Holidays

KOMODO, NUSA TENGGARA & WEST PAPUA

Year:2005

Diving Dragon Island and Beyond

Season: Year-round diving

Visibility: 10-35 metres

Water temperature: 26-28°C

The long chain of islands extending eastwards from Bali are known to Indonesians as the Nusa Tenggara (or Southeast Islands). The western part of this little-known region is now explored by two top quality liveaboards: Sea Safari III and Komodo Dancer . Both boats offer cruises all year and both cruise from Bali to Komodo, the island known worldwide for its population of Komodo Dragons, the planet's largest extant lizard an agile predator that can grow up to 3 metres in length! In addition, Sea Safari III visits areas as far afield as Sumbawa, Flores and even the remote Raja Ampat and Sorong regions of West Papua (the Indonesian part of New Guinea).

During the cruise you will stop to dive some beautiful dive sites that have been found around the smaller islands of the region such as Satonda, Banta, Sangeang and the Gilis. Some time will be spent at Komodo Island itself, where there will be an opportunity to look for Komodo Dragons. The reefs of the Nusa Tenggara are for the most part very well preserved, although there is some minimal damage from blast-fishing in some areas. Both schooling fish and larger pelagics, plus turtles, dolphins and, possibly, pods of Pilot Whales, make for interesting and varied diving.

Satonda Island , half way along the northern coast of Sumbawa, has some fascinating dive sites where the reefs are in excellent shape and hold a wide range of corals and fish life. Sand Chute consists of a sandy slope with coral and sponge outcrops, but the highlight here is magic rock' a bommie at 22 metres that packs a multitude of marine life into every nook and cranny! Juvenile angelfish abound, presenting everyone with identification problems as the young fish are so different from the adult forms. Hingebeak shrimps, cleaner shrimps, nudibranchs in fabulous green, orange and black, sweepers, a variety of leafish, wonderfully camouflaged decorator crabs, upside down jellyfish, Crocodilefish and Stargazers illustrate the variety of species that occur here.

Within the Komodo National Park is the habitat for about 1000 fish species, over 250 species of reef-building corals, at least 105 species of crustaceans and over 70 species of sponges. Little wonder this relatively newly discovered area is proving highly appealing to more adventurous divers. At Larry's Yellow Wall two yellow-clad reef walls are separated by a sand valley, and were recently described by our own Malcolm Hey as the most beautiful walls I have ever seen! An abundance of yellow crinoids, yellow cascading coral and plentiful soft Dendrophyllia corals in shades of soft yellow cover every spare centimetre. A unique dive site!

Cannibal's Rock is a pinnacle rising to within a few metres of the surface where Pygmy Seahorses have been spotted anchored to sea fans. Both hard and soft corals cover the pinnacle and hide a stunning variety of creatures. Crinoids, tunicates, cowries, fire urchins, pretty spotted Coleman Shrimps and zebra crabs find Cannibal's Rock a suitable home. Larger creatures attracted to this area include huge tuna and ocean-roaming jacks.

Sangeang Island lies at the eastern end of Sumbawa. Underwater photographers are advised to take the wide-angle lens if offered a dive on Mentjeng Wall where a shore-line wall at 15 metres leads to a point which is covered with very pretty soft corals and crinoids. Below the wall a rubble slope hosts colonial anemones, a variety of nudibranchs (mating pairs make excellent subjects for photographers!), Ornate Ghost Pipefish, and those superb walking plants' crinoids hanging on to the rubble.

We don't usually write-up inland locations amongst our dive sites, but there has to be an exception when it comes to Komodo Island for everyone will want to be amongst those who hunt' for the famous Komodo Dragon, the world's largest and most ferocious lizard. Up to 3 metres in length, their diet consists mainly of wild deer, wild boar and sometimes other dragons'. They can eat up to 80% of their body weight at one sitting! According to local reports (or perhaps legend), at least 8 humans have been attacked or eaten by dragons. However, it is most likely that you will encounter these creatures lying on a log in the morning sun, or seeking shade later in the day. The flicking tongue will not be issuing forth smoke and fire, but is used as an organ for detecting smell. With luck, you may catch a glimpse of one jogging' along the beach.

