Passage to Java & Beyond

Transcription

1 Passage to Java & Beyond lau offe nch r-s 500 AVE PER PERS and RECE ON IVE free E XTEN BALI SION An exploration of the historical and natural wonders of Indonesia s islands aboard the MS Caledonian Sky 27th September to 11th October 2016

2 Belitung Islands Rice paddy MALAYSIA Singapore SUMATRA Pulau Krakatoa Belitung Islands Cirebon Semarang Karimunjawa Islands Sumenep JAVA Probolinggo Bali Alas Purwo National Park This unusual journey between the beautiful island of Bali and the cosmopolitan city of Singapore represents a fascinating itinerary which focuses on the island of Java, the heart of Indonesia and the most culturally compelling of her islands. From encounters with endemic wildlife and some of the best snorkelling in the world to volcanic landscapes, iridescent rice paddies, places of deep spiritual significance and areas of outstanding natural beauty, we have planned the itinerary to make the most of our time in this unique part of the world. On the remote front we shall visit the Belitung Islands where we will make good use of our Zodiacs to explore. However, the undisputed highlight for many will be our visit to Borobudur, the great Buddhist stupa, built and decorated perhaps before 800AD. This should be on anybody s list of the ten greatest art-complexes in the world for its size, quality, sophistication and excellent state of preservation. Our in-depth exploration of Java s wonders also includes the far east of the island and the national park that encompasses the still active volcano, Mount Bromo where the landscapes are simply magnificent. With our perfectly suited small ship, we can access islands and bays that the big ships simply cannot get close to and with our fleet of ten Zodiac landing craft, an expert expedition team, a friendly crew of 74 and just 100 fellow passengers, our voyage promises to be an adventure shared with like-minded travellers. Our View The island of Java forms the heart of Indonesia, containing the country s capital of Jakarta but also a diversity of cultural experiences, historical sites and natural world offerings. On our cruise from Bali to Singapore we spend seven nights on the island experiencing the Alas Purwo on the south eastern tip to Pulau Krakatoa off the west coast. In between we have the chance to visit the fascinating temple complex at Borobodur, snorkel on the wonderful corals of the Karinmunjawa Islands, climb Mount Bromo volcano and see the traditions of Madura. In Krakatoa we have the opportunity to land and explore this famous volcano and learn about the infamous eruption of In between we will enjoy some time in Bali, including the less visited north coast and the wonderful Belitung Islands, a relaxing way to end our voyage before arriving in Singapore. Ship s Log We have operated many similar voyages and below are extracts from past ship s logs which should provide you with an insight into what you can expect from this unique voyage... 19th October 2013 Krakatoa This morning we enjoyed a leisurely start to the day as we were anticipating a morning at sea before our arrival at legendary Krakatoa. Some of us enjoyed some R&R on the sun deck while others joined the expedition team in the Caledonian Lounge for a morning of presentations. At the end of these, word came from the bridge that the islands were now in plain view and we also had dolphins directly ahead of the ship. Naturally, we took to the outer decks with our cameras and took in the majesty of the four islands rising from the ocean as Captain Peter skilfully sailed the ship into the heart of the caldera. Given the fabulous surroundings, most opted to enjoy lunch on the Lido and shortly thereafter the expedition team launched two Zodiacs to scout the landing. At approximately 1400, disembarkation commenced and we were dropped off on the black-sand beaches of Anak Krakatau. We were amazed at the density of the forest and for probably the first time of the voyage were struck by the amount of birdsong from the trees. For those who wished, Ornithologist Dennis Wille led a guided walk through the forest and up to the foot of Anak Krakatau, followed shortly behind by Geologist Susan. A good volume of water vapour was rising from the crater making for some very atmospheric photos and soon after our arrival, the wind direction shifted allowing us to safely climb to a plateau about half way up the volcano without breathing in the noxious gases. From the plateau we enjoyed fabulous views up to the top of the crater as well as across the caldera to the other surrounding islands. In smalls groups we returned to the beach area where the crew were serving much-needed iced smoothies on the beach. By 1700 with all Zodiacs and guests back on board we enjoyed a fabulous coral red sunset as the sun dropped to the sea alongside the outline of Anak Kraatau. 