Coral Expeditions, Australia’s pioneering cruise line, has announced the release of three new voyages to follow on from their 2024 series through Japan and the Philippines. Commencing in early November 2024 onboard the state-of-the-art expedition ship Coral Geographer, these three new voyages will explore a rich array of ancient and modern coastal cultures from Manilla, across the north of Borneo and into Singapore before undertaking an inaugural full Circumnavigation of Sumatra.
The first voyage will embark from Manila on a 16-night Equatorial Adventure Across North Borneo voyage taking guests on an immersive exploration of the rich traditional culture and customs of these unique coastlines. Along the way, discover centres of evolution in ancient rainforests, connect with conservation efforts, and enjoy rarely seen aquatic and geographical wonders.
Our next adjoining voyage in the series will be a unique 18-night adventure on the inaugural Circumnavigation of Sumatra departing from Singapore, where guests will explore hard to reach small fringing islands, follow historical trading routes and the trails of early explorers, meander along the coastal ecosystems and venture into the labyrinth of islands making up the western Indonesian maritime border. Learn from local rangers at Ujong Kulon National Park about Javanese rhinoceros and sub species of the endangered Sumatran tiger not found anywhere else in the world.
After a short survey period for the vessel in Singapore, the third of these newly released voyages will depart from Singapore and travel across Christmas and New Year over 16-nights to Makassar in remote Sulawesi. On this Into The Wilds of Borneo expeditions, guests will explore mighty rivers carved through dense rainforest jungles, discover cultural traditions of unique coastal cities, and connect with rare fauna and flora in the wild. Cruise the ink-black waters of the Sekonyer River to arrive at the orangutan sanctuary and conservation facility at Camp Leakey. Visit the Banjarmasin floating markets, where the river is a lively cacophony of sights and sounds as sampans are piled high with fresh produce, and buyers and sellers close their transactions on the water.
Our final voyage in the series will commence in early 2025 with a 14-night expedition following “In the Wake of the Makassans” from Sulawesi homewards to Darwin, Australia. Share an enriching journey through the straits of the Flores and Savu seas aboard Coral Geographer. Explore lesser-visited islands home to traditional seafaring traditions and rich cultural practices including Alor and the highland rituals of Torajaland. At Tana Beru, witness ancient traditional Phinisi boat building and visit one of the last traditional subsistence whaling villages at Lamalera. Step ashore with local guides to encounter the Komodo Dragons and dive and snorkel in the colourful underwater realm of Takabonarate Marine Park deep within the revered Coral Triangle.
‘It is always an exciting time when we release new itineraries to our guests and trade partners” says Commercial Director Jeff Gillies. “It is the culmination of years of planning and preparations from our crew. In recent years, our Circumnavigations have proven popular with our loyal guests as they offer such a unique perspective and comprehensive insight into these remote island realms. There is a real sense of achievement for guests and crew with the shared experience and the chance to deeply connect with the culture, wildlife and landscape and to understand the history and heritage of these places”
Voyage Information for our New Releases
An Equatorial Adventure Across North Borneo | 16 Nights | Manila to Singapore | Coral Geographer | Departs 7 November 2024 | Prices from $14,690pp twin share
Circumnavigation of Sumatra | 18 Nights | Singapore to Singapore | Coral Geographer | Departs 23 November 2024 | Prices from $16,520pp twin share
Into The Wilds of North Borneo | 16 Nights | Singapore to Makassar | Coral Geographer | Departs 24 December 2024 | Prices from $16,140pp twin share
In the Wake of the Makassans | 14 Nights | Makassar to Darwin | Coral Geographer | Departs 9 January 2025 | Prices from $14,120pp twin share
More information including live availability and online booking ability can be found on Coral Expeditions’ website by clicking HERE.
With 40 years of experience, Coral Expeditions have forged a reputation as one of the world’s leading expedition cruise operators delivering a true expedition product and ethos. Renowned for delivering guests more time ashore and deeper natural and cultural connections through an expert team and a warm Australian hospitality, there is no better way to experience these remote places than by small ship.
