Group Size: 80 - 126 participants across all co-sponsors Price: Starting from $10,990 per person, double occupancy Co-sponsored with: American Horticultural Society, Cornell’s Adult University, Dartmouth Alumni Travel, National Trust Tours, and Yale Alumni Academy
Celebrate the mosaic of vibrant cultural traditions and the stunning natural beauty of the Indonesian archipelago on this immersive journey. Begin in Bali, exploring emerald rice terraces or a botanical garden, and enjoy a gamelan performance, then sail east through Java’s sacred temples, Borneo’s rainforest waterways, and the remote islands of Sumbawa and Komodo. Along the way, visit three UNESCO World Heritage sites: Tanjung Putting National Park, home to the renowned Camp Leakey orangutan rehabilitation center; the Borobudur Temple Compound; and Komodo National Park, where Komodo dragons, water buffalo, and exotic birds abound.
Days ashore are balanced with scenic cruising, snorkeling in crystalline waters, and expert-led wildlife and cultural excursions. Enjoy nine nights aboard the deluxe Heritage Adventurer, complete with Zodiacs, snorkeling gear, and a team of expert naturalists, plus two nights of beachfront accommodation in Bali. Traveling in late September and early October offers sunny weather and smaller crowds, creating a perfect blend of cultural immersion, wildlife encounters, and intellectual engagement.
Schedule by Day
Click each drop-down below to view a detailed itinerary. For a full view, please select "print page".
Depart home on an overnight flight to Bali, crossing the International Date Line.
Crossing the International Date Line
Arrive on September 27 and transfer to the beachfront Merusaka Nusa Dua resort, known for its spacious rooms, tropical gardens, and direct access to pristine beaches. Take time to relax and refresh before meeting fellow travelers at the welcome orientation and reception.
Overnight: Paradisus by Meliá Bali Hotel
Meals: R
After a morning lecture, journey through Bali’s central mountains to visit the UNESCO-listed Jatiluwih Rice Terraces in Bali’s central highlands. Learn about the subak irrigation system, a 9th-century method still used today, and enjoy the lush scenery of emerald paddies. Choose to return to Bali for free time, or extend your touring with a guided exploration of the Bali Botanical Garden, including an array of rhododendrons, orchids, medicinal plants, and beautifully maintained greenhouses.
Overnight: Paradisus by Meliá Bali Hotel
Meals: B, L
Touring options include a guided tour of the Bali Museum, home to an exceptional collection of paintings, traditional crafts, ceremonial tools, and intricately carved masks; a private Gamelan orchestra performance, immersing yourself in the hypnotic rhythms of Balinese music; a visit to an orchid garden; and an exploration of Ubud Palace. Later, board the Heritage Adventurer.
Overnight:Heritage Adventurer
Meals: B, L, D
Begin the day with a short walk through a coastal mangrove forest to learn about the importance of this special ecosystem. In the city of Probolinggo, explore the historic quarter by becak (traditional pedicab), then continue to Jabung Temple, a well-preserved ancient temple from the Majapahit era. Return to the ship for the Captain’s welcome reception and dinner.
Overnight:Heritage Adventurer
Meals: B, L, R, D
Depart from the coastal city of Semarang for a full-day journey past rice fields and small towns to central Java. Explore the magnificent 8th-century Buddhist Borobudur Temple near Yogyakarta, a UNESCO World Heritage site and architectural marvel adorned with intricate stone reliefs and thousands of Buddha statues. Learn about its construction, history, and spiritual significance from expert guides, experiencing one of the world’s greatest cultural treasures. Return to the vessel in the early evening.
Overnight:Heritage Adventurer
Meals: B, L, D
A leisurely day at sea, enjoying expansive ocean views as the ship sails south toward Lombok. Relax on board in the lounges, dine in the gourmet restaurant or indoor/outdoor bistro, or enjoy the heated saltwater pool, spa, sauna, and gym. Enriching lectures are also offered throughout the day.
Overnight:Heritage Adventurer
Meals: B, L, D
Travel through Borneo by traditional “klotok” river boats along the Kumai and Sekonyer rivers, surrounded by dense jungle and the sounds of hornbills and macaques, to Camp Leakey, a world-renowned orangutan rehabilitation and release site. On arrival, look for orangutans in their natural habitat alongside researchers and park rangers. Gain insight into ongoing conservation efforts and the delicate balance of rainforest ecosystems.
Overnight:Heritage Adventurer
Meals: B, L, D
Continue cruising and relax aboard ship as the lecture program continues, providing deeper context on the history, ecology, and culture of the regions visited. Take in the sweeping seascapes from the deck or enjoy a quiet moment in the ship’s lounge.
Overnight:Heritage Adventurer
Meals: B, L, D
Morning visit to Pamulung Village, where you’ll witness traditional rice harvesting, pounding, and intricate weaving techniques. In the afternoon, snorkel near Satonda Island, a secluded volcanic crater teeming with vibrant marine life—a hidden paradise shaped by ancient geological forces.
Overnight:Heritage Adventurer
Meals: B, L, D
Spend a full day exploring Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walk trails with local rangers in search of the famed Komodo dragons, and encounter deer, wild boar, water buffalo, and exotic birdlife. In the afternoon, snorkel among prolific marine life in crystal-clear waters from renowned Pink Beach, and enjoy the breathtaking photo opportunities.
