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.

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.

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: After yesterday's beautiful low-altitude flight from Bali to Maumere on the island of Flores over the Komodo National Park, today you will today be picked up early from your hotel at around 8 a.m. and taken directly to the boat as we head off on our epic eclipse journey.

PM: This day we will have a chance to relax and get acquainted with our new home, getting to know our fellow travelers and enjoying the tropical sunshine and breeze on our faces as we head east. At sunset, we will enjoy cocktails on the deck as the sun sinks nicely slowly into the west.

Note :

Due to current Indonesian flight scheduling to the departure point, all guests on this cruise need to fly from Bali to Maumere on April 15, the day before the cruise, and stay overnight before being taken to the boat on the morning of the 16th of April.

AM: Just after dawn, we will arrive at the small island of Batang, where we will have the morning to enjoy our first snorkel of the trip along the colorful coral reefs. The island has a small settlement on the northern side, so we may stop by for a visit and meet the local people.

PM: Mid-afternoon we will head east once more in the direction of Wetar, hopefully arriving in the morning.

AM: Waking up offshore of the coast of Wetar we will go ashore and visit a local village and its school, where we will have a chance to meet the locals and be witness to a special cultural performance in our honor. Later that morning we will go snorkeling on a nearby island in front of the village with good corals and lots of big fish.

PM: Early afternoon we will set off to Romang Island, enjoying sunset drinks and dinner on board.

AM: We will wake up off the coast of the beautiful island of Romang, already in the eclipse zone. We will go ashore and meet the local people and catch a glimpse into their daily lives, as well as visit the school where we can donate books and school supplies.

PM: We will spend the afternoon snorkeling and visiting a second local village (optional), where we can again visit the school and meet the kids there. We then move to a small island near Maupora island for a great snorkeling and a relaxing day beach time before heading to our viewing spot at a small white-sand island just off-shore. Here guests who wish to set up camera equipment on land can do so, while others can swim and snorkel.

AM: Waking up we will organize into groups for the commencement of the eclipse at around midday.

PM: Those who have set upon the island will be transferred to the beach, while those who want to stay on the boat can relax and wait for the festivities to begin, maybe even go snorkeling or exploring the spectacular coral reefs. This evening we will be having a large communal BBQ party on the beach with all the boats to celebrate this wonderful celestial event. After the party, we will head off back in the direction of Weter for a long crossing back across to Wetar Island to start the return leg of our journey.

AM: Waking up exhilarated and not without a few sore heads amongst us, today will be one of relaxation.

PM: Depending on what time we finish the party and depart the night before, we will make landfall in the afternoon in Wetar where we will go snorkeling and have some beach time before continuing our journey westwards towards the island of Sika.

AM: We will arrive in the early morning in Sika, a small Island in the northern part of Alor, which has some fantastic snorkeling with lots of corals and sea grass habitat, a favorite location of the dugong. If we are extremely lucky we may have the chance to spot one.

PM: From here we will cruise to the southwest of Alor to Lingual and Pantar Islands.

AM: Lingal has a beautiful white sandy beach located on the southwest part of Alor, and we will enjoy snorkeling and swimming before cruising to the southeast part of Pantar island to visit Tamakh village, a place seldom visited by foreigners before. In fact, our 2018 textile cruise was the first time all the villagers had ever met foreigners. They will welcome us to the village wearing their beautiful bitil tube skirts and will perform the Lego-Lego dance for us, and we will be invited to enjoy a bit of audience participation.

PM: We will then head back to the boat and cruise to Solor.

AM: After breakfast, it will be a good time for some water activities; kayaks and paddle boards for the keen, and swimming for the others. (The snorkeling isn’t so great here), before we visit the old fort at Lohayong. From Lohayong we cross to Larantuka, a bustling little town situated at the foot of the imposing Ile Mandiri volcano, and a very nice example of urban island life. As we go ashore we will be welcomed by local Lamaholot villagers who will show us in detail how they produce their fantastic earthy-brown ikat fabric, which is decorated with small white seashells.

PM: We will go snorkeling in the afternoon before heading off for an overnight crossing to Maumere.

AM: On this, our last day, we will visit Wuring village, a Bajau ‘sea gypsy’ settlement, a village built on the water of coral rocks and wooden poles. Living right the way across the waters of the Coral Triangle is a fascinating insight into a very traditional way of life.

PM: We will then head back to the boat to have lunch and bid our final goodbyes to our crew before heading back to the airport for our flights back to Bali.

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.