Indonesia & Papua New Guinea, New and Noteworthy
5° 24′ N 100° 19′ E
Journey Through Southeast Asia: Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia
Highlights





Experience the innovative melting pot that is Singapore—a spectacular blend of cultures, innovation, and beauty
Explore Malaysia's fascinating and colorful UNESCO Historical Cities: Malacca and Penang’s George Town
Be on the lookout for the gentle giants of Sumatra—orangutans—as we traverse the lush rainforest of Gunung Leuser National Park, part of the Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Immerse yourself in the earthy aromas and fresh ingredients used in some of the best local food in Asia, and cast your own vote on who has the tastiest chicken rice in Penang
Snorkel, dive, and kayak along reefs teeming with brightly colored fish, reef sharks, and spectacular corals; explore pristine white sand beaches and mangroves—all found on the picturesque islands of the Andaman Sea
Day by Day
Multiple routes available
Some departures follow a modified itinerary. Please refer to departure dates for exact routing of your departure.
Northbound
Singapore
Phuket, Thailand
Day 1
Singapore
Arrive in Singapore and transfer to the Fullerton Hotel. This evening, meet your fellow travelers at the welcome reception.
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 1
SingaporeArrive in Singapore and transfer to the Fullerton Hotel. This evening, meet your fellow travelers at the welcome reception.
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2
Singapore / Embark Ship
This morning we check out of our hotel and set off to explore this landmark city-state. Cosmopolitan Singapore, a former British colony, has transformed itself into one of the world’s leading and most innovative commercial centers. As we tour the old sections of the city, we’ll see how Chinese, Malay, and Indian cultures thrive side by side. We’ll also see the ultra-modern styles along the skyline of high rises and in the whimsical creations of the Gardens by the Bay. Singapore is truly a melting pot of culture, style, and cuisine. This afternoon we will embark National Geographic Orion.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2
Singapore / Embark ShipThis morning we check out of our hotel and set off to explore this landmark city-state. Cosmopolitan Singapore, a former British colony, has transformed itself into one of the world’s leading and most innovative commercial centers. As we tour the old sections of the city, we’ll see how Chinese, Malay, and Indian cultures thrive side by side. We’ll also see the ultra-modern styles along the skyline of high rises and in the whimsical creations of the Gardens by the Bay. Singapore is truly a melting pot of culture, style, and cuisine. This afternoon we will embark National Geographic Orion.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
Malacca, Malaysia
Step ashore in the UNESCO Historical City of Malacca with its eclectic blend of Portuguese and Dutch colonialism, traditional Chinese influence, and bright colors of India. The port is packed with eye catching cycle trishaws adorned with bright ruffles, hearts, flowers, and Hello Kitty—each a work of art.
Explore this beautiful city known as the unofficial historical capital of Malaysia—Jonker Street, the main thoroughfare of Chinatown; Christ Church and Stadthuys, some of the oldest surviving Dutch architecture; and Melaka Sultanate Palace, a replica of Sultan Mansur Shah’s 15th-century palace.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
Malacca, MalaysiaStep ashore in the UNESCO Historical City of Malacca with its eclectic blend of Portuguese and Dutch colonialism, traditional Chinese influence, and bright colors of India. The port is packed with eye catching cycle trishaws adorned with bright ruffles, hearts, flowers, and Hello Kitty—each a work of art.
