Cruise Description

PONANT invites you to set sail on a 15-day tropical expedition cruise aboard Le Jacques-Cartier discovering the stunning scenery of the Indonesian archipelago and East Timor. It is on these islands, scattered like a string of pearls at the far west of South-East Asia, that the fascinating transition from Asia to Oceania is most powerfully felt, through the peoples and landscapes encountered.

Timor, Flores, Sumbawa, Komodo, Banda Neira… Just mentioning these names is enough to conjure up images of spectacular blooms, wide emerald-coloured bays, island-volcanoes, villages peopled with inhabitants who have preserved their perennial traditions, and prehistoric animals. Not to mention hills covered in savannah, tropical forests, dazzling white sandy beaches and waves crashing down on the coral.

Your journey will begin in Darwin. You will then sail to the Kei Islands, in the heart of the Malukus, to discover a peaceful paradise of stunning white-sand beaches.

Your next destination will be Triton Bay. Located within a protected marine environment in the middle of the Coral Triangle, you will enjoy an unforgettable zodiac cruise through the spectacular rainforest-capped karst islands.

Le Jacques-Cartier will continue to sail in the Indonesian province of West Papua to allow you to witness the superb natural site of Kiti-Kiti Waterfall surrounded by lush nature.

In the Moluccas (Maluku Islands), dubbed the Spice Islands, you will explore the island of Banda Neira, which was shaped by Dutch and Portuguese influences.

After a stopover in the fabulous Barat Daya Islands, a real concentration of the beauty South-East Asia, Le Jacques Cartier will head for East Timor, a former Portuguese colony, and make a call at Baucau, between the scent of other places and beautiful sandy beaches, and Dili, the capital.

You will then sail towards the magnificent Indonesian archipelago of Kalabahi. This authentic destination in the Alor Archipelago provides the opportunity to interact with local people who have preserved their traditional practices and customs.

You will continue towards Maumere, on the island of Flores. Then you will explore the marvellous Komodo National Park, where the famous dragons, a prehistoric species, reign supreme over the island’s herbaceous landscapes. You will also go ashore at Pink Beach, which, as its name suggests, is a magnificent beach of pink sand with sparkling blue water.

Your ship will set sail for Badas on the island of Sumbawa. You will be welcomed by the inhabitants of Pamulung village, where you will be able to witness a traditional ceremony.

Your cruise will conclude in Bali – ‘the island of the gods’ – with its captivating charm and grace.

The encounters with the wildlife described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.