Journal
Straight answers to the questions guests ask us before they book.
Komodo or Raja Ampat: which one, and when
Two very different trips. How the seasons, flights, trip length and scenery compare.
4 min read
What a private yacht charter includes
Crew, meals, fuel and toys are usually in. Park fees, alcohol and flights usually are not. The details.
3 min read
Phinisi, motor yacht or expedition vessel?
The three kinds of boat you will see on the board, and who each one suits.
3 min read
Komodo
- A Komodo honeymoon on a private yachtPlanning a Komodo honeymoon on a private yacht, choosing an intimate boat, a romantic route through the park, and the best time of year to go.
- Bali to Komodo: fly, ferry or sail?Comparing the three ways to get from Bali to Komodo island: flying to Labuan Bajo, the public ferry, and sailing there on a private yacht charter.
- Best time to visit Komodo National ParkThe best time to visit Komodo National Park, month by month, covering seasons, weather, crowds and how it affects your private yacht charter.
- Diving Komodo: sites, currents and seasonsA guide to diving Komodo National Park, covering the main sites, current strength, water temperature, and how to dive from a private yacht charter.
- How to get from Bali to KomodoHow to get from Bali to Komodo, comparing the direct flight to Labuan Bajo against sailing from Lombok, plus tips for timing your charter arrival.
- Is Komodo worth visiting? An honest answerAn honest look at whether Komodo island is worth visiting, covering the dragons, diving, crowds and cost, and who a private yacht suits best.
- Kalong Island: the flying fox sunset in KomodoKalong Island in Komodo National Park, when to watch the flying fox sunset, the best spot to anchor, and how to fit it into your own itinerary.
- Komodo boat trip: a 4-day, 3-night private itineraryA day-by-day plan for a 4-day Komodo boat trip on a private yacht, covering the dragons, Padar, Pink Beach and the mantas with room to spare each day.
- Komodo cruise cost: what a private yacht charter costsWhat a private Komodo cruise costs per night on your own yacht, what the rate includes, what is extra, and how boat size changes the final price.
- Komodo day trip, shared boat or private charter?A Komodo day trip on a shared boat compared with a private charter, covering cost, schedule and crowds, to help you pick the right way to go.
- Komodo dragons: how to see them safelyKomodo dragon safety tips for a ranger guided walk on Komodo or Rinca, covering distance rules, what to wear and how a private charter helps.
- Komodo island tour by private boat: the ideal 3-day routeA 3-day Komodo island tour by private boat covering the dragons, Padar, Pink Beach and Manta Point, plus which yachts suit a short charter best.
- Komodo liveaboard or private yacht: which is right for youKomodo liveaboard or private yacht charter, comparing cabins, cost and diving pace, and which one actually suits your group's trip the best.
- Komodo National Park entrance fee: what you pay and howWhat the Komodo National Park entrance fee covers, who pays it and when, and why your charter quote lists the current amount rather than a fixed price.
- Komodo National Park: 12 things to see from the waterKomodo National Park, 12 things to see from the water, from dragons and Padar to Taka Makassar and Kalong Island, grouped by the kind of stop.
- Komodo weather by month: sea, wind and rainHow Komodo's weather changes month by month, from wind and sea state to rainfall and humidity, so you can pick the right window for your charter.
- Komodo with kids: a family yacht charter guideA guide to Komodo with kids on a private yacht charter, covering cabin layout, safety on dragon walks, and a sample day that suits a family.
- Komodo yacht charter: the complete guideA practical guide to a Komodo yacht charter, covering costs, seasons, boat types and itineraries, so you can plan your private trip with confidence.
- Labuan Bajo tour to Komodo National Park by boatHow a Labuan Bajo tour into Komodo National Park works, boat times to the main sites, and why a private charter changes the answer for your group.
- Labuan Bajo: the gateway to Komodo, explainedWhat Labuan Bajo is, how to get there, where charters begin, and how much time to spend in the town before or after a private Komodo yacht charter.
- Lombok to Komodo by boat: what the crossing is likeWhat the Lombok to Komodo boat trip involves, from the multi day crossing to why most private yacht charters start in Labuan Bajo instead now.
- Luxury yacht charters in Komodo: what sets the best boats apartWhat makes a luxury yacht charter in Komodo different, from crew ratio and cabin space to dive programmes, plus the boats that define the top tier.
- Manta Point Komodo: swimming with manta raysWhat to expect swimming with manta rays at Manta Point in Komodo National Park, the best conditions, and how a private charter times the visit well.
- Padar Island at sunrise: how to plan itHow to time a Padar Island sunrise hike from a private yacht charter, including wake up times, what to expect on the climb and how to beat the crowds.
