Day 1: Arrival & pick-up Komodo Airport Labuan Bajo, Floresn & embarkation 

• Your extraordinary adventure begins with a warm welcome from your experienced tour guide, who will greet you either at the airport or at your hotel if you've arrived ahead of the official embarkation day. After brief introductions and orientation, you'll be escorted to our elegant vessel—your comfortable floating home for the coming journey through Indonesia's spectacular island realms.
• As you settle into your thoughtfully appointed cabin and familiarize yourself with the vessel's amenities, our crew will prepare for departure. Once all guests are aboard and safety briefings complete, we'll set sail toward our first destination while our chef prepares a delicious welcome lunch featuring fresh local ingredients and flavors.
• The excitement builds as we approach our first snorkeling site of the trip. After a thorough briefing on equipment and techniques from our experienced guides (with special attention for those new to snorkeling), you'll slip into the crystal-clear waters for your first glimpse of the underwater paradise that makes this region world-renowned. This initial session allows you to acclimate to your snorkeling gear while discovering colorful reef fish, intricate coral formations, and perhaps even your first sea turtle sighting.
   

DAY 2: Komodo Dragon Encounter

• Day two brings one of the most anticipated highlights of our journey—an encounter with the legendary Komodo dragons in their natural habitat. After an early breakfast, we'll go ashore in Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only place on earth where these remarkable prehistoric creatures still exist in the wild.
• Accompanied by specialized park rangers armed with forked wooden sticks for safety, we'll trek along well-maintained trails through savanna-like landscapes punctuated with lontar palms and deciduous woodland. Your guides will share fascinating insights about the dragons' biology, behavior, and the unique island ecosystem that supports them while keeping a watchful eye for wildlife.
• The moment of discovery is unforgettable—your first sighting of a Komodo dragon in its natural environment. Growing up to three meters in length and weighing approximately 70 kilograms, these formidable apex predators command immediate respect with their powerful bodies, keen senses, and patient hunting strategies. From a safe distance, you'll observe these living dinosaurs as they bask in sunny clearings, patrol their territory, or perhaps display the surprising bursts of speed that make them such effective hunters. Throughout this extraordinary wildlife encounter, our knowledgeable guides will ensure both your safety and a rich understanding of these magnificent but vulnerable creatures.
• Returning to our vessel for a refreshing lunch, the afternoon offers a perfect counterpoint to the morning's land adventure as we navigate to one of Komodo National Park's premier snorkeling sites. The protected waters within the park harbor some of Indonesia's most pristine and vibrant coral reef systems, teeming with marine biodiversity that will delight both novice and experienced snorkelers alike.
• Our guides will lead you to a special location known as a favorite habitat for sea turtles. Here, in the reef's shallow, sunlit waters, you'll have the remarkable opportunity to swim alongside these ancient, gentle reptiles as they gracefully navigate the coral gardens, coming up occasionally for air before diving back to feed on sea grasses or rest among coral outcrops. The experience of sharing the water with these endangered marine creatures, observing their peaceful demeanor and fluid movements, creates a profound connection with the natural world that epitomizes the magic of Komodo National Park.
• As the day draws to a close, we'll return to our vessel for a delicious dinner prepared by our talented chef. The evening might include an informative presentation about tomorrow's destinations or simply provide time for relaxation on deck under a canopy of stars, as we reflect on the day's remarkable encounters with creatures both on land and beneath the waves.
   

DAY 3: Pink beaches and colourful marine life & volcanic wonders

• Your morning begins with nature's own masterpiece as you wake to find our vessel anchored off the coast of a stunning uninhabited island. Stepping onto the deck with your morning coffee, you'll be greeted by a sight that seems almost dreamlike—a pristine beach where pure white sand is delicately interspersed with sparkling fragments of powdered red coral, creating the rare and beautiful phenomenon known as a ‘pink beach'.
• After a nourishing breakfast, our tender boats will shuttle you to this idyllic shore for a morning of leisure and exploration. The beach invites barefoot strolls along its rosy expanse, where each step reveals the subtle blush tones that make this location so photogenic and special. For those seeking active adventure, our stand-up paddleboards offer a perfect platform to glide across the crystal-clear shallows, providing a unique perspective of both the colorful beach and the vibrant coral gardens lying just offshore.
• The true highlight awaits beneath the surface, where a magnificent fringing reef runs parallel to the shoreline. During guided snorkeling sessions, you'll discover an underwater realm of exceptional beauty—coral formations in a rainbow of colors serving as home to countless tropical fish species, from tiny damselfish darting among branching corals to majestic angelfish patrolling the reef's edge. Our marine guides will help identify unusual species and ensure you don't miss any of the hidden treasures within this thriving ecosystem.
• As the midday sun warms the deck, we'll weigh anchor and cruise to one of the region's most unique snorkeling destinations—an active volcanic island where the forces that shaped these islands continue to display their power. After lunch and a brief navigation, we arrive at a site where underwater volcanic activity creates a truly extraordinary marine environment.
• Slipping into the water at this special location, you'll witness a phenomenon few snorkelers ever experience—volcanic gases escaping from the seafloor in streams of effervescent bubbles that dance upward through the water column. This natural jacuzzi effect creates a surreal landscape where colorful coral gardens thrive despite the unusual conditions. Below, a substrate of metallic black volcanic sand replaces the typical coral rubble, creating a dramatic backdrop for specialized marine life that has adapted to this unique habitat.
• The volcanic substrate hosts a fascinating array of invertebrate species rarely seen in such abundance on typical coral reefs—ornate nudibranchs displaying psychedelic color patterns, bizarre sea cucumbers, delicate feather stars, and camouflaged octopuses that change both color and texture to match their surroundings. Our guides will help spot these cryptic creatures and explain how this volcanic environment creates niches for species that might be outcompeted on more typical reefs.
   

