Circumnavigation of Sumatra
Sorry. There are no scheduled departures for this expedition.
Below please find the day-by-day itinerary for this expedition. Unless otherwise noted, daily excursion options are included in the cost of the trip. We do our best to adhere to the scheduled itinerary, but in the spirit of our expeditionary style of travel we may deviate slightly to take full advantage of encounters with the destination and its people, culture, and wildlife.
An itinerary from a previous expedition is displayed below.
Day 1 Depart USA
Depart on your independent flight to Singapore.
Day 2 Singapore / Embark Clipper Odyssey
Arrive in Singapore. Transfer to the Clipper Odyssey this evening and overnight pier side.
Day 3 Singapore
After a morning at leisure and lunch on board enjoy an afternoon tour of Singapore. Visit the National Orchid Garden and the colonial heart of the city. Experience the multi-cultural vibe of this thriving metropolis as we explore Little India and Chinatown, where we visit the colorful Sri Mariamman Hindu Temple. Return to the Clipper Odyssey this evening and set sail.
Day 4 Malacca, Malaysia
Today we explore Malacca, a 14th-century port city ruled by Malaysian princes, the Portuguese, Dutch, British, and Japanese—a tumultuous history brilliantly illustrated at the Ethnography Museum. We visit the former official residence of the Dutch Governor, the impressive Christ Church, Baba Nyonya Museum, and the Portuguese fortress, known as A’Famosa, built in the 16th century.
Day 5 At Sea
Spend an enlightening day at sea as our lecturers prepare us for our adventures in Sumatra.
Day 6-7 Belawan / Brastagi / Gunung Leuser National Park
Our two days in Belawan allow for in-depth exploration of two important areas—Brastagi and Gunung Leuser National Park. On a full-day tour to Brastagi we travel away from the coast reaching an elevation of over 4,000 feet, experiencing the refreshing cool of the Karo Highlands. Enjoy wonderful views of volcanic mountains as we make our way to Peceren, a Batak Karo tribal village, where we observe intricately carved traditional dwellings and witness daily life. A delicious Indonesian lunch, followed by a visit to a fascinating market filled with local fruits and vegetables, completes our day. Return to the ship for dinner and overnight pier side. At Gunung Leuser National Park we visit the Bukit Lawang Orangutan Rehabilitation Station and have the opportunity to view endangered Sumatran orangutans during feeding time. These endearing animals are orphans who are being taught to live in the wild. We also enjoy nature hikes to search for a multitude of bird species including the violet cuckoo and rhinoceros hornbill.
Day 8 At Sea
Relax today at sea and attend lectures on Sumatra’s natural history and cultural heritage.
Day 9 Palau Weh / Banda Aceh
Palau Weh is known for its large variety of fish species. This morning we enjoy the opportunity to snorkel, or observe the underwater wonders by glass-bottom boat. After lunch on board we visit Banda Aceh and witness the effects of the 2004 tsunami, including a 250-foot ship perched several miles inland in the same location it was deposited after riding the massive wave. We also visit the Tsunami Museum. Later we attend a cultural performance by the Achenese People.
Day 10 At Sea
Attend lectures today as we cruise along Sumatra’s scenic west coast.
Day 11 Nias Island
Well off the main trade routes, this island has retained its unique cultural heritage, including wonderful examples of tribal art and architecture. We visit the traditional Bawemataluwo Village, and watch a thrilling stone jumping demonstration, where talented local athletes leap over six-foot-tall stone walls.
Day 12 Batu Islands
Today we explore the beautiful Batu Islands. Zodiacs bring us to pristine, sandy beaches to search for resident birds and wildlife. After lunch on board enjoy a snorkel or glass-bottom boat tour over the islands’ fringing coral reefs.
Day 13 Padang / Cupek
Today the ship docks in Padang’s Telukbayur Harbor. We board coaches for a drive to the village of Cupek. Here we meet the Minangkabau, whose society is founded on matrilineal traditions combined with Adat, a nature-based philosophy that is still observed even as they have adopted a strict Muslim faith.
Day 14 Bengkulu
The British East India Company established a pepper-trading center and garrison here in 1685, and maintained their presence for 150 years before ceding it to the Dutch in 1824. This afternoon we visit Fort Marlborough and the local museum, then attend a drumming and dance performance. Enjoy free time to explore the market and Chinatown.
Day 15 Krui
Today we visit Krui Village, known for their fine weaving; many ikats from this region are displayed in museums around the world. Enjoy a cultural presentation, including a weaving demonstration and opportunity to shop for ikats. Alternatively, spend the day exploring Bukit Barisan National Park which contains some of Sumatra’s last remaining lowland forest and is one of three parks in Sumatra that make up a World Heritage Site. This afternoon we return to Krui for a resin harvesting demonstration.
Day 16 Ujung Kulon National Park, Java / Krakatoa Island
This morning explore Ujung Kulon National Park, a World Heritage Site on the southwest tip of Java. This national park includes the Ujung Kulon Peninsula and encompasses the natural reserve of Krakatoa. In addition to its natural beauty and geological interest, it contains the largest remaining area of lowland rain forests on the Java plain. Search by Zodiac for the many unique species of flora and fauna found here, such as the tiger shrike, Sunda minivet, and Javan kingfisher. This afternoon the ship approaches the Sunda Strait and the fascinating volcanic island of Krakatoa. We have splendid opportunities to photograph this legendary island as the ship slowly cruises past.
Day 17 Belitung
This afternoon we arrive at the small island of Belitung. Tanjung Pandan’s mélange of cultures is revealed as we enjoy a lively performance of Chinese, Javanese, and Balinese dances. We spend the rest of the day at beautiful Tanjung Tinggi beach, which boasts powder white sand framed by giant granite boulders. The warm, shallow waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Day 18 At Sea
Our lecturers recap our experiences as we spend a relaxing day at sea. Celebrate the end of our circumnavigation with a festive captain’s farewell dinner.
Day 19 Singapore / Disembark Clipper Odyssey / USA
After an early breakfast, disembark the ship and transfer to the airport for your independent flight homeward.
