Sea Trek Bali

 On this voyage we start at the eastern end of the lesser sunda Islands before we explore the southern part of the The Maluku archipelago, a large group of in total almost a thousand islands that straddle the equator between Sulawesi to the west, Papua to the east and Timor to the south. Also known as the Moluccas or the “Spice Islands” they have been a magic destination for over ten centuries. 

12 Days/11 Nights
2012: Euro 3015 per person sharing a double or twin cabin

 The first seafarers from faraway countries to explore the Molucca region, as early as the 8th century, were Chinese, later followed by the Arabs in the 1200s.  In fact, the name Maluku is thought to have been derived from the Arab trader's term for the region, Jazirat al-Muluk ‘'the island of the kings” and an ancient Arab text places the islands rather precisely “fifteen days sailing east of Jaba”.  What the Arab traders brought back to their home ports, were exotic spices: nutmeg, mace and cloves. These were sold to Venetian merchants and became known in Europe as “the nuts from Muscat”.  Because of the high value of these spices in Europe and the large profits they generated, many adventurers followed in the wake of the Chinese and the Arabs, first Portuguese and later Dutch and British. For two centuries the latter two nations fought naval battles over control of the Banda Islands, principal centre of the nutmeg trade.  These tumultuous events also explain how several islands in the Maluku archipelago came to harbour cosmopolitan societies where spice traders from different backgrounds established settlements and enclaves. It can easily be understood that these outposts far from the mother countries often attracted rather desperate and avaricious characters and it was this special mix that created a fascinating history. What makes our Seatrek sailing adventures through Maluku so interesting is that traces of this colorful past can still be found everywhere ….   An amazing historical footnote is the fact that in 1667, under the Treaty of Breda, the small island of Run in the Banda archipelago was ceded by the English to the Dutch in exchange for Manhattan…..

On day 1 we will fly from Bali to the city of Kupang, West Timor. Here we go on a sightseeing tour of the city with the remains of the Old Dutch Fort “Konkordia” and the oldest church in Kupang from 1873. Kupang has a population of 120,000 and as well as university and an interesting ‘Museum of Nusa Tenggara Timor’ with an excellent Dong Son drum.  Later we also briefly venture into the hinterland to learn more about the local customs, traditions, architecture and culture of the Timorese.
The island of Timor is split into West Timor as part of the Indonesian Province of Nusa Tenggara Timor and the independent state of East Timor.  West Timor is slightly bigger than the eastern part (16.500 sq km) and has a higher population with 1,25 million. The Portuguese established their first settlements in the mid-1600’s and mixed with the local population, creating a large ‘Mestizos’ community, locally known as the ‘Topasses’. Because of the strong Portuguese and later Dutch influences on Timor, most islanders are Christian. Some 18 languages are spoken on the island, several of which are non-Austronesian.
After the city tour we will embark the katharina and set sail for the Island of Lembata.

On day 2 we arrive on the South coast of Lembata to visit the traditional whale hunting village of Lamalera.  Here local fishermen still practice whaling with small open boats. Traditional whaling is still allowed under the International Whaling Convention, and the local economy entirely depends on it as a traditional food source.  On the beach we will see the whalers preparing their small sailing craft. In the afternoon Katharina will proceed towards the Alor archipelago.

On day 3 you will go ashore on the island of Alor. We anchor in front of the town of Kalabahi and through the rugged landscape we will cross to the village of Takpala to get some insight in the specific character of the island and witness some traditional dances in the  ’mesbah’, the ritual centre of the village. Here we will see the moko drums, for centuries part of the dowries in this part of the world. Ikat cloth from Alor is famous for its intricate patterns. In the evening we proceed further to the east and during the night we cross the imaginary ‘border line’ between the Lesser Sunda Islands and the Moluccas.

On day 4 we will reach the West coast of Wetar Island around noon. The biggest island of southeast Maluku, it is one of the least populated, with an interior thick with jungle said to still be populated by untouched jungle dwellers. We anchor off the small islet of Reong and go ashore on the main island for a walk to the hot 10

On day 5 we will first go snorkeling off the deserted beach of Moapora, a small island near Pulau Romang. In the afternoon we will meet the inhabitants of the main island and then make a two hour trek from east to West through the orange and coconut groves. The tidiness of the main village and the neat small houses will come as a surprise. Most likely we will be invited for a cup of sweet tea.

On day 6 you wake up in the small bay on the East Coast of Damar Island. We go ashore at the village of Beber. The dwellings in the village are simple huts made from leafs of the sago palm. Staple food of the locals is sweet potatoes, bananas and fish. We make a two hour trek around the volcano to the beach on the North coast. If the conditions are favourable, during the afternoon we will anchor off the small uninhabited island of Pulau Terbang Utara where our tender will take us into its lagoon.

On day 7 we will sail past three different volcanic islands: Teun, Serua and Nila. These islands are literally some of the most remote ones in the archipelago. Here cloves used to be grown by the local people but since the eruptions in the seventies most of the population migrated to other islands in the Moluccas. If time allows we will make a short stop at Serua and go ashore at the village of Jerili.

On day 8 Katharina reaches the small island of Manuk which is uninhabited by humans but truly a bird and marine sanctuary.  Frigate birds, gannets and other marine birds have their nests in the trees. In case the tide allows it, we will make a landing. If not, we watch bird life from the ship. In the late afternoon we proceed towards the Spice Islands.

On day 9 you arrive in the Banda Archipelago, famous for its natural beauty and its cultural heritage from the time the Spice Islands were the target of the European colonizers. We will anchor stern-to and tie the ship’s bow to a palm-tree on the waterfront at Bandanaira, the only (small) town of Banda. We will stroll through the city, visit old fortresses and admire the planters’ houses from the old days. We have dinner on board spending a quiet evening in the lagoon.

On day 10 we will visit a few of the other islands of the archipelago, such as Ai, Revenge and Hatta and will see what remains of the ancient plantations, churches and cemeteries. We will breathe the atmosphere of the time that the Banda youth were sent to the most expensive boarding schools of Europe and dream about the splendid, but short-lived glory during a remarkable episode in world history.

Day 11  is in principle a spare day. We know from experience that more often than not, we all want to extend our stay in Banda - to attend one of the frequent ceremonies or to visit Run Island.  An amazing historical footnote is the fact that in  1667, under the Treaty of Breda, this small  island was ceded by the English to the Dutch in exchange for Manhattan. In the late afternoon we hoist the anchor for the 115 nautical mile crossing to Ambon.

On day 12 we arrive at the harbor on the island of Ambon.  After breakfast we say farewell to the crew and the Katharina and we board a coach for our transfer to Ambon airport for the flight via Makassar to Denpasar.  
Participants should be aware that itinerary and program of our sea voyages occasionally may have to be modified, due to factors beyond our control: unfavorable weather conditions, delay in processing harbour 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. Please note that the domestic flights are not included.

The Raja Ampat archipelago consists of some 600 Islands and islets that straddle the equator in the area off the “Birds Head” - the Doberoi Peninsula, the extreme north-western tip of the Papua province of Indonesia. The name Raja Ampat literally means ‘the Four Kings’ and dates back to the time that the islands were ruled from the North Moluccan sultanates of Ternate and Tidore.  (In those days each of the four larger islands in the group, Waigeo, Salawati, Batanta and Misool used to have an independent ‘raja ) Most of the islands have rugged and steep coastlines and are covered with virgin rain forest.     

