Indonesia Wildlife Watching
Based in Lombok, The Katharina sailing cruises are primarily focused on Eastern Indonesia, highlights of which include the islands of Lombok, Sumbawa, Komodo, Rinca, Flores, the Moluccas, and Irian Jaya (West-Papua) where she will visit, among other places the famous, Asmat tribe.
Exploratory cruises will take you to the unknown and extraordinary, to dragons in Komodo, whale hunters in Lembata, warrior tribes in Papua and will trace the ancient spice routes to the gorgeous Banda Islands. For those interested in history, remember the great discoverers Cook, Magellan and Tasman. Much of the sailing is done at night to allow maximum opportunity for visiting islands and points of interest, or snorkel, kayak, dive (by prior arrangement) etc. during the day
The boat is a traditional style ?Bugis Schooner? or Pinisi (pronounced Finisi). The Bugis people of south Sulawesi, once feared as pirates, have always been the most skilful ship builders and sailors of Indonesia. Their vessels, perahu and pinisi were and still are hand-crafted entirely from timber.
The Katharina is designed for comfort with spacious air-conditioned, en-suite cabins and the dining/recreational area and large deck-space are furnished with comfortable deck chairs and sun benches.
The Indonesian seas are usually calm, being out of the cyclone path. June, July and August are usually more windy and it is during these months that the regular south-eastern trades allows the ship to often travel under sail.
Bali~Komodo~Bali
10 days/9 nights
Journeys along the Lesser Sunda Islands remain among our favorite itineraries and for good reason. 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 spend a couple of days in the Komodo area for 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.
Day 1: 08.30 a.m. transfer from Sanur, south Bali, to Amed in the north-east of Bali (2 hrs). Upon arrival in Amed 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: Arriving at Sumbawa in the morning, disembark and explore the town of Sumbawa Besar on the west-side of the island. 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 sail to the southern tip of the Island of Moyo where you may spend a few hours relaxing swimming and snorkeling. Night sailing to east-Sumbawa.
Day 3: 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. See the manufacturing of all kinds of craft in various stages of construction, much the way the Katharina was built in 1998. Midday sail toward Sangean island, an active volcano towering 1800 meters above the surrounding waters. Make 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 fauna. You may go hiking to look 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 you will go by road to visit 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, 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 you can make a tour to a nearby village to attend a 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 arrive in Satonda, the top of an extinct volcano. Visit the crater lake in the centre of the island, where you 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, proceed to the Island of Moyo for a hike to an exquisite three-tiered waterfall where you can take a refreshing bath in the pool down below. Late afternoon onward sailing to Lombok.
Day 10: Early morning arrival at the harbour of Lembar, southwest Lombok. From here make a tour over west-Lombok, visiting a few original Sasak villages where you can admire the local arts of pottery and hand weaving. Before noon, re-embark the Katharina and set sail to Serangan (turtle island). Serangan is connected with the mainland of Bali. Arrive in Serangan before sunset. End of the cruise and individual transfer to your hotel.
* Opportunity for optional diving; to be booked in advance.
NOTICE
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 in the best interest of all.
Price quoted based on sharing a cabin
1. INCLUDES: 3 quality meals per day, coffee, tea, snacks, soft drinks, wine at dinner, laundry services, use of snorkeling equipment, sea kayaks and fishing gear, inland excursions (programmed tours), entrance fee Komodo National Park, experienced English-speaking Cruise Director, transfer airport-harbour and v.v.
2. EXCLUDES: domestic airfares, personal insurances, alcoholic beverages & gratuities.
3. DISCOUNTED RATES: Triple Cabin occupancy: 50% discount third occupant.
Children (up to 10 years old, when boarding with parents in the same triple cabin) :
- First Child: 60% discount is applicable.
- Second Child: Free of charge.
4. SINGLE CABIN OCCUPANCY: 50% surcharge
5. FAMILY SUITE (upper deck): As the upper deck cabin offers exclusively facilities -extra space, a king size bed, a single bed, a couch, windows all around- a surcharge for this cabin is due of one extra 'ticket', i.e., two pax will pay for three.
