S T A N F O R D T R A V E L / S T U D Y

S T A N F O R D T R A V E L / S T U D Y

a program of the stanford a lumni assoc iat ion

underwater edens of e a stern indones i a

September 29 to October 15, 2014

The Spice Islands and Beyond

S T A N F O R D T R A V E L / S T U D Y

Few places on earthare as ecologically and culturally diverse as Indonesia’s Spice Islands and the Raja Ampat Islands. With dramatic landscapes, lush rain forests, a profusion of land and marine flora and fauna, friendly islanders and incomparable coral reefs for underwater exploring, this little-traveled region offers an experience unequalled anywhere. There’s no better way to explore all of the riches of these remote islands than by small expedition ship, and our ship, the Oceanic Discoverer, more than fits the bill. As we ply the waters of the Banda and Ceram seas and New Guinea’s Cenderawasih Bay, soak up this wondrous amalgam of sea, sand, coral reefs, volcanoes and colorful cultures from the comfort of our state-of-the-art ship. Join us on this unforgettable adventure!

bIak

CaptIoNHighlightsS N O R K E L or dive in the waters between Pulau Kur and Pulau Kaimeer, known for having the best beaches in the Indonesian archipelago.

B E A W E D by the sight of Wayag Island with its hundreds of gumdrop-shaped islets popping up out of turquoise-hued lagoons.

E X P L O R E World War II wrecks while snorkeling or diving in the renowned crystal-clear waters off the Amsterdam Islands.

S E A R C H in the island forests for the elusive Red Bird of Paradise, one of the world’s most colorful, whimsically plumed birds.

Wayag ISlaND

BRETT S. ThOmPSON, ’83, DIRECTOR, STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY

MONDAY TO WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 TO OCTOBER 1U.S./DaRWIN, aUStRalIaDepart the U.S. on Monday and cross the international date line en route to Australia. Arrive in Darwin on Wednesday and transfer to our hotel before joining fellow travelers for a festive welcome reception and dinner. CROWNE PLAZA DARWIN (D)

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2DaRWIN / EmbaRk oCEaNIC DISCovERERThis morning tour the fascinating Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory and enjoy views above the harbor before transferring to Darwin’s Fort Hill Wharf for the start of our great adventure. After boarding Oceanic Discoverer, take some time to settle in and explore the ship before joining our traveling companions for sunset drinks. OCEANIC DISCOVERER (B,D)

FR IDAY, OCTOBER 3at SEaSpend the day at leisure enjoying the ship’s amenities as we cross the Timor Sea. Join our expedition staff in the ship’s lounge for informative presentations in preparation for our first landing in the rarely visited Tanimbar Islands. This evening, join fellow travelers, the captain and his crew at the captain’s reception. OCEANIC DISCOVERER (B,L,D)

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4taNImbaR ISlaNDS, INDoNESIaRise and shine as we approach Saumlaki on Yamdena Island, the main town in the Tanimbar Islands and our first Indonesian landfall. The islands are surrounded by pristine white sand beaches fringed with palm trees. The villagers of the Tanimbars are master carvers and their magnificent ebony wood carvings are considered to be the finest in the entire Indonesian archipelago. View the community’s traditional ritual ceremony and hear tales of how headhunting was practiced here until well into the 20th century. OCEANIC DISCOVERER (B,L,D)

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5kaI ISlaNDSThe island of Kai Tanimbar is con-sidered to be the birthplace of Kai Island culture. Today we cruise and explore the many small islands and communities located between Pulau Kur and Pulau Kaimeer, rec-ognized as having the best beaches in the Indonesian archipelago. Here we have the opportunity to practice our snorkeling and diving skills. As we pass between the islands, keep an eye out for the ancient petroglyphs that adorn the tower-ing cliffs. Painted in ochre, black and white, the cliff drawings depict historic sailing boats and intricately decorated locals wearing tall headdresses. OCEANIC DISCOVERER (B,L,D)

MONDAY, OCTOBER 6baNDa aND tHE SpICE ISlaNDSIn the middle of the Banda Sea lies an enchanted fragment of history, nine tiny islands that were the center of the Spice Island trade. Originally the world’s sole source of nutmeg and mace, these islands have attracted traders beginning at least 2,000 years ago. In the 16th century, European explorers, in their search for these islands, ended up discovering entire continents. Join an early morning hike to the top of “Fire Mountain” for spectacular views above the island’s main town of Banda Neira. Then, become im-mersed in the colors and aromas of the Spice Islands on a stroll down the wide, tree-lined streets of Banda Neira and past the remnants of mansions constructed during Dutch colonialism. Visit the fasci-nating museum, the former VOC Governor’s Mansion, the old church and Fort Belgica. Our exploration of Banda Neira concludes with a visit to the town’s nutmeg gardens, shaded by wild almond trees. OCEANIC DISCOVERER (B,L,D)

