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Indonesia Holidays

Sulawesi to the Komodo Islands Cruise, and Bali

19 Night Itinerary from  £10,605

Ombak Tour

Explore the Indonesian archipelago on a fascinating 13-night cruise from Sulawesi to Komodo National Park, plus enjoy time in Ubud and on a golden beach.

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Tour Route

Travel Highlights

  • Travel from North Sulawesi on an wonderful adventure to the Komodo Islands and Bali
  • Sail aboard the comfortable and convivial Katharina or Ombak Putik motor yachts
  • Explore uninhabited islands in the Indonesian archipelago, snorkelling in coral reefs
  • Meet local villagers, Bajau Sea Gypsies and learn about their skilled shipbuilding heritage
  • Observe endemic wildlife including the Maleo Bird and hornbills
  • Sail to the Flores Sea and Komodo Islands and experience the incredible Komodo dragon
  • Spend 3 nights in Ubud, Bali's cultural jewel.
  • Relax on a golden beach in Sanur at a luxury resort

This itinerary can be tailored to your preferences by our specialist advisors, who can provide a guaranteed price based on your choice of route, duration, flights, hotels, transport and excursions.

Tour Itinerary

Fashion G5c557d3d9 1920

Fly to Manado, North Sulawesi - 1 Night

Day 1 - Fly to Manado 

Day 2 - Arrive in Manado

  • Full Description

Saturday, 09 December 2023

Fly to Manado

Depart the UK on the overnight flight to Manado.

 


Sunday, 10 December 2023

Arrive in Manado

After arriving early morning, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your chosen Hotel for a 1-night stay on a bed and breakfast basis. Your guide will then take you on a tour of the capital of North Sulawesi.  The rest of the day is at leisure to relax at your hotel. 

The Ombak Putik

Embark in Bitung - 1 Night

Day 3 - Embark your motor yacht in Bitung

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Monday, 11 December 2023

Embark your motor yacht in Bitung

Morning flight to Bitung and transfer to the Katharina or Ombak Putik for your 14 night cruise to the Komodo Islands. 

Our first stop will be the Tasikoki Wildlife Rescue Centre, about a one-hour cruise to the south. We will go ashore by tender and have a guided tour of the centre, where we will learn of their conservation efforts and meet some of the wildlife that reside here including monkeys, hornbills, cockatoo, and sun bears. In the afternoon we will spend the time relaxing on deck while we set sail on our journey south.

Katharina

Cruises in Indonesia - First Motor Yacht

Led by Captain Ferdi and operated by a crew of 12, the 38-metre Katharina sits low in the water, making her a beautiful looking boat. Built in 1995 in Kalimantan, her slim hull was originally planned for use as a commercial freighter. After her 2014 interior refit, her transformation is a conservation exercise back to authenticity of a mighty seafaring tradition. Not only is the Katharina very elegant on the water, she is also fast becoming a classic yacht, as very few of these original designs remain. Accommodating just 12 guests in six cabins, with a salon & bar, two sun decks, and an outdoor dining area, she offers a more intimate experience.

Watch the Seatrek Video

The Katharina

Ombak Putik

Cruises in Indonesia - First Motor Yacht

Led by Captain Jufri, with a crew of 14, Ombak Putih means ‘White Wave’ in the Indonesian language. Her keel was first laid down in Kalimantan in 1995, and she became operational in 1997. At 42 metres long, she provides accommodation for up to 24 guests in 12 comfortable cabins. Approximately 400 square metres of public space is divided over her two main decks, including a large salon, as well as covered and open areas, allowing plenty of room for our guests to spread out, relax, and enjoy as much company or solitude as they wish.

Watch the Seatrek video

The Ombak Putik
Day 6 Village Visit

Cruise from Sulawesi to the Komodo Islands - 7 Nights

Day 4 - North Sulawesi

Day 5 - Snorkelling and village life

Day 6 - Bajau Sea Gypsies

Day 7 - Encountering the Maleo bird

Day 8 - Banggai Island

Day 9 - The Bokan Islands

Day 10 - Bajau 'sea gypsy' community

 

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Tuesday, 12 December 2023

North Sulawesi

This morning we will have the opportunity to snorkel on a local reef and spend some time stand up paddleboarding, kayaking, and relaxing. In the afternoon, we will have our first chance to meet some North Sulawesi locals as we head ashore to a fishing village, where they will invite us into their home to share with us their way of life.

