Treasures of Komodo, Sulawesi & The Ghan - Cruise & Land Journey

Bali really is as alluring as everyone says. This island, slightly bigger than Delaware, has it all: beaches, volcanoes, terraced rice fields, forests, renowned resorts, surfing, golf, and world-class dive sites. But what sets Bali apart from other nearby tropical destinations is Balinese tradition, and villagers dedicated to celebrating it. The hundreds of temples, dances, rituals, and crafts linked to their ancient Hindu faith aren't a show for tourists, but a living, breathing culture in which visitors are warmly received by the Balinese, who cherish their own identities.

Welcome to Bali, the Island of the Gods. One of 18,000 islands that make up the country of Indonesia, Bali is spectacularly beautiful, culturally diverse and brimming with luxury. Scenic Eclipse II will be waiting for you in Benoa, a peninsula on the southern edge of the island. 

Board your Scenic Discovery Yacht this afternoon and be warmly greeted by the crew, shown to your spacious ultra-luxury suite and meet your butler. Join fellow guests on the Sky Deck for a glass of Champagne to toast the start of an incredible journey.   

Please book your flight to arrive into Denpasar prior to 02:00 PM.

Remote, authentic, and wonderfully raw, Moyo Island remains one of Indonesia’s best-kept secrets. Largely untouched by tourism, its lush flora and diverse wildlife reveal a world of untamed beauty, whilst tranquil waters and vibrant coral gardens near the shore offer exceptional snorkelling among colourful reef fish.

Set off in the afternoon for the nearby Satonda Island, a small ring-shaped island with a lake in the centre. The island is believed to be an ancient volcano that rose from the depths of the ocean and even today Satonda is shrouded in local myth and mystery. The water here is clear and calm, making for exceptional swimming, snorkelling and diving.

Check the Daily Wonder for Discovery Team lectures in the state-of-the-art theatre, where leading experts share rich insights into the wildlife, landscapes and culture of the region.

Pink Beach earned its name for the way the beach can appear to have a rosy hue in certain lights. The color comes from small flecks of red coral mixed in with the fine white reef sand. With a few trees along the beach for shade, this stretch of coast makes a fine place to relax or enjoy a snorkel or dive in the crystal clear waters. It is possible to spot a striped clown fish nestled among the protective tentacles of its sea anemone host, or to see a grouper lazily swimming by a flamboyant soft coral. The reef here is now protected by law and the maturing corals are a joy to behold.

Set against a strikingly rugged landscape, Komodo National Park offers an extraordinary backdrop for exploration, with some of Indonesia’s most remarkable sites for diving and snorkelling. Your morning is dedicated to Komodo Island itself, where the chance to encounter the iconic Komodo dragon – the world’s largest living lizard – brings a powerful sense of raw wilderness found nowhere else on Earth.

In the afternoon, your Scenic Discovery Yacht repositions to Pink Beach, where rose-tinted sands, vivid waters and thriving coral gardens create an idyllic setting for time in and on the water. Here, you can swim, snorkel or simply relax on the shore, framed by dramatic headlands and the park’s sweeping volcanic contours.

Pink Beach earned its name for the way the beach can appear to have a rosy hue in certain lights. The color comes from small flecks of red coral mixed in with the fine white reef sand. With a few trees along the beach for shade, this stretch of coast makes a fine place to relax or enjoy a snorkel or dive in the crystal clear waters. It is possible to spot a striped clown fish nestled among the protective tentacles of its sea anemone host, or to see a grouper lazily swimming by a flamboyant soft coral. The reef here is now protected by law and the maturing corals are a joy to behold.

Wakatobi National Park, in Southeast Sulawesi, is a true marine paradise, composed of four islands surrounded by vibrant coral reefs. Part of the Coral Triangle, the park is home to over 750 species of coral and 900 species of fish, making it one of the world’s most biodiverse underwater environments. Above the water, traditional stilt villages offer a glimpse into island life, where local customs and daily rhythms remain largely unchanged. As a protected area, Wakatobi’s impressive waters and colourful reefs make it a haven for nature lovers and marine explorers alike.

Unwind in the Vitality pool, relax in a shaded oceanfront cabana, or enjoy quiet time in your suite. This evening, choose to dine privately with butler service, revisit a favourite restaurant with newfound friends.

After crossing the Banda Sea, Scenic Eclipse II will arrive at Alor Island, the easternmost and largest of the 20 islands in the Alor archipelago. With its rugged volcanic landscape, Alor is dotted with traditional villages that boast distinctive architecture and vibrant, well-preserved customs.

Home to several unique Indigenous tribes, Alor remains a place where people continue to live much as they have for thousands of years. This morning, take a step back in time as you visit a local village, where you can admire the remarkable architecture and experience the enduring traditions that have shaped the island’s culture.

Upon returning on board, maintain your wellness routine with a complimentary class in the PURE: Yoga & Pilates Studio, a session in the gym, or a rejuvenating visit to the Senses Spa#.

