Silolona

PM: After embarkation at Labuanbajo, sail north up the eastern coast of Komodo Island to Sabolon Island for water sports and beach relaxation and a sunset cocktail on the scenic coast of this small beautiful island. 

AM: Visit Rinca island park to see the Komodo Dragons in their natural habitat. Trek directed by Park Rangers. Early morning walk to see the Komodo dragons in their native habitat along with wild boar, monkeys, and wild water buffalo and a score of birds on a guided walk with rangers from Komodo National Park.

PM: Return to Silolona for big brunch and sail to a nearby rocky islet for a spectacular underwater dive.

AM & PM: Return to Silolona for a big brunch& sail to a nearby rocky islet for a spectacular underwater dive. The afternoon will be spent at “Pantai Merah” (the pink beach), world famous for its pink sand and excellent snorkelling and diving. Silolona will drop the anchor for the night in the bay adjacent to a small fishing village.

AM: The Padar Island is one of our favorite ones: it is superb and enables many activities: water sports such as sea kayaking, water skiing, diving and snorkeling.

Those who prefer to walk and discover the surrounding fauna will have the opportunity to observe many kinds of birds in their natural environment. The view of nearby islands from the top of Padar is stunning. Admire the different shades of the sea when the sun and clouds are reflected in it. 

PM: In the evening,we will sail towards Gili Lawah Darat & Gili Lawa Laut.

AM & PM: This morning you will wake up again surrounded by truly magnificent scenery! Every single island of this archipelago is magical and the small islands of Gili Lawah Darat & Gili Lawah Laut are no exception. Gili Lawah Laut, for instance, offers some very interesting sites for snorkeling and diving where you can see some of the most diverse fish groups which populate the waters of Komodo. You might be lucky and even see sea turtles, dolphins or mantas! If you wish to take a walk, don’t forget your camera: views from the top of the nearby hill extend 360 degrees over the Komodo Park and look down on Silolona resting calmly in the turquoise bay below.

AM: Early birds will be able to enjoy their last swim at PulauSebayor before Silolona navigates towards the airport at Labuhan Bajo. After enjoying a leisurely breakfast on deck over looking the local fishing boats, it will be time to bid farewell to Silolona and her crew. The charter or commercial flight will return you to Bali in time for international connections back home.

AM: After embarkation, we will sail north up the eastern coast of Komodo Island to Sabolon Island: within less than an hour, you will already be able to enjoy your first swim! The rest of the day will be dedicated to water sports and beach relaxation.

PM: Celebrate your first evening in the Komodo Archipelago with a sunset cocktail on the scenic coast of this small beautiful island.

AM & PM: Early morning, we will trek on Rinca Island to see the Komodo dragons in their native habitat along with wild boars, monkeys, wild water buffalos and scores of birds. Since this island is a natural park, this will be a guided walk with rangers who will be able to share with you their profound knowledge about the Komodo, the other fauna and flora of the park.

AM: Return to boat for a big brunch& sail to nearby rocky islet for a spectacular underwater dive.

PM: The afternoon will be spent at “Pantai Merah” (the pink beach), world famous for its pink sand and excellent snorkelling and diving. We will drop the anchor for the night in the bay adjacent to a small fishing village.

AM & PM: This morning you will wake up again surrounded by truly magnificent scenery! Every single island of this archipelago is magical and the small islands of Gili Lawah Darat & Gili Lawah Laut are no exception. Gili Lawah Laut, for instance, offers some very interesting sites for snorkelling and diving where you can see some of the most diverse fish groups which populate the waters of Komodo. You might be lucky and even see sea turtles, dolphins or mantas!

If you wish to take a walk, don’t forget your camera: views from the top of the near by hill extend 360 degrees over the Komodo Park and look down on the boat resting calmly in the turquoise bay below.

AM & PM: Batu Muncul offers some stunning crescent-shaped beaches with pristine white sand where the swimming is superb. There are also some excellent spots for diving and snorkelling. All the other water sport activities are of course at your disposal in order to make the best of this day!

AM: Although Banta Island lies outside the National Park boundaries, its numerous finger-like bays and crescent shaped beaches feature excellent diving and snorkelling. This island is noted for its large population of giant turtles and manta rays.

PM: For your last evening with us enjoy a beach barbeque as the sunsets and the skies shift to the brilliant stars of the Southern Hemisphere and the Milky Way make sit arca cross the night sky.

AM: Early birds will be able to enjoy their last swim at Pulau Sebayor before we navigates towards the airport at Labuhan Bajo. After enjoying a leisurely breakfast on deck overlooking the local fishing boats, It will be time to bid farewell to the crew. The charter or commercial flight will return you to Bali intime for international connections back home.

AM: Upon arrival in Ambon, the capital of the Maluku Archipelago, you will be greeted by the crews, whisked by tender to the nearby boat. Within a short distance of our anchorage in the Bay of Ambon are several excellent dive sites including an excellent “critter” dive. Just out of the Bay of Ambon are several other interesting dive sites including Pintu Kota.

