Indonesia Cultural Discovery
East of Bali there is a world of exotic cultures and breathtaking natural beauty. This area is as enchanting as it is remote. On board the Ombak Putih you will sail by smoldering volcanoes that arise from the sea and you can go ashore on uninhabited islands. You will visit quaint historic harbours, superb tropical beaches, pristine coral reefs and go to places where time has literally been standing still, such as the last remaining domain of the prehistoric Komodo dragon…
In the Indonesian language “Ombak Putih” means “White Wave” and her gracious beauty makes her instantly recognizable. She is a familiar sight from Bali to Papua and from Sulawesi to Savu. Having logged close to a hundred thousand miles over the past ten years, her captain and crew know more about the remote islands of Indonesia than most and there are very few bays in this part of the world where she has not yet anchored…
Whenever possible the Ombak Putih will raise her sails - more than six hundred square metres of them - but there often are long periods of very light winds so the engine is also used to safeguard the schedule.
An attentive but discrete crew takes care of everything. Most of the sailing is done at night and while you sleep, the captain is on the bridge to take you to yet another splendid anchorage or another lovely harbour. Every new day you will wake up to another surprise.
The Ombak Putih's chefs were trained by a well known Bali restaurateur and all meals are prepared with the freshest and best ingredients available: vegetables, fruits and poultry from the highlands of Flores, fish freshly caught by local fishermen and bread specially baked by a master French baker in Bali. All cruises are on a full board basis. Bottled water, coffee and tea are free of charge and available on self service basis 24 hours per day.
There is a well-stocked bar on board from which you may order a selection of alcohol and wines at reasonable prices. At the end of the cruise you only need to pay for beer, wines and spirits consumed during the cruise.
On every leisure expedition there is an experienced European cruise director on board. These are seasoned professionals who live most of their time in Indonesia, speak the local language and are very knowledgeable about the areas the Ombak Putih visits. Their task is to organise the shore excursions and they are on board to assist you and to answer any questions.
Daily radio/satellite telephone contact with the head office in Bali guarantees that both the guests and the crew are kept up to date with current events and everyone can be reached in case of emergencies.
Notes
Departure Schedule | |||||
| Departs | Days | Itinerary | Price | Note | |
| 5 | Komodo National Park | £917 | Enquire | ||
| 5 | Komodo National Park | £917 | FULLY BOOKED | Enquire | |
| 5 | Komodo National Park | £917 | Enquire | ||
Bali - Komodo - Flores
Day 1: embarkation at Benoa harbor, Bali. The ship will leave around 9:00. After lunch we will visit the traditional Bali Aga village of Tenganan in East Bali. Over dinner, cross the famous "Wallace Line" on the way to Lombok.
Day 2: anchor off the East Lombok coast and visit a traditional pottery village. After a tasty lunch with Sasak culinary specialties, proceed to another small village where the inhabitants will perform some traditional dances for you.
Day 3: set foot on to the little known, uninhabited island of Satonda with its stunning crater lake and beautiful coral gardens.
Day 4: in Bima on the island of Sumbawa, visit the local market and a village up in the hills for a performance of local dances.
Day 5: very early in the morning drop anchor off Komodo Island for the first of two days in the Komodo National Park. Go ashore at Loh Liang for an encounter with the fierce Komodo dragons. In the afternoon head to one of the beaches nearby for some spectacular snorkeling.
Day 6: disembark at Loh Buaya on Rinca Island for another trek through the Park. In the evening the crew will prepare a romantic beach barbecue under the stars.
Day 7: Last opportunity for an early morning swim before docking in the harbor of Labuhanbajo in West Flores in the course of the morning. Around noon fly back to Bali.
Includes: full board, AC cabins with private h/c shower and toilet, tea and coffee, towels, excursions, use of snorkeling gear and sea canoes, transfer to/from airport in Labuhanbajo, European cruise director and gifts.
Excludes: Local airfares, beverages, Komodo National Park entrance fee, crew gratuities, laundry, transfer from or to the ship in Bali.
Itineraries subject to change without notice due to sea and weather conditions, availability of safe anchorage, government regulations and other factors beyond the crew's control.