Explore this beautiful city known as the unofficial historical capital of Malaysia—Jonker Street, the main thoroughfare of Chinatown; Christ Church and Stadthuys, some of the oldest surviving Dutch architecture; and Melaka Sultanate Palace, a replica of Sultan Mansur Shah’s 15th-century palace.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 4-5
Belawan, Sumatra, Indonesia / Gunung Leuser National Park
Arrive in the seaport of Belawan—known as one of Indonesia’s busiest ports, second only to Java. Pass through the city of Medan with its chaotic energy of modern-day trade and ties to the architecture of the past when Chinese and Dutch merchants settled here. Head inland to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Gunung Leuser National Park. The entire biosphere covers a vast area of rainforest and other varied ecosystems. It is home to hundreds of species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and plants: orangutan, gibbons, elephant, hornbills, Sumatran partridge, monitor lizards, and the biggest flower in the world—Rafflesia Arnoldi (the corpse flower or giant padma). Wildlife sightings are never predictable, but this stunning biosphere never disappoints with its mind-blowing variety.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 4-5
Belawan, Sumatra, Indonesia / Gunung Leuser National ParkArrive in the seaport of Belawan—known as one of Indonesia’s busiest ports, second only to Java. Pass through the city of Medan with its chaotic energy of modern-day trade and ties to the architecture of the past when Chinese and Dutch merchants settled here. Head inland to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Gunung Leuser National Park. The entire biosphere covers a vast area of rainforest and other varied ecosystems. It is home to hundreds of species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and plants: orangutan, gibbons, elephant, hornbills, Sumatran partridge, monitor lizards, and the biggest flower in the world—Rafflesia Arnoldi (the corpse flower or giant padma). Wildlife sightings are never predictable, but this stunning biosphere never disappoints with its mind-blowing variety.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
Penang, Malaysia
Enjoy a full day of adventure in Penang Island’s capital, George Town. Vibrant and colorful, this UNESCO multicultural city is a mix of colonial history of the first British settlement in Southeast Asia and modern day skyscrapers. A beautiful jumble of temples, mosques, and the Clan Jetties—wooden stilt houses built by the Chinese who settled on the water. Follow the “art trail” that weaves its way past amazing murals tucked on side streets and painted directly on old buildings. Explore the boardwalk trails and canopy of Penang National Park. It may be the smallest national park in the world, but it is packed with lush jungle, beautiful beaches, monkeys, and birds of every color. Or choose to immerse yourself in the fragrant herbs and spices grown in the Tropical Spice Garden, the cornerstone of some of the best food in Asia.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
Penang, MalaysiaEnjoy a full day of adventure in Penang Island’s capital, George Town. Vibrant and colorful, this UNESCO multicultural city is a mix of colonial history of the first British settlement in Southeast Asia and modern day skyscrapers. A beautiful jumble of temples, mosques, and the Clan Jetties—wooden stilt houses built by the Chinese who settled on the water. Follow the “art trail” that weaves its way past amazing murals tucked on side streets and painted directly on old buildings. Explore the boardwalk trails and canopy of Penang National Park. It may be the smallest national park in the world, but it is packed with lush jungle, beautiful beaches, monkeys, and birds of every color. Or choose to immerse yourself in the fragrant herbs and spices grown in the Tropical Spice Garden, the cornerstone of some of the best food in Asia.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
Langkawi
Known as the Jewel of Kedah, Langkawi boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Malaysia—white sand and crystal water stretch for miles. Kayak among the karst outcroppings, fringed by healthy mangroves and lush rainforest jungle. Be on the lookout for the white-bellied sea eagle, Brahminy kite, and kingfishers in stunning plumage. Head to the sky on the Langkawi Cable Car, and glide over cliffs, jungle, and Telaga Tujuh (Seven Wells) waterfall. Once at the top, enjoy the views from the skybridge and explore the boardwalk trails into the jungle.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
LangkawiKnown as the Jewel of Kedah, Langkawi boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Malaysia—white sand and crystal water stretch for miles. Kayak among the karst outcroppings, fringed by healthy mangroves and lush rainforest jungle. Be on the lookout for the white-bellied sea eagle, Brahminy kite, and kingfishers in stunning plumage. Head to the sky on the Langkawi Cable Car, and glide over cliffs, jungle, and Telaga Tujuh (Seven Wells) waterfall. Once at the top, enjoy the views from the skybridge and explore the boardwalk trails into the jungle.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
Ko Tarutao, Thailand / Tarutao National Park
The first national marine park of Thailand, Tarutao offers some of the most beautiful coastline on the Andaman Sea. Explore the underwater world where the clear waters support healthy coral reefs and the wide array of life that call this region home. Be on the lookout for the elusive and rare dugong, irrawaddy dolphin, and hundreds of brightly colored fish. Head inland on one of the many white sandy beaches in search of crab-eating macaques, otters, common palm civets, flying bats, and a multitude of birds: scarlet-breasted flowerpecker, pied trillers, grey-headed sea eagles, and more.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