PM: At sunset set sail for the fabled Spice Islands following in the wake of many world’s most famous explorers for a distance of 120 nautical miles.

AM: As the sun peaks above the horizon on our approach to Banda you will soon be able to distinguish the outlines of the various islands and the tall, prominent cone-shaped peak of Gunung Api, with its thin plume of smoke drifting from the summit. The rich volcanic soil and fresh sea breezes provide the perfect home for Banda’s native tree, the stately Myristica Fragrance, whose fruit yields both nutmeg and mace. The approach to Banda Neira stirs thoughts of past explorers and captivates the imagination as our two-masted wooden schooner glides in to the deep still waters of the Zonnegat Passage framed by the volcano and drops anchor. Evocative remnants of Dutch mansions and two ancient forts dominate the quaint sleepy town of Banda Neira. Stroll through the wide tree-lined streets of Banda Neira town stopping to visit the museum, the former VOC Governor’s Mansion, the old church and Fort Belgica, the now silent sentinel and guardian of the Zonnegat Straits between Banda Neira and Pulau Lonthor. Small dug out canoes paddle each morning to supply the outdoor market with freshly caught tuna, local savoury snacks, wild almond candy, mounds of spices, and tropical fruits.

On May 10,1988,Gunung Api last erupted after laying dormant for centuries. Lava flowed north from near the summit and into the sea, cooling in gentle undulating waves destroying both nutmeg gardens and corals. Today, just a little over 20 years later the lava flows provide one of the most stunning dives with giant sea fans and other corals set against a blackback drop. The coral grow this phenomena largely due to the nutrient-laden currents and clear waters that encircle Banda. Also the lava itself seems to be conducive to speed coral growth and this spectacular growth has amazed scientists and coral specialists the world over.

PM: Sunset cocktails on the ancient ramparts of Fort Belgica as the sunsets slowly over the towering Gunung Api volcano.

AM: Early morning is the perfect time to go fishing for some of Banda’s large tuna with the tender at nearby Batu Kapal, a large rock monolith rising from the deep sea and which bears an uncanny resemblance to a large ship a float on the sea. After an al fresco breakfast on deck, and hopefully, freshly cut sashimi, prepare for a dive on the vibrant reef surrounding Pulau Pisang. Schools of yellow fin tuna and swirling masses of barracuda, turtles and rays drift near flawless coral walls sometimes dropping to70meters with visibility often up to 40 meters. Snorkeling is also excellent with a constant parade of small colourful fishes.

PM: Afternoon hike through the world’s oldest nutmeg gardens shaded by ancient kenari or wild almond trees on the nearby crescent shaped island of Pulau Lonthor. Pulau Lonthor is the ancient caldera of a long extinct volcano and the rich volcanic soils atone time produced the majority of the world’s nutmeg. At dusk dive the shallow waters right in front of the Maulana in Banda Neira town where the colourful mandarin fish congregate to display their colours.

AM: Full Day cruise/sail to Pulau Run to see the old church and wonder at the quirk of fate that moved Run from the center of world trade to become a very isolated dot that is home to only one remaining family. Hiking and exploration of ruins of old mansions and nutmeg factories. Pulau Run is also noted for it’s diving with great deep walls teeming with fish life as well as the nearby tiny island of Neijalaka. Sail back to Banda

PM: Neira arriving at sunset for our overnight anchorage. In battle and were celebrated in certain villages by energetic rituals featuring drumming, dancing, chanting, and the invocation of powerful forces lasting over a period of many months.

AM: Pre dawn departure for the hike to the summit of Gunung Api Volcano. While it is only 666 meters in height the climb is a bit challenging due to the volcanics kree and steepness of the slope. Every bit of effort is well rewarded by the stunning panorama from the summit towards Banda Neira and beyond over the crystal blue waters of the Banda Sea. Return to boat for a swim and a well- deserved breakfast. During breakfast, we will sail to Pulau Hatta, formerly called Rozengain Island in colonial times. Pulau Hatta is noted for some of the best dives in the Banda Islands. Sir Alfred Russel Wallace, leading naturalist and co-founder of “TheTheory of Evolution” with Darwin wrote in the mid 19th century, “living coral and even the minutest objects are plainly seen on the volcanic sand at a depth of six or seven fathoms. ”Hatta provides great deep dives with dramatic drop off sand large schooling pelagic fish.

PM: Sail back to the calm, picturesque anchorage in the Bay of Banda Neira. Tonight a traditional Riistaffel dinner consisting of many local Indonesian dishes will be served in a private, partially restored old Dutch mansion.

AM: Pulau Ai remains amongst the most traditional of all the islands with one large village boasting of the perpetually winning team of 40 men who paddle their sacred ceremonial war canoes called Kora-Kora to the rhythm of the drum and chanting. Tradition and ritual remain very much alive and offerings must be prepared weeks in advance before any adat rituals or dances that keep their violent history alive for the coming generations are performed. Visit the village and hike to the ruins of the old Dutch Fort Revingil where a fewc annon remain.

