Indonesia includes some of the largest and most exotic islands in the world, including Bali, Borneo, Java, Komodo, New Guinea, Sulawesi and Sumatra. Its 17,500 islands compose the largest and most varied archipelago on earth–spanning more than 3,100 miles from Asia to Australia. 

Indonesia forms a massive dotted line that separates the Indian Ocean from the Pacific Ocean. The country is more than 80 percent water, which includes more coastline and more coral reefs than any other place in the world.

For these reasons and many more, custom boat tours and cruises have been rising in popularity across Indonesia for several years. The custom tour industry was developed to serve international divers seeking access to Indonesia’s world-class scuba diving destinations.

Tour operators will customize trips for almost any island and activity.

Custom, personal cruises will likely become more popular than ever. They offer travelers more control, while offering a portable bubble for safety. It’s a pleasant way to bypass airports and airplanes.

There are four world-class ports within the country that attract the majority of the international sailors and divers, including Bali, Raja Empat (means four kings), Komodo and Sulawesi. My wife and I took a tour on the S.S. Adelaar. It departed Bali and hit ports of call on the way to Komodo. It was the highlight of my life as we saw Komodo dragons, snorkeled and mingled with locals. We met several fascinating travelers from around the world on the ship (a restored gem with all of the comforts of home).

The seas surrounding the Indonesian archipelago are considered an integral part of the nation, as evidenced in the country’s patriotic phrase Tanah Air Kita, which literally means our “home, water, and land.” The seas have been a unifying force between the diverse cultures and peoples throughout the archipelago, since many Indonesians are dependent on the bounty of the seas.

These islands hold about 10 to 15 percent of the world’s coral reefs, many of which are still unknown. There are more than 500 species of coral throughout these islands, including some of the most colorful species on the planet. These waters are home to 3,000 species of fish and 30 species of whales and dolphins. The Sulawesi Sea is the equivalent of a highway for sperm whales, dolphins, and other large marine life, such as sea turtles and manta rays.

There are more species of fish, coral, and other marine life found in Indonesian waters than in any other country. Indonesia has an astounding array of marine life and some of the most spectacular diving in the world.

River Tours

For those seeking jungles and volcanoes, special itineraries are available (contact us). The level of comfort and service on all boats in Indonesia are very high. Indonesians are among the best sailors in the world and the services are impeccable. In addition to custom itineraries, and you can usually dictate the menu of your choice in advance.

Mahakam River (Borneo)

The Mahakam River is like a freeway to the interior of this rugged and remote island. It’s the busiest river in Borneo. Boats of all sizes can be hired in Samarinda to travel up the river and its many tributaries. It takes about three days (18 hours of boat time) to reach the village of Long Bagun. The return trip only takes about six or seven hours. If your boat isn’t big enough to sleep on, budget hotels and homestay opportunities are available along the river.

If you go far enough up the river, you may see freshwater dolphins, crocodiles, proboscis monkeys, and giant monitor lizards. Sun bears, orangutans, and clouded leopards also inhabit the region and you can see most wildlife from the boat. Mornings provide the best viewing opportunities, before the rising temperatures send the animals for cover.

Further up the river, you’ll encounter people from the Dayak tribes. This culture moved inland to avoid the Islamic influences that arrived hundreds of years ago. This culture values the looks of tattoos and stretched ear lobes.

The best way to get to the Mahakam River is from the town of Samarinda. You can fly into Balikpapan and then catch a connecting flight to Samarinda. Or you can hire a driver in Balikpapan. Buy plenty of food before going up the river. Brace yourself for spartan accommodations and high adventure.

Sekonyer River (Borneo)

If you hope to see orangutans in the jungle, Tanjung Puting is your best opportunity. This trip requires an interesting boat ride through swamp forests that are full of life. The boat trip itself offers abundant opportunities to see the proboscis monkeys, so-called because of the male’s large nose. These and other creatures sit in the trees along the river in the mornings and evenings watching the boats on the river.

Camp Leakey is located inside the park and serves as a rehabilitation station and study site for orangutans. Visitors can walk freely and experience close encounters with these fascinating creatures.

