On this voyage Ombak Putih takes you from Asmat country in the South of Papua to the Raja Ampat, all the way in the North. 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

On Day 1 you will touchdown early in the morning at the airport of Timika and we will immediately transfer you to the harbour which is located at the mouth of the local river. Embarkation on Ombak Putih and departure direction Agats.

On Day 2 the vessel will arrive off Agats, the capital of the Asmat region and we will remain there for   two days in order to explore the Asmat heartland which is located in a huge expanse of swamps and mangroves along the southern coast of Papua (Irian Jaya). Moving about on local longboats, we shall visit various villages. All Asmat villages are located on river banks and until about 50 years ago this land was completely unexplored and home to fierce warriors. We see the traditional longhouses (called "jeu") and the exquisite woodcarving that has made the Asmat people world famous. We learn how 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 Ombak Putih 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.

On Day 3, in the course of the evening of our second day in the Asmat region we will lift our anchor and set sail heading for the Triton bay located over 200 nautical miles to the west.

During day 4 we will sail the entire day along the swampy coast of Irian Jaya. If 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.

In the course of day 05 Ombak Putih arrives 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, turquoise waters.....the perfect pirates' den.  We'll use our tenders to explore the  area. If time permits, we may also visit the village of Lobo  at  the foot of a 3000 feet cliff.  Quiet evening in a protected cove and BBQ on the beach.

On day 6 on our way to the small town of Kaimana, we may make a stop at Namatote village to search for cliff paintings and other pictorial signs left by ancient inhabitants high on the cliff galleries. In Kaimana we will spend a few hours in the centre of town to get the feel of 'urban' Papua. West of Kaimana we sail mile after mile 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.

On day 7 we arrive at Karas island in the bay of Sebakor. We visit local villages or laze around on one of the secluded beaches. Then we proceed to the district centre of Fakfak where we disembark to explore the city. It is one of the few places on the entire coast where the crew has the opportunity to take on fresh supplies.

Day 08 is a spare day. As our journey leads us through remote areas that lack the infrastructure  to provide ships with supplies, bunkering facilities for fuel or any other important supporting services, we need to be open to the unexpected. Delays of various sorts may occur and we know from experience that we must keep our time schedule flexible so we can absorb any potential setbacks.

On day 09, on the way from Fakfak to the island of Misool, we make a stop at one or two of the so-called "Valsche Pisang" islands, and definitely will not skip the desert island of Daram where pristine white beaches populated by myriads of hermit crabs present the perfect site for an unforgettable BBQ. Great snorkeling!

On day 10 we reach the north coast of Misool which is dotted with numerous uninhabited islets and fringed by white-sand  beaches and coral reefs; we spend the morning snorkeling and exploring these 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; its landscape is typical of 'karst dissolution' so the chain of  islands were cut 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.... another  perfect pirates' den. The reefs are mostly untouched with  many underwater caves waiting to be explored. If you feel like doing some rock-climbing, you will enjoy incredible scenery and you will have a fair chance of spotting exotic birds, including large hornbills.

On day 11 & 12 We explore more of the so-called and world-famous 'Raja Empat' (four kings) islands, located west and north of Bird's Head, the western tip of New Guinea. We will look for the elusive Wilson's Bird of paradise, take a bath in waterfalls and follow tracks into the jungle. The last night we will spend at anchor off the island of Mansuar, close to the mainland. Here we will enjoy some final white-sand beaches, clear waters, iridescent reefs, always with the backdrop of thick forests.

On day 13, after breakfast we say farewell to the crew of the Ombak Putih and disembark on Jeffman Island in front of Sorong, and take you to the airport of the city for the return flight to Bali.

Important Notices

• As this is a real expedition, leading to places far beyond western civilization, additional supplies of food and fresh water are not easily obtained. Although the vessel has water making facilities we do wish to let the participants know they should be prepared for economical and responsible individual consumption of fresh water.

• Participants are informed that itinerary and program of our sea voyages occasionally may be modified due to factors beyond our control: unfavorable weather conditions, delay in processing harbor clearances, modified schedules of domestic flights. The cruise director and captain of the Ombak Putih will adjust the program accordingly to the best interest of all.

Please also note that the domestic flights are not included in the fare mentioned. However we would be happy to arrange them for you.

Please click to go to Departures 2010, or Departures 2011 to check the exact fare and if you wish, to make an online booking.