The Spice Islands and Beyond

Transcription

1 S T A N F O R D T R A V E L / S T U D Y The Spice Islands and Beyond underwater edens of eastern indonesia September 29 to October 15, 2014 a program of the stanford alumni association

2 Few places on earth are as ecologically and culturally diverse as Indonesia s Spice Islands and the Raja Ampat Islands. With dramatic landscapes, lush rain forests, a profusion of land and marine flora and fauna, friendly islanders and incomparable coral reefs for underwater exploring, this littletraveled region offers an experience unequalled anywhere. There s no better way to explore all of the riches of these remote islands than by small expedition ship, and our ship, the Oceanic Discoverer, more than fits the bill. As we ply the waters of the Banda and Ceram seas and New Guinea s Cenderawasih Bay, soak up this wondrous amalgam of sea, sand, coral reefs, volcanoes and colorful cultures from the comfort of our state-of-the-art ship. Join us on this unforgettable adventure! wayag island Brett S. Thompson, 83, Director, Stanford Travel/Study Highlights caption SNORKEL or dive in the waters between Pulau Kur and Pulau Kaimeer, known for having the best beaches in the Indonesian archipelago. BE AWED by the sight of Wayag Island with its hundreds of gumdropshaped islets popping up out of turquoise-hued lagoons. EXPLORE World War II wrecks while snorkeling or diving in the renowned crystal-clear waters off the Amsterdam Islands. SEARCH in the island forests for the elusive Red Bird of Paradise, one of the world s most colorful, whimsically plumed birds. biak

3 Wayag Island RAJA AMPAT MISOOL ISLANDS SPICE ISLANDS Banda Sea Itinerary MONday to wednesday, September 29 to October 1 U.S./Darwin, Australia Depart the U.S. on Monday and cross the international date line en route to Australia. Arrive in Darwin on Wednesday and transfer to our hotel before joining fellow travelers for a festive welcome reception and dinner. CROWNE PLAZA DARWIN (D) thursday, October 2 Darwin / Embark Oceanic Discoverer This morning tour the fascinating Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory and enjoy views above the harbor before transferring to Darwin s Fort Hill Wharf for the start of our great adventure. After boarding Oceanic Discoverer, take some time to settle in and explore the ship before joining our traveling companions for sunset drinks. OCEANIC DISCOVERER (B,D) friday, October 3 At Sea Spend the day at leisure enjoying the ship s amenities as we cross the Timor Sea. Join our expedition staff in the ship s lounge for informative presentations in preparation for our first landing in the rarely visited Tanimbar Islands. This evening, join fellow travelers, the captain and his crew at the captain s reception. Darwin to Sydney saturday, October 4 Tanimbar Islands, Indonesia Rise and shine as we approach Saumlaki on Yamdena Island, the main town in the Tanimbar Islands and our first Indonesian landfall. The islands are surrounded by pristine white sand beaches fringed with palm trees. The villagers of the Tanimbars are master carvers and their magnificent ebony wood carvings are considered to be the finest in the entire Indonesian archipelago. View the community s traditional ritual ceremony and hear tales of how headhunting was practiced here until well into the 20th century. OCEANIC DISCOVERER (B,L,D) Sunday, October 5 Kai Islands The island of Kai Tanimbar is considered to be the birthplace of Kai Island culture. Today we cruise and explore the many small islands and communities located between Pulau Kur and Pulau Kaimeer, recognized as having the best beaches in the Indonesian archipelago. Here we have the opportunity to practice our snorkeling and diving skills. As we pass between the islands, keep an eye out for the ancient petroglyphs that adorn the towering cliffs. Painted in ochre, black and white, the cliff drawings depict historic sailing boats and intricately decorated locals wearing tall headdresses. OCEANIC DISCOVERER (B,L,D) Biak I N D O N E S I A Timor Sea AMSTERDAM ISLANDS Manokwari Cenderawasih Bay KAI ISLANDS TANIMBAR ISLANDS NEW GUINEA Arafura Sea Pacific Ocean A USTRALIA monday, October 6 Banda and the Spice Islands In the middle of the Banda Sea lies an enchanted fragment of history, nine tiny islands that were the center of the Spice Island trade. Originally the world s sole source of nutmeg and mace, these islands have attracted traders beginning at least 2,000 years ago. In the 16th century, European explorers, in their search for these islands, ended up discovering entire continents. Join an early morning hike to the top of Fire Mountain for spectacular views above the island s main town of Banda Neira. Then, become immersed in the colors and aromas of the Spice Islands on a stroll down the wide, tree-lined streets of Banda Neira and past the remnants of mansions constructed during Dutch colonialism. Visit the fascinating museum, the former VOC Governor s Mansion, the old church and Fort Belgica. Our exploration of Banda Neira concludes with a visit to the town s nutmeg gardens, shaded by wild almond trees. tuesday, October 7 Pulau Gorong Continuing north we stop at the pristine island of Pulau Gorong, where we spend the day exploring its enchanting saltwater lagoon, home to a myriad of native bird species. Choose from a range of in-water activities, including guided snorkeling, scuba diving and a PAPUA NEW GUINEA BIAK glass-bottom-boat tour. wednesday, October 8 Misool Islands The Misool Islands, one of the famed Four Kings island groups of the Raja Ampat region, are a gemstudded bracelet of islands and a mecca for snorkelers and divers. The islands boast dramatic scenery, with towering limestone pinnacles jutting out of the water and white sand beaches adorned with palm trees. Travel ashore and explore the region on a nature walk with the expedition staff. Snorkel or dive in the waters surrounding the island, which are home to at least three species of the pygmy seahorse, no larger than a fingernail, and the most splendid soft coral jungles, with their vibrant shades of orange, red, purple and pink. OCEANIC DISCOVERER (B,L,D) thursday, October 9 Dampier Straits, Raja Ampat Islands Awaken as we cruise the Dampier Straits, named in honor of famed explorer William Dampier. Traveling ashore at Pulau Gam, we ll be joined by a local Papuan guide on a walk through the shady forests around Sawingrai village. Our guide s local knowledge will hopefully allow us to catch a glimpse of one of nature s finest creations, the ethereal Red Bird of Paradise. This afternoon soak up the natural beauty of the Raja Ampat Islands. On Arborek

