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Destinations & Shoreside Expeditions
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| Agats, Asmat – Wet landing |
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Latitude: 5°32'S Longitude: 138º08'E |
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On the island of New Guinea many regions compete for the title of most respected for their carvings and artefacts, but the Asmat region of Papua will always be high on the contenders list. |
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| Darwin, Australia – Disembark |
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Latitude: 16' 54'S Longitude: 145' 45'E |
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Darwin is Australia’s closest city to the equator and the gateway to the Top End. Following its bombing during World War II, Darwin was a frontier town of crocodile and buffalo shooters, and pioneer cattlemen. After the city was wiped out by Cyclone Tracy in 1974, it was rebuilt as Australia’s cosmopolitan northernmost tropical capital. Beyond the city lies Litchfield National Park (about two hours drive) and to the southeast are the teeming wetlands of Australia’s largest national park, Kakadu. |
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| Sangliat Dol, Yamdena Island – Wet landing |
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Latitude: 7°40'S Longitude: 131°28'E |
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This traditional village in the Tanimbar islands of Maluku is the centre of the ancient "boat" culture of Maluku. In the centre of the village is a stone boat. Not a boat that was ever meant to float, but a boat built to symbolise the arrival from the sea of the original inhabitants of Maluku. Most villages simply abandoned their giant stone boats and the culture that was attached when they were moved to the coast. But Sangliat Dol was different. Although on the coast a steep rise starting immediately from the foreshore meant that the original village built for safety and security on the hill top, was already close to the coast. The village of Sangliat Dol was therefore not required to move during the colonial period and the legacy of that is their giant stone boat and the culture associated with it remains intact today. A giant stone stair case leads from the beach to the hill top ceremonial area. The village structure still follows the organisation of a boat today. The village head is seen as the Captain or Master "steering" the direction of the village. Many other positions of the village basically translate as "helmsman" "harpooner" "bailer boy" and other boat related names. There are two further figures in the structure the "herald" or "speaker" who is the father of the village and speaks for the village (traditionally basically in times of war) and the "sacrificer" or mother of the village. The mother and father of the village represent the cooperation as in a marriage to ensure the continuing existence of the village. For our visit and for other important events a massive ritual takes place surrounding the stone boat. Traditionally all village decisions would revolve around such a ceremony. After the ceremony the six host families will take their adopted guests on a mini-tour of the village, including seeing the host families housing and cooking areas, an ikat weaving display, and a market area selling ikat weavings, wooden carvings very similar to those found in new Guinea and possible even old Dutch artefacts such as plates and coins. At the end of the morning, as guests finish at the markets they will descend the staircase, again with dozens of locals assisting, back to the beach, the zodiacs, and the ship for lunch. |
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| Thursday Island, Torres Strait – Embark |
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Latitude: 10°34'S Longitude: 142°13'E |
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Thursday Island (traditionally known as Waiben) is recognised as one of the last frontiers in Australia, as it holds some great Australian history. At the Torres Strait Museum, learn about the feared Russian invasion of 1898. Had it eventuated, the invaders would have been greeted with a salvo from the 6-inch guns which still peer out over the ocean approach from Green Hill Fort, now home of the museum. Wander through pearlers’ cemeteries where stories of this once dangerous occupation are revealed. Or take in brilliant panoramic vistas of the surrounding islands and tropical seas from Lions Lookout. The Gab Titui (Star of our Journey) Cultural Centre is a place where Orion guests can discover the rich diversity of the Torres Strait Islander people. It is the region’s first public keeping place for historical and cultural artifacts and tools, as well as both modern and traditional art. |
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| Weluan Beach, Yamdena Island – Wet landing |
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Latitude: 7°40'S Longitude: 131°28'E |
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The remainder of the day after the visit to Sangliat Dol will be spent at Weluan Beach outside of Saumlaki town, the capital of Yamdena and the main administrative area for southern Maluku. Here a wide range of local artifacts including many carvings that almost resemble the style found slightly further east in New Guinea, can be found and purchased if desired. Other products such as the local eucalyptus oil and a potent spirit distilled from the inflorescence of the sugar palm will also be on display. The brave may even sample this distilled liquor! Swimming and rides in local sailing canoes will be available and a giant Christ Statue, (not quite in the same league as Rio!), overlooks the beach giving spectacular views of the beach and nearby township. Ports of call may be subject to weather and tidal conditions, and are subject to change. Ports of call may be subject to weather and tidal conditions, and are subject to change. * All Shoreside Expeditions, itineraries, destinations, times of arrivals/departures and prices are subject to change without prior notice and may vary due to unforeseen circumstances or cost variations. If minimum passenger numbers are not reached programs may be cancelled. Click here to download full Shoreside Expeditions Conditions of Contract. |
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