SEA SAFARI III

Operated by the well-respected Kararu Dive Voyages, Sea Safari III is a 42-metre wood-built Pinisi schooner that combines state of the art modern facilities and dive equipment with all the traditions and romance of a sailing boat. The boat takes up to 16 guests in nine air-conditioned cabins. Seven cabins are situated on the lower deck and two on the upper deck. Panelled in warm teak wood and decorated with fresh flowers, the Sea Safari III 's rather special cabins provide a sanctuary where you can relax and unwind after diving. Traditional wall hangings and woodcarvings make each cabin unique. Two very comfortable and spacious Bridge Deck Staterooms offer a panoramic view of an ever-changing seascape that unfolds as the boat sails. Each cabin has a queen-sized bed. Two Bottom Deck Double Staterooms have double beds. Five Bottom Deck Twin Staterooms have two single beds, side by side. Each stateroom has a private bathroom and is air-conditioned. All guests are provided with cabin towels as well as after-dive towels. The shower rooms have complimentary toiletries that are made exclusively for Kararu Dive Voyages from natural products sourced from the island of Bali. Kararu Dive Voyages pride themselves on all aspects of their service from the diving management to the boat housekeeping and so all rooms are cleaned daily and room attendants provide a turn-down service each evening.

Constructed with three decks, Sea Safari III is decorated throughout with beautiful locally hand-crafted furnishings. The boat is spacious and very comfortable. There is a lounge and dining area on the main deck, which has an excellent marine and wildlife identification library, TV, DVD and video player. For those looking for a cool spot to relax, why not laze in the shade of the ship's huge open sails and watch the wonderful view as the boat sails through these spice islands? The boat is yours to explore. Wander on to the bridge, take a look at the route maps and chat to the captain. The top deck has sun loungers and a cocktail bar which serves fruit juices, soft and alcoholic drinks a great place to relax once the diving is done for the day. What could be more romantic than gazing at the stars from the deck of an elegant sailing boat on a balmy Balinese night? The boat offers satellite phone, fax and e-mail facilities. Other facilities offered on board include a small shop selling books, handicrafts, locally designed teeshirts, bathing costumes and sarongs, and a massage service. A laundry and pressing service is available. The chef prides himself on presenting a full range of local and international dishes and is happy to provide vegetarian meals as long as they are previously requested.

Diving is carried out from the tender boat, which facilitates easy pick up from drift dives. The dive deck is fitted with individual tank stations and compartments for storage of dive gear. Divers usually donning their gear on board and then step into the waiting tender boat. For those who prefer to gear up on the tender, the dive crew will be happy to place your equipment on the tender for you. Photographers have individual camera stations and charging facilities in a quiet area where they will not be distracted by the hustle and bustle of other divers. Nitrox is available and there is a state-of-the-art video editing suite, a slide scanner, a CD writer and an E6 processing facility. Digital cameras and housings are available for hire.

Kararu Dive Voyage's Sea Safari III offers a series of 7-15 nights cruises, departing from March to December, operating out of Benoa Harbour on Bali, Bima on Sumbawa, Maumere on Flores and Sorong in West Papua.

Sample Komodo and Nusa Tenggara Cruise Itineraries

7 nights itinerary: Guests board Sea Safari III at Benoa Harbour, Bali at 0800. The boat sets sail later in the day and sails all day to the islands of Medang and Moyo to the northeast of Lombok, arriving the following morning. The second day of your cruise will be the first day of diving. From here the boat heads out to the Komodo National Park for three days exploring Banta Island, Horseshoe Bay and the Rinca Island area. There will be an opportunity to take a 4-kilometre escorted walk on Komodo Island to search for the Komodo Dragons. At midnight on the fifth day the boat will set sail for the northern most islands of the National Park. Day six will see dawn rise over Sangeang Island prior to a full day of diving in the area. The last (7th) full day of diving will be spent diving Satonda. Diving will be completed in the afternoon, after which your gear will be washed and dried for you as the boat sails overnight towards Bali, arriving at Benoa Harbour at 0600. Passengers disembark from Sea Safari III at 0900 on the last morning, after breakfast.

