Northern Australia & the Indonesian Archipelago

Summary

Welcome to Cairns, the capital of Tropical North Queensland and the departure point for your cruise. The town itself exemplifies the laid-back lifestyle that Queensland is famous for and is packed with great places to eat, al fresco bars and vibrant markets.

This afternoon, you’ll board Scenic Eclipse II, your home for the next 17 days. Be greeted with a glass of Champagne, meet your butler and settle into your luxurious suite. Join your fellow guests at the Sky Bar for a cocktail with a view over the vibrant city as you depart for your journey of a lifetime.

Please book your flight to arrive into Cairns prior to 02:00 PM.

Summary

It’s just a short sail north to your first port, to the glamorous resort town of Port Douglas. Once a sleepy fishing village, the town is now a popular tourist destination thanks to its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef.

You’ll depart Port Douglas just after lunchtime and sail north alongside the Great Barrier Reef. Cruising through crystal-clear waters dotted with hundreds of islands and coral cays is a truly spectacular sailing. Relax in the Observation Lounge or ask your butler to bring afternoon tea to enjoy on your private verandah.

Freechoice:
Mossman Gorge Daintree Rainforest National Park: Explore the indigenous culture and biodiversity of Daintree National Park, home to the Kuku Yalanji people and the world's oldest rainforest. Walk the easy Mossman River Circuit (400m, 10 minutes) or the Rainforest Circuit (2.7km, 1 hour) with a suspension bridge.

Visit to Wildlife Habitat: Visit the award-winning Wildlife Habitat, featuring five distinct ecosystems over eight acres. Walk along elevated paths to see free-roaming Australian wildlife, including koalas, kangaroos, parrots, crocodiles, emus, and the Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo.

Summary

This is one of the best snorkelling locations on the Great Barrier Reef, where an incredible variety of fish and coral awaits, and the warm water temperature means you can spend hours swimming. In these calm waters, Scenic Eclipse II can open the marina so you can dive straight in or make use of the many water toys on board. 

Discovery: Head to the marina and indulge in a range of exciting water sports, including snorkelling*, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or exploring the underwater realm with a SEABOB. Alternatively, admire the pristine eco-paradise from above on an optional flightseeing excursion on one of the two on board helicoptersˆ, or explore the marine life in the Scenic Neptune II submersible^.

Summary

Sail north overnight to Cape York, mainland Australia's northernmost point and a dream destination for many. Enjoy champagne on the Sky Bar or Observation Terrace as you cruise past the "Tip of Australia".

Pass along Torres Strait, an archipelago of more than 100 islands that stretches from Cape York to Papua New Guinea. These islands have a fascinating and distinct blend of cultures. Arriving at Thursday Island this afternoon, you’ll have the chance to learn more about this captivating cultural mix as well as the history of British settlement and the region’s pearling industry.

Freechoice:
Cultural Dance Performance: Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Torres Strait traditional dancing, a profound storytelling art form. Witness ancestral tales through mesmerizing dance, connect with their traditions, and gain a deep appreciation for this unique cultural exchange.

Taxi Tour: Meet funny and proud Torres Strait Islander personalities on this guided tour. Experience the real Torres Strait and Thursday Island, the hub’ of the Torres Strait.

Basket Weaving: Experience Torres Strait communities' age-old art of basket weaving, a tradition still vibrant today. Join us for a one-hour hands-on session amidst stunning waterfront scenery.

In their Steps Tour, Horn Island Heritage and War: Delve into the pages of the past as our expert guides lead you through the significant WW2 sites that dot this island, providing a comprehensive and deeply moving experience.

Discovery: Head to the marina and indulge in a range of exciting water sports, including snorkelling*, kayaking, paddleboarding, or exploring the underwater realm with a SEABOB. Alternatively, admire the pristine eco-paradise from above on an optional flightseeing excursion on one of the two on board helicoptersˆ or explore the marine life in the Scenic Neptune II submersible^. 

Summary

You’ll spot land early this morning, the remote Tanimbar Islands. This Indonesian archipelago of 65 islands sits just a few hundred kilometres north of Darwin. The islands range from densely forested hills to low lying swamplands and deserted beaches. As Scenic Eclipse II sails towards the largest island, Yamdena, and the capital, Saumlaki, discover a bustling city home to around 20,000 people.

