Sailing Indonesia: Bali, Komodo & Flores

Awake to the often spectacular sunrise. From below the coconut palms and across the beach, your authentic wooden sailing ship emerges from the many small traditional ‘jukung’ fishing boats returning from their overnight expeditions just offshore. Board the ship and head along the coast to a local fisheries and coral conservation project run by nonprofit LINI to learn about fish reproduction and how important the coral reefs are to their success. Return to the boat for a refreshing lunch on the water and hope for good winds as the ship starts her sail across the famous Wallace Line, the deep-sea boundary that has separated Asia’s biological system from Australia’s biological system including their people for many years. At the first opportunity, snorkel above the incredibly diverse and beautiful coral reefs located on the eastern side of the Wallace line.

Wake up off the coast of a small Island under the gaze of Lombok’s towering Mt Rinjani, the largest volcanic peak in Indonesia, and spend the morning swimming, snorkeling and exploring. Visit a village of the famous Bajao Sea Gypsies of Southeast Asia and see how they live their lives so close to, on and in the water.

Wake up early off the northern coast of Sumbawa where the day’s plan is to swim with a group of awe-inspiring whale sharks. These massive but harmless animals have long congregated here but now, thanks to travelers like you, your ship’s crew has formed a mutually beneficial alliance with the local fishermen who have their traditional small floating fishing platforms in the bay. As you probably know, whale sharks are under constant threat due the the high value of their fins, but thanks to your visit, these fishermen are paid a healthy fee for spotting where the whale sharks are and letting us in the water by their platforms to be up-close to one of the largest creatures in the ocean. As a result, the fishermen are very glad to protect these beautiful animals, and you get to be a conservationist.

Next, swim, snorkel, kayak and paddleboard in the crater lake on Satonda Island, whose caldera filled by water from a tsunami caused by a massive volcanic event from the nearby Tambora Volcano, which in 1815 was the largest eruption in recorded history. Drink sunset cocktails as the ship floats on the current and tens of thousands of giant fruit bats emerge from their forest lair and fly out directly over the boat on their nightly foraging missions.

Step ashore on an active, smoking volcanic island, where local villagers are in the process of building a 165-foot traditional wooden pinisi boat, with the same pedigree and history of your ship. Walking around this small village, get a feel for their simple way of life, chat with the locals and maybe buy some handmade textiles. Snorkel on a colorful and vibrant coral reef above small geothermal fissures where air bubbles are released from the volcanic chambers below the seabed.

After a few hours under sail, spend the afternoon time on a deserted white sand beach on another volcanic island, this time an extinct one. Explore the magnificent coral gardens, hike to the crest of the surrounding hills for a view of the surrounding islands, swim, paddle, kayak and laze away the day before enjoying sunset cocktails on the sand.

Wake up in the most northerly part of Komodo National Park and enjoy a morning of sea-based activities including a fantastic drift snorkel over the reef, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding at an uninhabited island. Swim with majestic manta rays as they feed on the current and circle the so-called cleaning stations, where small fish remove parasites from their skin. Hover above these giant and noble beasts for any amount time. Spend the late afternoon on an isolated sandbar to enjoy snorkeling, swimming and relaxing with cool drinks on the sand.

Visit Rinca Island and go on a morning trek in search of the ancient Komodo dragon, the world’s largest lizard. See monkeys, deer, pigs, buffalo and myriad birds while walking through the forests and savannas of this large island. Snorkel at a nearby island that is a favorite hangout of sea turtles. Glide with these gentle creatures as they cruise above the technicolor reef below.

Enjoy Indonesian hospitality at a crew-hosted beach barbecue on a deserted island this evening. On offer is plenty of good food, music, cocktails dancing and frivolity while everyone dances and sings the night away next to a bonfire under a clear tropical night sky.

Cruise into the harbor while enjoying breakfast, then take a short drive to a traditional local village. Here, enjoy coffee, betel nut and a highly potent local ‘arak’  (not for the faint-hearted), before being treated to a selection of traditional dances performed by both men and women. Return to the boat to enjoy a leisurely lunch and say good byes before being escorted to the airport for an onward flight to Bali or elsewhere.