Cruise the Lesser Sunda islands

A world away from the stresses of modern life, the hidden side of Indonesia is waiting for you. A secret paradise of clear blue waters and deserted white/black sandy beaches; a land where Komodo dragons roam free and tropical forests thrive; a kingdom of active volcanoes and stunning coral reefs... Discover the Lesser Sunda Islands. Travel along Flores coast and the Komodo Archipelago in style, aboard a traditional Indonesian cruise boat.

Itinerary

Day 1 Welcome to Indonesia

Welcome to Indonesia! Arrival at Bali airport and transfer to Sanur where you can enjoy an evening and dinner at leisure with hotel accommodation.

Transport : 45 min
Night in Sanur
Day 2 Fly to Flores: Labuan Bajo - Goa Rangko - Pusut

In the morning, short transfer to the airport to catch a domestic flight to Labuan Bajo, in the extreme west of the island of Flores. Upon arrival, we head to the small fishing village of Rangko. We get on local fishing boat to a pretty beach where we have a picnic lunch. Afterwards, we swim within a cavern and snorkel around to enjoy the nearby underwater world. At the end of the afternoon, we head south to the Tado village of Pusut where we spend the night with the locals and share the family's activities for an evening in immersion.

Transport: 1 hour 30 min
Night in traditional house
Day 3 Pusut Rice fields - Cunca Wulang - Boarding

We start walking from the village at dawn and climb a small hill overlooking the area to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the spider web rice fields. After having a local breakfast with our host family, we drive to Labuan Bajo. We make a stop for a nice walk to Cunca Wulang Canyon where we enjoy our picnic lunch and its watery pleasures depending on the season. On arrival in Labuan Bajo we embark on our boat in the afternoon. Our first destination is Rinca Island. Night at anchor.

Total hiking time: 2 hours
Night at anchor
Day 4 Komodo N.P: Rinca and Padar

This morning, we disembark on Rinca Island, the second largest island in the Komodo archipelago. Accompanied by a park ranger, we explore the beautiful savannah landscape of Rinca, home to those famous lizards, wild deer and buffalo. Then we make our way to Padar Island: pristine beaches and snorkeling. Walk up to the top of the hills to enjoy a breathtaking view of the archipelago.

Total hiking time: 3 hours
Elevation gain: 656 feet
Elevation loss: 656 feet
Night at anchor
Day 5 Komodo N.P: Karang Makassar - Pink Beach

Today is a chance to swim with Manta Rays in an underwater Cleaning Station. Equipped with fins, masks and snorkels discover Karang Makassar reef, the underwater fauna and flora here are among the richest in the world. This afternoon we set sail for Pink Beach where we go snorkelling in the pristine waters & encounter sea turtles or just relaxing by the beach. Night at anchor.

Night at anchor.
Day 6 Komodo N.P: Gili Lawa - Tatawa

A morning walk in the hills of Gili Lawa Laut Island reveals beautiful views of the Komodo archipelago, then we enjoy beautiful snorkelling session. In the afternoon, navigation between the Tatawa and Siaba islands, with several stops in unspoiled and preserved snorkelling spots. Night at anchor.

Total hiking time: 1 hour
Night at anchor.
Day 7 Stunning snorkelling & local villages

After 2 hours of navigation we arrive at the Sebolan Islands, desert islets where we enjoy the beach and an extraordinary snorkeling session and a beautiful viewpoint. After lunch, we sail 45min in the afternoon to get to Seraya Island and visit the Bajo village of Pasir Putih.

Night at anchor.
Day 8 Mangroves, rice fields and local plantations

Today we visit the island of Sababi and explore this uninhabited area with a short walk, a snorkelling session and a swim. This afternoon, we venture into the deep bay of Terang where a zodiac trip to the mangroves awaits us. We can also walk in the rice fields, explore local plantations and discover two Manggarai villages.

Total hiking time: 1 hour 30 min
Elevation gain: 328 feet
Elevation loss: 328 feet
Night navigation to Riung
Day 9 The Archipelago of Tujuhbelas

Today we arrive at Riung Bay and join the Tujuhbelas archipelago, a string of deserted islands where beautiful beaches and fabulous snorkelling spots are plentiful. Spend the day exploring this picturesque location and enjoy a BBQ on our very own deserted beach. At the end of the day, a short climb up to watch the sunset over the surrounding Indonesian islands is on the agenda - a truly lovely way to end the day.