10 Days/9Nights

2012: Euro 2435 per person sharing double or twin cabin

The larger islands are lightly populated, but most others are uninhabited by humans.  Until the turn of the century the name Raja Ampat was still completely absent from Indonesian travel brochures.  Trailblazing diving expeditions undertaken by some adventurous souls have put the archipelago on the map and nowadays Raja Ampat has become world famous as one of the most noteworthy ecological niches on the planet, on a par with the Great Barrier Reef and Galapagos.  Marine biologists have concluded that Raja Ampat is home to seventy percent of the known coral species on the planet. Many fish, corals and crustaceans that live in these waters are found nowhere else on earth. However, apart from the reefs, this area also has some of the most stunning top-side views in the world. During this 10 day cruise Katharina will take you on a thorough exploration of what is without a doubt one of the least visited but most memorable adventure destinations on our planet. You do not need to be an expert diver to be able to experience that this is the global epicenter of marine diversity. We will take you snorkeling (few people realize that ninety percent of reef life lives in the top 4 meters of water, so snorkelers will not miss out on anything).  You do not need to be a seasoned birdwatcher to see the bird life that brought Alfred Russel Wallace to this region over a century ago. We certainly hope to witness the display dance of the dazzling red bird of paradise, to hear the shrieks of the crested cockatoo and the flapping of the wings of passing hornbills….

On day one upon arrival at Sorong airport we immediately transfer you to the harbour where Katharina is waiting.  Once you are aboard our cruise director will first give you a general briefing to familiarize you with the vessel and our safety procedures. Then we cast off/raise the anchor and the vessel goes on a Northerly course into the Dampier Strait. Our first destination is Kri, just east of slightly larger Mansuar Island. Here we will enjoy our first experience of white-sand beaches, clear waters, and iridescent reefs with the backdrop of heavy rain forest. We spend the night at anchor.

On day two during the morning we take you snorkeling. It will be a great introduction to the underwater splendor of The Raja Ampat because this very area is considered to have some of the richest reefs in the world. In the afternoon we will proceed to the South coast of the island of Gam.  Here we will go ashore and make a trek inland in an attempt to spot the red Bird of Paradise.  In the evening we will depart for an overnight passage of some sixty-five miles. Sometime during the night we will cross the equator for a 24 hour foray on to the Northern hemisphere….

On day three, when you come on deck you will encounter a unique phenomenon: a great number of tiny islets whose bases over time have been eroded by the relentless motion of the tides. We have arrived in the Wayag islands. The  landscape is typical of ‘karst dissolution’ so the  chain of  islands was cut  into  a series  of  coves  and   lagoons,  narrow  channels  and  inlets,  caves  and  jagged  rocks  as  well  as countless  shaded beaches. In the morning we go hiking to an amazing point of view ashore. In the afternoon we will explore the beaches around the bay, swimming and snorkeling, and in the evening we will have a superb seafood beach barbecue. In the course of the evening we raise the anchor and go on a southerly course again.

On day four, around noontime we first make a landfall on the North Coast of Kofiau Island and we find a sheltered anchorage off the village of Deer, on a small island separated from Kofiau by a clear channel. We go ashore and use our tenders to explore the area. The water around these islands is clear enough to see the bottom everywhere. In the course of the afternoon we proceed to the Boo Islands. This is a group of small islands with extremely rich vegetation and a true birdwatcher's paradise. We drop anchor in between the islands and go snorkeling in the lagoon of Boo Kecil. There are no permanent human settlements on these islands.  Apart from parrots many seabirds fly past. We spend the night at anchor.  

On day five we leave at sunrise and start our passage towards Misool. This island, also known as Batanme, is located about 40 miles southwest of the Doberai (Vogel kop) Peninsula. Flat lowlands cover the coastal regions except in the South, which is hilly and mountainous; the hills in the central part of the island reach an elevation of 3,250 feet. The climate is hot, with heavy rainfall; seasonal streams flow seaward from the central highlands, where there are dense hardwood forests. The island is sparsely populated. In the afternoon we reach the village of Lenmolas on the Eastern end of the north coast. We spend the rest of the day ashore to get the feel of this remarkable island and to hear about its long history.

On day six we first round Cape Yamtu and we follow the east coast southward. In the afternoon we reach the east-coast of Misool Island. Few areas in Indonesia can lay claim to such unsurpassed natural beauty as this part of the Misool archipelago. We base ourselves off the Farondi slands and go swimming and snorkeling in surroundings that are truly magnificent.

On day seven we move again a little further south to the archipelago that extends south from Cape Forongketo. This is another large cluster of uninhabited islands. We will spend another splendid day using our tenders to explore the beaches and the reefs in the neighborhood of Kalig and Fiabacet.

On day eight we move to the Kepulauan Penyu (the Schildpad Islands), 16 miles NNE of Misool for a last day of swimming and snorkeling. These are a group of eight islands covered with high trees and quite different from what we have seen before. In the course of the evening we start our passage to return towards the mainland.   

 On day nine, in the early morning we make a landfall on the southern coast of Batanta Island.  In the course of the day we proceed to Markhesa Bay, close to Sorong and spend some time ashore to meet the people in the local village and listen to their stories. We hope to hear of their adventures in nature and of their secrets of life and death.

On day ten, after breakfast, we take you across the Bay back to the mainland and once you have said farewell to the captain and crew we transfer you to the airport for the return flight to Bali or to any other destination.

Participants should be aware that itinerary and program of our sea voyages occasionally may have to be modified, due to factors beyond our control: unfavorable weather conditions, delay in processing harbour 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. Please note that the domestic flights are not included.

On this voyage Katharina takes you from Asmat country in the South of Papua to the Raja Ampat, all the way in the North. The Raja Ampat archipelago consists of some 600 Islands and islets that straddle the equator in the area off  the “Birds Head”, the  extreme north-western tip of the Papua province of Indonesia (formerly known as New Guinea.)

12 Days/11 Nights

2011:    Euro 2830 per person sharing a double or twin cabin
2012:    Euro 3020 per person sharing a double or twin cabin

The name Raja Ampat literally means ‘the Four Kings’ and the name dates back to the time that the islands were ruled from the North Moluccan sultanates of Ternate and Tidore.  (Each of the four larger islands in the group, Waigeo, Salawati, Batanta and Misool had an independent ‘raja’)  Most of the islands have rugged and steep coastlines and are covered with virgin rain forest.  The larger islands are lightly populated, but most others are uninhabited by humans

On day one you will touchdown early in the morning at the airport of Timika and we will immediately transfer you to the harbour which is located at the mouth of the local river. Once settled in on Katharina, we will departure in the direction of Agats.

On day two the vessel will arrive off Agats, the capital of the Asmat region and we will remain there for two days in order to explore the Asmat heartland which is located in a huge expanse of swamps and mangroves along the southern coast of Papua (Irian Jaya). Moving about on local longboats, we shall visit various villages. All Asmat villages are located on river banks and until about 50 years ago this land was completely unexplored and home to fierce warriors. We see the traditional longhouses (called “jeu”) and the exquisite woodcarving that has made the Asmat people world famous. We learn how they tap the wild sago to satisfy their daily needs. We’ll experience ritual welcome ceremonies and other traditional rituals pertinent to the Asmat tribe.  At one stage the Katharina will be surrounded by dozens of war-canoes and the air will be filled with shrieks and shouts expressing a heartfelt welcome to the honored guests coming from overseas.

On day three, in the course of the evening of our second day in the Asmat region we will lift our anchor and set sail heading for the Triton bay located over 200 nautical miles to the west.

During day four we will sail the entire day along the flood plane coast of Irian Jaya. If winds are favorable, we will hoist the sails and share the experience of Sir Alfred Wallace, who described Phinisi vessels as “more comfortable than the modern day steamers” during his Odysseys through the “Malay Archipelago” (1854-1862). When conditions allow one or more swim stops will be made.In the course of day five Katharina arrives in Triton bay, certainly one of the most beautiful and undisturbed places of Asia. The scenery is magnificent: tall cliffs, limestone outcrops separated by narrow channels, secluded beaches, turquoise waters…..the perfect pirates’ den.  We’ll use our tenders to explore the area. If time permits, we may also visit the village of Lobo at  the foot of a 3000 feet cliff. We shall pass a quiet evening in a protected cove and have a BBQ on the beach.
 