To find the right boat ride, search for “liveaboard” or “live-aboard” and your preferred destination. Otherwise, contact us or your favorite travel agent. Selamat jalan!

Indonesia is the fourth-largest nation in the world with more than 267 million people.

Get the most from your trip with the Language and Travel Guide to Indonesia. Learn where to go and what to say. Thousands of islands. Hundreds of cultures. One book. Watch our Indonesian tutorial.

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As the largest archipelago in the world, Indonesia is a perfect destination for yachts and cruise trips. Committed to making it easier for both yachters and cruise ships to enter its waters, the Indonesian government has implemented a number of policies that simplify procedures.

The policy includes a waiver of cabotage so that cruise ships are able to embark and disembark passengers at the appointed sea ports. These appointed sea ports are: Tanjung Priok in Jakarta, Tanjung Perak in Surabaya, Tanjung Benoa in Bali, Belawan in Medan, and the Makassar Sea Port in Makassar.

Tourists can visit more destinations across Indonesia.

Tanjung Priok is the main sea port of the capital city of Jakarta and is the busiest and most advanced Indonesian seaport, handling more than 50 percent of Indonesia’s trans-shipment cargo traffic. It is also one of the main gateway to the capital city that offers a plenty of fascinating splendors, such as the iconic National Monument or Monas, the Old Batavia Complex, the vast recreational resort of Ancol Dream Land.

Meanwhile, the Port of Tanjung Perak in Surabaya, the capital city of East Java Province, is the second busiest seaport in the country. You can also explore an array of amazing destinations throughout East Java including Mount Bromo, Ijen Crater, the resort hill town of Batu and Malang and much more.

Located in Denpasar, Benoa is the main port of Bali and the main gateway to enter the island via sea. It is the port for tourist day-trip boats, private yachts, fishing vessels, Inter-Island ferries, as well as international cruise ships. The port is located closely to popular tourists’ attractions such as Kuta Beach, Sanur Beach, Nusa Dua, and much more.

Moving on to Sumatra, the Port of Belawan in Medan is known as Indonesia’s busiest seaport outside of Java. Here, there are weekly passenger ships operated by Pelni from Medan to Tanjung Balai Karimun, Batam, Riau Islands and Tanjung Priok, Jakarta, as well as regular ferry services to Penang in Malaysia as well as Phuket in Thailand. From Medan you can also explore various wonders of North Sumatra, such as the famous Lake Toba and Samosir Island.

Last on the list of appointed seaports, Port of Makassar,  also known as the Port of Soekarno-Hatta, have the highest passenger traffic among Indonesian ports and the largest cargo traffic in Sulawesi. Just as other primary ports, this is also the main sea gateway of South Sulawesi. Stepping down from the ship, you can explore the many wonders of Makassar such as Losari Beach and Fort Rotterdam or even further to the magnificent Toraja Highlands and Bulukumba where they make the legendary Phinisi Ship.

The cruise ships that have made Indonesia home include:

Singapore-based Genting Dream embarked on its inaugural voyage from Singapore to Surabaya on December 2017. This latest regular route takes tourists to explore the enchanting natural wonders as well as fascinating cultural attractions of Indonesia. Regarded as the largest and most luxurious cruise ship in Asia, Genting Dream is 335.33 meters long, 39.7 meters wide, and weighs at 150,695 GT with a top speed of over 23 knots. Dream Cruises have frequently visited many fascinating destinations across the archipelago including Komodo Island, Anambas Islands, Bali, Medan, and Jakarta.

The Italian Mega Cruise MV Costa Victoria made a trip to Aceh on November 2017. The cruise made port at Sabang for 5 days and 4 nights while bringing along more than 2,000 tourists. Leaving from Singapore on an Islamic Cruise Trip, tourists were taken to various attractions across Aceh including the Tsunami Museum (Sukaramai, Baiturrahman), The Stranded PLTD Apung Ship (Punge Baling Cut, Jaya Baru), and the Ship on top of a house (Lampulo, Kuta Alam).