Rate for family occupancy on request.
Bali~Komodo~Savu~Roti~Timor
10 days/9 nights
The ethereal tones of the sasando, a 12-string lontar-leaf harp, evoking the nostalgia of the Portuguese era on the island of Roti.
The beach of Savu under the gracious feet of virgins dancing at a thanksgiving ceremony following harvest.
The earth of Sumba being trampled by horses carrying ferocious warriors.
This, plus a sure meeting with Jurassic monsters in Komodo National Park, is the kind of experience this cruise to Indonesia prior to monotheism is made of.
Day 1: 08.30 a.m. transfer from Sanur, south Bali to Amed, north-east Bali (2 hrs). Upon arrival in Amed, board the ‘Katharina’, settle in and sail to Gili Trawangan for swimming, snorkelling and beach-combing. Late afternoon onward sailing to Moyo.
Day 2: Morning arrival at the island of Moyo. Here you can hike through the monsoon forest to a lovely three-tiered waterfall for a dip or a swim in complete wilderness. Around noon onward sailing to the island of Satonda.
After a few hours arrival at Satonda island, the tip of an ancient volcano. Here you will come across a huge crater-lake just a few minutes from the beach. Reefs around the island are spectacular and mostly in pristine conditions, excellent for snorkelers. Night sailing along the north coast of Sumbawa heading east.
Day 3: Arrival at Wera, a traditional east-Sumbawanese village famous for its boat-building activities. You can see all kinds of craft in various stages of construction under the palm trees on the beach; very much the same way the Katharina was built in 1998. Around noon sailing to Sangeang Island, a volcano towering 1600 meter over the sea. After a short visit of the local village, where you will wonder how people manage to survive, we will sail direction Loh Liang, the bay of Komodo proper (part of a 30 island archipelago) where the Katharina will spend the night at anchor.
Day 4: Early morning take a short stroll (45 min.) along a dry river bed in search of the giant Komodo Dragon, the world's largest lizard growing up to 3m in length. Return t the shore for swimming and snorkeling over one of the best reefs of the area at the so-called ‘Red Beach’, from where it is a two hour sailing to Rinca. Dinner will be a barbecue on a deserted beach under the blinking gaze of a million stars.
Day 5: Make an early morning trek on Rinca Island, the second largest island of the Park, offering a wider variety of wildlife than Komodo itself: wild horses & water buffalo, feral deer & boars, rare megapode birds, and of course once more the famous Komodo dragons. Rinca’s unsurpassed savannah scenery is accentuated by deep blue coves and inlets. Might sailing heading south to the island of Sumba.
Day 6: Arrival at Waikelo, West Sumba. Today you will visit by local bus (non-AC) some of the traditional villages of West Sumba, where time seems to have lost direction and life appears not to have changed for hundreds of years. Admire the megaliths erected on ancestral tombs and take time to shop for ikat weavings with their the distinctive motifs unique to Sumba. Along the way stop for a picnic lunchbox prepared by the crew. Late afternoon re-embarkation aboard Katharina and departure heading east along the north coast of Sumba.
Day 7: Arrive today in Waingapu, the capital of Sumba. After a short inspection of the bustling centre, make a bus ride (non-AC) to the traditional villages of Rende and Prailiu, where you can admire more examples of the intricate and long-winded art of ikat weaving. The local people are short and dark and give the impression of being half Asian and half Polynesian. Upon re-embarkation, night sail across the Savu Sea.
Day 8: Arrive in Sepa, Savu. Here you may be greeted by ikat-clad tribesmen on horseback who might escort you to the sacred gathering place of the elders of Savu that few outsiders are allowed to visit - subject to permission from the local elders. The impressive circle of stones commands respect to the wise men which ensure the continuance of timeless adat traditions. The ikat of Savu are some of Nusa Tenggara’s finest and there will be opportunities to purchase one or two. Admire the female of Savu who are renowned throughout the archipelago for their beauty. Wander by foot or on horseback around the interior of Savu, breathing the timeless atmosphere of the island, once visited and admired by Captain Cook and his crew. Late afternoon sail onward to the island of Roti.