On day six on our way to the small town of Kaimana, we may make a stop at Namatote village to search for cliff paintings and other pictorial signs left by ancient inhabitants high on the cliff galleries. In Kaimana we will spend a few hours in the centre of town to get the feel of ‘urban’ Papua. West of Kaimana we sail mile after mile along a coastline of uninhabited, towering mountains covered with thick jungle. Here, in complete wilderness, a roaring river cascades down the jungle-clad mountains and crashes right on the white-sand beach. Plenty of lobsters inhabit the rocky waters around Kiti Kiti.

On day seven we arrive at Karas island in the bay of Sebakor. We visit local villages or laze around on one of the secluded beaches. Then we proceed to the district centre of Fakfak where we disembark to explore the city. It is one of the few places on the entire coast where the crew has the opportunity to take on fresh supplies.

On day eight, on the way from Fakfak to the island of Misool, we make a stop at one or two of the so-called “Valsche Pisang” islands, and definitely will not skip the desert island of Daram where pristine white beaches populated by myriads of hermit crabs present the perfect site for another unforgettable BBQ. Great snorkeling!

On day nine we reach the  east coast of Misool which is dotted  with  numerous  uninhabited   islets  and fringed by white-sand  beaches and coral reefs;  we spend  the morning  snorkeling  and  exploring these islands. Few areas in Indonesia can lay claim to such unsurpassed natural  beauty  as  the eastern end of the Misool archipelago;  its landscape is typical of ‘karst dissolution’ so the  chain of  islands were cut  into   hundreds  of   coves  and   lagoons,  high  cliffs  and  limestone overhangs,   narrow  channels  and  inlets,   caves  and   jagged  rocks  as  well  as countless   shaded   beaches….another  perfect  pirates’  den.   The reefs are mostly untouched with many  underwater caves  waiting   to   be  explored.   If you feel like doing some rock – climbing, you will enjoy   incredible   scenery   and you will have a fair chance of spotting exotic birds, including large hornbills. After one or two stops we sail onward to the north coast of Misool Island.

On day ten and eleven we explore more of the so-called and world-famous ‘Raja Ampat’ (four kings) islands, located west and north of Bird’s Head, the western tip of Papua. We will look for the elusive Wilson’s Bird of paradise, take a bath in waterfalls and follow tracks into the jungle. The last night we will spend at anchor off the island of Mansuar, close to the mainland. Here we will enjoy some final white-sand beaches, clear waters, iridescent reefs, always with the backdrop of thick forests.

On day twelve, after breakfast we say farewell to the crew of the Katharina and disembark in Sorong, and take you to the airport of the city for the return flight to Bali.
 

Participants should be aware that itinerary and program of our sea voyages occasionally may have to be modified, due to factors beyond our control: unfavorable weather conditions, delay in processing harbour 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. Please note that the domestic flights are not included.

 On this voyage Katharina takes you from Raja Ampat Asmat country in the north west of Papua to the, asmat tribes all the way in the south east. The Raja Ampat archipelago consists of some 600 Islands and islets that straddle the equator in the area off the “Birds Head”, the extreme north-western tip of the Papua province of Indonesia (formerly known as New Guinea.) 

12 days/11 nights

2012: Euro 3020 per person sharing double or twin cabin

The name Raja Ampat literally means ‘the Four Kings’ and the name dates back to the time that the islands were ruled from the North Moluccan sultanates of Ternate and Tidore.  (Each of the four larger islands in the group, Waigeo, Salawati, Batanta and Misool had an independent ‘raja’.) Most of the islands have rugged and steep coastlines and are covered with virgin rain forest.  The larger islands are lightly populated, but most others are uninhabited by humans

On day one we arrive at the airport of Sorong, transfer to the harbour, board the Katharina and depart, direction Raja Ampat. The so-called and world famous ‘Raja Ampat’ (four kings) islands, are located West and North of Bird’s Head, the western tip of the vast island of Papua, the second largest in the world. We will spend the night at anchor off the island of Mansuar, close to the mainland. Here we will enjoy white-sand beaches, clear waters and iridescent reefs with the backdrop of thick forests.

On day two we will explore more of the Raja Ampat area where we will follow tracks into the jungle to look for the elusive Wilson’s Bird of paradise, bathe in waterfalls and look for other wildlife.

On day three we reach the north Coast of Misool Island which is dotted with numerous uninhabited islands fringed by white-sand beaches and coral reefs; spend the morning, snorkeling or exploring the islands. After one or two stops we sail onward to the east-coast of Misool Island. Few areas in Indonesia can lay claim to such unsurpassed natural beauty as the eastern end of the Misool archipelago; the Karst formation have cut the chain of islands into hundreds of coves and lagoons, high cliffs and limestone overhangs, narrow channels and inlets, caves and jagged rocks as well as countless shaded  beaches. The reefs are mostly untouched and if you feel like doing some trekking/climbing, you will enjoy incredible scenery and a fair chance of spotting exotic birds, including large hornbills.

On day four on the way from Misool Island to Fakfak, we make a stop at one or two of the so-called Valsche Pisang islands, and definitely should not skip the desert island of Daram where pristine white beaches populated by myriads of hermit crabs present the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable beach experience.  Great snorkeling!

On day five we arrive at the district centre of Fakfak where we disembark for replenishing stock on board and exploring the city.  In a few hours of leisurely walking you will get an appreciation of how people live in these far away primarily water accessed cities.

On day six we arrive at Karas Island in the bay of Sebakor. We visit local villages or laze around on the secluded beaches we may find here.

On day seven we sail for miles along a coastline of uninhabited, towering mountains covered with thick jungle. Here, in complete wilderness, a roaring river cascades down the jungle-clad mountains and crashes right on the white-sand beach. Plenty of lobsters inhabit the rocky waters around Kiti Kiti.  When we arrive in Kaimana we will spend a few hours in the centre of town to get the feel of ‘urban’ Papua. On our way to Triton Bay we may make a stop at Namatote village to see some cliff paintings/ glyphs and pictorial signs left by ancient inhabitants high on the cliff galleries.

On day eight we arrive in Triton bay, certainly one of the most beautiful and undisturbed places of Asia. The scenery is magnificent: tall cliffs, limestone outcrops separated by narrow channels, secluded beaches, and turquoise waters. We’ll use the tenders to explore the area. If time permits, we can also visit the village of Lobo at the foot of a 3000 feet cliff. We enjoy a quiet evening in a protected cove and BBQ on the beach.

On day nine we will sail along the flood plain coast of Papua/ Irian Jaya. If the winds are favourable, we will hoist the sails and share the experience of Sir Alfred Wallace, who described Phinisi vessels as “more comfortable than the modern day steamers”, during his Odysseys through the “Malay Archipelago” (1854-1862). When conditions allow one or more swim stops will be made.

On day ten we arrive off Agats, the capital of the Asmat region.  Our two days into the Asmat heartland, located in the huge expense of swamps and mangrove along the southern coast of Papua (Irian Jaya), will allow us to visit various villages moving about on local longboats, as all Asmat villages are located on river banks. Not more than 50 years ago this land was yet completely unexplored and home to fierce warriors. See the traditional longhouses called “jeu”, the exquisite woodcarving that has made the Asmat people world famous and the way they tap the wild sago to satisfy their daily needs. We’ll experience ritual welcome ceremonies and other traditional rituals pertinent to the Asmat tribe. At one stage the Katharina will be surrounded by dozens of war-canoes and the air will be filled with shrieks and shouts, expressing a heartfelt welcome to the honored guests coming from overseas.