Smaller villages have retained many of their unique cultural traditions, including music, dance and crafts. The Tanimbar Islands are also famous for the rare birds that inhabit the untouched forests, making it a popular destination for ornithologists.

Inclusion
Ancient Stone Boat Village Experience: Enter the Sangliat Dol Stone Boat Village via a giant stone staircase where a traditional village experience with cultural performances of the Tanimbar drummers and dancers will be a memorable event. 

Summary

Of the many beaches of Indonesia, the ones you’ll see today might be the most beautiful. The Kai Islands are part of the Maluku Province and are made entirely of white sand and coral. Talcum powder beaches are lapped by the strikingly blue waters of the Banda Sea and fringed with lush rows of palm trees. Despite their jaw-dropping beauty, these islands remain far off the tourist trail, and you’ll be unlikely to see another visitor.

Discovery: Spend today relaxing on the beach, swimming or snorkelling* in the warm water.

Summary

Once known as the Spice Islands, this legendary cluster of exotic ports was a thriving trading hub for rare spices like nutmeg and mace. This intriguing history is woven into the fabric of the island, with grand Portuguese, Dutch and British architecture lining the streets and imposing forts looking over the harbour. Explore the town, hear its colourful stories, and get an insight into its tumultuous past. Offshore, the snorkelling* around Banda Neira is some of the best in Indonesia and can be enjoyed by Scenic’s selection of water equipment, like stand-up paddle boards or kayaks.

Inclusion
Banda Islands Community Visit: This walking tour explores the historic township of Banda Neira, featuring visits to Fort Belgica, remnants of Dutch architecture, and local markets and traders.

Summary

After sailing across the Banda Sea, Scenic Eclipse II will arrive at Alor Island. The easternmost and largest of the 20 islands in the Alor archipelago, Alor has rugged volcanic terrain dotted with traditional villages full of striking architecture and well-preserved customs.

Tonight, order a night cap from your butler and stay up late as you’ll be sailing past an extraordinary island around 11 pm. Pulau Komba is home to Mount Batutara, an active volcano that erupts every 20 minutes. At night, you should be able to see the glowing lava as you pass by.

Inclusion
Alor Cultural Highlights: Discover the cultural highlights of Alor on this tour, featuring visits to traditional villages, vibrant markets, and historical sites. Experience local customs, traditional dances, and the rich heritage that defines this unique region.

Discovery: Head to the marina and indulge in a range of exciting water sports, including snorkelling*, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or exploring the underwater realm with a SEABOB.

Summary

Flores Island is fast becoming one of Indonesia’s most popular destinations. It was founded by the Portuguese in the 15th century and spent many years as the trade and administrative centre of the region.

Scenic Eclipse II will dock right in the centre of the city. Wander the streets at your leisure and soak in its cool maritime flavour. Witness the Portuguese connection and rich Catholic history in the buildings that surround you. Admire the famous Katedral Reinha Rosari, known as the Church of Iron and resembling an ornate Disney castle.  

Inclusion
Larantuka Traditional Village Tour: Visit a Larantuka village, known for singing local folk stories, and enjoy a traditional performance. The tour includes Ikat weaving, traditional music and dance, local refreshments, a visit to a local school, the historic Catholic Cathedral, and a bustling food market.

Summary

You’ll arrive at the port of Ende this morning. One of the largest towns on the island, it sits on a peninsula surrounded by black sand beaches.

The nearby Kelimutu National Park is home to Mount Kelimutu, a dormant volcano that has three spectacular lakes in its craters. Local legend says that the lakes are the resting place for departed souls, some evil, some innocent. If you can draw your eyes away from the lakes, look up and try to spot the park’s endemic bird species, like the Floresian eagle, Timorese tesia and Wallacea owl.

Freechoice:
Kelimutu Lakes Hike: Discover the volcanic lakes of Mt. Kelimutu, best known for its three crater lakes which periodically change colour due to a chemical reaction.

Ndona Village Tour: Explore Ndona Village for an enriching experience of ikat weaving and traditional dance, offering a profound glimpse into Flores' rich cultural heritage.

