Ombak Putih

AM: After breakfast in our South Bali hotel meeting point, experience the best that Bali can offer with a tour of East Bali with its deep culture and glorious landscapes. Visit water palaces, ancient villages, see lush rice terraces and jungles and the island's volcanic peaks, and dine on some of Bali’s freshest and most delicious traditional cuisine.

PM: In the late afternoon, you will arrive at your beachside resort in East Bali and have a chance to unwind, swim, or have a snorkeling lesson with your tour guide. In the evening join all your fellow guests for a welcome dinner and drinks in the hotel’s beachside restaurant.

Sleep in the shadow of Bali’s Mt Agung, the mother mountain of all Balinese people, and the most imposing figure on the whole landscape of Bali.

AM: Watch a specular sunrise from the beach in front of your resort as hundreds of small traditional ‘jukung’ fishing boats return from their overnight expeditions, as your Ombak Putih comes into view.

PM: Sail across the Wallace Line, the deep-sea boundary that represents the biogeographical separation point between Asia and Australia, where the landscapes, animals and plant life separate into distinctly different groups. Snorkel the magnificent coral gardens of the Gili Islands off the northwest corner of Lombok.

AM: Wake up off the coast of Kanawa Island under the gaze of Lombok’s towering Mt Rinjani, the largest volcanic peak in Indonesia, and spend the morning swimming, snorkeling and exploring.

PM: Visit a village of the famous Bajao ‘Sea Gypsies’ of Southeast Asia, and see how they live their lives so close to, on and in the water.

AM: Wake up early in Saleh Bay, where we will hopefully swim with a group of whale sharks that congregate off the local people’s fishing platforms that sit in the bay.

PM: Swim, snorkel, kayak and paddle board in a deep lake on a volcanic island lake on Satonda Island, whose caldera filled by water from a tsunami caused by a massive volcanic event from the nearby Tambora Volcano, which in 1815 was the largest eruption in recorded history.

Drink sunset cocktails as we float on the current while tens of thousands of giant fruit bats emerge from their forest lair and fly out directly over the boat on their nightly foraging missions.

AM: Step ashore on an active, smoking volcanic island, where local villagers are in the process of building a fifty-plus meter, traditional wooden pinisi boat. Walking around this small village, get a feel for their simple way of life, chat with the locals and maybe buy some handmade textiles as a memento. Snorkel on a colorful and vibrant coral reef above small geothermal fissures where air bubbles are released from the volcanic chambers below the seabed.

PM: After a few hours under sail, spend the afternoon time on a deserted white sand beach on another volcanic island, this time an extinct one. Explore the magnificent coral gardens, hike to the crest of the surrounding hills for a view of the surrounding islands, swim, paddle, kayak and laze away the day before enjoying sunset cocktails on the sand.

AM: Wake up in the most northerly part of the Komodo National Park and enjoy a morning of sea-based activities including a fantastic drift snorkel over the reef, kayaking and SUP at Gili Lawa Darat island. Swim with schools of manta rays as they feed on the current and circle the so-called cleaning stations, where small fish remove parasites from their skin. Hover above these giant and noble beasts for as long as you like.

PM: Spend the late afternoon on a local sandbar, where we will enjoy snorkeling, swimming and relaxing on the sand.

AM: Visit Rinca Island and go on a trek in search of the ancient Komodo dragon, the world’s largest lizard. See monkeys, dear, pigs, buffalo, and myriad birds as we walk through the forests and savannah of this large island.

PM: Snorkel at Siaba Island, a favorite hangout of sea turtles, where we will have a chance to swim with these gentle creatures as they cruise along the shallow water of the reef.

Enjoy Indonesian hospitality as your crew hosts a beach barbecue in your honor on a deserted island. On offer is plenty of good food, music, cocktails dancing and frivolity as we dance and sing the night away next to a bonfire under a clear tropical night sky.

AM: Cruise into the harbor as we eat our last breakfast on the boat, before taking a short drive to a traditional local village. Here we will enjoy their hospitality with coffee, betel nut and a highly potent local ‘arak’ (not for the faint-hearted), before being be treated to a selection of traditional dances.

PM: Enjoy a final lunch on the boat before being escorted to the airport for your onward flight.

PM: Upon arrival at Komodo Airport, you will be escorted to your hotel where you can relax by the pool, swim in the sea, and have a chance to brush up on your snorkeling skills with your tour leader.

Gather at sunset for evening cocktails before sitting down to an Indonesian buffet dinner as you get acquainted with the rest of your fellow guests who will be joining you on the cruise ahead.

AM: In the morning we will take a short drive to a traditional local village high up in the hills, where we will be witness to the fast and imposing ‘caci’ whip dance by the local villagers. Here we will enjoy their hospitality with coffee, betel nut and a highly potent local ‘arak’ before (not for the faint-hearted), before being be treated to a selection of traditional dances by their men and women.

PM: By late morning we will be on the boat, and as we enjoy a buffet lunch we will cruise out into the Komodo National Park where we will have our first snorkel amongst the corals.

In the early evening at cocktail hour, we will anchor off Kalong Island to see thousands and thousands of fruit bats emerge from their mangrove homes and fill the sky as they head off to the mainland in search of food.

AM: Visit Rinca Island and go on a trek in search of the more Komodo dragons. See monkeys, dear, pigs, buffalo, and myriad birds as we walk through the forests and savannahs of this large island.

PM: Swim with schools of manta rays as they feed on the current and circle the so-called cleaning stations, where small fish remove parasites from their skin. Hover above these giant and noble beasts for as long as you like. Snorkel at Siaba Island, a favorite hangout of sea turtles, where we will have a chance to swim with these gentle reptiles as the cruise along the shallow water of the reef.

AM: Spend the morning on Gili Banta, a deserted island with a beautiful white sand beach. Explore the magnificent coral gardens, hike to the crest of the surrounding hills for a view of the surrounding islands, swim, paddle, kayak and play.

PM: Cruise across the sea as we get the sails up and set course for Sangean Island, where local villagers are in the process of building a fifty-plus meter, traditional wooden pinisi boat. Walking around this small village, get a feel for their simple way of life, chat with the locals and maybe buy some handmade textiles as a memento. Snorkel on a vibrant coral reef just off the shore filled with fish and marine creatures from all shades of the color spectrum, including a meadow of hundreds of glass eels.

AM: Wake up off Satonda Island, an extinct volcano with a brackish lake at its heart, where we will swim, snorkel, kayak, paddle board and explore the surrounding forest if you wish. The lake was created when the crater was flooded by a tsunami caused by a massive volcanic event from the nearby Tambora Volcano, which in 1815 was the largest eruption in recorded history.

PM: Set sail for Moyo Island and take a walk through a village to a jungle waterfall and play with local kids as they take the lead on a rope swing above a cool, deep jungle pool to show us how it’s done.

AM: Wake up early in Saleh Bay, where we will hopefully swim with a group of whale sharks that congregate off fishing platforms, where local fishermen catch small baitfish and keep them suspended in nets, which attract the sharks.

PM: Spend the afternoon on a nearby beach where we will snorkel, paddle, kayak and explore our jungle surroundings.

AM: Visit a village of the famous Bajao ‘Sea Gypsies’ of Southeast Asia, and see how they live their lives so close to, on and in the water.

PM: Another relaxing afternoon awaits as we land on a nearby uninhabited island, where once again we will relax and enjoy snorkeling, kayaking and paddle boarding. Enjoy Indonesian hospitality as your crew hosts a beach barbecue in your honor this evening. On offer is plenty of good food, music, cocktails dancing and frivolity as we dance and sing the night away next to a bonfire under a clear tropical night sky.

AM: Wake up at anchor off the coast of Bali under in the shadow of Bali’s Mt Agung, the mother mountain of all Balinese people, and the most imposing figure on the whole landscape of Bali. Enjoy an early morning swim or snorkel before we say goodbye to the crew and start our tour back to the south of Bali.

PM: Along the way, experience the best that East Bali can offer a tour of its deep culture and glorious landscapes. Visit water palaces, ancient villages, see lush rice terraces and jungles and the islands volcanic peaks, and dine on some of Bali’s freshest and most delicious traditional cuisine, before we bid goodbye at Puri Santrian Hotel as the final drop-off point.

AM: Your flight will arrive in the West Papuan port town of Sorong, the gateway to Raja Ampat. From the airport, we will transfer you to the harbor where your boat will be waiting at anchor. Once settled into your cabin, your cruise director will familiarize you with the vessel’s facilities and safety procedures.

PM: Ready to start our adventure, we will weigh anchor and set a southerly course for the Misool Archipelago, stopping for a refreshing swim along the way. We will then dine alfresco on the main deck while meeting the other passengers and crew and watching the sunset on our first day at sea.

AM: This morning we will wake to see the sunrise over the picturesque chain of islands that makes up the Misool archipelago. The topography is typical of ‘karst dissolution,’ featuring a great number of tiny islets whose bases have been eroded over time by the relentless motion of the tides. We will spend the day maximizing everything that this fascinating area has to offer by marveling at both the marine wonderland under the water and the magnificent landscape above the surface.

