At a Glance
Escape to a tropical paradise on this luxury, 8-day cruise of Indonesia from Bali to the Komodo National Park. Experience some of the world’s best diving and snorkelling, walk among colossal Komodo dragons and marvel at some of the most spectacular coastal landscapes on Earth.
Departing from Bali (or Labuan Bajo), Indonesia, set sail on the luxurious Aqua Blu cruise ship for an in-depth exploration of the Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the surrounding islands. Dive and snorkel Indonesia’s famous Coral Triangle: home to more than 1,000 species of marine life including manta rays, sea turtles, reef sharks and even sperm whales. Get up close and personal with the Komodo dragon, the world’s largest lizard, in its natural habitat. Hike the iconic green-capped hills of Padar Island ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- Premium selected wines and beer, non-alcoholic drink
- Excursions with knowledgeable local guides
- Group transfers between vessel on recommended flights
- Snorkelling equipment and wet suits
- Scuba diving
- All available non-motorized water sports
- Laundry
- Internet connection (intermittent depends on locations)
- All meals while on board
- 7 nights’ on board the luxurious Aqua Blu cruise ship in Category 3 cabin on a twin share basis (upgrades available at an additional cost).
Itinerary
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Departing from Bali, the crew warmly welcome you aboard the Aqua Blu. Settle into your luxurious suite and take time to explore your home away from home. Sip a cocktail in the Sky Lounge Bar. Mingle with other guests in the Alfresco dining area. Splash around in the jacuzzi or laze on the lounge day beds. Pamper yourself Balinese massage and aromatherapy in the onboard spa. Or, simply look out over the stunningly blue water and keep an eye out for marine life including manta rays and sperm whales. Enjoy a cruise to Moyo Island as the sun sets. In the evening, enjoy relaxed communal style dining courtesy of the onboard chef. |
Aqua Blu
Lunch, Dinner |
Step onto the magnificent Moyo Island, a natural Eden on land and sea. Here, Mother Nature reigns supreme: turquoise waters, untouched beaches and 350 square kilometres of thick jungle and sultry savannah. Venture deep into the jungle to uncover caves and cascading waterfalls, including one with a rope swing into a 3-metre-deep natural pool. Along the way, keep an eye out for local wildlife including boar, deer, macaque monkeys, wild ox and more. After, dive into Indonesia’s Coral Triangle and enjoy a heavenly afternoon of snorkelling at Angel Reef. Here, you will find a steep reef wall covered in multi-coloured soft corals and marine life including pygmy seahorses and fish such as gobies, dartfish, bannerfish, bat fish and even some species of reef shark. In the evening, head back to the ship and enjoy relaxed communal style dining courtesy of the onboard chef. |
Aqua BluBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Sail into the crystal-clear waters of Saleh Bay, which cuts deep into the picturesque island of Sumbawa. Depending on the time of the month, this is one of the best places in the world to encounter friendly whale shark in their natural habitat. Under the care of Conservation International Rangers, you will have the opportunity to swim with up to 50 of these gentle giants and learn about what is being done to protect them and their environment. At sunset, cruise over to Satonda Island, the small, flooded caldera of a volcano thrust upwards after an eruption millions of years ago. Here, you will have the opportunity to witness the dramatic flight of hundreds of fruit bats as they leave the island in search of food. In the evening, head back to the ship and enjoy relaxed communal style dining courtesy of the onboard chef. |
Aqua BluBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Enjoy a spectacular sunrise and breakfast with Sangeang volcano as the backdrop. This imposing volcano is partly responsible for the incredible biodiversity of the area – volcanic debris is highly fertile and turns into a near magical substance underwater that hosts endless marine life. Journey on to Gili Banta, the meeting point of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. The island’s unique position makes it an unparalleled spot for diving. It is possible to “current dive”: use the ocean’s currents to push you across vast expanses of reef. Likewise, it is possible to “pinnacle dive”: stay in one spot and allow the currents to wash past endless streams of fish and other marine life including manta rays, octopi and more. If you’d prefer to stay on dry land, Gili Banta has a pristine coastline and mountains to explore. The Eastern Ridge rewards hikers with breathtaking views of the archipelago below. In the afternoon, cruise to nearby West Komodo, where you will get up close and personal with the mighty Komodo dragons. Reaching up to 3 metres (10 feet) in length and 136 kilograms (300 pounds), these giant lizards are the heaviest of their kind on Earth and the closest you will get to a real-life dinosaur. In the evening, head back to the ship and enjoy relaxed communal style dining courtesy of the onboard chef. |
