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Nestled in the heart of the Malay Archipelago, Borneo is the third largest island in the world. It is also home to the world's oldest tropical rainforests. Our expedition will take us down the seldom visited eastern side of Borneo. A visit to Samboja Lestari to view the reforestation projects and rehabilitation of the orangutans near Balikpapan is sure to be a highlight. We cross the famous Wallace Line, named after the 19th century British naturalist, and take an overnight journey through the ancient and mystical Toraja Land in Sulawesi. We will finish off the journey with an insight into the ancient Goan Kingdom and the more recent Dutch history of Makassar and the spice wards.
Departures
Across the Wallace Line
22 September, 2012 to 02 October, 2012
22 September, 2012 to 02 October, 2012
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B Ocean Suite
$8150.00 AUD pp
The B Ocean Suites are located on Deck 4 windows and sitting area. The average area is 215sq ft
A Ocean Suite
$9500.00 AUD pp
The A Ocean Suites are located on Deck 2 with portholes and a generous average area of 275sq ft
AA Ocean Suite
$10400.00 AUD pp
These nicely appointed Ocean Suites are situated on deck 3. The average room size is 225 sq ft, all with windows and a comfortable sitting area
Junior Suite
$11300.00 AUD pp
On deck 4 there are ten Junior Suites. These 235sq ft suites have a window and sitting area
Deluxe Suite
$13000.00 AUD pp
The two Deluxe Suites occupy up to 285 sq ft* in area on Deck 5. Forward windows and a sitting area lets you relax and enjoy the beautiful ocean view after a day of exploration
Balcony Suite
$14700.00 AUD pp
The twelve luxurious Balcony Suites are on Deck 5 with sitting area and a private balcony allowing you to take in the sea breeze
Penthouse Suite
$16400.00 AUD pp
Orion II's four spacious Penthouse Suites are the only suites located on Deck 6. These 260sq ft suites have private balconies, window and sitting area
Across the Wallace Line itinerary:
Day 1 - Tawau
Tawau is the third largest town of the state of Sabah. It is a relatively new town in Malaysia, boomed in early 1980s for its lumber and cocoa farming industry. Today Tawau is a bustling town where it is a transit point to the rest of the world and your farewell from this expedition.
Day 2 - Derawan Island, Kalimantan
The Derawan Islands are located in a global biodiversity hotspot, featuring over 2,000 species of reef fishes and 507 reef building corals. There are two inhabited islands, namely Derawan (1 village of 1,259 people) and Maratua (4 villages of 2,704 people) with fishing as the main income generating activity for the community. We will visit the main island of Derawan.
Included Expeditions
After clearance procedures into Kalimantan from Sabah we will make our way to Derawan Island. Our Zodiacs will carry us up the river into Derawan Village where we will meet local guides who will show us insights into life on Derawan. In the late afternoon we will serve cocktails and canapes on the beach. All going to plan a local cultural performance will entertain us on the beach before sailing to the next islands.
Included Expeditions
After clearance procedures into Kalimantan from Sabah we will make our way to Derawan Island. Our Zodiacs will carry us up the river into Derawan Village where we will meet local guides who will show us insights into life on Derawan. In the late afternoon we will serve cocktails and canapes on the beach. All going to plan a local cultural performance will entertain us on the beach before sailing to the next islands.
Day 3 - Kakaban & Sangalaki Islands
Kakaban and Sangalaki are both located just off the coast of the Kalimantan portion of the mainland of Borneo. Kakaban has an unusual lake filled with non-stinging jelly fish. As well as snorkelling in the amazing reef system you can also snorkel in the lake and observe the hundreds of unusual jelly fish. The ship will relocate over lunch to Sangalaki for more great in water experiences. Sangalaki has a large number of mantarays off shore and normally snorkelling with these magnificent creatures is possible.
Included Expeditions
Today will be split between the two islands with swimming and snorkelling available all day. Access to the lake on Kakaban for snorkelling with the jelly fish is possible, and the expedition team will coordinate trips to snorkel with the mantarays (where possible) off Sangalaki. Snorkelling for beginners to advanced is available today.