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7pUlaU goRoNgContinuing north we stop at the pristine island of Pulau Gorong, where we spend the day exploring its enchanting saltwater lagoon, home to a myriad of native bird species. Choose from a range of in-water activities, including guided snorkeling, scuba diving and a

glass-bottom-boat tour. OCEANIC DISCOVERER (B,L,D)

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8mISool ISlaNDS The Misool Islands, one of the famed “Four Kings” island groups of the Raja Ampat region, are a gem-studded bracelet of islands and a mecca for snorkelers and divers. The islands boast dramatic scenery, with towering limestone pinnacles jutting out of the water and white sand beaches adorned with palm trees. Travel ashore and explore the region on a nature walk with the expedition staff. Snorkel or dive in the waters surrounding the island, which are home to at least three species of the pygmy seahorse, no larger than a fingernail, and the most splendid soft coral jungles, with their vibrant shades of orange, red, purple and pink. OCEANIC DISCOVERER (B,L,D)

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9DampIER StRaItS, Raja ampat ISlaNDSAwaken as we cruise the Dampier Straits, named in honor of famed explorer William Dampier. Traveling ashore at Pulau Gam, we’ll be joined by a local Papuan guide on a walk through the shady forests around Sawingrai village. Our guide’s local knowledge will hopefully allow us to catch a glimpse of one of nature’s finest creations, the ethereal Red Bird of Paradise. This afternoon soak up the natural beauty of the Raja Ampat Islands. On Arborek

Itinerary

Biak

Darwin to Sydney

I N D O N E S I A

A U S T R A L I A

PAPUANEW

GUINEA

P a c i f i c

O c e a n

BandaSea

Ti m o rS e a

A r a f u r aS e a

CenderawasihBay

AMSTERDAM ISLANDS

RAJAAMPAT

TANIMBARISLANDS

KAIISLANDS

NEWGUINEA

SPICEISLANDS

ManokwariMISOOL ISLANDS

Wayag Island

bIak

Island a profusion of plankton attracts giant manta rays and we have the opportunity to swim among these majestic creatures. Aboard the ship’s Xplorer we’ll travel ashore to nearby Kri Island, which offers per-haps the best snorkeling and diving in the archipelago, if not the world. OCEANIC DISCOVERER (B,L,D)

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10Wayag ISlaNDSavor a day of exploration on Wayag Island. Our day starts with an early morning hike up Pindito Peak, where the reward is breath-taking views over the island and its spectacular islet-studded lagoon. Then, spend time lazing on the lagoon’s white sand beaches and gazing at the magical panorama of karst (limestone) gumdrop-shaped islets. OCEANIC DISCOVERER (B,L,D)

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11amStERDam ISlaNDSOur expedition leader and guides join us on an excursion to the Amsterdam Islands today. The beaches on these beautiful islands are a favorite egg-laying spot of the world’s largest species of sea turtles, the leatherback, and it may be possible to witness the remarkable experience of the endangered leatherbacks nesting. Later we’ll visit the “Junkyard” to explore the World War II wrecks that litter the coastline. During the war, the U.S. Navy scuttled a number of small boats and barges in the shallows, which have now become coral

reefs that are home to hard and soft corals, sea whips and sea fans. Join a glass-bottom-boat tour, snorkel or scuba dive over the reefs to view or swim among the profusion of fish found here, including barracudas. OCEANIC DISCOVERER (B,L,D)

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12maNokWaRI aND maNSINaN ISlaNDRide our ship’s Xplorer to the shore of the West Papuan island of Manokwari for an outstanding cultural experience. This island is home to 24 different tribal groups, each with its own unique language, music, dances and customs. Visit one of the traditional villages, where the local artisans are well-known for their beautiful wooden sculptures. Enjoy glass-bottom-boat tours on the clear waters over the wrecks or snorkel over or dive to the easily accessible Cross Wreck, a Japanese Navy patrol boat, and the famed Shinwa Maru, a Japanese freighter sunk by Allied forces in 1943. OCEANIC DISCOVERER (B,L,D)

