Kimberley to Komodo

Embark Silver Discoverer for this stunning Silversea Expedition. This afternoon, be introduced to your Expedition Team and attend a Zodiac briefing. During the evening, familiarize yourself with your new home away from home, meet some of your fellow travelers, and enjoy the first of many memorable meals in The Restaurant.

The Kimberley is famous for having one of the world’s largest tidal ranges. A flexible itinerary allows you to take advantage of this natural phenomenon. In the true spirit of expedition cruising, each day the Expedition Leader and Captain determine the best course depending on tide, weather, and sea conditions. Here are some of the places you may visit during your time in this wondrous region:

Talbot Bay (Horizontal Falls), Buccaneer Archipelago, Kimberley, Western Australia
David Attenborough described Horizontal Falls as “one of the greatest natural wonders of the world”. The region’s tides of close to 36 feet create an amazing spectacle. Depending on whether the tides are ebbing or flowing, board the Zodiacs for an exhilarating ride through the falls which are actually part of the mainland. Then continue deeper into the sandstone gorge of Cyclone Creek, and explore geological formations that were created over the last two billion years.

Montgomery Reef, Kimberley, Western Australia
Montgomery Reef is over 154 square miles in size. Observe the amazing tidal changes that take place here. Timing of the tides is everything today; low tide reveals up to 13 feet of reef exposing a river that allows access to this amazing semi-submerged world. As the tide continues to ebb, use the Zodiacs to make your way to the edge of the reef where you are surrounded by cascading waterfalls up to 10 feet high, and continue up the river as you look at the abundance of reef birds and every imaginable sea creature including turtles, manta rays, and if you are lucky the elusive dugong. A visit to Montgomery Reef is extremely tide-dependent but truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Freshwater Cove, Kimberley, Western Australia
At Freshwater Cove be welcomed on the beach by Aboriginal guides with a traditional ochre welcome. Immediately afterwards be immersed in Wandjina culture with a walk amongst the rock formations that represent spiritual ancestors, and hear the story of the great Wandjina battle. From there the walk crosses a tidal creek and makes its way through the woodland forest. The highlight of the walk is a unique Jungurim (Boab tree) and its culturally significant carvings from long ago. On the return to the beach, have a look at the artists’ shelter where one can relax, share a cup of tea, and damper with the artists and peruse their paintings. These paintings based on Dreamtime stories and motives are available for purchase from the artists. The farewell is a traditional smoking ceremony on the beach at Wijingarra Bard Bard.

Raft Point, Kimberley, Western Australia
Raft Point has important indigenous Wandjina paintings. Zodiac ashore and set out towards the top of Raft Point. The hike takes you through abundant flora including the iconic boab tree, also known by the local Aboriginals as the “upside down tree”. Upon reaching the top of Raft Point, enjoy the spectacular views of the bay in the shade of the overhanging cliff, which is home to the Wandjina Spirit and many other Dreamtime stories and images representing daily aboriginal life. Take a seat, or lie on your back and take in the Wandjina Spirit and listen to the dreamtime stories associated with this extremely important Aboriginal spirit.

Hunter River, Kimberley, Western Australia
Hunter River is home to an immense mangrove system that dates back over 2 billion years. The image of the Indian Head in the soaring red sandstone cliffs guides you as you set out in Zodiacs to explore the narrow mangrove channels, watching for numerous bird species and keeping an eye out for the saltwater crocodile, the most aggressive crocodile known to man. Look for the ospreys that are known to nest here. For those wishing to explore some of the Kimberley’s vast interior, your onboard Silversea Expeditions team can arrange an optional helicopter flightseeing excursion to the famous Mitchell Falls where four tiers of waterfalls plunge into deep pools that flow out into the Mitchell River.

King George River & Falls, Kimberley, Western Australia
The King George Falls is one of the Kimberley’s most magnificent natural wonders. At 260 feet (80 m), the twin cascades are among the highest in Australia. Drop anchor at the mouth of the river and ride Zodiacs up this waterway, weaving through an amazing landscape of near vertical red rock formations and a parade of wildlife — carnivorous saltwater crocodiles, and amazing birdlife including giant raptors and the Brahminy Kite. Arriving at the falls, cruise quite close to the base to contemplate the immensity of this spectacle.