- Padar Island: the hike, the view and the best time to goA practical guide to Padar Island in Komodo National Park, covering the hike to the viewpoint, what you actually see, and when to go to avoid the crowds.
- Pink Beach Komodo: why the sand is pink and how to visitWhat causes Pink Beach's colour in Komodo National Park, what the snorkelling is like, and the best way to visit from a private yacht charter.
- Sailing Komodo for 7 days: a slower itineraryA 7-day plan for sailing Komodo that reaches the quieter southern park, with more diving, rest days and downtime than a shorter charter allows.
- Snorkelling in Komodo: the best spots from a private boatA guide to the best Komodo snorkeling spots, from calm reef at Pink Beach to current swept sites near Manta Point, and how a private yacht reaches them.
- Taka Makassar: Komodo's disappearing sandbarTaka Makassar is Komodo's tidal sandbar, visible only at low tide, with a fringing reef good for snorkelling. When to visit and how to fit it in.
- Where to see Komodo dragons: Komodo or Rinca?Where to see Komodo dragons in the wild, comparing Komodo island and Rinca island for your charter, and what a ranger guided walk actually involves.
Raja Ampat
- A Raja Ampat honeymoon by yachtA guide to planning a Raja Ampat honeymoon by private yacht, covering which boats suit two people best, when to go, and how the days unfold.
- Arborek: the village on stilts in Raja AmpatArborek village in Raja Ampat, what the stilt village is, the diving and snorkelling around it, and how to visit respectfully from your yacht.
- Best time to visit Raja AmpatThe best time to visit Raja Ampat by yacht, how the season splits into core and shoulder months, and how to time a trip around diving or family plans.
- Birds of paradise in Raja Ampat: a dawn walk worth waking forRaja Ampat birds of paradise are seen on an early forest walk arranged with a local guide. What to expect, which species, and how it fits your route.
- Diving Raja Ampat: sites, seasons and what you will seeA practical guide to Raja Ampat diving, covering signature sites, the best season, marine life and how to choose a yacht with the right dive setup.
- How much does a Raja Ampat trip cost?A full breakdown of what a Raja Ampat trip costs, covering yacht charter rates from our board, flights to Sorong, the marine park permit and extras.
- How to get to Raja Ampat from BaliHow to get to Raja Ampat from Bali for a private yacht charter: the flight route through Jakarta or Makassar, timing, and boarding in Sorong.
- Is Raja Ampat safe? Practical answersPractical answers on whether Raja Ampat is safe to visit, covering getting there, health precautions, water safety and what a charter covers.
- Is Raja Ampat worth it?Is Raja Ampat worth it. An honest look at the travel, cost and reef quality, and who should choose Raja Ampat over Komodo for a yacht charter.
- Manta rays in Raja Ampat: where and whenWhere to find Raja Ampat manta rays, the difference between cleaning stations and feeding sites, and the best season for sightings each year.
- Misool: Raja Ampat's wild southMisool is Raja Ampat's remote southern archipelago, known for hidden lagoons, protected reefs and sea caves, reached only by private charter yacht.
- North or south Raja Ampat? Wayag versus MisoolComparing north and south Raja Ampat, Wayag's karst lagoons against Misool's reefs, to help you choose or plan a longer route between the two.
- Piaynemo: Raja Ampat's most famous viewpointPiaynemo is Raja Ampat's best known viewpoint, a boardwalk and stairway over a bay of karst islets. What the climb involves and when to visit.
- Raja Ampat cruise by private yacht: the complete guideA complete guide to a Raja Ampat cruise on a private yacht: when to sail, how to get there, what a boat costs, and how to choose the right itinerary.
- Raja Ampat for non-divers: is it still worth it?Raja Ampat without diving still means snorkelling, karst viewpoints, birds of paradise and village visits. What non-divers actually do on board.
- Raja Ampat in 10 to 14 days: north, south and MisoolHow a 10 to 14 day Raja Ampat itinerary covers the north, Misool and the south on a private yacht charter, and which boats suit the longer voyage.
- Raja Ampat itinerary: 7 days on a private yachtA sample Raja Ampat itinerary for 7 days on a private yacht, covering the Dampier Strait, Arborek, Piaynemo and Wayag, plus boats that suit it.
- Raja Ampat liveaboard or private charter?The difference between a Raja Ampat liveaboard and a private yacht charter: who each suits, what changes on board, and how the costs compare.
- Raja Ampat weather by monthHow Raja Ampat weather changes month by month across the private yacht charter season, and what that means for sea conditions, diving and your itinerary.