On day eleven, in the evening of our second day in the Asmat region we lift our anchor and set sail headed back for Timika.

On day twelve after breakfast we say farewell to the crew of the Katharina and disembark at the harbor of Timika, located at the mouth of the local river. Transfer to the airport of Timika.

Participants should be aware that itinerary and program of our sea voyages occasionally may have to be modified, due to factors beyond our control: unfavorable weather conditions, delay in processing harbour 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. Please note that the domestic flights are not included.

 This special Seatrek itinerary honors one of the first prominent scientists who dared to raise concerns over the environmental impact of human activity……..
150 years ago….

14 Days/13 Nights

2012: Euro 3415 per person sharing double or twin cabin

 Alfred Russel Wallace (1823 - 1913) was a British naturalist and explorer.  He is best known for independently proposing a theory of evolution due to natural selection that prompted Charles Darwin to publish his own theory.
From 1854 to 1862, age 31 to 39, Wallace travelled through what is nowadays Malaysia and Indonesia in order to study its nature. His observations of the marked zoological differences across a narrow strait in the archipelago led to his proposing the zoo-geographical boundary now known as the Wallace line. While he was exploring the archipelago, he refined his thoughts about evolution and had his famous insight on natural selection. In 1858 he sent an article outlining his theory to Darwin; it was published, along with a description of Darwin's own theory, in the same year.
Accounts of his studies and adventures were eventually published in 1869 as “The Malay Archipelago” Its full title was The Malay Archipelago: The land of the orang-utan, and the bird of paradise. A narrative of travel, with sketches of man and nature.

This Seatrek sailing adventure takes you to many of the exact locations that Wallace describes in his landmark publication and of course we have several copies of Wallace’ s book in the ship’s library.( It was reprinted by PERIPLUS in 2000.)

On day one when you arrive at Sultan Babullah Airport in Ternate, cars are waiting to take you to the harbour.  After you have settled in on Katharina and freshened up, we go ashore to take in the sights of this old city that for several centuries was the center of the spice trade and where the imprint of the Dutch and the Portuguese can still be seen. We see the colonial warehouses at the harbour-site and meet the varied races of the island: Malay, Chinese, Mediterranean, Melanesian, Arab and Indian, settled down one by one since the beginning of the last millennium.

On day two we make a full day guided tour around the island, including visits of Portuguese and Dutch fortresses (Kayu Merah, Oranye, Toloko, Kastela). We see the giant oldest clove-tree in the world (400 years old) in the shadow of its protective Kenari trees. We make a stop at the beautiful Laguna Lotus pond supposedly inhabited by a royal crocodile and venerated by the local populace. We have a picnic in the foothills of the awesome Gamalama volcano. Late afternoon we return to the Katharina.

On day three early in the morning the crew will cast off the mooring lines/ raise the anchor and with the first light of dawn we will cross over towards the neighboring island of Halmahera.

Halmahera (formerly also known as Jilolo or Gilolo) is the largest of the Maluku Islands. It is sparsely-populated and about half of its inhabitants are Muslim and about half are Christian. Throughout history the fortunes of Halmahara have long been closely tied to those of the much smaller islands of Ternate and Tidore.
    
    After a few hours of sailing we reach our first destination on Halmahera, which is the Bay of Jailolo, the site of an independent sultanate in the era before the Dutch East India Company colonized the entire archipelago. We go ashore in the village of Jailolo and visit the old ‘Controleur’s Huis’ and a local community house with a display of historical treasures. The village of Jailolo is on the slope of a stunning volcanic complex of the same name with plenty of geothermal activity. It has lava flows on the eastern flank, a small caldera at the west and southwest of the mountain and hot springs along the northwest coast of the caldera. An independent small volcano with a perfect cone, Kailupa forms the southern flank of the peninsula. Around noon we sail out of the bay again and during the rest of the day, the following night and most of the day that follows we sail along the Western coast of Halmahera. We see it is a wild and mountainous island, still largely covered with forests. We do pass some narrow beaches with small villages on the coastline but often sea conditions make landing difficult. In the early evening we pass the Bay of Loloda, another independent kingdom with a long history stretching from the 13th to the 19th century. While we are tempted to stop for the night, a study of the chart shows that the Bay is extremely shallow, so safety at anchorage prevails and we move on.

On day four we reach the Northern Loloda Islands. In the 13th Century when the sultans of Ternate and Tidore ruled the general area all the way to Papua these were know as “The Gate to the North”. The Sailing Directions of the British Admiralty, covering the harbors, coasts, and waters of the world, state: …”Vessels call at these islands for ebony. They have no definite anchorages, but anchor in the most convenient place for picking up their cargo…”.  We find an anchorage in a small bay at the village of Kampung Dama on the South side of Pulau Doi. First we use our tender to explore a small inlet and look for the fabled waterfall that, according to local legend, spills rejuvenating water. Afterwards we go snorkeling on the reef that fringes the Western shore of the bay. We spend the night at anchor.

On day five as the sun rises, the crew raises the anchor and we round the northernmost cape of Halmahera on the way to Morotai Island. In the course of the morning we first drop anchor at Dodola Island. Dodola is surrounded by extensive white sand beaches which actually connect the neighboring islands of Dodola Besar and Dodola Kecil. The beautiful nature and the clear waters make it a great spot for swimming and snorkeling or simply relaxing. We will also search for Air Kaca, the so-called ‘mirror’ pond in the jungle of which the local people will tell us the true meaning.
Afterwards we move to Daruba harbour on Morotai itself. During World War II, Halmahera was the site of a Japanese military base at Kao Bay and Morotai is famous for the role it played at the end of the Pacific War. On September 15 1944 Allied forces landed on Morotai occupied by the Japanese to create a bridgehead for attacking the Philippines. When we go ashore we may find remnants reminiscent of this era, but the contrast the current scenery presents could not be any greater; rustling palm-leaves, powdery white sandy beaches and a rippling turquoise sea.

On day six we sail back to the ‘mainland’ and first we make a stop at Tobelo, the capital of the regency of North Halmahera. It has a population of approximately 15,000. The town is predominantly Christian and a Protestant Church has existed in Tobelo since 1924. Then we depart toward Kau Bay in between the northern and northeastern ‘leg’ of Halmahera. In the afternoon we will reach Waisile Bay which is on the E side of Kau, immediately inside the entrance. We drop anchor at the small port of Subaim on the south coast.

On day seven we go ashore at the break of day to make a trek into the Aketajawe-Lolobota National Park, a truly exceptional wildlife sanctuary. The vegetation of this national park consists mostly of lowland and mountain rainforest and its forest vegetation is characterized by an extremely high level of biodiversity.  It is considered by Birdlife International to be vital for the survival of at least 23 endemic bird species. We will be guided by members of the indigenous Tugutil tribe, whose knowledge of the local environment is unsurpassed. We do hope to see the ‘golden cat’ (only found on Halmahera,) but in particular we hope to spot Wallace’s Standard Wing Bird of Paradise and the Giant Pitta, described by Wallace as ‘one of the most beautiful birds of the East’. With the sun setting we will sail out of the bay again northward. During the evening we veer off toward the NE, following the coast until we turn south again at Cape Lelai.

In the morning of day eight we will step ashore one last time on Halmahera near the village of Watam just South of Cape Wayamli. We are now in Buli Bay, an area full of coconut plantations. The villages on this Bay are among the most isolated communities in Indonesia because they have access by sea only and there very few roads. In the afternoon we go searching for good snorkeling spots nearby. As the sun sets we start an overnight passage crossing from Halmahera to the Raja Ampat archipelago.

