This cruise will cover a. o. the Komodo area for a couple of days of snorkeling, beach combing and hiking through one of the most beautiful National Parks of Indonesia.

The Flores Highlands will be an opportunity to hike to some remote villages and witness the tedious process of ikat weaving, practiced amid unsurpassed scenery of gigantic volcanoes, bamboo forests and intriguingly coloured crater lakes.

Day 3 - Arrive in the morning at Wera on the east coast of the island of Sumbawa. Wera is aBuginese settlement and famous for its boatbuilding. We will see all kinds of craft in various stages of construction, much the way the Katharina was built in 1998. If weather would not allow a smooth landing we sail to Sangean island, an active volcano towering 1800 meters above the surrounding waters. We will visit the tiny settlement on the island and make a short hike testing the steepness of the volcano Afternoon sail to Gili Banta, a perfect place for some excellent swimming and snorkeling. Night-sailing to Rinca.

Day 4 - Rinca island, the second biggest in the Komodo archipelago, is also the richest in terms of fauna. We will go trekking and looking for wild horses, water buffalo, wild boar, monkeys,and of course the famous ‘Komodo dragons’ in spectacular scenery of savannah and emerald coves. Around noon sail to ‘Sabolon’, a famous reef with a huge variety of live coral and beautiful fish. Snorkeling, diving (optional)* and beach-exploration. In the afternoon proceed to the Riung archipelago, north of Flores.

Day 5 - In the morning arrival at Riung, a small archipelago of 17 islets, just north of the coast of Flores. Snorkeling, relaxing, beach-combing, climbing one of the summits for enjoying the panorama over the sea and Flores. Barbecue at desert beach In the afternoon sailing to Ropa, a small harbour at the coast of Flores.

Day 6 - At dawn arrival in Ropa from where we go by bus to the Kelimutu volcano, famous for its three coloured lakes. Experience the spooky atmosphere surrounding this natural phenomenon, quite unique in the world. Upon returning aboard the Katharina we set sail for the town of Labuhanbajo at the westernmost point of Flores.

Day 7 - If winds allow, the crew of the Katharina will hoist the sails and show their skills in traditional Pinisi-sailing, a.o. by using the two side-rudders by turns. Late morning arrival in Labuhanbajo. Here we will tour to a nearby village to attend the so-called caci (whip-) dance for which the Manggarai district of Flores enjoys national fame. Midday sail to Bidadari island, swimming, snorkeling, exploring the interior.Afternoon sail to Komodo; spend a quiet night in the bay of Komodo island.

Day 8 - Morning arrival in Komodo Island. Another opportunity to catch a glimpse of, or even stumble over the last representative of the Jurassic Park on earth, the infamous Komodo Dragon. Midday sail to Red Beach, another breathtaking desert island where the beaches are red-coloured by pulverized red coral. In the afternoon visit of Gili Lawa to hike the local summit and enjoy a splendid panorama over the moonscape islands of the Komodo Archipelago and the mainland of Flores. Late afternoon setting sail, headed west.

Day 9 - Morning arrive in Satonda, the top of an extinct volcano. We will visit the crater lake in the centre of the island, where we may meet colonies of flying foxes after a short walk. An afternoon of relaxation on the beautifully wild beach of Satonda and of lazy floating on the gentle currents over a stunning reef drop just off the coastline. Afternoon sailing to Pulau Kromo. Here we will have our farewell party with the crew, possibly witnessed by thousands of fruit bats crossing to the mainland looking for night shelter. Evening sailing to Nara Bay (North West Lombok).

Day 10 - After a early morning breakfast we have a half day tour over West-Lombok, meeting the local monkeys and see the process of local palm sugar plantations. Before lunch we reembark the Katharina to set sail to Benoa harbour, southeast Bali.Arrival in Benoa before sunset. End of the cruise, individual transfer to hotel or airport.

* Opportunity for optional diving; to be booked in advance.

The Bugis people of south Sulawesi, once feared as pirates, have always been the most skilful ship builders and sailors of Indonesia. Their vessels, perahu and phinisi were and still are hand-crafted entirely from timber.

While the smallest perahu are fishing boats, the proud Phinisi or Bugis Schooners have been used for centuries as cargo-carriers, plying the ancient trade routes between the islands of the Malay Archipelago, carrying anything from lumber to coca-cola crates.

The phinisi are elegant two-masted schooners with mainsails, top-sails and three jibs. Today, while still hand-built by native craftsmen and fully laid out in tropical hardwood with traditional rigging, they usually hold an engine in addition to the sails.

Our Phinisi obviously does not carry cargo other than the passengers luggage and stocks. It has been conceived and equipped to accommodate small groups of passengers for cruising along the Indonesian archipelago, offering an excellent standard of reliability, safety and comfort.

The Katharina boats 7 cabins providing all comfort necessary.

There are 4 double cabins (with one extra single upper berth), 2 twin cabins (upper/lower berth) and one Family cabin. The family cabin has one king size bed (1.80m wide), a normal single upper bed and an additional smaller bench/bed). The Family cabin is also called our Upper deck Cabin since this cabin is located above sea level so you will be able to enjoy the view of islands floating by. This cabin also provides perfect conditions for a suberb honeymoon.

Each cabin has a wardrobe, a built-in safety box, individually controlled cooling systems and soft lightning.

All cabins have their own private bathroom with (warm & cold water) shower and toilet.

If you prefer to sleep outside, you may sleep on the upper deck, where special mattresses are available. Our crew will would be happy to prepare a comfortable bed for you.