Finding Adventure in Komodo and Raja Ampat’s Remote Waters

Komodo National Park
Charter broker Cambry Czuplak brings back stories from her adventures aboard the 148’ (45m) Celestia.

Indonesia’s remote archipelagos are some of those rare places where your preconceptions simply can’t prepare you for the reality. It was here, among the surreal and sculpted volcanic islands, that charter broker Cambry Czuplak spent time exploring the Komodo National Park aboard the 148’ (45m) CELESTIA, a traditional phinisi yacht designed for modern exploration.

For many, the far-flung shores of Indonesia are so remote they feel almost mythical, but Cambry found the journey from Fort Lauderdale to Komodo National Park surprisingly straightforward, helped in part by the great hotels at either end of her charter. “I was honestly blown away by the hotels in Labuan Bajo,” she says. “It’s absolutely worth staying a day or two pre- or post-charter.”

Once aboard CELESTIA, time took on a natural rhythm, with most mornings spent in the water and the afternoons discovering ashore. “It’s a diving and snorkeling paradise,” says Cambry. “The underwater world here is mind-blowing.” Afternoons meant beach barbecues, sea-kayaking, or treks across untouched landscapes. “One of the most memorable was the hike on Rinca,” she says. “It was incredibly secluded, and reaching the top at sunset was almost meditative. Komodo Island itself was also unforgettable,” she says. “Being in the wild with the Komodo dragons is an experience that can’t be missed. Where else do you get to witness these prehistoric creatures?”

Despite these land encounters, Cambry’s favorite moments were always beneath the surface. “Schools of fish, turtles, rays – the underwater world feels like nowhere else on earth.”

Cruising aboard a phinisi added a further layer of meaning to the experience. “These vessels are built in Indonesia and modelled on the traditional sailing ships used during the spice trade,” Cambry explains. “While cruising aboard CELESTIA we learn’t more about local traditional boat building and the original phinisi boats with spice traders that once passed these very shorelines between the 15th and 17th centuries.”

“My top tip for any client considering chartering this region is to embrace the adventure. “Remember that it’s a different type of charter than weeks spent cruising in the Caribbean or the Mediterranean,” says Cambry. “It’s about the culture, the underwater world, the food, the landscapes.”

TOP 5 EXPERIENCES
Drift diving with rays and turtles
Sunset hike on Rinca
Encountering Komodo dragons
Snorkeling above untouched coral gardens
Barbecues on secluded beaches

Raja Ampat Archipelago
Charter broker Amy Wachmann ventured east into Indonesia to discover the Raja Ampat archipelago aboard the 164’ (50m) KUDANIL.

As one of the very few non-phinisi yachts based in these waters year-round, KUDANIL cruises farther than most yachts can in a single week, reaching islands inaccessible on other itineraries.

“The difference was immediately apparent,” says Amy. “Exceptionally stable and designed for extended exploration, KUDANIL allowed the itinerary to push deeper into the archipelago. Every cabin has its own private balcony, which is a real bonus for a destination like this. Waking up surrounded by jungle-covered islands and turquoise water was such a treat.”

“During our trip, we hiked to viewpoints, dived and snorkeled among some of the richest marine biodiversity on the planet, and explored hidden sea caves,” says Amy. “Every day brought a new experience. Hiking to a heart-shaped lagoon and taking in the views, swimming with stingless jellyfish, and snorkeling through the Tomolol Caves were all moments I’ll never forget. One standout snorkeling site, known as ‘The Wedding Cake,’ felt like swimming inside a giant aquarium, with coral, fish and sea turtles everywhere I looked.”

Beyond the incredible scenery and wildlife, human connections made the itinerary memorable. “Visiting a local village really stood out for all of the group,” says Amy. “We brought toys and school supplies for the children, and some of the guests played soccer with them.”

Raja Ampat remains wild and untamed. “There are no manicured hiking trails,” Amy explains. “Most paths are local tracks, so a reasonable level of fitness is helpful, and sturdy hiking shoes are a must.”

KUDANIL runs a very professional charter program. “It’s perfect for clients seeking true expedition-style luxury, whether diving, surfing, or simply exploring farther than most yachts ever reach. One unique advantage is surf-focused charters on the north side of Raja Ampa,t where guests will find excellent swells during the right conditions, a rare offering in the region.”

“Indonesia isn’t one destination, but many,” Amy concludes. “From the untouched islands of Komodo to the remote reefs of Raja Ampat, it offers experiences unlike anywhere else.”

TOP 5 EXPERIENCES
Snorkeling ‘The Wedding Cake’
Hiking to a heart-shaped lagoon
Swimming with stingless jellyfish, turtles and manta rays
Exploring the Tomolol Caves
Visiting a local village