Wild Encounters from Borneo to Bali - 2

September 18 – 19, 2014

Singapore to Pulau Lintang Island

National Geographic Orion

September 18, after being picked up at our Singapore hotel and given a short city tour, we embarked Lindblad Expedition’s newest ship, the National Geographic Orion. The first evening aboard was filled with the usual routines: greetings from the captain and crew, get settled into the cabin, mandatory ship safety drill, welcome aboard briefing and dinner. We had a little time to explore the new ship, which is quite elegant and functional at the same time. She holds 100 passengers and is a true “expedition” ship. She carries thirteen zodiac boats, at least nine double kayaks and a glass bottom boat for those who do not snorkel. She is well equipped.

Good variety of corals.

September 19 found us anchored off the island of Pulau Lintang, one of the Anambas Islands in the South China Sea. After breakfast and the mandatory Zodiac and Snorkeling Briefing, we checked out our snorkeling equipment. We were ready to disembark for the pristine white sand beach on the uninhabited island.

The water was delightfully warm, and the snorkeling was acceptable with some very lovely corals. By the time we were done, the ship’s crew had set up a BBQ lunch on the beach. The food was delicious. We could have stayed on the beach for the afternoon, but chose to go back aboard and get in our showers early. 

The evening was filled with the usual recap of the day, a briefing for the next day and Captain Mike and his officers hosting a Welcome Reception before dinner.

That's it for now. Grace and Paul