Notes
** Komodo National Park Fee of US$15 per adult and US$7.50 for children under 16 years old for visits of up to 3 days will be payable on boardFlores - Komodo - Bali
Day 1: embarkation in Labuhanbajo on the Western tip of Flores. 
After a few hours of sailing, make the first stop at the small island of Mesa to visit a settlement of the Baju, the ‘Sea Gypsies’ who are indigenous to the area of the Lintas Strait and the Komodo National Park.
Day 2: go ashore at Loh Buaya on Rinca Island for a first encounter with the fierce Komodo dragons. In the afternoon head to one of the beaches nearby for some spectacular snorkeling and, in the evening, the crew will prepare a romantic beach barbecue under the stars.
Day 3: go ashore at Loh Liang on Komodo Island for another trek through the National Park.
Day 4: wake up in the little harbor of Bima on the island of Sumbawa where you can visit the local market and a village in the nearby highlands where the inhabitants will demonstrate some traditional dances.
Day 5: set foot on the little known uninhabited island of Satonda with its stunning crater lake and beautiful coral gardens.
Day 6: anchor off the East Lombok coast and visit a traditional pottery village. After a tasty lunch with Sasak culinary specialties you may visit another small village where the villagers will perform traditional dances for you.
Day 7: your last morning aboard the Ombak Putih will be spent on a deserted beach on Gili Nanggu, just off the coast of South Lombok. Depart again around lunch time for the five hour sail back to Bali.
Includes: full board, AC cabins with private h/c shower and toilet, tea and coffee, towels, excursions, use of snorkeling gear and sea canoes, transfer to/from airport in Labuhanbajo, European cruise director and gifts.
Excludes: Local airfares, beverages, Komodo National Park entrance fee, crew gratuities, laundry, transfer from or to the ship in Bali.
Itineraries are subject to change without notice due to sea and weather conditions, availability of safe anchorage, government regulations and other factors beyond the company's control.
Notes
** Komodo National Park Fee of US$15 per adult and US$7.50 for children under 16 years old for visits of up to 3 days will be payable on boardKomodo National Park
Komodo - National Park Cruise 2009 - 2010
Day 1
Embarkation in Labuhanbajo (LBJ), West Flores. After a few hours of sailing we reach our first destination, the uninhabited island of Gili Lawa Laut. Here we spend the first afternoon beachcombing and snorkeling and a quiet night at anchor under the stars.
Day 2
After a refreshing morning dip in the sea, we hoist anchor around nine o’ clock and, after a short sail, make the first stop of the day at the small island of Mesa to visit a settlement of the Baju, the ‘Sea Gypsies’ who are indigenous to the area of the Lintas Strait and live in houses on wooden stilts that are often underwater during the high tide. In the afternoon we move to another deserted beach on nearby Mauan Island in the heart of the National Park. At the end of the afternoon we move to our night anchorage in Komodo Bay.
Day 3
Go ashore at the Rangers station in Loh Liang for a trek on the island that gave its name to the Park. We make the trek in the company of some experienced rangers so we can watch the dragons in their natural habitat. We have lunch while crossing over to nearby Padar Island to another spectacular beach location for more exceptional snorkeling. At the end of the day we move to a protected bay to spend the night at anchor.
Day 4
Visit the rangers station of Loh Buaya on Rinca Island for a second encounter with the fierce dragons, besides which we are likely to encounter much more wildlife. After a short sail along the Northern Coast we also pay a visit to Rinca village. Finally we move to Kelor Island where in the evening our crew will prepare a romantic beach barbecue under the stars.
Day 5
Sail back to Flores and after a morning excursion to witness a spectacular ancient whip fight dance by the local Manggarai people we take you to the Labuan Baju airport for your return flight to Bali.
Includes:
Full board, AC cabins with private h/c shower and toilet, tea and coffee, towels, excursions, use of snorkeling gear and sea canoes, transfer to/from airport in Labuhanbajo, European cruise director .
Excludes:
Airfares, beverages, Komodo National Park entrance fee, crew gratuities, laundry, transfers in Bali.
Itineraries are subject to change without notice due to sea and weather conditions, availability of safe anchorage, government regulations and other factors beyond the operator's control.