MONDAY, OCTOBER 13CENDERaWaSIH bayToday we enter the marine life haven of Cenderawasih Marine Park in search of the biggest fish in the sea, the beautiful whale shark. This region is one of the few places in the world where it’s possible to swim, snorkel and dive among these majestic animals. Cendera-wasih Bay also supports over 200 species of tropical fish, along with

50 square miles of pristine coral reef, which we snorkel over and dis-cover on glass-bottom-boat tours. In the evening, join fellow travelers, the captain and his crew at the cap-tain’s farewell event to reflect back on what has been an incredible jour-ney. OCEANIC DISCOVERER (B,L,D)

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14bIak / DISEmbaRk oCEaNIC DISCovERER / DaRWIN, aUStRalIaThis morning we arrive in Biak and bid farewell to our captain and his staff. En route to our chartered jet for the flight back to Darwin, tour Biak and learn of its fascinating history. Later, upon arriving back in Australia, transfer to our overnight accommodations. CROWNE PLAZA DARWIN (B,L,D)

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15DaRWIN / U.S.Transfer to the airport this morning for international flights back to the U.S. (B)

NOTE: This itinerary provides a look at some of the islands, atolls and lagoons along our route as well as the type of activities we offer. While every effort will be made to follow the itinerary, we may need to make allowances for weather, tidal conditions and other unforeseen events. Our journey is rich with opportunities to interact with native wildlife, however, we cannot promise the sighting of particular species during our visit.

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Optional Post-trip Extension to Sydney OCTOBER 15 TO 18, 2014

Spend three nights in Sydney starting with a behind-the-scenes visit to the Taronga Zoo, where we receive an introduction to Australia’s unusual wildlife and the wilderness of the Australian bushland. Enjoy ample opportunities to photograph koalas, kangaroos and echidnas. Explore Sydney’s historic Rocks district, a 19th-century village that today sits in the shadow of the Harbour Bridge, before spending the evening at the opera. Take a tour of the Sydney Opera House and enjoy a pre-theater dinner at the famed Guillaume at Bennelong restaurant prior to being seated at the night’s performance.

Additional details and pricing will be sent to confirmed passengers.

SyDNEy opERa HoUSE

CaptIoNbIak

maNokWaRI vIllagE

NUtmEg

Oceanic DiscovererThe recently built Oceanic Discoverer comprises 36 spacious, modern staterooms, offering a choice of twin or junior king beds. All staterooms have an ocean view, en suite facilities, settee, large wardrobe, desk, luggage storage and individual air-conditioning con-trol. Spacious and finely appointed public areas include a reference library, lecture lounge, purser’s desk, dive shop, large sun deck, spa pool and two bars. The restaurant offers buffet-style breakfast and lunch service and a three-course table d’hôte dinner service. Menus are “modern Australian,” with the chefs seeking out the freshest of local ingredients to prepare truly memorable dining experiences; all guests are accommodated at a single seating. The state-of-the-art Oceanic Discoverer is equipped with the latest technology, active stabilizers, wifi access and the Xplorer, its specially designed alumin-ium expedition vessel used for the majority of our excursions.

DININg Room

xploRER ExCURSIoNS

pRomENaDE DECk StatERoom

SUN DECK

BRIDGE DECK

PROMENADE DECK

MAINDECK

XplorerBoarding

B02

B01

B04

B03

B06

B05

B08

B07

B10

B09

B12

B11

B14

B13

B16

B15

B18

B17

B20

B19

B22

B21

Dining Room

C01C03

C02

C05

C04

C07

C06

C09

C08

A02A04

A03

A06

A05

Lounge

Captain’sCabin

Active Stabilizers

Spa

Length: 207 feetBeam: 43 feetDraft: 10 feetNumber of guests: 72Speed: 14 knotsRegistry: Australia

Program Cost*

Rates per person, based on double or single occupancy, as noted

Bridge Deck, 195 sq. ft. $14,895 –

Promenade Deck, 195 sq. ft. $14,595 $19,595

Promenade Deck, 175 sq. ft. $14,395 $18,895

Main Deck, 195 sq. ft. $13,895 $18,095

Main Deck, 195 sq. ft. $13,595 $17,795

*Association nonmembers add $200 per person. ** Single accommodations are limited at these rates.

oCEaNIC DISCovERER

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DOUBLE SINGLE**

Deposit & Final PaymentA $1,000-per-person deposit is required to hold space for this program. An additional $200-per-person deposit is required to hold space for the optional post-trip extension. Complete and return the attached reservation form or sign up online. Final payment is due 120 days prior to departure. As a condition of participation, all confirmed participants are required to sign a Release of Liability.