- Raja Ampat with family: a private yacht guideA practical guide to a Raja Ampat family trip: which yachts suit children, how to pace the days, and what to pack for a private yacht charter.
- Snorkelling Raja Ampat: the best reefs from the surfaceA guide to Raja Ampat snorkeling, covering the best shallow reefs, manta encounters from the surface, and what gear is provided on board yachts.
- Sorong to Raja Ampat: flights, ferries and boarding your yachtWhat happens between landing in Sorong and boarding your private yacht in Raja Ampat, including timing, the marine park permit and boarding day.
- The Dampier Strait: Raja Ampat's busiest reefsA guide to diving the Dampier Strait in Raja Ampat, covering the main sites, the currents, and when to plan a charter around this reef system.
- The Raja Ampat marine park permit, explainedWhat the Raja Ampat entrance fee actually covers, who needs one, who arranges it, and how it appears on your private yacht charter quote before you sail.
- Wayag, Raja Ampat: the karst lagoons and how to reach themWhat makes Wayag, Raja Ampat worth the distance on a private yacht charter, the climb, the view, and how to fit it into your wider itinerary.
- What a private boat charter in Raja Ampat costsWhat a Raja Ampat private boat charter costs per night, what is included, what is billed separately, and how season and boat size change the price.
Planning and costs
- Bali boat charter and yacht prices explainedBali boat charter and yacht prices by size and type, what the nightly rate includes, and what is billed separately on your final quote total.
- Birthdays, anniversaries and group celebrations on a yachtHow a private yacht charter for groups works for a birthday, anniversary or reunion in Indonesia, from boat size to arranging something special.
- Family holiday in Indonesia on a private yachtHow a family holiday in Indonesia works on a private yacht in Komodo or Raja Ampat, which boats suit children best, and what to plan for with kids.
- Honeymoon yacht charters in IndonesiaWhy a honeymoon yacht charter in Indonesia suits couples who want privacy, which small boats fit two people best, and how to plan the route.
- How far ahead should you book a yacht charter?When to book a yacht charter in Indonesia, how far ahead peak weeks fill, and what still works for last-minute Komodo or Raja Ampat dates.
- Indonesia liveaboards: shared boats versus a private charterIndonesia liveaboard options compared: shared dive liveaboards versus a private yacht charter, on cost, privacy, itinerary and who each suits.
- Indonesia yacht charter FAQ: 25 questions answeredAn Indonesia yacht charter FAQ covering costs, booking, documents, safety and life on board, answered in one place for Komodo and Raja Ampat.
- Island hopping in Indonesia by private yachtIsland hopping in Indonesia by private yacht means one boat, one crew and a route through dozens of islands, without repacking or transfers.
- Komodo vs Raja Ampat for divingKomodo vs Raja Ampat diving compared, currents and big animals in Komodo against Raja Ampat's coral diversity, and how to choose between them.
- Luxury yacht charter in Indonesia: a buyer's guideWhat luxury yacht charter in Indonesia actually means, from cabin standards and crew ratios to rates, so you can judge a boat before you book.
- Private yacht charter in Indonesia: how to choose the right boatHow to choose a private yacht charter in Indonesia by group size, boat type, cabins, season and budget, so you book the right boat the first time.
- Responsible chartering: marine parks, reefs and wildlifeSustainable yacht charter practices in Komodo and Raja Ampat, from marine park fees and reef etiquette to keeping a respectful distance from wildlife.
- Sailing in Indonesia: where, when and howSailing in Indonesia by private yacht: the main regions, when each one is in season, and how a phinisi charter actually works day to day on board.
- Seasickness on a yacht charter: prevention and realityHow likely seasickness is on a yacht charter in Indonesia, which routes and boats move less in the water, and what actually helps if it hits.
- Superyacht charter in Indonesia: the largest boats in the fleetThe largest superyachts available for charter in Indonesia, their length, guest capacity, cabins and nightly rates, and exactly who they suit.
- The best time for a yacht charter in Indonesia, month by monthThe best time for a yacht charter in Indonesia depends on Komodo or Raja Ampat season. A month-by-month guide to weather, crossings and crowds.
- Tipping the crew on an Indonesian yacht charterYacht crew tipping in Indonesia explained: whether gratuities are expected, roughly how much is customary, and the easiest way to handle it.
- What to pack for a yacht charter in IndonesiaWhat to pack for a yacht charter in Indonesia, from soft luggage and reef-safe sunscreen to what the crew already provides for you on board.
- What to wear on a boat trip in the tropicsWhat to wear for a boat trip in Indonesia's heat and sun, from deck clothes and footwear to swimwear, evening layers and what to leave at home.
