Sailing the Spectacular: Bali to the Outback

My recent expedition with Lindblad National Geographic to Indonesia and the Kimberley region of Australia was nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment I stepped aboard the National Geographic Orion, I knew I was in for an adventure of a lifetime.?

Our incredible expedition began in the cultural heart of Bali - Ubud. Before boarding the National Geographic Orion, we spent a day exploring this enchanting town nestled among lush rice terraces. We visited a traditional Balinese compound, where we learned about the island's unique Hindu culture and witnessed a mesmerizing dance performance. We enjoyed a local lunch, savoring the flavors of Bali and anticipating the adventures to come. This brief but rich immersion in Balinese culture set the perfect tone for our journey, priming us for the diverse experiences that lay ahead as we prepared to sail towards the Kimberley.?

As we left Bali and set sail thru Indonesia, our first stop was the enchanting island of Satonda. As we approached the shore in our Zodiac boats, I was struck by the lush greenery and pristine beaches. The local villagers greeted us with warm smiles and traditional dances, their colorful costumes swaying in the gentle sea breeze. The locals just loved to take pictures with us - their laughter was infectious, and despite the language barrier, we formed an instant connection. It was comical that the only words in English that the locals knew were “Hi!”; “Photo?” and “Selfie!” – and they loved taking their own pictures of us with them as much as we did!?

In Waingapu, we had the privilege of visiting a traditional Sumbanese village. The iconic high-peaked roofs of their houses were a sight to behold. I was fascinated by the intricate ikat weaving demonstration, watching skilled artisans create beautiful textiles using techniques passed down through generations. The village elders shared the stories of their ancestors, and I felt humbled by the rich cultural heritage preserved in this remote corner of the world. The young children delighted in joining along with the singing and dancing performances from the sidelines and were just as fun to watch as the main show!?

Kupang offered yet another glimpse into Indonesia's diverse cultures. We visited a local market, a riot of colors, smells, and sounds. We admired the exotic fruits and the local fish, much to the amusement of the friendly vendors. Later, we were treated to a traditional dance performance, the rhythmic beats of the gamelan orchestra still echoing in our ears and so honored that so many different groups came to perform for us from different neighboring islands. such as Flora. Each offered their own particular flavor and style of dance, music and costume. It truly was such a joyful evening filled with camaraderie and festive vibes!?

But the wildlife encounters were what truly took my breath away. On Komodo Island, we came face-to-face with the legendary Komodo dragons. Our expert naturalist guides ensured we maintained a safe distance while explaining the fascinating biology and behavior of these prehistoric-looking creatures. Watching a massive dragon lumber across the path just meters away was both terrifying and exhilarating.?

As we crossed into Australian waters, the landscape transformed dramatically. The Kimberley region is a place of raw, untamed beauty. The twin waterfalls of King George River left me speechless. Our expedition leaders maneuvered the Zodiac right up to the base of the falls, where the mist cooled our sun-kissed skin and some of us got dunked! The towering red sandstone cliffs seemed to glow in the late afternoon light - a photographer's dream.?

Our expedition took an unexpected turn into World War II history when we visited Vansittart Bay in the Kimberley. As we approached the rocky shoreline, our historian guide began to tell us about a remarkable piece of wartime heritage hidden in this remote location. We hiked a short distance inland, and there, incongruously nestled among the rugged landscape, lay the remarkably intact wreckage of a US Air Force C-53 Skytrooper aircraft.?

He explained that this plane had crash-landed in 1942 while on a ferry flight from Perth to Broome. Miraculously, all crew members survived the crash and were rescued after a few days. As we carefully explored the site, the plane's aluminum fuselage gleaming in the harsh sun, it was like stepping back in time. Seeing this relic of war in such a pristine wilderness was a powerful reminder of how global events touched even the most remote corners of the world.?

One of the absolute highlights of our Kimberley adventure was witnessing the awe-inspiring spectacle of Montgomery Reef. As we approached the area, about 12 miles off the Kimberley coast, our expedition leader could barely contain his excitement. "Folks," he announced, "we're about to see what Sir David Attenborough himself called 'one of the greatest natural wonders of the world.'"?

?Montgomery Reef is a true marvel - the world's largest inshore reef, sprawling across an area of about 115 square miles. But what makes it truly extraordinary is how it interacts with the region's dramatic tides. The Kimberley boasts the highest tidal range in the Southern Hemisphere, with sea levels rising and falling an astonishing 33 to 40 feet every six hours.?

As our ship positioned itself near the reef, we watched in amazement as the tide began to recede. What started as a few visible sand and rock islands slowly transformed before our eyes. It was as if the ocean itself was being drained away, revealing a vast expanse of reef that seemed to rise from the depths.?