25 January 2014 Probolinggo, Java: From the port we drove into the foothills. Looking down beneath us we could see through the mist, a barren flat landscape, utterly distinct from that we had been driving through. And in the middle of this landscape were two classically volcanic cones our destination: Mount Bromo. Pulling up at the base of one of the cones, we were decanted onto ponies and led two thirds of the way up the side of the volcano. The final third we did ourselves, up the ashcovered concrete steps to the rim of the crater, wreathed in steam and smelling faintly of sulphur. Other pilgrims were there with us, some just tourists (both Indonesian and from further afield), others clearly with more spiritual intent. Back down the crater and to the jeeps, a leisurely lunch and then onto Sapi Kerep, where we were welcomed by one of the traditional dances of the local people, a couple of highdecorated cows being followed by a local band. All the village joined us as we processed around the houses, holding up the traffic and finally finishing back with our original coaches, who then took us back down the mountainside to the port and the Zodiacs for our return to the ship. Total methods of transport used during the excursion (including by foot): five.

3 Turtle Traditional dancers, Madura Mount Bromo, Probolinggo Exploring by Zodiac The Itinerary Day 1 London Heathrow to Bali, Indonesia. Fly by scheduled flight via Singapore. Day 2 Bali. Arrive this afternoon and transfer to the Komaneka Rasa Sayang Hotel (or similar) in Ubud for an overnight stay. The remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy the hotel s facilities or explore independently. Day 3 Bali. After breakfast in the hotel enjoy a leisurely morning. In the early afternoon there will be a brief tour of Ubud including the Goa Gajah Temple, a collection of caves carved by the Buddhist people of Bali around the time that Buddhism and Hinduism were both practiced on the island. According to inscriptions found on the walls, the caves were created in the 11th century but it lay undetected for centuries before it was rediscovered in 1923 by a team of Dutch archaeologists. Excavations carried out in 1954 unearthed bathing places in front of the cave with six female figures, representing nymphs or goddesses holding water spouts. In the late afternoon we will transfer to the MS Caledonian Sky and sail this evening. Day 4 Alas Purwo National Park, Java. Our first call on the island of Java is the rarely visited Alas Purwo National Park on the Blambangan Peninsula located on the south eastern tip of the island. The park covers hectares of land consisting of savanna, mangrove forest, beach forest and lowland tropical forest. It is home to some of Java s endangered species such as the Javanese bull, Dhole, Javan Langur, Green Peafowl and Red Junglefowl. Thousands of migrating birds visit its pristine forests each year and the beaches of the park provide nesting ground for Leatherback Turtles, Hawksbill Turtles, Green Turtles, and Olive Ridley Turtles. Endemic species of plants that grow in this park include Manilkara kauk, Gigantochloa manggong, Terminalia cattapa and there are 13 different species of bamboo. We will use Zodiacs to land and arrange jungle treks to see the wildlife and turtle conservation projects and use boats to view the birdlife in the mangrove forests. Menjangan Island Day 5 Taman Nasional Bali Barat or Munduk Highlands, Bali. We return to Bali this morning but are well away from the main tourist hubs as we land on the north eastern coast line. We have a choice of full day excursions today. You may wish to visit the West Bali National Park which comprises of 19,000 hectares on land with an additional 7,000 hectares