Sailing in the Footsteps of Alfred Wallace

D A Y 1

Arrive into Sorong airport where you will be greeted by your local guide and taken to the boat. After a welcome drink and an introduction to your ecological experts Ray and Angela, you can settle into your home as we set course for the southernmost islands of Raja Ampat National Park.

Take a swim in crystal clear waters and snorkel one of the many beautiful coral reefs after an alfresco lunch on board. We will continue south through the night while enjoying pre-dinner cocktails as the sun goes down.

D A Y 2

A 4.30am sun rise sees guests taken by a local guide by dinghy to Saporkren village where we change transport for a short drive into the forest. The guide will take guests to a spot for a perfect vantage point to watch for the Wilson’s Bird of Paradise. This a rare and privileged sight to watch as they perform their dawn mating ritual as the mist rises from the forest canopy.

Back on the boat, head for Yenbuba on Mansuar island to enjoy some snorkelling before lunch. This place is known as the “fish bowl” due to the teeming marine life and different species in the area – just like swimming in a giant fish bowl!

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D A Y 3

Today will see a great opportunity to those keen naturalists of the group as we rise early into the forest for another pre-dawn quest to spot the remarkable Red Bird of Paradise. This was one the species that Wallace was most anxious to observe and collect and with the knowledge our local guides, we should be able to watch this rare bird’s elaborate courtship display.
Return to Katharina as the crew guides us through the Dampier strait – home to some of Raja Ampat’s premier reefs. Spend the afternoon in Yenbeser village where Wallace spent some months researching.

There’s a chance that we may get to see some manta rays as we snorkel, but there are no guarantees. We will end the day by mooring off another tiny island, where the local children will perform their traditional dances for us and followed by exploring this charming village.

D A Y 4

Today is a day of exploration and snorkelling and we will spend the day visiting a local village, and snorkelling on the many great reefs in the area.

If the tides are in favour, guests will get the chance to visit a faithful replica of Wallace’s small hut which was built by the villagers using plans from FFI (Fauna & Flora International) and a grant from Katharina’s boat owners.

Visit another small island nearby that is home to a coconut crab “sanctuary”. The island is home to a small number of these docile beasts and the sanctuary has been set up by a local man, offering guests the chance to get up close and personal! A late afternoon snorkel sees some spectacular giant clams before heading back to the boat for dinner and an early night…

D A Y 5

Today is another day or snorkelling, Wallace tracking, and exploring some of Raja Ampat’s most beautiful limestone karst islands.

Wake up in front of the island of Penemu, a dramatic location with amazing views. Guests can take a short hilltop climb ashore before snorkelling on the island’s beautiful reefs. Continue our island hopping adventure north to an island where ar dusk, tens of thousands of fruit bats fly out to feed. This night we will find a remote beach where we will have a beach BBQ and party.

D A Y 6

Watch the sun rise over the picturesque island chain that makes up the eastern Misool archipelago. The landscape here is typical of “karst dissolution” where a great number of tiny islets that have been eroded over time by the relentless motion of the tides.

After an early breakfast, guests will be taken to heart of the bay where a partially submerged cave gives you the chance to explore a cavernous grotto adorned with astonishing stalactites. The more adventurous traveller may want to paddle through the dark waters to the other mouth of the cave…

Move onto the mysterious jellyfish lake as you swim among thousands of stingless jellyfish. Once we have returned to the ship, the crew will guests by tender to further explore this impressive maze of kurst islands. Discover mysterious skull cairns in sea caves cemeteries, prehistoric cave painting estimated to be anything between 3000-5000 years old. The mesmerising paintings depict various hum figures, fish, plants, tools and vessels!

D A Y 7

Today will be an early rise before dawn to head ashore in search of the Lesser Birds of Paradise. The 4am rise will hopefully stand us in good stead to see these fascinating birds but there are no guarantees! Our local guide will meet on the shores of Kapatcol where guests will trek into the forest to see if we can spot the birds dance around in their “lekking” (courtship display) trees.

The rest of the day is a more relaxed affair as we explore the local village and school to learn about their traditions and way of life. Learn about the way Nature Conservancy is working with the local villages to empower local women with a fishing practice called “sasi”.

D A Y 8

Wake up anchored off the coast Halmahera where the mighty mountain peaks of Ternate and Tidore provide a stunning backdrop over breakfast. Visit the famous “sea gypsies” of Indonesia. Home to Southeast Asia’s famous nomadic cultures of the Bajau communities. These nomadic villages sit along the coast with wooden huts sitting on stilts above coral reefs as locals travel solely by boat

D A Y 9

Anchored off the western coast on the island of Bacan, today sees another adventure ashore to the forested slopes where Wallace made some of his greatest zoological discoveries. The Moluccan Cuscus, the Standardwing Bird of Paradise, the world’s largest bee Megachile pluto and the huge Golden Birdwing Butterfly all inhabit this island with Wallace describing the Golden Birdwing as the “finest butterfly in the world”. When he first caught a male in 1859, he wrote: “When I took it out of the net, and opened its gorgeous wings, I was nearer fainting with delight and excitement than I have ever been in my life; my heart beat violently, and the blood rushed to my head, leaving a headache for the rest of the day.”

To this day, few westerners have ever seen this species alive and no tourist groups have been taken in search of it. There is no guarantee that you will see it but our guide is the only person on Bacan who know exactly where it can be found…

As we explore the forested slopes in the footsteps of Wallace, keep a close eye out for the other fascinating animal species that live on the island. From parrots and cockatoos to lorikeets and the elusive cuscus, the island is also home to Maluku’s only monkey – the endangered black macaque.

D A Y 10

An early start sees guests trek with a guide to a waterfall located in central Halmahera. Wander through towering coconut trees as you watch out for a number of bird species including the fascinating Bird of Paradise.

Back on the boat by the afternoon, guests can spend time on-board with a book or enjoying the unique marine life from the water. Make use of the boats paddle boards and kayaks to explore this tropical island paradise.

D A Y 11

Today, guests will visit the village of Dodinga. This is the very place where Wallace was living in malarial delirium, as he discovered the mechanism that drove evolutionary change – natural selection. Once Wallace had recovered, he wrote detailed essay explaining his theory and set it to Darwin. The essay was published together with Darwin’s thoughts on the subject in August 1858. This was the essay that led Darwin to publish his book Origin of Species in 1859, explaining the theory in great detail. The village of Dodinga is a pretty riverside village with friendly local, traditional timber houses and the ruins of an old Portuguese fort. The importance of the history of science here, does not go un-noticed.

Spend some time with the villagers, sharing fresh coconuts and enjoying their hospitality before guests head back to the boat for an afternoon of snorkelling and relaxation.

D A Y 12

Explore the city of Ternate visiting some old Portuguese and Dutch forts and a visit to the Sultan’s Palace, rich with heirlooms. Now it’s time to bid farewell to the boat as the crew take you to the airport for onward travel.

MEET THE EXPERTS

RAY AND ANGELA HALE

Ray and Angela Hale have travelled the length and breadth of both Indonesia and Malaysia in search of endangered species. They have discovered and photographed hundreds of species from the endearing Orangutans to the tiniest of insects.

Over the last 20 years, Ray has delivered many lectures around the world and is passionate about reconnecting people with nature and conserving the Earth’s endangered animals. His aim is to ensure that the guests, be they entomologists, wildlife photographers, experienced explorers or simply nature lovers visiting the islands of Indonesia for the first time, are given the best possible chance of success.

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

More about Katharina

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.

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.

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

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: Sorong, West Papau

To: Ternate, North Maluku

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