DESTINATIONS INDONESIA | CRUISE
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: SeaTrek vessels Ombak Putih and Katharina; deck time; writer Jeannine (second left) with guests enjoying the Isen Mulang boat festival; Tundai village PICTURES: SeaTrek Sailing Adventures; Wow Borneo
expertexper ASK THE
Nancy Verboom, senior product executive, Kuoni
“SeaTrek Sailing Adventures
offers the opportunity for clients to immerse themselves in nature and culture, which is at the
very heart of Komodo and the surrounding islands. Each day is a mix of discovery, relaxation and exceptional Indonesian cuisine, curated by the passionate local crew, many of whom have been with SeaTrek since its inception. Along with the knowledgeable tour leaders, they take extra- special care of guests, and love to show Indonesia through the eyes of those who call it home. SeaTrek operates two traditional wooden sailing ships: Ombak Putih, with 12 cabins, and
Katharina, with six. The latter can also be chartered for a family adventure. Bali, the Gili Islands and Lombok can also be added to make an epic multi-centre trip.”
In front of our small group, and oblivious to our
presence, are a pair of whale sharks, each about 12m long. Despite their size, they move slowly and gracefully, showing off their creamy bellies and blue backs dotted with hundreds of white spots. Sharks, rather than whales, they’re the world’s largest fish – but we have nothing to fear from these gentle and endangered creatures. As filter feeders, they eat only plankton and small fish that they suck into cavernous 1.5m-wide mouths. They’ve formed a win-win alliance with local fishermen who work from floating wooden platforms off Moyo Island, getting to scoop up leftovers while giving visitors incredible close-up views. As with any wildlife, sightings are never guaranteed, but you stand a very good chance of seeing them here.
BALI BREEZE Extraordinary as it is, this exhilarating encounter is just one of many big – in every sense – wildlife experiences during my SeaTrek Sailing Adventures voyage. I’m on board the 24-passenger Ombak Putih, whose name means ‘white wave’. Built as a cargo ship, the masted pinisi (traditional Indonesian sailing vessel) has been lovingly converted and is now one of two character-packed ships run by the Indonesian expedition cruise operator.
travelweekly.co.uk
33Whale sharks have formed a win-win alliance with fishermen, scooping up leftovers while giving visitors close-up views
The journey started with a one-night stay in Bali,
before a short flight to Flores island. Meeting my small group of fellow travellers on the quayside, there’s a tangible feeling of anticipation as we climb down into the transfer boat and catch our first glimpse of Ombak Putih’s distinctive pointed bow. Crew members wave from the deck, calling out “welcome on board” and greeting us with freshly squeezed juices. I quickly settle into my cosy wood-panelled cabin and stow my things away in nooks and crannies. The rooms feature a mix of doubles and bunk beds and it’s not long before I’m lulled to sleep by the gently soothing creak of the ship’s ironwood hull.
IN THE PINK The ensuing days fall into an equally easy pattern of exciting excursions, both on land and sea, and chilling
11 SEPTEMBER 2025 ² 45
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