MV Silver Discoverer made port at Tanjungwangi in Banyuwangi Regency, East Java Province on 24 November 2017. The ship that bears the Bahama Flag sailed from Singapore for the second time and brought along of around a hundred international tourists to various cities in Indonesia and one of them is Banyuwangi. Previously, the ship has made voyages to Komodo Island and Benoa in Bali. In Banyuwangi, tourists got the chance to visit the amazing Ijen Crater and Kaliklatak Plantation. Silver Discoverer is a relatively small, yacht-type cruise ship operated by Silversea Cruises as the third member of its Silversea Expeditions fleet.

The MS Costa Allegra made port at the Soekarno Hatta Port in Makasar on October 2009. Hundreds of international tourists on board were taken to explore various attractions in-and-around Makassar, including Bantimurung Nature Reserve, Fort of Soma Opu, and Fort Rotterdam. Owned by the Italy-based Costa Cruises, MS Costa Allegra is one of many subsidiaries owned by Costa’s parent company Carnival Corporation.. The eight decks on Costa Allegra were named after famous impressionist painters. A three deck high glass atrium is the center of the ship. Works of art are displayed throughout the ship.

Pacific Eden made in 2017 as the first large ship to berth alongside the newly constructed Benoa Pier in Bali. Sailed off from Fremantle, Australia, the massive cruise ship brought along 1500 international tourists to explore the splendors of the beautiful island. On this inaugural voyage, the ship also visited Labuan Bajo and the magnificent Komodo National Park as well as Lombok, right next to Bali. Pacific Eden is a cruise ship of P&O Cruises Australia. Built for the Holland America Line in 1993 as the Statendam, in November 2015 it was transferred to P&O Cruises Australia and changed its name into what it is known today. Pacific Eden offers luxury penthouse suites, sixteen dining experiences, and a top deck pool which is always open thanks to the retractable roof.

Indonesia has more than 17,500 islands, including Bali, Borneo, Java, Lombok, Sumatra and Sulawesi.

Get the most from your trip with the Language and Travel Guide to Indonesia. Learn where to go and what to say. Thousands of islands. Hundreds of cultures. One book. Watch our Indonesian tutorial.

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By Johnny Morris, The Telegraph

The message from the ship’s PA system was as crystal clear as our view of the smoking island. “For passengers wishing to climb the active volcano the captain has secured clearance for landing.”

It was a surprise addition to the schedule. Minutes later we were skimming towards the hot spot in zodiacs. Trousers rolled up for landing, I began to see the benefits of an “expeditionary” cruise on a smaller ship.

I had joined Ponant’s Le Soléal in Singapore for a 12-day voyage through the Indonesian islands to Bali. On day three we dropped anchor in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra.

Our schedule had promised a gentle sail around Krakatau’s archipelago – not a visit to the world’s most famous volcano because, as pub-quiz aficionados know, Krakatau is an ex-volcano.

After its eruption in 1883 – the most violent volcanic explosion in recorded history – Krakatau collapsed into the sea, creating a massive caldera. All that remains are a few shattered islands and the legend of a bang heard as far away as Sri Lanka.

Luckily for visiting vulcanologists, and the local tourist industry, Anak Krakatau, or Son of Krakatau, began emerging from the waters in 1927. Although not as dramatic as the original, it has grown (at an average rate of five inches a week) into a fully functioning volcano. Photos show a full arsenal of eruptive party tricks: fire fountains, streaming lava, spatter bombs and even the odd seismic wobble.

The hike up Anak Krakatau was a lesson in geomorphology. After the brief shade of virgin forest, we climbed black slopes punctuated with scorched casuarina and fig trees, plus a few flowering plants that find a home in the fertile lava. On the surface were granite rocks the size of bowling balls hurled from the volcano’s core. Local guides led us to a spot where the fine black lava stopped and a barrier of steaming hot rocks began.

Far below, Le Soléal looked like a toy boat afloat in Krakatau’s caldera. It was a fair way down but she was moored close enough to assure us of a quick getaway if Anak awoke.

The unscheduled excursion was “typical of the core spirit of Compagnie du Ponant”, explained Jerome Pierre, Le Soléal’s cruise director, over beers in the ship’s Grand Salon. Starting out with Le Ponant, a three-masted luxury yacht for just 64 passengers, the line’s fleet will grow to seven in 2018 (in December Ponant announced the launch of the first LNG-powered electric hybrid cruise icebreaker).

