Kids in sea gypsy village Bajau Laut, Indonesia, on a wooden boat in front of houses on stilts over emerald water on a sunny day.
Red and orange-colored shell sea turtle swimming in cool blue waters in Sulawesi, Indonesia.
Village children leaning in and smiling for the camera in Sulawesi, Indonesia.
Celebes crested macaque black monkey hiding between large green leaves in the Tangkoko Nature Reserve, Indonesia.
Dilapidated village painted in bright colors and standing on wooden stilts above the water in Indonesia.
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Asia / Pacific Indonesia Cruise

Sailing Indonesia: The Undiscovered Frontier

Explore beyond the reaches of popular port towns to see a more authentic, undiscovered Indonesia. These remote itineraries go where few passenger ships do, and reap the rewards of their custom yet flexible itineraries and excellent local guides leading the way.

Choose from routes that cruise Sulawesi, east of Flores and the stretches in between. These are truly the most remote and least-visited parts of the Indonesian archipelago. And a highlight is passage aboard the 24-guest Ombak Putih or 12-guest Katharina. These traditional pinisi-style ships are AdventureSmith favorites for private charter cruises due to their romance, Indonesian culture, rustic charm and superior service. Complimentary onboard snorkeling equipment, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, fishing gear and tender boats equip guests with daily adventures on every route. Learn a bit more about each one:

On the main 14-day itinerary, travel from the spice port of Ternate to the shipbuilding port of Bitung in North Sulawesi while sailing through the islands that fringe the Molucca Sea. Numerous highlights include remote island cultures, Bajau sea gypsies, birds of paradise and other exotic birdlife, volcanic peaks and ample opportunity for snorkeling on fantastic coral reefs and in lakes filled with freshwater stingless jellyfish. Experience Halmahera, the island where famed naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace developed the idea of natural selection via survival of the fittest, then wrote and sent it on to Charles Darwin.

On the alternative 14-day Corals, Cultures & Dragons sail the length of Sulawesi from Bitung Harbor down to Flores Island. The journey is the reward here as you cruise along and meet fishermen and villagers who only see your ship once every few years. While you won’t have the chance see birds of paradise or Halmahera on this route, you’ll trek to see the rare maleo bird, snorkel with sea turtles and seek out black-crested macaques, with the grand finale of seeing Komodo dragons in Komodo National Park.

Komodo dragons are also a highlight on the 10-day Remote Ring of Fire itineraries sailing between Komodo and Maumere. These unique routes hit the Komodo National Park highlight but cruise on to explore more uncharted territory east of Flores. There’s a chance to snorkel with manta rays and snorkel every day, in fact. And volcanos take center stage in every vista as you explore their surrounding reefs, visit local villages and see historic Portuguese forts used in the spice trade.

Also using Maumere as a port is the 12-day Textiles of the Lesser Sundas. This special itinerary introduces you to the culture and textiles of the Sikka people, with guest textile scholar hosts David and Sue Richardson. Gain insights into the local techniques of spinning, binding, dyeing and weaving, with opportunities to purchase finished ikat and other textiles along the way. This trip also finishes in Flores with a visit to Komodo National Park.

And special for April 2023 is a unique route to align with a total solar eclipse over Indonesia’s remote Banda Sea. This 10-day special Total Eclipse of the Sun cruise itinerary sails round-trip from Maumere, Flores, on both ships for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Stops include Wetar, Romang and a remote small island near Maupora Island where guests can view the eclipse from a white-sand beach while snorkeling or staying on land for incredible photography opportunities.

Read on for more details about these remote Lesser Sundas and Sulawesi cruises, or learn more about all of AdventureSmith’s Indonesia cruises and Indonesia travel.



Itinerary

Rare Species, Remote Cultures & Remarkable Corals: Ternate to Bitung Itinerary

The main, Rare Species, Remote Cultures & Remarkable Corals: Ternate to Bitung cruise sails clockwise around the Molucca Sea, from the spice port of Ternate in North Maluku, south along Halmahera, east to Central Sulawesi and north to the shipbuilding port of Bitung in North Sulawesi. In this, one of the least visited parts of the Indonesian archipelago, opportunities abound to spot exotic birdlife, explore colorful coral reef and interact with communities housed both on land and sea.

Route map of Sailing Indonesia: The Undiscovered Frontier small ship Sulawesi cruise, operating from Ternate to Bitung with visits to islands fringing the Molucca Sea.
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Day 1
Embark Ternate, Indonesia, to Halmahera

Start the adventure with a tour of Ternate’s historical highlights before boarding the ship, meeting the crew and settling into your new home for the next two weeks. Over lunch, the ship sets sail for the short journey to Halmahera Island’s Dojinga Village, a pivotal place in scientific history, where the naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace first came up with the Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection. Later in the afternoon, enter the water for the first time and snorkel or swim over the first coral reef of the trip. Then head south as the sun sets behind the perfectly conical volcanic islands peaks of the northern Moluccas.

Accommodations

Katharina, Ombak Putih

Meals

lunch, dinner

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Day 2
Halmahera & Equator Crossing

Birds of paradise, snorkeling and a very special maritime ritual are on today’s menu, with visits to both the tropical forest and the coral reefs, and a crossing of the Equator. Waking in the early morning, go ashore on Halmahera for a car journey to an eco-resort famed for its natural forest and bird life. Here, hope to witness the early morning mating rituals of the Wallace Standardwing Bird of Paradise, and enjoy the full dawn chorus of the forest’s many different species of birds. Head back across the island to the ship in time for lunch while setting sail to the south. Once the ship reaches the Equator, be welcomed by the crew with some fun and games and a most unique ocean swim. Late in the afternoon, snorkel once more before heading to the island of Bacan.

