In the Wake of the Makassans - 14 Nights Makassar to Darwin

Makassar (Ujung Pandang) is the provincial capital of South Sulawesi, Indonesia. It is the largest city on Sulawesi Island (population 2,000,000), on the SW coast facing Makassar Strait. Historically famous for its free trade policy and of course the production of oil, it is perhaps now also very well known for Karebosi Link, the first ever underground shopping mall in Indonesia, as well as Trans Kala, the third largest indoor theme park in the world. Read more about Makassar, Indonesia

Read more about Tana Beru, Indonesia

Taka Bonerate National Park is a marine park located in the Flores Sea, Indonesia. South Sulawesi Island lies to the north, and Flores Island to the south. The park includes the Takabonerate atoll islands and was granted its status in 1992. Read more about Taka Bonerate National Park, Indonesia

Lamu Island is a step back into a medieval past where the air smells of spice, dhows are the main form of transport and the ancient Muslim culture, customs and traditions of a bygone age sit together with internet cafes and satellite phones. Read more about Lamu, Kenya

Komodo Island may be closed to visitors throughout 2020, following which numbers may be limited to 5000 annually. The decision will be made in mid 2019. Komodo Island lies in the Wallacea Region of Indonesia, identified by Conservation International as a global conservation priority area, and is located in the centre of the Indonesian archipelago between the islands of Sumbawa to the west and Flores to the east. Read more about Komodo Island, Indonesia

Rinca Island (pronounced ’rin-cha) is one of the westernmost islands in East Nusa Tenggara Province of Indonesia. Komodo Island lies immediately to the west, and the large island Flores to the east. Rinca, Komodo and Padar are the main islands of Komodo National Park. Read more about Pulau Rinca, Indonesia

Ende is a port and capital of Ende Regency in the East Nusa Tenggara ("eastern southeastern islands”) province of Indonesia. Ende is located on the south coast of Flores Island, adjacent to Sumba and Timor islands, and has a population of 60,000. The island lies on a gigantic arc of volcanoes that curves 5000 km across the Indonesian archipelago, parallel to a tectonic fault line and earthquake zone. Read more about Ende (Flores), Indonesia

Read more about Lamalera, Indonesia

Alor is the largest island in the Alor archipelago, located at the eastern-most end of the chain of islands that runs through southern Indonesia. The island is of volcanic origin with very rugged terrain, and the only town, Kalabahi, is located on the flat area facing the main harbour. The archipelago offers some of the best snorkelling and diving in Indonesia, but due to intriguing and often very strong currents it is best to snorkel or dive with someone who knows the area well. Read more about Alor Island, Indonesia

The new Darwin cruise ship terminal at Fort Hill Wharf is adjacent to the convention centre, only one kilometre from Darwin’s CBD. Modern amenities, hotels and parking are there, plus a mini-market with beautiful local productions – Aboriginal art and crafts, diamonds and opals, and eateries, distinctive of the Top End. Darwin is a home port for the small luxury vessels Coral Princess and Coral Discoverer that explore the Kimberley coast to Broome. Read more about Darwin, Australia