The original barque is kept on as the company’s talisman, while mega yachts provide a niche offering for the luxury market. Le Soléal was the first French passenger vessel to navigate the Northwest Passage.

It is difficult to associate the harsh discipline of an Arctic crossing with the ship’s interior design. First impressions are of a fashionable Champs-Élysées boutique. Soft leather furniture lends communal areas a chic air, while reception desks in white Corian scream boutique hotel; likewise the well-groomed staff.

My cabin offered a refreshing white palette, with a pencil-line motif from shower to balcony giving the look of luxury yacht accommodation. Only the look, I’m afraid, as most materials were faux – leather, veneer wood and plastic orchids.

Despite this, interior designer Jean-Philippe Nuel has created a sense of uncluttered elegance. Clearly, what he saved on surfaces he has spent on fittings, with slick designer lighting including the best bedside lamp I have ever seen.

As we sailed east we visited the world’s largest Buddhist temple at Borobudur and the railway system of central Java constructed by Dutch colonists. Excursions highlighted the gap between the earthy thrust of Indonesia and the sophisticated languor of life on board.

In the busy port of Surabaya, after battling with high humidity, waves of scooter traffic and the frenzy of a morning market, I staggered up the ship’s gangplank to indulge in an air-conditioned pedicure, petits fours and a classical piano recital. Often Le Soléal felt like an exclusive arrondissement of Paris adrift in the South China Sea.

This dizzying contrast of cultures reached its height as we approached Komodo Island, home to the world’s largest lizards. “You only need to worry if the dragon swishes its tail,” warned Tajudin, our National Park ranger. Cue tail swish. “Forget the photograph now, madame!” Cue screams and a scattering of passengers as the nine-foot long carnivore began its starting sprint. Thankfully, Tajudin had his trusty cleft stick handy and pinned the lizard’s neck before it ran amok.

On Komodo it was essential to follow the guide’s flag to stay safe. As we stomped through mangrove forest up to folds of virgin green savannah, there was a genuine nervousness among the group.

Basking lizards are the colour, size and shape of fallen trees (and there were many big logs around). Their forked tongues can sense blood up to six miles away; they can swallow a goat whole and eat up to 80 per cent of their body weight in one sitting, yet can exist on just 12 meals a year. Oh, and unusually for lizards, the males are monogamous and have two penises – poor fellows.

I was full of cautious respect when we came across two dragons slumbering by a waterhole. In all, we saw five and I enjoyed visiting them in their own habitat rather than staring at caged beasts.

On board we prepared for an evening of fine dining and contemporary ballet. Ponant aims to offer a taste of French art de vivre, which included crêpes suzette cookery lessons, illuminating lectures on Indochina from a French perspective, and a few dull PowerPoint talks on wildlife. We were treated to piano recitals, arthouse films starring Catherine Deneuve, and an interpretation of Picasso’s life through contemporary dance that I could have done without.

All very highbrow – until Jerome Pierre announced a pirate-themed fancy-dress evening, quizzes and crab-racing.

There were French officers and bar staff with Maurice Chevalier accents; gentle spa treatments, and beauty products from a Paris-based salon. Among excellent French wines were surprise vintages from the south of the country.

Read The Full Story About Cruising Indonesia

Indonesia is the fourth-largest nation in the world with more than 267 million people. The country is comprised of more than 17,500 islands, including Bali, Borneo, Java, Lombok, Sumatra and Sulawesi. Learn more about Indonesia.

Get the most from your trip with the Language and Travel Guide to Indonesia. Learn where to go and what to say. Thousands of islands. Hundreds of cultures. One book. Watch our Indonesian tutorial.

The post Cruise Indonesia appeared first on Language and Travel Guide To Indonesia.

Steven Young, a top official with ship operator Carnival UK, visited Indonesia‘s booth during the 2014 Cruise Shipping Miami exhibition with one important purpose: To find out whether there has been infrastructure and facility improvements in the country’s ports and shipping industry.

