It combines the essence of historical cruisers with modern comforts and is an ideal choice for families wanting to explore the Indonesian archipelago. For centuries, the islands were the world’s only source of nutmeg, earning the name ‘Moluccas’ as their nickname – the Spice Islands.
Each tropical paradise is blanketed in dense forests, and the water surrounding the islands is teeming with sea life. Charming villages can be found on five of the islands, with traces of Dutch forts on Banda Neira, Banda Besar and Run.
How large is the boat?
The boat is 52 metres long and comes with 13 crew members for just ten passengers. The yacht has just three double king-size bedrooms and two twin bedrooms with bunk beds. The bedrooms are all en suite with shower and twin vanities and each has a living room area. The yacht boasts Aman’s renowned service and style.
It includes a private chef who cooks the most incredible, light, delectable meals, focusing on the catch of the day, generally crustacea or fish, but the menu is utterly flexible and he will cook whatever you wish to eat! One can dine al fresco on the upper deck, or in the dining room below or on one of the private beaches. There is also a spa therapist who is up to date with all the latest treatments to ensure you have a wonderful, relaxing experience!
Then there is also a divemaster who will reveal the open water to you. It boasts a spacious indoor and outdoor dining and sitting room area with a library and television. On the upper deck, there is a sitting room with loungers where one can relax or have cocktails or simply star gaze at night.
Where can one travel to?
Specific places which Amandira can travel to includes Komodo National Park. Komodo National Park includes three islands: Komodo, Rinca and Padar as well as numerous smaller islands. As well as being home to the Komodo dragon, the world’s largest lizard, it is also home to a number of other terrestrial species. Komodo is also one of the world’s richest marine environments. It contains over 260 species of reef-building coral, 70 different species of sponges, crustaceans and cartilaginous species such as Manta Rays and Reef sharks.
Also included in the ecosphere is 1000 species of bony fishes, as well as marine reptiles (including sea turtles) and sea mammals (dolphins and whales and dugongs). The Komodo National Park lies within the Wallacea region of Indonesia and is identified by Conservation International and WWF as a global conservation priority area. It has also been declared a UNESCO heritage site.
Other areas of interest include the legendary Raja Ampat and the Bandas, known as the original spice islands. Start off by having lunch as the boat departs, observing dolphins and sperm whales on their migration route. Arrive at the first spice island, Ai, where you will overnight.
You will then snorkel at Run Island and go hiking at Gunung Api. Marvel at ocean panorama’s and spend the day snorkelling before exploring Malaki islet. After anchoring at Banda Nair, go hiking on Gunung Api for an extraordinary view of the Banda Islands. Enjoy a candlelit dinner on the ramparts or Fort Belgica where you will be able to see a wonderful music and dance performance.
Set sail to Pulau Hatta for aquatic adventures and explore the beaches of the Gorong islands. Paddleboard, dive, snorkel, fish and kayak, for a fun-filled day! Head out for a guided walk, culminating in sunset drinks on Hatta Island.
Cruise overnight to the Gorong island and take part in a wall dive. Set sail to Raja Amput after lunch towards Misool Island.
Marine biologists consider Eastern Indonesia to be the world’s epicentre of marine life, with Raja Ampat offering the greatest diversity of all, with 1223 species of coral reef fish, 565 hard corals and 700 molluscs all having been recorded in this area. The reefs of Raja Ampat have hundreds of brilliantly coloured hard and soft corals.
The marine topography varies from vertical walls to pinnacles to reef flats and underwater ridges. Get up close to huge Manta Rays and giant clams, perhaps observe schools of barracuda and watch tiny pygmy sea horses or epaulette sharks. The group of 610 mostly inhabited islands offer some of the very best diving in the world. Swimming at Raja Ampat is like swimming in a tropical aquarium!
What can one do?
Apart from world-class scuba diving and snorkelling, there is kayaking and hiking. Part of the onboard diving equipment includes Nitrox, which allows experienced divers to spend longer underwater. New divers can gain their PADI certification through the divemaster.
The days will be spent exploring the ocean in whichever way you wish, as well as the local islands. Unique tribal cultures are still maintaining their centuries-old traditions and rituals. Explore the depths of both sea and land. Hunt for antiques. Encounter whales and observe Komodo dragons.
Have picnic lunches of grilled lobster and champagne on deserted islands. Take part in mystical, ancient ceremonies. Swim in the ocean. There are onboard massages and of course yoga can be taken (and taught) on the beach.
When is the best time to travel?
The best time to travel to Indonesia is between April and October.
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbour and catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore – Dream – Discover - Mark Twain - You can view clips of some of our own favourite discoveries here.
- Utterly designed and tailored around you and your requirements
- Totally unique every time you travel with us
- The very best hand picked guides which can make the difference between a good and an outstanding holiday
- Established over 30 years ago we have been around longer than most
- Our specialists come from, have lived in or travelled extensively in the regions we cover
- Unparalleled knowledge provides you with the best possible experience
- Philanthropy is our philosophy
- Our founding principle is to always ‘put something back’
- An amount from each holiday is donated to our selected conservation and humanitarian charities
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By Marcela Kunova - 20th April 2017
Nicola Shepherd, founder and CEO of The Exploration Company, organises unusual trips for HNW and UHNW clients ranging from birthday parties at an Indian Maharajah's palace to reliving Sir Vivian Fuchs's 1950s expedition to the South Pole. Citywealth caught ...
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