Optional Expeditions
SANGALAKI SCUBA DIVE
For certified SCUBA divers an option exists today for you to purchase a SCUBA dive with a local dive operator. Exact location of dive is dependant on weather and number and capabilities of participants.
Price: To be confirmed
Included Expeditions
Today will be split between the two islands with swimming and snorkelling available all day. Access to the lake on Kakaban for snorkelling with the jelly fish is possible, and the expedition team will coordinate trips to snorkel with the mantarays (where possible) off Sangalaki. Snorkelling for beginners to advanced is available today.
Optional Expeditions
SANGALAKI SCUBA DIVE
For certified SCUBA divers an option exists today for you to purchase a SCUBA dive with a local dive operator. Exact location of dive is dependant on weather and number and capabilities of participants.
Price: To be confirmed
Day 4 - Sangatta River (for Kutai National Park)
Many species of animals exist in this national park, such as orangutans, Proboscis Monkeys, deer, crocodiles and at least 300 bird species. The Kutai National Park extends over an area of 2,000 km², part of the former Kutai Game Reserve which has been protected since the 1970's. However this status did not prevent the logging of a third of the forest in subsequent years. In an attempt to prevent further deforestation the Kutai National Park was established in 1982. Nevertheless, the great Borneo fires of 1982/83 destroyed another 60% of the forest. Thus only 30% of the primary growth forest remains.
The principal vegetation types include coastal mangrove forest, freshwater swamp forest and kerangas forest. There have been 900 species of vegetation identified in the park. The park provides habitat to a wide range of mammals including orangutan, Malayan Sun Bear, Sambar deer, Banteng, Maroon Leaf Monkey, White-fronted Leaf Monkey, Hose's Leaf Monkey, Proboscis Monkey, Bornean Gibbon, Clouded Leopard, Black Flying Squirrel, Marbled Cat, Flat-headed Cat, Yellow-throated Marten, Otter Civet, and Smooth-coated Otter.
Included Expeditions
We will use the Sangatta River to access the National Park today. We will not be making landings today, but ample opportunity for watching primates and birdlife from our Zodiac fleet.
The principal vegetation types include coastal mangrove forest, freshwater swamp forest and kerangas forest. There have been 900 species of vegetation identified in the park. The park provides habitat to a wide range of mammals including orangutan, Malayan Sun Bear, Sambar deer, Banteng, Maroon Leaf Monkey, White-fronted Leaf Monkey, Hose's Leaf Monkey, Proboscis Monkey, Bornean Gibbon, Clouded Leopard, Black Flying Squirrel, Marbled Cat, Flat-headed Cat, Yellow-throated Marten, Otter Civet, and Smooth-coated Otter.
Included Expeditions
We will use the Sangatta River to access the National Park today. We will not be making landings today, but ample opportunity for watching primates and birdlife from our Zodiac fleet.
Day 5 - Samboja
Samboja Lestari is an area of restored tropical rainforest near the city of Balikpapan in East Kalimantan, Borneo created by the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOS) led by Dr Willie Smits, with the aim of providing a safe haven for rehabilitated orangutans while at the same time providing a source of income for local people. Since 2001, the once barren land has been planted with more than a million trees covering more than 1000 different species. With the growth in the forest, the density and diversity of wildlife has returned. So far 137 bird species and nine primate species have been recorded. Air temperature has fallen by 3 to 5 degrees centigrade, cloud cover increased by 12% and rainfall by 20-25% with the forest cooling the atmosphere and attracting rain clouds.
The Orangutan Reintroduction Project at Wanariset has now moved to Samboja Lestari with around 200 orangutans now living there. Several Forest Schools provide natural, educational playgrounds for the orangutans in which to learn forest skills before returning to cages to sleep at night. Samboja Lestari is also the home to 52 Malaysian sun bears.
