zMysterious Micronesia

Once all guests have embarked, we depart on our spectacular 19-day expedition, Mysterious Micronesia. This afternoon you will be introduced to your expedition team and participate in the safety drill. Tonight we invite you to familiarize yourself with your new home away from home, meet some of your fellow travelers and enjoy the first of many memorable meals in The Restaurant.

Today we set out for the Islands of Fanna and Sonsorol. Their proximity makes it possible to explore both in one day. Here you can snorkel or dive among thousands of iridescent blue chromis. Birders will get their chance at spotting the Black Naped Tern, Red-Footed Booby, and Frigate bird.

Sonsorol only has about 25 residents, while Fanna is completely uninhabited. Residents of Sonsorol regard Fanna as a reserve, but make occasional foraging expeditions by dugout canoe for fish, coconut crabs, and birds.

Both islands are covered by a forest of tall trees, including the stately Ficus and Artocarpus that grow on Fanna.

A leisurely day at sea allows time to exchange notes with fellow travelers and take advantage of the luxurious amenities aboard Silver Discoverer. Attend a lecture, perhaps about the Indonesia craft of Ikat weaving or Indonesian ornithology. Or just relax in the comfort of your suite and watch a movie on the in-suite interactive television.

The volcanic island, Ternate, is steeped in history. Here, Alfred Russel Wallace wrote his pioneering account of evolution by natural selection, known as the “Ternate Essay,” which he famously sent to Charles Darwin, who published the essay alongside his own account of the theory. Once disembarked, we will jump on jeepneys for a sightseeing tour that will take us on an exploration of Benteng Oranye, the remains of a massive 1607 Dutch fortress, and Keraton, the Sultan's mosque and Palace, which still serves as a family home today. 

Raja Ampat, or the Four Kings, is located on the northwest tip of Birds Head Peninsula, between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The archipelago of over 1500 small islands, cays and shoals is an ideal destination for water sports and beachcombing

Located in the Ceram Sea, West Papua, Misool, is one of the four major islands in the Rajah Ampat National Park. This celebrated snorkeling and diving hot spot is surrounded by a 1220 square kilometer/300,000 acre No-Take Zone, and inside the Raja Ampat Shark and Manta Sanctuary.

Kokas, West Papua, Indonesia
Early this morning, join the on-board expedition team for a Zodiac exploration in the MacCLuer Gulf. You’re sure to be amazed by its breath-taking coastline of natural bays, tiny islets, pristine rain forest, and soaring mountains. Here, we’ll go in search of New Guinea’s finest examples of ancient Papuan rock art, which was first discovered by European adventurers in 1678. Some of the designs, which were stenciled by hand, feature hands, birds, angled boomerang-like objects and, presumably mythical, part human, part animal figures.

Come afternoon, we will set off to explore the charming port of Kokas a prosperous fishing community that’s home to about 4000 residents. Here, the majority of villagers are Muslim Papuans and belong to the Fak Fak Regency. They will welcome us with a presentation of their unique cultural heritage, which includes harmonic songs, rhythmic drumming, and the traditional Gabagaba, or stick dance.

A leisurely day at sea is yours to enjoy. Begin perhaps with a late breakfast and another cup of coffee or tea during the first of the day’s lectures. Join the lectures and hear fascinating tales of adventure and learn more about the region’s endemic wildlife and remarkable nature. Our knowledgeable Lecture Staff members are experts in a variety of scientific fields.

