Join an 11-day cruise aboard the Paspaley Pearl, starting in Dili, the capital of Timor Leste. Visit Kupan's colonial history and ruins. Explore Alor Island, home to the Takpala indigenous group and the Moko drums. Visit Lamalera, a traditional whaling village where whaling supports the community. On Flores Island, experience its culture and landscapes. Stop at the 17 Islands Marine Park, known for beaches and coral reefs. Visit Komodo National Park, home to Komodo dragons and excellent snorkeling. Swim with whale sharks in Saleh Bay, surrounded by coral-fringed islands. In Sumbawa’s Badas port, explore local culture influenced by the Makassarese. End the trip in Bali, known for its beaches, volcanic landscapes, rice fields, and temples like Uluwatu and Tanah Lot.
Highlights
Stroll through Dili's Portuguese-influenced streets
Discover Kupang's colonial history and old ruins
Explore Flores’ diverse culture and stunning landscapes
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Dili, on the northern coast of Timor Island and squeezed between the central mountains and the Ombai Strait, became the capital of Timor Leste when it gained independence in May 2002. It has a relaxed, small-town feel with a touch of Portuguese influence.
Kupang sits on the southwest corner of Timor Island and is the island's largest city and port, with around 500,000 people. Once called Koepang, it was a key port during the Portuguese and Dutch colonial periods, and you can still see some of the old ruins. In the 20th century, it served as a refueling stop for long flights between Europe and Australia. It was occupied by the Japanese from 1942 to 1945, and much of the Old Town was damaged by Allied bombing.
The unique culture of the Alorese continues among the Takpala indigenous group, who have preserved their traditional housing construction that resembles a pyramid, covered with coconut leaves, bamboo plaited walls, and four main wooden pillars. The island of Alor is also known as the island of a Thousand Moko’s. The Moko is a small bronze kettledrum that is believed to have originated in the Dong Son culture of Vietnam. However, it remains a mystery as to how these prehistoric Dong Son drums arrived in Alor. Local legend says that the Moko’s were discovered buried in the ground, and indeed, the Moko's are still being uncovered today.
Located on the south coast of the island of Lembata, Lamalera remains one of the last traditional whaling villages on earth. As traditional tools and methods are used, the whale hunts are exempt from the international ban on whaling. Whaling is essential to the continued subsistence existence of this rarely visited remote village. The island is dry and barren, so very little food can be grown on its soil. Villagers depend almost entirely on what the sea provides.
Floresians have an ancient culture stretching back millennia before the first arrival of Europeans in search of trade opportunities. Their history is shared through oral traditions and is recreated in song and dance. The mountainous terrain of Flores has preserved the diversity of cultures, and Maumere has kept its charming atmosphere, an eclectic mix of a bustling trading town and a coastal paradise.
This diverse string of islands sits just off the northern coastline of the island of Flores. Ironically, there are in fact 23 small islands that comprise the archipelago, but government authorities decided on the number 17 as a convenient tie-in with Indonesia’s Independence Day, which is August 17, 1945. Largely uninhabited, except for the odd fishermen’s camp, the islands boast spectacular white sand beaches and turquoise waters surrounded by colorful coral reefs.
Komodo National Park was granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 1989. With one of the lowest rainfalls in Indonesia, its climate provides the perfect habitat for the exotic wildlife of Wallacea. Dense monsoon forests in the protected gullies give way to open grassland savannas studded with prickly Ziziphus trees, providing the perfect habitat for the infamous Komodo dragon. Originally designed to provide refuge for the Komodo dragon, the park now protects one of the richest marine ecosystems. This has resulted in an abundance of world-class snorkeling and diving locations available to travelers.
Enclosed by Moyo Island and the imposing Tembora Peninsula, the serene Saleh Bay is far from the regular tourist trail. In 2017, Conservation International assisted in the development of eco-tourism ventures focused on swimming with the world’s largest fish. Still in its infancy, visitors can swim with the whale sharks in the clear, calm waters of Saleh Bay all year round. In addition to the presence of these majestic marine creatures, numerous uninhabited islands, fringed by coral reefs, are scattered across the azure waters of the bay.
The port of Badas is part of the greater township of Sumbawa Besar, on the island of Sumbawa. Like most of Sumbawa, the people hold their culture as a major part of their identity. The island has a strong influence from the Makassarese of Sulawesi, who, over the centuries, have introduced a lot of their culture into Sumbawa.
Day 11: Bali | Disembarkation
1 Breakfast
Bali is famous for its volcanic mountains, rice paddies, and beaches. The island has notable Hindu temples like Uluwatu Temple, Tanah Lot, Goa Gajah in Ubud, and Ulun Danu Beratan in Bedugul. The beach areas from Kuta to Legian are busy with bars and dining spots, while Seminyak, Sanur, and Nusa Dua are popular resort locations.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$13,1202-3 travelers
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Ocean Twin Stateroom
The Ocean Twin Stateroom combines style and functionality with a large wardrobe and the choice of twin or king beds. It features a spacious bathroom with a shower, heated floors, high-quality amenities, and a hairdryer. The stateroom has adjustable air conditioning, international 240V sockets, USB charging ports, and wall-mounted reading lamps. Entertainment is provided by a flat-screen TV with an on-demand system, and guests have access to free, unlimited Wi-Fi, though connectivity may vary depending on location.
