Sing a Song of Flower in Indonesia

A diligent exploration of the 13,667 islands of Indonesia offers an astonishing assortment of wonders, from tribal groups who claim to be descended from extraterrestrials to the country’s smoking volcanoes and 10-foot dragons.

But it’s not necessary to hack through the jungles or island hop by outrigger to get there. The elegant and intimate little 172-passenger Song of Flower from Radisson Seven Seas Cruises is offering three 12-night “Ancient Cultures of Indonesia” programs this winter, departing the United States on Dec. 21, Jan. 24 and Feb. 4.

All three itineraries include a visit to remote Palopo in the mountains of Sulawesi, where residents believe their ancestors arrived by spaceship from distant stars. While this connection may seem far-fetched, Indonesia’s Torajaland calls itself “Land of Heavenly Kings.” The people still build their houses in the prow-roofed, boat-like shape of the craft they say brought them to Earth.

Even more fascinating to many visitors are the odd burial customs of Torajaland. Elaborate ritual funerals that may go on for days involve the sacrifice of water buffalo and pigs. The ceremonies also include feasting, dancing and kick fighting. At some point afterward, perhaps days or even months later, the deceased is buried standing up in a cave hacked out of a rocky cliff, with carved life-size wooden effigies arranged on a balcony outside the tomb.

Other ports of call on this “ring of fire” itinerary include Komodo Island, home of the Komodo dragon; Larantuka (also called Flores), with its smoking volcanoes; remote Bau Bau with teakwood palaces and wild animal jungle preserves; Lombok, the way Bali used to be; Semarang, gateway city to the 8th century stone temple of Borobudur; and bustling Jakarta, the country’s capital.

While Song of Flower spends its winters visiting some of Southeast Asia’s most exotic ports, don’t expect to rough it in spartan surroundings. The sparkling white Norwegian-flag ship carries Scandinavian officers and European hotel staff, and serves sophisticated, cooked-to-order cuisine. Fares are all-inclusive, with air fare, transfers, shore excursions, land hotels and tours, tips, bar drinks, wines and beverages included.

All cabins are outsides, most with both tub and shower, some with private balconies. Top-of-the-line suites have separate bedroom, sitting room and two full baths. Even the least expensive accommodations aboard have sitting area, TV with VCR, robes, hair dryer, mini-refrigerator, complimentary stocked bar, twin- or queen-size bed and bath with shower. Room service is available 24 hours a day.

The Song of Flower is a warm, comfortable, friendly ship with a low-key, not-regimented style. At mealtimes, you arrive when you wish and sit where and with whom you please, and there are 144 crew members serving a maximum of 172 passengers, the highest service ratio at sea.

The holiday cruise departs the United States on Dec. 18, with a published brochure rate from $6,225 to $10,125 per person, double occupancy, including round-trip economy air fare from the West Coast, two days in Singapore, two days in Bali and a 12-night cruise.

On Jan. 21 and Feb. 4, the published brochure rate of $6,175 to $9,995 per person, double occupancy, includes two days in Singapore, two days in Bali, an 11-night cruise and round-trip economy air fare from the West Coast.

The latter two sailings can be combined with a Burmese Adventure itinerary between Rangoon, Burma (now called Yangon, Myanmar), and Singapore to make a 22-day cruise. The itinerary includes calls at Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Phuket, Indonesia, plus two days in Rangoon.

The Jan. 21 departure can also be booked through Lifelong Learning, based in Aliso Viejo, Calif., at (800) 854-4080. This program adds an additional night in Bali for a 17-night itinerary ranging from $4,995 to $8,155 per person, double occupancy, with add-on round-trip coach fare of $1,000 from Los Angeles. An optional post-cruise Hong Kong add-on is available for $390 per person, double occupancy, including air fare.

For a free, full-color catalog of all 1997 Song of Flower sailings, both winter in Asia and summer in Europe, contact Radisson Seven Seas at (800) 285-1835.

Slater and Basch travel as guests of the cruise lines. Cruise Views appears the first and third week of every month.