DAY 4: Crater Island experience 

• Today, as the fourth day of your journey, brings an encounter with one of Indonesia's most mystical and scientifically significant islands—a partially collapsed volcanic cone whose center holds a sunken crater lake with a remarkable history. The lake was formed in 1815 when the catastrophic eruption of nearby Mt. Tambora—the most powerful volcanic event in recorded history—triggered seismic changes that allowed saltwater to fill the crater basin, creating a unique marine ecosystem isolated from the surrounding ocean.
• Upon reaching this extraordinary island, you'll have multiple options to experience its otherworldly beauty. Our fleet of kayaks and paddleboards allows for peaceful exploration of the crater lake's perimeter, where the steep internal walls of the ancient volcano create a natural amphitheater of impressive geological formations. Paddling across these calm, protected waters provides a meditative experience enhanced by the knowledge that you're traversing a landscape shaped by one of Earth's most dramatic geological events.
• Swimming in the lake offers another perspective, with the unusual sensation of floating in saltwater completely surrounded by land. The water's unique mineral composition, influenced by both volcanic elements and marine sources, creates distinctive visibility and buoyancy that differs subtly from ocean swimming.
• Throughout your visit to this remarkable location, our naturalist will share insights about both the geological forces that created this peculiar environment and the historical significance of the 1815 Mt. Tambora eruption—an event so powerful it altered global climate patterns and led to 1816 being known as the ‘Year Without a Summer’ in Europe and North America.
• As afternoon transitions to evening, we'll return to our vessel for another delightful dinner prepared by our chef, perhaps followed by stargazing from the deck or a fascinating presentation about tomorrow's destinations as we continue our journey through Indonesia's volcanic island chain.
   

DAY 5: Your whale shark encounter  

• Today's tour is marked by another special highlight that will surely make you increasingly excited, as it is one of the highlights of your itinerary - the encounter with the largest fish in the ocean, the majestic whale shark. As you enjoy breakfast on deck, our vessel navigates toward a special bay where a remarkable relationship has developed between these gentle giants and local fishing communities.
• Our marine biologist will provide a comprehensive briefing about whale shark ecology and proper snorkeling etiquette for these protected encounters. You'll learn how these massive filter-feeders—which can grow to lengths of over 40 feet yet feed primarily on microscopic plankton—have long frequented these nutrient-rich waters. In recent years, a mutually beneficial partnership has formed between conservation-minded travelers like yourselves and local fishermen whose traditional floating platforms (called 'bagans') naturally attract these majestic creatures.
• Upon reaching the bay, we'll scan the waters for telltale signs of whale shark activity while our crew communicates with local fishermen to determine recent sightings. While these are wild animals whose movements cannot be guaranteed, your guides' experience and local knowledge significantly enhance your chances of a successful encounter.
• When whale sharks are located, you'll board our tender boats for a short journey to the ideal observation position. The anticipation builds as you don your snorkeling gear and prepare to enter the water. That first underwater glimpse of a whale shark is an unforgettable moment—the enormous silhouette emerging from the blue, moving with surprising grace despite its immense size, its distinctive pattern of white spots creating a living constellation against its dark skin.
• Swimming alongside these peaceful leviathans offers a profound connection with marine life that few experiences can match. Though massive, whale sharks display gentle curiosity and complete tolerance of respectful human observers. Our guides will ensure you maintain appropriate distances while positioning you for optimal viewing and photography opportunities. The experience of sharing the water with Earth's largest fish creates memories that will remain vivid long after your journey concludes.
• Following this extraordinary wildlife encounter, we'll navigate to another spectacular destination—the pristine island of Moyo, a nature reserve where dense forests meet crystal-clear waters along unspoiled coastlines.

