Zegrahm Expeditions to Offer Circumnavigation of Sumatra

Have you ever heard of Zegrahm Expeditions? I hadn't either until today when I read about their 18-day circumnavigation of Sumatra aboard the 110-passenger Clipper Odyssey. This itinerary kicks off Zegrahm's 2011 season on January 3, 2011.

Sumatra, one of the largest islands in the world, is located in western Indonesia and is ideal for the small ship cruising experience aboard Clipper Odyssey. Sailing in a counter-clockwise direction around the island, the ship will visit national parks, remote villages, and other historic sites.

Minangkabau King Palace in Central Sumatra, Indonesia

Highlights of a trip to Sumatra include hiking through the rainforests and visiting Sumatran orangutans at Bukit Lawang Orangutan Rehabilitation Station. Birds are also a draw, including 580 different species. You may catch a glimpse of the blue-masked leafbird, Sumatran drongo, and spot-necked bulbul. And, of course, this trip will introduce you to the Batak people that are indigenous to the area.

Mike Messick, cofounder of Zegrahm, will guide this unusual expedition in the company of naturalists, historians, and scientists. This includes two top wildlife experts: Dr. Jonathan Rossouw and Kevin Clement.

The complete itinerary includes...

January 3–4: depart USA / Singapore
January 5: Singapore / embark Clipper Odyssey
January 6: Malacca, Malaysia
January 7: Belawan, Sumatra / Brastagi
January 8: Gunung Leuser National Park
January 9: Expedition Stop
January 10: Banda Aceh
January 11: Gunung Leuser National Park
January 12: Nias Island / Cross the Equator
January 13: siberut Island, Mentawai Islands
January 14: Padang / Solok
January 15: Bengkulu
January 16: Krui
January 17: Ujung Kulon National Park, Java / Krakatoa Island
January 18: Way Kambas
January 19: At Sea
January 20: Singapore / Disembark Clipper Odyssey

This expedition is sure to be one of those "trips of a lifetime" that we all hope to take one day. For more information, contact Zegrahm and Eco Expeditions at 800-628-874.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com