Sjuru and Ewer Village, West Papua, New Guinea
Juan and Jufri Villages, West Papua, New Guinea
The Asmat region, a 5 square mile area (14 sq. km) of lowland swamp and rain forest, has long sheltered the Asmat tribe from outsiders, and our visit is an expedition highlight. Zodiacs take us through this remote riverine, cruising along narrow waterways lined with the entwined branches of thick mangrove forests, home to dozens of species of parrots, lorikeets and other birds including the spectacular Bird of Paradise. As we make our way upstream, Asmat villagers—whooping and chanting in elaborate warrior gear and war paint—paddle vigorously toward us in dozens of intricately carved canoes; the Asmat have one of the most renowned and vibrant woodcarving traditions in the Pacific. We are escorted to the village of Agats, the capital of the Asmat region, where enthusiastic welcomes await. A walk along elevated wooden boardwalks leads to the Catholic cathedral with its superb carvings, and the museum, with elaborate displays of ancestor poles, drums, body masks, shields, daggers, and skulls, reminding us that headhunting and cannibalism was practiced here until the early 1970’s. We also visit Ewer, its 1,000 hospitable residents inviting us ceremoniously to a colorful active market, a men’s longhouse, and to view their homes and prolific gardens.

Asmat culture is noted for its remarkable ritual objects. The people believe that humanity began with Fumeripitsj the Creator, who carved human-like figures and brought them to life by beating on a drum. Villagers honor this belief by carving many of their everyday items—bowls, spears, paddles, ornate wooden sculptures, and shields. The artistic themes are based on an intriguing interpretation of life and death, and many of the carvings resemble relatives who are recently deceased. Asmat woodcarvings are known for their powerful lines and coarse, expressive motifs, and are widely considered to be among the worlds finest. With our anthropologist helping us to communicate, we have the opportunity to purchase carvings directly from village artisans.

Sjuru and Ewer Village, West Papua, New Guinea
Juan and Jufri Villages, West Papua, New Guinea
The Asmat region, a 5 square mile area (14 sq. km) of lowland swamp and rain forest, has long sheltered the Asmat tribe from outsiders, and our visit is an expedition highlight. Zodiacs take us through this remote riverine, cruising along narrow waterways lined with the entwined branches of thick mangrove forests, home to dozens of species of parrots, lorikeets and other birds including the spectacular Bird of Paradise. As we make our way upstream, Asmat villagers—whooping and chanting in elaborate warrior gear and war paint—paddle vigorously toward us in dozens of intricately carved canoes; the Asmat have one of the most renowned and vibrant woodcarving traditions in the Pacific. We are escorted to the village of Agats, the capital of the Asmat region, where enthusiastic welcomes await. A walk along elevated wooden boardwalks leads to the Catholic cathedral with its superb carvings, and the museum, with elaborate displays of ancestor poles, drums, body masks, shields, daggers, and skulls, reminding us that headhunting and cannibalism was practiced here until the early 1970’s. We also visit Ewer, its 1,000 hospitable residents inviting us ceremoniously to a colorful active market, a men’s longhouse, and to view their homes and prolific gardens.

Asmat culture is noted for its remarkable ritual objects. The people believe that humanity began with Fumeripitsj the Creator, who carved human-like figures and brought them to life by beating on a drum. Villagers honor this belief by carving many of their everyday items—bowls, spears, paddles, ornate wooden sculptures, and shields. The artistic themes are based on an intriguing interpretation of life and death, and many of the carvings resemble relatives who are recently deceased. Asmat woodcarvings are known for their powerful lines and coarse, expressive motifs, and are widely considered to be among the worlds finest. With our anthropologist helping us to communicate, we have the opportunity to purchase carvings directly from village artisans.

A day at sea always gives good opportunities to assess the things seen so far and to prepare oneself for the different islands still to be visited. Enjoy a lecture about culture and natural history, or perhaps about the more modern influences on this remote part of the world. Help our birders spot some of the seabirds found far away from their nesting grounds. A refreshing drink and an interesting book can be good company too. There are many ways to enjoy the day while Silver Discoverer cruises at Sea.

We depart the ship for a morning walking tour of the historical rich city of Banda, the main town and administrative center of the Banda Islands - a group of ten small volcanic islands, which rise out of 4-6 km deep ocean.

Our stops include a visit to a traditional market and tour of the clove and nutmeg plantation. Consequently, until the mid-19th century the Banda Islands were the world’s only source of nutmeg.

Banda maintained heavy trade during the colonial era—goods that moved through Banda included cloves from Ternate and Tidore in the north, Bird of Paradise feathers from the Aru Islands and western New Guinea, and even slaves. In exchange, Banda received rice and cloth.

