Sailing the Indonesian Wonders; Whale Sharks, Dragons & Coral Reefs

A day to day guide

D A Y  1 – 2

After breakfast in our South Bali hotel meeting point, travel with a guide across East Bali as you discover the deep culture, glorious landscape and local cuisine. Arrive to your beachside resort in East Bali as spend your first day unwinding or having a snorkelling lesson with your cruise host. Sleep in the shadow of Bali’s Mount Agung, the “mother mountain” and the most imposing figure of the Balinese landscape.

Katharina will be your floating home for the rest of the voyage as you explore the local fisheries and coral conservation projects along the coast. Wind permitting, sail the famous Wallace Line, a deep-sea boundary separating Asia and Australia’s biological system.

D A Y 3 – 4

A village visit to the famous Bajao “Sea Gypsies” of Southeast Asia where nomadic sea-faring tribes live in wooden huts on stilts above the turquoise waters. Spend the afternoon relaxing on board or enjoying snorkelling, kayaking and paddle-boarding on the water.

Onto the next wildlife wonder of this adventure holiday, the Whale Shark. There are no promises that guests will be able to swim with these gentle giants but good connections with the local fisherman have seen a mutually beneficial alliance formed. The fishermen off the coast of Sumbawa are paid a healthy fee to spot the whales for sustainable tourism, rather than hunting them. Whale Sharks are under constant threat due to the sky-high value of their fins but fisherman are very glad to protect these beautiful animals and you get to be a conservationist!

Explore the mystical volcanic island of Satonda with a sunken crater lake at its centre. It was filled with saltwater when the nearby Mount Tambora erupted in 1815 and is believed by locals to possess special magic. Recent research at the crater lake found that the reefs here are like those found in the Precambrian era – the earliest part of Earth’s history. Swim, snorkel explore this natural wonder, and make use of the boats kayaks and paddle boards.

Drink sunset cocktails as the boat floats on the current providing the chance to watch the resident fruit bats from the boat at sunset as they fly to and from their roost on the mainland.

D A Y 5 – 6

A local connection sees guests visit a smoking volcanic island where local villagers are in the process of building traditional wooden pinisi boats – similar to Katharina. Walking around this village, guests can really get a feel for their simple way of life, chatting with happy locals and maybe buying some hand-made textiles.

The waters surrounding this island are teeming with marine life. Explore uninhabited islands of pure white sand where world famous coral reefs run parallel to the beach. Swim with manta rays and hangout with sea turtles as they cruise the shallows of the coral reef.

D A Y 7 – 8

The Komodo Dragons are a species of lizard found only in Indonesia. The largest living species of lizard, they can grow up to three metres long and weigh in at approx. 70kg! They are a fascinating species to watch on land as you explore the island of Komodo. Look out for monkeys, deer, pigs and buffalo and listen to the myriad of native bird life as you trek through the forests and savanna’s of Komodo island.

A short drive ashore takes guests to a traditional local village where you can enjoy their heart warming hospitality with betelnut and local “arak” (alcohol extracted from palm trees) before watching a traditional Indonesian dance performance.

All voyages for Katharina

Katharina

Guest berths: 14 Rig: Gaff Ketch

Built in 1995 on the Indonesian portion on the island of Borneo, Katharina was originally planned for use a commercial freighter but caught the eye of her current owner with her elegant sailing lines and sleek hull shape.

They saw her transformation into a charter vessel as an exercise to conserve her Indonesian authenticity and in 2014, employed local craftsmen to complete a beautiful interior refit. Working alongside her sister ship Ombak Putih, (larger but equally as beautiful!), they are both fine examples of some of the few original boats that still sail these waters.

Now led by Captain Ferdi, Katharina takes guests on skippered sailing holidays to explore the cultural heritage, natural wonders and wildlife of the Indonesian islands.

Read more about what to expect from life on board Katharina.

BELOW DECKS

The top deck is a raised sun-lounging area sitting on the roof of the saloon and bar, giving guests secluded relaxation and stunning views. On the main deck, Katharina is rigged traditionally to make best use of the wind as the weather permits. A generous and comfortable saloon and bar sit to the stern of the boat while a large dining table sits under a canopy at the bows, perfect for alfresco dining under the stars.

Below decks, her interior refit has been to a high standard with spacious cabins and campion-ways.  Hand-crafted beds using local timber and locally made soft furnishings give the boat an authentic Indonesian feel. There are six private ensuite cabins for guests in a combination of double beds, twin bunks and three berth cabins.

