SeaTreak Ombak Putih: Under blue sails into coral color

Of monitor lizards, whale sharks and other fascinating encounters above and below the water

Our cruise expert Jörg Bertram has explored Indonesia's island world on board a traditional
two-master.

Always keep a distance of three to four meters. Avoid noise and hectic movements. Avoid approaching animals and don't touch them: while the obligatory safety drill at the beginning of a cruise normally only teaches you how to use life jackets and the position of the lifeboats, on the StarTrek Ombak Putih we also learn the most important rules of conduct when dealing with whale sharks and other sea creatures. Will we actually need them one day?

It is the first day of our sailing trip through the "volcanic epicenter of the Indonesian ring of fire", and none of the 16 passengers are thinking about upcoming snorkelling adventures today. Instead, as we leave the bay of Labuan Bajo, we enjoy the view of the setting sun and the many anchored hotel boats and charter yachts. Over the last few years, they have become an important source of income for Flores, as more and more travelers are combining their stay in Bali with a cruise, which usually starts on the small island just an hour's flight from Denpasar.

The next morning: At around six o'clock we reach Rinca, home to 1,000 inhabitants and just as many Komodo dragons. Before breakfast, on a two-hour hike, we encounter several of the seemingly primeval giant lizards that have found a protected retreat on the mini-island belonging to the Komodo National Park. These lightning-fast predators can grow up to 3 m long and weigh 70 kg - and can easily take on a fleeing deer. So keep your distance on land too. Whether human or animal: if you don't believe it, the guides armed with long poles will put you in your place.

Back on board, a brilliant brunch buffet awaits the hungry explorers in the saloon: whether egg dishes, yoghurts, homemade granola and jams, freshly caught tuna, steamed vegetables, fried bacon, spicy bami goreng or a delicious rice dish: the quality and selection of the food prepared in the few square meters of galley is first-class - and this applies to all meals served over the nine days without exception. "Always the same" only applies to the crispy krupuk, which does not come out of the chip bag on the Ombak Putih, but hot and oily from the deep fryer.

Go with the flow

"Go with the flow" is the motto of the snorkeling excursions, which are offered two to three times a day. And that means: into the water, up with the diving goggles and then let yourself drift with the current over fascinating coral gardens, reef edges and seagrass forests. Tinae and Dion - our good-humored hosts, snorkel guides, lecturers and guitar-playing entertainers in one - make sure that nothing happens and that all guests see manta rays, moray eels, sea turtles, butterfly fish, spaghetti worms and many other strange sea creatures. They are supported by a friendly service crew who greet us at the railing with cool towels and delicious cocktails after every Zodiac excursion.



Jungle hikes to waterfall-fed natural pools on Moyo Island, a dip in the warm waters of the Satonda volcanic crater or simply a "day at the beach" with kayak excursions, wakeboard laps and lunch on the snow-white sands of an uninhabited paradise island - variety and unforgettable nature experiences are guaranteed, even on snorkel-free mornings or afternoons. In Wera Village, a village on the island of Sumbawa, part of the Sunda archipelago, we learn that it's not just about fun, but also about responsibility. After a tour of the shipyard, where the traditional Phinisi boats are still built today, we visit the local elementary school, which SeaTrek supports both materially and financially.

Among the many other social and nature projects that the Bali-based company sponsors are initiatives that campaign against the still widespread dynamite fishing or enable the reintroduction of corals. In the medium term, we want to turn SeaTrek into a non-profit organization that is financed by the income from the two sailing ships," explains Jeni Kardinal, one of the SeaTrek co-owners who is accompanying our trip. Sustainable luxury tourism is therefore possible - although luxury on this trip is defined neither by glamor nor comfort: The twelve guest cabins, equipped with portholes and simple bathrooms, are tiny (tip: for two, be sure to book a triple cabin with a double bed below and bunk beds as additional storage space above!), and there is also no captain's dinner or champagne reception.





Instead, however, there are priceless encounters with people and sea creatures. Such as with the aforementioned whale sharks, which only emerge from the depths of the Pacific towards the end of our trip. The fact that they are comparatively small at 6 m in length does not dampen our enthusiasm. And the grilled lobster and the sparkling firmament at the beach party on the last evening make up for the missing 5 stars.

Seatrek Ombak Putih

Cabins & suites
12 in total, all with porthole and private bathroom on the lower deck

CCircle tip
Cabins 7 to 10 are the furthest away from the engine room and anchor chain.

Style & ambience
Very relaxed and casual - Barefoot style at its best!

Facilities
Salon, bar, outdoor dining area, rooftop lounge with sun loungers

On-board entertainment
Lectures, beach BBQ, crew show

Sports
Kayaks, SUPs, guided snorkeling trips and hikes

Service
Always present and very friendly

Contact
www.seatrekbali.com

Technical data

Put into service : 1997
Length : 42 meters
Speed : max. 10 knots
Passenger decks : 3
Passengers : max. 24
Crew : 14
On-board language : English

Set sail with tourasia

Trips with the SeaTrek Ombak Putih and the SeaTrek Katharina can be booked through the Swiss tour operator tourasia. The company, based in Wallisellen near Zurich, has been one of the leading Asia specialists for over 28 years and is known for its tailor-made dream trips to a total of 21 countries - from Bhutan to Vietnam.

The portfolio includes the booking of flights, transfers (also by luxury limousine or helicopter on request) and hotels as well as the organization and implementation of exclusive individual trips with your own chauffeur and tour guide. Also on offer: mini group tours for a maximum of 14 participants.

Unique: The tourasia Concierge Service takes care of ticket bookings, table reservations in local restaurants, childcare, personal shopping guides and much more - not only around the clock, but also 365 days a year. In addition to personal advice in the tourasia office, telephone advice is also available.

More info: T. +41 43 233 30 90 or privatkunden@tourasia.ch, www.tourasia.ch