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THE WONDERS OF KOMODO & BEYOND
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13 – 20 SEPTEMBER 2024
An expedition to Komodo National Park and Moyo Island –
Hosted by Dr. Lawrence Blair
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LBJ – MOYO – KOMODO – LBJ 7N
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Labuan Bajo in West Flores is the starting point of this journey. We travel West along the north of Sumbawa, often overlooked despite its significant influence on the world’s climate in 1815/1816: Volcano Tambora erupted and its ashes dispersed around the whole world lowering global temperatures in an event sometimes known as the “Year Without Summer”. In the volcano‘s shadow, nearby Saleh Bay is home to a whale shark population offering spectacular nature around Moyo & Satonda Island.
We continue East on to the region Nusa Tenggara Timur (East Nusa Tenggara), a province of more than 500 islands and an ecoregion with rich marine fauna and smoking volcanoes, mainly known for the Komodo National Park. A UNESCO world heritage site, the waters surrounding the islands contain some of the richest biodiversity on Earth allowing for spectacular diving. The rugged hillsides of dry savannah and pockets of thorny green vegetation contrast starkly with the brilliant white sandy (as well as pink) beaches and the blue waters surging over coral.
We relax on deserted beaches, witness picture-perfect volcanoes, encounter gushing waterfalls, superb marine life including majestic manta rays as well as the endemic Komodo dragon. We experience local cultural practices and enjoy warm welcomes in rarely-visited places.
Welcome to one of Indonesia’s most spectacular regions.
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The Yacht & Founder
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Despite being born and raised in the landlocked city of Paris, Thibaud Epstein has been at sea for a good part of his life. Hailing from a family of passionate sailors, he spent as much time as he could on his parents’ boat in the seafarers’ hotspot Brittany, sailing the coasts from Ireland to Portugal.
After studies took him to Australia where he completed an MBA in Finance, he eventually settled in Singapore and Jakarta to join his uncle Remi Epstein, majority owner of the Kudanil Explorer, when the ship was still operating in the oil industry as a safety-standby vessel.
In 2016, Remi and Thibaud decided to convert the ship into a luxury expedition yacht, providing the perfect platform to explore the Indonesian archipelago. A 5* boutique hotel inside the robust shell of an ocean-going vessel, it is this unique mix of safety, space, and comfort that makes the journeys aboard the Kudanil Explorer so exciting; a fine combination of indulgence and expedition alike, paired with Thibaud’s sense for adventure and discovering new treasures amongst the 17,000+ islands Indonesia has to offer.
Thibaud leads every cruise and, together with his crew of 21, he can’t wait to show you the true beauty of Eastern Indonesia.
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Your Co-Host: Dr. Lawrence Blair
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Dr. Lawrence Blair is an explorer, film maker, author and public speaker on the peoples and creatures of Indonesia. A resident of Bali, he has assisted and led marine expeditions throughout the archipelago since the Lindblad Explorer – the first genuinely exploratory tourist ship – broached the Spice Islands in l978. His onboard companions have included Mick Jagger, Jerry Hall, Sir Peter Scott, Ron and Valerie Taylor, Sir Michael Cowdray, Baron Von Schenk, Larry Summers, Richard Dawkins and numerous luminaries, less publicly known, in the fields of science. Amongst other works, he is also the writer, presenter, and co-producer (with his late brother Lorne) of the BBC TV adventure series “Ring of Fire”, winner of two EMMY awards, aired in over sixty nations and introduced by Richard Gere.
DAY 1 | WELCOME ABOARD
Fly to Labuan Bajo in the morning and spend the day in Komodo National Park. After an hour of sailing, immerse yourself in the landscape of Komodo National Park, soak in the scenery and stroll along the beach of Sebayor, go for a check dive or enjoy a snorkel to get acquainted with marine life in this part of the world before we enjoy drinks for sunset.
DAY 2 | KOMODO DRAGONS, TURTLES & PADAR
We wake up in Rinca Island and visit the local ranger station for a hike to look for the endemic, infamous Komodo dragons. Afterwards, we will stop for a snorkel and dive at Pulau Siaba, home to a beautiful reef with plenty of turtles. We will then cruise towards Padar Island where we will spend the afternoon before ascending Pulau Padar for its magnificent sunset view point, a highlight of the National Park!
DAY 3 | MANTAS & PINK BEACHES
In the early morning, we arrive at Manta Alley, in the deep South of the National Park. Many guests describe this area with its steep cliffs as one of the most spectacular landscapes they have ever seen. Snorkel or dive the site which, as the name suggests, is a perfect place to see these peaceful rays with their enormous wingspans.
During lunch time, we circumnavigate the Southern tip of Komodo Island and cruise to East Sumbawa where we spend the afternoon exploring uncrowded pink beaches as well as snorkeling the untouched underwater world. At sunset, we depart for our crossing to Moyo Island where new adventures await.
DAY 4 | MOYO
We spend a full day at Moyo island with its flourishing tropical reefs, a lush jungle interior home to macaques, wild cattle, wild pigs, barking deer and all manner of bird species.
Here, we will go ashore and visit a beautiful village that is home to a Bajo tribe (known as sea gypsies) and trek all the way to a spectacular waterfalls hidden at the island’s heart.
DAY 5 | SALEH BAY & SATONDA
Before dawn, we arrive at Saleh Bay with it’s numerous bagans. These local, traditional fishing platforms often attract friendly whale sharks and, with the help of local guides, we have a chance to encounter them up close.
Afterwards, we cruise to Satonda where it’s possible to see pygmy seahorses and hike to its saltwater crater lake, created by Tambora’s volcanic eruption in 1815 – one of the biggest in history and cause for the “year without summer” in Europe – and a truly magnificent sight. At sunset, you’ll see thousands of bats flocking into the orange skies on their nightly hunting jaunt.
DAY 6 | GUNUNG SANGEANG & BANTA
Sangeang is an active volcano that emerges straight from the sea and is often puffing smoke and ashes. Sangeang is home to a small community of farmers and builders known for their craftsmanship and construction of traditional Phinisi cargo boats. Dive world-class underwater slopes, shaped by the volcano lava, bubbling black sand or swim through numerous boulders, home to endemic coral and fish.
We spend the afternoon in Banta: a beautiful bay and great playground for all water sports as well as beach activities. Or just take it easy under the shade at the “Kudanil Explorer Beach Club”, lounging on our daybeds in the sand as the sun sets over the volcano.
DAY 7 | GILI LAWA LAUT & DARAT
Gili Lawa Laut and Gili Lawa Darat are 2 islands separated by a narrow passage. First, trek to the hilltop to enjoy spectacular sunrise views and then snorkel the famous “Shotgun” – shooting you through these two islands while regularly witnessing manta rays, turtles, reef sharks and plenty of reef fish. A unique experience. Divers will also have the chance to dive Crystal & Castle Rock, two of Komodo’s finest dive sites. We end the last day of our expedition with sunset drinks aboard while a cloud of thousands of bats go out for the night.
DAY 8 | DISEMBARKATION
After breakfast, pack and prepare to disembark from Labuan Bajo Airport.
* Please note that itineraries may be adjusted due to weather or other unforeseen reasons.
PRICING
| Double / Twin Cabin: | USD 14,650 + 11% VAT per person |
| Single Cabin: | USD 21,300 + 11% VAT per person |
- 50% deposit required at time of booking, remaining balance due 90 days prior to departure
- Price includes all accommodation, experiences, meals, and transfers
- Price does not include flights, spa treatments or alcoholic beverages