Total hiking time: 1 hour
Elevation gain: 262 feet
Elevation loss: 262 feet
Night at anchor
Day 10 Ngada: Bajawa - Tololela

We leave the boat and say goodbye to boat crews, take the road to the Bajawa, located in the heart of the Ngada regency then have a good lunch. Accompanied by a local guide, we visit the traditional village of Bena before taking a nice trek to reach the traditional village of Tololela where we stay in traditional house.

Total hiking time: 1 hour
Night in traditional house
Day 11 Ngada : Traditional villages and hot springs - Ende

This morning, after having a local breakfast, we walk to the nearby village of Gurusina. Then we reach a hot spring which is popular among the locals for a soothing and relaxing swim. We enjoy the last viewpoint of Ngada regency before taking the road to the city of Ende, where we settle for 2 nights.

Total hiking time: 1 hour
Transport : 3h
Night in Ende
Day 12 Kelimutu Volcano

We leave at dawn and start the day by visiting the Ende fish market. Then we head to Moni, a small village at the foot of the volcanic Mount Kelimutu. We hike up to the top of Kelimutu volcano from where we have a breathtaking view of the 3 colored volcanic lakes. This afternoon, a final short hike along rice fields and plantations awaits us before we head back to Ende.

Total hiking time: 2 hours
Elevation gain: 656 feet
Elevation loss: 656 feet
Day 13 Ende to Bali

We leave Flores and fly to Bali. Upon arrival, transfer to Sanur where we enjoy free time to relax at the seaside, do some shopping, or experience a Balinese massage. No meals included.

Transport : 1h30 flight + 45 min
Night in Sanur
Day 14 Departure

Free time then airport transfer for your international return flight with stopover.

Transport : 45 min

Please note that sailing distances are in nautical miles. Sailing times are indicative and may vary depending on tides, weather conditions and route variations. Your guides reserve the right to modify the itinerary or cancel excursions for safety or unforseen logistical reasons.

Dates & prices

Departures for English-speaking groups:

No departure for now

Departures for French-speaking groups:

From	To	Price per person	Guaranteed	Booking
06/06/2021	19/06/2021	€2,450	No	Book now!
04/07/2021	17/07/2021	€2,665	No	Book now!
18/07/2021	31/07/2021	€2,665	No	Book now!
01/08/2021	14/08/2021	€2,665	No	Book now!
15/08/2021	28/08/2021	€2,665	No	Book now!
05/09/2021	18/09/2021	€2,450	No	Book now!
19/09/2021	02/10/2021	€2,450	No	Book now!

Trip code: AIIS

Included

Domestic flights and taxes
All in-country transfers as detailed in itinerary
4 nights hotel accommodation + 2 nights in local houses
7 nights accommodation on board our boat
All meals from breakfast Day 2 to lunch Day 13
Snorkelling equipment
Unlimited water, coffee and tea on board
Full supervision by a qualified Altaï guide (Days 2 - 13)
Accompaniment by our experienced Indonesian boat crew
Entrance costs to everything in the itinerary
Right to access the National Parks

Not included

International flights
Personal expenses
Alcoholic drinks on board
Evening meals in Bali on Days 1 and 13 (5-15 EUR per meal)
Tips for locals ( 4-5 EUR per person per day)

Terms and conditions

Booking conditions

Booking a trip with us implies acceptance of the terms and conditions of sale. Each customer is required to complete a registration form and, subject to availability at the time of registration, travellers are expected to pay a deposit of 30% of the total price to complete their booking. Payments can be made online or by bank transfer. You will receive an e-mail with your booking confirmation.

Invoice procedure

Once your booking is confirmed you will receive an invoice by e-mail. The full balance of the trip must be received at least 30 days before your departure date. We reserve the right to cancel your booking, free of charge, if this deadline is not respected.

Cancellation policy

If for any reason you have to cancel your trip, we require written confirmation of your decision so please contact us by e-mail, fax or letter. The money you have paid will then be refunded according to the following deductions:

Cancellation received more than 30 days prior to the departure date: No cancellation fees.
Cancellation received 30 to 21 days before the departure date: 30% of trip price will be retained.
Cancellation received within 20 days of the departure date: 70% of trip price will be retained.

Please note if you decide to cancel your trip having agreed, in writing, to pay for additional tailor-made services (hotel, additional flights or activities...), these services are usually non-refundable.

If we have to cancel a departure due to an insufficient number of participants, you will be informed no later than 21 days before departure and a full refund will be issued, you will not be entitled to further compensation. We reserve the rights to cancel departures due to exceptional circumstances which may impact the safety of participants. Such circumstances may include those amounting to 'force majeure' in which case participants will receive a full refund but they will not be entitled to any compensation.