PM: The diving on Pulau Ai is considered to me amongst the best in the Bandas again with crystal waters and beautiful of corals and large schools of fish.

AM & PM: Pulau Nusa Laut is a small, tranquil island in Maluku, Indonesia, known for its pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and strong cultural traditions. Often overshadowed by nearby Banda and Saparua, the island offers a lower pace of life, historic colonial remnants, and warm village hospitality—making it a quiet gem for travellers seeking authentic Maluku heritage and untouched nature. From here, we will set sail for an overnight trip to Ambon.

AM: Bid Farewell to the crews with a short tender ride transfer directly to the airport for your flight to Makassar and onwards to Bali.

AM: Upon arrival in Sorong, the Crew will welcome you at the airport and arrange the transfer to the nearby harbor where the MSV Silolona will be waiting.

PM: Set sail for the Raja Ampat Archipelago. For the next week, you will be onboard Silolona and served by a professional crew of 17. Depending upon the winds and the tides and wishes of our guests, you may choose to snorkel or dive with our experienced PADI dive instructor, kayak, water ski, fish from the tenders, visit a village or relax on a pristine white sand beach. All meals will be served alfresco on Silolona’s spacious teak deck and feature our own Asian, Fusion and Western cuisine prepared by the talented Chef with an emphasis on fresh tropical fruits, organically-grown vegetables, freshly caught seafood, and made-onboard pastries and fresh bread. 

AM: Friwen island welcomes you with the charm of a quintessential Raja Ampat village, offerings a glimpse into the daily life and traditions of the local community. Another snorkelling session awaits, where you'll drift along a breathing 20-meter-deep wall adorned with swaying anemones and vibrant red corals. The adventure continues at Kri Island for yet another exhilarant drift snorkel where barracuda, big-headed trevally ,reef sharks, and countless shimmering fish glide through the currents.

PM: As the day draws to a close, the boat will gently drop anchor in the serene embrace of Yenbuba Bay, ending your journey in calm, golden light.

AM & PM: Awaken in the sublime stillness of Yenbuba Bay and begin your day with a snorkelling session in front of village pontoon. Along its wooden pillars, gorgonian and soft corals thrive, while oriental sweetlips, carrangues, and soldierfish weave through the sheltered spaces of this vibrant underwater haven.

Nearby, the corner of Mansuar Island offers another unforgettable snorkelling experience. Drift with the current among jacks, barracudas, fusiliers, and countless reef fish as you glide over a magnificent coral garden where turtles, rays, and reef sharks are commonly seen.

The exploration continues at Tanjung Putus, known for its rich marine life and striking underwater scenery.

AM & PM: Awaken in the sublime stillness of Yenbuba Bay and begin your day with a snorkelling session in front of village pontoon. Along its wooden pillars, gorgonian and soft corals thrive, while oriental sweetlips, carrangues, and soldierfish weave through the sheltered spaces of this vibrant underwater haven.

Nearby, the corner of Mansuar Island offers another unforgettable snorkelling experience. Drift with the current among jacks, barracudas, fusiliers, and countless reef fish as you glide over a magnificent coral garden where turtles, rays, and reef sharks are commonly seen.

The exploration continues at Tanjung Putus, known for its rich marine life and striking underwater scenery.

AM & PM: Sail into magnificent Aljui Bay, an extensive mangrove-lined inlet, home to the Cendana pearl farm. Visit the pearl farm for a tour of their operations, for a fascinating glimpse into the skill, time and energy it takes to cultivate natural pearls - especially exciting on harvest day as each oyster shell is opened to reveal a pearl. Pearl farms function as de facto marine reserves. And yes, they do have pearls for sale-but although they are a bargain, these are amongst the world’s finest pearls with a commensurate price tag!

AM: Aljui Bay is also known for its underwater abundance of unique crustaceans, including zebra crabs and Coleman’s shrimps riding on fluorescent-colored fire urchins. Under the Cendana jetty enjoy an incredible muck dive or snorkel to see dozens of stonefish, ornate ghost pipefish and frogfish.

PM: Now acclimated and attuned to the rhythm of the tides and life onboard, snorkel or scuba the varied coral gardens of the richest reefs known to mankind. Paddle through the uninhabited islets and turquoise waters surrounding Pulau Fam, kayak the perfect white sandy circle of tiny Pulau Yeben. 

AM & PM: Jerief Island and Uwares are hidden gems within Raja Ampat's pristine seascape, offering serene beauty and rich marine life. Jerief Island captives with its soft white beaches, crystal waters, and coral gardens alive with reef fish - perfect for snorkelling and peaceful exploration. Nearby, Uwares adds a sense of discovery with one of the region's most intriguing dive: a World War II P-47 fighter plane wreck resting on a gentle slope just offshore. This historic site, now adorned with corals and frequented by marine life, draws divers seeking both biodiversity add a touch of wartime history beneath the waves.

AM: Bid farewell to the Crew and Silolona in Sorong - The Crew will escort you to the nearby airport on time for your flight to Bali or Jakarta.