11 nights itinerary: Guests board Sea Safari III at Benoa Harbour, Bali at 1400, and the boat sets sail at 1700 bound for North East Lombok, arriving the following morning for the first day of diving. That evening the boat lifts anchor and sails through the night to Satonda. Diving the following day is around Satonda and Sumbawa. There will be opportunity to take a walk on the islands. The boat sails in the evening towards the Komodo National Park. Day four sees the dawn rise over Sangeang Island, where the first dives will be done, followed by dives at Banta Island and Rinca. The next four days will be spent diving this incredibly diverse area, and includes a morning visit to the dragons of Komodo Island. The boat returns via Sangeang and dive sites around North East Lombok. On the last (11th) full day of diving the boat reaches the Eastern shores of Bali and diving will be offered on the famous Tulamben wreck. Diving will be completed in the afternoon, after which your gear will be washed and dried for you as the boat sails overnight to Benoa Harbour, arriving at 0600. Passengers disembark from Sea Safari III at 0900 on the last morning, after breakfast.

2005 Cruise Schedule

7-11 nights cruises Bali-Sumbawa via Komodo or vice versa: 14-22 June (8 nights), 22 June-3 July (11 nights), 5-16 July (11 nights), 18-25 July (7 nights, family cruise), 25 July-1 August (7 nights, family cruise), 3-14 August (11 nights), 15-25 August (10 nights), 25 August-1 September (7 nights), 7-15 November (8 nights), 15-26 November (11 nights, nudibranch special), 24 December-4 January (11 nights).

11-12 nights cruises Bali-Flores via Komodo or vice versa: 27 May-7 June (11 nights), 25 October-5 November (11 nights), 28 November-10 December (12 nights), 11-23 December (11 nights).

11 nights cruise Sorong-Sorong (West Papua, Raja Ampat archipelago): 21 March-1 April, 3-14 April, 16-27 April, 29 April-10 May.

14 nights cruise Sorong-Flores: 12-26 May.

15 nights cruise Bali-Sorong including Raja Ampat: 4-19 March.

All cruises

£182 per night in a Bottom Deck Double or Twin Stateroom

£213 per night in a Bridge Deck Stateroom

Includes:

" Transfers from local hotel to Sea Safari III prior to embarkation and to the airport or a local hotel following disembarkation. (Additional transfers can be arranged at an extra charge.)

" 7-15 nights cruise on Sea Safari III on a twin/share basis with full board, plus all soft drinks.

" 5-13 full days of diving (up to 4 dives per day), plus one or two dives on the last day, cylinders and weights.

" Escorted walk on Komodo Island for relevant cruises.

Single Occupancy Supplement: If you are travelling alone and are willing to share a twin cabin with a fellow passenger of the same sex you can avoid paying any supplement. If you prefer to have a cabin to yourself a £120 per night supplement applies.

Deposit: £500 (7-8 nights cruise); £700 (10-11 nights cruise), £900 (14-15 nights cruise).

KOMODO DANCER

Komodo Dancer , a member of the famous Peter Hughes' Dancer Fleet, is a traditionally crafted, two-masted wooden motor sailor, 30 metres long and 9 metres wide, that accommodates a maximum of 14 passengers in 7 staterooms, each with private head and shower. Two Deluxe Staterooms on the Dolphin Deck each have one queen-sized bed beneath a single upper bed. Four Twin Staterooms each have two single bunk beds. The Owner's Suite on the Lido Deck has one queen-sized bed and picture window views. Each cabin provides a quiet and elegant space for relaxing, reading or sleeping. Towelling robes are provided for your stay on the boat. Clean towels are provided daily and clean sheets are provided mid-week. Complimentary toiletries are placed at the wash basin and each cabin has a built-in hairdryer. Eight crew offer superb service at all times, from morning coffee in your room to taking your tank at the dive platform on your return to the boat or providing hot towels at the end of a night dive.

