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| [ Cruising the archipelago ] |
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| Sorong - Timika |
starting from
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| 13 Days / 12 Nights |
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| Day 1
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| Arrival at the airport of Sorong. Transfer to the harbour, embarkation on board Katharina. Departure direction Raja Ampat. |
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| Day 2 - 3
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| We will explore today and tomorrow more of the so-called and worldfamous ‘Raja Empat’ (four kings) islands, located west and north of Bird’s Head the western tip of the vast island of New Guinea, the second largest in the world. We will look for the elusive Wilson’s Bird of paradise, take a bath in waterfalls and follow tracks into the jungle. The last night we will spend at anchor off the island of Mansuar, close to the mainland. Here we will enjoy our last experience of
surroundings of white-sand beaches, clear waters, irridescent reefs with the backdrop of thick forests. |
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| Day 4
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| The north coast of Misool island is dotted with numerous uninhabited islands fringed by white-sand beaches and coral reefs; spend the morning ,snorkeling or exploring the islands. After one or two stops we sail onward to the east-coast of Misool Island. Few areas in Indonesia can lay claim to such unsurpassed natural beauty as the eastern end of the Misool archipelago; the karst formation have cut the chain of islands into hundreds of coves and lagoons, high cliffs and limestone overhangs, narrow channels and inlets, caves and jagged rocks as well as countless shaded beaches….another perfect pirate’s den. The reefs are mostly untouched with many underwater caves waiting to be explored. If you feel like doing some rock – climbing, you will enjoy incredible scenery and a fair chance of spotting exotic birds, including large hornbills. |
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| Day 5
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| On the way from Fakfak to the island of Misool, we make a stop at one or two of the so-called Valsche Pisang islands, and definitely should not skip the desert island of Daram where pristine white beaches populated by myriads of hermit crabs present the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable BBQ. Great snorkeling! |
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| Day 6
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| Spare day. As our journey will lead us to virtually unchartered areas and we will enjoy little support of infrastructure in terms of supplies, bunkering and other facilities, we need to be open to the unexpected. This is why delays of various sorts may occur and we rather keep our time schedule a bit flexible to absorb any such ill fortunes. |
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| Day 7
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| Today we arrive at Karas island in the bay of Sebakor. We visit local villages or laze around on the secluded beaches we may find here. Onward sailing to the district centre of Fakfak where we disembark for replenishing stock on board and exploring the city. |
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| Day 8
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| On our way to the small own of Kaimana we may make a stop at Namatote village to see some cliff paintings – glyphs and pictorial signs rather – left by ancient inhabitants high on the cliff galleries. In Kaimana we will spend a few hours in the centre of town to get the feel of ‘urban’ Papua. West of Kaimana we sail miles after miles along a coastline of uninhabited, towering mountains covered with thick jungle. Here, in complete wilderness, a roaring river cascades
down the jungle-clad mountains’ and crashes right on the white-sand beach. Plenty of lobsters inhabit the rocky waters around Kiti Kiti. |
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| Day 9
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| Arrival in Triton bay, certainly one of the most beautiful and undisturbed places of Asia. The scenery is just magnificent: tall cliffs, limestone outcrops separated by narrow channels, secluded beaches, turquoise waters…..the perfect pirate den. We’ll use the tenders to explore the area. If time permits, we can also visit the village of Lobo at the foot of a 3000 feet cliff. Quiet evening in a protected cove and BBQ on the beach. |
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| Day 10
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| This entire day we will sail along the swampy coast of Irian Jaya. When winds are favourable, we will hoist the sails and share the experience of Sir Alfred Wallace who described Phinisi vessels as “more comfortable than the modern day steamers” during his Odysseys through the “Malay Archipelago” (1854-1862). When conditions allow one or more swimstops will be made. |
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| Day 11
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| In the evening of our second day in the Asmat region we lift our anchor and set sail headed for the Triton bay located 200 odd nautical miles to the west. |
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| Day 12
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| Arrival in front of Agats, the capital of the Asmat region Our two days into the Asmat heartland, located in the huge expense of swamps and mangrove along the southern coast of Papua (Irian Jaya), will allow us to visit various villages moving about on local longboats, as all Asmat villages are located on river banks. Not more than 50 years ago this land was yet completely unexplored and home to fierce warriors. See the traditional longhouses called “jeu”, the exquisite
woodcarving that has made the Asmat people world famous and the way they tap the wild sago to satifsy their daily needs. We’ll experience ritual welcome ceremonies and and other traditional rituals pertinent to the Asmat tribe. At one stage the Katharina will be surrounded by dozens of war-canoes and the air will be filled with shrieks and shouts expressing a heartfelt welcome to the honoured guests coming from overseas. |
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| Day 13
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| After breakfast we say farewell to the crew of the Katharina and disembark at the harbor of Timika, located at the mouth of the local river. Transfer to the airport of Timika. |
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