Changes to travel contract

If you wish to make a change to your booking please contact us in writing; you will be expected to pay any fee which might arise from this change. In the event of unforeseen external events, Altaï Indonesia may change some aspects of the travel contract. If any changes are necessary you will be informed as quickly as possible.

Pricing

The prices on our website are updated regularly and all of the prices we advertise are accurate when published. We reserve the rights to make changes to any of these prices. Before you make a booking we will give you the up-to-date price of your chosen holiday including any supplements, upgrades or additional activities you may have requested. If the number of travellers is fewer than the indicated number of participants on the website, a small group surcharge may be applied. For all of our trips we include details of services, prices and what is/is not included but please be aware that changes to the prices may be necessary in accordance with exchange rates or price changes of various components of the journey.

Contract transfer

If you are unable to travel for any reason, you can transfer your booking to another person in which case our modification conditions apply. Both the transferor and transferee will be jointly and severally liable for payment of the total holiday price and other associated expenses. Some airline carriers treat name changes as cancellations and you may be required to pay for the cost of a new ticket.

Insurance

We strongly recommend that you take out personal travel insurance for your trip with Altaï Indonesia as soon as your booking is confirmed. We advice you to purchase a travel insurance policy which covers flight cancellations, luggage loss and emergency health care. Please look carefully at which activities are covered by your insurer and do not forget to bring all necessary documents and information with you (name of the company, name of the contract, insurance policy number, telephone number...)

Practical info

Staff

You will be welcomed at the airport by a representative from our friendly team and accompanied for the duration of your holiday. Armed with an abundance of experience and a wealth of expert knowledge our professional team know Indonesia inside out. All activities are lead by our qualified guides and you are in safe hands with our experienced local boat crew.

Food

Free, unlimited soft drinks and all meals from breakfast Day 2 to lunch Day 13 are included. Most meals are served on board; exceptions are detailed in the itinerary.

We are proud of the varied, fresh and frankly delicious food we provide from our hygenic on board kitchen. You can expect buffet style breakfasts, picnic lunches and three course dinners. Evening meals may include freshly caught fish and you will get to sample many traditional local dishes.

Please be aware that the tap water in Indonesia is not drinkable. Please let us know about any dietary requirements when you book the trip and we will work with you to cater for your needs.

Accommodation

On board:

6 double cabins
2 bathrooms/showers to share
Simple comforts

Hotel:

Double or twin room
Private bathroom

Budget & exchange

The currency in Indonesia is the Indonisian Rupiah, Rp (IDR)

Visit http://www.xe.com for the latest currency converter and exchange rates. You can withdraw Indonesian Rupiahs from in-country ATMs or exchange money at the airport/local currency exchange offices. ATMs and exchange desks are only found on bigger islands like Bali (Denpasar, Ubud, Sanur). The cost of an average meal in Java is around 3€ to 8€; in Bali it is 4€ to 11€.

When purchasing souvenirs, we ask that our travellers resist the tempatation to buy traditional items which are part of local families/the countries heritage. We also ask our travellers to respect the Species Protection Agreements (CITES) which aims to protect more than 2,500 species of animals and 30,000 species of threatened plants by prohibiting the trade of hides, ivory, scales, corals, shells, and the import of live exotic animals.

Tips

Tips are always apprciated - we recommend a budget of 3€ to 4€ per person per day for tips.

Supplied equipment

We will supply you with:

A snorkelling mask
A snorkel
A pair of flippers

If you have your own (good-quality) snorkelling gear feel free to bring it with you.

Vital equipment

We recommend packing:

For your head:

A cap or sunhat
A good pair of sunglasses (level 3 or 4, glacier)

For your core:

1 or 2 sets of thermals: long-sleeved thermal tops and full-length long johns
Long sleeved and short sleeved t-shirts, appropriate for hiking in
1 fleece or equivilent
A breathable wind proof, waterproof jacket (Gore-Tex...)
A rain cape or protective waterproof bag for your daybag

For your legs:

1 or 2 pairs of long shorts
1 pair of walking trousers

For your feet and hands:

Your hiking boots (high-cut, thick soles...)
A pair of trainers
A pair of sandels for wearing in the sea
Thick walking socks

To keep you hydrated:

A good water bottle (min. 1.5 l)

For snorkelling:

A swimsuit
A long-sleeved rash vest to protect you

And do not forget:

A good sun-cream (SPF 50+, water resistant, biodegradable...)
Insect repellant
Towel(s)
A wash bag - your personal toiletries... biodegradable soap, shampoo and toothpaste, a toothbrush.