Wyndham is your gateway to the breathtaking Bungle Bungle mountain range in Purnululu National Park, a World Heritage Site. For more than 350 million years, nature has shaped geological formations of giant orange and black striped domes rising out of the ground. It is a landscape unlike anything you have ever seen. Known to the local aborigines for hundreds of years, the Bungles were only discovered by the outside world in the mid-1980s.

Today, take part in an inclusive overflight for an aerial view of these glorious panoramas, as well as the majestic, man-made Lake Argyle and Argyle Diamond Mine. Alternatively you can take a river cruise on the Ord River, looking for freshwater crocodiles, fruit-bats, short-eared rock wallabies, and a variety of birds, including mangrove herons and mangrove gerygones.

A leisurely day at sea permits you to take advantage of the luxurious amenities and wellness program offered aboard Silver Discoverer. Attend a lecture recapping your experience in the Kimberley, or perhaps one preparing you for the fascinating Indonesian islands and cultures on the horizon.

During the morning the ship steams closer to the island of Savu. You might want to attend a talk by one of the lecturers. Another option might be to learn more about taking and editing photos by attending a photography seminar.

Shortly before noon, arrive in front of Savu. This little island is one of the most interesting destinations in the Sunda Islands. The tradition of textile weaving remains strong, with the women still growing the cotton, hand dyeing, and weaving on back-strap looms. Have a traditional village welcome with men and women dancing and singing. Both at the beach and in the village, see the men on horseback, showing off their adorned ponies and traditional clothes. The Savunese plant predominantly corn, but derive their staple nutrition from the lontar palm. Have the chance to see a lontar tapping demonstration.

One of Flores’ attractions is Kelimutu National Park northeast of Ende. Landing on the southern side of Flores, almost completely circle the Kelimutu National Park in order to get to Mount Kelimutu, an active volcano. The site is spectacular, as Mount Kelimutu has three summit crater lakes, located one next to the other, each with varying colors. The lakes are even featured on the Indonesian 5,000 Rupiah bill.

Early risers may spot whales as you approach Komodo. Silver Discoverer anchors close to the National Park Headquarter, and Zodiacs brings you ashore onto a floating jetty to reach the starting point of your hike. Walk along forested pathways in search of Komodo dragons. These enormous reptiles weigh up to 300 pounds. The surrounding forest is also home to ornate orchids, elegant sulphur-crested cockatoos, helmeted friarbirds, orange-footed megapodes, and Javan deer. Each walking group is accompanied by two local rangers who provide interpretation and help maintain a safe distance between the dragons and the visitors.

During lunch, arrive to the spectacular Pink Beach for an afternoon of snorkeling or relaxing on the beach. You can see shimmering tropical fish such as the striped clown fish nestled among the protective tentacles of its sea anemone host, or a spotted grouper lazily swimming by a flamboyant sea fan. In addition to tropical fish at Pink Beach, rays have regularly been seen close to the neighboring island of Pulau Punya.

Known for its intricate ikat fabric, distinctive architecture, and sculptured stone tombs, Sumba has resisted the advances of the modern age. This makes it a fascinating island to explore, especially West Sumba where ancient tribal rites are best preserved. The Sumba culture revolves around villages where ancestors are worshipped by extended families living in enormous clan houses with high-pitched thatch roofs. The Sumbanese honor the dead by dragging massive stones a great distance to construct mausoleums for the departed.

Arrive early in the morning and take the Zodiacs ashore. From the landing expect to board small local buses in order to visit several villages. At one stop witness a funereal rite ceremony as well as a ‘Pasola’, a fierce martial arts performance on horseback. Observe the process of making Indonesia’s famous ikat textiles, and have the opportunity to purchase ikat directly from the weavers.

During the afternoon back aboard, the Videographer presents your voyage documentation. This is a perfect opportunity to relive all the wondrous moments you have had while exploring the Kimberley and some of the Lesser Sunda Islands of Indonesia.

Following breakfast, disembark Silver Discoverer.