Cruise to secret islands in the world’s largest archipelago

Comprising over 17,000 islands and spread over almost two million square kilometres, Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelago with many of the islands hidden, untouched, lushly tropical, richly beautiful and seldom visited. Australians can visit some of these forgotten and remote ‘Gardens of Eden’ just north of Australia on a luxury expedition cruise with Ponant this October.

This special voyage has been packaged exclusively by Australian small ship specialist, Cruise Traveller, with savings of A$4355 per person and a free flight to Bali for bookings made by March 30, 2025.

‘The Dragon’s Path’ is the new 15-night fly/cruise package released by Cruise Traveller in partnership with Ponant. The voyage in October, 2025, features Ponant’s 264-guest exploration ship, Le Soleal.  Boasting a refined and intimate, French-styled elegance, Le Soleal offers a fine dining restaurant and grill restaurant, panoramic lounge, theatre, library, open-air bar, pool, an expert expedition team and personalised service.

Perfect for seasoned travellers seeking new horizons to explore, ‘The Dragon’s Path’ adventure begins on October 21, 2025, with a free flight from Sydney, Brisbane or Melbourne to Bali and one night in a five-star hotel in Bali before guests board Le Soleal for a 12-night journey from Bali to Singapore via a string of idyllic, volcano-topped islands scattered across the Indonesian archipelago.

First on the immersive itinerary is World Heritage-listed Komodo Island, famous for its gigantic, dragon-like monitor lizards that can grow up to 3m long.  On the island of Sumbawa, guests will be welcomed by the inhabitants of Pamulung village and treated to a traditional ceremony. Probolinggo  on the island of Java provides access to the mighty volcano of Bromo. The ancient temples of Semarang, the pristine rainforests of Ujung Kulon National Park, the famous Krakatoa volcano and the deserted, postcard beaches of the Belitung Islands follow before arrival in Singapore.

In Singapore, guests will spend two nights in a five-star hotel with an included ticket to see the spectacular Gardens by the Bay including the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest. An included flight from Singapore back to Sydney, Brisbane or Melbourne ends the holiday.

The expedition cruise includes guided, complimentary excursions on Zodiacs and ashore and also insights into the culture, history, flora and fauna of all destinations from an expert expedition team onboard. The cruise also includes the indulgence of onboard beverages.

The savings and free flight to Bali are valid for bookings made by March 30, 2025.