During this journey of a lifetime you will be perplexed by the astonishing ingenuity and nearly unlimited creativity in the ways human beings survive, socialize and rejoice. A world where time is of no essence and attention for daily worries and joys is paramount. Experience how wonder, joy and relaxation can change your life while discovering a world without CNN, queues and computer-screens.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1
08.30 a.m. transfer from Sanur, south Bali to Amed, north-east Bali (2 hrs). Upon arrival in Amed we board the ‘Katharina’, settle in and sail to Gili Trawangan for swimming, snorkelling and beach-combing. Late afternoon onward sailing to Moyo.
Day 2
Morning arrival at the island of Moyo. Here we will hike through the monsoon forest to a lovely three-tiered waterfall for a dip or a swim in complete wilderness. Around noon onward sailing to the island of Satonda.
After a few hours arrival at Satonda island, the tip of an ancient volcano. Here we will meet the huge crater-lake just a few minutes from the beach. Reefs around the island are spectacular and mostly in pristine conditions, excellent for snorkelers. Night sailing along the north coast of Sumbawa heading east.
Day 3
Arrival at Wera, a traditional east-Sumbawanese village famous for its boat-building activities We will see all kinds of craft in various stages of construction under the palm trees on the beach; very much the same way the Katharina was built in 1998. Around noon sailing to Sangeang Island, a volcano towering 1600 meter over the sea. After a short visit of the local village, where we will wonder how people manage to survive, we will sail direction Loh Liang, the bay of Komodo proper (part of a 30 island archipelago) where we spend the night at anchor.
Day 4
Early morning we will be out for a short stroll (45 min.) along a dry river bed for spotting the giant Komodo Lizard. We will almost stumble over the bloodthirsty creatures, who likely will cross our path. After this meeting we will do swimming and snorkeling over one of the best reefs of the area at the so-called ‘red beach’. From here we will have a two hour sailing to Rinca. Close by we will barbecue on a deserted beach under the blinking gaze of a million stars.
Day 5
Early morning we will trek on Rinca Island, the second largest island of the Park, offering a wider variety of wildlife than Komodo itself: wild horses & water buffalo, feral deer & boars, rare megapode birds, and of course once more the famous Komodo dragons. Rinca’s unsurpassed savannah scenery is accentuated by deep blue coves and inlets. Might sailing heading south to the island of Sumba.
Day 6
Arrival at Waikelo, West Sumba. Today we will visit by local bus (non-AC) some of the traditional villages of West Sumba, where time seems to have lost direction and life appears not to have changed for ages. We will admire the megaliths erected on ancestral tombs and will have time to shop for ikat weavings, the distinctive Sumba motifs stunning the modern visitor. Along the way we will find a place to picnic and eat our lunchbox prepared by the crew. Late afternoon re-embarkation aboard Katharina and departure heading east along the north coast of Sumba.
Day 7
We will arrive today in Waingapu, the capital of Sumba. After a short inspection of the bustling centre, we will make a bus ride (non-AC) to the traditional villages of Rende and Prailiu, where we will admire the intricate and long-winded art of ikat weaving. The local population is stark and dark and inspires a strong sensation of being half way Asia and Polynesia. Upon re-embarkation night sail across the Savu Sea.
Day 8
Arrive in Sepa, Savu. Here we may be greeted by ikat-clad tribesmen on horseback who might escort us to the sacred gathering place of the elders of Savu, which only a few outsiders are allowed to visit. We’ll ask the local elders for permission to visit this place. The impressive circle of stones commands respect to the wise men which ensure the continuance of timeless adat traditions. The ikat of Savu are some of Nusa Tenggara’s finest and there will be opportunities to purchase one or two. Admire the female of Savu who are reputed in the whole archipelago for their beauty. We wander by foot or on horseback about the interior of Savu, breathing the timeless atmosphere of the island, visited and admired by Captain Cook and his crew. Late afternoon we sail onward to the island of Roti.
Day 9
Arrival at Baa, the capital of Roti Island. Roti has been long under the influence of Portugal, which is demonstrated by the local handicraft. Here is your chance to buy silver ornaments, distinctive Rotinese ikats, and pinnacled hats plaited from lontar leaves. We may be entertained by music and dances produced by the sasando, a 12-string lontar-leaf harp originating from this tiny island. The music is reminiscent of the Fado music and the Saudade sentiments of Portugal. If time allow we will attend a music and dance performance.
Evening sail to west-Timor.
Day 10
Arrival in the traditional harbour of Temau, Kupang, West Timor. After having enjoyed our breakfast, we will say farewell to the crew and the Katharina. Time allowing we will visit on the way to Kupang airport the museum of west-Timor in the centre of the city.
Return flight from Kupang to Denpasar, Bali.
NOTICE
Participants are informed that itinerary and program of our sea voyages occasionally may be modified, due to factors beyond our control: unfavorable weather conditions, delay in processing harbor 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.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- 3 quality meals per day, coffee, tea, snacks, soft drinks, wine at dinner;
- Laundry services;
- Use of snorkeling gear; use of sea kayaks
- Inland excursions (programmed tours);
- experienced English-speaking Cruise Director;
- Transfer airport-harbour (v.v.).
Price does not include:
- Domestic airfares;
- Personal insurances;
- Alcoholic beverages & gratuities.
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Indonesia
Boating and Sailing
Cultural Journey
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