Secrets of Indonesia: Spice Islands & Raja Ampat

Embark in the Northern Territory's multicultural capital of the "Top End' of Australia. Despite surviving two cyclones and several air raids, Darwin is distinguished by its relaxed lifestyle. Your journey of wonder begins on board Scenic Eclipse. Please book your flight to arrive into Darwin prior to 02:00 PM.

Darwin is Australia's most colorful, and exotic, capital city. Surrounded on three sides by the turquoise waters of the Timor Sea, the streets are lined with tropical flowers and trees. Warm and dry in winter, hot and steamy in summer, it's a relaxed and casual place, as well as a beguiling blend of tropical frontier outpost and Outback hardiness. Thanks to its close proximity to Southeast Asia and its multicultural population it also seems more like Asia than the rest of Australia. Darwin is a city that has always had to fight for its survival. The seductiveness of contemporary Darwin lifestyles belies a history of failed attempts that date from 1824 when Europeans attempted to establish an enclave in this harsh, unyielding climate. The original 1869 settlement, called Palmerston, was built on a parcel of mangrove wetlands and scrub forest that had changed little in 15 million years. It was not until 1911, after it had already weathered the disastrous cyclones of 1878, 1882, and 1897, that the town was named after the scientist who had visited Australia's shores aboard the Beagle in 1839. During World War II it was bombed more than 60 times, as the harbor full of warships was a prime target for the Japanese war planes. Then, on the night of Christmas Eve 1974, the city was almost completely destroyed by Cyclone Tracy, Australia’s greatest natural disaster. It's a tribute to those who stayed and to those who have come to live here after Tracy that the rebuilt city now thrives as an administrative and commercial center for northern Australia. Old Darwin has been replaced by something of an edifice complex—such buildings as Parliament House and the Supreme Court all seem very grand for such a small city, especially one that prides itself on its casual, outdoor-centric lifestyle. Today Darwin is the best place from which to explore Australia's Top End, with its wonders of Kakadu and the Kimberley region.

The landscape of this group of about 65 islands in the far south of the Maluku province ranges from beaches to swamplands and densely forested hills with unique fauna, especially bird species. It is also home to fascinating culture - visit a local village to learn about their music, dance and traditional crafts, or experience a unique folkloric show and an ikat (textile) weaving demonstration.

Saumlaki is a regional capital city on the island of Yamdena, the main island of the unique Tanimbar archipelago, located in Indonesia between Papua New Guinea and the northern coast of Australia. The Tanimbar Islands have a distinct culture with still-vibrant traditions. They actively produce traditional crafts such as richly-colored ikat cloth and carved wooden statutes, and local residents still carry on their own centuries-old forms of music and dance. The Tanimbar Islands were part of the Dutch East Indies; the bay at Saumlaki was the site of a battle during World War II between the Dutch and the Japanese. In addition to the Saumlaki and the surrounding region’s rich history and cultural heritage, the region possesses golden, tree-lined beaches and a diverse fauna, including 8 bird species native to this archipelago

White sand and turquoise waters surround this tropical-island village. As the hub of Maluku's boat culture, Sangliat Dol is famous for its megalithic sites and an ancient stone boat built as a tribute to the original inhabitants who arrived by sea. This visit is a great opportunity to be immersed in the daily life of the locals. Enrich The local chief and singing villagers will welcome you on the beach before a fascinating ritual ceremony. Be amazed by the cultural dances performed by the locals adorned in colourful bird-of-paradise head-dresses, enjoy demonstrations of local handicrafts and traditional ways of cooking. See the old Dutch colonial Catholic Church that overlooks the stone boat. Families may also invite you as honorary "children of the village' into their homes. Discovery: Sail to beautiful Weluan Beach for a delightful afternoon of snorkelling, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking on calm waters, surrounded by forest and native flora.

Located in the Maluku Province of Indonesia are the Tanimbar Islands, of which Yamdena is the largest. On the east coast of Yamdena, is the village of Sangliat Dol, which holds some of the best megalithic remains known in the area. A monumental stone staircase extends from the beach to the village and overlooks the sea. This and a large stone ship are some of the megalithic remains to be found here.

Made entirely of white sand and coral, the Kei Islands are completely flat, except for the coconut trees - a true relaxing paradise framed by the pristine waters of the Banda Sea. Enjoy the unforgettable beauty of Ngurbloat Beach and feel welcomed by the friendly locals who love to meet and share their culture with visitors. Discovery: Take the day to swim and snorkel in this uninhabited tropical island known for its spectacular limestone scenery - the definition of a holiday dream.

