This cruise will cover a.o. the Komodo area for a couple of days of snorkeling, beach combing and hiking through one of the most beautiful National Parks of Indonesia.
The Flores Highlands will be an opportunity to hike to some remote villages, experience the tedious process of ikat weaving amid unsurpassed scenery of towering volcanoes, bamboo forests and intriguing crater lakes.
Day 1 -- At 08.30 a.m. transfer by fast ferry from Benoa harbour, Bali to Lembar, Lombok. Upon arrival around 11.45 a.m., embarkation on board of the Katharina, settle in and sail to Gili Trawangan for snorkeling, beach-combing,. Late afternoon onward sailing to Moyo, north of west-Sumbawa.
Day 2 -- Morning hike on Moyo island - a nature reserve covered with monsoon forest - to an exquisite three-tiered waterfall. Opportunity for underwater exploration off the coast of Moyo. Midday sail to tiny Satonda island, the top of an extinct volcano; if time allows a visit to crater lake of the volcano in the centre of the island. Huge colonies of flying foxes can be seen after a short walk. Night-sailing to Bima, east-Sumbawa.
Day 3 -- Upon arrival in Bima, we will leave the vessel in the morning for a few hours hike through the Donggo villages, overlooking the Bima bay. Midday sail toward Sangean island, an active volcano towering 2000 meters above the surrounding waters. We will have a short afternoon stop to visit the tiny settlement on the island and swim in crystal-clear waters. Night-sailing to Rinca.
Day 4 -- Rinca island, the second biggest in the Komodo archipelago is also the richest in terms of fauna: we will go hiking and looking for the famous `dragons' in spectacular scenery of savannah and emerald coves. Around noon sail to the so-called `red beach', a famous reef with a huge variety of live coral and beautiful fish. Snorkeling, beach-exploration. In the afternoon proceed to the Riung archipelago, north of Flores.
Day 5 -- In the morning arrival at Riung, a small archipelago consisting of 17 islets, 10 miles north of Flores. Snorkeling, relaxing, beach-combing, climbing one of the summits for enjoying the panorama over the sea and Flores In the afternoon proceed to Ropa, a small harbour at the north coast of Flores.
Day 6 -- Early morning arrival in Ropa from where we go by bus to the Kelimutu volcano, famous for its three coloured lakes. Experience the eery atmosphere surrounding this exquisite natural phenomenon. Upon returning on board of the Katharina onward sailing heading for Maumere..
Day 7 -- Morning arrival in Maumere, east-Flores. After breakfast tour to a weaving village where we can admire the ikat weaving and will attend a demonstration of the dances of the Sikka regency. Midday sail to Pulau Paloe, an island north Flores.
Day 8 -- Upon arrival at Pulau Palo‰ visit of the local village. We will experience the real traditional village life of Flores and walk at leisure through the village. We may drink some Sopi (local liquor) with the villagers and discuss their way of life. After lunch we will hoist the sails for the next traject from Palo‰ back to the Komodo archipelago. When winds allow, the crew of the Katharina will show their skills in traditional Pinisi-sailing, a.o. by using the two side-rudders alternatingly.
Day 9 -- Arival at Pulau Sabalon or Selayar in the Komodo archipelago for a last snorkel or dive and a farewell barbecue at the beach. Night sail to Bima.
Day 10 -- Early morning arrival in Bima. After breakfast sightseeing of the pasar by horse-chart and short visit of the palace of the ancient Sultan of Bima. Transfer to the airport for the return-flight to Bali.