Day 9: Arrival at Baa, the capital of Roti Island. Roti has been long under the influence of Portugal, which is demonstrated by the local handicraft. Here is your chance to buy silver ornaments, distinctive Rotinese ikats, and pinnacled hats plaited from lontar leaves. You may be entertained by music and dances produced by the sasando, a 12-string lontar-leaf harp originating from this tiny island. The music is reminiscent of the Fado music and the Saudade sentiments of Portugal. If time allows, attend a music and dance performance. Evening sail to west-Timor.
Day 10: Arrival in the traditional harbour of Temau, Kupang, West Timor. After having enjoyed breakfast, say farewell to the crew and the Katharina. Time allowing you may visit the museum of west-Timor in the centre of the city on the way to Kupang airport. Return flighty from Kupang to Denpasar, Bali.
NOTICE
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 in the best interest of all.
Price quoted based on sharing a cabin
1. INCLUDES: 3 quality meals per day, coffee, tea, snacks, soft drinks, wine at dinner, laundry services, use of snorkeling equipment, sea kayaks and fishing gear, inland excursions (programmed tours), entrance fee Komodo National Park, experienced English-speaking Cruise Director, transfer airport-harbour and v.v.
2. EXCLUDES: domestic airfares, personal insurances, alcoholic beverages & gratuities.
3. DISCOUNTED RATES: Triple Cabin occupancy: 50% discount third occupant.
Children (up to 10 years old, when boarding with parents in the same triple cabin) :
- First Child: 60% discount is applicable.
- Second Child: Free of charge.
4. SINGLE CABIN OCCUPANCY: 50% surcharge
5. FAMILY SUITE (upper deck): As the upper deck cabin offers exclusively facilities -extra space, a king size bed, a single bed, a couch, windows all around- a surcharge for this cabin is due of one extra 'ticket', i.e., two pax will pay for three.
Rate for family occupancy on request.
Timor~Roti~Savu~Komodo~Bali
10 days/9 nights
The ethereal tones of the sasando, a 12-string lontar-leaf harp, evoking the nostalgia of the Portuguese era on the island of Roti.
The beach of Savu under the gracious feet of virgins dancing at a thanksgiving ceremony following harvest.
The earth of Sumba being trampled by horses carrying ferocious warriors.
This, plus a sure meeting with Jurassic monsters in Komodo National Park, is the kind of experience this cruise to Indonesia prior to monotheism is made of.
Day 1: Arrival by air in Kupang, West Timor. After your transfer from the airport to the harbour and embarkation aboard Katharina, set sail to the nearby island of Semau. Here you may take a stroll on the long white sandy beaches, do some snorkeling or hike to an inland village. Night sailing to the island of Roti.
Day 2: Arrive in Baa, the capital of Roti Island. Roti has been long under the influence of Portugal, which is demonstrated by the local handicraft. Here is your chance to buy silver ornaments, distinctive Rotinese ikats, and pinnacled hats plaited from lontar leaves. You may be entertained by music and dances produced by the sasando, a 12-string lontar-leaf harp originating from this tiny island. The music is reminiscent of the Fado music and the Saudade sentiments of Portugal. Evening sail to the island of Savu. If time allows,l attend a music and dance performance.
Day 3: Arrive in Sepa, Savu. Here you may be greeted by ikat-clad tribesmen on horseback who might escort you to the sacred gathering place of the elders of Savu that few outsiders are allowed to visit - subject to permission from the local elders. The impressive circle of stones commands respect to the wise men which ensure the continuance of timeless adat traditions. The ikat of Savu are some of Nusa Tenggara’s finest and there will be opportunities to purchase one or two. Admire the female of Savu who are renowned throughout the archipelago for their beauty. Wander by foot or on horseback around the interior of Savu, breathing the timeless atmosphere of the island, once visited and admired by Captain Cook and his crew. Late afternoon we sail onward to either the island of Raijua or to Sumba.