Accommodations

Katharina, Ombak Putih

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 3
Bacan

Today brings a search for some very special species of butterfly, some unique birds and some quirky mammals. Explore the deep forest and rivers of Bacan Island, where Wallace first saw what he called the most beautiful butterfly in the world, the Golden Birdwing. While trekking, be on the lookout for other species that might present themselves, including cuscus, the black-crested macaque and some hornbills. After lunch, spend the afternoon snorkeling and swimming on the nearby reef and beaches.

Accommodations

Katharina, Ombak Putih

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 4
Obi Laut

Culture and spice will fill today which is spent off the coast of the white sand island of Obi Laut, a place filled with clove and nutmeg plantations. Obi Laut’s steep hillsides are covered in clove and nutmeg forests, reaching back to the rich and heady days of the spice trade, which saw many a European power vying for control of the East Indies. While the spice trade might not be what it once was, the growers can still make a good living on this remote island in the Banda Sea. Go ashore; walk through the villages and plantations; and see the fruits and spices growing on the trees and drying in the sun, ready for market. Appreciate viewing the process just as it has been for centuries.

Accommodations

Katharina, Ombak Putih

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 5
Mangoli

Today will be a day for snorkeling, culture and history in the middle of the Banda Sea, in the remote and breathtaking Sulu Archipelago. Spend the morning exploring the beaches and reefs of Mangoli Island, where the reefs are teeming with fish and other marine life. True to the desert island locale, enjoy a kayak, paddle or swim, and explore and relax on the white-sand beaches. Later, feast on some history and culture while visiting the local village market and the ruins of a 17th century Dutch fort which once protected the spice trade along these routes.

Accommodations

Katharina, Ombak Putih

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 6
Talibau

The cultural experiences ratchet up a notch today with a war dance performed in our honor, while the nighttime will be filled with Indonesian music. Go ashore on Talibau Island and be treated to a traditional dance known as the “cakalale,” by local warriors. Also enjoy exploring the local village and meeting the people of this remote isle. The afternoon is set aside for snorkeling on a reef teeming with fish, before moving to another deserted island for swimming, kayaking and relaxing. This evening the crew will prepare a beach BBQ and perform traditional Indonesian folk songs and sea shanties.

Accommodations

Katharina, Ombak Putih

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 7
Bokan Islands

The Bokan Islands are an area of unsurpassed beauty and today is a day of marine exploration and relaxation. Snorkel, swim, paddle and kayak around the glorious reefs, beaches and islands that offer many caves and snorkeling spots. Enjoy the rare privilege to swim in a small marine lake filled with stingless jellyfish, the exotically named Danau Piasu Botangan, one of only 20 lakes of its kind in the world.

Accommodations

Katharina, Ombak Putih

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 8
Banggai

A trio of unique experiences are in store today, involving culture, conservation and wildlife. Visit the bustling Indonesian island port town of Bangaii, a place filled with activity and commerce. Visit the local market and explore the neighborhoods, the sultan’s palace and the maleo bird egg museum, all from brightly-colored motor rickshaws.

Visit LINI, an NGO doing great work with coral restoration on the surrounding reefs and working with local fishermen to find sustainable solutions for supplying fish to overseas markets and the live aquarium fishing trade. Finish the day with a snorkel on a local reef that features the most elegant, but very threatened, Banggai Cardinal Fish–a darling of saltwater aquarium lovers worldwide.

Accommodations

Katharina, Ombak Putih

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 9
Peleng & Central Sulawesi

Today brings the chance to see possibly one of the strangest and most unique flightless birds found in the world–the Maleo. After a morning snorkel, sail north to visit the endemic Maleo in their beachside environment, the symbol of the province within which it lives. Visit a conservation project on the mainland where scores of Maleo live and breed. Watch them at their sandy nesting sites from a camouflaged hide as they go about their business. Later in the afternoon, set sail for the Togean Islands National Park for some island hopping and spectacular snorkeling, wildlife and culture.

Accommodations

Katharina, Ombak Putih

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 10
Togean Islands National Park: Kabalutan Village

The Bajau sea gypsies of southeast have a very unique way of life, living in harmony with the water. Go ashore to Kabalutan Village, where a population of about 2,500 Bajau call home, and be welcomed into their world to meet and talk with them about their lives. In the afternoon, snorkel and swim on some pristine coral reefs before moving farther into the park.

Accommodations

Katharina, Ombak Putih

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 11
Togean Islands National Park: Malenge

Some great wildlife experiences await today, both in the water and the air, with birds, fish and invertebrates as the main features. Enjoy a snorkel on the lush reefs near the island of Malenge before taking snorkel and mask for a rare second swim with stingless jellyfish in nearby Lake Mariona, the second jellyfish lake on the cruise route. Visit a local village, meet the people and enjoy a late afternoon walk in the local forest before being witness to a most amazing show of nature as flocks of hornbills come flying in to roost in the trees–a once-in-a-lifetime sight.

Accommodations

Katharina, Ombak Putih

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 12
Togean Islands National Park & At Sea

Waking up in the east of the park, go snorkeling and visit a local village before setting sail on a long crossing towards the Sulawesi mainland. Relax, watch the world go by and take in the beauty of the sea from the ship. In the afternoon, the chef will offer a cooking class for those interested in learning how to prepare some traditional Indonesian dishes. For everyone else, it’s sunbathing, reading, relaxing and reflection. Finish the day with cocktails served on the back deck before a specially prepared dinner is served, followed by a party with the crew’s band providing the music and entertainment.

Accommodations

Katharina, Ombak Putih

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 13
North Sulawesi

This morning, awake on the outside elbow of North Sulawesi and opt for some more cultural exchanges and some impressive snorkeling. After breakfast, go ashore to a remote village and meet the local people who will share in their way of life. Also go for a walk in the nearby forest on the lookout for birds. Snorkel a local reef before the ship heads north, stopping off en route for another snorkel and a swim towards the end of the day before the crew throws a final beach BBQ with opportunities to dance and sing into the night under the stars, next to a roaring bonfire.