Prices
- 2011: Euro 995 per person sharing a double or twin cabin
- 2012: Euro 1095 per person sharing a double or twin cabin
- Children between 2 and 12 benefit from a 25% discount
Notes
** Komodo National Park Fee of US$15 per adult and US$7.50 for children under 16 years old for visits of up to 3 days will be payable on boardDeparture Schedule | |||||
| Departs | Days | Itinerary | Price | Note | |
| 5 | Komodo National Park | £917 | Enquire | ||
| 5 | Komodo National Park | £917 | FULLY BOOKED | Enquire | |
| 5 | Komodo National Park | £917 | Enquire | ||
Komodo, Sumba, Savu, Lembata, Flores
Komodo - Sumba - Savu - Lembata - Flores Cruise 2009-2010
Labuanbajo - Maumere
A journey back in time to animistic beliefs, colorful ikat weaving, and natural beauty.
Day 1 Embarkation in Labuhanbajo, West Flores. After your arrival, you will first witness a spectacular ancient whip fight dance by the local Manggarai people.
Day 2 Visit the Komodo National Park where you will encounter the fierce Komodo dragons. A refreshing swim and some spectacular snorkeling are planned for
the afternoon. At sunset Ombak Putih will go on a southerly course for an overnight crossing of the Sumba Strait.
Day 3 Wake up in the harbor of Waingapu, in North-East Sumba, home of some of the finest weaving in Indonesia. Visit some of the more important traditional villages such as Prailiu where ancient customs still play an essential part in daily life. Witness the production of the well-known "ikat" weavings. These textiles are important family heirlooms and are used extensively in the traditional ceremonies. On the way back to the harbor there will be time to visit a local market and other villages. During the night, continue the voyage to the Island of Savu.
Day 4 Anchor in the same spot at Seba where Captain Cook landed in 1770. Savu is an island with a very strong animistic culture and a very thin layer of Christianity. Explore the ruins of Bodo, once a fortified village, and drive by truck to Mesara to see Savu ikats in a traditional village. There, we will also try the juice of the lontar palm, a staple food on the islands. In the late afternoon go on a Northerly course, crossing the Savu Sea to Flores.
Day 5 We have reached the old port of Ende, capital of Flores where we go ashore early in the morning to make the 40 kilometer trip to the stunning, three-colored crater lakes of Mount Keli Mutu, 1690 meters high and one of Indonesia’s most spectacular sights. Once we come down from the volcano, we pay a visit to a local school before returning to the vessel. While having dinner we continue our voyage eastward again.
Day 6 Arrive on the South coast of Lembata to visit the traditional whale hunting village of Lamalera. Here local fishermen still practice a primitive form of whaling with small open boats.
Day 7 Go ashore at Lewoleba and visit some villages in the authentic heartland of Lembata. After lunch on board, proceed to the North East Coast of Adonara for some snorkeling.
Day 8 Arrive at our final destination, Maumere, and make a shore excursion to the village of Watublapi. Once we return to the vessel, we have our farewell dinner on board.
Day 9 Depart to the airport for the early morning flight back to Bali.
Prices
US$ 2,248 per person sharing a double or twin cabin
US$ 3,709 per cabin in single occupancy
children between 2 and 12 25% discount
Includes: full board, AC cabins with private h/c shower and toilet, tea and coffee, towels, excursions, use of snorkeling gear and sea canoes, transfer to/from airport Maumere,
European cruise director.
Excludes: Local airfares, beverages, crew gratuities, laundry.
NOTE: Itineraries are subject to change without notice due to sea and weather conditions, availability of safe anchorage, government regulations and other factors beyond the company's control.
Notes
** Komodo National Park Fee of US$15 per adult and US$7.50 for children under 16 years old for visits of up to 3 days will be payable on boardEast Flores & Lembata
A five day expedition East of Flores
Day 1 Embarkation at Maumere Harbour on the island of Flores. The vessel will leave in the course of the afternoon and take you on an overnight crossing to one of the most remarkable sights in Eastern Indonesia. Your first sunset and dinner at sea.
Day 2 Wake up with the ship at anchor off the Island of Kumba, a smoldering volcano in the middle of the Flores sea. You will go ashore on one of the pebble beaches and this is also an opportunity to go snorkeling. We leave again in the course of the morning on our way to the island of Lembata.
Day 3 Arrive on the South coast of Lembata to visit the traditional whale hunting village of Lamalerap. Here local fishermen still practice a primitive form of whaling with their small open boats that are called "pledang".