Cancellations & RefundsDeposits and any payments are refundable, less a $500-per-person cancellation fee, until 120 days prior to departure. After that date, refunds can be made only if the program is sold out and your place(s) can be resold, in which case a $1,000-per-person cancellation fee will apply. We recommend trip-cancellation insurance; applications will be sent to you.

InsuranceStanford Travel/Study provides all travelers who are U.S. or Canadian citizens with minimal medical, accident and evacuation coverage under our group-travel insurance policy. Our group policy is intended to provide minimal levels of protection while you are travel-ing on this program. We strongly recommend that you subscribe to optional baggage and trip-can-cellation insurance. A brochure offering such insurance will be mailed with your confirmation about one week after we receive your deposit. The product offered in this brochure includes special benefits if you postmark your insurance payment within a specified window: 15 days of the date listed on the confirmation letter for the Waiver of Pre-existing Conditions and coverage for Financial Insolvency; 21 days for the Cancel for Any Reason benefit.

EligibilityWe encourage membership in the Alumni Association as the program cost for nonmembers is $200 more than the members’ price. Parents and their children under 21 may travel on one membership. For more information or to purchase a membership, visit alumni.stanford.edu/goto/membership or call (650) 725-0692.

ResponsibilityThe Stanford Alumni Association, Stanford University and our operators act only as agents for the passenger with respect to transportation and ship arrangements and exercise every care possible in doing so. However, we can assume no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity in connection with the service of any automobile, motorcoach, launch or any other conveyance used in carrying out this program or for the acts or defaults of any company or person engaged in conveying the passenger or in carrying out the arrangements of the program. We cannot accept any responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, quarantine, force majeure or other causes beyond our control. All such losses or expenses will have to be borne by the passenger as tour rates provide arrangements only for the time stated. We reserve the right to make such alterations to this published itinerary as may be deemed necessary. The right is reserved to cancel any program prior to departure in which case the entire payment will be refunded without further obligation on our part. The right is also reserved to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of the program. No refund will be made for an unused portion of any tour unless arrangements are made in sufficient time to avoid penalties. It is understood that the ship’s ticket, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the passenger and the cruise company. Baggage is carried at the owner’s risk entirely. The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time that passengers are not onboard their plane or conveyance. Neither the Alumni Association, Stanford University nor our operators accept liability for any carrier’s cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a nonrefundable ticket in connection with the tour. Program price is based on rates in effect in April 2013 and is subject to change without notice to reflect fluctuations in exchange rates, tariffs or fuel charges.

© COPYRIGHT 2013 STANFORD ALUMNI ASSOCIATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.PRINTED ON RECYCLED, FSC-CERTIFIED PAPER IN THE U.S.

Terms & Conditions

California Seller of Travel Program Registration #2048 523-50

D a t E SSeptember 29 to October 15, 2014 (17 days)

S I z ELimited to 69 participants

I N C L U D E D2 nights of deluxe hotel accommodations 12-night cruise aboard the Oceanic Discoverer 14 breakfasts, 12 lunches and 14 dinners Welcome and farewell cocktail receptions Filtered water on excursions Gratuities to porters, guides,

drivers and ship crew for all group activities All tours and shore excursions as described in the itinerary Transfers and baggage handling on program arrival and departure days Chartered jet flight from Biak to Darwin on 10/14 Port fees

and embarkation taxes Minimal medical, accident and evacu-ation insurance Educational program with lecture series and pre-departure materials, including recommended reading list, a selected book, map and travel information Services of our professional tour manager to assist you throughout the program

N O t I N C L U D E DInternational and U.S. domestic airfare Passport and visa fees Immunization costs Meals and beverages other than those specified as included Independent and private trans-fers Trip-cancellation/interruption and baggage insurance Excess-baggage charges Personal items such as internet

access, telephone and fax calls, laundry and gratuities for nongroup services

a I R a R R a N G E m E N t S International and U.S. domestic airfare is not included in the program cost. Round-trip, economy-class airfare on Qantas Airways from San Francisco to and from Darwin, Australia, is approximately $2,200 as of April 2014 and is subject to change without notice. Information on recommended flight itineraries will be sent by our designated agent.

F U E L C O S t S In the uncertain, often volatile oil market of late, it is difficult to predict fuel costs over the long term and, more specifically, at the time of operation of this voyage. Our prices are based upon the prevailing fuel rates at the time of brochure printing. While we will do everything possible to maintain our prices, if the fuel rates increase significantly, it may be necessary to institute a fuel surcharge.