Material

We prefer that you do not wear cotton clothing, including underwear, when participating in activities. When cotton gets wet from water or sweat it ceases to insulate and it does not dry fast. The best materials for outdoor activities are fast drying materials like polyester or materials which are warm when wet like wool. The most powerful materials against the wind and rain are 'breathable' materials like Gore-Tex or Nikwax.

Helpful equipment

You may also want to bring:

A camera and spare batteries/portable charger
A power plug travel adapter
A head torch and spare batteries
A pocket knife
A fast drying micro-fibre beach towel
A sarong
A bath towel
A mosquito net
Blister plasters
A small personal first aid kit
Zip lock bags to protect your important documents and electronics
A laundry bag/bin bag for your dirty clothes
A small sewing kit
Tissues
Earplugs

Luggage

Please bring a small rucksack to use as a day bag. You can bring this as hand luggage on the aeroplane. You will carry your lunch, water, spare layers and any personal medication with you each day in this bag. You will also need a larger bag to store your other clothes and belongings in, please ensure that this is a soft bag like a ruckack or holdall rather than a hard cased suitcase because it is more practical. We recommend packing all of your clothes in plastic bags so that they stay dry in the event of wet weather.

Medicine

Your guide is a trained first-aider and will carry a full first aid kit at all times during the trip. We recommend that you bring a small personal first aid kit containing any medication you may need such as inhalers, plasters, antiseptic and painkillers.

Passport

To go to Indonesia travellers need a passport which is valid for at least six months after the date of entry. It is your responsibility to confirm your specific passport requirements and proof of onwards travel is required.

Visa

Travellers staying in Indonesia for less than 30 days do not need to obtain a visa. It is your responsibility to confirm your specific visa requirements.

Mandatory vaccines

No mandatory vaccinations are required to visit Indonesia. Recommended vaccinations are: Polio, Tetanus, Diptheria, Typhoid and Hepatitis A.

Health information & recommendations

It is your responsibility to check that your personal insurance covers everything in this trip. A consultation with your doctor is a prerequisite for any trip. Malaria prophylaxis is advised if your trip goes to Flores, Komodo, Sumatra, Sulawesi, the Sundra Islands or Kalimatan. Anti-malaria treatments are not necessary in Bali, Java or Lombok. Avoid contact with mosquitoes as much as possible: apply repellents, wear long trousers/sleeves and sleep with a mosquito net. The World Health Organisation can provide further details of the latest health news and medical advice.

Weather

Indonesia is positioned on both sides of the equator making it subject to a similar climate year round. As a rule the South is generally drier and less hot. The average temperature ranges between 24°C and 35°C (75°F and 95°F). We cannot guarantee no rain but we can suggest that the best season to visit Indonesia is the dry season, from mid-April to October/November.

Electricity

Indonesia uses European-style plugs with two round pins. Voltage is normally 220 V 50 Hz except in a few places where it is 110 V.

Local time

Indonesia is spread across three time zones. The Lesser Sunda Islands use Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)/ Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) +8. Indonesia does not use Daylight Saving Time (DST).

Sustainable tourism

As adventure and wilderness travel experts who run trips to some of the most remote parts of the world, we take responsible tourism very seriously.

We respect the ‘Leave No Trace’ outdoor ethical code and try to explore this beautiful location whilst causing minimal environmental damage.

The Leave No Trace policy can be summarized in 7 simple steps which we hope you will follow during ourtrip...

Be prepared
Stick to trails and camp overnight right
Stash your trash and pick up waste
Leave it as you find it
Be careful with fire
Respect wildlife
Be considerate of other visitors

Over the years we have built up good relations with our local suppliers and we are keen to support local businesses as much as possible. We are a small company and we pay our local partners and suppliers directly insuring fair rates.

Our small group sizes not only provide a more intimate adventure but also cause less impact on the environment and local communities.

We expect all who travel with us to support and uphold our Sustainable Tourism philosophies.

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Region: Flores & Komodo
Activity: Hiking cruise Secret destination
Duration: 14 days
Group: 4 to 12 people
Code: AIIS
Price: From €2,450
Level: 2/5
Comfort: 2/5
Language(s): English / French

Strengths

Immersive cruise to discover the stunning Lesser Sunda islands and islets
Pristine seabeds with an incredibly rich variety of life
The multi-coloured lakes of Kelimutu volcano
Komodo dragons, snorkelling and hiking

Required level

This is an active adventure cruise. Travellers should be competent swimmers to participate in water based activities like snorkelling. This trip includes short hikes which venture through dense rainforest with some steep sections.

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