The Kei islands are home to some of the most beautiful, pristine and untouched beaches in the world. They are the most accessible islands of southern Maluku and offer visitors a tranquil escape from the bustling nature of Darwin. Referred to as the hidden gems of Indonesia, Kei Islands are relatively unknown and therefore make for the perfect place to enjoy a day of swimming and snorkelling on an idyllic uninhabited picture postcard tropical island.

The heart of the Old World global spice trade, Banda Neira has retained a unique historic mix of culture, nature and wildlife. At the focal point of Indonesia's Spice Islands, Banda was prized by European, Arab and Chinese traders until the late 1800s. Experience a flashback to these times as you watch traditional war canoes guide us into Banda Harbour. Freechoice: Explore well preserved Fort Belgica, providing a fascinating insight into Dutch colonisation and enjoy a traditional dance and music performance. Alternatively, explore Banda Neira on a guided tour before visiting a local nutmeg plantation and museum to learn about the spice that started it all. Discovery: Hike a section of the still-active Gunung Banda Api volcano with your Discovery team, or snorkel and dive along its coral-encrusted lava flow.

Located in the Bomberai Peninsula, Sebakor Bay is known for its network of water-filled caves, islets covered in forests and isolated beaches. Exploring this beautiful coast and its pristine waters teeming with marine life makes a perfect tropical day. Discovery: Join a Zodiac tour of the water-filled caves with your Discovery team, or kayak along the shore to spot unique Papuan native birds. Alternatively, take a guided hike to be rewarded with a swim under the Mommon Waterfall, where freshwater flows from the jungle into the ocean.

This small isolated island is a hidden gem located off the north coast of the Bomberai Peninsula. Known for its limestone formations, Papuan rock art and burial caves, the area has 24 endemic species of rainbow fish. Besides enjoying the nature, take the time to be immersed in Arguni's culture: visit a stilt village on the shores of mangrove swamps, where you will be greeted by villagers, and discover the traditional music, dance, craft and food such as fresh coconut while meeting the local people. Discovery: Take a Zodiac in search of ancient blood paintings, believed to be up to 7,000 years old, found on limestone rock around the bays. Or enjoy a refreshing swim, snorkel or kayak at a peaceful beach ensconced in this stunning scenery.

Imagine getting access to the world's most biodiverse marine region. This is Indonesia's Raja Ampat, an archipelago that comprises of more than 1,500 islands, cays and shoals, including the four main islands of Misool, Salawati, Batanta and Waigeo, known collectively as the Four Kings. Over these four days, explore this extraordinary environment blessed with turquoise waters, white sand beaches, hidden coves, limestone cliffs, and mangrove forests. Discover the underwater world of colourful coral, fish, and marine mammals beneath a sky of tropical birds and butterflies. Swim, snorkel and kayak in this unspoiled part of the West Papua province.

Your memorable journey ends in Ambon, capital city of the Indonesian province of Maluku, famed for its birdlife, marine gardens, pretty beaches and colonial history. Disembark after breakfast and fly to Darwin, Australia, taking away memories of a truly unforgettable experience. Please book your flight to depart out of Darwin after 08:00 PM. The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the tour will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.

Darwin is Australia's most colorful, and exotic, capital city. Surrounded on three sides by the turquoise waters of the Timor Sea, the streets are lined with tropical flowers and trees. Warm and dry in winter, hot and steamy in summer, it's a relaxed and casual place, as well as a beguiling blend of tropical frontier outpost and Outback hardiness. Thanks to its close proximity to Southeast Asia and its multicultural population it also seems more like Asia than the rest of Australia. Darwin is a city that has always had to fight for its survival. The seductiveness of contemporary Darwin lifestyles belies a history of failed attempts that date from 1824 when Europeans attempted to establish an enclave in this harsh, unyielding climate. The original 1869 settlement, called Palmerston, was built on a parcel of mangrove wetlands and scrub forest that had changed little in 15 million years. It was not until 1911, after it had already weathered the disastrous cyclones of 1878, 1882, and 1897, that the town was named after the scientist who had visited Australia's shores aboard the Beagle in 1839. During World War II it was bombed more than 60 times, as the harbor full of warships was a prime target for the Japanese war planes. Then, on the night of Christmas Eve 1974, the city was almost completely destroyed by Cyclone Tracy, Australia’s greatest natural disaster. It's a tribute to those who stayed and to those who have come to live here after Tracy that the rebuilt city now thrives as an administrative and commercial center for northern Australia. Old Darwin has been replaced by something of an edifice complex—such buildings as Parliament House and the Supreme Court all seem very grand for such a small city, especially one that prides itself on its casual, outdoor-centric lifestyle. Today Darwin is the best place from which to explore Australia's Top End, with its wonders of Kakadu and the Kimberley region.