East Indies Seatrek (EXST)
Duration:
14 days (may vary)
Areas: Indonesia
Tour types: History & Culture, Nature & Wildlife
Description
Life aboard the Schooner
From Sanur we drive to Amed, East Bali where we board our elegant two-masted Pinisi schooner for a romantic sea voyage through the beautiful and untouched isles of Eastern Indonesia. Our 'capital' will be vast empty lands, crystal clear seas, bright night skies and some of the friendiest people on earth. Our voyage of discovery follows the ancient trade routes between the paradise islands of the Archipelago, sharing the awe that Captain Cook must have felt, confronted with unfathomable seas. Built true to the original Bugis design of Pinisi schooners, the accommodation has been adapted to a high standard and a quality service aboard is offered.
Volcanoes, Hikes & Beaches
The turbulent geological history of the islands becomes apparent at Sangean, an active volcano towering 2000 meters above the surrounding waters, whilst at Mount Kelimutu we discover three mysteriously coloured crater lakes. On Rinca we hike through hills covered by savanna grass and hope to spot wild boar and horses, monkeys and numerous colourful bird species. Surrounded by warm azure seas the islands play host to thousands of beaches; we chose a few during our sojourn for a spot of beachcombing, pure relaxation or even the odd barbeque!
Komodo Dragons & Flying Foxes
On the tiny and desolate island of Komodo we mount a “Dragon hunt” to catch a glimpse of these magnificent 3 metre-long, 135 kilo lizards. Renowned for both their swimming and running prowess (as fast as a small dog), they are only found on just a few small islands in the archipelago. On Satonda, near the vast lake that dominates the island's centre, we make a trip to the mangrove forests to search for flying foxes. On Lombok, Sumbawa and Flores we visit local villages and admire traditional crafts of boatbuilding, pottery and hand weaving.
Tour itinerary
Note:
Timings are approximate and depend on local conditions, winds and currents.
Day 1
Join Sanur Beach.
Day 2
Free at Sanur.
Day 3
Drive Amed; board schooner, sail to nearby Gili isles and Sumbawa.
Day 4
Visit Sultan's Palace and village in Sumbawa Besar; sail to Moyo for swimming/ snorkelling, night sailing to Wera.
Day 5
Visit boatbuilders; sail to visit Sangean volcanic island, night sailing to Rinca.
Day 6
Wildlife trek on Rinca; sail to Sabalon reef for snorkelling, night sailing to Riung.
Day 7
Relaxation, hiking, swimming; sail to Ropa.
Day 8
Visit Kelimutu Volcano; sail to Labuhanbajo.
Day 9
Visit villages where we hope to attend whip-dance; sail to “Red” beach.
Day 10
Komodo Dragon spotting; climb summit of Lawa Darat (optional).
Day 11
Arrive Satonda; visit to crater lake, search for flying foxes; night sailing to Lembar.
Day 12
Visit pottery and hand weaving village; sail Benoa (Bali); drive Sanur Beach.
Day 13
In Sanur.
Day 14
End Sanur Beach.