4 MANOKWARI VILLAGE Island a profusion of plankton attracts giant manta rays and we have the opportunity to swim among these majestic creatures. Aboard the ship s Xplorer we ll travel ashore to nearby Kri Island, which offers perhaps the best snorkeling and diving in the archipelago, if not the world. friday, October 10 Wayag Island Savor a day of exploration on Wayag Island. Our day starts with an early morning hike up Pindito Peak, where the reward is breathtaking views over the island and its spectacular islet-studded lagoon. Then, spend time lazing on the lagoon s white sand beaches and gazing at the magical panorama of karst (limestone) gumdrop-shaped islets. saturday, October 11 Amsterdam Islands Our expedition leader and guides join us on an excursion to the Amsterdam Islands today. The beaches on these beautiful islands are a favorite egg-laying spot of the world s largest species of sea turtles, the leatherback, and it may be possible to witness the remarkable experience of the endangered leatherbacks nesting. Later we ll visit the Junkyard to explore the World War II wrecks that litter the coastline. During the war, the U.S. Navy scuttled a number of small boats and barges in the shallows, which have now become coral NUTMEG caption reefs that are home to hard and soft corals, sea whips and sea fans. Join a glass-bottom-boat tour, snorkel or scuba dive over the reefs to view or swim among the profusion of fish found here, including barracudas. Sunday, October 12 Manokwari and Mansinan Island Ride our ship s Xplorer to the shore of the West Papuan island of Manokwari for an outstanding cultural experience. This island is home to 24 different tribal groups, each with its own unique language, music, dances and customs. Visit one of the traditional villages, where the local artisans are well-known for their beautiful wooden sculptures. Enjoy glass-bottom-boat tours on the clear waters over the wrecks or snorkel over or dive to the easily accessible Cross Wreck, a Japanese Navy patrol boat, and the famed Shinwa Maru, a Japanese freighter sunk by Allied forces in monday, October 13 Cenderawasih Bay Today we enter the marine life haven of Cenderawasih Marine Park in search of the biggest fish in the sea, the beautiful whale shark. This region is one of the few places in the world where it s possible to swim, snorkel and dive among these majestic animals. Cenderawasih Bay also supports over 200 species of tropical fish, along with 50 square miles of pristine coral reef, which we snorkel over and discover on glass-bottom-boat tours. In the evening, join fellow travelers, the captain and his crew at the captain s farewell event to reflect back on what has been an incredible journey. tuesday, October 14 Biak / Disembark Oceanic Discoverer / Darwin, Australia This morning we arrive in Biak and bid farewell to our captain and his staff. En route to our chartered jet for the flight back to Darwin, tour Biak and learn of its fascinating history. Later, upon arriving back in Australia, transfer to our overnight accommodations. CROWNE PLAZA DARWIN (B,L,D) wednesday, October 15 Darwin / U.S. Transfer to the airport this morning for international flights back to the U.S. (B) NOTE: This itinerary provides a look at some of the islands, atolls and lagoons along our route as well as the type of activities we offer. While every effort will be made to follow the itinerary, we may need to make allowances for weather, tidal conditions and other unforeseen events. Our journey is rich with opportunities to interact with native wildlife, however, we cannot promise the sighting of particular species during our visit. w sydney opera house Optional Post-trip Extension to Sydney october 15 to 18, 2014 Spend three nights in Sydney starting with a behind-the-scenes visit to the Taronga Zoo, where we receive an introduction to Australia s unusual wildlife and the wilderness of the Australian bushland. Enjoy ample opportunities to photograph koalas, kangaroos and echidnas. Explore Sydney s historic Rocks district, a 19th-century village that today sits in the shadow of the Harbour Bridge, before spending the evening at the opera. Take a tour of the Sydney Opera House and enjoy a pre-theater dinner at the famed Guillaume at Bennelong restaurant prior to being seated at the night s performance. Additional details and pricing will be sent to confirmed passengers.

