Amandira

JOURNEY ATTRACTIONS

Explore isolated coves and the region's countless bays and tropical islets, with white sand beaches, mangroves, lagoons and remarkable limestone formations. Dive and snorkel the world’s most biologically diverse and acclaimed underwater sites around the Nusa Tenggara archipelago. From the colourful reefs of Tatawa Island to the enchanting hues of Komodo’s Pink Beach, this national park is a forgotten Eden, on land and sea. Encounter antediluvian creatures unchanged since prehistoric times, these two islands are the only places that the infamous Komodo dragon can still be found. Follow expert rangers to view these mighty monitor lizards in their natural habitat, the Komodo National Park, a World Heritage Site spanning the islands of Rinca and Komodo.

GETTING THERE

Labuan Bajo airport is an hour and a half on a commercial flight from Bali. From there, the drive to the harbour is 10 minutes, followed by a 5 minute tender ride to Amandira.

ROUTE

Duration: 5 Nights

(Sample Itinerary)

Day One

Breakfast at Amanwana before cruising to Satonda and then on toward Komodo overnight. Dive in the reefs surrounding Satonda Island and kayak under the bat-filled trees fringing the volcanic lake.

Day Two

Wake up to the reefs of Batu Monchu Bay, frequented by manta rays and dolphins. A morning dive is followed by another at Gili Lawa Laut to experience the magnificent underwater sea mounds of Crystal and Castle Rocks. 

Day Three

Dive in the vibrant waters of Gili Lawa Laut and cruise the Komodo straights towards Makassar Reef. Snorkel with mantas at Makassar, then overnight near Pink Beach on Komodo Island with an opportunity to view thousands of bats embarking on their nightly journeys.

Day Four

An expert-led trek finds the komodo dragons, monkeys, deer and a cornucopia of nature. Cruise to Wainilu Island, north of Rinca, for an afternoon dive and a starlit barbecue on the beach.

Day Five

Rinca Island - home to astonishing wildlife, including the komodo dragon, water buffalo, boar, horses and monkeys. After a morning trek on Rinca, course is set for the Sabayor Islands where an afternoon dive reveals the exceptional variety of marine life.

Day Six

Dive Sabayor's multi-hued reefs - filled with schools of tropical fish. The journey concludes at Labuan Bajo harbour on Flores Island for transfer back to Bali.

The itinerary is subject to change depending on sea and weather conditions. As the cruise is offered exclusively, preferred routes and dives sites can be discussed with the crew before departure. 

JOURNEY ATTRACTIONS

Known as the Four Kings, these 40,000 square kilometres of the Indonesian archipelago in the northeast seas are where the Pacific and Indian Oceans collide. These nutrient-rich waters nurture magnificent coral reefs and marine life unlike anywhere else. Scuba diving around Raja Ampat is an exceptional experience: spy over 1,300 species of fish and hundreds of hard corals, three-quarters of all known types of coral flourish here, as well as scores of mantis shrimp and rare mammals. As beautiful above water as it is below, the islands are cloaked in exotic flora and fauna such as karst forests of endangered orchids, look up to see sea eagles and the famed birds of paradise. Explore the hidden jungle caves of Tolomol, kayak through giant sea caverns and discover the treasures of a pearl farm too.

GETTING THERE

The journey from Jakarta to Sorong takes about six hours, while the trip from Denpasar to Sorong takes approximately two hours and a half. This is followed by a 10-minute car transfer to the harbour.

ROUTE

Duration: 5 Nights

(Sample Itinerary)

Day One

Transfer from Sorong to Amandira. Enjoy lunch and relax during the six-hours cruise to Mioskon, passing many spectacular islands including Batanta and Kri.

Day Two

Awake with Mioskon and Waigeo in view. Dive or snorkel Mioskon, then cruise over lunch to Yanggefo along the Waigeo coastline. On arrival, snorkel, kayak or dive around this spectacular mangrove paradise. 

Day Three

Enjoy spotting the many bird species in the area over breakfast, then dive, snorkel, swim or kayak before setting course for Alyui Bay. This three-hour cruise passes some of the area's most famous and remote islands. On arrival, dive or relax.

Day Four

In the morning visit the Alyui pearl farm and see how pearls are extracted. Then dive or snorkel at one or two of the many dive sites nearby. Set course for Arborek. 

Day Five

Snorkel or dive with the hopes of seeing magnificent manta rays, common in the area. After lunch set course for Sorong.

Day Six

After breakfast you will be transported to the airport for your onward flight. 

Both itineraries are subject to change depending on sea and weather conditions. As the cruise is offered exclusively, preferred routes and dives sites can be discussed with the crew before departure. 

JOURNEY ATTRACTIONS

Once a year, Aman Expeditions sets sail across the Banda Sea toward the historic Spice Islands, an area steeped in history, culture, and absurdly picturesque beauty. This collection of islands in north-eastern Indonesia was once internationally renowned for its cultivation of nutmeg where it still grows vigorously. Guests have the opportunity to hike Gunung Api, an active volcano offering stunning views of the neighbouring islands and turquoise waters that hammerhead sharks call home. At night, dinner is prepared amidst the ruins of former Dutch colonial buildings.

GETTING THERE

A direct flight from Jakarta to Ambon takes about three and a half hours (note that there is a two-hour time difference). Alternatively, a flight from Denpasar to Ujung Padang is an hour and a half, followed by a subsequent flight to Ambon that is one hour and 40 minutes. The transfer from Ambon airport to the jetty is about one hour and then it’s a few minutes in the tender to the Amandari.

ROUTE

Duration: 10 Nights

(Sample Itinerary)

Day One & Two

Set sail for Banda, spotting dolphins and sperm whales. Have lunch as the boat departs, observing dolphins and sperm whales along their migration route. Arrive at your first Spice Island, Ai, in the first light of dawn.

Day Three & Four

Snorkel at Run Island & hike Gunung Api. Marvel at ocean panoramas and spend the day snorkelling, before exploring Malaki Islet. After anchoring at Banda Naire, hike Gunung Api for an extraordinary view of the Banda Islands. Enjoy a candlelit dinner on the ramparts of Fort Belgica along with a music and dance performance.

Day Five & Six

Sail to Pulau Hatta for aquatic adventures & explore the beaches of the Gorong Islands. Snorkel, dive, fish, kayak and paddleboard, then head out for guided walks and sunset drinks at Hatta Island. Cruise overnight to the Gorong Islands and take part in a wall dive. Set sail to Raja Ampat after lunch and admire a sunset like no other en route to Misool Island.

Day Seven & Eight

Snorkel at Boo Rock & explore the vibrant reefs of Raja Ampat. Marvel at the marine life of the Windows gully, then dive the Four Kings reef. Set off early the next day for Daram, to witness surgeonfish, barracuda, fusiliers and more amid the rising and falling tides.

Day Nine & Ten

Visit a pearl farm in Tolomol and ride a dinghy through secret caves. Kayak or paddleboard into a cavern before returning to the boat. Dive the intriguing depths of Farondi Cave before the final stop: Sorong.

The itinerary is subject to change depending on sea and weather conditions. As the cruise is offered exclusively, preferred routes and dives sites can be discussed with the crew before departure.