PM: We can test out our paddling skills in the sea kayaks, watch for birds perched on the rocks, or just sit back and take in the glorious scenery. After a full day of island hopping through this archipelago, the boat will spend a quiet night at anchor in Misool’s Tomolo Bay.

AM: A swim through Tomolo’s mysterious dome-topped cave is undoubtedly one of Raja Ampat’s most memorable activities. After an early breakfast, our tenders will take us into the heart of the bay to see this partially submerged cave where it is possible to swim, snorkel or simply float while gazing up at the cavernous grotto adorned with astonishing stalactites.

The more adventurous can swim or paddle through the dark waters to the other mouth of the cave. We will then move on to the mysterious stingless jellyfish lake, one of only 20 in the world where these amazing creatures exist and swim amongst the many thousands of stingless animals.

PM: After returning to the ship, we will use our tenders to explore more of this impressive maze of karst islands, both above and below the surface, complete with mysterious skull cairns in sea-cave cemeteries, and prehistoric cave paintings, estimated to be anything between 3,000 to 5,000 years old and depicting various human figures and huge human palms, fish, flowers and plants, tools and vessels. Overnight, our boat will cruise north to the island of Batanta.

AM: After our days of marine exploration, the jungle-clad island of Batanta offers us a change of scenery and a chance to stretch our legs on an adventurous trek into the island’s interior. We anchor at the foot of Arefi Village, nestled on the north coast of the island, where we will find local guides to escort us through the mangrove waters to the start point of our trek.

PM: A short walk along the riverbed brings us to a jungle waterfall, complete with a refreshing pool for cooling off. After leaving the wilderness behind us, we will find a nearby spot to swim and snorkel before moving north to the islands of Wayag.

AM: Few areas in Indonesia can lay claim to such unsurpassed natural splendor as Raja Ampat’s Wayag islands. The beauty of these picturesque karst spires is perhaps only equaled by the brilliant colors and vibrancy of the reefs and the marine life that flourishes below.

PM: Nature has carved these islands into a series of coves and lagoons, narrow channels and inlets, caves, jagged rocks and shaded sandy beaches. For those who dare, some spectacular but nearly vertical climbs are rewarded with magnificent panoramas. We will spend a quiet night here at anchor.

AM: The Wayag islands are Raja Ampat’s best, and we will make the most of this unique region for one more morning, navigating the maze of mushroom-shaped islands, and stopping for swimming and snorkeling.

PM: In the afternoon, we will set our compasses to return to the southern hemisphere and the island of Waigeo.

AM: Another full day of adventure awaits us along the convoluted western coast of Waigeo. We will begin the morning by exploring Wofoh, three island gems linked together by stretches of pristine coral reef. You can use the tenders or kayaks to navigate the islands or put your newly-acquired fish identification skills to use in exploring this vibrant reef. Or you may prefer to simply just relax on the beach.

PM: In the afternoon we will move northwards to Aljui Bay, home to the Cendanda Pearl Farm, one of the larger producers of high-quality seawater pearls in the region. Pearling is an important industry throughout Indonesia and several farms can be seen in the waters of Raja Ampat, where the farmers may grant us permission to visit their facilities and receive an explanation of the pearling processes that we have seen during our voyage.

AM: We will wake up in front of the island of Penemu, a dramatic location with a short hilltop climb to take in the amazing views. After some great snorkeling on the island’s reefs, we will set course for the tiny Aborek Island, where the local children will perform their traditional dances for us.

PM: We can also walk around the village and gain a sense of the Asai culture, which is still kept very much alive by the villagers living in this isolated place. There's a chance that we may get to see some manta rays as we snorkel, but there are no guarantees.

AM: After waking up, before sunrise, we will follow in the footsteps of the famous naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace in a pre-dawn quest to spot the remarkable Red Bird of Paradise, one of the species that Wallace was most anxious to collect. We hope that the efforts of our trek through the forest will pay off, enabling us to catch a rare and privileged sight of the bird’s elaborate courtship dance as the day breaks over the forest canopy.

PM: Whether we spot the birds or not, for sure we will experience a wonderful trek. After lunch, we make our way through the Dampier strait, home to some of Raja Ampat’s premier reefs.

AM: After our last breakfast, we will stroll around on dry land at the Doom island with traditional transportation called Becak. During the First World War, Doom island served as an administrative center of Dutch Empire administration in West Papua and continued to become the core of Sorong for some time before the city grew in mainland Papua. During the Second World War, Japanese forces occupied and fortified the island, building a network of tunnels and bunkers. The island was attacked by American and Australian aircraft throughout the war. Following the war, a fishing station was briefly established on the island before it was moved to Manokwari.

After this we will say goodbye to our crew and captain and head to the airport for our onward flights.

Embark on an extraordinary adventure as we present our highly anticipated, set to sail on a specific date. Get ready to redefine your cruising experience with a unique itinerary designed to captivate your senses and create lifelong memories.

AM: Your flight will arrive in the West Papuan port town of Sorong, the gateway to Raja Ampat. From the airport, we will transfer you to the harbor where the Ombak Putih will be waiting at anchor. Once settled into your cabin, your cruise director will familiarize you with the vessel’s facilities and safety procedures.

PM: Ready to start our adventure, we will weigh anchor, leave the harbor behind, and enter the marine protected area of Raja Ampat, home to unique birdlife and the most biodiverse coral reefs in the world. We will cruise towards the island of Waigeo, stopping for a refreshing swim along the way before watching the sun set on our first day at sea.

AM: While it is still dark, our tenders will ferry those of us who are feeling fit and adventurous to the village of Sapokren, where a local guide will take us on a challenging trek into the forest in the hope of seeing the Wilson’s bird of paradise. The male is red and black with a yellow mantle on his neck, light green mouth, rich blue feet and two violet tail feathers. The featherless crown is turquoise, ornamented with double black crosses. If we are lucky, we may be able to observe the male dancing from a distance of just five metres. Before the dance, he will clear the ground from any leaves or other obstacles that may disrupt his performance.

PM: On our way back to the boat, accompanied by the sounds of the jungle coming to life, we will be sure to spot a number of bird species along the way. We will spend the remainder of the day resting from the morning’s activities and enjoying the waters and reefs of Raja Ampat.

AM: Today will present another opportunity for keen birdwatchers, as we rise early and walk into the forest on a pre-dawn quest to spot the remarkable red bird of paradise, one of the species that Wallace was most anxious to collect. With a little luck and the help of our knowledgeable guides, we might catch sight of this rare bird’s elaborate courtship display as dawn breaks over the forest canopy.

PM: After returning to the ship, we will turn our attention from the sky to the sea as the Ombak Putih makes her way through the Dampier strait, home of some of Raja Ampat’s premier reefs. If the currents are in our favor, we might see some of the area’s larger specimens of marine life, which are attracted to the strait’s nutrient-rich waters. We will end the day by mooring off Pulau Arborek in front Arborek Village. Here, we can easily circumnavigate the tiny island by foot and gain a sense of the Asai culture, which is still kept alive by the villagers living in this isolated place.

AM: This morning we will wake to see the sun rise over the picturesque chain of islands that makes up the Misool archipelago. The topography is typical of ‘karst dissolution,’ featuring a great number of tiny islets whose bases have been eroded over time by the relentless motion of the tides. A swim through Tomolo’s mysterious dome-topped cave is undoubtedly one of Raja Ampat’s most memorable activities.

After an early breakfast, our tenders will take us into the heart of the bay to see this partially submerged cave where it is possible to swim, snorkel or simply float while gazing up at the cavernous grotto adorned with astonishing stalactites. The more adventurous can swim or paddle through the dark waters to the other mouth of the cave. We will then move on to the mysterious stingless jellyfish lake, one of only 20 in the world where these amazing creatures exist, and swim amongst the many thousands of stingless animals. 

PM: After returning to the ship, we will use our tenders to explore more of this impressive maze of karst islands, both above and below the surface, complete with mysterious skull cairns in sea-cave cemeteries, and prehistoric ‘petroglyph’ cave paintings, estimated to be anything from 3,000 to 5,000 years old and depicting various human figures and huge human palms, fish, flowers and plants, tools and vessels. 

AM: Today we will have a relaxing day in Misool. We will spend the day maximizing everything that this fascinating area has to offer by marveling at both the marine wonderland under the water and the magnificent landscape above the surface.

PM: We can test out our paddling skills in the sea kayaks, watch for birds perched on the rocks, or just sit back and take in the glorious scenery. After a full day of island hopping, the Ombak Putih will begin her overnight journey.

AM: This morning we will explore the Pisang Islands. These tiny gems isolated in the vast waters of the Ceram Sea offer us a chance to relax and enjoy the sparkling white-sand beaches, clear waters, and vibrant reefs before making our way to the shores of West Papua.

PM: Here we will follow the shoreline until we reach the village of Sipitnanam. After visiting the village and meeting the residents, who spend their days fishing the nearby waters and tending their nutmeg plantations, we will continue south along the coastline through the night.

