Discover Komodo & The Spice Islands

Day programme:

This beautiful part of the world is tailor-made for island hopping and the ultra-luxury Scenic Eclipse II will call at two island ports today, both off the north coast of Sumbawa. The first is Moyo Island, described as an Eden in the Flores Sea. The whole island is a national park, and the surrounding waters are a marine reserve, making Moyo one of Indonesia’s key conservation sites. The lush forests are home to indigenous rusa deer, wild boar and macaque monkeys; the skies are filled with birds; and a kaleidoscopic ocean reef bubbles with fish, turtles, manta rays and whale sharks. Scenic Eclipse, the World’s First Discovery Yachts use GPS Dynamic Positioning, which allows the ship to maintain position without the use of an anchor, protecting this sensitive ecosystem.   Set off at midday for the nearby Satonda Island, a small ring-shaped island with a lake in the centre. The island is believed to be an ancient volcano that rose from the depths of the ocean and even today Satonda is shrouded in local myth and mystery. Some local tribes believe that the island is forbidden, while others believe that certain trees can grant wishes. The water here is clear and calm, making for exceptional swimming, snorkelling and diving. 

Pink Beach earned its name for the way the beach can appear to have a rosy hue in certain lights. The color comes from small flecks of red coral mixed in with the fine white reef sand. With a few trees along the beach for shade, this stretch of coast makes a fine place to relax or enjoy a snorkel or dive in the crystal clear waters. It is possible to spot a striped clown fish nestled among the protective tentacles of its sea anemone host, or to see a grouper lazily swimming by a flamboyant soft coral. The reef here is now protected by law and the maturing corals are a joy to behold.

Day programme:

This is a momentous day for all those aboard Scenic Eclipse II, cruising into one of the world’s great natural treasures. Today come face to face 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.  Board Scenic Eclipse II again at midday to 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. The turquoise water that laps the shoreline makes for a striking contrast. Beneath the surface, the wonders continue with hundreds of species of coral and an abundance of fish.  

Day programme:

Flores Island is fast becoming one of Indonesia’s most popular destinations. Set on the far eastern edge of the island, 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 be able to 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, along with a 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. The city is a major pilgrimage site for Catholics over Easter and you may see early preparations underway for the grand Holy Week celebrations. 

Day programme:

After sailing across the Banda Sea, Scenic Eclipse II will arrive at Alor Island this morning. The easternmost and largest of the 20 islands in the Alor archipelago, Alor has rugged volcanic terrain dotted with traditional villages. A site to behold and one for the avid photographer.  Alor Island is home to a number of unique Indigenous tribes that live in the same way they have for thousands of years. Visit a local village this morning to see the striking architecture and well-preserved customs. Alor is also known as ‘the island of a thousand mokos’. Mokos are a small bronze drum believed to have originated from the Don Dong culture of Vietnam and many homes on Alor will have one in pride of place. Just after midday you’ll set sail for Sika Island, a tiny outcrop off the north coast of Alor. This beautiful island is a conservation area and best known for its population of dugongs. Reaching up to three metres long and weighing 400kg, these enormous sea mammals float gracefully through the crystal-clear water munching on sea grass and can be spotted from Deck 10 or the Observation Lounge through Scenic’s Swarovski crystal telescope. 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. Even at night, you should be able to see the glowing lava and explosive spray as you pass by. 

Day programme:

The Banda Islands have long fascinated travellers for more than 700 years. Once known as the Spice Islands, this legendary cluster of exotic ports was a thriving trading hub for rare spices like nutmeg and mace. In 1512, Portuguese explorer Francisco Serrao completed an arduous round the world journey and became the first European to ever set foot on Banda Neira. For the next three centuries, these tiny volcanic outcrops were highly prized and fiercely fought over by every great colonial power. 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 toys, like stand-up paddle boards or kayaks.

Day programme:

Today, you are truly cruising off the map and to locations few intrepid travellers get to venture. The isolated Arguni Island sits off the coast of the remote region of West Papua. The island has been known to outsiders since the 17th century, but this is a place that few tourists have ever set foot. Only a few hundred people live on the island, speaking their own unique Arguni language, and making a living through fishing and pearl farming.The island is famous for its prehistoric Papuan rock art, which can be found on the limestone cliffs and caves that dot the island. Their origin is uncertain, but experts estimate they are up to 7,000 years old. The paintings share many similarities with the art of tribes from northern Australia and Papua New Guinea, suggesting ancient cultural connections. Be further immersed in the local culture at a stilt village, built on the edge of a mangrove swamp, where traditional customs of music, dance, craft and food remain largely unchanged.

Day programme:

Today sail into another world surrounded by the Raja Ampat Island. With more than 1,500 sparsely populated islands peppered across the ocean north of West Papua, the isolated archipelago of Raja Ampat is often called ‘the last paradise on earth’. Also known as the world’s most biodiverse marine region; 75% of the world’s known coral species can be found here and the waters are home to more than 1,600 species of fish. Yet because of its remote location, Raja Ampat is largely untouched by mass tourism. During your three days cruising here, you may not see another cruise ship and only occasionally spot small villages or barefoot beach resorts tucked into quiet coves.This morning, explore Gam Island. With its hilly interior, sharp limestone cliffs and thick jungle, the interior of Gam is all but impassable. Just a few villages sit on the coast and there are no roads or paths across the island. It’s known for its incredible bird life, including the red birds of paradise, western crowned pigeons, palm cockatoos and the ground-dwelling maleo.

