Exploring Bali, The Spice Islands, & Raja Ampat Indonesia_Group...Exploring Bali, The Spice Islands,...

ExploringBali,TheSpiceIslands,&RajaAmpatAnEarlhamCollegeAlumniAdventurewithBillBuskirk

17Days/16NightsinIndonesiaGroupSize:12+GroupLeaders(BillBuskirk&MarianneCope)$7,850perperson/sharingSingleSupplement:Onlyonespecialberthavailabe

Begins:Denpasar,Bali(Oct15)/Ends:Denpasar,Bali(Oct31)--2017

HIGHLIGHTS:HikingthroughUNESCOWorldHeritagelistedricefieldsofJatiluwih,BaliHandsonBalineseCookingClassExploringBalinesetemples&shrines/LearningaboutBalinesespiritualityVisitingartisanworkshopsandmarketsinUbud11nightscruisingonatraditionalIndonesianpinisiPenemuIsland’s“HiddenBay”TheuniquekarstformationsofBoanoIslandSwimming/floatingthroughTomolo’sfamousgrottosTheprehistoricpetroglyphcaveartofRajaAmpatSeaKayakingandpaddleboardingfromtheKatharinaHikingandbirdinginSeram’sManuselaNationalParkVisitingremotevillagesonlyverylightlytouchedbytheoutsideworldLearningaboutthelifeandworkofAlfredRusselWallace,andfollowinginhisfootstepsDailyopportunitiestosnorkelinsomeofthemostmarinewildliferichwatersintheworldThepristinecoralreefsofRajaAmpatAmazingsunsetsandspectacularlandscapesObservingbothRedandWilson’sBirds-of-Paradiseinthewild

T0REGISTER: Chr is Kean(EC ’85) at So lar is Expedit ions Chr is Kean: ckean@solar isexpedit ions .com Quest ions: Ca l l Chr is Kean– 973.200.6796/ 800.330.6070

Explor ing Bal i , The Spice Is lands & Raja Ampat – With Bi l l Buskirk

SOLARIS EXPEDITIONS

9120 Providence Colony Drive, Charlotte, NC 28277, USA - (800) 330-6070 - [email protected]

OVERVIEWInOctober2017-JoinBillBuskirk&MarianneCopeonajourneyofexplorationtoBaliandtheremoteislandsof Eastern Indonesia. We are hugely excited about this trip, surely to be one of the richest and mostrewarding travel experiencesBill has led– a greatopportunity for adventurous travelers looking toexpandtheir travelhorizons,broadentheirunderstandingofa fascinatingpartof theworld,andexperienceavast,pristine,marinewildernessareastillonlylightlytouchedbytourism.

ThejourneystartsandendsinfabledBali,anexceptionallybeautifulland,richinhistory,cultureanddiversespiritual traditions. Wewill have days to explore the area aroundUbud in the central highlands, combingfavorite activities suchasbirding, trekking, andphotographywith visits to ancient sites, artisanworkshops,andaninspirational,innovative,eco-friendlyschool.

The heart of our adventure are the days we’ll spend on the Pinisi, Katharina, sailing from the white-sanddottedislandsoftheMoluccanandBandaSeastotheastonishingregionofRajaAmpat,whichhasarguablythegreatestmarinebiodiversity in theworld.Here ina region thathasbeencalled theGalapagosofSouthEast Asia, we will stop at scarcely populated and seldom visited islands, learn about local cultures andtraditions,snorkeloverpristinereefsandthroughstalactiteencrustedgrottos,andhikeintoprimevalforestinsearchofbirdsofparadise.Alongtheway,wewillenjoyourwonderfulboat,itsfriendlycrew,andtheuniquefellowshipthatformsduringagreatseavoyage.

T ravel Dates: Sun,Oct15–Fri, Oct31 (17 days/16 n i gh t s i n I ndones ia ) DAY DATE 1 Sun Oct15 WelcometoBali Denpasar(Bali)2 Mon Oct16 OntoSulawesi Makassar(Sulawesi)3 Tue Oct17 SettingSailfromSorong AboardKatharina–RajaAmpat4 Wed Oct18 BirdsofParadiseontheIslandofGam AboardKatharina–RajaAmpat5 Thu Oct19 HikingandBridingonBatanaIsland AboardKatharina–RajaAmpat6 Fri Oct20 ThroughtheDampierStraittoArborekIsland AboardKatharina–RajaAmpat7 Sat Oct21 PeneumIsland’s“HiddenBay” AboardKatharina–RajaAmpat8 Sun Oct22 ExploringtheMisoolArchipelago AboardKatharina–RajaAmpat9 Mon Oct23 MisoolIsland AboardKatharina–RajaAmpat10 Tue Oct24 ExploringSeram AboradKatharina-MalukuIslands11 Wed Oct25 BoanoIsland AboardKatharina-MalukuIslands12 Thu Oct26 ManipaIsland AboardKatharina-MalukuIslands13 Fri Oct27 DisembarkatAmbon–FlytoBali Ambon–Ubud(Bali)

14 Sat Oct28 BirdingaroundUbud&IntrotoBalineseCuisine Ubud15 Wed Oct29 AncientRiceTerraces&HolyPlaces Ubud16 Thu Oct30 TheGreenSchoolBali&UbudArtisans Ubud17 Fri Oct31 DepartforHome


SOLARIS EXPEDITIONS


Sun, Oct 15: WelcometoBal i

BaliisthewesternmostoftheLesserSundaIslandsandthesmallestprovinceofIndonesia.ItisbyfarthemostvisitedofIndonesia’sislands,andtheonlyHindusocietyinthewholeofSoutheastAsia.Knownasthe‘Islandof theGods’ and the ‘Landof a Thousand Temples,” it is picturesque to the point of resembling a paintedbackdropforthesceneofamovie.Itsdiversityrangesfromsophisticatedhotels,gourmetrestaurants,thrivingnightlifeandendlessshopping,toablissfulparadiseofsandybeaches,hand-carvedriceterraces,fastflowingrivers,toweringvolcanoesandancientrainforests.Thisnaturalsplendoriscombinedwithanexotichistory,aflavorsome cuisine, and a rich spiritual culture defined by palaces, temples, flower-scented festivals andexquisitearts.