AM: Today we will wake up to the beautiful sight of Kitikiti waterfall. Here, in the wilderness, a roaring river cascades down the jungle-clad mountains and crashes into the sea below.

PM: We can swim under the waterfall and explore the extraordinary reefs nearby before rounding Cape Papisol to the Karawawi region, where we will stop to refresh ourselves before journeying on to Triton Bay.

AM: Triton Bay is a place of unsurpassed natural splendor, where time and tides have sliced the limestone landscape into tall cliffs and numerous islands separated by lagoons and narrow channels. It is also home to fishermen who keep masses of baitfish in nets that attract a migratory group of whale sharks, which we may have the chance to swim and snorkel with. We can’t make any promises, as we don’t have these wild animals on a leash, but fingers crossed we will. 

PM: We will also spend our time swimming from secluded beaches, snorkeling the vibrant turquoise waters and kayaking amongst the rocky outcrops. We can also enjoy watching the birdlife from the comfort of our tenders as we explore this extraordinary maze of karst islands, before visiting the village of Lobo, which is a friendly place at the foot of a 1000-metre-high cliff.

AM: We will make the most of our last morning in Triton Bay by cruising through the undisturbed coves, caves, and lagoons before heading north through the Namatote Passage. Namatote’s cliffs are also well known as a gallery of prehistoric art, boasting an impressive collection of cave paintings, glyphs and pictorial signs left by ancient nomads high upon the rock walls.

PM: We will spend our final evening on the ship resting at anchor and enjoying a farewell dinner with our captain and crew.

AM: In the morning, we will find ourselves at anchor in the harbor of Kaimana. After a final, hearty breakfast, we will say goodbye to the Ombak Putih and her crew. Our tenders will take you ashore for your transfer to the airport for your onward travel.

Embark on an extraordinary adventure as we present our highly anticipated Reposition Cruise, set to sail on a specific date. Get ready to redefine your cruising experience with a unique itinerary designed to captivate your senses and create lifelong memories.

AM: Your flight will arrive in the West Papuan port town of Kaimana. From the airport, we will transfer you to the harbor where the Ombak Putih will be waiting at anchor. Once you have settled into your cabin, your cruise director will familiarize you with the vessel’s facilities and safety procedures.

PM: Ready to start our adventure, we will weigh anchor, leave the harbor behind, and head towards Namatote Passage, stopping for a refreshing swim along the way before watching the sunset on our first day at sea.

AM: Today we will cruise through the Namatote Passage. Namatote’s cliffs are well known as a gallery of prehistoric art, boasting an impressive collection of cave paintings, glyphs and pictorial signs left by ancient nomads high upon the rock walls.

PM: We will then explore the undisturbed coves, caves, and lagoons of Triton Bay, where we will anchor for the night.

AM: Triton Bay is a place of unsurpassed natural splendor, where time and tides have sliced the limestone landscape into tall cliffs and numerous islands separated by lagoons and narrow channels. It is also home to fishermen who keep masses of baitfish in nets that attract a migratory group of whale sharks, which we may have the chance to swim and snorkel with. We can’t make any promises, as we don’t have these wild animals on a leash, but fingers crossed we will.

PM: We will also spend our time swimming from secluded beaches, snorkeling the vibrant turquoise waters and kayaking amongst the rocky outcrops. We can also enjoy watching the birdlife from the comfort of our tenders as we explore this extraordinary maze of karst islands, before visiting the village of Lobo, which is a friendly place at the foot of a 1000-meter-high cliff.

AM: Today we will round Cape Papisol to the Karawawi region, where we will stop to refresh ourselves before journeying on to the beautiful Kitikiti waterfall. Here, in the wilderness, a roaring river cascades down the jungle-clad mountains and crashes into the sea below.

PM: We can swim under the waterfall and explore the extraordinary reefs nearby before continuing north-west along the coastline of West Papua.

AM: Today we will visit the village of Sipitnanam, where we will meet the residents, who spend their days fishing the nearby waters and tending their nutmeg plantations. From there, we will make our way to the Pisang Islands.

PM: These tiny gems isolated in the vast waters of the Ceram Sea offer us a chance to relax and enjoy the sparkling white-sand beaches, clear waters, and vibrant reefs.

AM: This morning we will wake to see the sunrise over the picturesque chain of islands that makes up the Misool archipelago. The topography is typical of ‘karst dissolution,’ featuring a great number of tiny islets whose bases have been eroded over time by the relentless motion of the tides.

PM: We will spend the day maximizing everything that this fascinating area has to offer by marveling at both the marine wonderland under the water and the magnificent landscape above the surface. We can test out our paddling skills in the sea kayaks, watch for birds perched on the rocks, or just sit back and take in the glorious scenery. After a full day of island hopping, the Ombak Putih will spend a quiet night at anchor.

AM: A swim through Tomolo’s mysterious dome-topped cave is undoubtedly one of Raja Ampat’s most memorable activities. After an early breakfast, our tenders will take us into the heart of the bay to see this partially submerged cave where it is possible to swim, snorkel or simply float while gazing up at the cavernous grotto adorned with astonishing stalactites.

The more adventurous can swim or paddle through the dark waters to the other mouth of the cave. We will then move on to the mysterious stingless jellyfish lake, one of only 20 in the world where these amazing creatures exist and swim amongst the many thousands of stingless animals.

PM: After returning to the ship, we will use our tenders to explore more of this impressive maze of karst islands, both above and below the surface, complete with mysterious skull cairns in sea-cave cemeteries, and prehistoric ‘petroglyph’ cave paintings, estimated to be anything from 3,000 to 5,000 years old and depicting various human figures and huge human palms, fish, flowers and plants, tools and vessels. 

AM: Waking before dawn we will be ferried to a local village, where local guides will take us on a trek through the jungle in the hope of finding the beautiful Wilson’s Bird of Paradise perform is mating dance ritual upon the forest floor. On our way back to the boat we will be accompanied by the sounds of the jungle coming to life and we will be sure to spot a number of bird species along the way.

PM: After a well-earned late breakfast, we will spend the remainder of the day enjoying snorkelling, swimming and exploring the reefs and islands of the local area by kayak and paddle board.

AM: Today we will follow in the footsteps of the ‘father of biogeography,’ Alfred Russel Wallace by rising early and walking into the forest on a pre-dawn quest to spot the remarkable red bird of paradise, one of the species that Wallace was most anxious to collect. With a little luck and the help of our knowledgeable guides, we might catch sight of this rare bird’s elaborate courtship display as dawn breaks over the forest canopy.

PM: After returning to the ship, we will turn our attention from the sky to the sea as the Ombak Putih makes her way through the Dampier strait, home of some of Raja Ampat’s premier reefs. If the currents are in our favor, we might see some of the area’s larger specimens of marine life, which are attracted to the strait’s nutrient-rich waters. We will end the day by mooring off Pulau Arborek in front of Arborek Village. Here, we can easily circumnavigate the tiny island by foot and gain a sense of the Asai culture, which is still kept alive by the villagers living in this isolated place.

AM: In the morning, we will find ourselves at anchor in the harbor of Sorong. After a final, hearty breakfast, we will say goodbye to the Ombak Putih and her crew.

Our crew members will take you ashore for your transfer to the airport for your onward travel.

AM: We will take an early morning flight from Bali to Labuanbajo, the gateway to the Komodo National Park. Back on the boat, we will head out into the National Park to Kalong Island for our first snorkel of the trip. 

PM: At dusk, we will gather on the back deck at cocktail hour to see the sunset and witness the evening departure of tens of thousands of fruit bats as they leave their forest homes to forage on the mainland.

AM: We enjoy an early breakfast and go ashore to Rinca Island, where we will have a walk through the local village with a visit to a local bat cave. We will then cruise to the richly diverse reefs of Siaba Besar Island, where we will snorkel with thousands of fish and the many sea turtles that congregate in the area. 

PM: After lunch, spend a leisurely afternoon at a beach swimming, snorkeling, paddle boarding, and kayaking. Later that evening we will move to the main bay of Komodo Island and spend the night at anchor.  

AM: We will go ashore onto Komodo Island for an early morning, ranger-led walk through the dry, rugged landscape of the island encountering wildlife along the way.  

PM: After lunch, we will go in search of manta rays to snorkel with these mighty creatures. We will have our day’s second snorkel in the north of the park, with the chance to watch the sunset from a hilltop vantage point, before heading off on our long overnight cruise to the east to the Riung Conservation Area.

AM: Today we explore the beaches and the underwater world of the 17-Island, Riung Conservation Area, home to myriad species of land animals and rich coral reefs, as the Ombak Putih moves from island to island throughout the day.  Enjoy swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkeling, and relaxation. 

PM: At around sunset we will head east in the direction of Maumere.  