Day 4 Explore Waienga Bay on the North side of the the island at the foot of the majestic Ile Api volcano, an area known to produce the best ikats of Lembata. We go ashore to visit one of the most culturally traditional villages on the island. In the evening beach BBQ.
Day 5 The ship arrives back in Maumere. In the morning we take you to the small village of Watublapi where we witness a cultural performance and the traditional hand weaving process. Afterwards we will transfer you to Maumere airport for your return or onward flight.
PRICE
US$ 1,250 per person sharing a double or twin cabin
US$ 2,062 per cabin in single occupancy
children between 2-12 25% discount
Includes:
- full board
- AC cabins with private h/c shower and toilet
- tea and coffee, towels, excursions
- use of snorkeling gear and sea canoes
- transfer to/from airport in Maumere
- European cruise director
Excludes:
- Local airfares
- beverages
- crew gratuities
- laundry
NOTE: Itineraries are subject to change without notice due to sea and weather conditions, availability of safe anchorage, government regulations and other factors beyond the company's control.
North Coast Flores
Maumere to Labuanbajo Cruise (or vv)
Exploring the North Coast of Flores including a visit to Kelimutu and the Komodo National Park
Day 1 After you arrive at the airport of Maumere, the capital of Flores we will transfer you to the harbor where you board the ship. Departure after dinner.
Day 2 Wake up at anchor in front of Ropa village for an early morning start to the famous three coloured lakes of the Kelimutu volcano. On the way back we stop in several villages to meet with some of the women who specialize in the typical Flores ikat weaving techniques. Once we are back on the vessel, we move to a nearby beach for the remainder of the afternoon.
Day 3 Anchor at Punga Beach on the Island of Palu’e and make an early morning trek up the hill to a site that goes by the name of Ko’a, where the villagers preserve a proud heritage in which ancestor worship remains a key ingredient. You will observe traditional village life in a place where drinking water has always been a luxury so the villagers have a routine to boil the brackish ground water and condense this into bamboo poles.
Day 4 Today we make a stop at the Riung Islands, a group of uninhabited islands with white sand beaches and beautiful coral gardens just off the North Coast of Flores. Here we will spend the whole day beachcombing and snorkeling. When one climbs up the hill there are spectacular views of the main island. As the sun sets we hoist the anchor for the overnight passage to the Komodo National park.
Day 5 Wake up in front of the rangers station in Loh Liang on Komodo Island to watch the Komodo dragons in their national habitat. In the afternoon we stop at one of the many small islands in the heart of the National Park for some snorkeling and beachcombing. In the late afternoon we proceed to Rinca where we spend the night at anchor.
Day 6 Go ashore on Rinca Island. Again we make a trek through the Park in the company of some experienced Rangers and other than the dragons we are likely to encounter much more wildlife. We have lunch while crossing over to Padar Island to another spectacular beach location and some more exceptional snorkeling. In the evening a BBQ on the beach.
Day 7 Reach the harbor of Labuan Bajo and after a morning excursion to witness a spectacular ancient whip fight dance by the local Manggarai people we take you to the airport for your return flight to Bali.
PRICE
US$ 1,795 per person sharing a double or twin cabin
US$ 2,962 per cabin in single occupancy
children between 2-12 25% discount
Includes:
- full board
- AC cabins
- with private h/c shower and toilet
- tea and coffee
- towels
- excursions
- use of snorkeling gear and sea canoes
- transfer to/from airport in Labuan Baju and Maumere
- European cruise director
Excludes:
- Local airfares
- beverages
- crew gratuities
- laundry
NOTE: Itineraries are subject to change without notice due to sea and weather conditions, availability of safe anchorage, government regulations and other factors beyond the company's control.
Spice Islands
Day 1 : After your flight from Denpasar, you will touch down at Ambon Airport in the early afternoon, and we will cross Ambon Bay by ferry to find the Ombak Putih at anchor or alongside the pier in the harbour of Ambon City. After settling in on board, we immediately start our passage to the Banda Archipelago.
