Ponant launches luxury yachting expedition in Indonesia
Ponant has partnered with South Sea pearling company, Paspaley, to launch a 30-guest expedition in Australia and Indonesia
The 10-day itinerary will sail year-round on a new boutique motor yacht named Paspaley Pearl in Australia’s Kimberley River, East Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, with the first sailing departing 10 January 2025.
Guests will be able to explore the hidden corners of the Asia Pacific region, including the untrammelled routes pioneered by renowned pearler and founder of Paspaley, Nicholas Paspaley AC, and his crew in the 1970s.
Travelling from East Timor to Bali, the newly refitted yacht will be the only boutique expedition vessel in the Kimberley with private balconies. Meanwhile, a 21-strong crew will be complemented by four naturalist guides who will offer private, expert-led tours throughout the itinerary.
While on board, guests will be able to relax in the Sunset Lounge or Sun Deck Lounge, which features an eight-person Jacuzzi; and enjoy regional cuisine, including pearl meat and barramundi cultivated from the Kimberley region.
Ports of call will include Indonesia’s Raja Ampat and Spice Islands, as well as the Sepik River and New Britain Island in Papua New Guinea.
While sailing along the Kimberley coast, guests will be able to discover the region’s biodiversity through activities like remote fishing and pearl cultivation, snorkelling and diving, while enjoying encounters with rare wildlife, such as whale sharks and Komodo dragons.
Guests will also be able to witness the traditional buffalo races of Sumbawa Besar, experience the secret Duk-Duk society of the Tolai people, or discovering Sepik River culture in the village of Kopar.
