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Wonderful Komodo Cruise

Wonderful Komodo Cruise

From $2,110 USD

Description

This six-day inclusive voyage of discovery provides a wonderful opportunity to experience what the Komodo Islands have to offer both on land and in the sea. The natural beauty of these islands and the surrounding waters will unfold before you, from the highest ridges of Rinca Island to the minutest details within the colourful coral reefs. Our focused tour of the small group of islands and atolls around Komodo includes a ranger-led trek through the Komodo National Park in search of the famous Komodo Dragons, and visits to local villages, as well as ample time for snorkelling and viewing the kaleidoscopic beauty of the underwater world. Unlimited use of the stand-up paddleboards and sea kayaks onboard will add yet another dimension to your nature explorations. The cruise also includes a ranger-led trek through the park looking for an encounter with the prehistoric Komodo Dragons. The Komodo National Park archipelago is not only home to the dragons but also to an incredible diversity of marine life found in the rich, current-swept reefs and the surrounding open water.

WANT TO ADD AN ORANGUTAN EXPERIENCE? Contact us now if you would like to have an optional pre-trip add on of a six-day package that involves a four-day river cruise in Kalimantan, Borneo, to see orangutans in their natural habitat.

Note: The price of this cruise does not include any domestic airfares to and from our start and end points. If you are booking flights by yourself, do not book any flights before checking with us first. Our first and last day programmes rely on strict time scheduling, so please confirm with us to ensure that you arrive and depart at your destination with plenty of time to spare and to avoid disruption to other guests’ schedules.

Trip Name
Wonderful Komodo Cruise
Days
6
Overview
Vessel Type: Yacht Length:  42 metres Passenger Capacity: 24 Built:  1997 / Refurbished 2015 The Ombak Putih is a traditional Indonesian schooner custom built from Iron wood by Buginese ship builders. The Ombak Putih is 42 metres long and provides accommodation for up to 24 guests in 12 comfortable cabins.  With approximately 400 square meters of public space divided over 2 main decks, the Ombak Putih offers both open and covered space in abundance, allowing for privacy and serene relaxing.  All cabins are located below deck and offer private bathroom, portholes, individually controlled air conditioning, and ample storage space including safety deposit box. Led by Captain Feri, 14 dedicated crew members coming from all regions of the archipelago make your stay with us a memorable experience.     Spacious twin shared cabin with twin bunk beds or double bed     Each cabin has a private bathroom with toilet and hot shower     Washbasin and soap toiletries in your cabin     Cabins have individually controlled air conditioning     Towels and beach towels that are regularly changed     Valuables and travel documents can be stored in the ship’s safe     Dining in spacious air conditioned lounge     Teak wooden furniture in lounge, cabins and on deck     Spacious sun and semi-covered decks     Free tea, coffee and mineral water     Excellent food and snacks (vegetarian food on request)     A selction of wines, cold beer and other alcoholic drinksare offered for sale     Fresh water on-deck shower     Outdoor sleeping facilities     Professional cruise director     Unlimited use of our snorkeling equipment and 2 sea canoes     Television, DVD and music center in lounge