If sea conditions allow, make a stop in Raijua island; as everywhere in the Savu area, it is, for the casual visitor, a return to a strictly rural, animistic society, with all the villages built and organised in a strongly traditional way, giving everyone a sense of being back in a sort of garden of Eden; expect midday sail to uninhabited Dana island for a Robinson Crusoe experience and an beach BBQ in splendid isolation . If conditions do not permit, sail onward straight to the island of Sumba.
Day 4: If Raijua was skipped we will arrive today in Waingapu, the capital of Sumba.After a short inspection of the bustling centre, make a bus ride (non-AC) to the traditional villages of Rende and Prailiu, where you can admire more examples of the intricate and long-winded art of ikat weaving. The local people are short and dark and give the impression of being half Asian and half Polynesian. Upon re-embarkation night sail along the north coast of Sumba to from Waingapu to Waikelo. West-Sumba.
Day 5: Arrival at Waikelo, West Sumba. Today you will visit by local bus (non-AC) some of the traditional villages of West Sumba, where time seems to have lost direction and life appears not to have changed for hundreds of years. Admire the megaliths erected on ancestral tombs and take time to shop for ikat weavings with their the distinctive motifs unique to Sumba. Along the way stop for a picnic lunchbox prepared by the crew. Late afternoon re-embarkation aboard Katharina and departure heading north for the Komodo Archipelago. Where our first stop will be on Rinca Island.
Day 6: Make an early morning trek on Rinca Island, the second largest island of the Park, offering a wider variety of wildlife than Komodo itself: wild horses & water buffalo, feral deer & boars, rare megapode birds, and of course once more the famous Komodo dragons. Rinca’s unsurpassed savannah scenery is accentuated by deep blue coves and inlets.At midday we’ll sail to Padar Island for an afternoon swim and snorkelling or a short trek up to the summit of the grassy hill for superb panoramas of the surrounding islands. In the evening, enjoy a supper barbecue on a deserted beach under the blinking gaze of a million stars.
Day 7: Early morning another opportunity to spot the giant Komodo Lizard. After a short stroll (45 min.) along a dry river bed in search of the giant Komodo Dragon, the world's largest lizard growing up to 3m in length. Return t the shore for swimming and snorkeling over one of the best reefs of the area at the so-called ‘Red Beach’. Night sailing to Wera, East Sumbawa.
Day 8: Arrival at Wera, a traditional east-Sumbawanese village famous for its boat-building activities. You can see all kinds of craft in various stages of construction under the palm trees on the beach; very much the same way the Katharina was built in 1998. Around noon sailing to Sangeang Island, a volcano towering 1600 meter over the sea. After a short visit of the local village, where you will wonder how people manage to survive, we will head west to islands north of Sumbawa.
Day 9: Arrival at Satonda island, the tip of an ancient volcano. Here you will come across a huge crater-lake just a few minutes from the beach. Reefs around the island are spectacular and mostly in pristine conditions, excellent for snorkelers. Before noon sailing to Moyo. Upon arrival at Moyo, make a hike through the monsoon forest to a lovely three-tiered waterfall for a dip or a swim in complete wilderness. Later afternoon onward to Lombok.
Day 10: Early morning arrival at the harbour of Lembar, southwest Lombok. From here make a tour through west Lombok, visiting a few original Sasak villages where you canl admire the local arts of pottery and hand weaving. Before noon re-embark the Katharina and set sail to Serangan (turtle island). Serangan is connected with the mainland of Bali. Arrival in Serangan before sunset. End of the cruise and individual transfer to your hotel.
NOTICE 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 in the best interest of all.
Price quoted based on sharing a cabin
1. INCLUDES: 3 quality meals per day, coffee, tea, snacks, soft drinks, wine at dinner, laundry services, use of snorkeling equipment, sea kayaks and fishing gear, inland excursions (programmed tours), entrance fee Komodo National Park, experienced English-speaking Cruise Director, transfer airport-harbour and v.v.
