INDONESIA 03
Wakatobi & Raja Ampat
NOV - DEC 2023 • 26 DAYS • 17 GUESTS
Experience an ocean oasis of indescribable beauty and biodiversity on this extraordinary expedition through Indonesia. Journey into the heart of the Coral Triangle and explore the incredible underwater riches of Raja Ampat, Triton Bay, and Wakatobi on a marine lover’s dream adventure. In Bali walk through rice paddies, visit a bustling, colorful market, temples, traditional villages, meet the friendly locals, and witness authentic Indonesian life along the way. Be pampered, dine on delicious cuisine, and enjoy a massage at beautiful remote island getaways. Extraordinary marine life, colorful culture, and history combined with world-class service and accommodations make this the ultimate Indonesian adventure.
Start your expedition by boarding one of Indonesia’s premier yachts the SY Indo Siren and spend 12 days diving, snorkeling, and exploring what has been hailed the #1 marine biodiversity hotspot in the world. Explore the wonders of Raja Ampat, Misool, and Triton Bay with its plethora of reef fish, numerous crazy critters all co-inhabiting its spectacular reefs, seamounts, and cleaning stations. Home to 1320 species of fish (27 endemic), 700 species of mollusks, 13 marine mammals, five species of endangered sea turtles, and 75% of all known coral species in the world. The jewel-like islands are caressed by a convergence of swift nutrient-rich currents boasting an enormous variety of life. Head to southern Raja Ampat for the colorful soft coral reefs surrounding Misool and Triton Bay. Here the pulse of marine life thrives from the seafloor to the surface where the kaleidoscope of corals can start in less than a meter of water. The experience of drifting along miles of exquisitely hued reef, brimming with activity, is simply breathtaking. Explore one of Thomas’ favorite dive sites, a seamount covered in coral and fish life, and one of the only known places in the world, where both Reef and Pelagic Manta rays can be seen getting cleaned together.
Back on land, head to the heart of the Balinese highlands for a 3-night stay in a unique and beautiful Boutique Eco Retreat. Stroll through lush rice paddies, visit picturesque temples, stroll through the colorful local market, learn how to cook a traditional Indonesian meal, and experience the authentic Balinese way of life in the cultural center of Bali.
From Bali fly on a private charter flight to Wakatobi, an exclusive island resort in south-eastern Sulawesi. Listen to the soothing sound of the waves lapping at the shore as you relax on the porch of your beach bungalow surrounded by stunning island landscapes and a pristine natural environment with world-class marine life on your doorstep. This luxurious island resort works hard to offer its guests the highest level of service, the most exceptional experiences and memories while providing a sustainable income to the local community. With their Collaborative Reef Protection Program, they are protecting the 30km of reefs surrounding Wakatobi, which has allowed the reef and marine life to flourish and become one of the world’s most significant marine biodiversity hotspots. Discover an abundance of colorful reef fish in the shallow reefs and patrolling sharks and pelagic fish schooling off the walls.
HIGHLIGHTS
World class diving and snorkeling in the heart of the Coral Triangle
Visit colorful markets, temples, traditional villages and meet the friendly locals
Sail in luxury through stunning Raja Ampat, Misool & Triton Bay
Explore spectacular coral gardens, seamounts, and coral covered drop offs
Dive or snorkel the pristine, isolated and exclusive reefs of Wakatobi with its white sand beaches
Experience the beauty of Bali while being immersed in Balinese hospitality at a unique boutique Eco resort.
Gaze in wonder at the array of majestic pelagic creatures and small brightly colored critters on the reef.
ENQUIRIES
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Pre-Extension - Indonesia - Papua Paradise & Kri
2023 ● 05 DAYS
Start your expedition with a Pre-Extension to the beautiful Papua Paradise Eco Resort, situated along the pristine shoreline of the uninhabited island of Birie, in the very heart of northern Raja Ampat. Surrounded by coral reefs and unspoiled flora, this amazing haven is teeming with exotic birdlife, lush jungle foliage, while the reefs in the surrounding area offer world-class diving. The elegant overwater bungalows are the perfect place to relax, acclimatize and simply enjoy the beauty of Indonesia.
