Embark on a captivating voyage from Cairns to Bali with Amaco in October 2025 – immersing yourself in the diverse cultures and natural wonders of the Spice Islands, Indonesian archipelago and Australia’s northern coast.
This 17-day luxury expedition cruise aboard Le Soléal with PONANT promises to be an extraordinary exploration opportunity. It promises an unforgettable journey from one breathtaking destination to the next.
Your adventure commences in Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.
Board Le Soléal and set sail for Lizard Island, a pristine paradise renowned for its vast expanses of dazzling white beaches and vibrant coral reefs. Dominated by grasslands, the rugged beauty of Lizard Island contrasts sharply with the sparkling blue waters and rich fringing coral reefs surrounding the island. It is known as Dyiigurra to the Dingaal Aboriginal people and is considered sacred. It was once used to initiate young males and harvest shellfish, turtles, dugongs, and fish. After a short zodiac ride to the beach at Watson’s Bay, guests can join a guided walk, relax on the beach or snorkel crystal-clear waters and discover a kaleidoscope of underwater wonders.
Your cruise continues towards Cape York, where the Pacific and Indian Oceans converge. Prepare to be captivated by the rugged beauty of Australia’s northernmost tip. The region has been described as the largest unspoiled wilderness in Australia. The relatively undisturbed eucalyptus wooded savannahs, tropical rainforests and other habitat types are now recognised for their global environmental significance. Cape York, the northernmost point on the Australian continent, lies at the tip of the peninsula. Getting there usually takes travellers 5–7 days to reach and involves driving over some of the planet’s most brutal and remote roads. Your way to “stand on the tip” is to take a luxury voyage, be transferred ashore by the ship’s zodiac directly onto the beach and walk the last 500m!
Departing Australian waters, the cruise journeys further north towards the Island of New Guinea. Western New Guinea (once known as Irian Jaya) is one of the world’s most remote and mysterious regions. Even today, there are at least 44 tribes that have never had contact with the outside world. Nestled in the Southwest corner of the island is the Asmat region, long fabled as the realm of head-hunters and cannibals and where ancient ancestor worship traditions have resisted Christian missionaries’ influence. You’ll take a zodiac transfer to the village of Syuru where you will be met by a multitude of Asmat warrior canoes.
The luxury expedition cruise continues to Triton Bay, one of three regions in Indonesia’s West Papua province that comprise the Bird’s Head Seascape (the other two are Raja Ampat and Cenderawasih Bay). Considered by marine biologists to be the epicentre of the Coral Triangle, these protected waters contain more fish and coral species than anywhere else on the planet. Its unparalleled marine biodiversity and endemism, habitat richness, and the relatively intact nature of its ecosystems are unique. You’ll join the expedition team for a zodiac voyage amidst dramatic rainforest-capped karst islands. Marvel at towering limestone cliffs draped in lush greenery and pristine turquoise waters teeming with diverse marine species.
Le Soléal will then navigate North of Triton Bay towards the Bomberai Peninsula, Sebakor Bay and the Kitikiti Waterfall. A paradise for divers and snorkellers alike, this protected and wild area boasts an exceptional biodiversity. Surrounded by verdant jungle, you can take a refreshing swim or snorkel in the natural pools beneath the waterfall or simply immerse yourself in the tranquillity of this untouched oasis, a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
From age-old traditional cultures and ancient vestiges to coral reefs and lush green jungles… the attractions of our next stop seem endless. The remote Banda archipelago, better known as the legendary “Spice Islands” of the Ancient World, is a series of small volcanic landmasses and was the fabled prize of colonial powers for more than four centuries.
Every significant colonial power fought for control of these ten small islands, which today have become largely forgotten. Influenced by centuries of Dutch and Portuguese history, this quaint island town exudes old-world charm. Wander through spice markets, visit colonial-era forts, and savour the exotic flavours of local cuisine infused with aromatic spices.
If you are looking for exoticism and authenticity, you will be captivated by the Barat Daya Islands, an Indonesian archipelago lying east of the Lesser Sunda Islands, bathed by the Banda Sea and surrounded by coral reefs. With their fine sandy beaches, marine environments, preserved nature and paddy fields, these islands in the Maluku archipelago are an actual concentration of the beauty South-East Asia has to offer. A lush environment in which fauna and flora flourish. Notably, there are almost 162 bird species, including four endemic and three endangered ones.
Your immersion into the region’s unique cultures continues with the Takpala indigenous group, which has preserved its traditional architecture and ceremonies. The island of Alor is also known as the island of a Thousand Moko – the Moko being a small bronze kettledrum believed to have originated from the Dong Son culture of Vietnam. However, it remains a mystery as to how these prehistoric Dong Son drums arrived in Alor. Local legend says that the Moko were discovered buried in the ground, and indeed mojos are still being uncovered today.
