* Dr. Lawrence Blair is an explorer, filmmaker, author, and public speaker on the peoples and creatures of Indonesia. A resident of Bali, he has assisted and led marine expeditions throughout the archipelago since the Lindblad Explorer – the first genuinely exploratory tourist ship – broached the Spice Islands in l978. His onboard companions have included Mick Jagger, Jerry Hall, Sir Peter Scott, Ron & Valerie Taylor, Sir Michael Cowdray, Baron Von Schenk, Larry Summers, Richard Dawkins and numerous luminaries less publicly known in the fields of science. Amongst other works, he is also the writer, presenter, and co-producer (with his late brother Lorne) of the BBC TV adventure series “Ring of Fire”, winner of two EMMY awards, aired in over sixty nations and introduced by Richard Gere.

** Sabine Templeton is a marine scientist and conservation biologist with a passion for exploring and protecting the world’s oceans. She graduated from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Marine Science and Conservation Biology. Her work experience spans across various exotic locations, including the Hawaiian Islands, the Caribbean, Fiji, and the Indonesian Archipelago. Over the past 10 years, she has specialized in luxury dive and snorkel experiences, focusing on some of the most remote and pristine coral reefs on the planet. Notably, she spent six years as the Dive Center Manager at the Misool Resort in Raja Ampat, a renowned conservation-focused resort. During her tenure, Sabine also served as the Director of the Misool Manta Project, contributing critical data and co-authoring a scientific paper on population demographics. Aside from her work in marine science, Sabine is also a talented underwater photographer. Behind the lens of her camera, she captures the breath-taking beauty of the underwater world, documenting everything from the tiniest nudibranchs to majestic Whale sharks.

*** With a lifelong passion for marine exploration and an impressive career in luxury hospitality, Jason brings a unique blend of expertise to the Kudanil Explorer’s luxury expedition cruise to the Spice Islands of Indonesia. His love for the underwater world sparked at a young age when he earned his diving certification at 13, and by 18, he was a licensed PADI instructor. His fascination with marine life led him further to attend university in Indonesia. Upon completion of his studies, Jason took charge of the dive operations in the Banda Islands for Des Alwi, subsequently joining forces with renowned dive guide Larry Smith on the MV Cehili. Together, they discovered some of Maluku’s most iconic dive sites, including the mesmerizing Twilight Zone muck dive in Ambon and the bustling Too Many Fish on Pulau Koon. Shifting his focus to hospitality in 1996, Jason made a significant impact in this industry too. He opened the first dive resort on Bunaken Island in Manado, marking the start of a successful career that saw him manage the esteemed Amandari Resort in Ubud and serve as opening General Manager for the Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle, Qualia Australia, and The Siam Bangkok. In 2016, he founded his own hospitality consulting firm, leveraging his experience to assist in the growth and operation of several high-profile establishments including Rosewood Luang Prabang, Shinta Mani WILD, Shinta Mani Mustang, InterContinental Khao Yai and Mountain Lodges of Nepal among others. That same year, Jason joined The Kudanil Explorer’s development team leading numerous yearly expeditions aboard. His vast knowledge of marine life, passion for exploration, and unparalleled prowess in hospitality management have since added an extra layer of luxury and adventure to Kudanil Explorer’s expedition cruises.