famous mutiny aboard the HMS Bounty. Bligh was quick to heap praise upon the island of Timor, which eventually saved his life when he landed here.

Day 25 - At Sea

Day 26 - Broome, Australia

Arrive: Sun 02 June 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Sun 02 June 2024 at 17:00

Gateway to the oldest and most elusive of all Australia’s nine regions, Broome is where your Kimberley adventure begins. The ancient landscape has long held travellers spellbound: The Kimberley is three time larger than England but has a population of just 35,000, is over 65,000 years old and is home to 2,000 km of coastline. Almost impenetrable, incredibly remote, the red baked earth, prolific wildlife, majestic canyons and swimming holes are the stuff of Australian wilderness dreams. English explorer William Dampier was the first explorer to set foot in Broome in 1668. However, the land had long been used as a trading route between east and west Kimberley for Aboriginal families. These semi-nomadic tribes respected strict unwritten rules regarding ownership of the land. The Yawuru people remain the Native Title holders for the township of Broome to this day. Broome itself has over 84 Aboriginal communities affiliated to it, 78 of which are considered remote. The city grew from its nascent pearling industry of the late 19th century. Pearl diving was dangerous in the waters surrounding Broome and for many years divers were limited to Aboriginal slaves, skin divers who faced cyclones, sharks, crocodiles, ear and chest infections in order to bring up as many pearl shells as possible for their masters. Natural pearls were rare and extremely valuable, and when found, were placed in a locked box. At the peak of its industry, around 1914, Broome was responsible for 80% of the world’s pearl trade.

Day 27 - Talbot Bay/Horizontal Waterfalls, WA

Arrive: Mon 03 June 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Mon 03 June 2024 at 19:00

Talbot Bay is famous for the Horizontal Falls which have been described as “one of the greatest natural wonders of the world“. The region’s tides of close to 36 feet create an amazing spectacle when the water tries to enter or leave Poulton Creek through two very narrow openings located one behind the other in the McLarty Ranges. Water builds up faster on one side than it can flow through the gaps, leaving or entering depending on the tide.

Day 28 - Freshwater Cove

Day 28 - Montgomery Reef, Western Australia

Arrive: Tue 04 June 2024 at 14:15 / Depart: Tue 04 June 2024 at 19:30

Montgomery Reef, which is some 300 square kilometres in size, can show an amazing tidal change of up to 4 metres. When the tide drops, the reef seems to rise out of the water. At low tide a river is exposed that allows access to an amazing semi-submerged world. When the tide continues to ebb, Zodiacs will be used to make the way to the edge of the reef where one is surrounded by cascading waterfalls up to 3 metres high.

Day 29 - Hunter River, Western Australia

Arrive: Wed 05 June 2024 / Depart: Wed 05 June 2024

The Hunter River is home to an immense mangrove system surrounded by soaring red sandstone cliffs. Narrow mangrove channels shelter numerous bird species, mudskippers, fiddler crabs and the infamous saltwater crocodile; the most aggressive crocodile species known to man. Naturalist Island at the mouth of the river has a stunning stretch of sandy beach that makes a perfect landing site for small helicopters that can pick up visitors wishing to explore some of the Kimberley’s vast interior. View less The highlight inland is the famous Mitchell Falls where four tiers of waterfalls plunge into deep pools that flow out into the mighty Mitchell River. The headwaters of the falls are cool and a dip in the fresh water is a welcome reprieve from the heat of the heartland.

Day 30 - Koolama Bay, Western Australia

Arrive: Thu 06 June 2024 at 09:30 / Depart: Thu 06 June 2024 at 18:30

Koolama Bay is found at the mouth of the King George River. Named after the ship that had been beached here after a Japanese aerial attack during World War II, Koolama Bay is the starting point for a Zodiac cruise to reach the King George Falls, one of the Kimberley’s most magnificent natural wonders. At 260 feet (80 m), the twin cascades are among the highest in Australia.

Day 31 - Wyndham, Western Australia

Arrive: Fri 07 June 2024 at 06:30 / Depart: Fri 07 June 2024 at 18:00

Wyndham is a small settlement with the spirit of a Kimberley outback township. It was established in 1886 with the Halls Creek gold rush and sits on the Cambridge Gulf where several rivers converge. Today Wyndham has a population of roughly 900 people and operates largely as a port exporting cattle, servicing the mining industry and hosting a few small ships. For these vessels Wyndham is a gateway to the breathtaking Bungle Bungle mountain range and the nearby Ord River. View less The Bungle Bungle Mountains in Purnululu National Park are now a World Heritage Site. In excess of 350 million years have shaped geological formations of giant orange and black striped domes rising out of the ground into a landscape unlike any other. Known to the local Aboriginal people for thousands of years, the Bungles were only discovered by the outside world in the mid-1980s. Conversely, cruising the peaceful and tree-lined Ord River is a chance to look for freshwater crocodiles, fruit bats, short-eared rock wallabies and a variety of birds, including Mangrove Herons and Mangrove Gerygones. Please note: All destinations on voyages in the Kimberley region, and the order in which they are visited, are subject to tidal variations and weather conditions.

Day 32 - At Sea

Day 33 - Darwin, Australia

Arrive: Sun 09 June 2024 at 07:15 / Depart: Sun 09 June 2024

"Australia's capital of the north is a uniquely tropical city, and a historically isolated outpost of this vast, diverse country. Reaching up towards the equator, a full 2,000 miles from Sydney and Melbourne, the city was named in honour of Charles Darwin by the British settlers who established a frontier outpost here. With a unique history, beautiful islands nearby, and a palette of sizzling Pacific flavours, colourful Darwin is an enchanting and exotic Australian destination. Crocodiles patrol the jungled waterways and tropical rainforests around Australia's gateway to the Top End. Explore via airboat to look down on the veiny waterways of the mist-laced Kakadu National Park. The sounds of chattering birdlife and the gentle splash of fountains and waterfalls will fill your ears in George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens. Soak it all in, before kicking back and relaxing with a picnic and a crackling barbecue. The sunshine and famous tropical pink sunsets mean many visitors naturally gravitate to the city's soft sands to relax at spots like pretty Mindil Beach, as evening approaches. The adjoining market is filled with souvenirs and crafts stands and is the perfect great place to enjoy some fiery Asian flavours. Stroll the stalls, grab some food, and crack open an ice-frosted beer as the sunset show begins. It may be remote, but Darwin found itself on the front line during the Pacific War, as the Japanese air force unloaded their bombs onto the city in 1942. This relaxed unassuming city has a deeply resilient backbone, however, and you can explore the museums to learn more of the war's impact on Darwin, as well as the devastating effects of one of Australia's worst natural disasters, Cyclone Tracy in 1973."