DAY 6: Waterfall Island 

• Your day begins with a visit to Moyo Island's welcoming traditional village, where you'll have the opportunity to glimpse authentic island life far removed from modern distractions. Your guides will lead you along a well-maintained forest trail that winds through lush vegetation alive with butterflies and birdsong. The approximately 30-minute walk reveals increasing hints of your destination as the sound of falling water grows louder with each step.
• The trail culminates at one of Indonesia's most picturesque waterfalls—a series of cascades where clear, cool freshwater tumbles over limestone formations into inviting natural pools. This enchanted setting, surrounded by towering trees draped in vines and ferns, offers the perfect antidote to tropical heat and the salt water that has dominated your journey thus far.
• You'll have ample time to swim in the refreshing pools beneath the falls, perhaps positioning yourself directly under the cascading water for a natural shoulder massage, or simply relaxing on smooth sun-warmed rocks at the water's edge. The juxtaposition of this freshwater paradise with the marine environments you've been exploring creates a delightful contrast and highlights the diverse natural wonders of Indonesia's island ecosystems.
• For the photographically inclined, the falls offer countless composition opportunities—from wide-angle landscapes capturing the multiple tiers of cascading water to close-ups of water droplets suspended in sunbeams that filter through the forest canopy.
• As afternoon progresses, we'll return to the village where you might have the opportunity to purchase locally made handicrafts directly from artisans before boarding our tender boats for the return journey to our vessel.
• The evening brings another delicious dinner featuring fresh local ingredients prepared with creative flair by our talented chef. As stars emerge in the tropical night sky, our expedition leader will outline tomorrow's adventures while you relax on deck, perhaps reflecting on the day's remarkable encounters with both magnificent marine giants and the soothing power of forest waterfalls.
   

DAY 7: Traditional shipbuilders 

• In the morning light of the seventh day at sea, a unique sight will once again be revealed before your eyes as you approach a fascinating volcanic island where ancient maritime traditions continue to thrive in the modern era. After breakfast, we'll go ashore to witness one of Indonesia's most impressive cultural practices—the construction of a magnificent wooden pinisi boat on the beach, built using techniques passed down through generations of master shipwrights.
• As you step onto the black volcanic sand, the scale of this undertaking becomes immediately apparent. Before you stands a massive wooden vessel in various stages of construction—its graceful hull taking shape through the skilled hands of local craftsmen working without blueprints, guided only by inherited knowledge and practiced eyes. This traditional schooner shares the same distinguished pedigree and historical lineage as vessel you are traveling with, offering a rare glimpse into the living maritime heritage that connects our comfortable expedition ship to centuries of Indonesian seafaring tradition.
• Our knowledgeable guides will explain the fascinating process of pinisi construction—from the ceremonial tree felling in distant forests to the complex joinery techniques that use minimal metal fastenings, creating vessels capable of navigating challenging waters for decades. You'll observe skilled artisans wielding simple tools with extraordinary precision, shaping massive timbers into the flowing lines that give pinisi boats their legendary seaworthiness and distinctive silhouette.
• Beyond the shipbuilding beach, you'll have the opportunity to explore the surrounding coastal village where life remains beautifully uncomplicated, centered around the sea and local traditions. Strolling through narrow pathways between modest homes, you'll encounter friendly residents going about their daily routines—fishermen mending nets, children playing traditional games, and women weaving intricate textiles using techniques preserved for generations.
• These handwoven textiles, with patterns and motifs unique to this island, offer not only beautiful souvenirs but also support the continuation of important cultural practices. Your guides can facilitate conversations with local artisans, translating your questions about techniques and symbolic meanings while helping with any purchases you might wish to make directly from the creators.