Scenic Discovery:
Weather and local approvals permitting, there may be an opportunity today to head to the marina and enjoy a range of water-based activities, including snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding or exploring beneath the surface with a Seabob.

Flores Island is fast becoming one of Indonesia’s most popular destinations. It was founded by the Portuguese in the 15th-century and spent many years as the trade and administrative centre of the region.  

Your Scenic Discovery Yacht will be docked in the centre of the city. Wander the streets at your leisure and soak in its cool maritime flavour. Witness the Portuguese connection and rich Catholic history in the buildings that surround you. Admire the famous Katedral Reinha Rosari, known as the Church of Iron and resembling an ornate Disney castle.

Enjoy the flexibility of 24-hour in-suite dining, with your butler arranging everything from a relaxed breakfast to a refined dinner served in the privacy of your spacious suite, complemented by a restocked mini-bar.

Arrive this morning in Ende, one of Flores Island’s largest towns, set on a peninsula edged with distinctive black-sand beaches and backed by steep hills. From here, the nearby Kelimutu National Park beckons, with Mount Kelimutu’s three striking crater lakes and surrounding forested slopes that are home to endemic birdlife, including the Floresian eagle, Timorese tesia, and Wallacea owl.

Tablolong Bay, at the southern tip of Timor Island, is a peaceful and largely undiscovered destination. Fringed by sandy shores and gentle coastal slopes, the bay is edged by colourful coral gardens teeming with tropical fish. The waters here are home to vibrant reefs and a variety of marine life, giving the impression of swimming in a massive, colourful aquarium. Its serene atmosphere and scenic surroundings make it a truly captivating stop on this journey.

Later, curl up in a cabana on Deck 10 with a drink whilst you admire the ever-changing scenery or soak it up from the Observation Lounge.

Darwin is Australia's most colorful, and exotic, capital city. Surrounded on three sides by the turquoise waters of the Timor Sea, the streets are lined with tropical flowers and trees. Warm and dry in winter, hot and steamy in summer, it's a relaxed and casual place, as well as a beguiling blend of tropical frontier outpost and Outback hardiness. Thanks to its close proximity to Southeast Asia and its multicultural population it also seems more like Asia than the rest of Australia. Darwin is a city that has always had to fight for its survival. The seductiveness of contemporary Darwin lifestyles belies a history of failed attempts that date from 1824 when Europeans attempted to establish an enclave in this harsh, unyielding climate. The original 1869 settlement, called Palmerston, was built on a parcel of mangrove wetlands and scrub forest that had changed little in 15 million years. It was not until 1911, after it had already weathered the disastrous cyclones of 1878, 1882, and 1897, that the town was named after the scientist who had visited Australia's shores aboard the Beagle in 1839. During World War II it was bombed more than 60 times, as the harbor full of warships was a prime target for the Japanese war planes. Then, on the night of Christmas Eve 1974, the city was almost completely destroyed by Cyclone Tracy, Australia’s greatest natural disaster. It's a tribute to those who stayed and to those who have come to live here after Tracy that the rebuilt city now thrives as an administrative and commercial center for northern Australia. Old Darwin has been replaced by something of an edifice complex—such buildings as Parliament House and the Supreme Court all seem very grand for such a small city, especially one that prides itself on its casual, outdoor-centric lifestyle. Today Darwin is the best place from which to explore Australia's Top End, with its wonders of Kakadu and the Kimberley region.

Your voyage concludes in Darwin, the tropical capital at the crossroads of Australia and Asia. A vibrant city of culture, history and relaxed coastal living, Darwin offers a rich blend of museums, galleries and diverse culinary influences. 

After bidding farewell to Scenic Eclipse II, spend time in Australia’s tropical northern capital before continuing south aboard the legendary Ghan. With its harbourside setting, relaxed atmosphere and gateway position to the vast landscapes beyond, Darwin offers a natural transition from island exploration to one of the world’s great rail journeys.

Darwin is Australia's most colorful, and exotic, capital city. Surrounded on three sides by the turquoise waters of the Timor Sea, the streets are lined with tropical flowers and trees. Warm and dry in winter, hot and steamy in summer, it's a relaxed and casual place, as well as a beguiling blend of tropical frontier outpost and Outback hardiness. Thanks to its close proximity to Southeast Asia and its multicultural population it also seems more like Asia than the rest of Australia. Darwin is a city that has always had to fight for its survival. The seductiveness of contemporary Darwin lifestyles belies a history of failed attempts that date from 1824 when Europeans attempted to establish an enclave in this harsh, unyielding climate. The original 1869 settlement, called Palmerston, was built on a parcel of mangrove wetlands and scrub forest that had changed little in 15 million years. It was not until 1911, after it had already weathered the disastrous cyclones of 1878, 1882, and 1897, that the town was named after the scientist who had visited Australia's shores aboard the Beagle in 1839. During World War II it was bombed more than 60 times, as the harbor full of warships was a prime target for the Japanese war planes. Then, on the night of Christmas Eve 1974, the city was almost completely destroyed by Cyclone Tracy, Australia’s greatest natural disaster. It's a tribute to those who stayed and to those who have come to live here after Tracy that the rebuilt city now thrives as an administrative and commercial center for northern Australia. Old Darwin has been replaced by something of an edifice complex—such buildings as Parliament House and the Supreme Court all seem very grand for such a small city, especially one that prides itself on its casual, outdoor-centric lifestyle. Today Darwin is the best place from which to explore Australia's Top End, with its wonders of Kakadu and the Kimberley region.