After lunch on board the ship, we will enjoy water activities in the beautiful waters of the Banda Sea.

The days at sea are yours to make your own. A well-deserved massage may be in order, or you might find yourself sipping on afternoon tea and taking in a little shopping. Today is the perfect day to relax and enjoy to your hearts content.

Alor Island, Indonesia
This morning we arrive at Kalabahi, we visit the traditional, hilltop village of Takpala where we are welcomed by the Chief and enjoy a cultural performance of dancing and chanting. Kalabahi is the port and capital of Alor Island, set inside a peaceful bay of white sandy beaches, and overlooked by two old volcanoes.

After re-positioning, this afternoon we anchor off the Alor-Pantar Strait, recognized as one of Indonesia’s top dive sites. With its smoldering volcanoes reaching down into crystal clear waters, pure white sandy beaches and traditional villages built half way up mountains; Alor’s scenery is as spectacular above as it is below the waterline. The island is also renowned for its unique Moko drum culture, bronze kettledrums that have been traced back to the Dongson culture of Vietnam. They are highly valued and are still used as dowry throughout Alor. We spend the morning exploring the spectacular reefs by snorkeling, scuba diving or Glass Bottom Boat. 

Lamalera and Lamakera on nearby Solor Island are the last two traditional whaling villages in Eastern Indonesia. Although slowly dying out, the ancient tradition of whaling is still the principal economic activity here. Whaling boats are made entirely of wood with wooden pegs (there is not a nail to be found!), and sails are made of palm leaves. The patterns of the whale and the boats are often seen in Lamalera’s hand-woven, ikat textiles. We will be welcomed by the villagers and have the opportunity to actually go on a “mock” whale hunt in the boats. The women will give us a weaving and dyeing demonstration and ikat textile will be available for purchase.

During lunch the Silver Discoverer will re-position to Palau Suanggi for an afternoon of underwater wonders. Enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving or glass bottom boat viewing off the coast of this tiny island. 

Savu, a small island about halfway between Timor and Sumba, is one of the most interesting destinations in Nusa Tenggara. The Savunese derive their staple nutrition from the lontar palm, and the nutritious juice of this drought-resistant tree makes possible a relatively high population concentration on Savu’s 461 square kilometers. Approximately 80% of Savunese are Christian. The tradition of textile weaving remains strong, with the women still growing the cotton, hand dyeing and weaving on back-strap looms. We will have a traditional village welcome, dances and singing. We will be treated to a lontar tapping demonstration by men who seem to float on palm fan leaves.

Early risers may spot whales cruising the straits as we approach Komodo. Walk along the forest in search of these of these enormous reptiles; Komodo Dragons can weigh as much as 300 pounds (136 kg) and measure up to 10 feet (3m). The island is also home to elegant Sulphur-Crested Cockatoos, Friar Birds, Megapode Birds, and Sambar deer.

During lunch the Silver Discoverer will re-position to the spectacular Pink Beach for an afternoon of spectacular snorkeling, diving and beach combing. From our glass bottom boat we spot shimmering tropical fish such as the striped clown fish nestled among the protective tentacles of its sea anemone host, or a spotted grouper lazily swimming by a flamboyant Coral Sea fan.

Known for its intricate ikat fabric, distinctive architecture and sculptured stone tombs, Sumba has resisted the advances of the modern age. It is therefore a fascinating island to explore, especially West Sumba where ancient tribal rites are best preserved. The Sumba culture revolves around fortified villages where ancestors are worshiped by extended families living in enormous clan houses with high-pitched thatched roofs. The Sumbanese honor the dead by dragging massive stone graves a great distance to construct mausoleums for the departed. On our visit to villages, we will witness a funereal rite ceremony as well as a fierce martial arts performance on horseback. We will also observe the process of making Indonesia’s famous ikat textiles, including the opportunity to purchase ikat directly from the weavers.

Following breakfast, disembark Silver Discoverer.