When most people think of a holiday to Indonesia, they think of Bali. However, Indonesia offers so much more beyond Bali’s rice fields, temples, and sandy shores. If you’re considering broadening your horizons, a yacht charter in Indonesia is an amazing way to discover this island nation.
Indonesia is home to over 17,000 islands, each with unique landscapes and cultures. From pristine beaches to lush rainforests, and smoking volcanoes, the country offers fascinating experiences around every corner. For those who want to expand their horizons, these are the best places to sail on an Indonesian yacht charter.
Raja Ampat
Tucked away in the far eastern corner of Indonesia next to West Papua, Raja Ampat is one of the most beautiful archipelagos in the world. Here jungle-cloaked islands are scattered throughout crystal clear turquoise waters. This is a haven for snorkelling and diving, as the marine life here is some of the most diverse on the planet.
When you’re not exploring the underwater world of Raja Ampat, you can discover deserted white sand beaches, beguiling caves, and lush forests where birds of paradise flaunt their colourful plumage. Many Indonesian yacht charters spend at least a few days in this surreal, sparsely populated region.
Komodo National Park
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Komodo National Park offers a unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. The park is the only place where the rare Komodo dragons live in the wild. These fantastic beasts are the largest lizards on Earth and simply spectacular to see in their natural habitat.
A yacht charter to Komodo National Park will allow you to see the Komodo dragons on their home islands of Komodo, Rinca, and Padar. You can also explore the smattering of smaller islands in the park with their rugged terrain, sweeping beaches, and quiet coves that are perfect for swimming, snorkelling and diving.
The Spice Islands
The Spice Islands may be tiny, but they had a huge effect on shaping the history of the world. Also known as the Malukus or Banda Islands, these 10 small islands were once the only places that nutmeg and mace grew. During the 17th century, these spices were worth their weight in gold. As such, wars were fought and large tracts of land traded just for access to trade here.
Take a liveaboard sailing journey to the Spice Islands and you can see remnants of old forts and buildings left there by the Portuguese, Dutch and British. Soak up the views of the active volcano on Banda Api, visit a working nutmeg plantation, test your bartering skills at a local market, or just relax on the deck of your yacht taking periodic dips in the cool, clear water.
The Alor Archipelago
Are you looking for a yacht charter journey that truly goes off the beaten path? The Alor Archipelago is often overlooked by travellers in Indonesia, which makes it a true hidden gem. Here you’ll find incredible dives sites, golden sand beaches, and hilly interiors that are home to over 100 tribes, each with their own distinctive customs and colorful ceremonies.
One of the great things about a luxury Indonesia yacht charter is that you can customize your itinerary. You can spend most of your time at sea exploring the secret pockets of the Alor Archipelago or combine a trip to the archipelago with other destinations including Komodo National Park and Flores.
To truly get a sense of Indonesia’s diversity and sublime seascapes, a yacht charter is an absolute must. A liveaboard sailing journey will take you to unforgettable places where you can experience incredible natural beauty and vibrant cultures, all while indulging in five-star comfort and service.