2. EXCLUDES: domestic airfares, personal insurances, alcoholic beverages & gratuities.
3. DISCOUNTED RATES: Triple Cabin occupancy: 50% discount third occupant.
Children (up to 10 years old, when boarding with parents in the same triple cabin) :
- First Child: 60% discount is applicable.
- Second Child: Free of charge.
4. SINGLE CABIN OCCUPANCY: 50% surcharge
5. FAMILY SUITE (upper deck): As the upper deck cabin offers exclusively facilities -extra space, a king size bed, a single bed, a couch, windows all around- a surcharge for this cabin is due of one extra 'ticket', i.e., two pax will pay for three.
Rate for family occupancy on request.
Timor~Tanimbar~Kei
12 days/11 nights
Although Indonesia encompasses 18.500 odd islands, offering a stunning variety of culture, flora, fauna and marine biology, voyages overseas, hopping from one island to the next, are virtually unheard of.
This voyage to the eastern Lesser Sunda’s and the Southest Moluccas will bring you to the most remote parts of the archipelago, to places over and below the sea level you haven’t dreamt of existing.
Gradually passing from Asia to the Pacific you will set foot ashore on a string of islands stretched out along the Ring of Fire, in our time a backwater but for centuries the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow where the weight of nutmeg and clove was measured in gold bars.
Day 1: Flight Denpasar - Kupang. Upon arrival at Kupang Airport, transfer to the traditional harbour of Temau for embarkation aboard Katharina. After settling in, set sail for a 2 day journey along the coast of West-Timor, in search of fishing communities and vestiges of Portuguese occupation, enjoying one or two snorkelling and beach stops on the way.
Day 2: See day 1. Late afternoon and night crossing the Timor Sea heading for the island of Pantar.
Day 3: On Pantar visit some of the fortified villages typical for this area once feared for its belligerent population. You will be peacefully guided by one of our crew who hails from Pantar. Be prepared for some interesting expressions of local culture! After re-embarkation, enjoy swimming in crystal clear waters around the boat. Midday sail to uninhabited Rusa island: the beaches are truly fantastic, the corals exquisite and the island – as its name implies – is full of deer that are easily seen, sometimes even from the beach. Night sailing to Alor.
Day 4: The day in Alor will be spent exploring the main island: the old tribal villages there are defensively located on hilltops and have a particular architecture. Attend traditional dances in the village of Takpala and be surprised by the redoubt appearance of the local women, the size of pygmees. Return to the Katharina at midday and sail to nearby Pura island where you can enjoy spectacular snorkelling right off the beach, and also walks to coastal villages where locals produce ikat cloth as well as some wine made from palm juice. Night sailing to Wetar.
Day 5: Wetar is possibly one of the least known of the south-eastern Maluku islands; totally isolated tribal folk is still said to inhabit its jungle-clad interior. After some spectacular snorkelling close to a small offshore island, have a nature stop in the morning along the northern coast where you can hike inland following a river of crystal clear water. Night sailing heading east.
Day 6: In the morning arrive at Romang island where, if you wish, you can make a three hour hike from the eastern village to the beautiful western bay passing through orange and pomelo groves with great scenery on surrounding islands. From Romang onward sailing to uninhabited Moapora island, part of the Romang archipelago, for some beach combing, snorkelling and short hikes inland. In the evening barbecue at the desert beach. Night sailing to the island of Damar.
Day 7: The island of Damar has an active volcano that can be ascended in about three hours, best in the early hours after dawn. Alternatively, you can have an easier hike through spice plantations, coconut groves and pristine rain forest, ending at the local village. Midday sail for a couple of hours to uninhabited Pulau Terbang Utara to enjoy pristine beaches, coral reefs (snorkelling) and a lagoon full of birds, including – occasionally – large flocks of pelicans. In the evening barbecue at the desert beach at this Bounty island. Night sailing heading for Dai.