Aqua BluBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Start your day with a dip in the Linta Strait, the narrow body of water that separates Komodo and Rinca Island. Some of the most famous dive sites in Komodo lie within this Strait, as it is a bottleneck between the Indian Ocean in the South and the Flores Sea in the North. Use what you learnt about current diving yesterday to search for marine life including manta rays and big schools of barracuda. In the afternoon, cruise to Padar Island where you can hike the iconic green-capped hills for 360-degree views of ocean and islands that look like something out of a dream. Head down the hills to pristine, crescent-shaped beaches of white, pink and black sand that sparkles when the sun hits just right. There is no better place to enjoy a refreshing cocktail or iced tea! In the evening, head back to the ship and enjoy relaxed communal style dining courtesy of the onboard chef. |
Aqua BluBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
After a leisurely morning sailing through a spectacular sea passage, drop anchor at the southern end of Komodo Island in Horseshoe Bay, a dramatic curvature of land that is the remains of an ancient volcano caldera. Home to the world-famous Cannibal Rock and other well-known sites such as Torpedo Alley and Yellow Wall O’Texas, the variety of diving here is mind-blowing. If you’d prefer to stay dry, head out on a skiff to explore the Komodo dragons’ and sea eagles’ favourite spots. In the afternoon, the iconic Pantai Merah awaits. Aptly named Pink Beach, this beach is one of just seven pink beaches on the planet, the sand getting its striking colour from microscopic animals called Foraminifera, which produce a red pigment on the coral reefs. When the tiny fragments of coral combine with the white sands… Voila! A stunningly beautiful pink beach that is just perfect kick back and relax on. But if you’re feeling a bit more energetic, take a hike through the coral cliffs or venture into the local village to meet the locals. In the evening, head back to the ship and enjoy relaxed communal style dining courtesy of the onboard chef. |
Aqua BluBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Get up close and personal with Komodo National Park’s largest Komodo dragon population on land at Rinca Island. The island’s jagged hills carpeted with savannah and fringed with mangroves make a perfect backdrop for photographing these colossal lizards. In the afternoon, sail to Gili Lawa Laut, an islet featuring expansive beaches and shallow reefs for kayaking or stand up paddle boarding. Meanwhile, the crystal-clear waters offer ideal conditions for spotting giant sea turtles, whose flippers make them look like they’re flying underwater. In the evening, head back to the ship and enjoy relaxed communal style dining courtesy of the onboard chef. |
Aqua BluBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Finish up your Indonesian odyssey in Labuan Bajo, the westernmost tip of Flores. Once little more than a small fishing village, Labuan Bajo has flourished into the gateway to many exotic destinations in East Nusa Tenggara. Upon disembarking the Aqua Blu, explore the port village at your leisure. Check out Batu Cermin, known as the Mirror Cave, where sunshine enters through a hole in the tunnel and bounces off the stone walls, reflecting light around the cave like a mirror. Head up one of the many hills for spectacular views of the island and open sea. Wander between wooden cottages with thatched roofs and enjoy a meal at a local café. Or, wait to find out why Labuan Bajo is known as the city of sunset! NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
N/ABreakfast, LunchAccommodation
Dates & Prices
More Info
- The departure point is Benoa (Bali) or Labuan Bajo (Flores)
- The finish point is Labuan Bajo (Flores) or Benoa (Bali)
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Benoa in Bali or Labuan Bajo in Flores. If you are commencing your cruise from Bali, fly into Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) and find the Aqua Blu embarkation point at Benoa Harbour, located approximately 30 minutes by car from DPS and the resort area of Kuta. If you are commencing your cruise from Labuan Bajo in Flores, fly into Labuan Bajo Airport (LBJ) and find the Aqua Blu embarkation point at Labuan Bajo Harbour, located approximately 5 minutes by car from LBJ. Garuda Indonesia Airlines provide convenient flight time connections to coincide with the Aqua Blu’s embarkation and disembarkation times.
Komodo National Park has a drier climate and shorter monsoon season than other parts of Indonesia, owing to the dry air mass flowing from Australia. This unique climate helped create the region’s dramatic savannah hills, often framed against a stunning blue sky in the dry months from April to November.
From April to June, the seas are typically calm with manta rays at peak numbers in the area. However, humidity may be on the high side, at times reaching 90%.
From July to August, the manta rays have been replaced with tourists visiting for peak season. However, due to the nature of the Aqua Blu’s itineraries (e.g. private landing sites and exclusive trekking routes), you will still feel as if you have the area to yourself. During these months, the sea may be rougher on some days due to winds. There is a chance of rain at night, and temperatures might get slightly chilly. Inside the Aqua Blu, you will be in utmost comfort, with temperature-controlled spaces and top-of-the-line stabilisers to minimise seasickness.
From September to November, sea and land temperatures begin to rise, while waves and wind fade in intensity. The manta rays begin to return, and you may even see sperm whales. October is the driest month in the Komodo National Park.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 60 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 60 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 60 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 60 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. The tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