The galley sits to the stern and is really where this boat comes to life. With 12 crew on hand, you won’t have to a lift a finger with freshly-prepared meals showcasing the very best of Indonesian cuisine and hospitality.

Deck plan

Life on board

Indulge in a world of adventure as you discover the natural beauty of the Indonesian archipelago from the water. Walk barefoot along sandy shores, enjoy delicious local cuisine and wonder at the endemic wildlife species across the islands.

Indonesian culture

Life on-board Katharina is one of traditional Indonesian culture, from the welcoming local crew to the fresh local delicacies, fascinating endemic species and breath-taking Indonesian landscapes. The local people are at the heart of everything that Katharina does. From employing local people to sail her to the traditional craftsmen that built her, the networks and connections that have been nurtured by the crew are heart-warming. Visit remote villages where you’re greeted by running children, laughing and joking, sharing their local crafts. Dance around the fire, play music, exchange gifts and wonder their fascinating corner of paradise.

Sleeping and Relaxation

With six private, air-conditioned en-suite cabins full of traditional Indonesian charm, spacious communal area, alfresco dining areas and sun-lounge deck, Katharina offers plenty of seclusion and relaxation. There are kayaks, snorkel gear and SUP’s for guests to use and the crew can arrange extra activities ashore from kite-surfing to cookery classes.

There are a total of 12 crew on Katharina so you really won’t have to lift a finger. From home-made cocktails, freshly prepared Indonesian cuisine, there is even a host to take care of any extra excursion planning.

Read more about what to expect from your Indonesian sailing holiday aboard Katharina here.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• Full board including all meals, soft drinks, tea, coffee and snacks. (Starting and ending with lunch on first and last days)
• All Indonesian tour leaders
• All park fees, cultural performances, local guides and off-boat activities.
• Welcome drink, cold towel upon boarding and each time guests return from off-boat excursions.
• Daily room cleaning
• Two pieces of laundry each day
• Towels and linens
• Complimentary cotton backpack, luggage tag, fan and stainless steel water (which guests are encouraged to take home)
• First aid kit containing all major medicines
• Sunscreen lotion
• Soaps, shampoo and conditioner
• Beach BBQ
• Free wine, beer and selected cocktails at the beach BBQ
• Selected wines with special farewell dinner
• All port fee
• Use of on-board TV and multimedia facilities
• Library of books, kids games and TV documentaries
• Use of all facilities on board including snorkelling gear, paddle boards, kayaks, board games
• Use of sleeping bags for sleeping on deck
• All transfer to and fro the boats

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

• Domestic flights
• Transit hotels
• Alcoholic drinks outside of specials dinners and beach BBQ
• Crew and tour leader tips
• Incidental expenses on land (souvenirs, private purchases etc)

Travel insurance notes

As this is an active adventure holiday, we advise that everyone has the appropriate personal accident travel insurance whilst onboard in addition to standard travel insurance which would cover you in the time between making your booking and departing for your adventure. These policies can sometimes be combined so please check with your travel insurance provider.

Please read more information on our Insurance guidelines page.

This voyage will likely be more than 12miles offshore.

FAQ

• Are all meals included?

  Yes - all meals are included in the price (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Hot Drinks)

• Are there any added extra's?

  No, unless you go ashore. Excursions are not included.

• Can you cater for dietary needs?

  Vegetarian, halal, kosher, children’s fare, low fat dishes, allergies, etc. However, we must be notified in advance of any special needs so we can make arrangements.

• What language is spoken onboard?

  English

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

  (All cabins are ensuites) 2 x double cabins, 2 x triple cabins (one double bed & one upper single bunk), 2 x twin bunk cabins.

• How many toilet/showers does she have?

  There are six ensuites with each cabin.

• Is there WIFI?

  No! Time to disconnect from the modern conforms and reconnect with nature!

• Can I charge my phone/Camera?

  TBC

• Are there life jackets provided?

  Yes

• Are Waterproofs provided?

  No

• Do I need sailing experience?

  No, absolutely not! Just a need for adventure.

• Will I be sea sick?

  Everyone reacts differently but we recommend if you are at all worried to take some medication 24 hours before departure. Ginger tea and biscuits also help with sea sickness.

• Is bedding included?

  All bedding and shower towels are included. Please bring your own swimming towels.

Travel Planning

From: Bali

To: Komodo

To see where the ports are, along with your likely sailing area, please view the sail area & highlights.