of coral reefs and coastal waters. Here we can enjoy a gentle trek to the protected mangrove and monsoon forest and hope to see grey monkeys, black monkeys, giant lizard and some of the 160 species of birds that live here. Afterwards we take a short boat ride to Menjangan Island, considered one of the best snorkelling areas in the world. Here we will explore beautiful coral reef gardens as well as electric clams, scorpion fish, starfish, eels and some very large reef fish. Alternatively drive inland to the Munduk Highlands. Passing through Singaraja for a brief tour the former capital city of Bali before continuing to the mountainous area of Bedugul to see the three lakes, Bratan, Buyan and Tamblingan. Alongside Lake Bratan is Pura Ulun Danu, an important Hindu-Buddhist temple dedicated to the water goddess and a site of pilgrimage. The scenery is stunning and we will have time to take in the surroundings before continuing to the appealing town of Munduk which is set amongst hillsides full of fruit trees, jungles and rice fields. Day 6 Probolinggo for Mount Bromo, Java. We return to Java today and from the port of Probolinggo head inland to Mount Bromo National Park. We will leave the ship early to make our way towards the active volcano, Mount Bromo, driving through the awe inspiring surrounding landscapes. At 7641 feet, Mount Bromo is not the highest peak in the Tengger Massif Range but is the most famous. The name derives from the Javanese pronunciation of Brahma, the Hindu creator god. The more active will have a chance to climb to the lip of the crater. We will enjoy a lunch in a local restaurant before returning to the ship and sailing in the late afternoon. Day 7 Sumanep, Madura. The island of Madura is now connected to Java by Indonesia s longest bridge however, the islanders maintain their own culture and customs. The town of Sumanep has played an important role in the long history of Madura Island from the Majapahit Kingdom, the colonial era until the time of independence. We will see the Royal Palace and the attached museum, where we will be greeted by a special welcome dance, the Muangsangkal, meaning to throw away bad luck, the dance depicts hope of Sumenep people to avoid disaster. Continue to the Great Mosque, built in 1763 and influenced by Chinese and European styles. We return to the ship for lunch before heading off this afternoon for a bull race, the most famous attraction on Madura. The tradition began long ago when plough teams raced each other across fields but today, with bull breeding big business, it has become an important part of the culture. Accompanied by traditional Maduranese music and cheering crowds the bulls pull the drivers on wooden sleds along a 100 metre course with the winning bulls being used as studs for the next 12 months. Day 8 Karimunjawa Islands. After a busy few days we enjoy a relaxing morning onboard as we sail towards these 27 coral fringed islands situated off the north coast of Java. Arriving in the afternoon we will use our Zodiacs to find a suitable location to land on a local beach. Here we can soak up the sun, enjoy a walk or enjoy time swimming or snorkelling in the clear waters. Day 9 Semarang for Borobudur, Java. Returning to the main island we reach Semarang our base for our day-long excursion to the UNESCO site of Borobudur and our drive to the site will take us through the highlands and past the imposing Gunung Merapi Volcano. Borobudur is one of world s greatest ancient monuments and the single largest Buddhist structure anywhere on earth. Built in the 9th century, possibly to enhance the image of Buddhism when Hinduism was growing in strength across the Indonesian archipelago, it was deserted almost immediately when the Buddhist Sailenra dynasty was overthrown by the Hindu Majapahit Empire. It lay for 1000 years under heavy jungle before its re-discovery by Sir Stamford Raffles in 1814 from when it was slowly restored. The site consists of six square platforms topped by three circular platforms, and is decorated with no less than 2672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues of various types. Day 10 Cirebon. Continuing along the north coast of Java we arrive at Cirebon. Here we will use pedicabs to take us to the Kasepuhan Palace, built in the 16th century, it is a blend of Sundanese, Javanese, Islamic, Chinese and Dutch styles. We will see local dance performances before touring the palace museum with royal carriages, weaponry,

