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Experience the magic of Palau

Wild Islands of Sri Lanka, Borneo, & the Andaman Sea

Example 20 Day Cruise aboard National Geographic Orion
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Embark on this epic 20-day expedition which offers a multitude of rare experiences in wild, interesting places. Explore an ancient seaport and a traditional tea plantation in Sri Lanka. Visit the orangutan infant care center at Camp Leakey in Borneo, go on game drives in search of endangered elephants or leopards, snorkel and dive the productive, wild waters where the Andaman Sea meets the Indian Ocean, and enjoy a day of curated exploration in glittering Singapore.
Take part in the feeding stations as you cruise from Borneo to BaliSnorkel off stunning sand beachesChildren dive from the rocks.A boat on the shoreExperience the magic of Palau
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in Colombo, Sri Lanka

  • 1 Dinner
Arrive in Sri Lanka's capital and transfer to your hotel for the evening.

Day 2: Embark in Colombo

Check out of your hotel and join a tour of the city before embarking the National Geographic Orion.

Day 3: Galle, Sri Lanka

Pass under the ramparts of the Galle Fort, situated just at the entrance to the harbor, making for an impressive and photogenic approach. Today you have the option to either visit a tea plantation, for which Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) is famous, or take a wildlife river safari, and tour the historic city of Galle.

Day 4: Hambantota, Sri Lanka

Today is sure to be a highlight, as your ship sets out to explore southern Sri Lanka’s incredible national parks. Bring your cameras and binoculars, as you spend the day on game drives, in search of wildlife, including Sri Lankan leopards, elephants, and prolific birdlife.

Day 5-6: At Sea

Spend your days cruising the open ocean relaxing on board, taking advantage of your ship's amenities, or on deck keeping watch for marine and birdlife.

Day 7-8: Andaman Islands

Situated at the southeastern edge of the Bay of Bengal, the Andaman Islands are known, in part, for their history as a British penal colony. Long isolated from foreign visitation, the Andamans hold a strong appeal for the modern expedition traveler. Tour the capital city of Port Blair, then head to one of the outer islands for a day of exploring, both above and below the water.

Day 9: At Sea

Enjoy the open ocean while you sail to your next destination.

Day 10: Sabang, Pulau Weh, Indonesia

This morning arrive at Pulau Weh, the westernmost island in the Indonesian archipelago. Spend the morning exploring this relaxed and friendly island, including a walk among the steaming fumaroles of the Geothermal-Volcanic Valley and a visit to the quiet city of Sabang. Located where the Andaman Sea meets the Indian Ocean, Weh offers unparalleled opportunities for underwater exploration as well. Spend the afternoon snorkeling and diving one of the island’s many reefs.

Day 11: At Sea

If you haven't had the chance yet, today is a good day to take advantage of the ship's amenities, or maybe crack that book and relax on deck.

Day 12: Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia

This busy port and capital of North Sumatra offer access to the remote hinterlands of Sumatra. Choose a full day excursion, either to the orangutan sanctuary at Bukit Lawang National Park, or to the highlands near Berastagi for a cultural exchange with the local Batak Karo tribespeople.

Day 13: At Sea

Today, continue to take in the fresh sea air as your ship cruises towards Singapore.

Day 14: Singapore

No passage through this region would be complete without a visit to the incomparable city-state of Singapore. Spend the day exploring this bustling metropolis, with stops in Chinatown, the impressive National Orchid Garden at the Singapore Botanic Garden and a bumboat ride along the Singapore River.

Day 15-16: At Sea

Spend these last days at sea reflecting on your adventures thus far and resting up for the final leg of your journey.

Day 17-18: Tanjung Puting National Park, Kalimantan

Set on a peninsula jutting out from the southern edge of Kalimantan, Tanjung Puting National Park is a trove of rare species and diverse habitats. While the park is home to some 220 bird species and numerous monkey species, its most famous residents are the endangered orangutans. Board local boats for a full-day excursion into the forest, gliding on narrow channels on the lookout for hornbills, crocodiles, and perhaps the unusual proboscis monkey.

Your destination is Camp Leakey, a research station established in 1971 by primatologist Dr. Biruté Galdikas, a protégée of paleontologist Louis Leakey and the founder of Orangutan Foundation International (OFI). A many-time National Geographic grantee, Dr. Galdikas will discuss her efforts to save the orangutan from extinction through rehabilitation and habitat preservation. Travel by boat to feeding stations throughout the forest, and hope to observe these creatures at close range. The following day, join an exclusive visit to OFI’s wildlife rehabilitation center to learn how captive and orphaned orangutans are rescued and rehabilitated, and interact with young orangutans.

Day 19: At Sea

Cross the Java Sea to the lovely Indonesian island of Bali.

Day 20: Disembark in Denpasar, Bali

  • 1 Breakfast
Disembark and transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Ship/Hotel

National Geographic Orion

Keep in shape in the exercise room aboard the National Geographic Orion
The National Geographic Orion is sleek and at your service
The lovely National Geographic Orion

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Asia Tours & Cruises.
National Geographic Orion's Category 1 Cabin.
Category 1
Cat 1 #316, 318-321. Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two single beds, two beds converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed. An armchair, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
Your  Category B Stateroom on the National Geographic Orion
Category 1 Single
Cat 1S #301, 322, 323. These solo cabins feature a window or two portholes, a queen-size bed, except for #301 which has a double bed, writing desk and chair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a roomy shower stall with a glass door.
A Category A Stateroom on the National Geographic Orion
Category 2
Cat 2 #302-312, 314, 315, 317. Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two single beds, two beds converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed. An armchair, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized, and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
A lovely category 3 suite on the National Geographic Oion
Category 3
Cat 3 Suite with Window #401-412, 414-419. These suites feature a sitting area with a large window, a sofa–except slightly smaller #401 & #402–an armchair or two, writing/laptop desk, reading lamps, flat screen TV, & climate controls. Beds are configurable (call for details). Marble bathrooms include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
National Geographic Orion's Category 3 Cabin.
Category 3 Single
Cat 3S Suite with Window #512. This solo suite features two beds and two large windows, plus two armchairs and small table, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls. The marble bathroom is generously sized and includes a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
National Geographic Orion's Category 4 Cabin.
Category 4
Cat 4 Deluxe Suite with Window #511, 515. These two suites feature separate sleeping and sitting areas, with a chair and armchair and a two-cushion sofa facing an expansive window. Beds are configurable (call for details). Ample storage, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities.
National Geographic Orion's Category 5 Cabin.
Category 5
Cat 5 Suite with French Balcony #501, 503-506, 508. These spacious suites feature open living areas and sliding glass doors opening to a shared French balcony. Beds are configurable (call for details.) A sitting area with arm chairs and a sofa, a writing/laptop desk, well-placed reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the decor.
National Geographic Orion's Category 6 Cabin.
Category 6
Cat 6 Owner’s Suite with French Balcony #502, 507, 509*, 510. These large, elegant suites feature a French balcony, with the exception of #509 which has double windows. Each provides a separate living area with a sofa and two arm chairs, except for #502, which uniquely offers a 'soaking tub with a view' in addition to a shower stall and expansive vanity.

Notes

Single supplement varies by itinerary. A solo traveler matching program may be available but is subject to availability.
Included
  • 15 Breakfasts, 14 Lunches, 15 Dinners

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Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen

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