Accommodations

Katharina, Ombak Putih

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 14
Disembark Bitung Harbor to Manado City, North Sulawesi, Indonesia

Wake up just off the coast near the Tasikoki Rescue Center and go ashore for a short tour of the impressive facilities at this NGO. Hear all about their conservation program and enjoy the chance to see orangutan, tarsiers, hornbills, monkeys and other endangered wildlife. After a final swim and snorkel on the beach, take a short sail into Bitung Harbor. Say a fond farewell to the crew and tour leaders and head to Manado City for onward flights.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast, lunch

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Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Accommodations and meals as indicated in itinerary; group airport transfer Ternate and Manado City; beverages including coffee, cocoa, tea, soft drinks and fruit juice; limited laundry service (2 items per day free of charge, service stops 2 days before disembarkation); guided excursions; use of snorkeling gear and sea kayaks/canoes.

Exclusions

International flights; transfers in Ternate; alcoholic beverages; pre- and post-trip hotel accommodations; gratuities; a 2.5% foreign credit card transaction fee if using a credit card to pay for any onboard purchases; insurance of any kind (medical and medivac/air evacuation strongly encouraged due to the remote nature of itineraries); fuel surcharge ($400 per person, per departure).

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 25% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Your trip/cruise is transferrable should you provide an alternate participant at the same fare. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 91 days – 25% of total trip cost
90 to 60 days – 50% of total trip cost
59 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations’ Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Vaccination Requirement
To join this trip, all eligible guests must provide proof of being fully vaccinated (at least 14 days after your final COVID-19 vaccine shot). There may also be COVID-19 testing or other requirements to participate; your Adventure Specialist will provide details of current policies upon booking.

Arrival & Departure

The main, Rare Species, Remote Cultures & Remarkable Corals: Ternate to Bitung cruise begins in Ternate, Indonesia (TTE) and ends in Bitung with a transfer to Manado City, Indonesia (MDC). Transfers to and from the vessel will be provided. Plan flights to arrive to Ternate anytime prior to day 1 of the itinerary. Further arrival & departure guidelines to plan flights will be provided upon booking. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit ourBooking Flights resource page. Note: Your passport must be valid 6 months after your Indonesia trip concludes.

Activities

Opportunities to explore the land and sea are made available most days of your trip and might include trekking, cultural tours, snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding or nature exploration. Although all activities are inclusive, they are always optional, just inform your Tour Leader if you prefer to stay on board. Other activities may include jumping off the boat, beach volleyball with the crew and fishing (a simple spool of fishing line and hooks are available on board).

Room Configuration

Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin for solo use may do so at a 75% supplement of the per-person listed rate in select cabins upon availability. If you are willing to share accommodations with another guest of the same gender, the single supplement will be waived; if no room-share match is found, no single supplement will be charged.

Families & Children

Families traveling with children are welcome aboard, but keep in mind that this is an adventure cruise and parents must watch their children at all times. Both boats have higher side railings than on normal traditional Buginese schooners, but there are steep staircases to consider if bringing smaller children. Children 12 years and younger will be charged 50% of the cruise fare if they share a triple cabin with parents. If sharing a cabin with other children, only the third child will receive the discount.

Travel Insurance

Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, National Park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.

Corals, Cultures & Dragons: Bitung to Komodo Itinerary

The alternative, Corals, Cultures & Dragons: Bitung to Flores cruise sails from the shipbuilding port of Bitung in North Sulawesi south to Flores, with a visit to Komodo National Park. As you cruise nearly the entire length of Sulawesi, visit remote villages, go trekking and birding, meet with local NGOs, enjoy ample opportunities to snorkel and paddle, and seek out Komodo dragons.

Route map of Corals, Cultures & Dragons Indonesia small ship cruise, operating between Bitung & Flores, through the Molucca & Banda Seas, including a visit to Komodo National Park.
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Day 1
Embark Bitung Harbor, Sulawesi, Indonesia

Be welcomed aboard the boat, meet the crew and fellow passengers, settle into your seaborne home for the next two weeks and set sail. The first stop is at the Tasikoki Wildlife Rescue Center, about a one-hour cruise to the south. Go ashore by tender and have a guided tour of the center. Learn about conservation efforts and meet some of the wildlife that reside here including tarsiers, monkeys, hornbills and orangutans. In the afternoon, snorkel on the nearby reef. Later in the afternoon, set sail on the journey south.

Accommodations

Katharina, Ombak Putih

Meals

lunch, dinner

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Day 2
North Sulawesi

This morning is the first chance to meet some Sulawesi locals in a traditional village, where they will share their way of life. In the afternoon, enjoy a long snorkel on a local reef and spend time on the beach swimming, paddling, kayaking and relaxing. Back on the boat, set course for the southwest for the overnight passage to the Togean Archipelago, one of Indonesia’s wonderful national parks.

Accommodations

Katharina, Ombak Putih

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 3
Togean Islands National Park: Malenge

Some great wildlife experiences await today, both in the water and the air, with birds, fish and invertebrates as the main features. Enjoy a snorkel on the lush reefs near the island of Malenge before taking snorkel and mask for a rare second swim with stingless jellyfish in nearby Lake Mariona, one of only 20 lakes in the world that are home to these amazing creatures. Visit a local village, meet the people and enjoy a late afternoon walk in the local forest before being witness to a most amazing show of nature as flocks of hornbills come flying in to roost in the trees–a once-in-a-lifetime sight.

Accommodations

Katharina, Ombak Putih

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 4
Togean Islands National Park: Kabalutan Village

Today offers the first encounter with the Bajau sea gypsies of Southeast Asia, a people with a very unique way of living with the sea. Go ashore to Kabalutan Village, where a population of about 2,500 Bajau call home, and be welcomed into their world to meet and talk with them about their lives. Then head to the southernmost tip of the park and have a long snorkel before setting sail to the southeast for a most unique wildlife encounter the following morning.

