Discover Komodo and the Spice Islands

Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Benoa, Indonesia. Depending on flight schedule and departure city you may depart one day prior.

Welcome to Bali, the Island of the Gods. Spectacularly beautiful, culturally diverse and brimming with luxury, Bali is truly a little piece of paradise. Scenic Eclipse II will be waiting for you off the coast of Benoa, a peninsula on the southern edge of the island. Meal: D

The first port today 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.

Set off at midday for the nearby Salonda Island, a small ringshaped 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. Meals: B, L, D

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 300 pounds, 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 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. Meals: B, L, D

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. 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. Meals: B, L, D

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, 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.

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. Meals: B, L, D

Today is yours to do as much or as little as you want. Take some time to explore your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht, from the Sky Bar and outdoor Vitality Pool on the Sky Deck to the tranquil Senses Spa. Stop for a coffee or a cocktail at one of the nine bars and lounges on board, or curl up with a good book in the library of the Observation Lounge. Meals: B, L, D

The Banda Islands, once known as the Spice Islands. For 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. Meals: B, L, D

The isolated Arguni Island sits off the coast of the remote region of West Papua. 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. Meals: B, L, D

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.

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.Meals: B, L, D

Uninhabited and breathtakingly beautiful, Wayag is one of Indonesia’s most recognizable 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 easoned travelers 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.

Take this idyllic time to explore on excursions for swimming, snorkeling 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 splendor of this pristine paradise. Meals: B, L, D

Cruising back south, straight through the center 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, snorkeling and watersports in an unforgettable location. Meals: B, L, D

Make the most of another sea day indulging in the many exceptional dining experiences on board Scenic Eclipse. Start with breakfast al fresco at the Yacht Club). For lunch, Azure Bar & Café serves light meals, pizza and salads that are available for grazing throughout the day. Elements is the ship’s main restaurant, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, where the menu ranges from Italian to steak and seafood. Meals: B, L, D

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 snorkeling in the warm water or just lazing on the sand. Meals: B, L, D

You’ll spot land early this morning, the remote Tanimbar Islands. 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. Meals: B, L, D

Today, watch the world slip by as you relax in a cabana on the Sky Deck before taking a dip in the Vitality Pool with a refreshing drink in hand. Read a book in the Observation Lounge library or take one with you and find the hanging egg chairs on Deck 7. Ask your butler to bring afternoon tea or cocktails to your suite for you to enjoy on the private verandah while marvelling at the endless ocean ahead of you. Meals: B, L, D

Your cruise ends in Darwin. 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 unrivaled ultra-luxury experience on board Scenic Eclipse II. Meal: B