Day 2 : Around noon, you will arrive in the famous Spice Islands. Our first stop in the Banda group will be at Ai Island, one of the locations popular with the early colonialists for growing spices, notably nutmeg. Behind the local village we find Fort Revenge, a reference to the wars that were waged between the colonial powers in the 17th century. Afterwards you have the opportunity to go snorkeling over one of the most beautiful coral reefs of Eastern Indonesia, off the coastline of Ai. In the course of the afternoon we set sail to Bandanaira, the capital of Banda, passing the towering volcano of Gunung Api. With the Ombak Putih tied up to a local palm tree on the waterfront, we go for a stroll around the small colonial town with its restored planters’ mansions, fortifications (such as Fort Belgica!) and its churches. The population is an interesting mix of Malay, Arab, Dutch and Melanesian.
Day 3 : The fit and ambitious may undertake an early (4.30 am!) hike of the Gunung Api. The vista of the 9 Banda islands strewn over the azure seas, lit by the very first daylight will be an ample reward, a view no one is likely to ever forget! After breakfast we will pay a visit to the last nutmeg plantation that is still in operation. Here we will learn how nutmeg and mace is grown and these spices are processed following time honored techniques.
Day 4 : We intend to surprise you. This is in principle a spare day. We know from experience that more often than not, we all want to extend our stay in Banda - to attend one of the frequent ceremonies or to visit Hatta or Run Island. In 1667, under the Treaty of Breda, the latter was ceded by the English to the Dutch in exchange for Manhattan. On our way out the ‘Sonnegat” (sun’s gap) between Bandanaira and Gunung Api we hope to be escorted by one or two so-called ‘Kora-Kora’, long sea canoes, rowed by over a dozen muscled men and used in ancient times to attack the invading colonists. During the night the Ombak Putih goes on a Southeasterly course across the Banda Sea.
Day 5 : First make a brief early morning stop at Manuk Island, a rock in the middle of the Banda Sea that is populated by thousands of frigate birds, sterns and gannets. If the tides and the local surf allow us to do so, we briefly will set foot ashore, and be exposed to the feigned attacks of the birds. Afterwards we proceed toward the tiny islands of Serua and Nila.
Days 6 and 7 : Make a stop at Serua and Nila, two of the three so-called TNS islands, southeast Moluccan islands where populations are closely related and the local economies, based on sweet potato, sago palm and fish are very similar. When we land, we are likely to be rather warmly greeted by the islanders as the major tourist attraction of the year...At the end of day 7 we continue through the night on an easterly course towards the Tanimbar Archipelago.
Day 8 : Reach the west coast of Yamdena, the main island of the Tanimbar Group. We will disembark on islands of quiet beauty with untouched forest teeming with birds, wild orchids and ‘cuscus’. This will be another day of nature exploration, coastal raids with our tender, and some relaxing time on remote beaches. Turning east along the north coast of the island we will continue our journey heading for the north end of the Tanimbars.
Day 9 : We will be going ashore on one or two of the islands of Fordate, Larat or Asat. Village and nature exploration and snorkeling will be the substance of the day. With the assistance of local teachers we will try to organize a performance of local music and dance. Late afternoon departure to the Kai Archipelago.
Day 10 : Wake up with the vessel standing off at Kai-Tanimbar, the southernmost island of the Kai archipelago and considered to be the cradle of the regional culture. Here we will explore coastal villages, in search for cultural artifacts such as weaving and pottery and go trekking into the local forest. In the evening we will continue our sailing voyage, on the last stretch to Tual, the capital of Kai.
Day 11 : After an early breakfast, say farewell to the crew and the Ombak Putih and board a coach for the transfer to the airport of Tual. From Tual fly via Ambon and Makassar back to Bali.
Please note that the domestic flights are not included in the price.
Includes: full board, AC cabins with private h/c shower and toilet, tea and coffee, towels, excursions, use of snorkeling gear and sea canoes, transfer from/to the airports, European cruise director.
Excludes: Local airfares, beverages, crew gratuities, laundry.
Itineraries: subject to change without notice due to sea and weather conditions, availability of safe anchorage, government regulations and other factors beyond the company's control.
