SORONG - RAJA AMPAT - TIMIKA (12D11N)

Sorong – Raja Ampat - Timika

On this voyage Katharina takes you from Raja Ampat Asmat country in the north west of Papua to the, asmat tribes all the way in the south east. The Raja Ampat archipelago consists of some 600 Islands and islets that straddle the equator in the area off the “Birds Head”, the extreme north-western tip of the Papua province of Indonesia (formerly known as New Guinea.)

The name Raja Ampat literally means ‘the Four Kings’ and the name dates back to the time that the islands were ruled from the North Moluccan sultanates of Ternate and Tidore.  (Each of the four larger islands in the group, Waigeo, Salawati, Batanta and Misool had an independent ‘raja’.) Most of the islands have rugged and steep coastlines and are covered with virgin rain forest.  The larger islands are lightly populated, but most others are uninhabited by humans.

 

Day 1	One we arrive at the airport of Sorong, transfer to the harbor, board the Katharina and depart, direction Raja Ampat. The so-called and world famous ‘Raja Ampat’ (four kings) islands, are located West and North of Bird’s Head, the western tip of the vast island of Papua, the second largest in the world. We will spend the night at anchor off the island of Mansuar, close to the mainland. Here we will enjoy white-sand beaches, clear waters and iridescent reefs with the backdrop of thick forests.
Day 2	We will explore more of the Raja Ampat area where we will follow tracks into the jungle to look for the elusive Wilson’s Bird of paradise, bathe in waterfalls and look for other wildlife.
Day 3	We reach the north Coast of Misool Island which is dotted with numerous uninhabited islands fringed by white-sand beaches and coral reefs; spend the morning, snorkeling or exploring the islands. After one or two stops we sail onward to the east-coast of Misool Island. Few areas in Indonesia can lay claim to such unsurpassed natural beauty as the eastern end of the Misool archipelago; the Karst formation have cut the chain of islands into hundreds of coves and lagoons, high cliffs and limestone overhangs, narrow channels and inlets, caves and jagged rocks as well as countless shaded beaches. The reefs are mostly untouched and if you feel like doing some trekking/climbing, you will enjoy incredible scenery and a fair chance of spotting exotic birds, including large horn bills.
Day 4	On the way from Misool Island to Fakfak, we make a stop at one or two of the so-called Valsche Pisang islands, and definitely should not skip the desert island of Daram where pristine white beaches populated by myriads of hermit crabs present the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable beach experience. Great snorkeling!
Day 5	We arrive at the district center of Fakfak where we disembark for replenishing stock on board and exploring the city. In a few hours of leisurely walking you will get an appreciation of how people live in these far away primarily water accessed cities.
Day 6	We arrive at Karas Island in the bay of Sebakor. We visit local villages or laze around on the secluded beaches we may find here.
Day 7	We sail for miles along a coastline of uninhabited, towering mountains covered with thick jungle. Here, in complete wilderness, a roaring river cascades down the jungle-clad mountains and crashes right on the white-sand beach. Plenty of lobsters inhabit the rocky waters around Kiti Kiti. When we arrive in Kaimana we will spend a few hours in the center of town to get the feel of ‘urban’ Papua. On our way to Triton Bay we may make a stop at Namatote village to see some cliff paintings/ glyphs and pictorial signs left by ancient inhabitants high on the cliff galleries.
Day 8	We arrive in Triton bay, certainly one of the most beautiful and undisturbed places of Asia. The scenery is magnificent: tall cliffs, limestone outcrops separated by narrow channels, secluded beaches, and turquoise waters. We’ll use the tenders to explore the area. If time permits, we can also visit the village of Lobo at the foot of a 3000 feet cliff. We enjoy a quiet evening in a protected cove and BBQ on the beach.
Day 9	We will sail along the flood plain coast of Papua/ Irian Jaya. If the winds are favorable, we will hoist the sails and share the experience of Sir Alfred Wallace, who described Phinisi vessels as “more comfortable than the modern day steamers”, during his Odysseys through the “Malay Archipelago” (1854-1862). When conditions allow one or more swim stops will be made.
Day 10	We arrive off Agats, the capital of the Asmat region. Our two days into the Asmat heartland, located in the huge expense of swamps and mangrove along the southern coast of Papua (Irian Jaya), will allow us to visit various villages moving about on local longboats, as all Asmat villages are located on river banks. Not more than 50 years ago this land was yet completely unexplored and home to fierce warriors. See the traditional longhouses called “jeu”, the exquisite woodcarving that has made the Asmat people world famous and the way they tap the wild sago to satisfy their daily needs. We’ll experience ritual welcome ceremonies and other traditional rituals pertinent to the Asmat tribe. At one stage the Katharina will be surrounded by dozens of war-canoes and the air will be filled with shrieks and shouts, expressing a heartfelt welcome to the honored guests coming from overseas.
Day 11	In the evening of our second day in the Asmat region we lift our anchor and set sail headed back for Timika.
Day 12	After breakfast we say farewell to the crew of the Katharina and disembark at the harbor of Timika, located at the mouth of the local river. Transfer to the airport of Timika.

Participants should be aware that itinerary and program of our sea voyages occasionally may have to be modified, due to factors beyond our control : unfavorable weather conditions, delay in processing harbour clearances, modified schedules of domestic flights. We will adjust the program accordingly in the best interest of all.


Please note that the domestic flights are not included in the price.

PRICE PER PERSON :

The price is subject to change. Please  contact us for more information.