Upon arrival at Denpasar Airport, we transfer to our hotel not far from Denpasar for our first night inIndonesia.AWelcomeDinnerisincluded.

Overnight:TheOpenHotel(orsimilar)Room:StandardIncluded:Dinner

Mon, Oct 16: Onto Sulawesi

ThismorningwedepartforDenpasarAirport,whereweflynorthtotheislandofSulawesi.

OurdestinationisthecityofMakassar,abusymodernporttoday,andinthepastthetraditionalgatewaytoEasternIndonesia.LocatedonthedeepseaStraitsofMakassar,thecityhasacolorfulhistory.ItwasavitalhubforthehugelyprofitabletradebetweentheSpiceIslandsandIndia,Europe,andChina,andanimportantadministrativeandeconomiccenterfortheDutchEastIndies.

UponlandingatMakassarAirport,we’llproceedtoourhotelforcheck-in,andabreakforlunch.

Later we meet up for a tour of the city’s historic district, which features fine examples of Dutch colonialarchitecture,includingthe17thcentury,FortRotterdam,whichwewillhaveachancetovisit.

Overnight:AstonMakassar(orsimilar)Room:StandardIncluded:Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Tue, Oct 17– Thu, Oct 26: Sa i l ing to Ambonaboardthe Kathar ina

Oct17-InthemorningweflyfromMakassar,acrosstheBandaSeatothecityofSorongonIndonesianPapua.

AfterlandingonAmbonweheaddirectlytotheharbortoboardtheKatharina.Oncesettledintoourcabins,wemeetourcruisedirectorwhowillbriefusaboutlifeonboardandpreviewouritinerary.

Ready to start our adventure, the Katharinaweighs anchor, and sails into thewaters of Raja Ampat. RajaAmpatliesintheCoralTriangle,whichstretchesfromThePhilippinestoTimortoPapuaNewGuinea,knownasthemostbiodiversemarinehabitatonearth.Therearemanyspecieshereyouwon'tfindanywhereelse.Ithasthree-quartersoftheworld'scoralvarieties, tentimesthatoftheCaribbean.ThewatersofRajaAmpat


SOLARIS EXPEDITIONS


aresoclearandthemarine lifesoabundantthat it’s likeswimminginatropicalaquarium.With itssublimescenery of steep, jungle-covered islands, white-sand beaches, hidden lagoons, eerie caves, unusualmushroom-shapedisletsandluminousturquoisewaters,RajaAmpatiseasilyoneofthemostbeautifulislandchainsintheworld.

BeyondthebayofSorong,we’llfindaplacetostopforarefreshingswim.Later,wedinealfrescoonthemaindeckwhilegettingtoknowthecaptainandcrewandwatchingthesunsetonourfirstdayatsea.

Oct18 -Todaywewill riseat4.30am,offSawinggaraivillageonthe islandofGam.Thedinghywillcarryusacrosstothevillageinthedark,anda localguidewilltakeusona20-minute-walk intotheforestonapre-dawnquest to spot the remarkable redbirdofparadise,oneof the species thatAlfredRusselWallacewaskeenest to collect.Wehope that the efforts of our early startwill payoff, enablingus to catch a rare andprivilegedsightofthebird’selaboratecourtshipdanceasthedaybreaksovertheforestcanopy.Backinthevillage,therewillbetimetomeetwiththecommunityandperhapsvisittheschool.Wewillbebackontheboat bymid-morning and if time permits we’ll travel over to Pef Island to snorkel andmotor around theconvolutedcoastwhilelearningthemythabouttheprehistorichandprintstillvisiblehighonalimestonecliff.Intheafternoonwe’llheadtowardsSorongandshouldhavetimeforasnorkelbeforedinner.

Oct19-Thismorningwewakeuponthenorthcoastofthejungle-cladislandofBatanta.Batantaoffersusachance to stretch our legs on a trek into the island’s interior.We will anchor at the foot of Arefi Village,nestledonthenorthcoastof the island,wherewewill find localguidestoescortusthroughthemangrovewaters to the start point of our hike. A short walk along the riverbed brings us to the first of two junglewaterfallscompletewitharefreshingpoolforcoolingoff.Thefitandadventurousmaychoosetocontinuetheuphillclimbalongtherockstowhereasecond,largercascadeawaits.Afterleavingthewildernessbehindus,wewillfindanearbyspottoswimandsnorkel.Theislandboastssomeexcitingbirdlife,too–wewillbeonthe lookout for,BeachKingfisher, PalmandSulphur-CrestedCockatoos,NorthernCassowary, andbothRedandWilson’sBirds-of-Paradise.


SOLARIS EXPEDITIONS


Oct20-TodaytheKatharinawillmakeitswaythroughtheDampierStrait,homeofsomeofSouthEastAsia’spremier reefs.With a bit of luck,we hope to snorkelwith some of the largermarine life attracted to thestrait’snutrient-richcurrents.WewillendourdayjustoffArborekIsland,wherewecaneasilycircumnavigatetheislandbyfootandgetasenseofthelocalAsaiculture,whichisstillkeptalivebythevillagerslivingonthistinyisolatedisland.Arborekisalsohometoamantaconservationprojectwherevolunteerswillhappilyshowusaroundandexplaintheireffortsandprogramsinmoredetail.