AM: Wake up at anchor in Maumere Bay against the backdrop of an extinct volcano and enjoy a leisurely breakfast before the day’s activities begin. Take a short drive to the scenic Iwang Gete highlands to visit the small village of Watublapi, where we will be met with singing and dancing by the local people. Famed for their unique textiles, we will be shown firsthand their ancient techniques of spinning, dyeing, and weaving their famous fabrics. Here we will have the chance to view (and purchase) some of the local textiles, try their betel nut, and brave their locally produced liquor. 

PM: In the late afternoon we will head off for an overnight cruise to Solor Island

AM: In the morning, we will visit the ruins of a 16th-century Portuguese fort on Solor, a reminder of the ancient spice trade. 

PM: During lunch, we will cruise through the beautiful passage between the islands and volcanoes we had northeast of Adonara where we will go snorkeling. Later that afternoon we head north in the direction of the uninhabited, active volcanic island of Komba.

AM: After breakfast, we will explore the (hopefully) belching Komba volcano with our dinghies, and go for a snorkel on the surrounding reefs. Late morning we will head south and cruise towards the mainland and the beautiful Lewaling Bay. 

PM: Later this afternoon we will go ashore and drive to a local village to see some prehistoric rock art. Later that afternoon we will snorkel and see the sunset over Ile Apé, another active volcano. After dinner, the boat will head east in the direction of Pura Island.

AM: After breakfast, we will snorkel Buaya Island, a location with a beautiful drop-off and lots of fish. 

PM: In the early afternoon we will visit the ancient Muslim village of Uma Pura, where we will stroll around, meet the people and see their way of life. The village is well known for using sea sponges for the dying of their textile, and we will get a chance to see the process in action. After Umapura village we will head to a local reef and go snorkeling. We will then head to the capital of Alor, Kalabahi.

AM: After breakfast, we will visit the traditional village of Takpala, where we will be greeted by traditional dancing. We will also visit the local market to see the activity there. If you are lucky you can see people buying Moko, the traditional bronze drums of Alor.  

PM: Later this afternoon we will go with a local boat to see the dugong, followed by a relaxing afternoon on the beach before heading to the boat for our farewell dinner.

AM: We wake up in a beautiful bay on the island of Alor where we will have breakfast before saying goodbye to all crew and heading to the airport for our morning flight back to Bali.  

AM: You will be collected from your hotel in the morning and taken to the boat.  

PM: After lunch, we will visit Takpala village for a fascinating cultural performance. Later this evening we will head west to Pura Island, where we will spend a quiet night at anchor. 

Note :

Because of the flight schedules to Alor from Bali, guests must fly to Alor the day before the journey and stay in a local resort for one night. This overnight stay is included in the ticket price and will be booked by us on your behalf.

AM: After breakfast, we will snorkel at Clown Valley, home to many sea anemones and their resident guardian clownfish.  

PM: In the early afternoon we will have a second snorkel at Buaya Island, a location with a beautiful drop-off and lots of fish. 

We will then head to a local quiet bay to spend the night at anchor.  

AM: After breakfast, we will visit the ancient Muslim village of Uma Pura, where we will stroll around, meet the people and see their way of life. The village is well known for using sea sponges for the dyeing of their textile, and we will get a chance to see the process in action. 

PM: After this, we will head to a local reef and go snorkeling. After dinner, we will depart to the uninhabited active volcanic island of Komba.

AM: After breakfast, we will explore the (hopefully) belching Komba volcano with our dinghies, and go for a snorkel on the surrounding reefs. Late morning we will head south and cruise towards the mainland and the beautiful Lewaling Bay. 

PM: Later this afternoon we will go ashore and drive to a local village to see some prehistoric rock art. Later that afternoon we will snorkel and see the sunset over Ile Apé, another active volcano. After dinner, the boat will head east in the direction of Adonara.

AM: In the morning we will explore the beautiful underwater reefs on the northeast of Adonara island. 

PM: We will head to Solor Island as we have lunch, enjoying the beautiful views of the volcanos and islands of this stunning inland passage. We will visit the ruins of a 16th-century Portuguese fort on Solor, and later that afternoon we will head off on an overnight cruise to Maumere.

AM: We wake up at anchor in Maumere Bay against the backdrop of an extinct volcano and enjoy a leisurely breakfast before the day’s activities begin. We will take a short drive to the scenic Iwang Gete highlands to visit the small village of Watublapi, where we will be met with singing and dancing by the local people. Famed for their unique textiles, we will be shown firsthand their ancient techniques of spinning, dyeing, and weaving their famous fabrics. Here we will have the chance to view (and purchase) some of the local textiles, try their betel nut, and brave their locally produced liquor. 

PM: In the late afternoon we will head off to the Riung conservation area.

AM: Today we explore the beaches and the underwater world of the 17-island, Riung Conservation Area, home to myriad species of land animals and rich coral reefs, as the boat moves from island to island throughout the day. Enjoy swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkeling, and relaxation throughout the day. 

PM: At around sunset, we will head east in the direction of the Komodo National Park.

AM: Today we are already in the Komodo National Park, and after breakfast, we will have fabulous snorkeling at the area of Hatamin Island, home to many baby sharks and beautifully restored coral gardens. 

PM: After snorkeling, we depart to Rinca island, where we will have an afternoon walk through the local village with a visit to a local bat cave.  At dusk, we will gather on the back deck at cocktail hour to see the sunset and witness the evening departure of tens of thousands of fruit bats as they leave their forest homes to forage on the mainland.

AM: We will go ashore onto Komodo Island for an early morning, ranger-led walk through the dry, rugged landscape of the island encountering wildlife along the way.  

PM: After lunch, we will go in search of manta rays to snorkel with these mighty creatures. We will have our day’s second snorkel in the north of the park, with the chance to watch the sunset from a hilltop vantage point, before spending a quiet night at anchor. 

AM: After breakfast, we will go ashore to see the ‘caci’ dance, a traditional cultural performance of the Manggarai people. Later in the morning, it will be time to say goodbye to the crew and your fellow shipmates and head to the airport for the flights back to Bali. 

Embark on an extraordinary adventure as we present our highly anticipated Reposition Cruise with Jeffrey Mellefont, set to sail on a specific date. Get ready to redefine your cruising experience with a unique itinerary designed to captivate your senses and create lifelong memories.

PM: After arriving in the early afternoon from Bali, you will be met at Maumere airport by our tour leader and be taken directly to the boat, where you will meet your fellow passengers and your crew. We will cruise out of the harbor and head off to the east giving you a chance to become familiar with your new home for the next 12 days, stopping for a snorkel and a swim along the way, before sunset cocktails and dinner as we cruise on into the night.

AM: The morning will find us moored offshore of the capital town of Flores - a Christian-dominated island as a result of Portuguese influence - where we will go ashore and see the five Catholic churches and the ‘Stations of the Cross’ along the waterfront.

PM: During lunch, we will cross to a neighboring island where we will visit a small local village and the ruins of an old Portuguese fort dating back to the 16th Century. Later in the afternoon we will get out our snorkeling gear and explore one of the richly vibrant nearby reefs.

AM: We will wake up on Lembata Island in a bite-shaped bay under the gaze of a massive live volcano called Ile Api – Island of Fire. We will be welcomed ashore in a local village with singing and dancing, and be witness to the production of their famous local textiles.

PM: After lunch on the boat, we will sail across the bay to snorkel on a vibrant local reef and swim and paddle on a local beach. This evening, the crew will set up for a beach BBQ and party under the stars before heading off that night for our overnight cruise to our next destination.

AM: Today we visit a traditional village up in the mountains, where we will be welcomed by the chief and be witness to a ceremonial war dance in honor of our visit. We will see their traditional ‘Moko’ war drums and intricately designed ‘Ikat’ fabrics, which have been woven and dyed using age-old techniques, and used in local bridal dowries for centuries.

PM: We will weigh anchor and cruise east as we enjoy lunch on board, stopping in the late afternoon at a picturesque tropical island to snorkel and swim on a coral reef.

AM: We will wake up in a lovely bay on Wetar Island and go ashore to a local fishing village to meet the locals and see their way of life as they dry their catch on the beach. Spend the day swimming and beaching, snorkeling and exploring, and indulge in a bit of local culture by way of ‘sopi’, a strong alcoholic drink made from a local palm tree.

PM: Later in the afternoon we will weigh anchor and continue our journey east.

AM: This morning we will go ashore on a small island and be welcomed into a remote village where the locals will share with us their way of life as farmers and fishermen.

PM: After lunch we will continue cruising, stopping off at another tiny island, this one deserted, to swim, kayak, snorkel over the reef, and relax on the sand. This evening the crew will set up for a beach BBQ and we will dance and sing our way into the night before heading off again for an overnight cruise to our next destination.

AM: Today is another day of cruising and exploring in one of the remotest parts of Indonesia. We will visit a very simple village where the people’s houses are made using the products of the sago palm, the staple crop in this part of the world. The villagers will demonstrate to us how they process the heart of the sago palm into the edible product that sustains them.

PM: After lunch, we will cruise around the island and stop off to explore the beaches and reefs, where we will snorkel along the way.

