The fast-growing phinisi build and charter company offers a stunning two-week excursion from Komodo to Sumbawa.

Words: Olivia Michel; Photos: Pacific High & As Credited

Padar Island in Komodo National Park; Photo: Oliver Astrologo

Actively wanting to take guests off the beaten track, Pacific High highly recommends its Komodo to Sumbawa programme, with the following itinerary specifically designed to be enjoyed over two weeks. Such a trip, in such a style, is not meant to be fast-paced and chock full of activities. It is to be enjoyed at length, with leisurely cruises that relish in the art of slow, traditional modes of travel.

Johanna Mérer, Pacific High’s COO and Partner, explains: “These extended itineraries allow our guests to experience Indonesia in all its richness, a journey through culture, nature and marine life, all at the heart of the Coral Triangle.

“With the Komodo to Sumbawa itinerary, we can go beyond the well-known part of Komodo National Park to explore its more remote areas where other boats usually don’t go. Then we venture on to Sumbawa, where encounters with whale sharks are possible year-round, and where guests can discover untouched waterfalls and visit small coastal villages.”

Pacific High’s charter fleet includes the 33m Dewata (pictured in Komodo), 32m Nataraja, 31m Senja and new 36m Sanya; Photo: Oliver Astrologo

DAY 1: LABUAN BAJO
Guests are picked up from their hotel or Komodo Airport and transferred to the yacht. Once comfortably settled, the yacht will leave Labuan Bajo, cruising towards the outskirts of Komodo National Park as guests savour lunch on deck. If time permits, guests can snorkel or dive before sunset cocktails and dinner under the stars.

DAY 2: SEBAYUR

Sebayur Kecil offers an ideal setting for a tranquil castaway day. Snorkel alongside black-tip reef sharks, schools of tuna and green turtles. Spend the afternoon partaking in watersports in serene bays or relaxing on an uninhabited sandy beach framed by the Komodo hills. As the day winds down, relish cocktails and dinner with a panoramic view of a spectacular sunset.

DAY 3: RINCA ISLAND

Not as renowned as neighbouring Komodo, Rinca offers an exceptional opportunity to witness Komodo dragons, along with a diverse monkey population and various bird species. Begin your day by taking a guided stroll through the park with a ranger. In the afternoon, explore underwater sites in the channel between Komodo and Flores, including Tatawa Besar and Kecil. Unwind on a sandy beach or venture into nearby coves for watersports and exploration.

The famous pink sand in Komodo National Park; Photo: Oliver Astrologo

DAY 4: PADAR ISLAND

Nestled between Rinca and Komodo in the central part of the park is the charming island of Padar. On the southeast side lies a serene bay boasting three stunning beaches: black sand, white sand and pink sand. The nutrient-rich waters of Central Komodo attract vibrant schools of fish, creating reefs celebrated as among the best in Indonesia. This bay is an idyllic spot for watersports, leisurely moments on the beach, or a tender cruise into the mangroves to observe the diverse birdlife.

DAY 5: SOUTH RINCA

In South Rinca lies Nusa Kode, where sheer peaks set this landscape aside from central Komodo. This area is thrilling for taking the tender out on a cruise along the dramatic rock formations. There are formidable Komodo dragons that patrol a beach surrounded by dense forest, home to monkeys, deer, wild boar and fish eagles. Underwater attractions include the macro-heaven Cannibal Rock.

DAY 6-7: GILI LAWA LAUT

The islands of Gili Lawa host some of Komodo’s most renowned underwater sites including Castle Rock, Shotgun, Golden Passage and Lighthouse. If you’re seeking adventure on land, a steep trek will reward you with panoramic views.

DAY 8: SATONDA

Formed by the immense eruption of Mount Tambora volcano in 1815, one of the most significant eruptions in history, Satonda boasts a breathtaking saltwater crater lake. It offers an idyllic setting for swimming or water sports on the calm lake. As the sun sets, observe a captivating display as bats flock into the sky during their nightly hunting jaunt.

Charter guests can dive with whale sharks in Sumbawa; Photo: Oceanspirit Photography

DAY 9: SALEH BAY

Our primary objective is to seek out whale sharks. The local squid fishermen have observed a rise in these gentle giants frequenting their grounds to feed on the small fry escaping the squid nets. To maximise chances of encounters, crew take guests on the tender before dawn.

DAY 10: MOYO ISLAND

Located just off the coast of Sumbawa in the Lesser Sunda chain, Moyo stands as a pristine nature reserve celebrated for its stunning reefs, waterfalls, and lush green forests inhabited by deer, wild ox,

boar, and macaque monkeys. Explore the island’s diverse terrain or explore the numerous dive and snorkel sites in the vicinity.

DAYS 11-12: MANTA POINT
Experience a visit to a Manta cleaning station, where you can swim among the graceful ballet of Manta rays circling around. This region showcases one of Komodo’s most dynamic underwater landscapes, featuring vibrant soft and hard coral gardens that host a plethora of fish. Following lunch on board, options include spending the afternoon beachcombing, exploring mangroves and hidden coves on the tender, or simply relaxing onboard.

The 32m Nataraja pictured in Komodo National Park

DAY 13: GILI BANTA

Renowned for its beautiful beaches and stunning marine life, this paradisiacal island invites you to play castaway on its uninhabited shores. Spend a leisurely afternoon exploring the island or discovering some of the snorkel and dive sites.

DAY 14: LABUAN BAJO & FAREWELLS

Following your final breakfast, the crew will coordinate guest transfers to the hotel or airport, marking the end of your journey.

“Many of our guests come from far away, so once they’ve made that long journey, it makes sense to explore beyond the typical routes,” Mérer concludes. “The beauty of travelling on a yacht is that your

accommodation moves with you.”

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Note: For a recent profile of Pacific High and its fleet of charter yachts, visit: https://yachtstyle.co/charter-Indonesia-Pacific-High-fleet