Oct21-Inthemorning,theKatharinawillbemooredinfrontoftheislandofPenemu.Theheartoftheislandishometothespectacular‘HiddenBay.’WewilltakeashorthikeheretoexperienceoneofthemostfamousviewsthatRajaAmpathastooffer.Therestofthedaywewillspendexploring,kayaking,paddleboardingandsnorkelinginthesurroundingareas.

Oct22-Weawaketoseethesunriseoverthispicturesquechainofislands,andthenvisitacavernousgrottoadornedwithspectacularstalactites.ThemoreadventurouscanswimorpaddlethroughthedarkwaterstoreachtheotherislandsthatmakeuptheMisoolArchipelago.Thelandscapeistypicalof‘karstdissolution,’ofagreatnumberoftinyisletswhosebasesovertimehavebeenerodedbytherelentlessmotionofthetides.Wewillspendthedaymakingthemostofeverythingthatthis fascinatingareahastoofferbymarvelingatboththemarinewonderlandunderthewaterandthemagnificentlandscapeabovethesurface.Wecantestoutourpaddlingskillsintheseakayaks,watchforbirdsperchedontherocks,orjustsitbackandtakeinthegloriousscenery.

Oct 23 - In the morning we find ourselves anchored in Tomolol Bay off Misool Island. A swim throughTomolol’s mysterious dome-topped cave is undoubtedly one of Raja Ampat’s most memorableactivities. After an early breakfast, our tenders will take us into the heart of the bay to see this partiallysubmergedcavewhereitispossibletoswim,snorkelorsimplyfloatwhilegazingupatthecavernousgrottoadornedwithastonishingstalactites. Themoreadventurouscanswimorpaddlethroughthedarkwaterstothe othermouth of the cave. After returning to the ship, wewill use our tenders to exploremore of thisimpressivemazeofkarst islands,bothaboveandbelowthesurface.Highlightsoftheafternoon includethemysteriousskullcairnswe’llfindinsea-cavecemeteries,andprehistoric‘petroglyph’cavepaintings,estimatedtobeanythingfrom3,000to5,000yearsoldanddepictingvarioushumanfiguresandhugehumanpalms,fish,flowersandplants,toolsandvessels.

Oct24-DuringthenightwecrosstheCeramSeaintothewatersoftheMalukuIslands.TheMalukuIslands,thestoriedSpiceIslandswhichhavesentpreciouscargosofcloves,nutmeg,mace,andpeppertofarcornersoftheglobe,sinceantiquity.Consistingofover1,000islands,TheMalukusaresprawledacrossavastexpanseofocean,sittingastrideoneoftheworld’smostvolatilevolcanicbelts.Malukuisblessedwithincrediblecoralreefs, idyllic, tropical beaches and rugged, forest-coated volcanicmountains. It’s a lightly visited corner ofIndonesiawhichpresentsgreatculturaldiversityandincrediblyrichmarinefloraandfauna.TheislandssitontheHalmaheraPlatewithdeepchannelsseparatingmanyoftheislands,resultinginahighrateofavian,floral,andmammalianendemismwithintheislandchain.Beneaththewaves,themarinelifeisasrichanddiverseas anyplaceon earth. Of thewaters of theMalukus, AlfredRusselWallacewrote that they contained, "acontinuousseriesofcorals,sponges,actiniæ,andothermarineproductions,ofmagnificentdimensions,variedforms,andbrilliantcolors."


SOLARIS EXPEDITIONS


(Oct24cont’d)TodayweexploretheislandofSeram(Ceram).Seramisaremoteplaceofhillyjungle,whichhaslongbeenreveredastheholderofthelocalbeliefsandcultureoftheLeaseIslands.OutsidersrarelyvisitSeram,butonKatharinawe’llbeabletoaccesstothisfascinatingandmysterious island.WeanchoroffthevillageofSawai,anoasis in itself,butalsoaperfect landbase forus tomakethemostofSeram’sstunningnortherncoastandManuselaNationalPark,whichincludeswithinitsboundariescoastalforest,swampforest,lowlandandmontanerainforestecosystems.It’sanimportantareaofbirdendemism.StandoutsincludetheLazuli Kingfisher, theMoluccan King Parrot, Seram and Salomon-Crested Cockatoos, Red and Purple-NapedLories,andtheSeramMasked-Owl,tonamejustafew.

Oct25-TodaywewillwakeupjustoffBoanoIsland,whichisfamousforitstoweringcliffs,karstformations,andwhite-sand beaches.We’ll use the tenders to explore this beautiful coastline. During lunch, Katharinamovestoanearbystringofuninhabitedislandsforsomespectacularsnorkeling.

Oct 26 - This morning will be spent on the island of Manipa, said to have magical powers because thePortuguese,theDutchandtheJapaneseneversetfooton itdespiteoccupyingthesurrounding islands.Thevillagethatwewillexplore issimplebutbrightwithtropicalblooms,whilethesurroundinggardens,groves,andforestsyieldproducesuchascashewnutsandthesagopalm.Wewillvisitalocaldistilleryfamousforits‘kayuputih’oil–aremedyforachesandpains,colds,andupsetstomachs,thatnoIndonesianhousehold iswithout.Theoilisdistilledfromvatsfullofthecrushedleavesofmelaleucatrees.

Fr i , Oct 27: D isembarkat ionat Ambon&Returnto Bal i

In themorning,wewill findourselves at anchor in theharborofAmbon.After a final, heartybreakfastonboard,wesaygoodbyetotheKatharinaandhercrew.ThetenderswillthentakeusashoreforourtransfertotheairportforourreturnflighttoDenpasar,Bali.

Uponarrival inDenpasar,wedrivenorthtransfertothefamoustownofUbudinthecentralfoothillsoftheGianyarRegency.Thescenictransfernorthfromtheairportshouldtakeabouttwohours.

With a history dating back well over a thousand years, Ubud is the spiritual and cultural heart of Bali,renownedfor its temples,artisanmarkets,andstunning locationamongterracedricefieldsand lushforest.Ubud serves as an ideal home base over the next four nights, as we make wildlife, history and culturalexcursionsaroundtheisland.