4 Java Sparrows Borobudur masks, clothes and artwork and the mosque. We continue to the bustling local market before returning to the ship for lunch and an afternoon at sea. Day 11 Pulau Krakatoa. This morning we sail into the Suna strait and the island of Krakatoa. The volcano famously exploded in 1883, killing people. The explosion is considered to be the loudest sound ever heard in modern history, with reports of it being heard nearly 3000 miles from its point of origin. We will use the Zodiacs to land on the island and have the chance to either join a guided walk on the volcano, join our birder for a hike in the forest or take the chance to swim. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy an afternoon cruising. Day 12 Belitung Islands. Arrive this morning in the idyllic Belitung Islands, a group of islands off the coast of Sumatra famed for their long clean beaches and crystal Prices per person Based on double occupancy clear sea water. We have the whole day to enjoy the fine white sandy beaches and the wonderful coral reefs. Snorkelling platforms will allow us to swim with a multitude of colourful fish including bird and moon wrasse, spotted sweet lips, coral rabbit fish, racoon butterfly fish and anemone fish as well as colourful molluscs, nudibranchs, giant clams, jellyfish and sea urchins. Meanwhile nature walks will explore the forest for birdlife or you may prefer to simply stay on the beach. Day 13 At sea. Enjoy a day at sea as we cruise towards Singapore. Maybe join one of the lectures, enjoy a book in the Panorama Lounge or find a spot on deck to watch the world go by. Day 14 Singapore to London. Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London. Day 15 London. Arrive this morning. Pre-Cruise Bali Extension For those who would like to extend their stay in Bali, we are offering a two night extension in Ubud - the cultural heart of the island. Ubud is located amongst lush rice paddies and soaring coconut trees, perched on the gentle slopes leading up towards the central mountains. It has been the epicentre of Bali s fine arts, dance and music for over a century. Our two night extension offers you the chance to immerse yourself in Balinese culture, visit ancient caves and temples, interact with local villages and stroll through the stunning rice terraces, with the chance to learn how to plant and harvest rice. Prices per person Based on double occupancy Twin: 445; Single: 595 Price includes: Two nights hotel accommodation in Ubud on a bed and breakfast basis, transfers. Not Included: Travel Insurance, visas. Post-Cruise Singapore Extension LAUNCH OFFER SAVE 500 PER PERSON PLUS THE FIRST TWENTY BOOKINGS RECEIVE BALI PRE-CRUISE EXTENSION FREE OF CHARGE Deck Castle Castle Caledonian Promenade Bridge Promenade Promenade Castle Caledonian Suite Category Brochure Price Launch Offer Standard Forward Standard Superior Premium Deluxe Balcony Premium Balcony Owner s Corner Suite with balcony Standard for sole use Superior for sole use Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel, overnight hotel accommodation in Bali on a bed and breakfast basis, half-day Bali tour, 11 nights aboard the MS Caledonian Sky on a full board basis including wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner onboard, shore excursions, Noble Caledonia Expedition Team, transfers, port taxes, all gratuities. Not Included: Travel Insurance, visas. NB. Flight schedules are yet to be released at the time of going to print and the itinerary may change on their release. Ports are subject to change. All special offers are subject to availability. After your cruise you may wish to extend your time with our two night extension in Singapore. Enjoy two nights accommodation at a centrally located hotel on a bed and breakfast basis with time at leisure to explore independently. Maybe visit the botanical gardens, Raffles Hotel, the shopping malls of Orchard Road or Sentosa Island. Prices per person Based on double occupancy Twin: 395; Single: 525 Price includes: Two nights hotel accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, transfers. Not Included: Travel Insurance, visas.