AM: Today will be a day at sea where we will pass four spectacular volcanic sea mounts, explicit examples of Indonesia’s place along the Ring of Fire.- One of these islands is uninhabited by people and is home to tens of thousands of sea birds, (brown and red-footed boobies, and frigate birds), who will likely come out to encircle the boat in great numbers on our approach. If the tide allows, we will go ashore and investigate and surely have a snorkel.

PM: In the late afternoon, we will proceed north to the fabled Spice Islands.

AM: By dawn, we should have the Banda Archipelago ‘Spice Islands’ in our sights, the original home of the nutmeg and the scene of much bloodshed between the colonial powers of Europe in the 15th and 16th centuries over control of the spice trade. We will go ashore and go ashore and visit Fort Revenge, built by the Dutch, before snorkeling on the local reef.

PM: Later we will head across to the main island group, and the main town, and anchor in the beautiful enclosed anchorage under the imposing gaze of a 600-meter-high volcano. If we get there enough time before nightfall, we will go ashore and explore the town.

AM: Today is a day of exploring the history and beauty of the Spice Islands with a visit to the main town of the Spice Islands and its fort overlooking the harbor. We will wander through the streets and markets of this bustling town and meet the local people. After lunch on the boat we will take a local boat over to the biggest of the islands, where we will walk among the vast nutmeg plantations, visit another Dutch fort, talk with the locals, and visit one of the last ‘perkineers’, the farmers who still run the larger plantations on the island who will tell us about life on the islands.

PM: Later in the afternoon we can snorkel on a local reef and have a chance to see the rare and multi-hued Mandarin fish, which only comes out at dusk to mate. Dinner will be had ashore at a local restaurant that offers traditional and delicious local dishes.

AM: This morning we have time for a final stroll around the town or a last snorkel before we say farewell to the Spice Islands around lunchtime and head north.

PM: We will have lunch on the way, passing another major seabird island, before settling in for a relaxing afternoon on board as we scour the horizon for migrating whales.

AM: We will wake up just south of our final destination and our last few hours will be spent enjoying the majesty of the ocean, and we may very well see more whales along the way. As we drop anchor in the harbor, we will say farewell to our crew and tour leaders and be taken to the airport for our onward journeys, ending a magical 12 days of exploration and adventure.

Embark on an extraordinary adventure as we present our highly anticipated Reposition Cruise with Dr. George Beccaloni, set to sail on a specific date. Get ready to redefine your cruising experience with a unique itinerary designed to captivate your senses and create lifelong memories.

AM: Ambon town is one of the oldest European outposts in the region and in Wallace's time it was the capital of the Moluccas. Wallace collected some stunning species on the island and said that it "...always remain as a bright spot in the review of my Eastern travels since it was there that I first made the acquaintance of those glorious birds and insects, which render the Moluccas classic ground in the eyes of the naturalist, and characterize its fauna as one of the most remarkable and beautiful upon the globe." Upon arrival at the airport, cars will take you to the Ombak Putih at her mooring in the harbor. After you have settled in and freshened up, we will go on an (optional) short tour of the island. We will visit the market and see a traditional Balieo house. Also on our tour will be the ancient Waipauwe Mosque (1414), the Immanuel Church (1512), and finally Fort Amsterdam (1514), one of the first European forts built in the Moluccas. Rumphius, an important German botanist, lived in the fort from 1660 to 1670 and we will see copies of some of his psychedelic paintings of local brightly colored fish. 

PM: After this, we will return to the boat for lunch before heading out on our way to the Banda Islands

AM: Today we will reach the remote and legendary Banda Islands. Famous for their natural beauty and cultural heritage, and the well-preserved remnants of an extraordinary history of imperialist rivalry, these islands are quite simply one of Indonesia’s highlights. Banda was originally the world’s only source of nutmeg and mace, valued for their rarity and high cost by aristocrats and elites. 

This is a very special destination. Since conditions of wind and tide will determine the order in which we visit various Banda islands, our activities here can’t be assigned to a particular day. Here’s what we aim to cover. In the capital Bandaneira, on the biggest island, Neira, we land near the elegant arches of Hotel Maulana – a little slice of Somerset Maugham. It’s a pleasant stroll through the quaint colonial outpost’s characterful streets, inspecting notable residences, a museum, churches and a waterfront market. Brooding overall is the mediaeval-looking Fort Belgica, its five crumbling bastions now solidly rebuilt. The population is a handsome mix of Malay, Arab, Dutch and Melanesian. Just across the harbour is Banda’s perfect, jungle-clad volcanic cone Gunung Api (‘Fire Mountain’ – 640 metres). The fit and ambitious might make an early morning ascent up a challenging track to the top for stunning views. 

PM: There are some excellent coral reefs nearby and we should see some amazing marine life whilst snorkelling. Ironically, in the less-than-pristine waters of the harbour, we have a good chance of seeing (at dusk) arguably the world's most stunning fish, the small but jewel-like Mandarin Fish.

AM & PM: We choose from some of the other small islands of the Banda archipelago – Lonthoir, Ai, Run, Hatta – each of them with its own remnants of old plantations, Dutch cemeteries, and fortifications. The tiny outlying island of Run was the subject of an unbelievable real estate deal when in 1667, under the Treaty of Breda, it was ceded by the English to the Dutch in exchange for Manhattan. Yes, The Manhattan where New York stands. 

On the island of Ai, we can visit Fort Revenge, built by the English before being captured by the Dutch. On Lonthor we will enjoy the tranquil beauty of nutmeg groves, where the shapely fruit-bearing trees grow in the shelter of towering, gigantic kenari or native almond trees. With any luck, we will spot the Elegant Imperial Pigeon, a species Wallace discovered and named, which can swallow nutmegs whole. We will observe the age-old technique of harvesting by hand and can taste (and buy) baked goods, condiments, and jams flavored with fresh mace and nutmeg. The fruit enclosing the nutmeg seed is sold dried and has a unique and intense flavor. It is a delicacy rarely obtainable outside the Banda Islands. 

AM & PM: We will also climb up to fortress Hollandia and go on to meet the last of the ‘perkeniers’ – the small-holder farmers who managed the plantations for the Dutch, on land parcels known as ‘perken’. You’ll learn of more recent wars and eruptions that shook these lovely islands, and value, even more, their current peace and tranquillity. 

Leaving Banda we will navigate through the Sonnegat (‘Sun’s gap’) between Neira and Gunung Api, possibly escorted by kora-kora – the big Moluccan galleys used traditionally for ceremony and warfare, propelled by banks of warrior-oarsmen.

AM: On Saparua we land beside Dutch Fort Duurstede (1691), stormed in 1817 in a revolt led by Ambonese Kapitan Pattimura, a national hero and martyr. His story is told by vivid museum dioramas. Brightly painted bemo mini-buses will take us to a morning market before we sail to nearby Nusalaut. Rarely visited by outsiders, this island is home to a Christian community after early missionaries planted their faith here at the same time that Islam was spreading through the archipelago. We will visit the Eben-Haezer church founded in 1719. Nearby is the restored Dutch Fort Beverwyck, built-in 1657 in a distinctive architectural style we’ve not yet encountered.

PM: A highlight here is a lunchtime feast of wonderful local dishes – freshly prepared by villager hosts from forest, garden, and sea produce. It’s your once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to try papeda, the most famous and unusual of the many sago dishes in this region. Our next destination is the Island of Manipa. 

AM: Manipa Island is said to have magical powers, because none of the Portuguese, Dutch, or WW2-Japanese who occupied the surrounding islands ever landed here. The spell doesn’t apply to Indonesian ships, so we land at Uwe township for lessons in village technology. Its gardens produce cashews, while the leaves of forest Melaleuca cajuputi are pot-distilled to make a volatile oil called kayu putih or cajeput. It’s famed throughout Indonesia as a universal panacea: cosmetic, antiseptic, insecticide, decongestant, analgesic, expectorant, anti-spasmodic, stimulant, and tonic. 

PM: We also view the production of the traditional Moluccan food staple, sago, a nutritious flour washed from the fibrous trunk of the sago palm. Sago can be baked into easily transportable dry cakes, which Wallace often subsisted on, while the palm also provides building material and thatch. After an afternoon of snorkeling, we will cruise on toward Belang-Belang. 

AM: Deserted, white-sand Belang-Belang is a real beachcomber’s paradise, where we can launch our full flotilla of watercraft, kayaks, and paddle boards. At Obi Latu, mountains clad in forest and clove plantations plunge spectacularly into the sea. We will visit isolated Manatahan, a village of migrant Butungese from Sulawesi hundreds of miles to the west. Migration is not unusual in this island world where people are accustomed to moving by boat, and islands are sparsely populated or uninhabited. In past times the picturesque channels around Obi were dotted with the sails of local spice traders, Portuguese caravels, Spanish galleons, Dutch yachts, and English pinnaces.

PM: Now we encounter friendly fishers and their outrigger dugouts, colorful timber island-trading craft, and sometimes little Lambo sloops still trading under sail. 