Kai to New Guinea
Kai to New Guinea (Agats – Timika) Cruise
11 days/10 nights
2010: US$3,400 per person sharing a double or twin cabin US$5,610 per cabin in single occupancy
2011: US$3,740 per person sharing a double or twin cabin US$6,170 per cabin in single occupancy
children between 2 and 12 years 25% discount
Prior to the cruise you need to fly from Denpasar to Ambon (via Makassar). Once you have arrived at Pattimura Airport in Ambon we transfer you to hotel Ambon Manise where you will spend the night. (It is necessary to be in Ambon one night prior to the cruise because there is only one flight to Kai a day, early morning. Domestic flights and accommodation may be booked through Symbiosis and are not included in the cruise fare). After check-in to the hotel there is time to visit the Siwa Lima Museum in the hills outside Ambon City to study the history and culture of the Moluccas.
13
Day 1 : fly from Ambon to Kai, departing at 07:00 and arriving at 09:05. Transfer from Langgur, airport of Tual to the harbour and embarkation on board of the Ombak Putih. After settling in on board we go for a short exploration of the city of Tual and then we will set sail to the neighbouring island Kai Besar.
Day 2 : arrive at Kai Besar where we will explore some coastal villages, go snorkeling or trekking into the local forest. In the course of the afternoon we hoist the anchor again for our passage to the mainland of West Papua.
Day 3 : the Ombak Putih will sail into the Nautilus Strait between Pulau Adi and the mainland of West Papua (formerly known as Irian Jaya). We will stop at the Kiti-kiti waterfall that runs from the mountains straight into the sea. From there we will cross to the island of Namatote where we will search for cliff paintings and other pictorial signs left by ancient inhabitants high on the cliff galleries. We also watch for whales as the area is a known breeding ground.
Day 4 : sail into the narrow bay of Triton, one of the natural wonders of West Papua. Here we find ourselves surrounded by small eroded rocks mushrooming from the sea, like flying saucers that landed from outer space. We will explore the area at closer range from our tender.
Days 5 & 6 : explore the virginal coastal areas and bays east of Triton. Westerners rarely ever set foot ashore here and the days will be surely full of interesting surprises. In the late afternoon of day 6 we will start our passage to Agats, the main village of the Asmat area.
Day 7 : Sail the entire day along the swampy coast of West Papua. If the winds are favourable, we will hoist the sails and share the experience of Sir Alfred Wallace who described Phinisi vessels as “more comfortable than the modern day steamers” during his Odysseys through the “Malay Archipelago” (1854-1862).
Day 8 : we hope to make an early morning landfall and go for anchor in the coastal area near Agats. Depending on the tide our distance from the shore will vary from 1 mile to 7.
During days 8 and 9 : the daylight hours will be filled with ceremonial welcome rituals, meticulously and over many days prepared by the Asmat population in anticipation of our arrival. The Ombak Putih will be surrounded by an armada of war-canoes; the air will be filled with shrieking and shouting of the tribal people expressing their joy with our coming. This and other rituals will be carried out in line with the local customs so as to not disturb the balance between the living and the deceased, between gods and men. During the late afternoon of day 9 we will set sail for our final journey to Timika.
Day 10 is a spare day to be taken up along the route in response to spontaneously emerging conditions.
Day 11 : we will arrive during the early morning in Timika. Disembarkation and transfer to Timika airport from where we will make our return flight to Bali at 11.25, arrival in Denpasar at 13.50.
Please note that all flight times are subject to changes and that the domestic flights are not included in the cruise fare.
Includes: full board, AC cabins with private h/c shower and toilet, tea and coffee, towels, excursions, use of snorkelling gear and sea canoes, transfer from/to airports in, European cruise director.
Excludes: Local airfares, beverages, crew gratuities, laundry.
Itineraries: subject to change without notice due to sea and weather conditions, availability of safe anchorage, government regulations and other factors beyond the company's control.
West Papua
New Guinea Coastal Cruise from Timika and Asmat Country to Sorong
Day 1 : touchdown early in the morning at the airport of Timika and immediately transfer to the harbour which is located at the mouth of the local river. Embark the Ombak Putih and departure direction Agats.