Day programme:

Scenic Eclipse II will sail north overnight, bound for one of the northernmost islands in Raja Ampat. Uninhabited and breathtakingly beautiful, Wayag is one of Indonesia’s most recognisable sights, the star of many television commercials and billboards. Crystal clear waters are fringed by white sand beaches and dramatic karst islands sprout straight up from the sea. Even seasoned travellers will be dazzled by its natural beauty.There are no landings on the island, but you'll enjoy a picturesque site seeing spot offshore on board your luxuriously appointed Discovery Yacht. Fitted with state-of-the-art GPS Dynamic Positioning system, Scenic Eclipse II is able to hold her position without dropping anchor on ecologically sensitive seabeds.Take this idyllic time to explore on excursions for swimming, snorkelling and wildlife spotting, cruising through the sapphire seas on a Zodiac. You’ll spend a full day here, giving you time to explore everything Wayag has to offer and soak in the splendour of this pristine paradise.

Day programme:

Cruising back south, straight through the centre of Raja Ampat, you’ll arrive at Misool Island this morning. One of the four largest islands of the group, known collectively as the Four Kings, it has a permanent population of around 5,000 scattered around a few villages. It’s also home to a handful of resorts – look out for the overwater bungalows clinging to the coast as you pull in.In a region of spectacular biodiversity, Misool manages to stand above the rest of Raja Ampat. It is surrounded by one of the most pristine reef systems left on earth and is one of the few places where biodiversity is improving, rather than declining. The clear waters are home to a dazzling array of corals and fish, and you can spot whales, sharks and dolphins frolicking in the open ocean. Today, enjoy more swimming, snorkelling and watersports in an unforgettable location.

The Kei islands are home to some of the most beautiful, pristine and untouched beaches in the world. They are the most accessible islands of southern Maluku and offer visitors a tranquil escape from the bustling nature of Darwin. Referred to as the hidden gems of Indonesia, Kei Islands are relatively unknown and therefore make for the perfect place to enjoy a day of swimming and snorkelling on an idyllic uninhabited picture postcard tropical island.

Day programme:

There are millions of beaches in Indonesia yet the ones you’ll see today might be the country’s 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.Spend today living out your castaway fantasies on a deserted island, swimming and snorkelling in the warm water or just lazing on the sand.

Day programme:

You’ll spot land early this morning, the remote Tanimbar Islands. One of Indonesia’s most far-flung outposts, this 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 on the island 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. Be sure to listen closely as the Scenic Eclipse gently and silently glides by.

Darwin is Australia’s most colorful, and exotic, capital city. Surrounded on three sides by the turquoise waters of the Timor Sea, the streets are lined with tropical flowers and trees. Warm and dry in winter, hot and steamy in summer, it’s a relaxed and casual place, as well as a beguiling blend of tropical frontier outpost and Outback hardiness. Thanks to its close proximity to Southeast Asia and its multicultural population it also seems more like Asia than the rest of Australia. Darwin is a city that has always had to fight for its survival. The seductiveness of contemporary Darwin lifestyles belies a history of failed attempts that date from 1824 when Europeans attempted to establish an enclave in this harsh, unyielding climate. The original 1869 settlement, called Palmerston, was built on a parcel of mangrove wetlands and scrub forest that had changed little in 15 million years. It was not until 1911, after it had already weathered the disastrous cyclones of 1878, 1882, and 1897, that the town was named after the scientist who had visited Australia’s shores aboard the Beagle in 1839. During World War II it was bombed more than 60 times, as the harbor full of warships was a prime target for the Japanese war planes. Then, on the night of Christmas Eve 1974, the city was almost completely destroyed by Cyclone Tracy, Australia’s greatest natural disaster. It’s a tribute to those who stayed and to those who have come to live here after Tracy that the rebuilt city now thrives as an administrative and commercial center for northern Australia. Old Darwin has been replaced by something of an edifice complex—such buildings as Parliament House and the Supreme Court all seem very grand for such a small city, especially one that prides itself on its casual, outdoor-centric lifestyle. Today Darwin is the best place from which to explore Australia’s Top End, with its wonders of Kakadu and the Kimberley region.

Day programme:

Your cruise ends in Darwin. Sitting at the crossroads of Australia, Asia and the Pacific Islands, this tropical capital is closer to Bali than Bondi. It’s rich in history, culture and natural wonders, perched on the edge of the continent looking out over the Timor Sea. Darwin is packed with galleries and museums that celebrate its unique cultural blend, plus delicious restaurants that draw from nearby Asian nations.After an unforgettable voyage, it’s time to farewell your fellow guests and Scenic Eclipse II crew. Take with you fond memories of the places you have seen, once-in-a-lifetime moments and the unrivalled ultra-luxury experience on board Scenic Eclipse II.Please book your flight to depart out of Darwin after 12:00 PM.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.