13 July

Philippines: Batan Island

Batan Island is the gateway to the Philippines’ northernmost province, Batanes, home of the indigenous Ivatan people. Batan’s beautiful landscape of undulating hills and pastures is dotted with little villages, where the houses are built in a traditional style using coral, limestone and cogon grass.

14 July - At sea

15 July

Indonesia: Belitung

The island of Belitung lies roughly halfway between Sumatra and Borneo, and is home to some of Indonesia’s most striking beaches, where the white sands are in stark contrast with the giant granite rocks. The crystal clear waters are also perfect for swimming and snorkelling.

16 July - At sea

17 July

Indonesia: Semarang

The sweltering city of Semarang, on the north coast of Java, is an intriguing mish-mash of Chinese, Islamic and Dutch colonial influences. We recommend escaping the heat with a trip up into the mountains to visit a coffee plantation, or joining an excursion to the extraordinary temple complex at Borobudur.

18 July

Indonesia: Karimunjawa Islands

The little known Karimunjawa Islands, off the north coast of central Java, are an unspoilt tropical paradise where white sand beaches are fringed by lush jungle, with barely another tourist in sight. There’s little to do except for relax or snorkel amongst colourful coral reefs.

19 July

Indonesia: Surabaya (Java)

Surabaya, situated on the northeast coast of Java, is Indonesia’s second largest city and the place where the country’s struggle for independence began. The warren-like Arab Quarter is worth exploring, though many visitors use the city as a base for visiting nearby Mount Bromo.

20 July

Indonesia: Probolinggo

The city of Probolinggo is located on the north coast of East Java, and is the jumping off point for excursions to Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park. The sight of smouldering Mount Bromo and Mount Semeru, looming over the fertile volcanic plains, is a highlight of any trip to Indonesia.

21 July

Indonesia: Menjangan Island

22 July

Indonesia: Lombok

Quieter and less developed than neighbouring Bali, the island of Lombok is an appealing alternative. To the north, the landscape is dominated by the huge crater of Gunung Rinjani, while the south and west coasts are home to some stunning beaches.

23 July

Indonesia: Bali

24 July

Indonesia: Benoa (Bali)

The beaches, spectacular volcanic scenery and lush green rice terraces lend Bali a natural beauty that seems to dovetail perfectly with the island’s distinct Hindu culture, which adorns the landscape with stunning temples.

25 July

Indonesia: Saleh Bay (Sumbawa)

Saleh Bay is a vast expanse of sea on the northern side of Sumbawa island, semi-enclosed and scattered with uninhabited islands. The main attraction here is the marine life, and in particular the chance to see magnificent whale sharks in their natural habitat.

26 July to 27 July

Indonesia: Komodo Island

Komodo Island is situated within an area of spectacular natural beauty, home to the famous Komodo dragon. The stunning beaches are tinged with pink thanks to the high concentration of red coral just offshore, and the waters draw intrepid divers from all over the world.

27 July

: Padar Island

28 July

Indonesia: Ende, Flores

29 July

Indonesia: Larantuka (Flores)

The island of Flores is home to some of the most staggeringly beautiful scenery in the Indonesian archipelago, a lush landscape of smouldering volcanoes, spectacular lakes and verdant paddy fields. Flores is also culturally distinct from the other islands, with a population that is 95% Catholic.

30 July - At sea

31 July to 1 August

Indonesia: Wakatobi National Park

2 August

Indonesia: Alor Island

The Alor Archipelago is a fantastic destination for snorkelling and diving, much less well known than Raja Ampat and Komodo. On the main island, also called Alor, you can learn about the traditions of the Takpala indigenous people and visit the Museum of a Thousand Mokos in Kalabahi, with its collection of bronze kettle drums known as mokos.

3 August

Indonesia: Kupang

The city of Kupang is the capital of East Nusa Tenggara province, and lies at the southwestern end of Timor island. It’s more of a transit hub than a tourist destination, although there are some interesting markets, and there are some nice beaches nearby - just watch out for the crocodiles!

4 August - At sea

5 August

Arriving in Darwin

More of a large town than a city, Darwin is less about what’s contained within the city limits and more about the huge expanse of wild landscape that’s outside it. Closer to Jakarta than Sydney, the city really does feel remote in its tropical perch.