Cirebon, Indonesia, 8/28/2023, National Geographic Orion
Aboard the
National Geographic Orion
Indonesia & Papua New Guinea
Today on National Geographic Orion, we had an awesome morning adventure in the city of Cirebon. We were welcomed at the harbour and taken to an area where we met the sultan and enjoyed local performances and food.
The afternoon was spent on board. We enjoyed visiting the galley to see how the incredible food is prepared. This was followed by a presentation from our wonderful naturalist Phil.
Born in Zimbabwe, Ross grew up between a 45000-acre Game Ranch and the small town of Victoria Falls, which is situated inside of the Victoria Falls National Park. Most of his earliest childhood memories were of the wildlife that was always on his doo...
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As the first light of dawn painted the sky with a soft orange glow, the ship docked in the bustling port of Semarang, Indonesia. Our arrival was met with a warm welcome, including a mesmerizing performance of traditional dancers. Among them were performers donning the iconic lion-headed headdress adorned with peacock feathers. Incredibly, these intricate pieces can weigh up to 60 kilograms and are held in place by biting down on a specialized wooden grip. Our journey then took us to Borobudur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This magnificent Buddhist temple, over 1,300 years old, draws more than 5 million visitors each year. As we wandered through its tiered levels, it was impossible not to reflect on the countless feet that have tread these ancient stones over the centuries. We concluded our day with a delightful feast, accompanied by a captivating traditional Indonesian shadow puppet performance, immersing us further into the rich cultural heritage of this land.
Our day in Cirebon began with a brilliant sunrise at 0537, casting a soft glow over the northern coast of Java. Guests joined Wellness Specialist Lani on deck six for morning stretches before enjoying a casual breakfast in the Outdoor Café, savoring the warm breeze and the promise of a clear day ahead. At 0900, Birgit’s insightful presentation on “Islam in Indonesia” in the lounge deepened our understanding of the country’s rich cultural and religious fabric. Following this, Photo Instructor Fiona shared tips and techniques in her “Photo Basics” session, perfectly timed for the afternoon’s adventures ashore. We set out to explore Cirebon at around 1240, greeted by a lively welcome performance at the pier. A short drive through the vibrant streets brought us to Kacirebonan Palace, where traditional music and the colorful spectacle of the Cirebon mask dance captivated everyone. Artisans demonstrated the intricate process of batik textile creation and glass painting, showcasing the city’s renowned craftsmanship. The afternoon offered opportunities to purchase beautifully crafted souvenirs, including the striking Cirebon batik with its vivid colors and Chinese-inspired motifs. As the day drew to a close, we returned aboard by 1730, carrying with us the vibrant spirit of Cirebon and its deep cultural heritage. Sunset brought an end to another unforgettable day in Indonesia.
Shireen, our National Geographic Expert, started our day with an inspiring presentation on her career as an ocean storyteller and the role photography plays in conservation. Her stories from the field were both eye-opening and thought provoking, highlighting the power of visual storytelling in raising awareness for ocean conversation. Soon after, we had the incredible opportunity to cruise past Anak Krakatoa, the volcanic island born from the caldera of Krakatoa following its catastrophic 1883 eruption. The sight of the still active volcano rising from the sea was incredible. It was a reminder of the region’s volatile history and the immense forces of nature at play. After lunch we visited the island of Krakatoa itself. Standing on the volcanic sand surrounded by raw beauty and geological significance was a fascinating experience. When we returned to the ship Naturalist Heather gave a captivating talk on the life of turtles. She shared insights into their behavior’s, habitats, and the challenges they face. Her talk deepened our appreciation of these creatures and why it’s important to protect them.