5 MS Caledonian Sky Formerly known as Hebridean Spirit, this 114-passenger vessel began her new life with Noble Caledonia in May 2012 following an extensive refurbishment. Built in the same ship yard as the MS Island Sky, the MS Caledonian Sky shares the same attributes as her sister vessel, joining her as one of the finest small ships in the world. Your Suite Onboard there are 57 exceptionally spacious and well designed suites. The passenger accommodation is arranged over four decks and all suites have outside views. All feature a sitting room area and some have private balconies. Each affords considerable comfort with en-suite bathroom featuring a country style wash basin, hot towel rack and vanity unit with sink and walk-in shower and/or bath tub. Facilities in the suites also include walk-in or spacious wardrobes, dressing table with large mirror and stool or desk, mini-fridge, flat screen television, telephone, programmable electronic safe, hairdryer, assorted toiletries, air-conditioning and heating. Bottled water, towelling dressing gowns and slippers are also provided for your comfort. Standard Suite Your Space The spacious and finely decorated public rooms include a large lounge where daily briefings and talks will be provided throughout the voyage and an elegant bar where a pianist plays periodically throughout the day. The bar also features a 24-hour tea and coffee station. In addition there is the Club Lounge on the Panorama Deck which features a bar. The onboard travel library is the perfect place to relax with a book and is stocked with reference books pertaining to the places the vessel is visiting along with a selection of games and two computers with internet access. Outside there is a rear Lido deck where meals are served in warm weather under shade. On the top deck there is a further observation and sun deck with bar service and comfortable deck furniture for sun bathing or relaxing with a book. There is also a small gymnasium onboard and hairdressers with appointments made on request. consistent superior quality. Where possible and when it meets his high standards, our accomplished chef will obtain local produce in markets or buy the catch of the day from a passing fishing boat. Such purchases enhance the well stocked larders and bring a local touch to the varied menus. In the main elegant dining room, breakfast is served buffet-style, with certain items cooked to order and lunch and dinner is à la carte. To enhance your dining experience even further a selection of wines are included with lunch and dinner. Dining onboard With only one sitting and a maximum of just over 100 passengers, the cuisine will be of a Restaurant

6 Sun deck Premium Balcony Suite Panorama Lounge Your Day to Day Life Onboard Onboard the MS Caledonian Sky, you will not find endless entertainment, round the clock buffets and the people management which is so much a part of today s big ship style. Instead the atmosphere onboard is warm and peaceful and more akin to a private yacht or country hotel in which you can learn more about the wonders of nature, culture and ancient civilisations in the company of like-minded people. A little music in the lounge or bar after dinner, guest speakers and informative port briefings from our expedition leader, all contribute to make any voyage aboard the MS Caledonian Sky a memorable and joyful experience. Dress on board is casual and relaxed and there will be no black tie evenings. Exploring Ashore One of the joys of expedition cruising aboard a small vessel is the flexibility it allows. Although we set sail with a set itinerary it is the unscheduled events that often become the highlight of the journey and with our fleet of Zodiac landing craft, we can explore inlets, fjords, bird sanctuaries, land in otherwise inaccessible places and be footloose in a way that would be totally impractical for larger groups of passengers. Deck Plan Panorama Deck Bridge Deck Buffet Pantry Hotel Manager s Office Panorama Lounge Chief Engineer Captain Promenade Deck Dining on deck Your Comfort, Safety & Security Our vessel is equipped with the latest safety, navigation and communications equipment along with roll stabilisers to minimise the ship s motion. During your voyage you will have the opportunity to visit the Captain and Officers on the Bridge to check the vessel s progress by charts and learn more about your journey. Onboard you will also find a clinic and doctor and a lift that serves all decks. Hairdresser Gym WC Caledonian Deck Castle Deck Reception Doctor This cruise visits out of the way destinations. You will be accompanied by an expedition team and some landings ashore will be made by Zodiac landing craft. Cruises such as this will appeal to the more adventurous and those who enjoy the natural world. Standard Suites (Forward) Premium Suites Standard Suites Deluxe Balcony Suites Superior Suites NB. All Suites on Castle Deck feature a minimum of two portholes. Premium Balcony Suites Owner s Corner Suites with Balcony 2 Chester Close, Belgravia, London, SW1X 7BE +44 (0) info@noble-caledonia.co.uk noble-caledonia.co.uk All special offers are subject to availability. Our current booking conditions apply to all reservations and are available on request. Cover image: Bali _S