5 Dining room promenade deck stateroom xplorer excursions oceanic discoverer Oceanic Discoverer The recently built Oceanic Discoverer comprises 36 spacious, modern staterooms, offering a choice of twin or junior king beds. All staterooms have an ocean view, en suite facilities, settee, large wardrobe, desk, luggage storage and individual air-conditioning control. Spacious and finely appointed public areas include a reference library, lecture lounge, purser s desk, dive shop, large sun deck, spa pool and two bars. The restaurant offers buffet-style breakfast and lunch service and a three-course table d hôte dinner service. Menus are modern Australian, with the chefs seeking out the freshest of local ingredients to prepare truly memorable dining experiences; all guests are accommodated at a single seating. The state-of-theart Oceanic Discoverer is equipped with the latest technology, active stabilizers, wifi access and the Xplorer, its specially designed aluminium expedition vessel used for the majority of our excursions. Active Stabilizers Spa A05 Lounge A06 A03 A04 Captain s Cabin A02 SUN DECK BRIDGE DECK Program Cost * Rates per person, based on double or single occupancy, as noted DOUBLE SINGLE** B21 B19 B17 B15 B13 B11 B09 B07 B05 B03 B22 B20 B18 B16 B14 B12 B10 B08 B06 B04 B01 B02 PROMENADE DECK Bridge Deck, 195 sq. ft. $14,895 Promenade Deck, 195 sq. ft. $14,595 $19,595 Xplorer Boarding Dining Room C09 C07 C05 C03 C01 MAIN DECK Promenade Deck, 175 sq. ft. $14,395 $18,895 C08 C06 C04 C02 Main Deck, 195 sq. ft. $13,895 $18,095 Main Deck, 195 sq. ft. $13,595 $17,795 *Association nonmembers add $200 per person. ** Single accommodations are limited at these rates. Length: 207 feet Beam: 43 feet Draft: 10 feet Number of guests: 72 Speed: 14 knots Registry: Australia

