6 Great Reasons to Cruise in Indonesia with Star Clippers
Star Clipper carries up to 170 passengers and visits multiple islands during its cruises in Indonesia.
Did you know that Indonesia is a wonderland for nature lovers and water sports thrill-seekers? I have always wanted to get to this country to try diving, snorkeling and to bask on the beaches and immerse myself in the culture, foods and history.
Star Clippers just might offer the most-intriguing cruise voyages to Indonesia.
With about 17,000 islands, Indonesia is by far the largest and most diverse archipelago on earth. It also spans two continents, covering almost 773,000 square miles between Asia and Australia. From the bustling capital city of Jakarta to the exotic Komodo Island and its famed dragons to the dramatic beaches of Bali, this nation offers cool experiences for almost everyone, especially adventurous travelers.
And Star Clippers starts and ends its Indonesia sailing season with 14-night sailings in a majestic tall ship between Singapore and Bali, and in the months of May through October they have 7-, 10- and 11-night roundtrip cruises from Bali that hit Indonesia's west and east coasts.
Check out six reasons a Star Clippers cruise around Indonesia is the ideal way to discover the color, culture and diversity of this beautiful country.
1. It’s Designed Around Island Hopping
On all of its Indonesian sailings, the ship Star Clipper (pictured at top) visits multiple islands, giving you a well-rounded view of this unique country. You'll explore Java, the world's most populous island and home to the capital city of Jakarta, as well as the sacred and uninhabited Satonda, an island surrounded by coral reefs that is ideal for snorkeling and diving. Star Clippers Indonesian sailings also visit Bali, Lombok, Komodo, Bangka, Giligenteng, Sumba, Sumbawa and Thousand Islands.
2. You Can Walk Among Dragons
Star Clippers' seven-night Eastbound Bali itinerary and 10- and 11-night sailings visit Komodo Island, home to the fierce Komodo dragons, the world's largest lizard, which can grow up to 10 feet long. The national park here, which was founded in 1980, aims to preserve this one-of-a-kind creature and its habitat. You'll be pumped to spot one of these fearsome creatures in its natural environment.
3. You Have the Chance to Beach It
The beaches of Indonesia are as varied as the cultures. On Bali's north shore, Lovina Beach is known for dramatic black sands and calm seas. On Komodo Island, Pink Beach (also known as Pantai Merah) is one of only seven pink-sand beaches on the planet. The amazing color comes from microscopic animals called foraminifera, which leave a red pigment on the coral reefs. Pink Beach is bounded by turquoise blue seas and is known to be one of the best spots for snorkeling on the island.
4. You Will Get a Fresh Perspective
Indonesia's topography, which ranges from densely forested volcanic mountains to shallow seas covering brightly colored coral reefs, is one of the many natural assets that draw visitors to its shores. Some of the best views can be had from the deck of a tall ship as it sails through the island chains. For the ultimate view, you can climb the ship's rigging to the crow's nest -- located almost 100 feet in the air. This sounds amazing! Would you give it a try?
5. You Can Explore More
Star Clippers has designed land packages that allow you to extend your stay to further explore Bali. If you travel halfway across the world, you might as well see as much as possible. You can add a pre- or post-cruise land tour package with Star Clippers. A four-day, three-night package at the Nusa Dua Beach Resort includes hotel, breakfast and lunches, a full day Spirit of Belimbing Tour and a full day "Balinese Culinary Experience." A similar but shorter, three-day, two-night package is also available. Both are available pre- or post-sailing.
6. Tall Ships Are Awesome Ships
For more than 25 years, Star Clippers has been sending its modern tall ships on voyages to remote ports in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Indonesia and Far East. The company operates three of the world's largest and tallest sailing vessels: Star Clipper and Star Flyer are traditional clipper ships with modern amenities carrying 170 passengers, and the 227-passenger Royal Clipper holds the record for being the largest and only five-masted, full-rigged sailing ship in service today. All three ships have expansive teak decks, swimming pools, gourmet casual dining, lively tropical bars on deck and piano lounges. The line's new ship, Flying Clipper, debuts in late 2018.
Thanks for reading, and always travel happy!
Cheers!
JR