AM: By today you will have lost track of time and place, but your crew won’t have. They will have delivered you on schedule to the Patinti Strait and Doworalamo, where we visit a village of the famous sea gypsies, known in Eastern Indonesia as Sama-Bajo. Scattered widely through South-East Asia, sea gypsies spent their entire lives from birth to death on their small sailboats called lipa-lipa. Now the modern world has pushed them ashore. Landless, their homes are always built on stilts over coral reefs or the tidal margins of remote islands such as this one. 

PM: We will also have opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and beach-combing before our ship continues on its northerly course. 

AM: We will wake up off the western coast of Bacan, another of Indonesia’s historic spice sultanates. We go ashore to explore the forested slopes where Wallace made some of his greatest zoological discoveries, including the Moluccan Cuscus, the Standardwing Bird of Paradise, the world's largest bee Megachile pluto, and the huge and magnificent Golden Birdwing Butterfly. 

Wallace described the latter species as the "finest butterfly in the world". When he caught the first male in 1859 he wrote: "When I took it out of my net and opened its gorgeous wings, I was nearer fainting with delight and excitement than I have ever been in my life; my heart beat violently, and the blood rushed to my head, leaving a headache for the rest of the day." Very few Westerners have ever seen this species alive and no groups of tourists have ever been taken to see it before. Of course, there is no guarantee we will see it - but we will try very hard and will be employing as our guide the one person on Bacan who knows exactly where it can be found. 

PM: We will also keep a close watch for these and a host of other animals, some of them endemic to these islands, including parrots, cockatoos, lorikeets, hornbills, the elusive cuscus, and the endangered black macaque – the only monkey in Maluku. It’s the wrong side of the Wallace Line for monkeys; these ones were introduced hundreds of years ago by North Sulawesi. 

AM & PM: Today we will visit the Guarici Archipelago, a chain of islands with white sandy beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and some lovely local villages. We will spend a full day here snorkeling, swimming, and paying a visit to one of the villages to meet the local people. The islands are part of a government-controlled conservation area, designed to protect the reefs and the many beautiful marine species that live there.

AM: Today we will wake up just across from Ternate off the coast of Halmahera, with the mighty peaks of Ternate and Tidore as our dawn backdrop, ready to head ashore to the village of Dodinga after breakfast. This is the very place where Alfred Russel Wallace was staying when, in a fit of malarial delirium, he came up with the idea for the mechanism for evolutionary theory. He promptly wrote to Charles Darwin when he recovered and set in motion the formalization of the theory of Evolution by Natural Selection. Dodinga is a pretty little riverside village with friendly people, colorful houses, and the ruins of an old Portuguese fort, and its importance in the history of science cannot be understated.

PM: After spending some time with the villagers, sharing some fresh coconuts, and enjoying their hospitality, we will head back to the boat for lunch and then go off for an afternoon of snorkeling and relaxation.

AM: We reach the island of Ternate. This colorful city was the center of the spice trade for several centuries, and the imprint of the Dutch and the Portuguese can still be seen. In fact, its warehouses are still filled with fragrant piles of clove and nutmeg. Nearby is the splendid 17th-century, pagoda-style royal mosque, and the Sultan’s Palace with its rich collection of heirlooms. 

There’s a choice of forts to visit from the turbulent colonial era, such as the well-restored Fort Tolukko (Portuguese, 1540). Wallace rented a house on Ternate for three years and used it as his base for the exploration of the Moluccas. It was whilst living here, very soon after returning from Dodinga, that he posted his legendary 'Letter from Ternate' containing his independently conceived theory of natural selection to Darwin. 

We will visit the probable site of his house near Fort Oranje, before going back to the Ombak Putih to say farewell to the Ship's Naturalist, the captain, and the crew. 

AM: We will meet you either on arrival at the airport or in your hotel lobby. At 8 am we transfer you 40 minutes to the tiny village of Sei Gohong where we board local canoes to observe orangutans on the beautiful forested island of Pulau Kaja. The island is managed by the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation or BOS. After observing orangutans in their island habitat, we then transfer to BOS’s nearby Education Centre in Nyaru Menteng for more information on their activities.

PM: Returning to Palangka Raya harbor, we board the Rahai’i Pangun for lunch and a short cruise through the city upstream. Boarding vehicles, we travel 30 minutes to the historic towns of Bukit Rawi and Sigi to see the magnificently painted sandungs, receive a Dayak welcome, and learn about history.

We then return to the boat to start the cruise downstream to moor overnight in a quiet location.

Notes :

• To get to the start point of the river cruise in Borneo, guests will have to fly from either Bali or Jakarta on the day before the cruise’s official start date and stay overnight in a hotel. Please contact our Destination Specialist to discuss your flight arrangements into Indonesia before booking.
• The length of these cruises is between 12-days to 13-days long. This is because the Orangutans and Dragons cruises are a combination of a Borneo riverboat cruise and a Komodo cruise and we need to match, and both boats have different schedules. Where those schedules align perfectly, the trip is 13 days. Where there is the extra day(s) between the two boat trips, we have the day(s) spent in Bali. 
• The trip will sometimes require guests to fly to Komodo to join the boat and cruise back.

AM: In the early morning, we will use motorized canoes to visit the extensive Blackwater Lake Bagantung. This is a unique peatland swamp ecosystem where we have the opportunity to spot birds, other wildlife, and fishing activities by the villagers.

Returning to the village of Pusaka, we learn the local self-defense or shadowboxing exercise. Try it yourself!

PM: Returning to the boat, we continue the cruise downstream to Tumbang Nusa village. On arrival, we will have a walking tour of the village to see some of their traditional livelihoods. The boat will continue to cruise downstream, passing the large forested Selat and Badak Islands, where it may be possible to spot orangutans. We then find a quiet place to tie up overnight.

AM: The boat continues downstream to the village of Pilang where we take a short walk in the forest area near the village to see the process of rubber tapping (Mamantat) and rattan harvesting (Manetes). Our village guide will also point out some local medicinal plants growing in the forest. We then have a walking tour of the village to see some of their traditional livelihoods. Watch the local ladies at their rattan weaving process and meet the villagers. Over a special tea and coffee, with traditional Dayak cakes, we will be entertained with a Kacapi (two-stringed instrument) performance.

PM: Escaping the heat of the midday sun, we will return to the boat for lunch. The boat will cruise downstream to find a quiet mooring place for overnight.

AM: We have a relaxed breakfast before our very special visit to the Sebangau National Park. For this adventure, we pack our bags and transfer to the car for the journey to Kereng Bangkirai village (40 minutes). Here we join a canoe to travel a half-hour across the amazing reflections of Lake Sebangau to the tiny Koran River. Explore the boardwalks and forests on the eastern boundary of the park. We will visit the information center established there and walk along boardwalks provided for visitors to more easily explore the area to catch sight of birds and perhaps wild orangutans.

PM: We return to the village of Kering Bangkirai for a cool drink for transfer to the vehicle and return to the airport. Upon arrival in Bali, you will be escorted to your hotel for the night.

AM & PM: Today will be our chill and relaxed day before having our next adventure on Ombak Putih. You can explore a bit local area surrounding your hotel.

AM: Watch a spectacular sunrise from the beach in front of your resort as hundreds of small traditional ‘jukung’ fishing boats return from their overnight expeditions, as your Ombak Putih boat comes into view.

PM: Sail across the Wallace Line, the deep-sea boundary that represents the biogeographical separation point between Asia and Australia, where the landscapes, animals, and plant life separate into distinctly different groups. Snorkel the magnificent coral gardens of the Gili Islands off the northwest corner of Lombok.

AM: Wake up off the coast of Kenawa Island under the gaze of Lombok’s towering Mt Rinjani, the largest volcanic peak in Indonesia, and spend the morning swimming, snorkeling, and exploring.

PM: Visit a village of the famous Bajao ‘Sea Gypsies’ of Southeast Asia, and see how they live their lives so close to, on, and in the water.

AM: Wake up early in Saleh Bay, where we will hopefully swim with a group of whale sharks that congregate off the local people’s fishing platforms that sit in the bay. Swim, snorkel, kayak, and paddle board in a deep lake on a volcanic island lake on Satonda Island, whose caldera was filled with water from a tsunami caused by a massive volcanic event from the nearby Tambora Volcano, which in 1815 was the largest eruption in recorded history.

PM: Drink sunset cocktails as we float on the current while tens of thousands of giant fruit bats emerge from their forest lair and fly out directly over the boat on their nightly foraging missions.

AM: Step ashore on an active, smoking volcanic island, where local villagers are in the process of building a fifty-plus meter, traditional wooden phinisi boat, with the same pedigree and history of Ombak Putih. Walking around this small village, get a feel for their simple way of life, chat with the locals, and maybe buy some handmade textiles as a memento. Snorkel on a colorful and vibrant coral reef above small geothermal fissures where air bubbles are released from the volcanic chambers below the seabed.

PM: After a few hours under sail, spend the afternoon time on a deserted white sand beach on another volcanic island, this time an extinct one. Explore the magnificent coral gardens, hike to the crest of the surrounding hills for a view of the surrounding islands, swim, paddle, kayak and laze away the day before enjoying sunset cocktails on the sand.