We will head west for the overnight passage to the Togean Archipelago, one of Indonesia's wonderful national parks.


Wednesday, 13 December 2023

Snorkelling and village life

Some great wildlife experiences await us today both in the water and the air, with birds, fish and invertebrates as the main features.

We will enjoy a fantastic snorkel on the reefs near the island of Malenge, before taking our snorkels and masks to experience a rare opportunity to swim with stingless jellyfish in nearby Lake Mariona, one of only 20 lakes in the world that are home to these amazing creatures.

We will visit a local village and meet the people, and enjoy a late afternoon walk in the local forest before being witness to a most amazing show of nature as flocks of hornbills come flying in to roost in the trees – a once in a lifetime sight only accessible with this cruise.


Thursday, 14 December 2023

Bajau Sea Gypsies

Today will be your first encounter with the Bajau sea gypsies of Southeast Asia, a people with a very unique way of living with the sea. About 2500 people live in Kabalutan village, and we will be welcomed into their world to meet and talk with them about their lives.

We will head to the southernmost tip of the park and have a long snorkel near the before setting sail to the southeast for a most unique wildlife encounter the following morning.


Friday, 15 December 2023

Encountering the Maleo bird

A very unique experience awaits you today, one you will very likely have never had before - an encounter with a Maleo bird. One of Sulawesi’s most interesting birds, the Maleo is a flightless fowl with some very unusual characteristics and behaviours, and also the symbol of the province within which it lives.

We visit a conservation project on the mainland where scores of Maleo live and breed. Entering in twos, we can watch them at their sandy nesting sites from a camouflagued hide as they go about their business.

Later that morning we will cruise south and snorkel in the afternoon on a beautifully rich reef in front or Pulau Dua, or ‘two islands’ in the Indonesian language.


Saturday, 16 December 2023

Banggai Island

A trio of unique experiences await us today involving culture, conservation and wildlife. We visit the bustling Indonesian island port town of Bangaii, a place filled with activity and commerce. Here on Banggai Island we will visit the local market, explore the neighbourhoods, the sultan’s palace and the Maleo bird egg ‘museum’, and all from our fleet of brightly-coloured motor rickshaws, which will be on the dock awaiting our arrival.

We will pay a hands-on visit to LINI, an NGO doing great work with coral restoration on the surrounding reefs, in addition to working with local fishermen in finding sustainable solutions for supplying fish for overseas markets and the live aquarium fishing trade. The last of the day’s highlights will be a snorkel on a local reef where we will see the most elegant, but very threatened, Banggai Cardinal Fish – a darling of saltwater aquarium lovers worldwide.


Sunday, 17 December 2023

The Bokan Islands

The Bokan Islands are an area of unsurpassed beauty and today will a day of marine exploration and relaxation as we snorkel, swim, paddle and kayak around the glorious reefs, beaches and islands with many caves and snorkelling spots. We also have the rare privilege to swim once again in another stingless jellyfish lake, the exotically named Danau Piasu Botangan.


Monday, 18 December 2023

Bajau 'sea gypsy' community

A visit to another Bajau ‘sea gypsy’ community awaits us today, as we get to once again meet and experience one of Southeast Asia’s famous nomadic cultures. After our visit with the sea gypsies on Padai Kecil Island, we will snorkel on one of the local reefs, and then set sail later in the afternoon, heading south to the wonderful Wakatobi National Park.

Katharina

Cruises in Indonesia - First Motor Yacht

Led by Captain Ferdi and operated by a crew of 12, the 38-metre Katharina sits low in the water, making her a beautiful looking boat. Built in 1995 in Kalimantan, her slim hull was originally planned for use as a commercial freighter. After her 2014 interior refit, her transformation is a conservation exercise back to authenticity of a mighty seafaring tradition. Not only is the Katharina very elegant on the water, she is also fast becoming a classic yacht, as very few of these original designs remain. Accommodating just 12 guests in six cabins, with a salon & bar, two sun decks, and an outdoor dining area, she offers a more intimate experience.