The Raja Ampat archipelago consists of some 600 Islands and islets that straddle the equator in the area off the “Bird’s Head”, the extreme north-western tip of the province of Papua.  The name Raja Ampat literally means ‘the Four Kings’ and the name dates back to the time that the islands were ruled from the North Moluccan sultanates of Ternate and Tidore.  (In those days each of the four larger islands in the group, Waigeo, Salawati, Batanta and Misool used to have an independent ‘raja’).  Most of the islands have rugged and steep coastlines and are covered with virgin rain forest.  The larger islands are lightly populated, but most others are uninhabited by humans.  

On day nine when you come on deck you will feel that you have arrived in an extraterrestrial world. What looks like an armada of flying saucers around you is in reality a great number of tiny islets that over time have been eroded by the relentless motion of the tides. We have arrived in the Wayag islands and in the morning we go hiking to an amazing spot ashore from where we have great view over the area. In the afternoon we will explore the beaches around the bay, go snorkeling and in the evening we will have a superb seafood beach barbecue. Then we spend the night at anchor.

On day ten we go on a southeasterly course towards the largest of the Raja Islands, Waigeo.  In the sailing directions we read:  “Large schools of porpoises are sometimes seen in this passage and may be mistaken for dry rocks when motionless”…  Waigeo lies NW of the W end of Papua and consists almost entirely of hills and mountains which rise steeply from the sea. The island is 110 km long; from east to west and 48 km wide from north to south. The highest elevations are on the N side of the island. We steer for Buffalo Horn (0°05'S.130°45'E.), a 958 meter high mountain peak about midway along the N. coast reported to be a good landmark. When we reach Latitude zero we go on a course due East and follow the equator until we reach Fofak Bay. If the conditions are good we will enter this Bay and look for a safe anchorage. This cruise is a true voyage of discovery and in the sailing directions we read about a waterfall and a village…Here we may ask the inhabitants for possible places to spot wildlife. If there is no safe place to anchor, we may proceed to Kabarei Bay instead.

On day eleven we sail around the East coast of Waigeo, and point the bow West again to enter Dampier Strait. We may be in time to spend most of the night at anchor in front of the island of Gam.

On day twelve before day break we start a one half hour trek to the location where when dawn arrives and the jungle awakes we hope to witness the red bird of paradise. A viewing station is positioned in an area known to be frequented by this unique bird. Various morning bird calls attract your attention and many other species are sighted while walking the paths. Weather may be the obstacle though, as rain seems to negatively affect the bird’s movements.

On day thirteen we proceed from Gam to the island of Wai. Here we will enjoy our last environment of white-sand beaches, clear waters and astonishing reefs against the backdrop of thick forests. We spend the night at anchor.

On day fourteen after a short crossing to Sorong, we say goodbye to captain and crew of the Katharina and after our transfer to the airport, we board our plane back to Bali or Jakarta.

Participants should be aware that itinerary and program of our sea voyages occasionally may have to be modified, due to factors beyond our control: unfavorable weather conditions, delay in processing harbour 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. Please note that the domestic flights are not included.

The Moluccas or the Spice Islands have been a magic destination for over ten centuries.  The first seafarers from faraway countries to explore the region, as early as the 8th century, were Chinese, later followed by the Arabs in the 1200s.  In fact, the name Maluku is thought to have been derived from the Arab trader's term for the region, Jazirat al-Muluk ‘'the island of the kings” and an ancient Arab text places the islands rather precisely “fifteen days sailing east of Jaba”.

13 Days/12 Nights

2012: Euro 3170  Per Person Sharing Double or Twin Cabin  

What the Arab traders brought back to their home ports, were exotic spices: cloves, mace and nutmeg. These were sold to Venetian merchants and became known in Europe as “the nuts from Muscat”.  Because of the high value of these spices in Europe and the large profits they generated, many adventurers followed in the wake of the Chinese and the Arabs… first Portuguese and later Dutch and British. On this thirteen day voyage from Ambon to Ternate Seatrek retraces ‘the marine silk route’ to the fabled sultanate of Ternate.

On day one when you arrive at the Ambon airport cars will be waiting to take you to the Katharina at her mooring in the harbour. After you have settled in on the vessel and freshened up, we spend the rest of the day exploring this bustling capital city of the Moluccas. Ambon was built on a hillside overlooking the bay and there are many interesting sites of historical and cultural interest. Among them are the remnants of several old forts built by the Dutch East Indies Company during the heydays of the spice trade. To get a good feel of the local atmosphere, we will tour the downtown area by foot or choose one of the numerous becaks (pedicabs). There are also great traditional markets as well as a Matahari “shopping center” from which to buy local crafts and produce.

On day two we will first pay a visit to the Siwa Lima Museum in the hills outside Ambon. The museum displays Maluku's foremost collection of regional and colonial artifacts. After lunch we will go a little further out of town to visit Fortress Amsterdam, a typical sample of a fortified trade post built by the VOC-Dutch East Indies Company in the 17th century. In the village of Kaitetu nearby we visit the oldest mosque in Ambon that was built in the year 1414. On the way back we will stop for an inspection of a clove-plantation. Until the nineteenth century Ambon used to be the world center of clove production and we will see that cloves are in fact the dried flower buds of a tropical evergreen tree. In the course of the evening we raise the anchor to depart from Ambon Bay. After we round the southern Cape of Ambon Island we go on a Northerly course towards the island of Manipa.

On day three the ship will first drop anchor off the small village of Tumalehu on the east coast of Manipa. Here we visit Benteng Wantrouw (Fort ‘Distrust’), a 17th century Dutch fortress that used to be the headquarters a Dutch garrison established to control the local production of clove trees. Afterwards we may make a few more stops at some fishing villages along the same coast.  

Day four is dedicated to the visit of Buru. Heavily wooded and mountainous it is the third largest island in the Moluccas. Because of its remoteness it served as the notorious island of internal exile during the Indonesian president Suharto era. Thousands of political prisoners were imprisoned here including Indonesia’s most famous author, Pramudya Ananta Tur. We will land in the capital Namlea and endeavor to explore the interior of the island using whatever local transport is available. Buru is known for the production of kayu putih oil. We will see how the leaves from the kayu putih trees are being cooked in huge jars and in all likelihood we will buy a few bottles ourselves. Kayu Putih oil serves as a mosquito-repellant; it is used to cure skin diseases and has many other purposes. We will make a short river cruise into the jungle in an effort to spot endemic birds, such as pittas, sunbirds and kingfishers. In addition Buru is home to the peculiar Babirusa, an animal that partly resembles a pig, and partly a deer and is found only in Sulawesi and Buru. Its ancestry is lost in the mists of time. In the late afternoon we depart from Namlea for an overnight passage of about a hundred miles across the Ceram Sea towards the Sula Islands.

On day five we reach the Island of Sulabesi and visit its principal town Sanana, where we find an ancient Portuguese fortress, with its characteristic pinnacles at the four corners of the walls still reasonably intact. Outside the main town we will visit a Bajao village where we wander through a maze of wooden foot-bridges that connect the houses, all built on stilts over the sea. In the afternoon we depart on an easterly course towards the Obi islands.

On day six our first destination is Obilatu Island. Here we will visit some small settlements on the north coast or relax in one of the bays. Afterwards we will explore the area between Obilati and the main island of Obi Mayor and make random stops in the bays and on the islets that we pass in order to see what adventures may await us ashore. During the night we go on a Northerly course, slowly making our way towards Bacan Island.