AM: Wake up in the most northerly part of the Komodo National Park and enjoy a morning of sea-based activities including a fantastic drift snorkel over the reef, kayaking, and SUP at Gili Lawa Darat island. Swim with schools of manta rays as they feed on the current and circle the so-called cleaning stations, where small fish remove parasites from their skin. Hover above these giant and noble beasts for as long as you like.

PM: Spend the late afternoon on a local sandbar, where we will enjoy snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing on the sand.

AM: Visit Rinca Island and go on a trek in search of the ancient Komodo dragon, the world’s largest lizard. See monkeys, dear, pigs, buffalo, and myriad birds as we walk through the forests and savannahs of this large island. Snorkel at Saba Island, a favorite hangout of sea turtles, where we will have a chance to swim with these gentle creatures as they cruise along the shallow water of the reef.

PM: Enjoy Indonesian hospitality as your crew hosts a beach barbeque in your honor on a deserted island. On offer is plenty of good food, music, cocktails dancing, and frivolity as we dance and sing the night away next to a bonfire under a clear tropical night sky.

AM: Cruise into the harbor as we eat our last breakfast on the boat, before taking a short drive to a traditional local village. Here we will enjoy their hospitality with coffee, betel nut, and a highly potent local ‘arak’ (not for the faint-hearted), before being treated to a selection of traditional dances by their men and women.

PM: Enjoy a final lunch on the boat before being escorted to the airport for your onward flight to Bali.

Embark on an extraordinary adventure as we present our highly anticipated Reposition Cruise with Dr. George Beccaloni, set to sail on a specific date. Get ready to redefine your cruising experience with a unique itinerary designed to captivate your senses and create lifelong memories.

PM: Your flight arrives on the small island of Ternate, the capital of the North Maluku Province. You will be met at the airport and transferred to the stately Ombak Putih, moored off Ternate City. There will be time for you to get settled into your rooms, have a quick safety briefing, and enjoy an alfresco lunch while meeting the other passengers and the crew.

In the afternoon we will venture into the city, which has retained its commercial and political importance as the administrative and trading center of North Maluku. Of the four historically powerful spice sultanates, Ternate is the only one where the sultanate has survived uninterrupted.

We will visit Fort Toluko built by the Portuguese and the ‘Kedaton', the palace of the Sultan, with its rich collection of heirlooms. We will also see the impressive Fort Oranje built by the VOC (Dutch East India Company) and the probable site of the house where Wallace was living when he posted his essay on natural selection to Charles Darwin in 1858. After our tour, we will move back to the boat ready to start our journey.

AM: Today we will wake up off the coast of Halmahera, just across from Ternate, with the mighty peaks of Ternate and Tidore as our dawn backdrop. After breakfast we will head to the village of Dodinga: the very place where Wallace was living when, in a fit of malarial delirium, he discovered the mechanism which drives evolutionary change - natural selection. Once he had recovered, he promptly wrote a detailed essay explaining his theory, which he posted to Charles Darwin as soon as he returned to his base on Ternate. His essay, which was published together with Darwin's thoughts on the subject in August 1858, prompted Darwin to publish his book Origin of Species in 1859, which explained the theory in greater detail. Dodinga is a pretty little riverside village with friendly people, colorful houses, and the ruins of an old Portuguese fort, and its importance in the history of science cannot be understated.

PM: After spending some time with the villagers, sharing some fresh coconuts, and enjoying their hospitality, we will head back to the boat for lunch and then go off for an afternoon of snorkeling and relaxation. We will head south later in the day ready for our first Bird of Paradise encounter the following morning.

AM & PM: Today we will visit the Guarici Archipelago, a chain of islands with white sandy beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and some lovely local villages. We will spend a full day here snorkeling, swimming, and paying a visit to one of the villages to meet the local people.

The islands are part of a government-controlled conservation area, designed to protect the reefs and the many beautiful marine species that live there.

These protected waters also provide the perfect location for beginner or rusty snorkellers to become familiar with the water and to home their skills for the many days of snorkeling that lie ahead.

AM: We will wake up off the western coast of Bacan, another of Indonesia’s historic spice sultanates. We go ashore to explore the forested slopes where Wallace made some of his greatest zoological discoveries, including the Moluccan Cuscus, the Standardwing Bird of Paradise, the world's largest bee Megachile pluto, and the huge and magnificent Golden Birdwing Butterfly. Wallace described the latter species as the "finest butterfly in the world". When he caught the first male in 1859 he wrote: "When I took it out of my net and opened its gorgeous wings, I was nearer fainting with delight and excitement than I have ever been in my life; my heart beat violently, and the blood rushed to my head, leaving a headache for the rest of the day." Very few Westerners have ever seen this species alive and no groups of tourists have ever been taken to see it before. Of course, there is no guarantee we will see it - but we will try very hard and will be employing as our guide the one person on Bacan who knows exactly where it can be found.

PM: We will also keep a close watch for these and a host of other animals, some of them endemic to these islands, including parrots, cockatoos, lorikeets, hornbills, the elusive cuscus, and the endangered black macaque – the only monkey in Maluku. It’s the wrong side of the Wallace Line for monkeys; these ones were introduced hundreds of years ago by North Sulawesi.

AM & PM: In the morning we make landfall at the Pisang Islands. These tiny gems isolated in the vast waters of the Ceram Sea offer us a chance to relax and enjoy the sparkling white-sand beaches, clear waters, and vibrant reefs before making our way to the shores of West Misool.

AM: Today we will try our best to see the Lesser Birds of Paradise displayed in the wild, an unforgettable experience for anyone lucky enough to see them. We will rise around 4 am and have a quick breakfast and go ashore, where local guides will be waiting for us to take us through the forest to hopefully see the birds as they dance around in their ‘lekking’ (courtship display) trees. We can make no guarantees, however, as we do not have them on a leash.

PM: We will have time for a look around the village and possibly a visit to the school and to learn about their way of life. Mid-afternoon we will set off to the eastern side of Misool to Tomolol Bay.

AM: This morning we will wake to see the sun rise over the picturesque chain of islands that makes up the eastern part of the Misool archipelago. The topography is typical of ‘karst dissolution’ featuring a great number of tiny islets whose bases have been eroded over time by the relentless motion of the tides.

After an early breakfast, our tenders will take us into the heart of the bay to see this partially submerged cave where it is possible to swim, snorkel or simply float while gazing up at the cavernous grotto adorned with astonishing stalactites. The more adventurous can swim or paddle through the dark waters to the other mouth of the cave.

PM: We will then move on to a mysterious jellyfish lake and swim amongst the many thousands of stingless animals: undoubtedly one of Raja Ampat’s most memorable activities. After returning to the ship, we will use our tenders to explore more of this impressive maze of karst islands, both above and below the surface, complete with mysterious skull cairns in sea-cave cemeteries, and prehistoric cave paintings, estimated to be anything between 3,000 to 5,000 years old and depicting various human figures and huge human palms, fish, and plants, tools, and vessels.

AM: After our days of marine exploration, the jungle-clad island of Batanta offers us a change of scenery and a chance to stretch our legs on an adventurous trek into the island’s interior. We anchor at the foot of Arefi Village, nestled on the north coast of the island, here we can visit the village and the school, and watch the children’s performance.

PM: For those who wish, IF THE TIDE IS RIGHT we will be able to take a short walk along the riverbed brings us to the first of two jungle waterfalls complete with a refreshing pool for cooling off. The fit and adventurous may choose to continue the uphill climb along the rocks to where a second, larger cascade awaits. After this, the boat will move to Dayang Island for another great snorkeling opportunity.

AM: We will wake up in front of the island of Penemu, a dramatic location with a short hilltop climb to take in the amazing views. After some great snorkeling on the island’s reefs, we will set the course for the tiny Arborek Island, where the local children will perform their traditional dances for us.

PM: We can also walk around the village and gain a sense of the Asai culture, which is still kept very much alive by the villagers living in this isolated place. There's a chance that we may get to see some manta rays as we snorkel, but there are no guarantees.

AM: Today will present another opportunity for keen naturalists, as we rise early and walk into the forest on a pre-dawn quest to spot the remarkable Red Bird of Paradise, one of the species that Wallace was most anxious to collect. With a little luck and the help of our knowledgeable guides, we will see this rare bird’s elaborate courtship display as dawn breaks over the forest canopy.

After returning to the ship, we will turn our attention from the sky to the sea as the Ombak Putih makes her way through the Dampier Strait, home of some of Raja Ampat’s premier reefs. If the currents are in our favor, we might see some of the area’s larger specimens of marine life, which are attracted to the strait’s nutrient-rich waters.

PM: We will spend the afternoon in Yenbeser village where Wallace spent some months and (if the tides are right) we’ll visit a faithful replica of Wallace’s small hut, which was built by the villagers using plans from FFI (Fauna & Flora International) and a grant from SeaTrek.