Accommodations

Katharina, Ombak Putih

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 5
Peleng, Central Sulawesi & Dua

Today brings the chance to see possibly one of the strangest and most unique flightless birds found in the world–the Maleo. One of Sulawesi’s most interesting birds, the Maleo is a flightless fowl with some very unusual characteristics and behaviors, and also the symbol of the province within which it lives. Visit a conservation project on the mainland where scores of Maleo live and breed. Watch them at their sandy nesting sites from a camouflaged hide as they go about their business. Later in the morning, cruise south and snorkel in the afternoon on a beautifully rich reef in front or Pulau Dua, or “two islands” in the Indonesian language.

Accommodations

Katharina, Ombak Putih

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 6
Banggai

A trio of unique experiences are in store today, involving culture, conservation and wildlife. Visit the bustling Indonesian island port town of Bangaii, a place filled with activity and commerce. Visit the local market and explore the neighborhoods, the sultan’s palace and the maleo bird egg museum, all from brightly-colored motor rickshaws.

Visit LINI, an NGO doing great work with coral restoration on the surrounding reefs and working with local fishermen to find sustainable solutions for supplying fish to overseas markets and the live aquarium fishing trade. Finish the day with a snorkel on a local reef that features the most elegant, but very threatened, Banggai Cardinal Fish–a darling of saltwater aquarium lovers worldwide.

Accommodations

Katharina, Ombak Putih

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 7
Bokan Islands

The Bokan Islands are an area of unsurpassed beauty and today is a day of marine exploration and relaxation. Snorkel, swim, paddle and kayak around the glorious reefs, beaches and islands that offer many caves and snorkeling spots. Enjoy the rare privilege to swim in a small marine lake filled with stingless jellyfish, the exotically named Danau Piasu Botangan.

Accommodations

Katharina, Ombak Putih

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 8
Padai Kecil

A visit to another Bajau sea gypsy community awaits today. Once again meet and experience one of Southeast Asia’s famous nomadic cultures. After the visit with the sea gypsies on Padai Kecil Island, snorkel on one of the local reefs and then set sail later in the afternoon, heading south to the wonderful Wakatobi National Park.

Accommodations

Katharina, Ombak Putih

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 9
Wakatobi National Park: Wangi Wangi

This is day one of two in the Wakatobi National Park, a very hard-to-reach archipelago filled with fascinating culture and also one of Indonesia’s best national parks, with outstanding underwater life and natural beauty. In addition to snorkeling in the morning and afternoon, enjoy a personalized tour of the island of Wangi Wangi, with highlights that include a seaweed farm, meeting with a traditional weaving community and the ruins of a centuries’ old Dutch fort–a relic of the ancient Spice Trade.

Accommodations

Katharina, Ombak Putih

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 10
Wakatobi National Park: Binongko

More fascinating culture and snorkeling awaits today, with a visit to a famous local blacksmith and a drift snorkel on the Wakatobi Resort’s magnificent house reef. Snorkeling comes first in the morning, and then during lunch cruise to nearby Binongko Island, where the local craftsmen use hand-operated bellows on the furnace in the blacksmith shop to produce machetes and knives that are highly sought-after across Indonesia.

Accommodations

Katharina, Ombak Putih

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 11
Kakabia

Awake to a sky filled with the sight of brown- and red-footed boobies and lesser frigate birds, many of which will be circling the boat and trying to land on the stays and masts. Enjoy Kakabia Island, an uninhabited sea mount in the middle of the Flores Sea that’s rich in upwelling nutrients and a perfect habitat for birds to fish and raise their young. Spend the day here snorkeling and exploring, and make an attempt to go ashore (tide depending) for an afternoon of swimming, kayaking, paddling and fun. In the evening (also tide depending) enjoy a BBQ beach party with entertainment provided by the crew.

Accommodations

Katharina, Ombak Putih

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 12
Bonerate

Today, walk among the hulls and hulks of a huge unlaunched flotilla of pinisi ships being built on a remote island archipelago. Meet the shipwrights and discover their age-old shipbuilding traditions practiced for centuries in this forgotten corner of the world; traditions that use basic plans, wood, and a collection of simple tools and age-old techniques. Bonerate is rarely visited by tourists, and seeing this open-air boatyard is an experience to be savored. While walking through the village and along the beaches, meet the locals and gain a new appreciation for island life and for the kind of boat you have been cruising on for twelve days.

Accommodations

Katharina, Ombak Putih

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 13
Komodo National Park

Giants will loom large today: Komodo dragons, flying foxes and manta rays–three of the biggest and most impressive animals in Indonesia. Rise early in the Komodo National Park for a privately arranged, ranger-led walk around the island of Rinca to see not only Komodo dragons but also their preferred menu of prey–monkeys, deer, pigs and buffaloes. After lunch on board, go in search of manta rays as they glide by while feeding in the current at their local cleaning stations. This evening, as the sun starts to set, we will gather on the deck and be witness to a most spectacular event as thousands of flying foxes leave their mangrove forest homes en mass on their nightly fruit-foraging missions. Tonight the crew will prepare a beach BBQ for all to feast, sing and dance the night away by a roaring fire under the stars.

Accommodations

Katharina, Ombak Putih

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 14
Disembark Labuan Bajo, Flores, Indonesia

The final day will be one of snorkeling and culture. After an optional morning swim and snorkel, enjoy a private tour to a local village high up on a mountain plateau where welcoming elders offer betel nut and arak, a potent local alcoholic brew. Witness the traditional “caci” whip dance and the bamboo dance, performed by the villagers for generations. After a final Indonesian lunch on the boat, say farewell to the crew and transfer to Komodo airport for the flight back to Bali and your onward journey.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast, lunch

Read More
Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Accommodations and meals as indicated in itinerary; airport transfers in Flores and Ternate; beverages including coffee, cocoa, tea, soft drinks and fruit juice; limited laundry service (2 items per day free of charge, service stops 2 days before disembarkation); guided excursions; use of snorkeling gear and sea kayaks/canoes.