Day 2 : the vessel will arrive off Agats, the capital of the Asmat region and will remain there for two days in order to explore the Asmat heartland which is located in a huge expanse of 
swamps and mangroves along the southern coast of Papua (formerly known as Irian Jaya). Moving about on local longboats, visit various villages. All Asmat villages are located on river banks and until about 50 years ago this land was completely unexplored and home to fierce warriors. You will see the traditional longhouses (called "jeu") and the exquisite woodcarvings that have made the Asmat people world famous. Learn how they tap the wild sago to satisfy their daily needs. Experience ritual welcome ceremonies and other traditional rituals pertinent to the Asmat tribe. At one stage the Ombak Putih will be surrounded by dozens of war-canoes and the air will be filled with shrieks and shouts expressing a heartfelt 
welcome to the honoured guests coming from overseas.
Day 3 : Continue to explore the Asmat region. Then, in the course of the evening the Ombak Putih will lift anchor and set sail heading for the Triton bay located over 200 nautical miles to the west.
Day 4 : sail the entire day along the swampy coast of West Papua. If winds are favourable, The Ombak Putih's crew will hoist the sails so that you can share the experience of Sir Alfred Wallace who described Phinisi vessels as "more comfortable than the modern day steamers" during his Odysseys through the "Malay Archipelago" (1854-1862). When conditions allow, one or more swim stops will be made.
Day 5 : The Ombak Putih will arrive in Triton bay, certainly one of the most beautiful and undisturbed places of Asia. The scenery is magnificent: tall cliffs, limestone outcrops separated by narrow channels, secluded beaches, turquoise waters.....the perfect pirates' den. You will use tenders to explore the area. If time permits, you may also visit the village of Lobo at the foot of a 3000 feet cliff. Quiet evening in a protected cove and BBQ on the beach.
Day 6 : on the way to the small town of Kaimana, make a stop at Namatote village to search for cliff paintings and other pictorial signs left by ancient inhabitants high on the cliff galleries. In Kaimana, spend a few hours in the centre of town to get the feel of 'urban' Papua. West of Kaimana the boat will sail mile after mile along a coastline of uninhabited, towering mountains covered with thick jungle. Here, in complete wilderness, a roaring river cascades down the jungle-clad mountains and crashes right on the white-sand beach. Plenty of lobsters inhabit the rocky waters around Kiti Kiti.
Day 7 : arrive at Karas island in the bay of Sebakor. Visit local villages or laze around on one of the secluded beaches. Then proceed to the district centre of Fakfak where you may disembark to explore the city. It is one of the few places on the entire coast where the crew has the opportunity to take on fresh supplies.
Day 8 : is a spare day. As the journey leads you through remote areas that lack the infrastructure to provide ships with supplies, bunkering facilities for fuel or any other important supporting services, you need to be open to the unexpected. Delays of various sorts may occur and we know from experience that we must keep our time schedule flexible so we can absorb any potential setbacks.
Day 9 : on the way from Fakfak to the island of Misool, make a stop at one or two of the so-called "Valsche Pisang" islands, and definitely will not skip the desert island of Daram where pristine white beaches populated by myriads of hermit crabs present the perfect site for an unforgettable BBQ. Great snorkelling!
Day 10 : Arrive at the north coast of Misool Island, which is dotted with numerous uninhabited islets and fringed by white-sand beaches and coral reefs; spend the morning snorkelling and exploring these islands. After one or two stops, the Ombak Putih will sail onward to the east-coast of Misool. Few areas in Indonesia can lay claim to such unsurpassed natural beauty as the eastern end of the Misool archipelago; its landscape is typical of 'karst dissolution' so the chain of islands were cut into hundreds of coves and lagoons, high cliffs and limestone overhangs, narrow channels and inlets, caves and jagged rocks as well as countless shaded beaches.... another perfect pirates' den. The reefs are mostly untouched with many underwater caves waiting to be explored. If you feel like doing some rock-climbing, you will enjoy incredible scenery and will have a fair chance of spotting exotic birds, including large hornbills.
Days 11 & 12 : explore more of the world-famous 'Raja Ampat' (four kings) archipelago, located west and north of West Papua's "Bird's Head peninsular. Look for the elusive Wilson's Bird of paradise, take a bath in waterfalls and follow tracks into the jungle. The last night the Ombak Putih will spend at anchor off the island of Mansuar, close to the mainland. Here you can enjoy some final white-sand beaches, clear waters, iridescent reefs, always with the backdrop of thick forests.
Day 13 : after breakfast, say farewell to the crew of the Ombak Putih and disembark on Jeffman Island in front of Sorong, and transfer to the airport of the city for the return flight to Bali.