The dive deck features a water fountain, mask defogging station, weight belt area, a shower, and a supply of fresh towels. Special rinse tanks for cameras are situated on the dive deck. Dive information is displayed on a large board which shows depth and marine life information. Of special interest to underwater photographers is the spacious multi-tiered, carpeted photo-table complete with photo supplies and small towels. E-6 processing is available daily. Light tables are always available for slide viewing. A full camera and video rental service is available at daily or weekly rates. The boat has a photo pro on board who will assist you with your photography and also, if you wish, take a customized video of your diving holiday. Komodo Dancer offers Nitrox facilities at an extra charge and a range of courses including PADI Advanced Open Water, IANTD, TDI and PADI Nitrox certification, Rebreather certification and Paul Humann Fish and Creature Identification. A full range of diving equipment is available for rental.

After diving most people head for the sundeck where they can relax (either in or out of the sun) and help themselves to iced drinks and delicious snacks. Freshly baked breads and biscuits show up in the morning and appetizers are served in the afternoon. Beverages and snacks are available at all times in the salon (along with a well-stocked bar). Meals are one of the highlights of the day. Hot breakfasts are cooked to order. Lunch is usually a buffet-style spread and dinner is waiter served. Wine is served with dinner and after dinner drinks are always offered.

Komodo Dancer operates out of Benoa Harbour, Bali for 7 and 11 nights cruises. Seven nights cruises operate from Monday to Monday and 11 nights cruises operate from Wednesday to Sunday, throughout the year.

2005 Cruise Schedule: 7 nights cruises: 3-10 January, 28 March-4 April, 18-25 April, 9-16 May, 30 May-6 June, 20-27 June, 11-18 July, 1-8 August, 22-29 August, 13-20 August, 12-19 September, 3-10 October, 24-31 October, 14-21 November, 5-12 December, 26 December-2 January. 11 nights cruises: 12-23 January, 16-27 March, 6-17 April, 27 April-8 May, 18-29 May, 8-19 June, 29 June-10 July, 20-31 July, 10-21 August, 31 August-11 September, 21 September-2 October, 12-23 October, 2-13 November, 23 November-4 December, 14-25 December.

Cruise Itineraries: On 7 nights cruises , Komodo Dancer departs from Benoa Harbour, Bali at lunch time, steaming overnight to Satonda Island for the first day of diving. From there the boat heads out to the Gili Islands, northeast of Lombok, for the second day of diving and then onwards for two days around Komodo. The last two days of diving are spent at Banta Island and Sangeang Island. Passengers disembark from Komodo Dancer at 0900 on the last morning and are transferred to the airport or an hotel. 11 nights cruises spend extra days diving in the Gili Islands and around Komodo.

7 nights cruises departing 3 January-18 April

£1015 for a Twin Stateroom.

£1077 for a Deluxe Stateroom.

£1139 for the Owner's Suite.

7 nights cruises departing 9 May-26 December

£1201 for a Twin Stateroom.

£1262 for a Deluxe Stateroom.

£1324 for the Owner's Suite.

11 nights cruises departing 12 January-6 April

£1448 for a Twin Stateroom.

£1509 for a Deluxe Stateroom.

£1571 for the Owner's Suite.

11 nights cruises departing 27 April-14 December

£1633 for a Twin Stateroom.

£1694 for a Deluxe Stateroom.

£1756 for the Owner's Suite.

Includes:

" Airport transfers at Denpasar if arriving/departing on the cruise departure/completion dates.

" 7 nights or 11 nights cruise on Komodo Dancer on a twin/share basis with full board, including soft drinks, wine, beer and spirits.

" 5 or 9 full days of diving (up to 4 or 5 dives per day, including night dives) plus one or two dives on the last day, cylinders and weights.

Important: In addition, there is a National Park Fee of £56.

Divers aged 59 or over: A 10% discount applies (this discount is also applicable to those actively serving in the military, police or fire service).

Non-divers: A 10% reduction applies.

Additional Cruise: A 10% discount applies.

Deposit: £600 (7 nights cruise); £850 (11 nights cruise).

FLIGHTS

The airfares shown are the least expensive fare category available at the time of going to press. We will quote you the airfare applicable, based on current fare levels and booking class availability, at the time of booking. The usual airfare deposit is £100.

