Indonesia Sailing Adventure: Raja Ampat

Trip Code: TISR

Why we love it

Snorkel among coral gardens and look out for the rich marine plant and animal life, like reef fish, turtles, manta rays and reef sharks., Sail through Raja Ampat’s diverse landscape and explore Indonesia’s jungle, limestone, coral and beach terrain., Hike to Pianemo Viewpoint and capture the perfect photo as you look across the turquoise waters dotted with limestone islands., Explore Indonesia’s islands with a local leader by your side and immerse yourself in the region’s culture as you visit villages, meet residents, and enjoy short walks around the islands, Enjoy the convenience of unpacking once on your traditional Phinisi Style boat. With a knowledgeable crew including a cook, you’ll have all your meals taken care of so you can sit back and soak in the stories.

Is this trip right for me?

The waters of the Raja Ampat are generally calm and serene. However, there is always the possibility of choppy water at sea. Steady sea legs (and a sturdy stomach) will be needed when walking around the boat during bad weather. Rain or shine, your trusty crew will always be on hand to assist you.

Please note that while there is an itinerary in place, some changes may occur due to the weather or because of directions from the local authorities. This can happen with little notice, so please be prepared for potential modifications to the route or activities. A sense of humour and flexibility will ensure you have a fun, relaxing trip through this beautiful part of the world, no matter what happens.

A good swimming ability is necessary to enjoy all the snorkelling activities.

All cabins are either twin share or double share with private ensuite bathrooms. The bathrooms are compact and are known as wet rooms. There is no division between the shower and toilet area. This is very common on traditional style Phinisi boats.

Important information

ACCOMMODATION ONBOARD
This trip is onboard a traditional Phinisi style boat that accommodates up to 22 travellers. Cabins are located on the lower deck and main deck of the boat and all come with private bathrooms. You can choose between twin share cabins (2 single beds) or double share cabins (one double bed). Solo travellers can book a twin share cabin and be matched up with another solo traveller of the same gender or can choose to pay a single supplement and get their own cabin.

PASSPORT DETAILS:
Please provide full passport details at time of booking including exact name as per passport, date of birth, nationality, issue and expiry dates as these are essential for booking services on this trip.

What to bring/pack

SUGGESTED PACKING LIST
Space on board the vessel is very limited - for your own comfort and safety, luggage should be kept to an absolute minimum. The use of a backpack, soft sports bag or duffle bag is recommended - we highly recommend you do not travel with a hard suitcase. If you are travelling with a larger bag or suitcase you can leave these bags at your hotel [usually for a small fee]. This is only applicable if you are returning to the same hotel at the end of the trip, if you aren't, it will be your own responsibility to make your own way back to collect your luggage. If you are leaving a bag at a hotel or in a locker do not leave cash, credit cards, passports or any irreplaceable belongings behind.
Daypack [a smaller back pack that you can take with you on island excursions]
Comfortable clothing for warmer temperatures [shorts, t-shirts, light long sleeved tops and pants]
A fleece or warmer jumper for the evenings or early mornings
A light rain coat or poncho
Comfortable shoes [trainers or walking shoes are sufficient for most trips]
Sandals or thongs/flip flops/jandals
Sunscreen [bio degradable and waterproof if available] and lip balm [to combat the effects of wind burn]
Sunhat [that can be secured as it can get windy out on the water]
Swimming costume
Rash vest [for sun protection while snorkelling and swimming]
Bio-degradable shampoo, conditioner and soap
Dry bag
Sarong
Pegs [so you can hang your swimming costume or towel out to dry]
Insect repellent [for island visits]
Adaptor/electrical plug
Camera/GoPro
Earplugs
Batteries [if you do not have rechargeable camera batteries]
Please ensure you travel with all required medicines, pain killers and toiletries that you may need while in on this sailing trip. You are travelling to quite a remote destination and will not have immediate access to pharmacies.