Ocean Stateroom
The Ocean Stateroom offers practical and stylish design with a large wardrobe and the choice of twin or king-sized beds. It has a roomy bathroom with a shower, heated floors, high-quality amenities, and a hairdryer. The stateroom also features adjustable air conditioning, international 240V sockets, USB charging ports, and wall-mounted reading lights. Guests can use the flat-screen TV with an on-demand entertainment system and enjoy free, unlimited Wi-Fi, though connectivity may vary depending on location.
Horizon Suite
The Horizon Suite features a well-designed layout with a large wardrobe and the option of twin or king beds. Its standout element is the floor-to-ceiling glass doors that lead to a private balcony with a panoramic view. The suite has a spacious bathroom equipped with a shower, heated floors, toiletries, and a hairdryer. It includes individually controlled air conditioning, international 240V sockets, USB charging ports, and wall-mounted reading lamps. For entertainment, there is a flat-screen TV with an on-demand system. Guests receive complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi, although connectivity may vary based on location and navigation.
Pearl Suite
The Pearl Suite features elegant design and practical layout, including ample wardrobe space. It has floor-to-ceiling glass doors that lead to a private balcony. Guests can select between twin or king beds. The large bathroom is equipped with a shower, heated floors, toiletries, and a hairdryer. The air conditioning is individually controlled for comfort. Additional conveniences include international 240V sockets, USB charging ports, and wall-mounted reading lamps. Entertainment is provided by a flat-screen TV with an on-demand system. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available, though the connection may vary based on location and navigation.
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
10 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 10 Dinners
10 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Port Fees
Unlimited Wifi
Onboard Entertainment
Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Gala Dinner
“Open Bar” (pouring wines, house champagne, alcohol except premium brands...list available upon request)
24h Room Service (special selection)
English-Speaking Lecturer
Highly experienced and bilingual (French-English) expedition staff
Park Entry Fees into Protected Areas
Water sports activities (except scuba diving) using the ship’s equipment, when permitted by local authorities and confirmed by ship Master according to safety and sea conditions onsite.
Shore landings and exploration vessel outings guided by a team of expert Expedition guides.
Excluded
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Visa Fees
Optional Excursions - Ponant allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately six to two months prior to the cruise* departure. Please note that this is subject to change. Please contact us for more details.
Any ground services before and/or after the cruise other than the ones mentioned
Luggage Handling
Laundry Services, Hair Salon, and à La Carte Spa Treatments
Pre or post cruise programs, overland programs or shore excursions
Beverages other than the ones mentioned in inclusions
CDP recommends that every Traveler has full and adequate travel insurance covering the risks of cancellation, assistance being required, repatriation, damages to and loss of baggage, and medical expenses
Premium wines
Tips for the onboard crew are appreciated but not compulsory.
We are so glad that we chose Adventure Life. The service is top-notch. Everything is well taken care of and we just have to print the documents and go. Franny even gave us timely updates on possible airport strike.
KC Chan
TrustScore 4.9 | 334 reviews
TrustScore 4.9 of 5
Based on 334 reviews on
1 day ago
Super smooth with questions answered & booking in just 2 days with Mary Curry. AND, the price was great!
Roger Allen
3 days ago
Erin is such a fabulous resource! She helped us bring our target destinations to life by suggesting activities that match our interests, fabulous lodging and excursion options, and patiently coordinating a seamless experience.
Debra D - RI USA
4 days ago
I don’t have the words to describe it but the last week has been one of the best I can remember. 6 days of adventure in South East Alaska including trekking through lush rain forest, sitting in silence listening to glaciers calving, up early to see the northern lights, kayaking and stupidly swimming in iceberg frozen waters ! (That actually hurt).
Animal sightings including black and brown bears, Minke and hundreds of Humpack Whales, porpoises, sea lions, mountain goats, harbour seals, bald eagles, salmon and more birds than I can count. Wonderful friends and connections made. A huge shout out to Trevor and his totally amazing crew on the Admiralty Dream whose energy and enthusiasm made this most incredible experience.
DAVID JAMES
5 days ago
Excellent safari trip with Adventure Life and Albatross Travel. Special shout out to our guides Eric Turasha (Kenya), and Blasi Shirima (Tanzania) from Albatross Travel. Both were world class!!! The trip went off without a hitch; all the camps were amazing…worth mentioning...one of the camps we were going to stay in on the Tanzanian side was damaged by high winds so we ended up in a different camp (Mara under Canvas Camp). Can't say enough good things! A great experience and superb service!!
Brenda Cox
6 days ago
very easy to deal with kassandra. she listened to what our interests were and planned a great trip for us. nothing to worry about!