Summary

Today, witness with the eponymous species of giant lizard that has been roaming these forests for millions of years.

Stretching up to three metres in length and weighing over 150kg, the Komodo dragon is a lizard unlike any other. It lives on just a handful of islands in the Indonesian archipelago, with the majority found on Komodo Island.

Cruise around the island to the famous Pink Beach. The soft sand is coloured pink by finely crushed pieces of coral and shells, just one of seven pink beaches found anywhere in the world.

Inclusion
Komodo Dragon Walking Tour: Join the Komodo Dragon Walking Tour and explore their natural habitat alongside a knowledgeable local guide.

Discovery: During your afternoon on Pink Beach, relax and enjoy this rare natural wonder whether you’re snorkelling*, kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding. 

Summary

Today, Scenic Eclipse II will arrive at the port of Badas on Sumbawa Island. Though close to Bali and Lombok, Sumbawa has yet to be discovered by tourists and retains its strong cultural identity. The few who venture here come mostly for the epic surf, spectacular reefs and wild terrain, and there’s plenty to satisfy a taste for adventure.

The island of Sulawesi sits directly north of Sumbawa and its local Makassarese culture has had a strong influence on the island. You can tour a village where you’ll see centuries-old traditional cultures still in practice, like rice pounding and weaving.

Inclusion
Sumbawa Buffalo Racing Village Tour: Experience a cultural spectacle where skilled riders guide buffaloes towards a wooden statue in a flooded rice field, overcoming mystical challenges set by village shamans.

Summary

After more than two weeks exploring natural wonders, reefs, volcanic highlands and traditional villages, it’s time for some relaxation. This morning, Scenic Eclipse II will anchor at Senggigi Beach on Lombok Island where you’ll take a Zodiac to shore. Departure is close to midnight, so you have a full day to unwind and enjoy water activities. With far-fewer tourists, you’ll be able to find a quiet stretch of sand, empty waves and more laid-back shopping streets.

Toast the final sunset of your cruise, enjoying the stunning views from the Sky Bar with your favourite cocktail in hand. 

Freechoice:
Mambalan Village and Lingsar Temple: Explore Lingsar Temple, a Hindu shrine established in 1714. Don't miss the sacred pool, where worshippers feed eels with hard-boiled eggs. Visit Traditional Mambalan Village surrounded by rice paddies and irrigation channels.

Lombok Culture Escape with Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a Kuta beach tropical resort offering the best seascape in Lombok. Discover Banyumulek town which produces much of the famous Lombok pottery. This village is unique in that the school students are trained to make pottery from a very early age.

Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep Waterfalls: Drive along the coastline to Malimbu Lookout, Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep waterfalls at the foot of Mount Rinjani. Tiu Kelep is the largest waterfall in Lombok, offering crystal-clear waters and picturesque scenery. Lunch will be at Rinjani Lodge. After lunch, you’ll return to the pier.

Gili Meno Snorkelling: Experience the beauty of the Gili Islands with a traditional boat trip to Gili Meno, where you can enjoy clear waters, white sandy beaches, and snorkeling* opportunities. 

Inclusion 
Day Pass at Sheraton Senggigi Resort: Experience a day of leisure and relaxation with our Sheraton Senggigi Day Pass. Nestled along the pristine shores of Lombok, the resort offers a perfect blend of luxurious amenities and natural beauty.

Summary

Arrive at your final port this morning, Bali, the Island of the Gods. It’s just one of more than 18,000 islands that make up the country of Indonesia, but it’s long been a favoured destination for Australian travellers. Spectacularly beautiful, culturally diverse and brimming with luxury, Bali is truly a little piece of paradise.

Scenic Eclipse II will dock off the coast of Benoa, a peninsula on the southern edge of the island. Farewell your fellow guests and crew before you depart, taking home stories for life.

Please book your flight to depart out of Denpasar after 12:00 PM.

^Flights on board our two helicopters and submersible experiences are at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather, ice and tidal conditions. The helicopter and submersible are not operational in Indonesia. #Spa treatments at additional cost. +All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits.
*Please note from November to May, the waters of Tropical Queensland may contain Box Jellyfish and Irukandji Jellyfish. Our Discovery team will update guests on any known risks in regions 

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the cruise will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.