Day 8: The island of Dai – in the Babar archipelago – is a spectacular limestone mountain towering 650 meters above the sea. The beaches and the reefs are exceptional. You may also like to trek across the whole island to enjoy incredible scenery from the summit. Local folk still go hunting with bows and arrows in these parts. Night sailing to the island of Yamdena, Tanimbars.
Day 9: Sailing along the west coast of Yamdena, the main island of the Tanimbar archipelago, encounter 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 zodiac, and some relaxing time on remote beaches. Turning east along the north coast of the island, continue the journey heading for the islands of Fordate and Larat.
Day 10: Today make a stop at the northern side of the Tanimbars, at the islands of Fordate and Larat. Village exploration, nature hike and snorkelling will be the substance of the day. With the assistance of local teachers you may be able to to attend a performance of local music and dance. Late afternoon onward sailing to the Kei Archipelago.
Day 11: Early morning arrival at Kei-Tanimbar, the southernmost island of the Kei archipelago and allegedly the cradle of the regional culture. Here you can explore coastal villages, search for cultural artefacts such as weaving and pottery or make a trekking into the local forest. In the evening onward sailing to Tual, the capital of the Kei Archipelago.
Day 12: After an early breakfast, say farewell to the crew and the Katharina and embark on a bus for the transfer to Langgur airport of Tual. From there fly via Ambon and Makassar back to Bali (or Jakarta).
NOTICE
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 in the best interest of all.
Price quoted based on sharing a cabin
1. INCLUDES: 3 quality meals per day, coffee, tea, snacks, soft drinks, wine at dinner, laundry services, use of snorkeling equipment, sea kayaks and fishing gear, inland excursions (programmed tours), entrance fee Komodo National Park, experienced English-speaking Cruise Director, transfer airport-harbour and v.v.
2. EXCLUDES: domestic airfares, personal insurances, alcoholic beverages & gratuities.
3. DISCOUNTED RATES: Triple Cabin occupancy: 50% discount third occupant.
Children (up to 10 years old, when boarding with parents in the same triple cabin) :
- First Child: 60% discount is applicable.
- Second Child: Free of charge.
4. SINGLE CABIN OCCUPANCY: 50% surcharge
5. FAMILY SUITE (upper deck): As the upper deck cabin offers exclusively facilities -extra space, a king size bed, a single bed, a couch, windows all around- a surcharge for this cabin is due of one extra 'ticket', i.e., two pax will pay for three.
Rate for family occupancy on request.
Kei~Agats~Timika
12 days/11 nights
During this journey of a lifetime you will be perplexed by the astonishing ingenuity and seemingly unlimited creativity humans can muster to survive, socialise and revel in life. A world where time is of no importance and attention to daily concerns and pleasures is paramount.
Nature will reveal itself in its most breathtaking form in the Triton bay crowded with extraterrestrial formations and the Giti Giti waterfalls thundering from steep cliffs straight into the sea.
The highlight will be the display of Papuan culture of the Asmat, where hundreds of warriors brandishing spears and shrieking in ecstasy will surround the Katharina to dispel the demons we have carried in from overseas.
Experience how wonder and relaxation can change your life in a world without CNN, traffic jams and computer-screens!
Prior to the cruise flight Denpasar-Ambon (via Makassar).*
Transfer to hotel Ambon Manise where we will spend one night. After check in visit of Siwa Lima Museum in the hills outside Ambon City where we can study the history and culture of the Mollucas.
Day 1: After spent the night in Ambon, flight Ambon-Kei, dep.07:00 arr.09:05*. Transfer from Langgur airport to the harbour of Tual, embarkation on board of the Katharina. We settle in and in the evening explore Tual, the capital of Kei.
Day 2: Early morning depart from Tual harbour and make the first stop at Kei Besar to explore coastal villages, snorkel or trek into the local forest. Afternoon onward sailing to the mainland of West Papua.
Day 3: Arrival at the Nautilus Strait, between Pulau Adi and the mainland of Irian Jaya. Stop at the Giti Giti waterfall running from the mountains into the sea. From here cross to the island of Namatote to search for some cliff paintings – glyphs and pictorial-signs - left by ancient inhabitants high on the cliff galleries. Watch for whales as the area is a known breeding ground.