Overnight:AlmahIndah(orsimilar)Room:StandardIncluded:AirportTransfer

Sat , Oct 28: B i rd ing aroundUbudandan Intro to Bal inese Cuis ine

We begin the daywith awalkwith one of Bali’s premier specialist birding guides. The area aroundUbudoffersupsomeoftheisland’sgreatestbiodiversity,withmorethan100speciesrecordedinthenearvicinityoftown. Highlightsand likelybirds forus to spot include the JavaKingfisher,Bar-wingedPrinia,Black-wingedStarling,Scarlet-headedFlowerpecker,andtheJavaSparrow.Non-birderswillhavegreatscenerytoenjoy,aswell asabountyofbutterflies,magnificent trees,wildflowers,andancient templesandmonumentsdottedoverthelandscape.


SOLARIS EXPEDITIONS


Lunchwillbeservedatlocalrestaurant,followedbysomedowntimebackatourhotel.

Inthelateafternoon,wemeetforafunandinformativeBalinesecookingclass.AfterareviewoftraditionalingredientskeytoBali’suniqueflavors,andtraditionalcookingutensilsandtechniques,thegroupgetshandson,inthekitchen,withchef’sguidance.Theobjectiveistocreateamulti-courseBalinesemeal,whichwewillthenenjoytogether,inalovelysetting.

Overnight:AlmahIndah(orsimilar)Room:StandardIncluded:Breakfast,Lunch,Cookingclass/Dinner

Sun, Oct 29: Ancient R ice Terraces &Holy P laces

WesetoutbeforedawnthismorningtocatchthesunriseattheUNESCOWorldHeritagelistedricefieldsofJatiluwih,locatedinthehighlandstothewestofUbud.Thisvastnetworkofricefieldsandancientirrigationcanals are quite arguably the finest examples of age-old terraced farming in all of Indonesia. The setting,startingatthebaseofMountBatukaruandstretchingtowardsthenotsodistantcoast,isremote,ruralBaliatitsverybest.

After taking in theremarkable Jatiluwih landscapes,we’ll stop forbreakfastata local restaurantwithviewsoverthepaddies.

Next,wevisitthe11thcenturyGunungKawitemple,setinagorgeoverlookingequallyancientterracedfields.Thehikedown(nearly300steps) isrewardedbyviewsof10candis,elaborateshrinescarvedintothesheercliff face asmemorials to an ancient Balinese royal family. As we wander among the temples, fountains,shrines,andstreamsofGunungKwai,ourlocalguidewillshowushowtomakeofferingsthetraditionalway.

Afterabreakforlunch,we’lltakeahikethroughmoreidylliccountrysideaswevisitthe14thcenturyfriezesofYehPuluandthetemplesofGoaGajah,with its famous,elaboratelycarvedElephantCave. Alongtheway,we’ll seesmall farmsandvillages,densepatchesof forest,ancientbathingpools,and theomnipresent ricepaddies–richhabitatforbirdlife.

Overnight:AlmahIndah(orsimilar)Room:StandardIncluded:Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Mon, Oct 30: TheGreenSchool Bal i &UbudArt isans

In themorningwe visit the innovative and inspirationalGreen School, nearUbud.We’ll join a guidedwalkaroundGreenSchool’strulyuniqueenvironmentwherestudentsimmerseinhands-on,nature-basedlearningexperience.Next,wetakeatouroftheschool’sbamboofactorywherethearchitectureoftheGreenSchoolcampus was designed and constructed. The tour continues to Green Village, where we’ll experience acommunity of one-of-a-kind bespoke bamboo homes, pointing the way towards sustainable building (andliving)techniquesideallysuitedtoBali’slushenvironment.

Afterabreak for lunch,wespend theafternoonvisitingvariousartisanworkshops,anatural thing todo inUbud, as it is aworld renowned center for fine traditional and contemporary crafts, including silverwork,woodcarving,pottery,andweaving.


SOLARIS EXPEDITIONS


Overnight:AlmahIndah(orsimilar)Room:StandardIncluded:Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Tue, Oct 31: HomewardBound

Attimestobecoordinatedwiththedepartureofyourflightsforhome,transfersfromthehoteltoDenpasarInternationalAirportareincludedtoday,asisafinalbreakfastatthehotel.

EndofServices


SOLARIS EXPEDITIONS


IntheFootstepsofAlfredRusselWallace

MuchofourjourneydrawsinspirationfromthetravelsofAlfredRusselWallacethe19thcentury“biogeographer”who, alongwith Charles Darwin conceived of and described the process of evolution through natural selection.Wallace spentmany years exploring the islands of South East Asia (to him, “TheMalayArchipelago”), collectingspecimensandponderingontheextraordinarydiversityoflifehefoundthere.Theseislands,forWallace,werethecreativeand inspirationalmusethatDarwinfoundontheothersideoftheworld intheGalapagos. Hecollectedmore than 125,000 specimens during his travels here and described more than 1,000 species new to science.Wallace’s observations of themarked zoological differences across a narrow strait in the archipelago led to hisproposing the faunal boundary line, now known as theWallace Line,which separates the ecozones of Asia andAustralia.WestofthelinearefoundorganismsrelatedtoAsiaticspecies;totheeast,amixtureofspeciesofAsianandAustralianoriginispresent.Whilehewasexploringthearchipelago,alargeswathofitnowknownasWallacea,herefinedhisthoughtsaboutevolutionandhadhisfamousinsightsonnaturalselection.In1858hesentanarticleoutlininghistheorytoDarwin;itwaspublished,alongwithadescriptionofDarwin’sowntheory,inthesameyear.For this cruise,wewill visit someof thekeyareas that fascinatedWallace somuch, inparticular Seramand theislandsofRajaAmpat. AboardKatharinawewillsail thewatersthatWallacetraversed(timeandagain, inmanycases) and make landings on the same islands he did, observing, in situ, the flora and fauna he spent yearscollectingandclassifying,includingthespectacularRedBirdofParadise.

