Sailing Indonesia: Whale Sharks, Corals & Komodo Dragons
Explore Indonesia round-trip from Flores on this 9-day Komodo Island cruise aboard the 24-guest Ombak Putih or 12-guest Katharina traditional Indonesian sailing vessels. Few areas in Asia can match the cultural and natural diversity that’s found following the chain of the Lesser Sunda Islands: towering active volcanoes, jungle-clad mountain ranges and dry savannah lowlands, all teeming with wildlife.
This unique itinerary visits quiet coastal villages, emerald seas, megalithic cultures, bustling colorful markets, tribes and a world of kaleidoscopic beauty underwater. Over the course of your week at sea, look for (and have a great chance of spotting) the famous Komodo dragon, swim with sea turtles and whale sharks, snorkel on pristine coral reefs, hopefully swim with manta rays, take in traditional dances and explore some of Indonesia’s most beautiful deserted beaches.
The journey starts with recommended group flights from Bali to Flores Island, so it makes it easy to explore on your own pre-cruise. For those who want to see even more wildlife, join a pre-cruise extension to Borneo to see orangutans for select departures. And for those who want to go even more remote, look to the 10-day Remote Ring of Fire itinerary sailing between Komodo and Alor. This unique route hits the Komodo National Park highlight but cruises eastward from Flores to explore more authentic parts of Indonesia where people still live life on their own terms, making textiles and fishing using traditional methods. Wake up to a new volcano each morning as you explore their surrounding reefs, see friendly resident dugongs and visit local villages and historic Portuguese forts used in the spice trade.
Passage is aboard the 24-guest sailing vessel Ombak Putih or 12-passenger ketch Katharina. These traditional pinisi-style ships offer romance, Indonesian culture, rustic charm and superior service. These vessels are also AdventureSmith favorites for private charter cruises due to their cozy, inviting feel and size. Complimentary onboard snorkeling equipment, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, fishing gear and tender boats equip guests with daily adventures among a string of Indonesian islands.
Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Indonesia cruises.