6 Information Terms & Conditions Dates September 29 to October 15, 2014 (17 days) Size Limited to 69 participants Included 2 nights of deluxe hotel accommodations 12-night cruise aboard the Oceanic Discoverer 14 breakfasts, 12 lunches and 14 dinners Welcome and farewell cocktail receptions Filtered water on excursions Gratuities to porters, guides, drivers and ship crew for all group activities All tours and shore excursions as described in the itinerary Transfers and baggage handling on program arrival and departure days Chartered jet flight from Biak to Darwin on 10/14 Port fees and embarkation taxes Minimal medical, accident and evacuation insurance Educational program with lecture series and pre-departure materials, including recommended reading list, a selected book, map and travel information Services of our professional tour manager to assist you throughout the program Not Included International and U.S. domestic airfare Passport and visa fees Immunization costs Meals and beverages other than those specified as included Independent and private transfers Trip-cancellation/interruption and baggage insurance Excess-baggage charges Personal items such as internet access, telephone and fax calls, laundry and gratuities for nongroup services Air Arrangements International and U.S. domestic airfare is not included in the program cost. Round-trip, economy-class airfare on Qantas Airways from San Francisco to and from Darwin, Australia, is approximately $2,200 as of April 2014 and is subject to change without notice. Information on recommended flight itineraries will be sent by our designated agent. F u e l C o s t s In the uncertain, often volatile oil market of late, it is difficult to predict fuel costs over the long term and, more specifically, at the time of operation of this voyage. Our prices are based upon the prevailing fuel rates at the time of brochure printing. While we will do everything possible to maintain our prices, if the fuel rates increase significantly, it may be necessary to institute a fuel surcharge. What to Expect We consider this to be a mildly strenuous program. No prior snorkeling experience is necessary and all participants should be comfortable swimming unassisted in open water. Boarding our excursion vessel, the Xplorer, is safe and easy, you simply step aboard from the Main Deck and Oceanic Discoverer s unique hydraulic platform will gently lower the excursion vessel into the water, ensuring that you don t need to clamber aboard or get your feet wet. Ashore, you must be able to walk moderate distances, uaided, along beaches and sometimes over rough terrain, including steep and sandy trails. Participants must be physically fit, active and in good health. We welcome travelers 15 years of age and older on this program. Deposit & Final Payment A $1,000-per-person deposit is required to hold space for this program. An additional $200-perperson deposit is required to hold space for the optional post-trip extension. Complete and return the attached reservation form or sign up online. Final payment is due 120 days prior to departure. As a condition of participation, all confirmed participants are required to sign a Release of Liability. Cancellations & Refunds Deposits and any payments are refundable, less a $500-perperson cancellation fee, until 120 days prior to departure. After that date, refunds can be made only if the program is sold out and your place(s) can be resold, in which case a $1,000-per-person cancellation fee will apply. We recommend trip-cancellation insurance; applications will be sent to you. Insurance Stanford Travel/Study provides all travelers who are U.S. or Canadian citizens with minimal medical, accident and evacuation coverage under our group-travel insurance policy. Our group policy is intended to provide minimal levels of protection while you are traveling on this program. We strongly recommend that you subscribe to optional baggage and trip-cancellation insurance. A brochure offering such insurance will be mailed with your confirmation about one week after we receive your deposit. The product offered in this brochure includes special benefits if you postmark your insurance payment within a specified window: 15 days of the date listed on the confirmation letter for the Waiver of Pre-existing Conditions and coverage for Financial Insolvency; 21 days for the Cancel for Any Reason benefit. Eligibility We encourage membership in the Alumni Association as the program cost for nonmembers is $200 more than the members price. Parents and their children under 21 may travel on one membership. For more information or to purchase a membership, visit alumni.stanford. edu/goto/membership or call (650) California Seller of Travel Program Registration # Responsibility The Stanford Alumni Association, Stanford University and our operators act only as agents for the passenger with respect to transportation and ship arrangements and exercise every care possible in doing so. However, we can assume no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity in connection with the service of any automobile, motorcoach, launch or any other conveyance used in carrying out this program or for the acts or defaults of any company or person engaged in conveying the passenger or in carrying out the arrangements of the program. We cannot accept any responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, quarantine, force majeure or other causes beyond our control. All such losses or expenses will have to be borne by the passenger as tour rates provide arrangements only for the time stated. We reserve the right to make such alterations to this published itinerary as may be deemed necessary. The right is reserved to cancel any program prior to departure in which case the entire payment will be refunded without further obligation on our part. The right is also reserved to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of the program. No refund will be made for an unused portion of any tour unless arrangements are made in sufficient time to avoid penalties. It is understood that the ship s ticket, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the passenger and the cruise company. Baggage is carried at the owner s risk entirely. The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time that passengers are not onboard their plane or conveyance. Neither the Alumni Association, Stanford University nor our operators accept liability for any carrier s cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a nonrefundable ticket in connection with the tour. Program price is based on rates in effect in April 2013 and is subject to change without notice to reflect fluctuations in exchange rates, tariffs or fuel charges. COPYRIGHT 2013 STANFORD ALUMNI ASSOCIATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Printed on recycled, FSC-certified paper in the U.S.