Day 4: Today sail into the narrow bay of Triton, one of the natural wonders of Irian Jaya. You will be surrounded by small eroded rocks mushrooming from the sea - like flying saucers landed from outer space. Explore the vicinity at closer range from the tender.
Days 5 & 6: Two days to explore the virginal coastal areas and bays east of Triton. Here Westerners rarely ever set foot ashore and so will be surely full of interesting surprises. Late afternoon depart for the crossing to Agats, the main village of the Asmat area.
Day 7: This entire day you will sail along the swampy coast of West Papua, formerly known as Irian Jaya. When winds are favourable, The crew will hoist the sails and share the experience of Sir Alfred Wallace who described Pinisi vessels as “more comfortable than the modern day steamers” during his Odysseys through the “Malay Archipelago” (1854-1862).
Days 8 & 9: Early morning arrival at the coastal area in front of Agats. The distance from the shore will vary, depending on the tide, from 1 mile to 7. Today and the next day will be filled with ceremonial welcome rituals meticulously and over many days prepared by the Asmat population in anticipation of our arrival. The Katharina will likely be surrounded by an armada of war-canoes; the air filled with shrieking and shouting of the tribal people expressing their joy at your coming. This and other rituals will be carried out in line with the local adat (customs) so as to not disturb the balance between the living and the deceased, between gods and men. Late afternoon of day 9 we will set sail for our final journey to Timika.
Day 10: Spare day to be taken up along the route in response to spontaneously emerging conditions.
Day 11: Arrival in Timika, disembarkation and transfer to Hotel Sheraton where you will spend the last night before returning to civilization.
Day 12: Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Bali or Jakarta.
*Due to the early departure of this flight, one night overstay in Ambon must be taken into account. Domestic flights and accommodation may be booked through our office.
NOTICE
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 in the best interest of all.
Price quoted based on sharing a cabin
1. INCLUDES: 3 quality meals per day, coffee, tea, snacks, soft drinks, wine at dinner, laundry services, use of snorkeling equipment, sea kayaks and fishing gear, inland excursions (programmed tours), entrance fee Komodo National Park, experienced English-speaking Cruise Director, transfer airport-harbour and v.v.
2. EXCLUDES: domestic airfares, personal insurances, alcoholic beverages & gratuities.
3. DISCOUNTED RATES: Triple Cabin occupancy: 50% discount third occupant.
Children (up to 10 years old, when boarding with parents in the same triple cabin) :
- First Child: 60% discount is applicable.
- Second Child: Free of charge.
4. SINGLE CABIN OCCUPANCY: 50% surcharge
5. FAMILY SUITE (upper deck): As the upper deck cabin offers exclusively facilities -extra space, a king size bed, a single bed, a couch, windows all around- a surcharge for this cabin is due of one extra 'ticket', i.e., two pax will pay for three.
Rate for family occupancy on request.
Kei~Tanimbar~Timor
12 days/11 nights
Although Indonesia encompasses 18.500 odd islands, offering a stunning variety of culture, flora, fauna and marine biology, voyages overseas, hopping from one island to the next, are virtually unheard of.
This voyage to the eastern Lesser Sunda’s and the Southest Moluccas will bring you to the most remote parts of the archipelago, to places over and below the sea level you haven’t dreamt of existing.
Gradually passing from Asia to the Pacific you will set foot ashore on a string of islands stretched out along the Ring of Fire, in our time a backwater but for centuries the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow where the weight of nutmeg and clove was measured in gold bars.
Prior to the cruise flight Denpasar-Ambon (via Makassar).
Transfer to hotel Ambon Manise where we will spend one night. After check in visit of Siwa Lima Museum in the hills outside Ambon City where we can study the history and culture of the Mollucas.
Day 1: After spent the night in Ambon, flight Ambon-Kei, dep.07:00 arr.09:05*. Upon arrival at Langgur airport, Tual transfer to the harbour of Tual and embark aboard Katharina. Settle in and after dinner explore Tual, the capital of Kei. Late evening departure to Kei-Tanimbar.