On day seven as the sun rises we reach Bacan, a mountainous and forested island west of Halmahera's southernmost arm. We drop anchor in front of the small town of Labuha, capital of the district. We will visit the early morning market, a colorful scene of vegetables, fruits and spices and a delight to the photographers. The history of the island is as colorful as the market. Bacan used to be a powerful sultanate dating way back into the 14th century. It was an important producer of clove and frequented by Arab and Persian traders long before the western powers entered stage. Half an hour from Labua Harbor we will find Fort Barneveld, a stronghold constructed by the Dutch in 1615 to help protect the clove monopoly. After our visit of Labua the vessel will continue following the coast northward and we will carefully navigate our way between the adjacent islands toward the North coast of Bacan. There are many coral reefs in the area and during the day there will be several opportunities to go snorkeling. We spend the night at anchor in one of the Northern bays.   

On day eight we go ashore for an early morning trek from the village of Geti. We enter the rain-forest to try and spot some of the endemic species of parrots, cockatoos, lorikeets and perhaps even the elusive cuscus or a rare black macaque.

On day nine in the course of the morning we cross the equator and enter the northern hemisphere. We find ourselves off the island of Kayoa and the captain will look for a good anchorage nearby to celebrate the event.

On day ten we reach Tidore, seat of Ternate’s arch-rival since time immemorial, the Sultan of Tidore. We will have a guided tour around the island. We visit the ruins of Portuguese fortresses and stop at clove and coconut plantations. We also visit the local museum in Soa Siu displaying the Sultan’s crown and other royal paraphernalia.

On day eleven we go ashore for a first reconnaissance of Ternate City. We meet the mixed races of the island: Malay, Chinese, Mediterranean, Melanesian, Arab, Indian, settled down one by one since the beginning of the last millennium. See the colonial warehouses at the harbour-site. Before lunch we start an extensive guided tour around Ternate, including visits of Portuguese and Dutch fortresses (Kayu Merah, Oranye, Toloko, Kastela). We see the giant oldest clove-tree in the world (400 years old) in the shadow of its protective Kenari trees. We visit the beautiful Laguna Lotus pond supposedly inhabited by a royal crocodile, venerated by the local people. We have a picnic in the foothills of the awesome Gamalama volcano. Late afternoon we return to the Katharina to freshen up and get ready for a well-deserved dinner.

On day twelve we visit the ‘Kedaton’, the palace of the Sultan of Ternate. We hope to attend court-dances in the ‘pendopo’ (covered atrium). If we are lucky we may enjoy the presence of the Sultan and his family. We will be drinking tea and listen to a short introduction of the dances and the history of Ternate. We will visit the museum that is attached to the palace and displays numerous gifts from other royal families, ancient holy krisses and the world-famous ‘Mahkota’, the crown with hair of the first Sultan of Ternate that allegedly still is growing. (Following a special request prior to the visit, obligatory ceremonies have been observed). In the evening we have a farewell dinner on board of the sturdy ship that took us across the equator.

On day thirteen when we say goodbye to the captain and crew, cars are waiting to take us to the airport for the flight back to Makassar and our onward connection to Denpasar or Jakarta.

Participants should be aware that itinerary and program of our sea voyages occasionally may have to be modified, due to factors beyond our control: unfavorable weather conditions, delay in processing harbour 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. Please note that the domestic flights are not included.

With some imagination the storyline of this cruise could be made into the synopsis of a movie script. Each day and each island brings another flashback to the times before the archipelago became known as the East Indies and we invite everyone who yearns for a fresh dose of inspiration to join in…

10 Days/9 Nights

2012: Euro 2,150 per person sharing a double or twin cabin

In scene five you meet the Jurassic monsters on Komodo... in scene six you can hear the earth of Sumba being trampled by horses carrying ferocious warriors… in scene eight we see the gracious feet of virgins dancing on the beach of Savu at a thanksgiving ceremony following harvest…. In scene nine we listen to the delicate tones of the sasando, a 12-string lontar-leaf harp, evoking the nostalgia of the Portuguese era on the island of Roti…..this leisure expedition is a true voyage back in time….

On day one, leaving at 08.30 a.m. we transfer you from Sanur in the south of Bali to the anchorage of ‘Katharina’ off the village of Amed, in north-east Bali, a pleasant and beautiful drive of about 2 hours. After we board the vessel and settle in, the captain gives the orders for the anchor to be lifted and we cross the Lombok Strait. This stretch of water between Bali and Lombok marks a very important ecological boundary, first described by Sir Alfred Russel Wallace, the British naturalist.  He noticed that the flora and fauna of the islands to the west are home to Asiatic animal and plant species, whereas the islands to the east of that “line” have a greater similarity to species found in Australia. In the afternoon we make a first stop at the small island of Gili Trawangan, just off the Lombok coast, for a couple of hours of swimming, snorkeling, and beach-combing. In the late afternoon we go on a north-easterly course again for the overnight passage to the Sumbawa region.

On day two, as the sun rises we make our landfall at the island of Moyo. After breakfast we go ashore to hike through the monsoon forest to a lovely three-tiered waterfall for a dip or a swim in complete wilderness. Around noon once we return to the ship the anchor is raised again. We sail Eastward around the north coast of Moyo and a few hours later we arrive at Satonda island. Located just a couple of miles off the north-west coast of Sumbawa, Satonda is what remained of an extinct volcano of which the caldera was filled with water when nearby Mount Tambora erupted in 1815. It was the biggest volcanic eruption in the collective memory of mankind, much larger than Krakatoa. With an estimated volume of 160 cubic kilometers of rocks and ash ejected from the volcano the following year became known as the "year without a summer" because of the effect on North American and European weather. The slopes of Satonda are now covered in lush forest. We will go ashore to take some pictures of the huge crater-lake just a few minutes from the beach. Reefs around the island are spectacular and mostly in pristine condition, excellent for snorkelers. A highlight of a visit to Satonda is the sight of many thousands of flying foxes that commute at dusk from the island to feed on the mainland, returning before first light the next day. At sunset we head eastward again for another overnight passage.

On day three we arrive in the morning at Wera on the east coast of the island of Sumbawa. Wera is a Buginese settlement famous for its boatbuilding. Here we will see all kinds of craft in various stages of construction, similar to how Katharina was built in 1998. If weather would not allow a smooth landing we sail to Sangean island, an active volcano towering 1800 meters above the surrounding waters. We will visit the tiny settlement on the island and make a short hike testing the steepness of the volcano.  In the afternoon we proceed to Gili Banta, an island uninhabited by humans and a perfect place for some excellent swimming and snorkeling. During the night Katharina goes on a course to Komodo island.

On day four shortly after sunrise we go ashore on the island that has given the dragon as well as the National Park its name. Accompanied by a ranger, we will hike for about 2 to 3 hours in a landscape of steppe and forest. A few of the wild beasts are always seen, as are deer and monkeys. The ranger shows us the dens and nests of the dragons and we learn a lot more about this mysterious creature. Once the heat of the day hits the island, we escape to one of the postcard-picture beaches of the National Park: Red Beach, its name derived from the fact that it is red-colored by pulverized coral. Here we spend another splendid afternoon beachcombing and snorkeling. During the evening on another deserted beach nearby we will have a barbecue dinner under the blinking gaze of a million stars.

On day five we wake up with the ship at anchor off Rinca Island, the second largest of the eighty islands in the Komodo archipelago and the richest in terms of fauna. We will go trekking through spectacular scenery of savannah, looking for wild horses, water buffalo, wild boar, monkeys, and of course the famous ‘Komodo dragons’. Rinca’s unsurpassed savannah scenery is accentuated by deep blue coves and inlets. In the course of the afternoon we lift the anchor again and sailing out through the Linta strait we go on a southerly course to cross the Savu Sea.