Watch the Seatrek Video

The Katharina

Ombak Putik

Cruises in Indonesia - First Motor Yacht

Led by Captain Jufri, with a crew of 14, Ombak Putih means ‘White Wave’ in the Indonesian language. Her keel was first laid down in Kalimantan in 1995, and she became operational in 1997. At 42 metres long, she provides accommodation for up to 24 guests in 12 comfortable cabins. Approximately 400 square metres of public space is divided over her two main decks, including a large salon, as well as covered and open areas, allowing plenty of room for our guests to spread out, relax, and enjoy as much company or solitude as they wish.

Watch the Seatrek video

The Ombak Putik
Day 9 Wakatobi NP Scaled

Wakatobi National Park - 2 Nights

Day 11 - Wakatobi National Park

Day 12 - Binongko Island

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Tuesday, 19 December 2023

Wakatobi National Park

This is day one of two in the Wakatobi National Park, a very hard to reach archipelago filled with fascinating culture and also one of Indonesia’s best national parks, with outstanding underwater life natural beauty.

As well as snorkelling in the morning and afternoon, you will enjoy a personalised tour of the island of Wangi Wangi, with highlights that include a seaweed farm, meeting with a traditional weaving community, and the ruins of a centuries’ old Dutch fort, a relic of the ancient Spice routes.


Wednesday, 20 December 2023

Binongko Island

More fascinating culture and snorkelling awaits us today, as we visit a famous local blacksmiths and do a drift snorkel on the Wakatobi Resort’s magnificent house reef. Snorkelling comes first in the morning, and then during lunch we will cruise to nearby Binongko Island, where the local craftsmen use hand-operated bellows on the furnace in the blacksmith shop to produce machetes and knives for that are highly sought-after right across Indonesia.

Katharina

Cruises in Indonesia - First Motor Yacht

Led by Captain Ferdi and operated by a crew of 12, the 38-metre Katharina sits low in the water, making her a beautiful looking boat. Built in 1995 in Kalimantan, her slim hull was originally planned for use as a commercial freighter. After her 2014 interior refit, her transformation is a conservation exercise back to authenticity of a mighty seafaring tradition. Not only is the Katharina very elegant on the water, she is also fast becoming a classic yacht, as very few of these original designs remain. Accommodating just 12 guests in six cabins, with a salon & bar, two sun decks, and an outdoor dining area, she offers a more intimate experience.

Watch the Seatrek Video

The Katharina

Ombak Putik

Cruises in Indonesia - First Motor Yacht

Led by Captain Jufri, with a crew of 14, Ombak Putih means ‘White Wave’ in the Indonesian language. Her keel was first laid down in Kalimantan in 1995, and she became operational in 1997. At 42 metres long, she provides accommodation for up to 24 guests in 12 comfortable cabins. Approximately 400 square metres of public space is divided over her two main decks, including a large salon, as well as covered and open areas, allowing plenty of room for our guests to spread out, relax, and enjoy as much company or solitude as they wish.

Watch the Seatrek video

The Ombak Putik
Both Boats

Tangkoko Rainforest - 2 Nights

Day 13 - Kakabia in the Flores Sea

Day 14 - Bonerate boatyard

 

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Thursday, 21 December 2023

Kakabia in the Flores Sea

When you awake today the sky will be filled with the sight of Brown and Red-Footed Boobies and Lesser Frigate birds, many of which will be circling the boat and trying to land on the stays and masts.

The island where we will be is Kakabia, an uninhabited sea mount in the middle of the Flores Sea, rich in upwelling nutrients and a perfect habitat for fishing and raising their young.

We will spend the day here snorkelling and exploring and we will make an attempt to go ashore (tide depending) for an afternoon of swimming, kayaking, paddling and fun. In the evening (also tide depending) we will have a bbq beach party with our crew providing the entertainment.

 


Friday, 22 December 2023

Bonerate open-air boatyard

Today we will walk amongst the hulls and hulks of a huge unlaunched flotilla of pinisi ships being built on a remote island archipelago. We will meet the shipwrights and discover their age-old traditions of shipbuilding that they have practiced for centuries in this forgotten corner of the world, using basic plans, wood, and a collection of simple tools and age-old techniques.

Bonerate is rarely visited by tourists outside of SeaTrek, and seeing this open-air boatyard is an experience to be savoured. As we walk through the village and along the beaches and meet the locals, you will gain a new appreciation for island life and for the kind of boat you have been cruising with for the past twelve days.

