There is no better way to explore the Indonesian archipelagos than by chartering a traditional sailing yacht. Indonesian Phinisi yachts are traditional wooden sailing ships little changed from centuries past. Rather than delivering spices to Europe, these days Phinisi yachts offer the means to explore islands far off the beaten track in the utmost comfort. Experience the the distinctive cultures on land and the vast riches of marine biodiversity below the gentle waves.

Asia Travel Specialist works with a carefully selected portfolio of luxury yachts. Single cabin Alexa is a very luxurious yacht and great for honeymooners. Tiger Blue features five cabins and offers great value, a wonderful option for families. Dunia Baru is another a five cabin yacht offering a very high level of luxury. There are many more yachts besides. Contact your specialist to discuss the best options for your group. Prices range from £2000 per night for a three cabin boat, all the way to £11,000 a night for an 8 cabin boat.

The below journey is a sample itinerary designed to inspire you. Every charter itinerary is tailored to guests’ requirements by the yacht’s cruise director. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, a multi-generational family escape or an educational odyssey, we can arrange a charter tailored just for you.

Flores – Komodo – Rinca – Maumere – Alor

Tour Highlights

• Swim and snorkel with Manta Rays at Manta point

• Hike to Kelimutu coloured lakes

• Dive the breath-taking reefs of Alor and Pantar islands

• Explore the Catholic church and Ikat textiles of Sikka village near Maumere

Suggested itinerary – we will customise this for you!

Day 1 – Labuanbajo

This morning you will take a domestic flight from Bali to Labuanbajo, Flores Island. You will be met at Labuan Bajo airport by the yacht’s crew and transferred to the harbour, a 15-minute drive. Once you have settled in onboard, the yacht will depart Labuan Bajo and cruise to the outskirts of the National Park while you enjoy lunch on deck. If time allows, go snorkelling or try a check dive before you watch the sun go down with a cocktail. Dinner will be served under the stars

Hotel: Overnight onboard

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2 – Rinca Island

Lesser known than neighbouring Komodo Island, Rinca is an excellent place to observe Komodo dragons. There are also mischievous monkeys and an array of birdlife. This morning, stroll through the park with a ranger and catch sight of the famed Komodo dragons. This afternoon, submerge at underwater sites in the channel between Komodo and Flores, such as Tatawa Besar and Kecil. Finally, relax on a sandy beach flecked with shells or explore nearby coves and try some watersports.

Hotel: Overnight onboard

Meals: Fullboard

Tiger Blue

Day 3 – Komodo Island

Firstly today you will visit a Manta cleaning station. Swim surrounded by Manta rays as they circle you in an underwater ballet. This area offers one of the most active underwater landscapes in Komodo with vibrant soft and hard coral gardens home to large numbers of fish. After lunch on board spend the afternoon beach combing or cruising mangroves and hidden coves on the tender. Alternatively, simply relax onboard in the sunshine.

Hotel: Overnight onboard

Meals: Fullboard

Day 4 – Padar Island

Set between Rinca and Komodo in the central region of the national park lies the picturesque island of Padar. A sheltered bay on the southeast side of the island makes for a beautiful anchorage in the shadow of dramatic craggy peaks. Central Komodo’s nutrient-rich waters attract shoals of schooling fish on current swept walls, renowned as some of the best coral reefs in Indonesia. This bay is a wonderful spot to try water sports, relax on the beach or take a tender cruise into the mangroves to spot birdlife.

Hotel: Overnight onboard

Meals: Fullboard

Day 5 – Gili Lawa Islands

Today the yacht will anchor on the north-western edge of Komodo, near the Gili Lawa islands. These two islands are home to Komodo’s most famous underwater sites including Castle Rock, Shotgun, The Passage and Lighthouse. Pitch up on a stretch of golden sand between underwater pursuits. A steep trek will reward you with stunning vistas over the surrounding islands, stretching into the distance.

Hotel: Overnight onboard

Meals: Fullboard

Tiger Blue at anchor in the Komodo Islands

Day 6 – Riung

The yacht cruises into Riung Marine National Park, also known as ‘Seventeen Islands’ in honour of Indonesia’s Independence Day. Spend the day exploring this chain of 24 protected isles off the north coast of Flores. Aside from incredible marine life, the park is home to interesting wildlife on land in the forests. There are also five fishing villages inhabited by a mixture of Islamic Buginese and Catholics from the hinterland. Finally, there’s an interesting cave nearby where dusk brings a mighty spectacle – thousands of bats taking off for their nightly jaunt.

Hotel: Overnight onboard

Meals: Fullboard

Day 7 – Ende

Early this morning you will be driven from Ende harbour to Moni. After a short 30 minute walk you will reach Kelimutu. Mount Kelimutu means Mountain of the Spirits, and is famous for its three coloured lakes set within the surreal summit of the craters at 1690m. The dissolved minerals give the lakes their different, changing colours but local legends and ethereal landscapes mean this area takes on a mythical feeling. On the way back to Ende, you can stop at the traditional village of Saga Lio Tribe. Finally visit Ende Local Market and Soekarno House, the residence of the first Indonesian president.

Hotel: Overnight onboard

Meals: Fullboard

Day 8 – Paloe Island

Today we will approach the small volcanic island of Paloe. There’s a fascinating village built on the volcanic slope, as though the smoking crater above was no real threat. Head ashore to see the traditional ikat weave textiles in the making. After lunch onboard, spend the afternoon snorkelling and diving in crystal clear waters. The yacht will depart early this evening for the overnight crossing to Kawula.

Hotel: Overnight onboard

Meals: Fullboard

Day 9  – Maumere

Firstly you will be collected at Maumere harbour by a local guide. Maumere, the capital city of the Sikka district, is a main entry point for visiting Flores. Your tour will begin at Sikka village, which is known for its ancient church dating from 1899 and ikat textiles, which are enthusiastically sold by the local people. You will also stop in at Ledalero Museum before visiting the local market and Wuring fishing village. In the afternoon, you will return to your private yacht in the harbour of Maumere for a relaxed evening onboard. Lastly, take in your first magnificent sunset across the Alor archipelago.

Hotel: Overnight onboard

Meals: Fullboard

Day 10 –  Kawula

This morning dive the north coast of Kawula, where schools of reef fish cluster around tiers of hard coral in the shadow of Ile Ape volcano. You can also head ashore to Ionata village to see the 30m skeletal remains of a blue whale, which remains a sacred icon to the villagers. Subject to weather, make the crossing to Komba, where one of the active volcano can be seen spewing smoke into the skies.

Hotel: Overnight onboard

Meals: Fullboard

Cuttlefish and diver. Komodo National Park

Day 11 – Alor

This morning you will explore underwater dive sites along the coast of Alor & Pantar islands. Sites include Clown Valley, Sharks Galore, Mandarin House and The Boardroom. Glide through enormous shoals of fish, stunning colourful coral reefs and drifting pelagic marine life. In the very south of the Pantar Strait lies the small, remote village of Beangabang, 3 hours by boat to the nearest town. The village is nestled on a beautiful bay that curves gracefully between two out flung headlands. A large lava flow on one side shows the islands fiery past. Parts of the beach are so hot that the black sand steams and is painful to walk on. Even by local standards, this is a very simple village with the most welcoming of people, and one of the most wonderful places to get a sense of local culture.

Hotel: Overnight onboard

Meals: Fullboard

Day 12 – Alor departure

This morning, the yacht will approach Alor port. After a final decadent breakfast on deck, your crew will assist you in disembarking the yacht and transfer you back to the airport to catch your domestic flight back to Bali.

Meals: Breakfast