Overnight:Heritage Adventurer
Meals: B, L, D
Delve into the cultural and natural wonders of Lombok. Visit the historic 18th-century Pura Lingsar temple complex and explore the royal garden of the Narmada Water Palace. An optional guided bike ride is available at an additional cost. Conclude the day with the captain’s farewell reception and dinner on board.
Overnight:Heritage Adventurer
Meals: B, L, R, D
After breakfast, disembark in Benoa, Bali, and transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
Meals: B
Pricing
More information on the cabin categories can be found on the ship webpage here.
Cabin Category
Double Occupancy
Single Occupancy
Category 1, Deck 3 Standard Cabin
$10,990 per person
$14,990
Category 2, Deck 4 Superior Cabin
$11,990 per person
$17,990
Category 3, Deck 5 Superior Cabin
$13,990 per person
$20,990
Category 4, Deck 6 Superior Cabin
$15,490 per person
Inquire
Category 5, Deck 5 Heritage Suite
$19,990 per person
Inquire
Two hotel nights and nine nights aboard Heritage Adventurer • Meals and excursions as specified in the itinerary, including eleven breakfasts, nine lunches, ten dinners, and three receptions • Comprehensive program of briefings, lectures and presentations • Shared airport transfers on group arrival and departure dates • Baggage handling • Gratuities to porters, waitstaff, guides and drivers • Gratuities to shipboard personnel • Port charges • Entrance fees • Welcome and farewell wine receptions • House wine, beer, and soft drinks with welcome and farewell dinners and with lunches and dinners on board Heritage Adventurer • Professional tour manager throughout the program
U.S. domestic and international airfare • Passport/visa expenses • Medical expenses and immunizations • Private airport transfers or airport transfers outside of group arrival and departure dates • Travel and trip cancellation insurance • Excursions that deviate from the scheduled tour options • Airline baggage charges • Meals not specified in the itinerary; dishes and beverages not part of the included meals; liquor or soft drinks except as noted • Laundry or dry cleaning • Telephone, Internet and email charges • Room service • Other items of a personal nature
To reserve a space on this program, a $2,000 deposit is required per person. Final payment is due 120 days before departure (May 28, 2027) payable by check, wire transfer, or credit card (credit card payments will incur a processing fee of 2%). Participants will receive an invoice directly from the tour operator, Criterion Travel for all subsequent payments after the initial deposit.
Notification of cancellation must be received in writing by HAA from the participant. Cancellations received within 14 days of booking are eligible for a full refund, provided that initial deposits were made 121 days or more prior to departure. After 14 days, $1,000 per person becomes non-refundable.
The program terms and conditions can be found here and must be acknowledged upon registration.
Accommodations
Paradisus by Meliá Bali (two nights)
Heritage Adventurer (nine nights)
What to Expect
Activity Level 3
This is a moderately strenuous program that is at times both physically demanding and busy and requires you to be in good health and physical condition. Shore excursions range from a half-day to all day, with the balance of time spent on board cruising to the next destination. moderately strenuous program that is, at times, physically demanding and busy. There will be several opportunities to snorkel and swim in the ocean. You may be required to remove your shoes while visiting temples and other sites. You will need to climb into and out of Zodiacs for an onshore excursion (there will be staff and crew members on hand to assist). Participants must be physically fit, active, and in good health.
Travel on land will be by modern air-conditioned motorcoaches, with most drives lasting no more than an hour at a time. During the cruise there will be excursions by Zodiacs, which require the ability to step from the ship to the Zodiac and back again in open water (the ship’s crew will be there to assist you). Walking tours can be as long as two hours, covering one to two miles, and will include walks in cities and towns as well as nature walks over uneven, sometimes muddy trails with moderate inclines or declines. In some locations, you will be able to choose between a shorter or a longer, more strenuous option. Daily excursions will still operate in rainy or humid conditions. In some instances, elevators are unavailable, and stairs may not have handrails.
This promises to be a memorable journey, but as with all travel, a flexible attitude, a spirit of adventure, and a willingness to explore new areas will enhance your enjoyment of this program. You do not have to participate in all scheduled activities, except when traveling to the next destination. We are sure you will be pleased with the exciting educational program provided, but we want you to be aware of the pace and activity level.
Heritage Adventurer welcomes just 140 passengers in her spacious and stylish interior. All cabins offer living and sleeping areas with a king or two single beds. Public spaces include two separate bar and lounge areas featuring 180-degree views and the open-topped Observation Deck for 360-degree views. Delectable meals are served in the gourmet restaurant on Deck 4 and in the indoor/outdoor bistro on Deck 6...
This is a moderately strenuous program that is at times both physically demanding and busy and requires you to be in good health and physical condition. Shore excursions range from a half-day to all day, with the balance of time spent on board cruising to the next destination. moderately strenuous program that is, at times, physically demanding and busy. There will be several opportunities to snorkel and swim in the ocean. You may be required to remove your shoes while visiting temples and other sites. You will need to climb into and out of Zodiacs for an onshore excursion (there will be staff and crew members on hand to assist). Participants must be physically fit, active, and in good health.
