The Christchurch New Zealand-based cruise company Heritage Expeditions' newest ship - Heritage Adventurer during the Maiden Voyage made history as the first expedition ship to visit Pasir Putih on Buru Island (Indonesia).
~1000 locals from 6 different villages packed the white sand beach with students, dignitaries, and chiefs, such as the Chief of Regency Mrs. Safitri who presided over the event and greeted Heritage Adventurer’s intrepid guests on her first cruise (Indonesian Explorer itinerary).
Heritage Expeditions owners (Aaron and Nathan Russ) describe the welcome and new friendship between the company, its customers, and the people of South Buru Island as an “incredible privilege” as well as a fitting first outing for the pioneering expedition ship.
“Being welcomed so full-heartedly by these incredibly friendly people into their way of life on this tropical island paradise, who are just as interested in us as we are in them, and sharing these unforgettable moments with our guests is why we do what we do.”
Aaron agreed, saying that supporting remote communities, experiencing new cultures, and enjoying wildlife encounter off the beaten path was the “true essence of authentic expedition cruising”. Being able to offer those unforgettable moments was all part of the Heritage Experience.
Once ashore, travelers were welcomed with traditional dances and a formal greeting from Mrs.Safitri before celebrating the arrival sharing a feast, dancing, and learning about island life and culture with newfound friends.
Passengers were then free to enjoy exploring the village, the jungles, and the coral reefs of one of the world's most biologically-rich regions.
Indonesian Explorer visits Indonesia's little-known tropical islands and includes visiting Komodo NP (home to the Komodo Dragon), swimming with Whale Sharks in Kwatisore Bay, discovering Jacques Cousteau’s “underwater nirvana” Wakatobi NP, and exploring the rainbow corals of Raja Ampat as guests discover white sand beaches, exquisite underwater worlds, and untamed jungles.