Exclusions

International flights; transfers in Bitung; alcoholic beverages; pre- and post-trip hotel accommodations; gratuities; a 2.5% foreign credit card transaction fee if using a credit card to pay for any onboard purchases; insurance of any kind (medical and medivac/air evacuation strongly encouraged due to the remote nature of itineraries); fuel surcharge ($400 per person, per departure).

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 25% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Your trip/cruise is transferrable should you provide an alternate participant at the same fare. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 91 days – 25% of total trip cost
90 to 60 days – 50% of total trip cost
59 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations’ Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Vaccination Requirement
To join this trip, all eligible guests must provide proof of being fully vaccinated (at least 14 days after your final COVID-19 vaccine shot). There may also be COVID-19 testing or other requirements to participate; your Adventure Specialist will provide details of current policies upon booking.

Arrival & Departure

The alternative, Corals, Cultures & Dragons: Bitung to Flores cruise begins in Bitung, Indonesia, accessed from Manado City, Indonesia (MDC), and ends in Labuan Bajo, Flores (LBJ). Transfers to and from the vessel will be provided. Plan flights to arrive to Manado City anytime prior to day 1 of the itinerary. Further arrival & departure guidelines to plan flights will be provided upon booking. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit ourBooking Flights resource page. Note: Your passport must be valid 6 months after your Indonesia trip concludes.

Activities

Opportunities to explore the land and sea are made available most days of your trip and might include trekking, cultural tours, snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding or nature exploration. Although all activities are inclusive, they are always optional, just inform your Tour Leader if you prefer to stay on board. Other activities may include jumping off the boat, beach volleyball with the crew and fishing (a simple spool of fishing line and hooks are available on board).

Room Configuration

Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin for solo use may do so at a 75% supplement of the per-person listed rate in select cabins upon availability. If you are willing to share accommodations with another guest of the same gender, the single supplement will be waived; if no room-share match is found, no single supplement will be charged.

Families & Children

Families traveling with children are welcome aboard, but keep in mind that this is an adventure cruise and parents must watch their children at all times. Both boats have higher side railings than on normal traditional Buginese schooners, but there are steep staircases to consider if bringing smaller children. Children 12 years and younger will be charged 50% of the cruise fare if they share a triple cabin with parents. If sharing a cabin with other children, only the third child will receive the discount.

Travel Insurance

Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, National Park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.

The Remote Ring of Fire I: East of Flores Itinerary

The alternative, 10-day Remote Ring of Fire I: East of Flores cruise sails between Komodo and Alor, visiting Komodo National Park and the more uncharted territory east of Flores. There’s a chance to snorkel every day and volcanos take center stage in every vista as you explore their surrounding reefs and visit local villages.

Route map of Remote Ring of Fire I: East of Flores cruise that sails between Komodo & Alor, Indonesia, visiting Komodo National Park & uncharted territory east of Flores.
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Day 1
Embark Flores to Komodo National Park & Rinca Island, Indonesia

In the early morning, arrive at the airport, where you will be picked up by the tour leaders and taken straight to the Ombak Putih. After settling in, go ashore to see the traditional “caci” whip dance, a test of daring and skill amongst the locals. Back on board, head out into Komodo National Park to Kalong Island for the first snorkel of the trip. At dusk, gather on the back deck at cocktail hour to see the sunset and witness the evening departure of tens of thousands of fruit bats as they leave their forest homes to forage on the mainland. Then cruise to Rinca Island and spend the night at anchor in the bay.

Accommodations

Ombak Putih

Meals

lunch, dinner

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Day 2
Rinca & Siaba Islands

Enjoy an early breakfast and go ashore to Rinca Island, home of the Komodo Dragon, where you will have a choice of ranger-led walks of varying lengths to see the wildlife and exotic landscape. Cruise to the richly diverse reefs of Siaba Besar Island to snorkel with thousands of fish and the many sea turtles that congregate in the area. After lunch, spend a leisurely afternoon at a beach swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding and kayaking. Move to the main bay of Komodo Island and spend the night at anchor.

Accommodations

Ombak Putih

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 3
Komodo Island, Manta Point & Gili Lawa Darat

Go ashore onto Komodo island for an early morning, ranger-led walk through the dry, rugged landscape of the island encountering wildlife along the way. After lunch, go in search of manta rays to snorkel with these mighty creatures. Have the day’s second snorkel in the north of the park, with the chance to watch the sunset from a hilltop vantage point, before heading off on a long overnight cruise to the east to the Riung Conservation Area.

Accommodations

Ombak Putih

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 4
Riung Conservation Area

Today explore the beaches and the underwater world of the 17-Island, Riung Conservation Area, home to myriad species of land animals and rich coral reefs, as the ship moves from island to island throughout the day. Enjoy swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkeling and relaxation. At around sunset, head east in the direction of Maumere.

Accommodations

Ombak Putih

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 5
Maumere & Watublapi Village

Wake up at anchor in Maumere Bay against the backdrop of an extinct volcano and enjoy a leisurely breakfast before the day’s activities begin. Take a short drive to the scenic Iwang Gete highlands to visit a small village of Watublapi, where you will be met with singing and dancing by the local people. See firsthand the ancient techniques of spinning, dyeing and weaving of the famous fabrics crafted by locals who are famed for their unique textiles. Here, take the chance to view (and purchase) some of the local textiles, try the betel nut and brave the locally produced liquor. In the late afternoon, head off to Serbete Atoll.

Accommodations

Ombak Putih

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 6
Serbete Atoll & Adonara

Enjoy breakfast as the ship continues cruising towards Serbete atoll, where you will don your snorkel and mask and enjoy the beautiful underwater scenery. Cruise to Adonara island to enjoy beautiful view of Ile Api and great snorkeling. Spend a quiet night at anchor before heading to Lembata in the early morning.