W h a t t O E x P E C tWe consider this to be a mildly strenuous program. No prior snorkeling experience is necessary and all participants should be comfortable swimming unassisted in open water. Boarding our excursion vessel, the Xplorer, is safe and easy, you simply step aboard from the Main Deck and Oceanic Discoverer’s unique hydraulic platform will gently lower the excursion vessel into the water, ensuring that you don’t need to clamber aboard or get your feet wet. Ashore, you must be able to walk moderate distances, uaided, along beaches and sometimes over rough terrain, includ-ing steep and sandy trails. Participants must be physically fit, active and in good health. We welcome travelers 15 years of age and older on this program.

Information

The Spice Islandsand BeyondSeptember 29 to October 15, 2014

Reservation Form SIGN UPONLINE!

I/We have read the Terms and Conditions for the program and agree to them.

Signature _________________________________________________________

If this is a reservation for one person, please indicate: I wish to have single accommodations.

OR I plan to share accommodations with __________________________OR I’d like to know about possible roommates.

Category Preference: 1st choice: ____________________________ Twin Beds Junior King

2nd choice: ____________________________ Twin Beds Junior King

Here is my deposit of $________ ($1,000 per person) for ______ space(s), plus $________ ($200 per person) for the optional post-trip extension.

Enclosed is my check (make payable to Stanford Alumni Association) OR Charge my deposit to my: Visa MasterCard American Express

CARD # EXPIRES

AUTHORIZED CARDHOLDER SIGNATURE DATE

Mail completed form to address on mail panel or fax to (650) 725-8675 or place your deposit online at alumni.stanford.edu/trip?spice2014. Please submit your reservation only once to avoid multiple charges to your account.

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NAME AGE STANFORD CLASS

ADDRESS

CITY / STATE / ZIP

HOME PHONE WORK PHONE

CELL PHONE

EMAIL ADDRESS

MR. / MRS. / MS.MISS / DR. / PROF.

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S T A N F O R D T R A V E L / S T U D Y

“Whether you approach it from an academic interest in biology or an aesthetic appreciation of colors, textures, and forms, this trip offers a wealth of visual and intellectual stimulation in the context of cultural and natural history.”

J o e l S i m o n , ’ 74 , B S ’ 7 5 , m S ’ 7 7, has two passions: photography and marine biology. His desire to investigate the content of Southern California tide pools at the age of 11 motivated him to build his own diving gear out of a one-liter soda bottle, surgical tubing and the gas valve off an old stove. Not long afterwards, he began taking his camera underwater. A seasoned travel operator, marine biologist, freelance photographer and writer with over 30 years of experience in leading group tours, he has designed and directed educational travel programs on all seven continents, and is a veteran of land-, ship-, train- and plane-based journeys in over 100 countries. Joel is the president of Sea for Yourself, a tour operator specializing in educational snorkeling programs. During his tenure as snorkeling editor for Skin Diver magazine, he published dozens of articles on snorkeling technique and destinations. His ongoing photographic work includes an extensive portfolio of Stanford University images. Joel has been a popular photography instructor with Stanford Continuing Studies since 2010.

Expedition Study LeaderJoining us aboard the Oceanic Discover to augment our lecture program is D r. n ’ D e a n e a a l i ya h h e l a J z e n. She is currently a professor of anthropology at Melbourne University in Australia. Dr. Helajzen focuses her work on improving health conditions in remote communities and has spent significant time in the South Pacific, New Guinea and Indonesia conducting research. She received her bachelor of science and masters degrees in social health at Melbourne University and is involved in several professional organizations, for instance, the Australian Anthropology Association, the American Anthropological Association and the National Association for the Practice of Anthropology, to name just a few.

Stanford Faculty Leader

J O E L S I m O N , ’ 74 , B S ’ 7 5 , m S ’ 7 7

“I was so pleased to find that there is such a great way for me to travel to more challenging destinations where I would not go on my own.”

Stanford Travel/StudyFrances C. Arrillaga Alumni Center326 Galvez StreetStanford, CA 94305-6105(650) 725-1093

Nonprofit Org.U.S. Postage

P A I DStanford

Association

alumni.stanford.edu/goto/travelstudy

S T A N F O R D T R A V E L / S T U D Y

P at r I c I a L E I c h E r , ’ 7 0 , S ta N f O r d t r a v E L E r

u nderwat er edens of e a st er n indones i a

September 29 to October 15, 2014

The Spice Islands and Beyond

CENDERaWaSIH bay