- Yacht charter cost per day: how the price is builtHow a yacht charter cost per day is built, from boat size and cabin count to crew, season and region, so quotes make more sense before you book.
- Yacht charter extras: the costs outside the nightly rateYacht charter hidden costs to plan for beyond the nightly rate, park fees, alcohol, diving, flights and gratuities, with a real operator example.
- Yacht charter from Bali: day trips versus multi-day voyagesYacht charter from Bali explained: what a day charter covers near Bali, and why the multi-day trips to Komodo depart from Labuan Bajo instead.
- Yacht charter in Indonesia: documents and requirementsThe yacht charter requirements to know before you book in Indonesia, from passports and visas to permits, diving certificates and health checks.
- Yacht charter Indonesia: what it really costsYacht charter in Indonesia explained by cost: typical nightly rates across the fleet, what is included, and what usually sits outside the quoted price.
Yachts and life on board
- 'Food on board: chefs, menus and dietary needs'How a yacht charter chef plans meals, drinks and dietary needs on board, and what is included in the nightly rate on an Indonesian phinisi charter.
- 'How phinisi boats are built: the shipwrights of South Sulawesi'How a phinisi boat is built near Makassar by hand, using the traditional methods of the Tana Beru and Bira shipwrights of South Sulawesi today.
- 'Kayaks, paddleboards and tenders: the toys on board'The yacht water toys included on an Indonesian phinisi charter: tenders, kayaks, paddleboards, snorkelling gear and when jet skis are on board too.
- 'Safety on an Indonesian yacht charter: what to check'Yacht charter safety in Indonesia: crew qualifications, safety equipment, briefings and the questions worth asking before you book your next trip.
- 'Staying connected: WiFi and Starlink on Indonesian yachts'Yacht wifi and Starlink on Indonesian charters: which boats have it, what it costs and how to stay connected while cruising Komodo and Raja Ampat.
- 'Yacht cabins explained: master, doubles, twins and bunks'Yacht cabin types explained: master, double, twin and bunk cabins, and how to match them to your group size on an Indonesian phinisi charter.
- A day on board a private yacht in IndonesiaWhat a typical day looks like during a yacht charter experience in Indonesia, from sunrise swims to quiet sundowners on deck with your own crew.
- Learning to dive on a yacht charterCan you take a PADI diving course on a liveaboard charter in Indonesia. What it includes, which yachts offer instruction and who it suits best.
- Phinisi cruise: how to book a traditional yachtA phinisi cruise guide covering seasons, cabin counts, inclusions and how to book a traditional Indonesian sailing yacht in Komodo or Raja Ampat.
- What is a phinisi? Indonesia's traditional sailing shipA phinisi boat is Indonesia's traditional wooden sailing ship, hand built in South Sulawesi and now the classic yacht for a private charter.
Beyond Komodo
- Diving Alor: cold, clear water east of FloresWhat Alor diving is really like, from cold currents and reef walls to muck diving in Kalabahi Bay, and how to add it onto a Komodo yacht charter.
- Diving the Banda IslandsWhat diving in the Banda Islands is like, from reef walls and visibility to how it compares with Komodo and Raja Ampat, and how to plan a trip.
- Flores island itinerary that ends on a yachtA Flores island itinerary combining Kelimutu and Bajawa overland with a private yacht charter through Komodo National Park at the very end.
- Moyo Island: waterfalls and jungle off SumbawaA guide to Moyo Island off Sumbawa, covering the walk to Mata Jitu waterfall, the jungle reserve, snorkelling, and how to fit it into a route.
- Satonda: the salt lake inside a volcanoA guide to Satonda island off Sumbawa, its saltwater crater lake, the short walk from the beach, and how it fits a Bali to Komodo yacht route.
- Sumbawa by yacht: Moyo, Satonda and Saleh BayA guide to visiting Sumbawa by private yacht charter, covering Moyo island's waterfalls, Satonda's crater lake and the whale sharks of Saleh Bay.
- The Banda Islands: a guide for yacht travellersA guide to the Banda Islands for yacht travellers, covering what to see, when boats can reach them, and how a visit fits into a longer charter.
- The long voyage: sailing between Komodo and Raja AmpatWhat the Komodo to Raja Ampat liveaboard repositioning voyage involves, including timing, stops in Banda, and which yachts run it each year.
- The Spice Islands: nutmeg, empires and the island traded for ManhattanThe history of Indonesia's Spice Islands, the nutmeg trade that made them famous, and the 1667 treaty that swapped Run island for Manhattan.
- Whale sharks in Saleh Bay, SumbawaHow the Saleh Bay whale shark encounter in Sumbawa works, why the sharks gather there, and how to view them safely on a private yacht charter.