DAY 8: Marine conservation up close 

• Today you return to the legendary Komodo National Park for a different perspective on this UNESCO World Heritage Site. While your earlier visit focused on the park's famous reptilian residents, today highlights the extraordinary marine conservation efforts taking place beneath the waves.
• Our morning begins with an exceptional snorkeling experience at a site where innovative coral restoration programs are helping to reverse damage caused by destructive fishing practices and climate change. Before entering the water, our marine biologist will explain how fragments of healthy coral are carefully attached to underwater structures, creating "nurseries" that accelerate reef recovery and provide essential habitat for marine life.
• Once in the water, you'll witness the remarkable success of these initiatives firsthand. The underwater landscape reveals thriving coral colonies that began as tiny fragments in 2015 but have now grown into complex structures teeming with life. Schools of colorful reef fish dart among the expanding coral formations, while larger predatory species patrol the perimeters—living proof that well-designed conservation efforts can yield dramatic positive results within just a few years.
• For those interested in hands-on participation, our team offers the opportunity to assist with monitoring and maintenance of the coral nurseries under expert guidance. This might include collecting data on coral growth rates, gently cleaning algae from restoration structures, or even helping to transplant new coral fragments—leaving a positive impact that will continue to grow long after your departure.
• The afternoon offers leisure time to explore one of the park's pristine beaches, where beachcombing reveals fascinating marine treasures along the tide line and gentle swimming in protected bays provides refreshment after the morning's conservation activities.
• As the sun begins its descent toward the horizon, our crew transforms a secluded beach into the setting for one of your cuise's signature experiences—a magnificent beach barbecue dinner under the stars. Comfortable seating arranged on the sand, tiki torches casting a warm glow, and a tantalizing aroma of grilling seafood create an atmosphere of relaxed luxury in a wilderness setting.
• Your chef outdoes himself with a feast featuring the finest local delicacies—freshly caught fish and shellfish prepared with traditional spices, organic vegetables from island gardens, and tropical fruits at the peak of ripeness. As you savor each delicious offering, members of our talented crew reveal their musical abilities, performing traditional songs from their home islands accompanied by acoustic guitars and percussion instruments.
• The natural canopy overhead gradually transforms from sunset hues to reveal a breathtaking display of stars, undiminished by artificial light in this remote location. The Milky Way stretches across the sky in brilliant clarity, creating the perfect backdrop for this memorable evening of culinary delights, cultural exchange, and natural beauty.
• As the celebration continues, you might find yourself joining in with the music, learning traditional dance steps from crew members, or simply relaxing with new friends to appreciate this perfect synthesis of hospitality and wilderness that defines this sailing experience.
   

DAY 9: Cultural finale & fond farewell 

• Your final day with us dawns with a sense of anticipation for one last extraordinary cultural experience before your journey concludes. After enjoying a delicious breakfast on deck, perhaps savoring these last moments with newfound friends against the backdrop of Flores Island's dramatic coastline, you'll disembark for a special inland excursion.
• Our air-conditioned vehicles await to transport you on a scenic drive through the island's undulating landscapes, where terraced hillsides meet volcanic peaks and traditional villages dot the countryside. Your destination is the traditional highland community of Melo Village, where one of Flores' most distinctive cultural traditions awaits.
• Upon arrival at the village, you'll be welcomed with warm hospitality as community members guide you to a traditional meeting area where the ancient Caci ceremony will be performed. This is not merely a demonstration for visitors, but a living tradition that holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for the local Manggarai people.
• The Caci is a ritual whip-fighting performance that combines elements of dance, martial arts, and spiritual practice into a mesmerizing display of skill and bravery. As rhythmic music begins from traditional acoustic instruments—drums, gongs, and bamboo flutes—the atmosphere fills with anticipation. Two male competitors enter the ceremonial space, each adorned with distinctive traditional attire including a buffalo horn headdress, colorful sarongs, and bells that accentuate their movements.
• Armed with a rattan shield (toda) for defense and a long whip (ljurik) fashioned from buffalo hide for offense, the combatants begin their carefully choreographed confrontation. Moving in circular patterns to the intensifying rhythm, they engage in a dangerous yet precisely controlled exchange. The defender displays agility and courage by offering specific parts of his body as targets, while the attacker demonstrates skill and restraint in delivering his strikes.
• Far more than mere combat, the Caci represents fundamental cultural values—courage, sportsmanship, and the balance between opposing forces. Your guides will explain how a participant's prowess in the Caci traditionally reflected his readiness for marriage and leadership, while the spilling of blood during the ritual was considered a blessing for agricultural fertility.
• Following this captivating cultural performance, you might have the opportunity to interact with the Caci participants, examine their intricate equipment, or explore other aspects of village life before beginning your return journey to our vessel.
• Back aboard for a final lunch, our chef presents a special farewell meal featuring favorite dishes from throughout your voyage. This provides a perfect opportunity to exchange contact information with fellow travelers who have shared in this extraordinary adventure, perhaps planning future reunions or new explorations together.
• As the meal concludes, our captain and crew gather to express their heartfelt appreciation for your visit to their archipelago. These warm interactions often become surprisingly emotional, reflecting the genuine connections formed during your days of shared discovery through Indonesia's remarkable islands.
• With baggage prepared and memories collected, the time comes for final goodbyes as you disembark from the vessel that has been your comfortable floating home. Our staff will ensure your smooth transfer to your next destination, whether that's a local hotel for extended explorations or transport to the airport for your journey home.
• As you depart, you carry with you not only photographs and souvenirs but something far more valuable—a deeper understanding of Indonesia's extraordinary natural environments, wildlife, and cultures. The experiences you've shared on this journey—swimming with whale sharks, witnessing Komodo dragons in their natural habitat, connecting with traditional island communities, and exploring pristine coral reefs—become part of your personal story, creating lasting impressions that will continue to resonate long after you've returned home.

We hope you enjoyed your stay and wish you a safe journey home or onward. We would be delighted to welcome you back as our guests soon. Sampai jumpa :-)