Journeys along the Lesser Sunda Islands remain among our favorite itineraries and for good reasons. Few areas in Asia can lay claim to such cultural and natural diversity: towering active volcanoes, jungle-clad mountain ranges, and dry savannah, teeming with wildlife, quiet coastal villages, emerald seas, megalithic cultures, colorful market places, tribal rituals and architecture, not to mention a world of kaleidoscopic beauty under water. This cruise will cover a. o. the Komodo area for a couple of days of snorkeling, beach combing and hiking through one of the most beautiful National Parks of Indonesia. The Flores Highlands will be an opportunity to hike to some remote villages and witness the tedious process of ikat weaving, practiced amid unsurpassed scenery of gigantic volcanoes, bamboo forests and intriguingly coloured crater lakes.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1 - Transfer from Sanur to Amed, northeast Bali, embarkation aboard the ‘Katharina’, settle in and sail to Gili Trawangan* for swimming, snorkeling, diving (optional) and beach-combing. Late afternoon onward sailing to Sumbawa.
Day 2 - Arriving at Sumbawa this morning we disembark and explore the town of Sumbawa Besar on the west-side of the island. We visit the Sultan’s Palace, a raised wooden building built on the site of three former palaces, the pasar and a traditional Sumbawanese village. After lunch we sail to the southern tip of the Island of Moyo where we will spend a few hours relaxing swimming and snorkeling. Night sailing to east-Sumbawa.
Day 3 - We will arrive in the morning in the village of Wera, at the east coast of the island of Sumbawa. Wera is a Buginese settlement and famous for its boatbuilding. We will see the manufacturing of all kinds craft in various stages of construction, much the way the Katharina was built in 1998. Midday sail to Sangeang island, an active volcano towering 1800 meters above the surrounding waters. We will have a short afternoon stop to visit the tiny settlement on the island and swim in crystal-clear waters. Night-sailing to Rinca.
Day 4 - Rinca Island, the second biggest in the Komodo Archipelago, is also the richest in terms of fanuna. We will go hiking and looking for wild horses, water buffalo, wild boar, monkeys, and of course the famous "komodo dragons" in spectacular scenery of savannah and emerald coves. Around noon sail to "Sabalon"*, a famous reef with a huge variety of live coral and beautiful fish. Snorkeling, diving (optional), beach-exploration. in the afternoon proceed to the Riung Archipelago, north of Flores.
Day 5 - In the morning arrival at Riung, a small archipelago of 17 islets, just north of the coast of Flores. Snorkeling, relaxing, beach-combing, climbing one of the summits for enjoying the panorama over the sea and Flores. In the afternoon proceed to Ropa, a small harbour at the coast of Flores.
Day 6 - Early morning arrival in Ropa from where we go by bus to the Kelimutu volcano, famous for its three coloured lakes. Experience the spooky atmosphere surrounding this natural phenomenon, unique in the world. Upon returning aboard the Katharina onward sailing to Labuhanbajo, at the westernmost point of Flores.
Day 7 - Early morning, if winds allow, the crew of the Katharina will hoist the sails and show their skills in traditional Pinisi-sailing, a.o. by using the two side-rudders alternatingly. Late morning arrival in Labuhanbajo. Here we will make a tour to a nearby village where we will attend the so-called caci (whip-) dance for which the Manggarai district of Flores enjoys national fame. Midday sail to red beach, another breathtaking desert island where the beaches are red-coloured by pulverized red coral. Barbecue at the beach under the milky way, lit by the moon and the bonfire.
Day 8 - Morning arrival in Komodo Island. Another opportunity to catch a glimpse of or even stumble over, the last representative of the Jurassic Park on earth, the infamous Komodo Lizard. In the afternoon visit of Lawa Darat to climb the local summit and enjoy a splendid panorama over the moon-scape islands of the Komodo Archipelago and the mainland of Flores. Late afternoon setting sail, heading west.
Day 9 - Around noon arrival in Satonda, the top of an extinct volcano. We will visit the crater lake in the centre of the island, where we may meet colonies of flying foxes after a short walk. An afternoon of relaxation on the beautifully wild beach of Satonda and of lazy floating on the gentle currents over a stunning reefdrop just off the coastline. If time allows from Satonda we proceed to the Island of Moyo for a hike to an exquisite three-tiered where we will take a refreshing bath in the pool down below the waterfall. Late afternoon onward sailing to Lombok.
Day 10 - Early morning arrival at the harbour of Lembar, southwest Lombok. From here we will make a tour over west-Lombok, visiting a few original Sasak villages wher3 we will admire the local arts of pottery, handweaving and plaiting. Before noon we re-embark Katharina to set sail to Benoa harbour, southeast bali. Arrival in Benoa before sunset. End of the cruise and individual transfer to hotel.
* Opportunity for optional diving, booking in advance
NOTE: Participants are informed that itinerary and program of our sea voyages occasionally may be modified due to factors beyond our control: unfavorable weather conditions, delay in processing harbor clearances, modified schedules of domestic flights. The cruise director and captain of the Katharina will adjust the program accordingly to the best interest of all.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
High season prices with double occupancy p.p.: $2660 Single occupancy: $3990
Price includes:
- 3 quality meals per day, coffee, tea, snacks, soft drinks, wine at dinner;
- Laundry services;
- Use of snorkeling gear; use of sea kayaks
- Inland excursions (programmed tours);
- Entrance fee to Komodo National Park;
- Experienced English-speaking Cruise Director;
- Transfer airport-harbour (v.v.).
Price does not include:
- Domestic airfares;
- Personal insurances;
- Alcoholic beverages & gratuities.
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Indonesia
Boating and Sailing
Wildlife Viewing
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