Day 2: Early morning arrival at Kei-Tanimbar, the southernmost island of the Kei archipelago and allegedly cradle of the regional culture. Here you can explore coastal villages, search for cultural artefacts such as weaving and pottery or make a trekking into the local forest. Late afternoon onward sailing to the Tanimbar Archipelago. Long night sailing.
Day 3: Stop at the northern part of the Tanimbars, at the islands of Fordate and Larat. Village exploration, nature hike, beach-combing and snorkelling will be the substance of the day. With the assistance of local teachers you may be able to attend to a performance of local music and dance.
Day 4: Sailing along the west coast of Yamdena, the main island of the Tanimbar archipelago, encounter 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 zodiac, and some relaxing time on remote beaches. Night sailing to Dai, Babar.
Day 5: The island of Dai – in the Babar archipelago – is a spectacular limestone mountain towering 650 meters above the sea. The beaches and the reefs are exceptional. You may also like to trek across the whole island to enjoy incredible scenery from the summit. Local folk still go hunting with bows and arrows in these parts. Night sailing to the island of Damar.
Day 6: The island of Damar has an active volcano that can be ascended in about three hours, best in the early hours after dawn. Alternatively, you can make an easier hike through spice plantations, coconut groves and pristine rain forest, ending at the local village.
Midday sail for a couple of hours to uninhabited Pulau Terbang Utara to enjoy pristine beaches, coral reefs (snorkelling) and a lagoon full of birds, including – occasionally – large flocks of pelicans. In the evening barbecue at the desert beach at this Bounty island. Night sailing heading for Romang.
Day 7: Morning on uninhabited Moapora island, in the Romang archipelago: beach combing, snorkelling, diving and short hikes inland. Afternoon, disembark onto Romang island proper for a three hour hike (if you wish) from the eastern village to the beautiful western bay passing through orange and pomelo groves with great scenery on surrounding islands. Night sailing to the island of Wetar.
Day 8: Wetar is possibly one of the least known of the south-eastern Maluku islands; totally isolated tribal folk is still said to inhabit its jungle-clad interior. After some spectacular snorkelling close to a small offshore island, have a nature stop in the morning along the northern coast where you can hike inland following a river of crystal clear water. Midday sail to the western tip of Wetar for spectacular snorkelling close to a small offshore island. Night sailing, heading for Alor.
Day 9: The day in Alor will be spent exploring the main island: the old tribal villages there are defensively located on hilltops and have a particular architecture. Attend traditional dances in the village of Takpala and be surprised by the redoubt appearance of the local women, the size of pygmees. Return to the Katharina at midday and sail to nearby Pura island where you can enjoy spectacular snorkelling right off the beach, and also walks to coastal villages where locals produce ikat cloth as well as some wine made from palm juice. Short night sailing to Pantar.
Day 10: On Pantar visit some of the fortified villages typical for this area once feared for its belligerent population. You will be peacefully guided by one of our crew who hails from Pantar. Be prepared for some interesting expressions of local culture! After re-embarkation, enjoy swimming in crystal clear waters around the boat. Midday sail to uninhabited Rusa island: the beaches are truly fantastic, the corals exquisite and the island – as its name implies – is full of deer that are easily seen, sometimes even from the beach. Night sailing.
Day 11: Exploration of the coast of west-Timor, moving south for Kupang. Search for local fishing communities and vestiges of Portuguese occupation, making one or two snorkelling stops on the way. Night sailing to Kupang.
Day 12: After arrival this morning in Temau, the traditional harbour of Kupang, take breakfast on board and say goodbye to the crew and the Katharina. Time allowing, pay a visit to the Museum of Timor on the way to Kupang airport for your return flight to Denpasar, Bali.
*Due to the early departure of this flight, one night overstay in Ambon must be taken into account. Domestic flights and accommodation may be booked through Symbiosis Expedition Planning .
NOTICE
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 in the best interest of all.