Scenic Freechoice:
Today, expand your visit with your choice of a range of illuminating activities.

Jumping Crocs and Nature Adventure: Experience these reptiles in the wild on the beautiful Adelaide River, where crocs leap out of the water pursuing their prey. Your tour also includes a visit to Fogg Dam, a wetlands nature reserve teeming with wading birds and other unique wildlife. The wetlands of the Top End are of great international importance on account of their accessibility, splendour and cultural significance.

Litchfield National Park: Litchfield National Park abounds with permanent spring-fed waterfalls, remnant monsoon vine forests, unusual rock formations and interesting scenery. An hour easily becomes a day relaxing in this wonderful park, which reveals its considerable wonders the further you explore.

WWII Bombing of Darwin Tour: Learn about the history and significance of the Pacific Campaign of WWII; the largest attacks ever launched against Australia. Visit landmarks, view relics of the war and take a cruise on Darwin Harbour in this informative guided tour, which outlines the shocking extent of the damage suffered by Darwin during the war.

Darwin City Sights – Hop-on-Hop-off Tour: The perfect introduction to the Top End city of Darwin. Take in all of Darwin’s main historical and cultural attractions with an opportunity to stop and visit during the tour.

Darwin is Australia's most colorful, and exotic, capital city. Surrounded on three sides by the turquoise waters of the Timor Sea, the streets are lined with tropical flowers and trees. Warm and dry in winter, hot and steamy in summer, it's a relaxed and casual place, as well as a beguiling blend of tropical frontier outpost and Outback hardiness. Thanks to its close proximity to Southeast Asia and its multicultural population it also seems more like Asia than the rest of Australia. Darwin is a city that has always had to fight for its survival. The seductiveness of contemporary Darwin lifestyles belies a history of failed attempts that date from 1824 when Europeans attempted to establish an enclave in this harsh, unyielding climate. The original 1869 settlement, called Palmerston, was built on a parcel of mangrove wetlands and scrub forest that had changed little in 15 million years. It was not until 1911, after it had already weathered the disastrous cyclones of 1878, 1882, and 1897, that the town was named after the scientist who had visited Australia's shores aboard the Beagle in 1839. During World War II it was bombed more than 60 times, as the harbor full of warships was a prime target for the Japanese war planes. Then, on the night of Christmas Eve 1974, the city was almost completely destroyed by Cyclone Tracy, Australia’s greatest natural disaster. It's a tribute to those who stayed and to those who have come to live here after Tracy that the rebuilt city now thrives as an administrative and commercial center for northern Australia. Old Darwin has been replaced by something of an edifice complex—such buildings as Parliament House and the Supreme Court all seem very grand for such a small city, especially one that prides itself on its casual, outdoor-centric lifestyle. Today Darwin is the best place from which to explore Australia's Top End, with its wonders of Kakadu and the Kimberley region.

Your journey begins with a morning departure from Darwin on board the famous Ghan (Gold Service) for your Scenic Special Stay. The train, which runs between Darwin and Adelaide, provides one of the world’s greatest rail journeys as it cuts across remote desert landscapes in impeccable luxury. Settle into your private cabin before a delightful regionally-inspired lunch accompanied by a selection of all-inclusive wines and beverages. Arrive early afternoon at the Top End township of Katherine, the “Crossroads of the North”. The third-largest town in the Northern Territory, Katherine is a gateway between outback desert and the tropical climate of the Top End. Here, you’re free to choose between experiences that will enhance your visit. Take a guided cruise through Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, where you’ll marvel at the famed towering red ochre sandstone walls and hear stories of the local Jawoyn people. Or take a glimpse into the lives of those who call the outback home with a fascinating day of discovery on a huge cattle station. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant as the sun sets over the outback, then head back to your cabin to find your bed turned down. Fall asleep as the train rolls soothingly onwards across the vast outback.

Australians think of Adelaide as a city of churches, but Adelaide has outgrown its reputation as a sleepy country town dotted with cathedrals and spires. The Adelaide of this millennium is infinitely more complex, with a large, multiethnic population and thriving urban art and music scenes supported by a "space activation program" that encourages pop-up shops, markets, performances, street food, mini festivals, art exhibitions, and other "off-the-cuff" experiences in the cities underutilized streets and public spaces.Bright and clean, leafy and beautiful Adelaide is a breeze to explore, with a grid pattern of streets encircled by parkland. The heart of the greenbelt is divided by the meandering River Torrens, which passes the Festival Centre in its prettiest stretch.