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 village, emerald seas, megalithic cultures, colorful market places, tribal rituals and architecture, not to mention a world of kaleidoscopic beauty under water. This cruise will cove a. o. 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 Higlands 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 colored crated lakes.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: 08.30 a.m. transfer from Sanur, south-Bali to Amed, north-east Bali (2 hrs). Upon arrival in Amed we board 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: Arrive at Pulau Bungin a tiny island, populated by ‘sea-gypsies’ (bajao). We stroll through narrow streets lined up by houses on stilts to outsmart the incoming tide. Performance of traditional music and dance. Onward sailing to Pulau Moyo. At the South point of Moyo we spend a few hours relaxing, swimming and snorkeling. Night sailing to east-Sumbawa.
Day 3: Arrive in the morning at Wera on the east coast of the island of Sumbawa. Wera is a Buginese settlement and famous for its boatbuilding. We will see all kinds of craft in various stages of construction, much the way the Katharina was built in 1998. If weather would not allow a smooth landing we sail to Sangean island, an active volcano towering 1800 meters above the surrounding waters. We will visit the tiny settlement on the island and make a short hike testing the steepness of the volcano Afternoon sail to Gili Banta, a perfect place for some excellent swimming and snorkeling. Night-sailing to Rinca.
Day 4: Rinca island, the second biggest in the Komodo archipelago, is also the richest in terms of fauna. We will go trekking 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 ‘Sabolon’, a famous reef with a huge variety of live coral and beautiful fish. Snorkeling, diving (optional)* and 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. Barbecue at desert beach In the afternoon sailing to Ropa, a small harbour at the coast of Flores.
Day 6: At dawn 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, quite unique in the world. Upon returning aboard the Katharina we set sail for the town of Labuhanbajo at the westernmost point of Flores.
Day 7: 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 by turns. Late morning arrival in Labuhanbajo. Here we will tour to a nearby village to attend the so-called caci (whip-) dance for which the Manggarai district of Flores enjoys national fame. Midday sail to Bidadari island, swimming, snorkeling, exploring the interior. Afternoon sail to Komodo; spend a quiet night in the bay of Komodo island.
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 Dragon. Midday sail to Red Beach, another breathtaking desert island where the beaches are red-coloured by pulverized red coral. In the afternoon visit of Gili Lawa to hike the local summit and enjoy a splendid panorama over the moonscape islands of the Komodo Archipelago and the mainland of Flores. Late afternoon setting sail, headed west.
Day 9: Morning arrive 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 reef drop just off the coastline. Afternoon sailing to Pulau Kromo. Here we will have our farewell party with the crew, possibly witnessed by thousands of fruit bats crossing to the mainland looking for night shelter. Evening sailing to Nara Bay (North West Lombok).
Day 10: After a early morning breakfast we have a half day tour over West-Lombok, meeting the local monkeys and see the process of local palm sugar plantations. Before lunch we re-embark the Katharina to set sail to Benoa harbour, southeast Bali. Arrival in Benoa before sunset. End of the cruise, individual transfer to hotel or airport.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Prices:
- High season price, double occupancy p/p: $2950
- High season price, single occupancy: $4425.
Price Includes:
- 3 quality meals per day, coffee, tea, snacks, soft drinks, wine at dinner
- Laundry service
- Use of snorkeling gear, use of sea kayaks
- Inland excursions (programmed tours)
- Entrance fee to Komodo National Park
- Experienced English-speaking Cruise Director.
Price Excludes:
- Domestic airfares
- Personal Insurances
- Alcoholic beverage & gratuities.
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Indonesia
Outdoor: Water Drifter
Boating and Sailing
Wildlife Viewing
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