Discover Komodo and The Spice Islands

On day 4, it’s time to board the 6 Star Discovery Yacht the Scenic Eclipse. With less than 250 passengers on board and stand-apart luxury in spacious suites, you can look forward to an intimate, immersive voyage with the highest level of comfort. Sit back and relax on your private balcony, glass of Champagne in hand, and toast the beginning of what is sure to be an unforgettable adventure.

The first of your two stops today is Moyo Island, a pristine paradise in the Flores Sea. The whole island is a national park, and the surrounding waters are a marine reserve, ensuring Moyo is one of Indonesia’s key conservation sites. Later, you’ll set off for Salonda Island, believed to be an ancient volcano that rose from the depths of the ocean and shrouded in local myth and mystery.

Arriving at Komodo Island, you’ll have the chance to get close to the eponymous species of giant lizard that call the islands of Indonesia home. Back onboard Scenic Eclipse you’ll cruise around the island to the iconic Pink Beach, where finely crushed pieces of coral and shells give the sand its distinct colour. One of only seven pink beaches in the world, the beach is a photographer’s dream, with turquoise waters lapping gently along the rose-tinted shoreline.

Cruise onward to Flores Island, emerging as a popular destination thanks to its beautiful landscape, captivating underwater world, and interesting culture. Docking in the centre of Larantuka, a city founded by the Portuguese in the 15th century, spend some time wandering through the picturesque streets before admiring the Disney-esque Katedral Reinha Rosari (Church of Iron).

Arrive at Alor Island this morning, where a stunning, rugged landscape dotted with traditional villages awaits. Home to unique Indigenous tribes who continue to live in the same way they have for thousands of years, you’ll have the opportunity to visit one of their local villages. Later, travel on to Sika Island, a beautiful island classed as a conservation area. You’ll want to stay up tonight to take in the view as you sail past Pulau Komba. The island is home to Mount Batutara, an active volcano that erupts every 20 minutes and seeing its orange lava glowing against the dark night sky makes for an extraordinary end to day 8 of your journey.

Spend today doing as much or as little as you like. There are plenty of places to unwind as you cruise on your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht – work out in the gym, take a dip in the vitality pool or use the ship’s KLAFS Salt Therapy Lounge. Be sure to check the daily program to see what lectures or discussions the Discovery Team are running and learn more about upcoming ports, wildlife, and activities on offer.

Arrive at the Banda Islands, a group of remote islands that are also known as the Spice Islands. Once a thriving trading hub for rare spices, the islands were highly prized and fiercely fought over by every great colonial power. Soak up this rich history on shore before enjoying fantastic snorkelling and fun-filled watersports using the ship’s range of equipment.

Venture to a place very few travellers have the privilege to see, the remote Arguni Island off the coast of West Papua. The island boasts tremendous natural beauty, and fascinating prehistoric Papuan rock art on the limestone cliffs and caves is said to be up to 7000 years old. Gain a unique insight into life in this remote community visiting one of its stilt villages, where life and all its traditional customs remain as they have for many years.

With more than 1,500 sparsely populated islands dotted across the ocean north of West Papua, the isolated archipelago of Raja Ampat is often called ‘the last paradise on earth’ and is one of the most biodiverse marine regions in the world. Spend three days cruising through this unspoiled paradise, stopping off at some of the idyllic islands on your way. There’s plenty of time to explore at each stop and of course, swim, snorkel and enjoy a variety of watersports.

Enjoy Scenic Eclipse’s exceptional amenities as you travel. With a variety of fantastic restaurants on board, there’s a venue for every taste. Start the day with a hearty breakfast at the Yacht Club, before savouring fresh seafood or succulent steak at the ship’s main restaurant for lunch. Speciality restaurants on board allow you to dine around the world every night - will you opt for Asian flavours at Koko’s tonight or choose from the contemporary French fine dining menu at Lumière?

Today, you’ll be treated to seeing some of the most beautiful beaches in Indonesia, and indeed possibly the world! With bright white sands fringed by gently swaying palm trees, and the sparkling blue waters of the Banda Sea beyond, these islands are a long way off the main tourist trail. Enjoy living out your castaway fantasies here, swimming, snorkelling or simply laying back and daydreaming on the soft sands.

Look out for land this morning, as the remote Tanimbar Islands come into view. One of Indonesia’s most far-flung outposts, this archipelago of 65 islands sits just a few hundred kilometres north of Darwin. As you sail towards the largest island, Yamdena, and the capital, Saumlaki, you’ll discover a bustling city that’s home to around 20,000 people. Beyond the city, villages house small communities with traditional cultures and lush forests provide a haven for rare birds.

Delight in another day relaxing on board your 6 Star Discovery Yacht as you traverse the sea heading towards Australia. Today could be the perfect time to recharge in the indulgent Senses Spa on Deck 6, a luxurious retreat that offers a range of fantastic treatments including massages, facials, manicures and pedicures, as well as alternative therapies like Tibetan bowl sound healing.

Your cruise comes to an end in the tropical capital of the Northern Territory, Darwin. Disembark the Scenic Eclipse and transfer to Mindil Beach Casino Resort. Nestled amid tropical gardens, yet just moments from the centre of Darwin and all its cultural attractions, you’ll have three nights here to relax post-cruise before your international flight home on day 22.