Included Expeditions
After landing by Zodiac we will travel by coach to the Samboja Project area. We will see the work being done by the project with reforestation and the rehabilitation of orangutans and sunbears. We will participate in a scatter feed of the sunbears during our day today. A wonderful local lunch will be served ashore. We will also have a presentation ashore today from one of the project leaders on the work of the project.
The Orangutan Reintroduction Project at Wanariset has now moved to Samboja Lestari with around 200 orangutans now living there. Several Forest Schools provide natural, educational playgrounds for the orangutans in which to learn forest skills before returning to cages to sleep at night. Samboja Lestari is also the home to 52 Malaysian sun bears.
Included Expeditions
After landing by Zodiac we will travel by coach to the Samboja Project area. We will see the work being done by the project with reforestation and the rehabilitation of orangutans and sunbears. We will participate in a scatter feed of the sunbears during our day today. A wonderful local lunch will be served ashore. We will also have a presentation ashore today from one of the project leaders on the work of the project.
ay 6 - Lampuko Mampie Wetlands
Having crossed the Wallace Line we know find ourselves on the island of Sulawesi. A swampy low lying area with 300 ha of swamp forest and some mangroves, dominated by Ceriops and Bruguiera spp. The area has many fish farms. The wetlands is good for spotting waterbirds such as Egrets, Storks, Ibis and various types of Duck.
Included Expeditions
There are no planned landings in the wetlands today but we will explore by Zodiac focussing particularly on the birdlife in the wetlands. We will also pass through a local village where we may make a landing if invited.
Included Expeditions
There are no planned landings in the wetlands today but we will explore by Zodiac focussing particularly on the birdlife in the wetlands. We will also pass through a local village where we may make a landing if invited.
Day 7 - Pare Pare (overnight for Tana Toraja)
We will disembark the ship to travel inland to Tana Toraja, staying overnight in Rantepeo. With majestic panoramas, captivating villages and dramatic ceremonies, Tana Toraja is the undisputed highlight of any journey to Sulawesi. This unique culture, the scenic beauty, cool climate and gentle people are the main reason that Toraja is gaining popularity as a tourist destination.
Tana Toraja, often referred to as the "Land of the Heavenly Kings" is home to an ethnic group who believes that their forefathers descended from heaven onto a mountain some twenty generations ago. The Torajas have a unique culture based on animistic beliefs. Known for their grand burial ceremonies on cliffs or hanging graves, they practice an ancestral cult even today where death and afterlife ceremonies are great feasts when buffaloes are sacrificed in the final death ceremony, after which the deceased's remains are placed in a coffin and interred in caves hollowed out in high cliffs. The mouth of the cave is guarded by lifelike statues, looking out from a "balcony". "Tongkonan" (family houses) are built on stilts with roofs on each end rising like the prows of a ship, representing the cosmos.
Included Expeditions
We have two action packed days starting out from Pare Pare focussing on the area of Tana Toraja. We will use the two days to explore the history and culture of Tana Toraja and during dinner we will witness a special cultural performance.
Tana Toraja, often referred to as the "Land of the Heavenly Kings" is home to an ethnic group who believes that their forefathers descended from heaven onto a mountain some twenty generations ago. The Torajas have a unique culture based on animistic beliefs. Known for their grand burial ceremonies on cliffs or hanging graves, they practice an ancestral cult even today where death and afterlife ceremonies are great feasts when buffaloes are sacrificed in the final death ceremony, after which the deceased's remains are placed in a coffin and interred in caves hollowed out in high cliffs. The mouth of the cave is guarded by lifelike statues, looking out from a "balcony". "Tongkonan" (family houses) are built on stilts with roofs on each end rising like the prows of a ship, representing the cosmos.
Included Expeditions
We have two action packed days starting out from Pare Pare focussing on the area of Tana Toraja. We will use the two days to explore the history and culture of Tana Toraja and during dinner we will witness a special cultural performance.