Important Notices
- As this is a real expedition, leading to places far beyond western civilisation, additional supplies of food and fresh water are not easily obtained. Although the vessel has water making facilities we do wish to let the participants know they should be prepared for economical and responsible individual consumption of fresh water.
- Participants are informed that itinerary and program of our sea voyages occasionally may be modified due to factors beyond our control: unfavourable weather conditions, delay in processing harbour clearances, modified schedules of domestic flights. The cruise director and captain of the Ombak Putih will adjust the program accordingly to the best interest of all.
Please also note that the domestic flights are not included in the fare mentioned. However Symbiosis will be happy to arrange these for you.
| Price USD | 2010 | 2011 |
| person sharing a double or twin cabin | 3,600 | 3,960 |
| per cabin in single occupancy | 5,940 | 6,534 |
| children between 2 and 12 years | 25% discount | |
The Ombak Putih
The Ombak Putih is an almost traditional Pinisi sailing schooner, furnished to a high standard, and offering 12 double air-conditioned cabins, each with its own private bathroom.
The ship's main deck is dominated by a 25m tall mainmast and a large deck table where you can have dinner under the stars. On the deck house level on the aft side of the boat, a spacious sun deck (with canopy for some shade) overlooks the sea. Here you can read in a comfortable deck chair or dream away on one of the comfortable day beds.
Accommodation is below decks, where you will find twelve cabins, four with double beds and eight configured as twin-bunks. Unlike typical ship accommodation, your cabin provides ample space to store your stuff and still move about with ease. All cabins are air-conditioned (individually controlled) and have private bathrooms with warm and cold water.
The Ombak Putih is a mix of traditional and modern design. Her hull and rigging are traditional, while the deck house and interior were custom designed to adapt to Western tastes of space, privacy and comfort. While Indonesian traditional sailing vessels are customarily referred to as Bugis Schooners, strictly speaking she is rigged as a Ketch, the foremast being higher than the aft mast.
Specifications and Deck Plans
Construction: Kalimantan, Indonesia, 1996/7
Registry: Indonesia
Length over all : 36 meters (118 feet)
Beam: 10 meters (33 feet)
Draft: 3.5 meters (11.5 feet)
Decks: 1 main deck, 1 sun deck, 1 cabin deck
Motor: Detroit Diesel, 8 cylinder
Sails: 2 masts, 7 sails, total 600 square meters
Max. speed: 10-12 knots under sail
Crew: 16 (Indonesians), 1 European cruise director
Capacity: 12 cabins for 24 passengers
Safety: inflatable life rafts, life buoys, life jackets
Navigation: radar, GPS, depth sounder
Voltage: 220 Volt
Tenders: 2 (with 60 and 25 HP outboards)
Safety and Seaworthiness
The vessel is fitted with all internationally required safety equipment such as SSB and VHF radios, life jackets, life rafts, and satellite telephone. Experienced navigators consider it an axiom that the seaworthiness of a vessel depends on the seaworthiness of the crew. Our ship has a well trained and well seasoned Indonesian crew of sixteen, complemented by a multilingual European Cruise Director. We are proud of the fact that most of the crewmembers that joined us when the vessel was launched are still on board today.
Services Profile
• Spacious twin shared cabin with twin bunk beds or double bed
• Each cabin has a private bathroom with toilet and hot shower
• Washbasin and soap toiletries in your cabin
• Cabins have individually controlled air conditioning
• Towels and beach towels that are regularly changed
• Valuables and travel documents can be stored in the ship's safe
• Dining in spacious air conditioned lounge
• Teak wooden furniture in lounge, cabins and on deck
• Spacious sun and semi-covered decks
• Free tea, coffee and mineral water
• Excellent food and snacks (vegetarian food on request)
• Excellent wine selection, cold beer and other alcoholic drinks for sale
• Fresh water on-deck shower
• Chilled towels and a welcome drink upon arrival
• Outdoor sleeping facilities
• Professional European cruise director
• Main tender with 60 hp. outboard engine takes 24 passengers
• Auxiliary tender with 25 hp. outboard takes 10 passengers
• Unlimited use of our snorkeling equipment and 2 sea canoes
• Organize scuba diving in Komodo National Park (optional)
• Television, VCD and music centre in lounge
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