“No words can truly describe this Adventure, it exceeded my dreams, thanks to you for truly knowing how to run this company and deliver us with little behind the scenes extras! Amazing! I can not wait for another expedition. The people you attract are grand and I know I’ve made new friends. Robin was brilliant in every way possible. I’ve never met anyone like her. So much knowledge to share and ever so kind and funny. Thanks for a grand experience and new memories.”
ITINERARY OVERVIEW
PRE-EXTENSION - PAPUA PARADISE & KRI
2023 ● 5 DAYS
Day 01 | Depart Home / En Route to Sorong, Indonesia
Day 02 | Arrive in Sorong / Travel to Papua Paradise Resort
Day 03-05 | 3 days diving Kri and northern Raja Ampat
Day 06 | Return to Sorong / Embark S/Y Indo Siren
INDONESIA - RAJA AMPAT, TRITON BAY, BALI & WAKATOBI
NOV - DEC 2023 ● 26 DAYS ● 17 GUESTS
Day 01 | Depart Home / En Route to Sorong, Indonesia
Day 02 | Arrive in Sorong / embark S/Y Indo Siren
Day 03 -13 | 12 days exploring and diving Raja Ampat, Misool and Triton Bay
Day 14 | Disembark in Kaimana / Fly to Bali / Transfer to the Balinese Highlands
Day 15-16 | Experience Ubud and Balinese Highlands
Day 17 | Tanah Lot Temple / Bali
Day 18-25 | Fly to Wakatobi / 7 days diving and snorkelling Wakatobi
Day 26 | Fly to Bali and continue home
WAKATOBI
A PIONEERING LUXURY ECO-TOURISM CONCEPT
Wakatobi was founded on the principle that discerning divers would gladly visit and support a resort which offered more than just the basics. Wakatobi combines an upscale diving operation delivering exceptional service to its guests with a reef conservation program which, in guaranteeing the pristine quality of the reefs for their guests and delivering a sustainable income and development support to the local communities.
Wakatobi’s location was selected for one reason – because the world’s best coral reefs are found here. The isolated nature of the location is, of course, a hurdle to any operator not prepared to deal with the inherent challenges, making sure that Wakatobi are still the only resort for many miles around. From this uncompromising start point, they have approached every other aspect of the operation with the same single-minded determination to move beyond what is commonly expected of a ‘dive resort’.
Wakatobi was built from scratch, they generate their own power and fresh water; they have built their own airstrip to make sure that they are easily accessible (previously an overland and local ferry trek of several days was required to get there). A vital part of the ‘infrastructure’ is of course the coral reefs. Wakatobi have set in place extensive conservation efforts including the creation of a unique reef-lease conservation program to protect and enhance the coral reefs for the long-term benefit of the island and its communities. One area where they continue to innovate with great effect is in the area of service. Fine dining, an agreeable wine list and an abundance of culinary choices. Numerous non-diving activities are available to entertain and enrich, from kitesurfing to local cookery classes and Yoga and nature walks. The ‘Wakatobi flow’ is the concept underlying the service and facilities development on Wakatobi – the simple idea that, you, the guest, should be able to connect with nature and quickly settle into a state of otherworldly bliss without hindrance; that service should be transparent – unobtrusive but ever present, anticipating and proactively addressing your needs.
S/Y INDO SIREN
The 40m S/Y Indo Siren cruises the diverse waters of Indonesia. This luxurious liveaboard was designed by divers for divers to provide superior ease and comfort. Aboard the S/Y Indo Siren, scuba enthusiasts will explore the thriving dive sites of Indonesia and enjoy lavish accommodations. The Indo Siren crew of 12 is on hand to ensure guest satisfaction. This intimate liveaboard offers ample space including 8 large cabins equipped with individual climate control, entertainment system and en-suite bathrooms. The S/Y Indo Siren also features an air-conditioned lounge with cocktail bar, sofas, 42inch flat screen and movie network. Massage service is available. The decks feature a covered outdoor dining area where meals and refreshments will be served buffet style throughout the day and an upper level sun deck with cushioned loungers. A massive shaded diving deck provides individual stations and personal storage lockers. Guests are also provided with an aluminum tank, weights, BCD, regulator, 3mm wetsuit, mask and fins free of charge. The main lounge offers a fully equipped camera and video station of professional quality.
WILD EARTH LEADER
PHOTO CREDIT © Thomas & Natalia Baechtold, 5Elements, Wakatobi Resort, Siren Fleet WWDAS, Adobe Stock (banner)