On day six we arrive at Waikelo, West Sumba. Here we go ashore for a first impression and visit some of the traditional villages of West Sumba, where time seems an irrelevant factor and where it seems as if life has not changed for ages. We will admire numerous megaliths erected on ancestral tombs. Along the way we will stop for a picnic and have our lunch that was prepared beforehand by the crew. In the late afternoon we go back aboard Katharina and the ship will be heading east along the north coast of Sumba.

On day seven we anchor in the eastern part of Sumba Island, off the main town of Waingapu.  The cultural life of Sumba is distinguished by spectacular rituals, huge megalithic grave sites, unusual peaked houses and beautiful ikat cloths. Sumba is one of the most culturally interesting places to visit in East Indonesia. Because of its position south to the other islands of Nusa Tenggara, Sumba managed to escape the influence of Hindu, Muslim and Christian religion. Today, still more than 50 % of its population adheres to traditional religion of animism and ancestor worship. When we visit one of the traditional villages in East Sumba, we are welcomed by horses dancing along the path and we are invited to share betel nut with the villagers, while some of them perform the local dances. The women show us the production of their famous textiles – from spinning the cotton to the finished “ikat”. And of course, these pieces of art and workmanship are for sale! During the night Katharina makes the 110 nautical mile crossing to the Island of Savu.

On day eight we arrive at the same spot where James Cook landed in 1770. Savu is one of the most precious islands of all of Indonesia! The inhabitants of this rugged and dry island are extremely friendly and hospitable and the girls are famous for their beauty. We are welcomed by the Savunese during a special welcome ceremony, performed on the beach and accompanied by a ritual horse dance. We stroll through the ancient ruins of Bodo and a truck brings us to Mesara -aside from some motorcycles and an ambulance, trucks are the only means of transport on the island-. In Mesara, the ladies show us in a perfect demonstration how they make their beautiful “ikat”-textiles. How they spin the cotton, dye it with natural colours, use strings to bind (“ikat”) the pattern into the yarn, weave it on the loom and finally wear it. In the late afternoon we sail onward to the island of Roti.

On day nine we arrive at Baa, the capital of Roti, the southernmost Island in Indonesi. Roti has been long under the influence of Portugal, which is clearly demonstrated by the local handicraft. Here is your chance to buy silver ornaments, distinctive Rotinese ikats, and pinnacled hats plaited from lontar leaves. We are likely to be entertained by music and dances produced by the sasando, a 12-string lontar-leaf harp that originated from this tiny island. The music is reminiscent of the Fado music and the saudade sentiments of Portugal. If time allows we will attend music and dance performance before we depart on our last overnight passage to West-Timor

On day ten, early in the morning we arrive in the traditional harbour of Temau, Kupang, West Timor. After breakfast, you will say farewell to the crew and the Katharina. We will transfer you to the airport. On the way to Kupang airport, if time allows this, we will visit the museum of west-Timor in the centre of the city. Return flight from Kupang to Denpasar, Bali.

Participants should be aware that itinerary and program of our sea voyages occasionally may have to be modified, due to factors beyond our control: unfavorable weather conditions, delay in processing harbour 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. Please note that the domestic flights are not included.

Few areas in Asia can match the cultural and natural diversity as can be found following the chain of the Lesser Sunda Islands: towering active volcanoes, jungle clad mountain ranges, alternated by dry savannah lowlands, both teeming with wildlife… quiet coastal villages, emerald seas, megalithic cultures, colorful market places, tribal rituals and in addition a world of kaleidoscopic beauty under water.

9 Days/8 Nights

2012:    Euro 1995 per person sharing a double or twin cabin in low season
             Euro 2130 in July and August

 
This leisure expedition includes the Komodo area for a couple of days of snorkeling, beach combing and hiking through one of the most beautiful National Parks of Indonesia. Entering the Flores Highlands you have 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 colored crater lakes. It is the very best introduction to the soul of Indonesia.

Day One, early afternoon arrival by air from Denpasar, Bali,in Maumere. east Flores. After boarding and settling in on Katharina, we will pay a visit to the small village of Watublapi where we will witness a cultural performance and the traditional hand weaving process typical for Flores.
After the performance and dinner on board we will set sail headed for Ropa to the west along the north coast of Flores.

Day Two, early in the morning we reach Ropa, Central Flores, the starting point for our excursion to Kelimutu. The Kelimutu is a volcano with 3 crater lakes, each in a different color. Situated in the midst of forest-covered mountains, the colors of the lakes are a surprise, as they change from time to time. They may be turquoise, black and a reddish brown, but don’t be surprised if you find a white one or a red one! We take our time to experience the spooky atmosphere surrounding this natural phenomenon, quite unique in the world. On the way back we stop in several villages to meet with some of the women who specialize in the typical Flores ikat weaving techniques. Back on the vessel, we move to a nearby beach for the remainder of the afternoon for relaxing, swimming and snorkeling. At night we will sail from Ropa to Riung

Day Three, today we take our time to explore the Riung Archipelago, a group of (17) uninhabited islands encircled by white sandy beaches and beautiful coral gardens just off the coast of Flores. Here we will spend the whole day beachcombing, swimming and snorkeling. A hike up to the hill warrantees the spectator of a spectacular view of the main island. We will have a barbecue on a desert beach before continuing our voyage westward, direction Komodo

Day Four, this morning we will go ashore at the ranger station in Loh Liang on Komodo Island for a two hour trek through the park. In a setting of a dry and rugged landscape we will meet some of these giant creatures that come closest to anything you ever fancied of prehistory. Shock and awe is our part!
In the afternoon we stop at the small island of Mesa where we visit a settlement of the Baju, the ‘Sea Gypsies’ who are indigenous to the area of the Lintas Strait and live in houses on wooden stilts that are often underwater during the high tide. In the evening we will continue our journey to the island of Rinca

Day Five, we wake up with the boat at anchor off Rinca island, the second largest of the eighty islands in the Komodo archipelago and the richest in terms of fauna. We will go trekking through spectacular scenery of savannah, looking to view wild horses, water buffalo, wild boar, monkeys, and of course the famous ‘Komodo dragons’.
From Rinca we sail to the port of Labuhanbajo located on the westernmost tip of Flores. Boarding a bus we will go to a village where local ‘strongmen’ will perform the whip-dance, typical for west Flores. Armed with a rattan shield and whip, two men try to hit each other’s back. He who first produces a bleeding wound with his opponent is announced the winner. After re-embarkation, and time allowing, we make a final stop in the Park at Sabolon, another paradise in its own right. The beach has a pink look caused by scattered particles from red coral. As the sun sets we hoist the anchor for the passage to the east side of the island of Sumbawa

Day Six, we arrive in the morning at Wera on the east coast of the island of Sumbawa. Wera is a Buginese settlement famous for its boatbuilding. Here we will see all kinds of craft in various stages of construction, much the way the Katharina was built in 1998. We visit the village and hope to attend a local performance.
If weather prohibits a safe landing, we sail to Sangean, an active volcano towering 1800 meters above the surrounding waters. We will meet the people of the tiny settlement on the island and make a short hike testing the steepness of the volcano. Evening and night sailing along the north coast of Sumbawa.

Day seven, in the morning we set our eyes on the island of Satonda, an extinct volcano. We walk over a tiny ridge hiding the crater lake of the volcano and sense the eery atmosphere surrounding this big pond, all silent except the sound of a lonely bird or a gecko exercising his unique vocal chords. Swimming over the stunning reef just off the island enlightened by a rainbow of aquarium fish, we enter a world entirely different in colours but similar for the absence of sounds.
From Satonda we proceed to Moyo. We stop at the west side of the island where we will try and detect a local waterfall hidden in the dense shrubs. The ice cold, fresh water pool at the bottom of the cascade makes swimming a totally different experience!
Onward night sailing to west Lombok.