Katharina

Cruises in Indonesia - First Motor Yacht

Led by Captain Ferdi and operated by a crew of 12, the 38-metre Katharina sits low in the water, making her a beautiful looking boat. Built in 1995 in Kalimantan, her slim hull was originally planned for use as a commercial freighter. After her 2014 interior refit, her transformation is a conservation exercise back to authenticity of a mighty seafaring tradition. Not only is the Katharina very elegant on the water, she is also fast becoming a classic yacht, as very few of these original designs remain. Accommodating just 12 guests in six cabins, with a salon & bar, two sun decks, and an outdoor dining area, she offers a more intimate experience.

Watch the Seatrek Video

The Katharina

Ombak Putik

Cruises in Indonesia - First Motor Yacht

Led by Captain Jufri, with a crew of 14, Ombak Putih means ‘White Wave’ in the Indonesian language. Her keel was first laid down in Kalimantan in 1995, and she became operational in 1997. At 42 metres long, she provides accommodation for up to 24 guests in 12 comfortable cabins. Approximately 400 square metres of public space is divided over her two main decks, including a large salon, as well as covered and open areas, allowing plenty of room for our guests to spread out, relax, and enjoy as much company or solitude as they wish.

Watch the Seatrek video

The Ombak Putik
Komodo 3

Komodo National Park - 1 Night

Day 15 - Komodo National Park

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Saturday, 23 December 2023

Komodo National Park

Giants will loom large in your day today: Komodo dragons, flying foxes and manta rays, three of the biggest and most impressive animals in Indonesia.

Rising early in the Komodo National Park, we will take you for a privately arranged, ranger-led walk around the island of Rinca, where we will see not only Komodo dragons, but also their preferred menu of prey – monkeys, deer, pigs and buffaloes.

After lunch on board we will go in search of manta rays as they glide by as they feed in the current at their local cleaning stations.

This evening, as the sun starts to set, we will gather on the deck and be witness to a most spectacular event as thousands of flying foxes leave their mangrove forest homes en masse on their nightly fruit-foraging missions. Tonight the crew will prepare a beach BBQ for us all as we feast, sing and dance the night away by a roaring fire under the stars.

Katharina

Cruises in Indonesia - First Motor Yacht

Led by Captain Ferdi and operated by a crew of 12, the 38-metre Katharina sits low in the water, making her a beautiful looking boat. Built in 1995 in Kalimantan, her slim hull was originally planned for use as a commercial freighter. After her 2014 interior refit, her transformation is a conservation exercise back to authenticity of a mighty seafaring tradition. Not only is the Katharina very elegant on the water, she is also fast becoming a classic yacht, as very few of these original designs remain. Accommodating just 12 guests in six cabins, with a salon & bar, two sun decks, and an outdoor dining area, she offers a more intimate experience.

Watch the Seatrek Video

The Katharina

Ombak Putik

Cruises in Indonesia - First Motor Yacht

Led by Captain Jufri, with a crew of 14, Ombak Putih means ‘White Wave’ in the Indonesian language. Her keel was first laid down in Kalimantan in 1995, and she became operational in 1997. At 42 metres long, she provides accommodation for up to 24 guests in 12 comfortable cabins. Approximately 400 square metres of public space is divided over her two main decks, including a large salon, as well as covered and open areas, allowing plenty of room for our guests to spread out, relax, and enjoy as much company or solitude as they wish.

Watch the Seatrek video

The Ombak Putik
Bali Ubud Farmer and terraces

Travel to Ubud, Bali - 3 Nights

Day 16 - Disembark and fly to Bali 

Day 17 - At leisure in Ubud 

Day 18 - At leisure 

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Sunday, 24 December 2023

Disembark and fly to Bali 

Our final day will be one of snorkelling and culture. After an optional morning swim and snorkel, we will take you on a private tour to a local village high up on a mountain plateau where we will be welcomed in by the elders and offered betel nut and arak, a potent local alcoholic brew.

We will be witness to the traditional ‘caci' whip dance, and the 'bamboo' dance, performed by the villagers for generations.

After a final Indonesian lunch on the boat we will say farewell to our crew, who have looked after us so well for the past two weeks, and transfer to Komodo airport for our flight back to Bali and our onward journey to Ubud where we stay for 3-nights at your chosen resort on a bed and breakfast basis.