We will also visit a nearby small island where a local man has set up a coconut crab 'sanctuary'. The island is home to a small number of these monsters (Birgus latro, the world's largest terrestrial arthropod), and you can get up close and personal with these magnificent yet docile beasts. Another late afternoon snorkel along a reef with some spectacular giant clams (the world's largest bivalve) will lead us into dinner at anchor on board, ready for an early morning venture for the Red Bird of Paradise.

AM & PM: Today we will rise at 4.30 am, off Saporkren village. The dinghy will carry us across to the village in the dark and a local guide will take us on a short drive into the forest on a pre-dawn quest to spot the gorgeous Wilson’s Bird of Paradise. We hope that the efforts of our early start will pay off, enabling us to catch a rare and privileged sight of the bird’s elaborate courtship dance as the day breaks over the forest canopy.

Back in the village, there will be time to meet with the community and perhaps visit the school. We will be back on the boat by mid-morning and we will head to Yenbuba at Mansuar Island for some snorkeling before lunch. This place is known as the ‘fish bowl’ because of the chance to see different types of fish around the bay. The boat will then move to Mioskon Island for more snorkeling and the opportunity to watch a multitude of bats flying overhead just after sunset. Tonight we will have a farewell party.

AM: Today is the end of our adventure, but there is still one last chance for a swim and a snorkel at a small offshore island before we cruise into the port. Alternatively, we can explore Doom Island.

Once at anchor we will say goodbye to George, our crew, and our sea-based home, the Ombak Putih before taking the tenders ashore where you will be transferred to the airport for your onward travel.

Embark on an extraordinary adventure as we present our highly anticipated Reposition Cruise, set to sail on a specific date. Get ready to redefine your cruising experience with a unique itinerary designed to captivate your senses and create lifelong memories.

AM: Starting your adventure today we will have a tour of Ternate’s historical highlights before boarding our SeaTrek ship and meeting the crew and settling into your new home for the next few weeks. 

PM: Later that afternoon, we will visit the island of Tidore, another perfect volcanic cone rising from the tropical seas. Over lunch on board, we will have a magnificent view of the extinct Kiematabu volcano that dominates the island. Its slopes feature plantations of graceful clove trees, once found only upon this and a few adjacent islands, and so valuable in world trade that European nations fought for centuries to monopolize them. 

AM: Today we will be searching for some very special species of butterfly, some unique birds, and some quirky mammals. We will explore the deep forest of Bacan island, where Wallace first saw what he called “the most beautiful butterfly in the world”, the Golden Birdwing. During our trek, the other species that we might see here include cuscus, the black-crested macaque, and some hornbills. 

PM: After lunch, we will spend the afternoon snorkeling and swimming on the nearby reef. 

AM: Culture and spice will fill our day as we find ourselves off the coast of the white sand island of Obi Latu, a place filled with clove and nutmeg plantations. Obi Latu's steep hillsides are covered in clove and nutmeg forests, reaching back to the rich and heady days of the spice trade, which saw many a European power vying for control of the East Indies. While the spice trade might not be what it once was, the growers can still make a good living on this remote island in the Banda Sea. 

PM: We will go ashore and walk through the villages and plantations and see the fruits and spices growing on the trees and drying in the sun ready for market, in the same way, it has for centuries. 

AM: Today will be a day for snorkeling, culture, and history as we find ourselves in the middle of the Banda Sea in the remote and breathtaking Sula archipelago. In the morning, we will feast on some history and culture as we visit the local village market and visit the ruins of a 17th-century Dutch Fort, which once protected the spice trade along these routes. 

PM: Later that day, we will spend the afternoon exploring the reefs that are teeming with fish and other marine life.

AM: The cultural experiences ratchet up a notch today with a war dance performed in our honor.  We will go ashore on Taliabu island, where we will be treated to a traditional dance known as the ‘cakalele’, by local warriors. We will also have a chance to explore the local village and meet the people of this remote island. 

PM: The afternoon will see us snorkeling on a reef teeming with colorful fish and possibly some kayaking and paddleboarding.

AM: The Bokan islands are an area of unsurpassed beauty and today will be a day of marine exploration and relaxation as we snorkel swim, and paddle around the glorious reef, beach, and island with giant clams scattered around the area.  

PM; We also have the rare privilege to swim in a small marine lake filled with stingless jellyfish, the exotically named Danau Piasu Botangan, one of only 20 lakes of its kind in the world. 

AM: A trio of unique experiences awaits us today involving culture, conservation, and wildlife. We will visit the bustling Indonesian island port town of Banggai, a place filled with activity and commerce. Here on Banggai island we will visit the local market, and explore the neighborhoods, the sultan’s palace, and the maleo bird egg museum, all from our fleet of brightly-colored motor rickshaws, which will be on the dock awaiting our arrival. 

PM: We will pay a hands-on visit to LINI, an NGO doing great work with coral restoration on the surrounding reefs, in addition to working with local fishermen in finding sustainable solutions for overseas markets and the live aquarium fishing trade. The last of the day’s highlights will be a snorkel on a local reef where we will see the most elegant, but very threatened, Banggai Cardinal Fish – a darling of saltwater aquarium lovers worldwide. 

AM: The Bajau sea gypsies of Southeast Asia have a very unique way of life living in harmony with the water, and today you will get to see it up close. 

PM: We will snorkel on one of the local reefs around a Bajau “sea gypsy” community famous for Southeast Asia’s nomadic cultures. A long overnight cruise awaits as we cross from the land of the sea nomads towards the Wakatobi National Park area. 

AM: This morning we will officially arrive in the Wakatobi National Park area, a very hard-to-reach archipelago filled with fascinating culture and also one of Indonesia’s best national parks, with outstanding underwater life and natural beauty. You will enjoy a personalized tour of the island of Wangi-Wangi, with highlights that include a seaweed farm, meeting with a traditional weaving community, and the ruins of a centuries-old Dutch fort, a relic of the ancient Spice Trade. 

PM: In the afternoon, we will be spending some time in the water where the water is clear and abundant with rich colorful corals. We can also take a little stroll around a number of sea nomad villages.

AM: Today is a day for all of us water babies. Snorkeling comes first thing in the morning at Tomia where we will snorkel in front of a magnificent house reef. 

PM: In the afternoon, we will explore a nearby uninhabited atoll where guests have the chance to beach-comb, snorkel, paddleboard, or kayak.

AM: In the morning, we will wake up to an uninhabited sea mount in the middle of the Flores Sea, rich in upwelling nutrients and a perfect habitat for fish and raising their young.

PM: We will spend some time here for snorkeling and some exploring before sailing onwards for overnight cruising towards the southern tip of Sulawesi.  

AM: Another full day of underwater adventure and exploration awaits us today. The whole day, we will spend exploring one of the most beautiful collections of reefs and atolls with palm-fringed white-sand beaches and crystal clear waters.  

PM: The choice is yours entirely whether you would like to kick back and relax on board while watching the endless horizon dazzles with luminous blue waters, lounge on the sand, explore the shallow reefs on kayaks or paddleboards, or lose yourself in the frenzy of the rich reefs. 

AM: Today we will walk amongst the hulls and hulks of a huge unlaunched flotilla of phinisi ships being built on a remote island archipelago. We will meet the shipwrights and discover their age-old traditions of shipbuilding that they have practiced for centuries in this forgotten corner of the world, using basic plans, wood, and a collection of simple tools and age-old techniques.  

PM: Bonerate is rarely visited by tourists outside of our cruise, and seeing this open-air boatyard is an experience to be savored. As we walk through the village and along the beaches and meet the locals, we will gain a new appreciation for island life and for the kind of boat you have been cruising with for the past thirteen days. 

AM: Giants will loom large in your day today: Komodo dragons, flying foxes, and manta rays, three of the biggest and most impressive animals in Indonesia. Our morning will be spent drifting with Manta Rays, the gentle giant as they glide by feed in the current at their go-to local cleaning stations. 

PM: In the afternoon, we will take you for a privately arranged, ranger-led walk around the island of Rinca, where we will see not only Komodo dragons, but also their preferred menu of prey – monkeys, deer, pigs, and buffaloes. This evening, as the sun starts to set, we will gather on the deck and witness a most spectacular event as thousands of flying foxes leave their mangrove forest homes en masse on their nightly fruit-foraging missions.

AM: Rising early, you will have the chance to hike a scenic route of Gili Lawa Darat, or you can stretch your legs on the beautiful white-sandy beach. After the hike, we will be back on board for a mission: to count how many turtles can we spot with our own eyes on Siaba Besar island where it’s famous as turtle heaven. 

PM: In the late afternoon, we will have relaxing beach time where you’re more than free to do pretty much anything you’d like ranging from snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, or just beach combing. Tonight, the crew will prepare a beach BBQ for us as we all feast, sing and dance the night away by a roaring fire under the stars. 

AM: On our final day, we will wake as the boat is cruising slowly making its way to the magnificent town of Labuan Bajo. After a final Indonesian breakfast on the boat, we will say farewell to our crew, who have looked after us so well for the past few days, and transfer to Komodo airport for our flight and our onward journey.