“If we look at a globe or a map of the Eastern hemisphere, we shall perceive between Asia andAustraliaanumberoflargeandsmallislands,formingaconnectedgroupdistinctfromthosegreatmasses of land, and having little connectionwith either of them. Situated upon the Equator, andbathedbythetepidwaterofthegreattropicaloceans,thisregionenjoysaclimatemoreuniformlyhotandmoist thanalmostanyotherpartof theglobe,andteemswithnaturalproductionswhichareelsewhereunknown.Therichestoffruitsandthemostpreciousofspicesarehereindigenous.”

AlfredRusselWallace–TheMalayArchipelago(1869)

TheKatharinaisatraditionalIndonesianpinisi,builtin1995inKalimantanusingonlytheverybestgradesofironwood.Originally

conceivedforcommercialsailingcarryingfreight,herfinelinescaughttheattentionofthecurrentowners,andshewaspurchased

andfittedoutasacruisingvessel.InJanuary2014,theKatharinawasthesubjectofamajorinteriorrefit.Workingwiththeunique

heritagethisvesselrepresents,hertransformation isaconservationexercisebacktoauthenticity,usingonlythebesttraditional

materials,shapedbyhighlyskilled Indonesiancraftsmen.Yet,whatgoesonbehindthescenes is theuseof themostup-to-date

technologyand she isnowequippedwitha superyachtgradeAC stationand systemshavebeenoptimized to the latest safety

standards.

NotonlyistheKatharinaveryelegantonthewater,sheisalsofastbecomingaclassicyacht,asveryfewoftheseoriginaldesigns

remain.Katharina’soveralllengthis40meters,providingcomfortableaccommodationforupto14guestsinsixcabinslocatedbelow

decks.Allcabinsoffercreaturecomfortsandnecessaryamenitiesincludingdoublebedsortwins,privateen-suitebathrooms,natural

light,safetyboxes,individuallycontrolledair-conditioningandstoragespaceincludingasafe.

Ledbyherhugelyexperiencecaptain,theKatharinaiscateredtobyanall-Indonesiancrewof12,witheachmemberdedicatedto

makingourstayaboardtrulymemorable.

SafetyFirst:KatharinaisfittedwithallinternationallyrequiredsafetyandcommunicationequipmentsuchasSSBandVHFradios,

lifejackets,liferafts,andsatellitetelephone.Apartfromthatwecarryanextensivefirstaidkit,defibrillator(AED)andemergency

oxygensupply.Fireextinguishers,firepumps,arealsofoundthroughouttheship.

Experiencednavigatorsconsideritanaxiomthattheseaworthinessofavesseldependsontheseaworthinessofthecrew.Ourship

hasawell-seasoned,all-licensedIndonesiancrewoftwelve,andeachoneofthemgoesthroughmultiplefirstaidtrainingsperyear,

andfireandemergencyevacuationdrillsaredoneonaregularbasisaccordingtointernationalMarineSafetyCodes.

AdditionalFeatures:

• Spacioustwinofdoublebeddedcabins

• Eachcabinhasen-suitetoiletandshower

• Eachcabinhasindividuallycontrolledairconditioning

• Towelsandbeachtowelsprovidedandregularlychanged

• Eachcabinhasaminisafeforvaluablesandtraveldocuments

• Freetea,softdrinks,juices,coffeeandmineralwater

• Excellentfoodandsnacks(vegetarianandspecialmenusonrequest)

• Fineselectionofwines,beerandspiritsforsale• Professionalcruisedirectors

• Outdoorsleepingfacilities

• Complimentarysnorkelingequipmentandtwoseacanoes

• Television,DVDandmusiccenterinlounge

• Dininginspaciousairconditionedlounge

• Teakwoodenfurnitureinlounge,cabinsandondeck

• Spacioussunandsemi-covereddecks

IncludedintheCruisePrice:Sixhoursofcruisingaday,fullboardwithprofessionaltourleadersandcrew,allfoodandbeverage(exceptalcohol),parkfees,watersportsandalltaxesandservicechargesexcepttipsforthecrew.


SOLARIS EXPEDITIONS


PackageDetails

TripPrice: $7,850Perperson/sharing(StandardCabin) $5,100Perperson/sharing(Smaller7thCabin)* $6,200SingleOccupancy(Smaller7thCabinonly)*

*Seebelow(attheendofthe“AdditionalNotes”section)fordetails

Non-RefundableDeposit: 25%ofTripPriceFinalBalance: Due90DaysPriortoDateofArrivalinBali

CancellationTerms&Conditions:ItineraryStartDate:Oct15,2017FinalBalanceisdue90dayspriortodateofarrival:Mon,Jul172017TripDeposit:NonRefundable(ifwecannotfindsomeonetotakeyourplace)FullPaymentforTrip:Non-RefundablefromJul172017

• Norefundscanbegivenforunusedscheduledservicesonceyourjourneyhasbegun

• AllpaymentstobemadetoSolarisExpeditions.

• Pricesquotedarebasedoncashpayment

• Noticeofcancellationneedstobereceivedinwriting,bySolarisExpeditions(emailisfine)

Yourpackageincludes:

• Airporttransfers(arrivinginBali/DepartingBali)

• Allactivitieslistedintheitinerary(visitsandexcursions)

• AprivatevehiclewithanEnglish-speakingdriver-guideforBaliandSulawesitouring

• Accommodationinhotelslisted(orequivalent)doubleoccupancy(Singleifbooking7thCabinassingle)

• Mealsasindicatedintheitinerary,snorkelling,seakayaking,andpaddleboardingfromKatharina.

