Seafarers & Sultans Indonesia Cruise with Maritime Historian Jeffrey Mellefont

This exclusive new SeaTrek itinerary traverses some little-visited island cultures and introduces you to the Indonesian archipelago’s most famous maritime ‘suku’ seafaring tribes. Yet our first destination is a mere overnight cruise from Bali. Our graceful ship, The Katharina, takes us far away from the tourist routes into the Java Sea, stopping first at the remote Kangean island group with its maze of inhabited and uninhabited islands, coral reefs and cays. Close to Indonesia’s geographical centre, this is the meeting point for many living maritime traditions. We will encounter the legendary Sea Gypsies as well as Mandar, Makassar, Bugis and Buton mariners from Sulawesi, while enjoying island hospitality, beach combing and snorkelling. Cruising onwards to the nearby island of Madura, we will visit an ancient royal palace and harem baths, and a monumental mosque and tombs that recall a turbulent history of dynasties, princes and prophets, alliances and sea-borne invasions. Once renowned as warriors, the Madurese remain hardy seafarers, inventive and artistic boat-builders. On Madura we’ll see the world’s most spectacular traditional fishing fleet, stunningly decorated and steeped in ritual, religion and magic.

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8 Days / 7 Nights       Bali - Bali       US$4,200 per person