Arrive in Bali and transfer to your hotel. Join your fellow travelers this evening for a welcome reception.

This morning, check out of the hotel and travel to the countryside and the artistic town of Ubud, renowned for silverwork, wood carving, and batik. As you ascend the hills, pass by stunning Hindu temples, lush forests, small villages, and terraced rice fields carved into the cliffs. Discover how rice production is a seamless process where nothing is wasted, from water buffalo to ducks to harvest. After lunch and some free time to explore Ubud's galleries, return to Benoa to board the National Geographic Orion.


 

Traverse the Indian Ocean towards Komodo Island, enjoy life on board. Unwind with a massage in the spa or a session in the fitness center, get lost in a book in the library, or simply soak up the views from the rooftop observation deck and the ship’s expansive open deck. Learn about the area from onboard naturalists and photographers, and savor delectable dining options. 

Explore Komodo National Park, home to the world’s largest living lizard—the Komodo dragon. Learn about the conservation of these prehistoric giants from park rangers, who will join us on a hike to spot the lizards in their natural habitat. Later, enjoy an afternoon of swimming, snorkeling, or beachcombing at Pink Beach, named for the soft pink hue that arises from the blending of red coral fragments and white sand. 

Loosely translated, Taka Bonerate means “coral piled on sand” in the Bugis language. This beautiful and richly diverse group of atolls and reefs was granted national park status in the early 1990s. You’ll be awed by the 242 species of coral and over 500 species of brightly colored reef fish. Spend time exploring the white sand dunes of the various islands, keeping an eye out for the many birds who inhabit the park.

Head into the mountains to Tana Toraja (Torajaland). Known as “Men of the Mountains,” this region is a stunning blend of mountains, rice fields, and unique architecture. Learn about the unique beliefs of the Torajan people who have a strong reverence for death and the afterlife—elaborately carved effigies and personal items decorate the tombs found on the mountain side. Their homes resemble boats—tied to the belief the Torajan ancestors sailed to these mountains. The intricate designs and water buffalo horns decorating the buildings reflect the status of the residents. A truly fascinating example of the diversity and beauty of all that is Indonesia. Overnight at the Toraja Heritage Hotel. 

Bau Bau sits on the southern tip of the island of Sulawesi, surrounded by beautiful beaches and overlooked by the Buton Palace Fortress. This vast, palatial compound was built in the late 16th century for the Buton Sultanate and still keeps watch over the city. Once back in the old city, brightly decorated tuk tuks zip by on the busy streets. Enjoy a beautiful display of costumes and traditional dances, while getting the chance to sample some of the delicacies of the region.

The reefs surrounding Wakatobi National Park are known for amazing diving and snorkeling opportunities. Healthy, brightly colored coral surrounds the atolls that make up the marine park—home to an array of fish species, both large and small. Spend the day exploring both above and below the sea.

Referred to as the “Jewel of the Solor Archipelago,” Lembata Island is a true find. Sleepy fishing villages, colorful boats and beautiful ikats can be found on this gem of an island. The rich community life of the locals is steeped in the traditional weaving of the ikats, using natural dyes and fibers. You can hear the “clacking” of the looms as you wander through the villages. The undersea here will beckon snorkelers and divers. Clear, calm waters are perfect for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. 

Flores was once an important Portuguese trading center for sandalwood. Known for producing some of the finest ikat weaving in the world, we meet the people of this arid island at the weaving village of Watublapi. Although many other local weaving communities switched to industrially spun yarn and chemical dyes for the sake of saving time and money, the weavers of Watublapi still use the traditional, handspun yarn made from local cotton, as well as local natural dyes. We’ll also enjoy a cultural dance presentation.

Soaring peaks rising up from the sea, Pulau Sangeang is a stunning volcanic island. Lush jungle covers two overlapping cones, the older “born” in the 1700s and the younger in 1949. Visit the small settlement nestled at the base of the mountains where farmers and herders live a simple life. Spend time exploring the trails and beaches of this special island. 

The stop this morning is the uninhabited Indonesian island of Satonda—a small circular island that is an ancient volcanic cone. Spend the morning snorkeling or diving the vibrant reefs or hike inland to the island’s sacred lake. This afternoon, visit the island of Sumbawa, where villagers welcome us with a lively cultural display.  

This morning, arrive in Denpasar on the lush island of Bali, one of the world’s greatest cultural treasures. Following disembarkation, get a taste of this paradise where life and art are interwoven. After lunch, transfer to the airport.