Yacht Your Way through Indonesia with Aman
Aman’s brand-new private yacht, Amandira, provides the perfect chance for your family or small group to hit the stunning waters surrounding Indonesia for a totally customized adventure.
Photo courtesy of Aman
We love all things Aman here at Poe Travel, and the news that they have launched a new luxury yacht in the Indonesian waters makes our hearts soar. Inspired by traditional Phinisi sailing vessels, twin-masted Amandira was handcrafted from local hardwoods by Konjo artists. The ancient romance of the spice trade is combined with all the cutting-edge contemporary amenities you’d expect from a luxury brand like Aman as you set sail on a privately chartered expedition through Indonesia.
The ship features three spacious king-bed cabins and two bunk bed cabins, comfortably accommodating up to 10 guests. The three king-bed cabins each have a living area, large bathroom with a shower, and twin vanities, while the two bunk bed cabins include en-suite bathrooms.
Your private charter also includes Amandira’s 14-person crew, comprised of a private chef, waiters, a dive master, and a spa therapist, each of whom excels at providing intuitive, seamless service. Experienced guides will join you for excursions on land, and kayaking and hiking expeditions can be arranged along the way.
Your expedition itinerary onboard Amandira will be totally customized to your group’s interests, but here are a few short overviews of some sample trips on this luxe yacht to set you daydreaming. Keep in mind that it’s easy to add on a stay at Aman’s top-notch resorts to either end of your journey as well.
Raja Ampat Expedition (7 nights*)
Embark on an adventure through one of the world’s most exceptional marine areas. Renowned for its biodiversity, Raja Ampat encompasses over 40,000 square kilometers in the northeast seas of the Indonesian Archipelago where the Pacific becomes the Indian Ocean. The resulting currents stir up nutrient-rich water which, along with the tropical climate, nurtures magnificent coral reefs and unparalleled marine life.
Day 1
Transfer from Sorong to Amandira. Enjoy lunch and relax over the six-hour cruise to Mioskon, passing many spectacular islands, including Batanta and Kri, along the way.
Day 2
Awaken with Mioskon and Waigeo in view. Dive or snorkel Mioskon, then cruise over lunch to Yanggefo, along the Waigeo coastline. On arrival, snorkel, dive or kayak around this spectacular mangrove paradise.
Day 3
Enjoy spotting the many bird species in the area over breakfast, then dive, snorkel, swim, or kayak before setting course for Alyui Bay. This three-hour cruise passes some of the area’s most famous and remote islands. On arrival, dive or simply take advantage of the beautiful sundeck to relax.
Day 4
In the morning, visit the Alyui pearl farm and see how pearls are extracted. Then dive or snorkel one or two of the many dive sites nearby. Set course for Kawe, crossing the equator by nightfall.
Day 5
Dive or snorkel on the equator near Kawe, a truly unique experience. Cruise to Wayag for an afternoon dive or snorkel in the magnificent lagoons.
Day 6
Climb Mt. Pindito for breathtaking views, then dive, snorkel, or kayak after lunch. Set course for Yanggefo and overnight back in the shelter of the mangroves.
Day 7
A short cruise to Arborek allows the chance to dive or snorkel with manta rays. After lunch, set course for Sorong.
Day 8
After breakfast you will be transported to the airport for your onward flight.
*This itinerary can also be shortened to 5 nights.
Spice Islands Expedition (6 nights)
Photo courtesy of Aman
Discover a cluster of seven islands, part of the fabled Spice Islands, in Indonesia’s Banda Sea. The Banda Islands are so isolated that they still do not appear on many maps. These tiny islands were once fought over by the Dutch, British, Portuguese, and Chinese as the only place where nutmeg, then a coveted spice, was grown.
Today, this is a serene tropical paradise offering a wonderful array of activities, from some of the world’s best diving and fishing, to hiking through tropical forests home to exotic wildlife. Local villages are located on five of the islands, and the remains of Dutch forts can be explored. Gunung Api, Banda’s “Fire Mountain,” dominates the landscape and can be ascended and descended in half a day, offering spectacular views of the archipelago.
Day 1
Fly to Ambon, transfer to Amandira (approximately 45 minutes), and depart the island of Maluku around noon. Travel overnight to the Banda Islands.
Days 2-5
Explore the Banda Islands aboard Amandira. Your itinerary will be customized, but you’re sure to spend at least some of your time diving, snorkeling, and swimming in the stunning waters. Explore some of the area’s history with expert local guides, and perhaps break a sweat hiking Gunung Api yourself!
Please note the seven islands are all within 15 miles of each other and therefore easily accessible from the main natural harbor at Banda Neira. Itineraries will vary according to your preferences and weather conditions.
Day 6
Travel from Banda to Ambon, arriving in Ambon late evening. Overnight aboard Amandira.
Day 7
Deboard Amandira and depart Ambon to next destination.
Komodo Expedition (7 nights)
Discover the beautiful national park and marine life during an unforgettable journey by sea. Located in the center of the Indonesian archipelago between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores, Komodo National Park is comprised of three major volcanic islands: Rinca, Komodo, and Padar. With unparalleled terrestrial and marine ecosystems, the national park offers you the experience of a lifetime. From seeing the famed Komodo dragon to exploring renowned dive sites and dramatic landscapes, Komodo lies waiting to be discovered.
Day 1
Board Amandira in Labuan Bajo and begin cruising to Sabayor. After lunch, dive and snorkel the beautiful surrounding reefs. Slowly cruise to your overnight mooring and enjoy dinner on board.
Day 2
In the morning, cruise to Gili Lawa Laut and dive at famous sites such as Crystal Rock, Castle Rock, and the Shotgun. Nearby Gili Lawa Darat, where you’ll moor tonight, is perfect for a short uphill trek to catch the sunset behind nearby Sumbawa Island, next to the active Sangeang Volcano.
Day 3
Visit Sangeang to view wildlife passing on the beach, and dive the magical bubble reef for an explosion of color. Cruise in the afternoon to Banta, which offers more diving opportunities.
Day 4
Awake in Batu Monco, the peaceful bay located in the northwest corner of Komodo. Kayak or paddleboard around the perimeter to see stunning hard corals in clear water. Diving here offers a chance encounter with manta rays. This afternoon, head back to northeast Komodo.
Day 5
Moving to central Komodo National Park, explore dive sites such as the magical Batu Balong and Siaba Besar. Beach set ups are possible close to Wainilu Island. Anchor overnight in preparation for the following morning’s trek.
Photo courtesy of Aman
Day 6
No trip to Komodo is complete without visiting the home of the world’s largest lizard. Depart early morning to the nearby Rinca Island for a trek through this almost lunar landscape. Along with the Komodo dragon, look out for buffalo, deer, and monkeys. Afterwards, cruise to Padar for an unforgettable trek to the most famous viewpoint in the national park.
Day 7
Cruise once more to the center of the park and snorkel or dive at an excellent turtle-spotting site. Enjoy lunch atop the magical sandy atoll of Pulau Makassar. Dive or snorkel around this area, or simply enjoy the tranquility. Take in your final Indonesian sunset with a cocktail from the comfort of the deck, bringing a magical end to your trip.
Day 8
During breakfast, cruise the short distance to Labuan Bajo in preparation for departure.
If you would like to Go Away onboard Amandira, simply contact us. We will design a customized itinerary to suit your vision, making sure the red carpet is rolled out for you every step of the way.