A Komodo to Sulawesi liveaboard cruise will bring you from the famous Komodo National Park to Selayar and the Take Bone Rate Atoll. This is not a typical itinerary for tourists traveling to Indonesia. For this Komodo yacht charter, you will need some sense of adventure when choosing this route. For travelers looking for magnificent sites a few handfuls get to see and experience, this cruise is a perfect match! Departing from the renowned UNESCO World Heritage of the Komodo National Park, this route will head north, navigating to the southern angle of Sulawesi. As you move along, there are plenty of chances to admire extraordinary land and sea sites. The remote islands you will encounter along the way feature a one-of-a-kind glimpse of the Indonesian Island culture and captivating underwater sceneries.
Selayar Island boasts some of the best wall reefs in Indonesia. The island’s secluded white sand beaches are truly an inviting place for bonfires and beach BBQs. The Taka Bonerate Atoll is the third-biggest atoll reef worldwide. It is only visited by a few travelers every year but offers postcard-worthy sandy islands and a number of undiscovered coral reefs. These unspoiled coral reefs offer good chances to meet large pelagic fish while diving and snorkeling. You will also have the chance to admire the traditional boat building culture in this remote part of the Indonesia.
The day will start as you meet at the starting point in Labuan Bajo. The crew will welcome you with a refreshing drink and give a short tour around the vessel. A short briefing about safety will be discussed and subsequently, it is time to get settled to and start the cruise. The cruise will depart from Labuan Bajo en route towards your first stop: the Komodo National Park.
The scenic beauty of the world-famous Komodo National Park is a true sight to behold. Waking up in the waters of the famous Komodo National Park, divers will definitely want to visit the best dive sites in the area. Famous sites are Crystal Rock, Batu Bolong, and Golden Passage. Apart from diving, the park also provides a great variety of excellent snorkeling sites, such as the renowned Karang Makassar, also known as the Manta Point. This site often features more than a dozen mantas dancing along or just floating right next to you.
Diving (or snorkeling) enthusiasts will definitely marvel at the excellent coral gardens thriving on the southeast of the passage of Pulau Jampea. You may also see from the traditional local oyster divers living on the island using hookah to deliver through air. It’s a high-risk job, and many divers experienced this common diver’s ailment, typically known as “the bends” or decompression sickness at any point in time.
The crystal-clear and vivid water on the eastern region of the Selayar Island is like looking at the other side of a glass. This place boasts of vibrant coral-covered walls in excellent condition for diving and snorkeling. The reef is located just a short distance from the coast. Therefore, it offers plenty of chances to swim and snorkel in the nearby lagoons. There are good chances to encounter various large pelagic fish and even dugong sightings have been reported in some secret bays! The powdery white sand beaches of Selayar are perfect for bonfires and beach BBQs to spend a blissful and relaxing afternoon.
Bira has a number of good diving and snorkeling sites such as the Lighthouse Reef. Apart from scenic views, arriving in Bira is similar to a homecoming scene as most of the crew members are locals who live in this area. Get up close and learn about the traditional local boat building trade while visiting the neighboring village of Tanah Beru. This place is widely known for crafting traditional wooden schooners directly on the beach, locally known as Phinisi. Paying a visit to this village allows you to take a glimpse of their traditional boat-making method personally.
This day marks the end of the cruise in Bira. Take a local transportation towards Makassar International Airport to bid farewell to this remarkable journey.
Please note, this is a sample itinerary. Each Cruise is different and the detailed day-to-day itinerary and sites will be tailored to suit guests’ preferences as well as weather and ocean conditions. Private Charters are more flexible in the itinerary compared to scheduled Cruises. Your Cruise Director will work with you on the detailed day-to-day planning onboard.
Barefoot Yachts Indonesia is an established expert for personalized private voyages throughout Indonesia since 2016.