The Jakarta Post reports that Young, head of port operations & services with the world’s largest ship operator, wanted to make sure that Indonesia had fulfilled its promise to develop its ports and facilities.

“Our ship came to Semarang [Central Java] months ago and was upset with the condition of the port. I came here to find out if improvements had been made,” he said, referring to his cruise line Costa Victoria.

On his visit to the Indonesian booth, Young was welcomed by and had a discussion with Ali Sodikin, general manager of Benoa Port, whose parent company, port operator PT Pelindo III, also supervises Tanjung Mas Port in Semarang.

During the brief talk, Young asked the Indonesian port authority if it had improved port facilities, including dredging the access channel and the turning basin. Improvements would ensure that every ship could enter and anchor in the port safely.

Responding to the inquiries, Ali said the port authority — with the help of the Transportation Ministry — had dredged the access channel and the turning basin in Semarang Port to accommodate larger ships.

The port operator, Ali said, was also in the midst of improving Benoa and Celukan Bawang (Bali), Tanjung Perak (Surabaya), Tanjung Tembaga (Probolinggo) and Kumai in Central Kalimantan.

Young was not the only global ship operator representative who wanted an update on port conditions in Indonesia. Representatives from Holland America Line, Salen Ship Management AB, Carnival Australia and Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, to name a few, also met with Indonesian delegates to get updates on infrastructure development as well new tourist destinations in the archipelago.

Data and media reports have shown the potential of the cruise shipping industry in Indonesia and, generally, in the Asia-Pacific region. During the Cruise Shipping Miami conference, Adam Goldstein, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, also highlighted the potential too.

“Virtually anything is possible,” Goldstein said about the potential for Asia and the Australasia region.

He said Indonesia was home to potential tourist destinations but unfortunately did not provide enough facilities. “The industry is still struggling and infrastructure development is very slow,” Goldstein added.

Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry director for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibition (MICE) and special interests promotion, Rizki Handayani, who also attended Cruise Shipping Miami, said the government needed to develop ports to achieve its target of welcoming 500,000 cruise ship passengers by 2016.

“The number of cruise ship passengers visiting Indonesia is on the rise. The issue here is the fact that our ports cannot accommodate large ships,” she said, adding that the number of cruise passengers had reached 200,000 in 2013.

Rizki emphasized that the target of seeing 500,000 cruise passengers by 2016 could be achieved if the government improved some of its ports, particularly Benoa Port in Bali, and also developed new tourist destinations to support the domestic cruise shipping industry.

Hong Kong, which claims to be Asia’s cruise hub, currently operates two terminals: Ocean Terminal and Kai Tak Cruise Terminal. Both can accommodate large ships measuring up to 300 meters in length. They are also equipped with ship repair and engineering maintenance facilities.

Benoa, in the meantime, has been seeing improvements, albeit slowly.

With one of the world’s longest coastlines, Indonesia has plenty of tourist destinations. Unfortunately, many points of interests, such as in Semarang and Bali, are not accessible to large ships. Meanwhile, Sabang Port, in Aceh, which is ready to accommodate large ships, has no tourist destinations to offer.

Cruise ship passengers who stop at Sabang Port, for example, have to take smaller boats and then buses, before reaching points of interest in the province. This situation has deterred tourists from visiting the area.

“Indonesia has opportunity,” Rizki added.

Indonesia has at least 100 destinations to offer, including those in remote areas accessible to mid-sized ships. If the government develops Benoa Port to accommodate larger ships, more passengers would visit Indonesia.

“The government needs to seriously work on this issue. The entry of large ships will bring more tourists who will spend more money and eventually drive the economy in tourist areas,” she said.

Indonesia is the fourth-largest nation in the world with more than 267 million people. The country is comprised of more than 17,500 islands, including Bali, Borneo, Java, Lombok, Sumatra and Sulawesi. Learn more about Indonesia.

Get the most from your trip with the Language and Travel Guide to Indonesia. Learn where to go and what to say. Thousands of islands. Hundreds of cultures. One book. Watch our Indonesian tutorial.

The post Cruise Indonesia’s Islands appeared first on Language and Travel Guide To Indonesia.