SINGAPORE AIRLINES

Daily midday departures from London (Heathrow) to Denpasar via Singapore, arriving the following afternoon. There are daily return flights in the evening from Denpasar, via Singapore, arriving at London (Heathrow) the following morning.

Daily flights are also available from Manchester at no extra charge.

£648 for departures 1 January-30 June (excluding Easter)

£691 for departures 16 August-9 December

£754 for departures at Easter, 24-31 December

£816 for departures at 1 July-15 August

£898 for departures 10-23 December

Includes:

" Scheduled flights London (Heathrow)/Singapore/Denpasar/Singapore/London (Heathrow) by Singapore Airlines.

MALAYSIA AIRLINES

Daily midday departures from London (Heathrow) to Denpasar via Kuala Lumpur, arriving the following afternoon. There are daily return flights in the afternoon from Denpasar, via Kuala Lumpur, arriving at London (Heathrow) the following morning.

Flight connections are also available from Manchester to Denpasar at no additional charge. Flights depart from Manchester on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. Return flights leave Denpasar on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Concessionary rates are available for connecting flights between Leeds/Bradford, Manchester, Teesside, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Belfast and London. Please contact our office for details.

£738 for departures 1 January-30 June (excluding Easter), 1 September-9 December

£813 for departures at Easter, 1-7 July, 18-31 August, 25-31 December

£925 for departures 8 July-17 August 10-24 December

Weekend Supplement: £12 each way for departures from London, Manchester or Denpasar on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays.

Includes:

" Scheduled flights London (Heathrow)/Kuala Lumpur/Denpasar/Kuala Lumpur/London (Heathrow) by Malaysia Airlines.

Business Class Upgrades: These are available on Malaysia Airlines between the UK and Denpasar at attractive rates. Please contact our office for details.

Overnights in Bali (Sativa Sanur Cottages): £20 per night bed and breakfast on a twin/share basis. This pleasant hotel comprises mostly detached bungalows in Balinese style. Rooms are well-appointed with en-suite facilities, air conditioning and a balcony or veranda overlooking the landscaped swimming pool. The Rose Restaurant serves European, Chinese and local specialities, while the unique William Bar, a sunken bar in the pool, provides drinks and light snacks. Other facilities include safety deposit box, 24 hour reception, room service, money changing facilities, fax service and car rental. A single supplement £20 per night applies. The Sativa Hotel is very well situated for Benoa Harbour and therefore most suitable for overnight accommodation either before or after a liveaboard cruise. Please note: pre-arranged airport/hotel transfers cost £6 each way per person or per couple.

Overnights in Bali (Puri Santrian Hotel): £39 per person per night bed and breakfast on a twin/share basis in a Club Room. This luxury beach-front hotel is built in local style and has a superb swimming pool and other leisure facilities, including both a 24 hour coffee shop and a restaurant. Single supplement: £39 per night. (There is a high season supplement of £12 per night from 1-5 January, 1 July-31 August and 20-31 December.)

INTER-ISLAND FLIGHTS (FOR SEA SAFARI III CRUISES ONLY)

Bali (Denpasar)-Sumbawa (Bima): £79 for scheduled flights Denpasar/Bima/Denpasar or vice versa by Merpati Airlines.

Bali (Denpasar)-Flores (Maumere): £121 for scheduled flights Denpasar/Maumere/Denpasar or vice versa by Merpati Airlines.

Sorong: Please contact our office for rates and flight routings.

SINGAPORE STOP-OVERS

Why not take the opportunity to explore Singapore as part of your holiday? Singapore Airlines fly between London and Singapore daily and stop-overs are available at no additional airfare. We can arrange your hotel accommodation: for details please see the Southern Thailand entry in this brochure.

COMBINING KOMODO WITH WAKATOBI

As all holidays to Wakatobi start and end in Denpasar, Bali, why not add on a visit to this extraordinary place? Simply add the cost of your chosen Komodo diving holiday to the cost of your Wakatobi adventure and include the cost of any necessary additional overnight stays along with the cost of international flights.

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