Accommodations

Ombak Putih

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 7
Lembata Island

After breakfast go snorkeling at the Lamawolo drop-off, a spectacular underwater spot. Go ashore and drive to Atawatung village to see some prehistoric rock art. Later in the afternoon, cruise to a nearby bay that sits in the shadow of the active and smoking Ile Api volcano. After dinner, head east in the direction of Alor.

Accommodations

Ombak Putih

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 8
Pura & Buaya

After breakfast, snorkel at Clown Valley, home to many sea anemones and their resident guardian clown fish. In the early afternoon, have a second snorkel at Buaya Island, a location with a beautiful drop off and lots of fish. Then head to a local quiet bay to spend the night at anchor.

Accommodations

Ombak Putih

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 9
Larantuka & Capo de Flores

After breakfast, visit the ancient Muslim village of Uma Pura, where you canl stroll around, meet the people and see their way of life. The village is well known for using sea sponges for the dying of their textile, and you will get a chance to see the process in action. After this, head to a local reef and go snorkeling. Later, depart to Kalabahi in Alor and go ashore for a visit to Takpala village and the Museum of Alor.

Accommodations

Ombak Putih

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 10
Disembark Kalabahi, Alor Island, Indonesia

Wake in a beautiful bay on the island of Alor where you will enjoy breakfast before saying goodbye to the crew and heading back to Bali.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast, lunch

Read More
Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Accommodations and meals as indicated in itinerary; airport transfers in Labuan Bajo and Kalabahi; beverages including coffee, cocoa, tea, soft drinks and fruit juice; limited laundry service (2 items per day free of charge, service stops 2 days before disembarkation); guided excursions; use of snorkeling gear and sea kayaks/canoes.

Exclusions

International flights; alcoholic beverages; pre- and post-trip hotel accommodations; gratuities; a 2.5% foreign credit card transaction fee if using a credit card to pay for any onboard purchases; insurance of any kind (medical and medivac/air evacuation strongly encouraged due to the remote nature of itineraries); fuel surcharge ($400 per person, per departure).

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 25% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Your trip/cruise is transferrable should you provide an alternate participant at the same fare. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 91 days – 25% of total trip cost
90 to 60 days – 50% of total trip cost
59 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations’ Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Vaccination Requirement
To join this trip, all eligible guests must provide proof of being fully vaccinated (at least 14 days after your final COVID-19 vaccine shot). There may also be COVID-19 testing or other requirements to participate; your Adventure Specialist will provide details of current policies upon booking.

Arrival & Departure

The alternative, The Remote Ring of Fire I: East of Flores cruise begins in Labuan Bajo, Flores (LBJ) and ends in Kalabahi, Alor (WRKM), or reverse. Transfers to and from the vessel will be provided from the airport, to align with a recommended group return flight from Kalabahi to Bali. Further arrival & departure details available upon booking. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit ourBooking Flights resource page. Note: Your passport must be valid 6 months after your Indonesia trip concludes.

Activities

Opportunities to explore the land and sea are made available most days of your trip and might include trekking, cultural tours, snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding or nature exploration. Although all activities are inclusive, they are always optional, just inform your Tour Leader if you prefer to stay on board. Other activities may include jumping off the boat, beach volleyball with the crew and fishing (a simple spool of fishing line and hooks are available on board).

Room Configuration

Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin for solo use may do so at a 75% supplement of the per-person listed rate in select cabins upon availability. If you are willing to share accommodations with another guest of the same gender, the single supplement will be waived; if no room-share match is found, no single supplement will be charged.

Families & Children

Families traveling with children are welcome aboard, but keep in mind that this is an adventure cruise and parents must watch their children at all times. Both boats have higher side railings than on normal traditional Buginese schooners, but there are steep staircases to consider if bringing smaller children. Children 12 years and younger will be charged 50% of the cruise fare if they share a triple cabin with parents. If sharing a cabin with other children, only the third child will receive the discount.

Travel Insurance

Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, National Park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.

Textiles of the Lesser Sundas Itinerary

The alternative, 12-day Textiles of the Lesser Sundas cruise sails aboard 24-guest Omback Putih from Maumere to Komodo National Park. This special itinerary introduces you to the culture and textiles of the Sikka people, with guest textile scholar hosts David and Sue Richardson. Gain insights into the local techniques of spinning, binding, dyeing and weaving, with opportunities to purchase finished ikat and other textiles along the way.

Sepia toned map showing an Indonesia textile cruise map between Komodo and Maumere.
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Day 1
Embark Maumere, Flores, Indonesia

Upon arrival from Bali, you will be met at Maumere airport by your tour leader and transferred to the Ombak Putih, which will be waiting at anchor.

Lunch is served heading out into the bay to visit a local fishing village of Bugis and Bajau people, famous for their stilt houses built above the water.

This evening before dinner relax over cocktails as guest hosts David and Sue Richardson of Asian Textile Studies give an introductory talk about the culture and textiles of the local Sikka People.

Accommodations

Ombak Putih

Meals

lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 2
Highlands & Islands Weaving Villages

Today drive up into the highlands to visit a small village where you will be welcomed with music and dancing.

After gaining your first insights into the local techniques of spinning, binding, dyeing and weaving, you will have the opportunity to purchase some of the finished textiles, while the adventurous can try betel nut, tobacco and locally distilled liquor.

After lunch on board, head out to a village inhabited by refugees from an island off Flores, who were forced to leave there following a volcanic eruption. See a demonstration of how they produce their distinctive textiles.

Accommodations

Ombak Putih

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 3
Lamaholot & Adonara Island

This morning arrive in a sheltered picturesque bay under the gaze of a towering volcano. Local Lamaholot villagers welcome you ashore and show in detail how they produce their fantastic earthy-brown ikats decorated with small white seashells.

Be guided around this colorful well-kept village before returning to the Ombak Putih for lunch. After lunch, sail to some small islands close to the northeast coast of Adonara Island for swimming, snorkeling and beachcombing. Moor nearby overnight.

