who we are

At SeaTrek Sailing Adventures we have made it our trademark to offer unique and authentic, small-ship cruising experiences that embrace the traditional wooden pinisi boat culture of Indonesia and the fascinating cultural and natural beauty that the remote part of this mighty archipelago in which we cruise has to offer. Throughout the year, and with an eye on the weather and the seasons, we run seven- to-twelve-day voyages across the eastern half of indonesia offering plenty of land- and sea-based activities, each with a full crew and headed by a highly skilled tour leader to ensure a smooth and stress-free trip.

We are especially proud of our Expert Led cruise programme, which offers guests a more immersive opportunity to delve deeper in a range of disciplines that includes culture, history, literature, cuisine, natural history, botany and zoology whilst in the company of expert tour leaders, who are masters in their chosen fields.

Our boats boast the highest levels of safety, service and comfort, and we stop often to snorkel on pristine coral reefs, swim, kayak, paddle-board and sunbathe on white sand beaches, trek in the jungle, search for birds of paradise and Komodo dragons, swim with manta rays and whale sharks, and visit tiny remote islands to meet with local people and gain a firsthand experience of their lives.

Travelling with like-minded companions from all corners of the world contributes to convivial and spirited exchanges, enriching the entire experience, and we take pride in all the friendships which are born and blossom on our boats, both between guests, and between guests and our crews, whether for a moment or for a lifetime.

Our Ships

Offering all the creature comforts of the modern world, our two wooden pinisi ships, Ombak Putih and Katharina, are part of a beautiful, centuries-old maritime tradition of hand-crafted boatbuilding in Indonesia. Built by the highly-skilled seafaring peoples of Borneo and Sulawesi, using hand tools and traditional methods of construction, the design of these gaff-rigged ketches has been adapted and passed down from father to son for centuries. Interestingly, the pinisi fleet still forms the massive bulk of Indonesia’s cargo and transport network today.

Our boats are outfitted with the most up-to-date safety equipment and communications technology, and equipped with high-quality tenders, kayaks, stand-up-paddle boards and snorkelling gear. Our comfortable cabins are located below decks and offer all the necessary amenities, including double beds or twin bunks, private en-suite bathrooms, lots of natural light, individually controlled air-conditioning, ample storage space, and plenty of electrical and USB outlets.

In 2014 and 2015 respectively, working with the unique legacy these vessels represent, Katharina and Ombak Putih both had major refits. Their transformation was an exercise to conserve their authenticity, using only the best traditional materials, and shaped by highly skilled Indonesian craftsmen of the same heritage that built them.

Explore the Katharina

Led by Captain Iwan and operated by a crew of 12, the 38-metre Katharina sits low in the water, making her a most beautiful looking boat. Built in 1995 in Kalimantan, her slim hull was originally planned for use as a commercial freighter before she caught our eye with her simple lines and sleek structure. After her 2014 interior refit, her transformation is a conservation exercise back to authenticity of a mighty seafaring tradition. Not only is the Katharina very elegant on the water, she is also fast becoming a classic yacht, as very few of these original designs remain. Accommodating just 12 guests in six cabins, with a salon & bar, two sun decks, and an outdoor dining area, she offers a more intimate experience.

SLEEPING CONFIGURATION

2 x double bed cabins
2 x triple cabins (one double bed & one upper single bunk - bunk ideally suitable for child 12 or under)
2 x twin bunk cabins (one above the other)

Explore the Ombak Putih

Led by Captain Agung, with a crew of 14, Ombak Putih means ‘White Wave’ in the Indonesian language. Her keel was first laid down in Kalimantan in 1995, and she became operational in 1997. At 42 metres long, she is the larger of our two ships, providing accommodation for up to 24 guests in 12 comfortable cabins. Approximately 400 square metres of public space is divided over her two main decks, including a large salon, as well as covered and open areas, allowing plenty of room for our guests to spread out, relax, and enjoy as much company or solitude as they wish.

SLEEPING CONFIGURATION

6 x double bed cabins
2 x triple cabins (one double bed & one upper single bunk - bunk ideally suitable for child 12 or under)
4 x twin bunk cabins (one above the other)

THE CREWS

Our boats are led by our two highly competent captains, Iwan and Fery, who are Class 4 certified, and ably supported in the day-to-day running by great teams of sailors, engineers, electricians, steering mates, chefs, pursers and cabin attendants, each fully dedicated and committed to the smooth running of every cruise. Our crew members all hold the necessary certificates and qualifications required by Indonesia’s strict laws regarding maritime trade and tourism, and we ensure that they get all the ongoing training they need to not only keep up with the legal requirements, but to also support their own desire for personal development.

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