• Alllistedexcursions

• Alltaxes,parkandportfees

Yourpackageexcludes:

• InternationalFlights,DomesticFlights(Denpasar–Makassar,Makassar-Sorong,Ambon–Denpasar)

• Allpersonalpurchases(curios,premiumbrandliquors,telephonecalls,Wi-Fiaccess,etc.)

• Gratuities

• Optionalextraactivities(SCUBAdiving,etc.)

• Anymeals,andactivitiesnotdetailedintheitineraryabove,preandpostitineraryexpenses

• AlcoholicBeverages• Visafeesifapplicable(CurrentlyU.S.Passportholdersreceivefreevisaonarrivalforstayslessthan30days)

IMPORTANTADDITIONALNOTES: Luggageislimitedto20kgsperpersoninasoftdufflebag(notwheeled).Thisjourneycontainsextensivetimespentatsea,wherestormyweatherisapossibilityYouwillbetravellinginactiveMalariaareas.Anti-malarialmedicationishighlyrecommendedYouwillbevisitingwildernessareasfullofpotentiallydangerouswildlifeMostofthetimeaboardKatharinayouwillhavelimitedornoaccesstoInternetandphoneservice

ComprehensiveTravelInsuranceisMandatoryforthistrip(Mustincludetripinterruption,tripdelay,andtripcancellation)

!Bill$Buskirk$–$Group$Leader$For$those$of$you$who$don’t$know$him,$our$cheerful,$humble,$and$always$good9natured$Group$Leader$is$Bill$Buskirk.$ $ Bill$ is$ a$ graduate$ of$ Earlham$ College$ (Class$ of$ 1966),$ where$ he$ majored$ in$ biology.$ $ After$completing$ his$ doctorate$ at$ UC$ Davis,$ and$ a$ year$ of$ fieldwork$ in$ Namibia$ and$ Botswana,$ he$ joined$ the$Earlham$faculty$as$a$professor$of$biology$in$the$Fall$of$1974$and$taught$there$for$more$than$30$years,$as$a$beloved$professor$and$mentor$of$generations$of$EC$undergrads.$$

Birds$are$a$core$passion$of$his,$but$Bill$prefers$to$think$of$himself$as$a$naturalist$with$far$ranging$interests$in$natural$ history$ and$ the$ natural$ sciences.$ $ His$ field$ research$ has$ included$ studies$ of$ fall$ bird$ migration$arriving$from$off$the$Gulf$of$Mexico$onto$the$Yucatan$Peninsula,$of$ecology$and$behavior$of$mixed9species$foraging$ flocks$ in$ the$ highlands$ of$ Costa$ Rica$ and$ Panama,$ and$ of$ the$ ecology$ and$ behavior$ of$ Chacma$baboons,$gemsbok$(oryx)$antelope,$and$dune$beetles$in$Namibia$and$Botswana.$$

Bill$is$also$an$incredibly$accomplished$traveler$and$group$leader$–$as$a$professor$at$Earlham$he$led$or$co9led$three$semester9long,$interdisciplinary$student$programs$to$Kenya$and$several$to$the$American$Southwest.$$Bill$has$also$taken$several$shorter$student$groups$to$Central$and$South$America,$and$most$recently$to$New$Zealand.$ $His$ travel$experiences$with$Earlham$students$are$some$of$his$ fondest$memories$of$this$time$at$Earlham.$$

Bill$has$really$hit$his$stride,$as$a$creator$and$leader$of$amazing$travel$experiences,$with$a$series$of$very$well$received$trips$he’s$led$for$Earlham$Alumni$over$the$past$several$years.$ $These$unique$alumni$adventures,$designed$and$run$in$collaboration$with$Chris$Kean$(EC$’85)$of$Solaris$Expeditions,$have$included$journeys$to;$Namibia,$ Antarctica,$ Botswana,$ Zambia$ &$ Malawi,$ Argentina,$ The$ Norwegian$ Arctic,$ Burma,$ Cuba,$ and$South$ Africa$ and$ reflect$ Bill’s$ passion$ for$ deeply$ immersive$ experiences,$ pristine$ wilderness$ areas,$biodiversity,$ and$ emerging,$ off$ the$ trodden$path$ travel$ destinations.$ $ Bill’s$ greatest$ talent$ is$ fostering$ a$wonderful$sense$of$community$during$his$tours,$and$creating$collaborative$learning$experiences$that$really$harken$ back$ to$ the$ days$ of$ undergraduate$ life$ at$ Earlham.$ $ Great$ culinary$ experiences,$ distinctive$accommodation,$and$surprising$cultural$elements$also$feature$heavily$in$Bill’s$adventures.$

Bill$with$Earlham$Alumni$Group$in$Burma$(2014)$


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AdditionalNotes

WhyatriptoIndonesia?

Wehavealwaysfeltstronglydrawntooff-the-beatenpath,emergingdestinations.HenceourtripstoCuba,Myanmar,Colombia,Madagascar,ZambiaandMalawi,andtheNorwegianArctic.WhileBaliisnotanemergingor“offthebeatenpath”place,TheMalukuIslandsandRajaAmpatverymucharedestinations,wayoffthebeatenpath,andonlyjustnowstartingtopopupontravelers’radars. ThisregionofIndonesia issparselypopulatedandverylightlytraveled,yettherewards of traveling there, we feel, are exceptional. We feel this will be one of the most exciting, rewarding, andinteresting tripswehave ever done.We love to push ourselves to see and experience new things, new cultures, andexplore“exotic”cornersoftheglobethataremarkedlydifferentrealtiestoourown.WefeelIndonesiafitsallofthesecriteria,ideally,andit’sacountrythatisverymuch“openforbusiness”andverywelcomingtoforeignvisitors.

ArethepartsofIndonesiawherewewillbegoingsafe?

