The southeastern Maluku (Moluccas) Islands belong to the most remote parts of the Indonesia Archipelago. Located way beyond Bali, the hundred-odd islands of this Archipelago lie spread across the vast expanses of the South Banda Sea, the deepest of all Indonesian seas, with an abyss of over 7,000 meters.
This voyage across the South Banda Sea will call at some of the most beautiful of these islands, some volcanic and dressed in luxuriant vegetation, others coral atolls, more dry and barren, and lined with swaying palms. This archipelago, however remote it may be, is an enchanting place for the adventurous traveler: there are towering volcanoes to climb, tribal populations with a rich cultural heritage to encounter, uninhabited islands set in deep blue seas, kaleidoscopic coral reefs never visited before, and great scenery that will change every morning, as you come on deck after a night’s sleep on the “Katharina”.
Day 1
Flight Denpasar - Kupang. Upon arrival at Kupang Airport, transfer to the traditional harbour of Temau for embarkation aboard Katharina. After settling in, we set sail for a 2 day journey along the coast of West-Timor, in search of fishing communities and vestiges of Portuguese occupation, enjoying one or two snorkelling and beach stops on the way.
Day 2
See day 1. Late afternoon and night crossing the Timor Sea heading for the island of Pantar.
Day 3
On Pantar we will visit some of the fortified villages typical for this area once feared for its belligerent population. We will be peacefully guided by one of our crew who hails from Pantar. Be prepared for some interesting expressions of local culture!
Upon re-embarkation, we will be swimming in crystal clear waters around the boat. Midday sail to uninhabited Rusa island: the beaches are truly fantastic, the corals exquisite and the island – as its name implies – is full of deer that are easily seen, sometimes even from the beach. Night sailing to Alor.
Day 4
Our day in Alor will be spent exploring the main island: the old tribal villages there are defensively located on hilltops and have a particular architecture. We’ll attend traditional dances in the village of Takpala and will be surprised by the redoubt appearance of the local women, the size of pygmees. Return to vessel at midday and sail to nearby Pura island: you can enjoy spectacular snorkelling right off the beach, and also walks to coastal villages where locals produce ikat cloth as well as some wine made from palm juice. Night sailing to Wetar.
Day 5
Wetar is possibly one of the least known of the south-eastern Maluku islands; totally isolated tribal folk is still said to inhabit its jungle-clad interior. After some spectacular snorkelling close to a small offshore island, we’ll have a nature stop in the morning along the northern coast where we will hike inland following a river of crystal clear water. Night sailing heading east.
Day 6
In the morning we’ll be on Romang island for making (if we wish) a three hour hike from the eastern village to the beautiful western bay passing through orange and pomelo groves with great scenery on surrounding islands. From Romang we will have an onward sailing to uninhabited Moapora island, part of the Romang archipelago, for some beach combing, snorkelling and short hikes inland. In the evening barbecue at the desert beach. Night sailing to the island of Damar.
Day 7
The island of Damar has an active volcano that can be ascended in about three hours, best in the early hours after dawn. Alternatively, we can have an easier hike through spice plantations, coconut groves and pristine rain forest, ending at the local village.
Midday sail for a couple of hours to uninhabited Pulau Terbang Utara to enjoy pristine beaches, coral reefs (snorkelling) and a lagoon full of birds, including – occasionally – large flocks of pelicans. In the evening barbecue at the desert beach at this Bounty island.
Night sailing heading for Dai.
Day 8
The island of Dai – in the Babar archipelago – is a spectacular limestone mountain towering 650 meters above the sea. The beaches and the reefs are exceptional. We can also trek across the whole island to enjoy incredible scenery from the summit. Local folk still go hunting with bows and arrows in these parts. Night sailing to the island of Yamdena, Tanimbars.
Day 9
Sailing along the west coast of Yamdena, the main island of the Tanimbar archipelago, we will meet islands of quiet beauty with untouched forest teeming with birds, wild orchids and cuscus. This will be another day of nature exploration, coastal raids with our zodiac, and some relaxing time on remote beaches. Turning east along the north coast of the island we will proceed our journey heading for the islands of Fordate and Larat.
Day 10
Today we’ll stop at the northern side of the Tanimbars, at the islands of Fordate and Larat. Village exploration, nature hike and snorkelling will be the substance of the day. With the assistance of local teachers we will try to attend to a performance of local music and dance. Late afternoon onward sailing to the Kei Archipelago.
Day 11
Early morning arrival at Kei-Tanimbar, the southernmost island of the Kei archipelago and allegedly the cradle of the regional culture. Here we will explore coastal villages, search for cultural artefacts such as weaving and pottery or make a trekking into the local forest. In the evening onward sailing to Tual, the capital of the Kei Archipelago.
Day 12
After our early breakfast we say farewell to the crew and the Katharina and will embark a bus for our transfer to Langgur airport of Tual. From here we will fly via Ambon and Makassar back to Bali (or Jakarta).
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Included: haute cuisine meals, all beverages except alcohol, use of snorkeling gear, sea kayaks, all inland tours, local fees, services of english speaking cruise director, transfers airport-harbor v.v.
Exclude: insurances, airfares, gratuiies
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Indonesia
Boating and Sailing
Wildlife Viewing
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