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Labuan Bajo
After arriving at Labuan Bajo Airport and making arrangements for our luggage to be transferred to the boat, we will travel by private bus into the interior of the island, taking a winding road uphill to the village of Melo. Here, local ‘strongmen’ will perform the ‘Caci,’ a ritual whip-fight between two rivals in which the players, each armed with a rattan shield and a whip, will try to hit each other while dancing to the rhythm of traditional acoustic instruments. The men of Western Flores are famous for this test of daring and skill, requiring lightning quick moves to dodge the infliction of a wound. The winner is loudly applauded and cheered by the village. Besides this, the cultural group will also showcase other traditional dances. After our visit to Melo, we will return to Labuan Bajo where you will get your first glimpse of our beautiful boat, we will cruise towards the legendary island of Komodo.
Day 2 - Day 2 Rinca Island
Today we will visit the ranger station of Loh Buaya on Rinca Island from where we will head off on a ranger-led nature trek in search of Komodo dragons, which are indigenous to this small group of islands. Hopefully the ranger will be able to show us the dens and nests of the dragons. Rinca is also well known for its diverse wildlife, so we may spot monkeys, wild buffaloes and deer as well. From the top of the hills, the scenery is breathtaking. After our trek, we will move on to an absolutely unbeatable snorkelling spot on an atoll – with over 1000 species of fish in the waters of the national park, there is much more to this wildlife reserve than just dragons. Fingers crossed for a fortuitous ‘fever’ of manta rays! In the late afternoon, where we will spend the night at anchor, floating beneath the Milky Way.
Day 3 - Day 3 Komodo Island
Today we will visit the famous Komodo Island, one of approximately 80 islands that make up the Komodo National Park. We will go ashore at the ranger station in Loh Liang for another early morning ranger-led trek through the park searching for yet more Komodo dragons. In this savannah-like setting of dry, rugged landscape, we will encounter, at a safe distance, these awe-inspiring dragons – Indonesia’s living dinosaurs and the largest species of lizard on Earth – in their natural habitat. We may also spot deer, wild boar, sulphur-crested cockatoos, butterflies, rare orchids and jungle chickens among the strangle-fig trees and the distinctive lontar palms. We will then have lunch aboard Ombak Putih while crossing over to a nearby island and another spectacular beach location for more snorkelling. At the end of the day we will arrive at the island of Gili Lawa Darat. We will have plenty of time to settle in and get acquainted with the crew and fellow passengers as we cruise to the island of Kelor. Once there, we can enjoy a swim or a snorkel in the bright blue sea, ply the pristine waters in a sea kayak, or have a little bit of fun on a paddleboard. From here, we will head west towards Rinca Island.
Day 4 - Day 4 Komodo Island
While Ombak Putih is anchored in the serene bay of Gili Lawa Darat, early risers can go ashore to hike to the summit of a hill where the horizon opens up to a complete vista overlooking all 80 islands within the Komodo Archipelago and the mainland of Flores. The sight of the long white sandy beaches with clearly visible coral formations, the savannah-like landscape of Komodo Island and volcanic island silhouettes in the background is a unique photo opportunity and a cherished memory for many guests. During lunch onboard, and if the conditions are favourable, we will hoist the sails and enjoy a quiet sail through the wonders of the Komodo National Park. If you happen to spy a tantalising untouched beach or a truly spectacular reef, we can make a stop or two to snorkel and explore.
Day 5 - Day 5 Mesa
This morning we will visit the island of Mesa to meet a settlement of ‘sea-gypsies,’ the Bajao people. Originally from Sulawesi and formerly fully nomadic, living on their boats, the Bajao nowadays often occupy more permanent settlements, building their homes on stilts over the sea. At Mesa we will get a glimpse of how the Bajao have adapted to life in a static village. Nevertheless, still being so close to the water, the tribe’s dependence on the sea is not lost. Their children are introduced to the sea at a young age and grow accustomed to living and playing within the ocean environment. After a stroll through the village we will cruise onwards to the island of Sabalon, where you will be treated to a quintessential SeaTrek experience and a highlight for many guests. On this deserted island with your feet in the sand, under the breathtaking expanse of an Indonesian star-studded night sky, the crew will build a bonfire and prepare a beach barbecue as a final celebration of our memorable voyage. Late in the evening Ombak Putih will cruise back towards Labuan Bajo and anchor off Biddadari Island.
Day 6 - Day 6 Labuan Bajo
After a final early morning dip, we will bid our sad farewells to the crew of Ombak Putih, disembarking the boat at the end of our wonderful waterborne experience. Time permitting we will visit the market or wander around the centre of Labuan Bajo before seeing everyone off to their next destination. It will be hard to believe that it’s all over but please rest assured, the gentle sway of the ocean currents may stay with you for quite a while yet.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
07-05-201812-05-2018USD$2,110Stateroom

Inclusions

    • Discover Flores
    • a long, narrow mountainous island – green and lush in the west and dry further east; stretching over 350kms in length. 85% of the population is Roman Catholic but ethnographically the island is very diverse. Like most of East Indonesia, the older animist beliefs coexist with the new faith.
    • Explore Komodo National Park that covers around 170,000 hectares of sea and land. The rough, hilly, dry islands are surrounded by waters with ferocious currents, amazing reefs and a huge variety of marine life. The National Park is the natural habitat of the famous Komodo dragons and over 150 species of birds.
    • Visit the ramshackle harbour town of Labuan Bajo
    • a bustling centre of tourism and the launching point for trips to Komodo. Flanked by offshore islands and blessed with idyllic views and surrealist sunsets, the main drag is lined with cafes, guesthouses and travel agencies.

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