Special Items required for this trip
- There are many opportunities for snorkelling during this trip. Diving masks, snorkels and fins are provided onboard the Phinisi boat and are for use by all passengers. Some passengers choose to bring their own, however this is a personal choice.
- Beach towels are provided however you may want to bring your own or a sorong.
- Reusable water bottle
- During our trip, we are usually sailing and anchoring in sheltered waters. However, it is possible we may encounter some movement in open waters - if you are prone to motion sickness, and you might wish to bring some preventative medication.

Physical rating

 
2

We don't ask travellers to complete a physical participation form for this trip however we do ask you read through the trip notes carefully to ensure that this trip is the right trip for you. This applies to the included activities and moving around the boat. The cabins and communal areas of the boat are spread over 2 hulls. The steps between the decks are steep.

Joining your group

Aston Sorong Hotel & Conference Center, Jl. Basuki Rahmat KM 7,5, Kel. Malaingkedi, Kec. Malaimsimsa, Sorong, Papua Barat, Indonesia., Sorong, INDONESIA

Alternate Joining Point


Joining instructions

Finishing your trip

Port of Sorong (Pelabuhan Sorong), West Papua, Sorong, INDONESIA

Alternate Finish Point


Meals & dietary information

Breakfasts included: 7

Lunches included: 6

Dinners included: 6

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies please notify us at the time of booking so we can determine the extent to which your dietary requirements can be met.
Once on board your Phinisi boat all meals will be included and cooked onboard by your chef.

VEGETARIANS & VEGANS:
Strict vegetarians should be aware that a lot of Indonesian cooking contains fermented shrimp paste (terasi) as a basic ingredient. Chicken and eggs are also common in many dishes. Although there are many vegetarian options available, please ensure you are specific as possible when ordering food to ensure that your meal suits your dietary needs.

Climate & seasonal information

VOLCANOES:
Indonesia has many active volcanoes that can erupt at any time and cause widespread disruption. Alert levels may be raised and evacuations ordered at short notice. Follow the instructions and advice of local authorities, including any evacuation orders. In the event of or following an eruption you should contact your travel insurance provider directly to ask if your policy is affected by the volcanic activity. For information regarding whether your itinerary has been affected, see our Travel Alerts page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/travel-alerts

The most recent eruptions have been:
- Mt Agung, East Bali. Mount Agung has shown increased volcanic activity since late-September 2017.
- Mount Merapi (near Yogyakarta). Following an eruption in May 2018, people in the area were evacuated by local authorities.

EARTHQUAKES:
Indonesia is in an active earthquake region with a high level of earthquake activity, sometimes triggering tsunamis. Earthquakes can occur anywhere in Indonesia. In the event of a natural disaster, follow the advice of local authorities. In the event of or following an earthquake you should contact your travel insurance provider directly to ask if your policy is affected by the event. For information regarding whether your itinerary has been affected, see our Travel Alerts page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/travel-alerts

The most recent earthquakes have been:
- Lombok & the Gili Islands. A series of powerful earthquakes caused widespread damage and loss of life in northern Lombok and the Gili Islands in July and August 2018.

In case of emergency

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.

We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager.

You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time.

For general contact details please use the following page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us

In the case of a genuine crisis or emergency, please contact our local office:

Intrepid DMC Indonesia: Available for phone call or WhatsApp call on +62 822 3553 2507

Accommodations

The Sea Safari 8 is a comfortable traditional Phinisi-style boat blending classic design with modern comforts. At 35 metres long, this wooden-hulled, four-deck vessel resembles a pirate ship but equipped for total relaxation with multiple outdoor seating areas, a large indoor lounge and a jacuzzi. Hosting up to 22 travellers in a mix of twin, double and double/twin cabins, it’s fully air conditioned and includes hot showers, filtered drinking water and laundry service for your comfort and convenience. With a dedicated crew of 19 – including an onboard chef serving up three meals a day – you’re in good hands. You'll also have access to swimming towels, snorkelling gear and a stand-up paddleboard to make the most of your time at sea.

Transportation