Monday, 25 December 2023

At leisure

At leisure relaxing at your hotel or take an optional excursion exploring the villages, temples and beautiful scenery that surrounds Bali's cultural centre.


Tuesday, 26 December 2023

At leisure

Enjoy the peaceful ambiance of Ubud at your leisure today.

Adiwana Unagi, Ubud

Bali - First Hotel

A chic Indonesian sanctuary in the heart of Ubud. Adiwana Unagi Suites is a quiet haven with spacious suites designed with contemporary Bali in mind. 

The suites either look out to the forest or pool. Each is very spacious, air-conditioned with double or twin beds, free bottled water, semi outdoor bathroom, toiletries, bath, TV, safe and FREE Wi-Fi.

Public facilities include a delightful pool, Ely’s Kitchen Restaurant, Tejas Spa and daily yoga.

8 Scaled

Samsara, Ubud

Bali - Luxury Resort

Samsara Ubud is one of the best tropical sanctuaries in Ubud, with seventeen luxurious private villas. Each villa, starting from 122 square metres, comes with a private heated pool and a spacious outdoor area. Take a dip in the warm pool and relish the beauty of the forest in addition to the soft sounds from a nearby waterfall. Stunning bathrooms feature luxurious Makassar marble, double vanities, deep soaking bathtub and separate indoor & outdoor showers. A mix of contemporary Balinese décor, rich teak furnishings and exotic fabrics create the villas’ statement interior

Public facilities include a private and communal swimming pool, the Kelusa restaurant, gym and the Chakra Spa and treatment rooms.

Activities available include a village walking tour, yoga, a midnight cinema and cycling and sightseeing tours.

 

 

02 Samsara Ubud Aerial View Lobby
Bali South Beach

Travel to Ubud, Bali - 2 Nights

Day 19 - Travel to Sanur

Day 20 - Relax on the beach 

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Wednesday, 27 December 2023

Travel to Sanur

Travel through beautiful scenery of rice paddies, temples and volcanoes to Sanur, where you check in to your chosen hotel for 2-nights on a bed and breakfast basis, relaxing on a golden beach at the end of your adventure.


Thursday, 28 December 2023

At leisure

Time to enjoy time on a warm, tropical beach.

Pavilions

Bali - Luxury Resort

At The Pavilions Bali, you’ll feel a world away in your private villa. Each enchanting and cosy hideaway fuses traditional Balinese design with modern touches to provide an intimate, relaxing and exotic home away from home. The resort is tucked away amid a magnificent tropical garden yet just a short walk from all that the charming seaside town of Sanur has to offer. It can be tempting to retreat into your own private villa hideout and stay there, but Sanur, the birthplace of tourism in Bali, offers countless things to see and do.

Whether you head out exploring or spend a lazy afternoon on the veranda, The Pavilions Bali is the perfect spot for your next romantic getaway.

The resort has a selection of air-conditioned villas, from those with a private garden to larger 2-bedroom villas with their own private pool. Each villa comes with butler service, an outside rain shower and breakfast.

Public facilities include a swimming pool, spa, the Jahe Restaurant and poolside bar. There are many activities and tours available from the hotel.

Bali Main Pool Shot
Bali G0dc13ccbc 1920

Fly back to the UK - 0 Nights

Day 21 - Fly back to the UK

  • Full Description

Friday, 29 December 2023

Departure for return flight

Transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK, arriving later the same day.

Price Guidelines

Season High Season
Travel Dates 27 or 28 March 2023
Room Arrangement First
Multiple Travellers - Twin Room £10,605
Single Traveller - Own Room £18,105

Prices are a guideline and per person. Please request a quote for Special Events, Christmas, New Year's Eve & Easter.


What's Included

  • 21 Days / 20 Nights
  • International flights (1 overnight)
  • Domestic flights 
  • 13-night cruise on the Katharina or Ombak Putik on a full board basis including all excursions
  • Accommodation as shown on the itinerary
  • Breakfast everyday and meals as described on the itinerary
  • Transfers to and from airports
  • Transport throughout the itinerary
  • Excursions listed, all with expert, English-speaking guides
  • Prices are per person
  • Prices for Special Events, Christmas, New Year's Eve, Easter on request

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TRAVEL INSURANCE with extensive COVID-19 cover