Wildlife
Komodo Dragons
Trek through dragon territory on Rinca and explore Nusa Kode by RIB. Komodos in their natural habitat, unchanged for approximately 1.4 million years.
Private Charter Itinerary
Landmark Expedition
A 7-night voyage from Bali to Nihi Sumba.
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Bali to Sumba
Route
7 Nights
Duration
359 NM
Distance
Apr to Sep
Season
The Journey
Bali to Sumba via the Komodo Arc
Starting in Bali, this 7 night voyage heads east and captures the highlights of Lombok, Sumbawa, Komodo National Park and Sumba, showcasing the distinct beauty and landscapes of each island. This sea safari covers a wide range of wildlife and pace, with land excursions and light treks balancing the time afloat.
Each day offers the chance to explore all the region has to offer, supported by the comfort of the yacht for total relaxation at day's end. Activity highlights include trekking dragon territory on Rinca, snorkeling manta cleaning stations off Gili Lawa, visiting waterfalls in Sumbawa's interior, and beach days in Komodo's bays.
— Nikko Karki, Indo YachtsSeven nights from Bali to Sumba is a route most operators do not run. The Wera shipwrights, the Sumbawa ikat weavers, dragons at Rinca, then Nihi for the finish. The transitions are the point.
Satonda's saltwater crater lake, formed by Mount Tambora's 1815 eruption.
Experiences
Journey Highlights
Four islands, 7 nights, a volcanic crater lake, Komodo dragon treks, manta rays and a wild Sumbanese coastline.
Marine Life
Manta Rays
Snorkel the manta cleaning stations off Gili Lawa where reef mantas come in to be cleaned. Oceanic mantas with wingspans up to five meters pass through during current changes.
Landscapes
Padar Island Vista
Hike Padar for the panorama over three bays, where white, pink, and black sand meet on three coasts of one island.
The Route
Bali to Nihi Sumba
- Day 1
Bali / Gili Trawangan
- Day 2
Satonda Island
- Day 3
Wera, Sumbawa
- Day 4
Gili Lawa
- Days 5 to 6
Rinca / Nusa Kode / Padar
- Day 7
Nihi Sumba
Click to enlarge
Day by Day
The Expedition
01
Day
Serangan Harbor, Bali, Gili Trawangan
Your Expedition Begins
Board the yacht in Bali and cross the Lombok Strait. Arrive at Gili Trawangan for snorkeling, beachcombing, or water sports, then lift anchor for Satonda on an overnight crossing.
Cruising
53 NM
Embark
Serangan, Bali
Highlight
Gili Trawangan
02
Day
Gili Trawangan, Satonda, Moyo
The Volcanic Crater Lake
Explore the dormant volcanic island of Satonda, kayaking its saltwater crater lake, formed by Mount Tambora's 1815 eruption. Cruise overnight to Gili Lawa.
Cruising
103 NM
Activity
Crater Lake Kayak
Highlight
Satonda Island
03
Day
Satonda, Wera
Boat-Builders and Ikat Weavers
Venture ashore at Wera, a traditional boat-building village where ikat cloth is also woven. See how locals keep these time-honored crafts alive, and take in their deft artistry.
Cruising
76 NM
Activity
Village Visit
Highlight
Ikat Weaving
04
Day
Wera, Gili Lawa, Komodo National Park
Sunrise Hike and Manta Snorkel
Hike Gili Lawa at sunrise for a view across the neighboring islands. Swim among gentle giants at nearby snorkeling sites where manta rays gather.
Cruising
35 NM
Activity
Sunrise Hike
Highlight
Manta Snorkel
05
Day
Gili Lawa, Rinca Island
Dragon Territory
Get an early start at Rinca Island's ranger station for a guided trek through dragon territory with an experienced park ranger, walking among the Komodos in their natural habitat.
Cruising
14 NM
Activity
Ranger-led Dragon Trek
Highlight
Rinca Dragons
06
Day
Rinca, Padar Island
Padar's Three-Bay View
Hike Padar Island, home to one of Komodo's most striking vistas, with its view over three bays.
Cruising
20 NM
Activity
Summit Hike
Highlight
Three-Bay Vista
07
Day
Padar, Nusa Kode
Dragons by the Shore
Explore the shores of Nusa Kode, where more Komodo dragons roam. Take a RIB for a closer view of the wild dragons on the beach.
Cruising
14 NM
Activity
RIB Ride
Highlight
Dragons on the Beach
08
Day
Nusa Kode, Waikelo, Nihi Sumba
Arrival at Nihi
Disembark at Waikelo on Sumba island, then transfer by car to Nihi Sumba, where the adventure continues. The sea leg is 44 NM; the onward road transfer to Nihi Sumba is roughly 41 miles.
Cruising
44 NM
Activity
Car Transfer to Nihi Sumba
Disembark
Waikelo, Sumba
Your Charter Team
Guided by Those Who Know These Waters
This route holds a lot: diving, climbing, the water sports, the long unscheduled afternoons. The art of it is the balance, and that balance is different for every group. Tell us whether your people recharge by doing more or by doing less, and we will weight the days accordingly.
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Recommended Yachts
Recommended for This Voyage
Yachts equipped for the four-island Lesser Sundas circuit: the range for the southern crossings and the operations for both wildlife and surf interests.
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View ItineraryFurther Reading
From the Journal
Dispatches from Indonesia's most extraordinary waters. Yacht features, expedition reports, and the stories behind our most memorable charters.
Practical Reading
Charter Guides
Everything you need to know before chartering in Indonesia. From costs and logistics to destination comparisons and packing lists.
BeginnersFirst-Time Charter Guide
What to expect on your first charter in Indonesia.
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TimingBest Time to Charter
There is no single best season, only the right region for your dates.
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InclusionsWhat's Included in a Charter
Crew, meals, equipment, and activities, all explained.
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Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time for this expedition?
April through October offers the calmest conditions for this route. The dry season runs June through August, giving the best visibility for snorkeling and the most reliable weather for the Padar and Gili Lawa hikes.
Can the route be customized?
Absolutely. Your cruise director will adapt every day to your interests, weather conditions, and discoveries. Want more time in Komodo? An extended visit to Satonda? It's your expedition.
What diving experience do I need?
Certified divers can explore Komodo park sites around Gili Lawa Darat. Snorkelers have equally extraordinary encounters, and manta rays often feed at the surface. Most yachts carry PADI-certified instructors for try-dives.
Is this suitable for families with children?
The dragon trek, crater lake kayak, and Padar hike are memorable for adults and children alike. Most yachts welcome families with children aged 6 and above. The daily rhythm of activity followed by relaxation at anchor suits all ages.
Interested in This Itinerary?
Please get in touch to discuss planning your private charter.