Bali has suffered a couple of well publicized terrorist incidents in the past. TheMalukus and Raja Ampat have seenperiodsofsectariantensions.Papua,wherewedisembarkKatharinaandproceeddirectlytotheairport,hassimmeringseparatist aspirations. So, yes, like so many other places in the world, there are issues that pop up in this part ofIndonesia,but,overall,clamandstabilityhavebeenthenormshereformorethanadecade.TheIndonesiangovernmenthasnorestrictionsontraveltoanyoftheplaceswherewewillbetraveling–theareasareconsideredsafeandopenforinternational tourism. The United States Department also is currently not singling out Indonesia as a place whereAmericantravelersneedtobeespeciallyconcernedabouttheirsafety.OurcolleaguesinIndonesia,withwhothegroupwillbetraveling,havebeenoperatingintheareaswewillbeexploringformorethanadecade,withoutincident.Inlightofalloftheabove,wefeelverycomfortableofferingthisopportunitytoyou.We’daskeveryonetokeepanopenmindaboutIndonesia–andkeepisolatedincidentsofviolenceintheirpropercontext.Asalwayswewillnotbetakingyou into any areawith serious security issues, on the contrary,most of the tripwill be spent inwonderfully remote,pristinewildernessareas.

What’sthebestwaytogettoIndonesia?

This,ofcourse,willdependonwhereyouareflyingfrom.ThejourneybeginsandendsinDenpasar,ontheislandof Bali. Denpasar is an easy airport to get to, viaAsianhub cities such as Singapore,HongKong, orTaipei. Thisopensupthepossibilityofdoingsomeinterestingstopoverseitheronthefrontorbackendofthetrip.

VisaRequirements

Please ensure that all necessary travel documents are valid and in your possession at time of arrival inIndonesia.PassportsarerequiredforallparticipantsandMUSTbevalidforatleastSIXMONTHSbeforeyourdateofreturnbyIndonesianlaw.Mostforeignnationals(includingU.S.andCanadiancitizens)canobtain30-day touristvisaonarrival (currently$35 fee). Youcanalso requestaVisaExemption forstays less than30days if youenter andexit via JakartaorBali (no charge). We recommend that all groupmembersdouble-check on the requirements six weeks before intended time of arrival. Group members assume fullresponsibility forcheckingandverifyinganyandallpassport,visa,vaccination,orotherentryrequirements.We will provide information or advice on general matters such as climate, clothing, baggage, and specialequipmentingoodfaithasacourtesytoyou,however,pleasefullyassurethatyouareproperlyprepared.PleasenotethatU.S.citizenswhohavelimitedpassports(passportsissuedwithlessthan10-yearvalidityforadults,orlessthanfiveyearsforminors)mustobtainavisapriortoenteringIndonesiaandarenoteligibleforVisaExemptionorVisa-On-Arrival.


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Pleaseconsultwww.travel.state.govformoreinformation.

Whathealthconsiderationsdoweneedtobeawareof?

Forinformationonhealthconsiderationsforthistrip,pleaserefertotheU.S.CenterDiseaseControl’swebpageontraveltoIndonesia:http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/indonesia

Weurgealltravelerstoconsulttheirtravelhealthcareprofessionalaboutwhatmedicationswillworkbestforyou,forthistrip,givenyourindividualhealthprofile.

Dealingwithseasicknesswillbeoneofthemajorconsiderationsgroupmemberswillhave. Wewillbeprovidingsomedetailedsuggestionsabouthowbesttocopewiththisinthepre-departureinformation.

Canyouaccommodatespecialdiets?

Yes,foodallergies,vegetarian,andvegandietsshouldnotbeaproblem.WearehappytoadviselocalsuppliersinIndonesiaaboutyourdietaryrequirements,perwhatyouadviseus,however,SolarisExpeditionscannotbeheldresponsibleshouldanerroroccurwithyourfood,whiletraveling.

Howlargeagroupwillyouhave?

Wearelimitedto14peoplemaximum–IncludinggroupleadersBillBuskirkandMarianneCope.

Willtherebefreetimetoexploreonourown?Nottoomuch. Wehaveaverystructured,engaging,andactiveprogramlinedup. Best timeto“doyourownthing”,wouldbewhenweareinBali,atthefrontendofthetrip. Ifyouwanttooptoutofanyofthescheduledactivitiestoexplore on your own, that would be fine. On board Katharina, if you should feel like staying on board and notparticipatingonshoreexcursions,orsnorkeling/swimming,boatexcursionsthat’sfine,too.

Howstrenuouswilltheactivitiesbe?

Wewillbedoingsomehikingonthistrip,often indensetropical forest,overuneventerrain. Notparticulardifficult ifyouareingoodshape,challengingattimesifyouarenot.Youwillfeeltheheatandhumidity.Amajorfocusofthetripwillbeexploringmarinehabitats. Swimmingandsnorkelingwillbeactivitiesonmostdaysofthe trip. Ouraquatic activitiesarewell supportedby the tenderboat,buta comfort in thewaterandadecentopenwaterswimmingcompetencyarerequired. Wewillnotundertakeswimmingandsnorkeling ifconditionsarenotcalmandsuitableforabroadlevelofswimmingabilities.Pervioussnorkelingexperiencenotrequired.

ANote on Swimming: Snorkeling equipment is supplied. We suggest that everyone swimwith flippers. If you havedoubtsaboutyourswimmingability,asupplementalswimvestisalsoagoodbitofkittobringalongwithyou.

Isthistripsuitableformychildren?

Byallmeans,ifyourchildrenareadults,andwouldfeelcomfortableinagroupwheremostfellowgroupmemberswillbeabovetheageof60.

Ihavemobilityissues/seriousmedicalconditions–canyoustillaccommodatemeonthistrip?