Ko Tarutao, Thailand / Tarutao National ParkThe first national marine park of Thailand, Tarutao offers some of the most beautiful coastline on the Andaman Sea. Explore the underwater world where the clear waters support healthy coral reefs and the wide array of life that call this region home. Be on the lookout for the elusive and rare dugong, irrawaddy dolphin, and hundreds of brightly colored fish. Head inland on one of the many white sandy beaches in search of crab-eating macaques, otters, common palm civets, flying bats, and a multitude of birds: scarlet-breasted flowerpecker, pied trillers, grey-headed sea eagles, and more.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9
Ko Rok Noi / Mu Ko Lanta National Park
Today begins off the coast of the small, pristine gem—Ko Rok Noi. Fringed with a healthy shallow reef system, this bit of paradise offers a morning of exploration both above and below the pristine waters. Snorkel and dive this unspoiled paradise or choose to take a leisurely kayak paddle or stand-up paddleboard along the rocky coastline, with a clear view below the surface. Follow the white sandy beach into the jungle and the beauty of Koh Rok waterfall. Enjoy lunch on deck as the ship positions to Ko Lanta, the largest island in the marine reserve, where we continue explorations above and below the sea.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9
Ko Rok Noi / Mu Ko Lanta National ParkToday begins off the coast of the small, pristine gem—Ko Rok Noi. Fringed with a healthy shallow reef system, this bit of paradise offers a morning of exploration both above and below the pristine waters. Snorkel and dive this unspoiled paradise or choose to take a leisurely kayak paddle or stand-up paddleboard along the rocky coastline, with a clear view below the surface. Follow the white sandy beach into the jungle and the beauty of Koh Rok waterfall. Enjoy lunch on deck as the ship positions to Ko Lanta, the largest island in the marine reserve, where we continue explorations above and below the sea.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10
Phi Phi Islands
A small archipelago of six islands known as Koh Phi Phi lies just off the coast of Krabi province. Postcard visions of spectacular karst formations, clear turquoise waters, and brightly painted long tail boats are found on these shores. Enjoy Zodiac cruises along the high cliffs and through the mangroves; snorkel or scuba dive the vibrant reefs; view the ancient rock art of Tham Phaya Nak, Viking Cave; or walk a deserted white sand beach in quiet reflection—the choices are endless.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10
Phi Phi IslandsA small archipelago of six islands known as Koh Phi Phi lies just off the coast of Krabi province. Postcard visions of spectacular karst formations, clear turquoise waters, and brightly painted long tail boats are found on these shores. Enjoy Zodiac cruises along the high cliffs and through the mangroves; snorkel or scuba dive the vibrant reefs; view the ancient rock art of Tham Phaya Nak, Viking Cave; or walk a deserted white sand beach in quiet reflection—the choices are endless.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11
Phuket / Disembark Ship
Wake up this morning in Phuket province, the largest in Thailand. After breakfast, disembark and explore Old Phuket Town. As a center of trade, see the influences of the Chinese, Indian, and European merchants who settled here. Following a traditional lunch, transfer to the airport for flights homeward.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 11
Phuket / Disembark ShipWake up this morning in Phuket province, the largest in Thailand. After breakfast, disembark and explore Old Phuket Town. As a center of trade, see the influences of the Chinese, Indian, and European merchants who settled here. Following a traditional lunch, transfer to the airport for flights homeward.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Dates & Rates
Ships
National Geographic Orion
Guests
102
Cabins
53
An authentic expedition ship, purpose-built for exploring the South Pacific and its surrounding regions
Featuring 53 cabins, the gracious and intimate National Geographic Orion takes travelers to little-known waters and isles in the South Pacific, Australia, New Zealand, and Indonesia to experience each location's natural and cultural wonders up close. With her high ice-class rating, National Geographic Orion is strong enough to explore the polar regions, yet her elevated maneuverability allows for navigation practically anywhere accessible by sea.
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Expedition Team
Over 50+ years of exploring, Lindblad Expeditions’ veteran staff and the quality companionship they provide has established the company’s reputation. From expedition leaders to naturalists, most hold advanced degrees and are established authorities in their fields. Some join a few expeditions each year to explore the same sites, some of them spending some time in the field away from rigorous academic work. And others lead expeditions all around the world—with many guests saying, “Where you’re going, we’re going,” and returning time after time to travel with them. Browse our team directory to discover the full cast of expedition staff.
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Sail the long-established colonial trade routes of Chinese, Malay, and European merchants as we travel the Malaccan Strait to the Andaman Sea. Discover how the different cultures left a lasting imprint on architecture, cuisine, religion, and many other aspects of daily life. Trek into lush rainforests on the lookout for the many species who call these protected areas home. Explore the white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters of the small islands dotting the coast of Thailand. This journey beautifully weaves a diverse tapestry of culture, wildlife, and the sheer wonder of this region.
From
$13,940
/ per person
Does not include flights
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+1.800.397.3348