7 Whether you approach it from an academic interest in biology or an aesthetic appreciation of colors, textures, and forms, this trip offers a wealth of visual and intellectual stimulation in the context of cultural and natural history. Joel Simon, 74, BS 75, MS 77 Stanford Faculty Leader Joel Simon, 74, BS 75, MS 77, has two passions: photography and marine biology. His desire to investigate the content of Southern California tide pools at the age of 11 motivated him to build his own diving gear out of a one-liter soda bottle, surgical tubing and the gas valve off an old stove. Not long afterwards, he began taking his camera underwater. A seasoned travel operator, marine biologist, freelance photographer and writer with over 30 years of experience in leading group tours, he has designed and directed educational travel programs on all seven continents, and is a veteran of land-, ship-, train- and plane-based journeys in over 100 countries. Joel is the president of Sea for Yourself, a tour operator specializing in educational snorkeling programs. During his tenure as snorkeling editor for Skin Diver magazine, he published dozens of articles on snorkeling technique and destinations. His ongoing photographic work includes an extensive portfolio of Stanford University images. Joel has been a popular photography instructor with Stanford Continuing Studies since Expedition Study Leader Joining us aboard the Oceanic Discover to augment our lecture program is Dr. N Deane Aaliyah Helajzen. She is currently a professor of anthropology at Melbourne University in Australia. Dr. Helajzen focuses her work on improving health conditions in remote communities and has spent significant time in the South Pacific, New Guinea and Indonesia conducting research. She received her bachelor of science and masters degrees in social health at Melbourne University and is involved in several professional organizations, for instance, the Australian Anthropology Association, the American Anthropological Association and the National Association for the Practice of Anthropology, to name just a few. S T A N F O R D T R A V E L / S T U D Y Reservation Form The Spice Islands and Beyond September 29 to October 15, 2014 MR. / MRS. / MS. MISS / DR. / PROF. NAME AGE STANFORD CLASS MR. / MRS. / MS. MISS / DR. / PROF. NAME AGE STANFORD CLASS ADDRESS CITY / STATE / ZIP SIGN UP ONLINE! I/We have read the Terms and Conditions for the program and agree to them. Signature If this is a reservation for one person, please indicate: I wish to have single accommodations. OR I plan to share accommodations with OR I d like to know about possible roommates. Category Preference: 1st choice: Twin Beds Junior King 2nd choice: Twin Beds Junior King Here is my deposit of $ ($1,000 per person) for space(s), plus $ ($200 per person) for the optional post-trip extension. Enclosed is my check (make payable to Stanford Alumni Association) OR Charge my deposit to my: Visa MasterCard American Express HOME PHONE WORK PHONE CARD # EXPIRES CELL PHONE ADDRESS AUTHORIZED CARDHOLDER SIGNATURE DATE Mail completed form to address on mail panel or fax to (650) or place your deposit online at alumni.stanford.edu/trip?spice2014. Please submit your reservation only once to avoid multiple charges to your account

8 The Spice Islands and Beyond underwater edens of eastern indonesia Stanford Travel/Study Frances C. Arrillaga Alumni Center 326 Galvez Street Stanford, CA (650) Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Stanford Association September 29 to October 15, 2014 alumni.stanford.edu/goto/travelstudy I was so pleased to find that there is such a great way for me to travel to more challenging destinations where I would not go on my own. Patricia Leicher, 70, Stanford Traveler S T A N F O R D T R A V E L / S T U D Y CENDERaWASIH bay