Accommodations

Ombak Putih

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 4
Lembata

Arrive in Lembata next to the towering active volcano of Ile Api and go ashore to see some of the superb ikat textiles produced in this region, meeting weavers from at least three neighboring villages.

After a formal welcome and demonstration of local weaving techniques, there will be a selling exhibition of textiles, giving you the chance to add a fabulous bridewealth cloth to your collection.

You’ll also be invited to see an ancient anthropomorphic rock painting in a nearby village. Later, during lunch, the boat will cruise across the bay to another small rarely visited weaving village and a nearby location for a refreshing swim or snorkel.

Accommodations

Ombak Putih

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 5
Ternate Island & Alor

Today visit the tiny village of Uma Pura on Ternate Island. Discover how they make around 200 different natural dyes, using ingredients such as sea sponges, sea anemones and the ink of sea hares, and have the chance to see and buy many of their fabrics.

Back on board enjoy lunch while sailing to Alor, where you’ll take a short drive to a village inhabited by the Abui tribe. Join in the hypnotic lego-lego dance before shopping for textiles, baskets and jewelery at a small pop-up market.

Return via the Kalabahi Museum to see their fine display of textiles and moko drums from across the island.

Accommodations

Ombak Putih

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 6
Lamalera

Today starts approaching to the fascinating whaling village of Lamalera, on the southern side of Lembata, watching some of the boats heading out to sea. Land on the beach in front of a row of 30 whaleboat sheds and be escorted into the village by local schoolchildren.

After a welcome by the kepala desa, be entertained by dance performances and shown demonstrations of local dyeing and weaving. Many textiles and other artefacts will be available to buy. Then go to the upper village to visit the school and the massive Catholic church, getting excellent views of the boatsheds as you descend.

After returning to the ship, the local whalers will put on a demonstration of how they harpoon whales from their tiny sailboats. Lunch will be served sailing along the coast to a small sandy beach for a refreshing swim.

Accommodations

Ombak Putih

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 7
Savu Island

Early today arrive at a weaving village where you will be the first group they have hosted. We know they are very enthusiastic about sharing their culture and hospitality with us.

Lunch will be served as we begin our long overnight sail to the beautiful non-volcanic island of Savu far to the south. This is a time for relaxing and enjoying simply being on the boat.

Accommodations

Ombak Putih

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 8
Napae Bay & Namata

After breakfast go ashore at Napae Bay, following in the footsteps of Captain Cook who landed HMS Endeavour on the same beach in 1770. Then drive to the spectacular hamlet of Ledetadu, where local weavers will show how they still make their beautifully traditional, naturally dyed cloths. The men will show how they climb the tall lontar palms to tap their delicious juice, which of course you will be able to sample.

After lunch on board, we return ashore to witness a cleansing ceremony, before being welcomed by ikat-clad horsemen showing off their riding skills.

A short drive then leads you to Namata, the most important ritual center on the island, where you will visit the sacred enclosure of priests of the ‘Jingi Tiu’ religion, containing the largest grouping of megaliths on the island.

Accommodations

Ombak Putih

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 9
Raijua

Today go ashore on the neighboring island of Raijua and make a short drive to the raja’s residence, to receive a formal welcome by dancers in traditional costume and be shown the range of textiles used on the island.

Visit the home of one of the island’s top indigo dyers, who will show how her family make a range of indigo textiles unique to this island.

After lunch back on board the Ombak Putih, swim or snorkel from one of the island’s pristine sandy beaches before cruising overnight to the next destination.

Accommodations

Ombak Putih

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 10
Sumba Island

Go ashore on Sumba Island and visit two amazing but quite different royal villages, each with megalithic graves surrounded by tall traditional thatched houses.

Meet members of the two local royal families and see how they make some of the finest textiles to be found on the island, using the techniques of supplementary warp and warp ikat – sometimes even combining both techniques in one textile.

Return to the Ombak Putih for lunch while sailing north, stopping at a local beach for a late afternoon swim and snorkel.

Accommodations

Ombak Putih

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 11
Textile Village & Farewell Dinner

Drive to a rarely visited weaving village and be greeted by ikat-clad warriors on horseback. Sitting in the shade on the veranda of a traditional house, you are welcomed by the entire village and entertained with traditional dances that in the past would welcome the warriors back from their headhunting expeditions. These dances are still used today to greet important visitors.

Textiles will be hanging everywhere, including jewelry, statues, boxes, baskets and other crafts.

Tonight, as you cruise north, you are invited to dress lavishly in your finest ikat cloths for a farewell dinner party with the captain and crew, who will entertain you on deck with traditional Indonesian song and dance.

Accommodations

Ombak Putih

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 12
Komodo National Park & Disembark Labuan Bajo, Flores, Indonesia

Today is a day for Komodo dragons. Go ashore for a short trek with park rangers to see these ancient lizards in their natural habitat.

Back on board cruise to a nearby island in the Komodo National Park for a final snorkel before heading into port, having lunch along the way. After a goodbye to the crew you’ll be escorted to the airport for your onward journey.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast, lunch

Read More
Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Accommodations and meals as indicated in itinerary; airport transfers in Labuan Bajo and Maumere; beverages including coffee, cocoa, tea, soft drinks and fruit juice; limited laundry service (2 items per day free of charge, service stops 2 days before disembarkation); guided excursions; use of snorkeling gear and sea kayaks/canoes.

Exclusions

International flights; alcoholic beverages; pre- and post-trip hotel accommodations; gratuities; a 2.5% foreign credit card transaction fee if using a credit card to pay for any onboard purchases; insurance of any kind (medical and medivac/air evacuation strongly encouraged due to the remote nature of itineraries); fuel surcharge ($400 per person, per departure).

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 25% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Your trip/cruise is transferrable should you provide an alternate participant at the same fare. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 91 days – 25% of total trip cost
90 to 60 days – 50% of total trip cost
59 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations’ Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Vaccination Requirement
To join this trip, all eligible guests must provide proof of being fully vaccinated (at least 14 days after your final COVID-19 vaccine shot). There may also be COVID-19 testing or other requirements to participate; your Adventure Specialist will provide details of current policies upon booking.

