Indonesia
Overview:
The Southeast country of Indonesia is located on the equator between the Asian and Australian continents and between the Pacific and Indian Oceans. The Indo-Pacific is the area of seas connecting the tropical waters of these two oceans and Indonesia, a vast archipelago of over 17,508 islands, lies in the heart of this region - the Coral Triangle. This area hosts a greater variety of marine life than anywhere else on earth: 605 tropical coral species, including 15 endemic species, (about 76% of the world's total) and has 2,228 species of reef fishes, including 235 endemic species. It is no wonder that Indonesia is an underwater paradise for divers and snorkelers alike. With a region this vast, exploring all of it is a daunting task and more likely will comprise several visits. This itinerary encompasses three iconic regions within the archipelago offering a diverse range of underwater habitats, coupled with topside attractions of tropical volcanic landscapes, culture, art, rainforest birds and wildlife.
Itinerary Summary:
Days: 1 – 5 Bali
Day: 5 Travel to Sorong
Days: 6-11 Raja Ampat
Days 11-16 Sulawesi / Lembeh
Day 16: Depart
The Essentials:
Seasonality: Year Round – Best time would be May or October for visiting all three regions
Accommodation: Combination of Boutique 3 & 4 star resorts, most meals, complimentary resort activities, diving or snorkeling tours, transfers and domestic flights included
Highlights: Three Regions of Indonesia / “Muck”, Pelagic, & Reef Diving or Snorkeling / Local Culture / Nature and Birds / Spectacular Landscapes / Temples / Cuisine / Active Adventures
Cost: from $$$
Itinerary:
Bali – 4 Nights
Welcome to Indonesia!
Bali is a perfect start, or end, to your Indonesia itinerary with connecting access from the US through several gateways. Known as the “Land of the Gods”, Bali is a beautiful island of looming volcanoes, lush terraced rice fields, thousands of temples, art and culture, health and wellness retreats, and offers adventure activities ranging from hiking to rafting to surfing to diving and snorkeling.
Though a year-round destination, the best diving season is from May to November. If you are interested in seeing manta rays, then plan for April and May and for the famous Mola Mola, Oceanic sunfish the best time is from August to October.
Not too far from the international airport is the east coast village of Candidasa, which is easily accessed on arrival and offers a quieter alternative to the touristy southern coast. From here you can explore some of Bali’s spectacular natural beauty and experience nearby traditional villages, ritual ceremonies and what is considered some of the best underwater diving off Bali’s coasts.
Raja Ampat – 5 Nights
Traveling to Raja Ampat from Bali will involve a flight to Sorong and from there a 2-hour boat trip to the islands. Raja Ampat is translated as the Four Kings for the four largest islands in the archipelago - Salawati, Batanta, Waigeo and Misool. This region of Indonesia is located off the northwest tip of West Papua (formerly Irian Jaya) and is comprised of over 1500 islands. On the larger islands there are lush rainforests with majestic trees and wild orchids. Some islands have waterfalls and small mountain ridges and forests with tropical birds, bats and butterflies. These forests are also home to the endemic Birds of Paradise famous for their amazing mating ceremonies.
The waters of the famous Dampier Strait are nutrient rich with fast-moving currents making the perfect environment for an abundance of marine life, including many species of reef sharks and both reef and the majestic oceanic mantas. It is a wide channel between Waigeo and Batanta island and here you will find many of the most popular dive sites a short boat ride from your overwater bungalow. As an award winning eco-sustainable resort, know that your tourism dollars are supporting local communities and safe environmental practices. While diving is hugely popular, snorkeling put the area on the map as many sites have shallow coral reef tops and guided snorkel tours are also offered.
Lembeh – 5 Nights
Lembeh Strait is known for its exceptional ‘muck’ diving, being referred to as the Critter Capital of the World, a Muck Diving Mecca and the Twilight Zone and as a result, is a year-round diving destination. Experience all the critters of this underwater mecca under the expert tutelage of trained, professional dive guides with eyes of eagles and years of local knowledge.
Not a diver? Not a problem. Guided snorkeling tours are also on offer or enjoy a myriad of topside experiences from cooking classes to hiking tours. Explore Tangkoko National Park which is home to the smallest primate in the world – the Tarsier. Or for birding enthusiasts there are dedicated bird watching tours to spot exotic and endemic species too numerous to detail. Or perhaps a walk through the local village with a knowledgeable staff member to give you insight on village traditions and way of life.
Your boutique, family-owned resort is comprised of just a few cottages nestled in the tropical hillside overlooking the calm waters of Lembeh Strait with the backdrop of the extinct Klabat Volcano on the horizon. At the end of a day of explorations, relax poolside while colorful sunbirds feed amongst the tropical gardens and dine on delicious meals prepared with the freshest of organically grown local fruits, vegetables and sustainably harvested seafood.
Returning to Manado, you will connect on flights directly back to the US connecting through a few gateway options.
Please call us on +1 720 494 1530 or email us at the link below to discuss this trip further with a travel expert. We would be happy to discuss ways to tailor this itinerary to your personal preferences.