The real magic, however, was in the water's movement. Unable to drain as quickly as the sea level dropped, the water began to cascade off the emerging reef platform. Suddenly, we were surrounded by a landscape of rushing rivers and hundreds of waterfalls, all in the middle of the ocean! We were treated to lots of green turtle sightings as well as sea snakes and lots of seabirds feeding at the reef.?

The Hunter River brought us up close and personal with the Kimberley's most famous residents - saltwater crocodiles. From the safety of our Zodiac, we spotted several of these prehistoric predators basking on the muddy banks. Our naturalist guide, Ron, shared thrilling stories of croc behavior, reminding us of the raw power of nature in this untamed wilderness.?

One of the highlights of the trip was undoubtedly our helicopter excursion to Mitchell Falls. As we soared over the rugged landscape, the vast plateau stretched out below us, a patchwork of deep gorges and winding rivers. Landing near the falls, we hiked to a viewpoint that left us all in awe. The four-tiered waterfall thundered down the rock face, creating a misty veil that caught the sunlight in a dazzling rainbow. After the hike, cooling off in a secluded freshwater pool was pure bliss - a moment of serenity amidst the wild beauty of the Kimberley.?

?During our expedition, we had the remarkable opportunity to visit ancient Aboriginal cave paintings in the Kimberley region. These stunning artworks, some dating back thousands of years, provided a profound connection to the land and its history. We learned about the cultural significance of the paintings, which depict ancestral stories, wildlife, and the spiritual beliefs of the Indigenous people.?

Throughout the journey, the National Geographic Orion felt like a luxurious home away from home. The hotel staff went above and beyond to ensure our comfort, remembering our preferences and always greeting us with a smile. The ship's intimate size fostered a sense of camaraderie among guests and crew alike. Our Hotel Manager, Fran, was truly exceptional and acted more as a Cruise Director/”Mum” to staff and guests alike and delighted us with her daily announcements proclaiming her “Favorite Lunch” of the Day!?

What truly set this expedition apart was the extraordinary Lindblad-National Geographic expedition team. Their passion and expertise breathed life into every destination we visited. Each day brought new insights and discoveries, thanks to our onboard experts. Marine biologist to’s eyes would light up as he explained the intricacies of coral reef ecosystems and as a historian he transported us through time with his captivating tales of the Kimberley's past, from ancient Aboriginal cultures to World War II relics.?

During our evening recaps and sea day lectures, our anthropologist shared her fascinating insights into the cultures we encountered in Indonesia, helping us understand the deeper meanings behind the traditions we witnessed. Her enthusiasm as a geologist was contagious as she unraveled the mysteries of the Kimberley's dramatic landscapes, from the towering cliffs of King George River to the tidal phenomenon of Montgomery Reef.?

?And let's not forget our National Geographic photographers who were always ready with tips and tricks to help us capture the perfect shot, whether it was a Komodo dragon basking in the sun or the ethereal light of a Kimberley sunset.?

These experts weren't just guides; they were passionate educators and storytellers who enriched every aspect of our journey. Their knowledge and enthusiasm transformed our expedition from a mere vacation into a profound learning experience, deepening our connection with the incredible places we visited and igniting a lasting curiosity about the world around us.?

?The values of Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic shone through in every aspect of the trip. Their commitment to conservation and sustainable travel was evident in the way they interacted with local communities and minimized our impact on the fragile environments we visited. As much as possible the food was procured locally from local suppliers and markets (all strictly vetted for sustainability) and food was cooked to order to save any waste (we ordered our evening meal each morning).??

As a travel advisor, I can't recommend Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic highly enough. They offer more than just a vacation; they provide transformative experiences that broaden perspectives and foster a deep connection with the natural world. Their expertly crafted itineraries, commitment to sustainability, and unparalleled expedition teams make them stand out in the world of adventure travel. It was easy to understand why most guests onboard were multi-time repeat Lindblad travelers.?

?This expedition reminded me why I fell in love with travel in the first place. It reignited my sense of wonder and left me with memories that will last a lifetime. From the warm smiles of Indonesian villagers to the raw beauty of the Kimberley, every day brought new discoveries and moments of awe. If you're looking for an adventure that combines cultural immersion, wildlife encounters, and breathtaking landscapes, all while traveling responsibly, a Lindblad-National Geographic expedition should be at the top of your list. Trust me, you won't regret it!?

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Claire Maguire

Cruise Planners, Island Girl Travel and Vacations?

www.bucketlisttraveltrips.com?