Arrival & Departure

The alternative Textiles of the Lesser Sundas cruise begins Maumere, Flores (MOF) and ends in Labuan Bajo, Flores (LBJ). Transfers to and from the vessel will be provided from the airport. Further arrival & departure details available upon booking. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit ourBooking Flights resource page. Note: Your passport must be valid 6 months after your Indonesia trip concludes.

Activities

Opportunities to explore the land and sea are made available most days of your trip and might include trekking, cultural tours, snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding or nature exploration. Although all activities are inclusive, they are always optional, just inform your Tour Leader if you prefer to stay on board. Other activities may include jumping off the boat, beach volleyball with the crew and fishing (a simple spool of fishing line and hooks are available on board).

Room Configuration

Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin for solo use may do so at a 75% supplement of the per-person listed rate in select cabins upon availability. If you are willing to share accommodations with another guest of the same gender, the single supplement will be waived; if no room-share match is found, no single supplement will be charged.

Families & Children

Families traveling with children are welcome aboard, but keep in mind that this is an adventure cruise and parents must watch their children at all times. Both boats have higher side railings than on normal traditional Buginese schooners, but there are steep staircases to consider if bringing smaller children. Children 12 years and younger will be charged 50% of the cruise fare if they share a triple cabin with parents. If sharing a cabin with other children, only the third child will receive the discount.

Travel Insurance

Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, National Park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.

Rates & Dates

Cruise Rates & Dates

These ships are AdventureSmith favorites for private charter. Contact us for charter pricing and details.

Mar 28 - Apr 10, 2023
Ombak Putih • 14 days
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From $9950USD
Per Person
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Apr 16 - Apr 25, 2023
Katharina • 10 days
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From $7100USD
Per Person
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Apr 16 - Apr 25, 2023
Ombak Putih • 10 days
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From $7100USD
Per Person
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May 11 - May 22, 2023
Ombak Putih • 12 days
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From $9010USD
Per Person
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Jun 13 - Jun 22, 2023
Ombak Putih • 10 days
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From $5400USD
Per Person
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Jun 25 - Jul 04, 2023
Ombak Putih • 10 days
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From $5400USD
Per Person
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Accommodations

Learn About the Small Ships on Your Itinerary

Motorsailer
Ombak Putih

The 24-guest sailing vessel Ombak Putih combines traditional and modern design to bring authenticity and comfort to her itineraries in the Ring of Fire region stretching from Bali to the Philippines.

Motorsailer
Katharina

Katharina is a 12-guest sailing vessel whose adventures explore the Ring of Fire, the string of volcanic islands that stretch out from Bali east to the Philippines.

Expert Reviews

Reviews from Our Experts So You Know What to Expect

Lis Larson • October 28th, 2019
Expert Review: Sailing Indonesia’s Undiscovered Frontier Sulawesi Cruise

AdventureSmith sails Indonesia's most remote reaches, along the eastern coast of Sulawesi. Learn our insights on this trip and the highlights of a Sulawesi cruise.

Lis Larson • January 17th, 2020
Expert Aboard: Katharina & Ombak Putih Ship Review

Learn about the food, cabins, crew and more from AdventureSmith experts who've been aboard these unique Indonesian sailing vessels.

Testimonials

Hear It from Travelers Who Have Explored with Us

"A Special Way to See Indonesia"

We went to untouched places that we didn't know existed in Indonesia. We were able to still see all the hot spots in Bali on our own before we took this cruise, but this offered something entirely different than any of our friends had ever experienced in Indonesia.

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"Truly Epic"

Overall trip was amazing. Absolutely no issues logistically. Unless you have months on your hands to stumble around foreign countries and really figure it out on your own, a quality specified travel agency like Adventuresmith is absolutely necessary for a trip of this caliber.

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Additional Travel Options Before or After Your Cruise

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8 Day Cruise
Sailing Indonesia: Bali, Komodo & Flores

From Bali to Flores, experience Indonesia's Whale Sharks, Corals & Dragons aboard the 24-guest Ombak Putih or 12-guest Katharina. Encounter the famous Komodo dragon, swim with whale sharks, snorkel in pristine coral reef and explore beautiful deserted beaches.

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8 - 13 Day Cruise
Aqua Blu Ambon & Spice Islands Cruise

Embrace culture, nature and wildlife on this 8-day Spice Islands cruise aboard the 30-passenger luxury Indonesia yacht Aqua Blu, including regular dive opportunities.

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Aqua Blu Raja Ampat Cruise

Cruise Indonesia's stunning Raja Ampat in style aboard the 30-guest Aqua Blu luxury expedition yacht. This 8-day cruise explores the world's most biodiverse environments by snorkel and diving, with secluded beach visits along the way.

From $8960USD
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10 Day Cruise
Sailing Indonesia: Jewels of Raja Ampat

Experience the best of Indonesia travel aboard the 24-guest Ombak Putih or the 12-guest Katharina sailing vessels. This 10-day round-trip cruise from Sorong, West Papua, explores the natural splendor of Raja Ampat, home to the world's most biodiverse coral reefs.

From $6850USD
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8-13 Day Cruise
Aqua Blu Ambon & Spice Islands Cruise

Embrace culture, nature and wildlife on this 8-day Spice Islands cruise aboard the 30-passenger luxury Indonesia yacht Aqua Blu, including regular dive opportunities.

From $8960USD
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Frontier Lands of New Guinea

Travel from Australia aboard the 120-guest Coral Adventurer to explore or circumnavigate the rarely visited Papua New Guinea. Choose from 13 days to a comprehensive 36-day route that explores the entire coastline of Papua New Guinea, plus Raja Ampat and the history-rich Spice Islands.

From $6745USD
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Sailing Indonesia: The Undiscovered Frontier

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