Day eight, docked in Labuhan Lombok, east Lombok, we board after breakfast a local coach for a tour into the interior of east Lombok, untouched by the crowds frequenting west Lombok. We will visit a pottery village, attend a local dance performance and have our lunch on the way. From east Lombok we will follow the road to the northern part of the island.  We will pass through spectacular landscape along the foothills of the majestic volcano Rinjani (3900 m), monkeys stare at us from the wayside insisting to get a small present, peanuts, a banana or a cookie
We will re-board Katharina on the north side or on the east side of Lombok, depending on weather and sea conditions.

Day Nine, after a quiet night at anchor in a local bay, we sail to the small island of Gili Trawangan, off the west coast of Lombok. Here we enter for the first time during our cruise the world of real tourism, be it without the sound and smell of exhaust pipes. Sandy roads, horse carts, sarong clad people, most in their teens and twenties taking a deep breath before crossing the line to the world of adults.
We spend a last few hours of swimming, snorkeling and beach-combing before we cross the stretch of water between Bali and Lombok.

The Lombok Strait marks an important ecological boundary, first described by Sir Alfred Russel Wallace, the 19th century British naturalist.  He noticed that flora and fauna of the islands west of this boundary are home to Asiatic animal and plant species, whereas the islands east of that “line” have a greater similarity to species found in Australia.
Before our lunch we set sail to the east coast of Bali. After arrival late afternoon we say farewell to the crew with whom we have shared so many experiences in such a short stretch of time before being transferred to our hotel in Bali or to the airport.

Participants should be aware that itinerary and program of our sea voyages occasionally may have to be modified, due to factors beyond our control: unfavorable weather conditions, delay in processing harbour 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. Please note that the domestic flights are not included.

Few areas in Asia can match the cultural and natural diversity as can be found following the chain of the Lesser Sunda Islands: towering active volcanoes, jungle clad mountain ranges, alternated by dry savannah lowlands, both teeming with wildlife… quiet coastal villages, emerald seas, megalithic cultures, colorful market places, tribal rituals and in addition a world of kaleidoscopic beauty under water.

9 Days/8 Nights

        
2012:    Euro 1995 per person sharing a double or twin cabin in low season
             Euro 2130 in July and August

This leisure expedition includes the Komodo area for a couple of days of snorkeling, beach combing and hiking through one of the most beautiful National Parks of Indonesia. Entering the Flores Highlands you have 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 colored crater lakes. It is the very best introduction to the soul of Indonesia.

{gallery}horsecart:200:300{/gallery}Day One, Leaving 08.30 a.m. from Sanur, south Bali, you will be transferred to the anchorage of ‘Katharina’ off the village of Amed, north-east Bali, a pleasant ride through a largely unknown area of Bali (approx. 2 hours). After boarding and settling in on the vessel, the captain gives the orders to lift the anchor and we set ail across the Lombok Strait. This stretch of water between Bali and Lombok marks an important ecological boundary, first described by Sir Alfred Russel Wallace, the 19th century British naturalist.He noticed that flora and fauna of the islands west of this boundary are home to Asiatic animal and plant species, whereas the islands east of that “line” have a greater similarity to species found in Australia. In the afternoon we make a first stop at the small island of Gili Trawangan, off the west coast of Lombok, for a couple of hours of swimming, snorkeling and beach-combing. Late afternoon we go on a north-easterly course for the overnight passage to east-Lombok.

Day Two, Docked in Labuhan Lombok, east Lombok, we board after breakfast a local coach for a tour into the interior of east Lombok, untouched by the crowds frequenting west Lombok. We will visit a pottery village, attend a local dance performance and have our lunch on the way. After re-embarkation we continue our journey to the island of Sumbawa.

Day Three, first we go go ashore at Pulau Bungin, a small settlement of ‘sea-gypsies’ (bajao) on the coast of Sumbawa. We stroll through narrow streets lined up by houses on stilts that are underwater at spring tides.  Here we witness a first performance of traditional music and dance. Afterwards we continue to Pulau Moyo. At the Southern point of Moyo we spend a few hours relaxing, swimming and snorkeling. During the night we follow the coast towards the East of Sumbawa.

Day Four, we arrive in the morning at Wera on the east coast of the island of Sumbawa. Wera is a Buginese settlement famous for its boatbuilding. Here we will see all kinds of craft in various stages of construction, much the way the Katharina was built in 1998. We visit the village and hope to attend a local performance. If weather prohibits a safe landing, we sail to Sangean island, an active volcano towering 1800 meters above the surrounding waters. We will meet the people of the tiny settlement on the island and make a short hike testing the steepness of the volcano. In the afternoon we proceed to Gili Banta, uninhabited and perfect for some excellent swimming and snorkeling. During the night Katharina sails onward to the island of Rinca, part of the Komodo National Park.

Day Five, we wake up with the boat at anchor off Rinca island, the second largest of the eighty islands in the Komodo archipelago and the richest in terms of fauna. We will go trekking through spectacular scenery of savannah, looking to view wild horses, water buffalo, wild boar, monkeys, and of course the famous ‘Komodo dragons’. We have lunch while crossing over to Padar Island to another spectacular beach location for some exceptional snorkeling. A quiet night will be spent in the bay of Loh Liang in form of Komodo Island proper.

Day Six, this morning we will go ashore at the ranger station in Loh Liang on Komodo Island for another trek through the Park. In a setting of a dry and rugged landscape we will meet some of these giant creatures that come closest to anything you ever fancied of prehistory. Shock and awe is our part!
In the afternoon we stop at the small island of Mesa where we visit a settlement of the Baju, the ‘Sea Gypsies’ who are indigenous to the area of the Lintas Strait and live in houses on wooden stilts that are often underwater during the high tide. If time allows we will make a final stop in the Park at Sabolon, another paradise in its own right. The beach has a pink look caused by scattered particles from red coral.
As the sun sets we hoist the anchor for the overnight passage to the North Coast of Flores.{gallery}dragom{/gallery}

Day seven, today we take our time to explore the Riung Archipelago, a group of (17) uninhabited islands with white sand beaches and beautiful coral gardens just off the North coast of Flores. Here we will spend the whole day beachcombing and snorkeling. A hike up to the hill warrantees the spectator of a spectacular view of the main island. We will have a barbecue on a desert beach before we continue our voyage further eastward.

Day eight, early in the morning we reach Ropa, Central Flores, the starting point for our excursion to Kelimutu. The Kelimutu is a volcano with 3 crater lakes, each in a different color. Situated in the midst of forest-covered mountains, the colors of the lakes are a surprise, as they change from time to time. They may be turquoise, black and a reddish brown, but don’t be surprised if you find a white one or a red one! We take our time to experience the spooky atmosphere surrounding this natural phenomenon, quite unique in the world. On the way back we stop in several villages to meet with some of the women who specialize in the typical Flores ikat weaving techniques. Back on the vessel, we move to a nearby beach for the remainder of the afternoon for relaxing, swimming and snorkeling. In the evening we may have another BBQ on the beach. At night we will have our last sailing from Ropa to Maumere, east-Flores

Day Nine, early morning the Katharina will arrive in Maumere. In the morning we will pay a visit to the small village of Watublapi where we will witness a cultural performance and the traditional hand weaving process typical for Flores.
After the performance you will be transferred to Maumere airport for your return flight to Bali.

Participants should be aware that itinerary and program of our sea voyages occasionally may have to be modified, due to factors beyond our control: unfavorable weather conditions, delay in processing harbour 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.

Please note that the domestic flights are not included in the price.