Asmuchaswewouldliketo,forthistrip,becauseofthechallengesoftravelatsea,wewillnotbeabletomakespecialaccommodationsforfolkswhoareunabletofullyparticipateineachday’sscheduledevents.Adecentlevelofphysicalfitness is required, fully mobility is required, and we will sometimes be in very remote parts of the country, where


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infrastructureisverybasic.Furthermore,groupmembersshouldbeabletogetupanddowngangways,getonandoffskiffs,andhaveagood levelofcomfort inthewater,asswimmingandsnorkelingaredailyactivitiesduringthesailingpartofthetrip.

PLEASEADVISEUS–Shouldyouhaveanyhealthconcernsthatmightimpactyourabilitytoparticipateinthistrip.Thetripcontainsafairamountofwalking/hiking,ofteninhillyterrain,throughrainforest,andwithsomesustaineduphills.Notexcessivelydifficult,butyoudoneedtobeupforthechallenge. Ifyouhaveanydoubts,pleaseconsultwithyourdoctoraboutwhetherthistripposesanyriskstoyou.Wereservetherighttosay“Sorry,butno,forthistrip”,shouldweseeanyobviousredflagsthatsuggestthetrip is justnotright foryou,givenyourmedicalprofile. Folkswithcomplexmentalandorphysicalhealth issuesshouldconsiderhowsuitablean intense,verysocialgrouptravelexperience, inachallengingThirdWorldenvironmentisforthem,beforeapplyingforthetrip.

Note:Solariscannotbeheldresponsibleshouldyoudiscover,afterthetriphasstarted,thatthetripistoostrenuousforyou,nottoyourliking,oryouareuncomfortablewithlivingonaboat.Ifyoudecidetoleavethetrip,alltravelexpensesrelatedtoyourearlydeparturewillbeonyouraccount.

WhatshouldIpack,andwhatdoIneedtodotoprepareforthetrip?

Wewillbeprovidingcomprehensivepre-departureinformationthatwilladdresslogisticalissueslikewhattowear,whatelse to bring, what kind of bag to use, luggageweight restrictions, local electrical current, and howmuch additionalmoneyyoushouldbringfortips,meals,etc.

Wewillalsosupplyalistofrecommendedreadingforthetrip.

Whatwilltheweatherbelike?

April to October is the ‘Dry Season’ when the weather is considered at its best, and seas are relatively calm.Temperatures inBali and inour sailingareavaries little (80° to92°Fahrenheityear-round)withmostlyblue skiesandlightwinds.Beinglocatedjustsouthoftheequator,thepartsofIndonesiawherewewillbevisitinghavehighhumidity,whichtranslatestoperspirationformostfolks,evenwhennotexertingyourself.

Isthistherighttripforme?

Yes,ifyouhaveapassionfornaturalhistory,wildlife,thenaturalsciences,andtheGreatOutdoors.Yes,ifyouenjoyexploringlightlyvisitedcornersoftheworld,wheretourisminfrastructureisnotnearlyasadvancedasotherpartsoftheworld.Yes,ifyouareanopen-minded,flexibleandadaptabletraveler,whocangowiththeflowandbeagoodteamplayerwhenthegoinggetstough,assometimesitdoes.Yes,ifyouenjoyasharedlearningexperience,andenjoymakingnewfriends,orreconnecting,perhaps,witholdclassmates.Yes,ifyouwant to have a tremendous amount of fun, and see truly beautiful and amazing things that youwill neverforget.

ThiswouldlikelynotbesuchagoodtripforyouifyouhavelittleornointerestinNaturalHistory,wildlife,andlotsofgrouptogethertime. Travelersalsoneedtobeawarethat,mostofthetripwillbespent livingonasailboat.Aflexibleandadaptablespiritisamust.

Please Note: This is NOT a birding trip. Of course, when traveling with Bill, birding always figures as ahighlight,buttherearemanyotherelementsofthetrip,includingculturalactivities,andtimelearningabouttherichmarinelifewewillfindalongtheway.

FortheRecord:WhileChrisknowsBalifromvisitsthereduringhis12yearslivinginEastAsia,neitherBillnorChrishavesailedontheKatharinabefore,norhavetheysailedinthewatersoftheMalukuandRajaAmpatislands.Solarishasbeenworkingwith the teamthatownandoperatesKatharina formore thanayearand


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findthemtobethoroughlyprofessionalinallregards.Theirsisoneoftheverybesteco-cruisecompaniesinSouthEastAsia.Ourconnectionwiththemcamethroughaverytrustedcolleagueinthetravelindustry,withthehighestofrecommendations. It’salsoworthmentioningtheirmembership inacoupleofgoldstandardtraveltradeassociationsincludingtheAdventureTravelTradeAssociationandPacificAsiaTravelAssociation,andtheirextensiveworkwithFloraandFaunaInternational.Wefeelverycomfortablewithourselectionofthisboat,captainandcrew,forourcruiseinIndonesia.

REDCUCEDPRICESMALLERCABIN:

Picturedontheleft-Detailof7thCabin

This smaller cabin is at the end of themain corridor and comeswith a privateen-suitebathroomwithshower,andairconditioning.

Traditionallythisistheguide’scabin,butforthisvoyagewewillbeofferingitatareduced date to any single traveler orpair of travelers whomight be keen tosave some money on the overall tripprice, and happy enough with simpleraccommodations.

Thecabin,ofcoursewillcomewithbedsfully made, towels, toiletries, just liketheothercabins.It’sapproximately70%

It’s important to note, too – that the berths are slightly narrower than standard single berths, and theheadspaceontheupperberthisslightlylessthanastandardupperbirth.

Exploring Bali, The Spice Islands, & Raja Ampat Indonesia_Group...Exploring Bali, The Spice Islands,...

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Transcript of Exploring Bali, The Spice Islands, & Raja Ampat Indonesia_Group...Exploring Bali, The Spice Islands,...