Family Sailing The Indonesian Wonders; Whale Sharks, Corals & Dragons

A day to day guide

D A Y S  1  –  2

Be met at the airport in Komodo by your tour leaders who will take you straight to Ombak Putih, your home for the next week or so. As you settle in we will head to our first snorkelling spot; a coral restoration project where you will see how the corals and fish populations have grown since they were first transplanted in 2014.

Step ashore on Komodo Island in search of the fearsome Komodo dragons, found only in the Komodo National Park. This is the world’s largest lizard, growing up to a length of three metres and weighing up to approximately 70 kilograms.

After, enjoy some magnificent snorkelling on some of the Komodo Park’s best reefs, swim with manta rays as they feed on the current and circle the so-called cleaning stations, where small fish remove parasites from their skin. There’s even the chance to snorkel with sea turtles as they gently cruise along the shallow water of the reef.

D A Y  3  –  4

Wake up off the coast of a beautiful uninhabited island with a beach of pure white sand, sparkling with powdered red coral, creating the effect of a “pink beach”. We will spend the morning here swimming, paddle boarding and snorkelling on the beautiful coral reef that lies parallel to the beach.

Over lunch we will cruise to a nearby active volcanic island to tour a large wooden pinisi boat with the same pedigree and history of SeaTrek’s very own ships. Walking around this small village you’ll soon get a feel for their simple way of life, talking with the locals and maybe buying some handmade textiles as a souvenir.

There will also be the chance to spend the day at a strange and mystical volcanic island with a sunken crater lake in its centre that was filled with saltwater when the nearby Mt Tambora catastrophically erupted in 1815. Here we can swim, kayak, and paddle-board on the lake, and the more adventurous can go trekking around the crater rim!

During one of the evenings you will have the chance to experience one of our famous beach BBQs under a night sky filled with millions of stars. Feast on amazing local delicacies, freshly prepared by our chef, and enjoy the live musical entertainment from our talented crew.

Another highlight of our visit to this island will be the sight of thousands of flying foxes that fly at dusk from the island to feed on the mainland.

D A Y  5  –  6

Experience an early morning swim with whale sharks, the gentle giants of the sea. These massive but harmless animals have long congregated here but now, thanks to travellers like you, we have formed a mutually beneficial alliance with the local fisherman who have their traditional small floating fishing platforms placed in the bay to attract the sharks. We can’t make any promises, as we don’t have these wild animals on a leash, but fingers crossed we will see them.

Spend time on a pretty beach set on a small limestone island, go kayaking, swimming and snorkelling to explore the local karst formations.

Cruise to Labuan Aji village on the island of Moyo to visit the village and walk to a scenic waterfall where we can bathe in the refreshing cool water.

D A Y  7  –  8

Enjoy a unique snorkelling experience where volcanic gasses escape in the form of bubbles from the sea floor among the corals. The metallic black volcanic sand below is home to an abundance of interesting invertebrates and makes for a rare snorkelling backdrop.

Re-entering the Komodo National Park,  go drift snorkelling in one of the best and healthiest coral reefs in the park. For those keen on a land-adventure to another level, take a sunset hike up to a gorgeous viewpoint overlooking the entire park.

Visit Rinca Island, well known for its diverse wildlife and perhaps spot dragons, monkeys, wild buffaloes and deer. From the top of the hills, the scenery is utterly breathtaking.

D A Y  9

Following breakfast on our last day we will take you on a scenic drive towards Melo Village, to witness the traditional Caci dance performance. This entails local strongmen performing 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.

After lunch on board, we will say farewell to the crew and your fellow shipmates as you disembark and continue onto your next destination.

Please note that this is a guide as to what to expect from your sailing holiday in Indonesia. With the ever changing wind and tides, flexibility is key. Our mission is to provide the best experience possible for our guests given the current conditions and when unexpected opportunities for adventure may present themselves along our cruise routes. Sometimes weather conditions, tides or other local factors dictate that we need to vary from the published route, and at times there are special opportunities to explore and discover new locations, events and activities. These explorations will always be a definite enhancement to the published itinerary and will be undertaken after discussion and agreement among guests. Ultimately, the boat captains and your tour leader will make decisions to maximise trip safety and your overall enjoyment, so please come prepared to be flexible!

All voyages for Ombak Putih

Ombak Putih

Guest berths: 24 Rig: Gaff Ketch

Ombak Putih is a traditional Indonesian pinisi sailing vessel built in 1995 on the island of Borneo. Part of a centuries-old maritime tradition of hand-crafted boat-building now classified as UNESCO cultural heritage.

Built by local Indonesian craftsmen using traditional hand tools and Indonesian hard-woods, Ombak Putih is full of cultural knowledge passed down from father to son over centuries. Working alongside her sister ship Katharina, (smaller 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 Jurfi, Ombak Putih 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 Ombak Putih.

Above decks, Ombak Putih has over 400sqm of communal space divided over her two main deck areas. A large saloon sits mid-ships at deck level with 360degree views with a large-covered canopy area to the bows for alfresco dining and daytime relaxation. A top deck sits above the saloon giving guests a secluded relaxation and sun-bathing area, as well as stunning views across the archipelago.

The galley sits to the stern and is really where this boat comes to life. With 14 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.

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 12 private ensuite cabins for guests in a combination of double beds, twin bunks and three berth cabins.

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 Ombak Putih 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 Ombak Putih 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, Ombak Putih 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 14 crew on Ombak Putih 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 Ombak Putih here.

SAMPLE MENU FOR Ombak Putih

All food is made on board and local, fresh produce is top of the shopping list. We try to rendezvous with the local fishermen to get local seafood and fresh produce. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all served buffet style.

BREAKFAST

• Cereals, muesli and fruit
• Bread and spreads (jam, nutella, honey, peanut butter)
• A la carte – bacon, sausage, eggs, pancakes

LUNCH & DINNER

A large mix of Indonesian, western and world cuisines. 

• Rib eye steak, pork spare ribs, Mexican fajitas.
• Scallops, prawns, chicken, pork, pasta
• A mix of side dishes; salads, vegetables, rice, chips
• A variety of Indonesian tofu and vegetarian options.

FINAL DINNER

• Indonesian Rijstaffel (Dutch word for rice table with a large variety of traditional Indonesian dishes.

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
• Fuel surcharge

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.

Package Travel Regulations

This trip is covered by our Package Travel Regulations (PTR) Insurance. Please click here to view the Terms & Conditions.

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) 6 x double cabins, 2 x triple cabins (one double bed & one upper single bunk), 4 x twin bunk cabins.

• How many toilet/showers does she have?

  There are 12 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?

  Yes - there are plenty of USB sockets available.

• 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: Komodo, East Nusa Tenggara,

To: Komodo, East Nusa Tenggara

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