Day 8 - Pare Pare
Pare Pare
Day 9 - Makassar
Makassar is the provincial capital of South Sulawesi and the largest city on the Island. From 1971 to 1999, the city was formally named Ujung Pandang, after a pre-colonial fort in the city, and the two names are often used interchangeably. Ujung Pandang had an important role as the gateway to the former kingdom of Gowa and now to the whole province because of its natural harbour. The most important landmark is ‘Ujung Pandang fortress’ that faces the sea front. One of the eleven fortresses of the kingdom built in 1545 during the reign of Tuni Pallanga, the 10th Gowa sultan. When Gowa capitulated to the colonial forces under the treaty of Bungaya in 1667, the fort was renamed Rotterdam by Admiral Spellman who constructed bastions and buildings of typical Dutch architecture making it the centre of the civilian government.
Included Expeditions
Our day will consist of two main inclusive activities today. We will have the opportunity to visit Fort Rotterdam, using local pedal rickshaws to travel there from the port, to help understand the history and culture of Makassar. We will also have the opportunity to visit the small town of Bulusarang in Banti Murung Park where there is a fantastic little waterfall. We can take a refreshing dip in the pools beneath the falls and take the chance here to meet and mix with locals of Sulawesi.
Included Expeditions
Our day will consist of two main inclusive activities today. We will have the opportunity to visit Fort Rotterdam, using local pedal rickshaws to travel there from the port, to help understand the history and culture of Makassar. We will also have the opportunity to visit the small town of Bulusarang in Banti Murung Park where there is a fantastic little waterfall. We can take a refreshing dip in the pools beneath the falls and take the chance here to meet and mix with locals of Sulawesi.
Day 10 - At sea
At sea
Day 11 - Benoa, Bali, Indonesia
The Indonesian island of Bali represents an oxymoron. The city centre of Denpasar is crammed with hotels and tourist activity. It is renowned for its highly developed arts, including dance, sculpture, painting, leather, metalworking and music.
The countryside is picturesque incorporating rice paddies flooding the hillsides and volcanoes reaching to the skies. The rain-forests are lush and tropical, and the beaches are washed by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. The island is home to the vast majority of Indonesia's small Hindu minority.
The countryside is picturesque incorporating rice paddies flooding the hillsides and volcanoes reaching to the skies. The rain-forests are lush and tropical, and the beaches are washed by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. The island is home to the vast majority of Indonesia's small Hindu minority.
Orion II
Orion II is a private yacht-like expedition cruise ship built by Cantieri Navale Ferrari of Italy. After a number of years as a private yacht, Orion II was relaunched in 2009 following an extensive technical refit. Little expense was spared with this stylish, Italian built, all-suite Mega Yacht. Orion II now offers the finest standards in small-ship cruise travel. She also has an ice-strengthened hull for voyages in the Arctic and Antarctic and is fitted with stabilisers.
The expedition equipment includes Zodiacs and fast tender to deliver the Orion expedition experience. Combining luxury and service will require staffing by 68 offices and crew to serve Orion II’s capacity of 100 guests. Excellence of design, craftsmanship and quality materials combined with Orion II’s spaciousness and intimate ambience make her ideal for distinctive cultural and expedition voyages.
Technical Information
Length: 88 metres
Beam: 15.3 metres
Draft: 4.5 metres
Hull: Ice- strengthened hull for voyages in the Arctic and Antarctic
Gross Tonnage: 4,077
Engines: MAN B&W Diesel 2 x 2520 KW
Speed: 14 knots. Cruise speed 13.5 knots
Stabilisers: Retractable fin stabilisers
Manoeuvrability: Bow thrusters
Built: January 1991. Refitted 2009
Builder: Cantieri Navale Ferrari (Italy)
Suites: 50
Guest Capacity: 100 (twin occupancy).
Crew: 68
Elevator: Yes
Classification: Lloyds
Regulations: Orion II is built according to the latest international safety regulations, including those of the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Public Health, Canadian Arctic Shipping, and St. Lawrence Seaway.
Additional Craft: 6 Zodiac Heavy Duty MK5, 1x36 passenger tender
Communications: Direct-dial satellite telephones; fax; e-mail; Internet access; internal telephone system.
Registry: Malta