The vessel then sails onward to Flores, known for its rugged coastlines, emerald rice terraces, and traditional villages steeped in ancient traditions. Floresians have an ancient culture stretching back millennia and their history is shared through oral traditions and is recreated in song and dance. Few tourists make it to Maumere, and as a consequence, the town has maintained its charming atmosphere, which is an eclectic mix of a bustling trading town and a coastal paradise. Join your expedition team and local guides for a tour by local transport to the markets and tribal villages in the hinterland of Maumere.
It could be argued that the highlight of the cruise has been left to the final days of our itinerary. Between the islands of Sumbawa and Florès, Komodo National Park welcomes visitors to discover its natural wonders. At the very heart of the Indonesian archipelago, the three islands that form it – Komodo, Rinca and Padar – owe their renown to the famous eponymous dragons, enormous lizards over two metres long, which live in its grassy savannah. This jagged and hilly volcanic territory is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its incredible terrestrial and marine biodiversity. Admire the sparkling whites of the beaches, the deep blues of the coral-filled water and the soft greens of its pastures.
Your remarkable luxury expedition cruise concludes in Bali, Indonesia’s famed ‘Island of the Gods.’ With the cruise itinerary ended, you may choose to return to Australia or stay on and unwind amidst Bali’s cultural richness and natural beauty, from sacred temples and vibrant markets to serene beaches and lush rice terraces. Immerse yourself in the island’s spiritual ambience and vibrant arts scene.
With all-inclusive amenities and surprises woven into every moment, this itinerary promises unparalleled value and enchantment. We truly hope you can join us aboard Le Soléal and discover the unparalleled beauty and cultural diversity of the Indonesian archipelago and Australia’s northern coast.
Each day promises new adventures and unforgettable experiences, making this voyage a truly exceptional exploration of some of the world’s most captivating destinations.
6 October 2025 @ 6:30pm
22 October 2025 @ 9:00am
Starts: Cairns, Australia
Ends: Bali, Indonesia
Conference Participant: $995 pp
Non-Conference Participant: $795 pp
Amaco Family Price: $14,995 pp
(For previous Amaco Conference Participants)
Early Bird Price: $15,995 pp
(For bookings made on or before 7 February 2025)
Standard Price: $16,995 pp
(For bookings made on or after 8 February 2025)
Stateroom Upgrade – Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3 to Prestige Stateroom Deck 4: $2,995 per upgrade
Stateroom Upgrade – Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3 to Prestige Stateroom Deck 5: $3,995 per upgrade
Sailing The Enchanted Spice Islands Single Supplement (if travelling alone): On Request
Amaco is not only a member of ATIA (the Australian Travel Industry Association) and CATO (Council of Australian Tour Operators) but we are also ATAS Travel Accredited. This means we have met strict industry financial, operational, and management standards and criteria. Only the best industry agents achieve this accreditation, meaning you can travel with us knowing that you’re in safe and capable hands.
With almost 30 years of experience in planning and running conferences, we understand that participants may want to add additional travel destinations and adventures before or after the all-inclusive packages we provide.
Other conference operators might discourage you from doing this. Sometimes, it’s because of the added complexity it creates and at other times they’ll try to talk you out of it simply because they don’t have capable or experienced staff with the breadth and depth of the advisors we employ.
We encourage all participants to make the most of the time away. This might mean departing earlier than the rest of the group and visiting other destinations before meeting up with the main group at the conference or staying on at the conclusion and doing some additional travel.
Our travel advisors are perfectly positioned to assist you with making these arrangements and will do all the hard work for you – seamlessly combining your personalised itinerary with the group program.
Amaco is an Accredited Education Provider for the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and the Australian College of Rural & Remote Medicine. Over the years members of our tea have also worked closely with the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, the Australian Medical Association, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia and various dental and specialist associations and colleges.
Each conference we run includes an education syllabus that assists GP’s, pharmacists and health professionals to improve the quality of care they provide to patients and customers while at the same time providing them the opportunity to travel to and experience new and exciting destinations.
Our conference will allow delegates the opportunity to earn CPD hours / points based on the content and time in sessions. As has been the case with past conferences, we will work closely with participants affiliated with other associations to ensure that they receive maximum recognition for attending the conference.
The content of the education sessions will be relevant to GPs, Medical Specialists, Pharmacists, Dentists, Nurses, and other health providers. We encourage all attendees to register for the conference sessions.
The Education Committee for the Sailing The Enchanted Spice Islands Conference will be selected in early 2025, with final conference topics to be chosen based on the feedback from our previous conference attendees and with input from the RACGP, ACRRM, and medical journals. Suitable speakers will be approached based on the topics selected.
Subject to final accreditation, the Sailing The Enchanted Spice Islands Conference will include up to 16 hours of accredited education.
ACRRM members can also expect the education program to be accredited and to earn CPD points. RACGP and ACRRM accreditation will be applied for under the triennium 2023 to 2025.
As has been the case in the past, Amaco will work with pharmacy bodies and those affiliated with other associations to ensure they receive maximum recognition for attending the conference.
We welcome applications from potential presenters and encourage anyone interested to contact us for further information.
