2021 INDONESIA - Wild Earth Expeditions
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2021 INDONESIA - 02
INDONESIA 02
BUNAKEN, LEMBEH & RAJA AMPAT
27 OCT – 15 NOV 2021 ● 20 DAYS ● 14 GUESTS
Journey to the epicenter of marine biodiversity on a three-week adventure to some of the most
remote corners of Indonesia. Explore the underwater riches of North Sulawesi, Lembeh Straight and
Raja Ampat in West Papua on a divers and snorkelers dream expedition. We are combining three
of Indonesia’s hotspots for a diverse range of dynamic reefs and a wide variety of marine life and
dive sites. Enjoy some of the world’s best muck diving, go in search for Spectral tarsiers, hornbills
and endemic Black Crested macaques in the wild, visit bustling markets and meet the friendly locals,
savour delicious local cuisine all whilst staying at boutique resorts and onboard a luxurious yacht.
Travel to Bunaken Islands Marine Park in North Sulawesi famous for its crystal-clear waters, steep
and dramatic walls covered in giant sea fans, sponges, pristine coral gardens and an amazing variety
of marine animals. It is one of Thomas and Natalia’s absolute favorite snorkeling areas. Reefs filled
with an abundance of fish life, countless giant green turtles and little critters that expertly camouflage
themselves to blend with the surroundings. It is here in 1997 the giant prehistoric Coelacanth,
thought to be extinct for over 400 Million years, was re-discovered. After a full day of watersports,
treat yourself to a massage, go for a swim in the pool, savor delicious food, sit in front of your
beachfront villa and enjoy a cocktail while watching the sun set behind Manadotua volcano. Spend
a day exploring the underwater riches of the Bangka & Gangga Islands en route to Lembeh.
Lembeh Strait is considered one of the top critter and muck diving destinations. Beneath the calm
surface, on a dark sand floor, find a mind-boggling array of weird and bizarre creatures. Famous for
its diversity of rare and unusual marine life, search for creatures such as the pygmy seahorse, ghost
pipefish, ribbon eel, mantis shrimp, Flamboyant cuttlefish, Hairy frogfish, scorpion fish, stargazer,
mimic octopus and many others.
At Tangkoko National Park encounter the world’s largest concentration of rare Black-crested
macaques, see hornbills fly overhead and get close to a family of Spectral tarsiers, the worlds tiniest
and cutest primates.
Fly to West Papua and board one of Indonesia’s premier yachts the SY Indo Siren to spend 10 days
diving, snorkeling and exploring what has been hailed the #1 marine biodiversity hotspot in the world.
Explore the wonders of Kri and northern Raja Ampat with its plethora of reef fish, numerous crazy
critters all co-inhabiting its spectacular reefs, seamounts and cleaning stations. Home to 1320
species of fish (27 endemic), 700 species of molluscs, 13 marine mammals, 5 species of endangered
sea turtles and 75% of all known coral species in the world. The jewel-like islands are caressed by
a convergence of swift nutrient-rich currents boasting an enormous variety of life. Visit Penemu
lagoon and climb the hill for fantastic panoramic views, get up early to see the splendid Birds of
Paradise performing their court ship dance. Head to southern Raja Ampat for the colorful soft coral
reefs surrounding Misool. Here the pulse of marine life thrives from the sea floor to the surface
where the kaleidoscope of corals can start in less than a meter of water. The experience of drifting
along miles of exquisitely hued reef, brimming with activity, is simply breathtaking. Explore one of
Thomas’ favorite dive sites, a seamount covered in coral and fish life and one of the only known
places in the world, where both Reef and Pelagic Manta rays can be seen getting cleaned together.
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HIGHLIGHTS
• World class diving and snorkeling in the heart of the Coral Triangle.
• Visit colorful markets, traditional villages and meet the friendly locals.
• Sail in luxury through stunning Raja Ampat.
• See Bird-of-paradise, Hornbills, cute Tarsiers and a troop of rare Crested macaques.
• Explore spectacular coral gardens, seamounts, and coral covered drop offs.
• Get close to Mantas, Sharks, schooling jacks, barracuda, Napoleon wrasse and turtles.
• Witness weird, colorful and bizarre creatures in the muck.
• Get pampered with massages, mouth-watering cuisine and exceptional service.
⏤ •⚬• ⏤
ADD ON
PAPUA PARADISE RESORT
FROM THE 16TH NOV 2021
Why not finish your expedition with
a couple of extra nights at the
beautiful Papua Paradise Eco
Resort. Situated along the
pristine shoreline of the
uninhabited island of Birie, in the
very heart of northern Raja Ampat.
Surrounded by pristine reefs and
unspoiled flora, this is an amazing
haven for both divers and
snorkelers alike. The island is
teeming with exotic bird life, lush
jungle foliage, while the reefs in
the surrounding area offer world-
class diving and snorkeling. The
elegant overwater bungalows are
the perfect place to relax and
simply enjoy the beauty of
Indonesia before returning home.
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C L IC K T O V IE W I N G O O G L E M AP S
ITINERARY OVERVIEW
INDONESIA 02
BUNAKEN, LEMBEH & RAJA AMPAT
27 OCT – 15 NOV 2021 ● 20 DAYS ● 14 GUESTS
Day 01 | Oct 27 Depart Home / En route to Manado
Day 02 | Oct 28 Arrive in Manado / Transfer to Siladen Island
Day 03-05 | Oct 29 -31 Bunaken Marine Park snorkelling and diving
Day 06 | Nov 01 Diving and snorkelling Bangka Island en route to Lembeh
Day 07 | Nov 02 Muck Diving and Snorkelling Lembeh Straight
Day 08 | Nov 03 Bintung market / Tangkoko National Park
Day 09 | Nov 04 Fly Manado-Sorong / Embark on the SY Indo Siren
Day 10 - 18 | Nov 05 -13 Diving and snorkelling Raja Ampat, West Papua
Day 19 | Nov 14 Disembark SY Indo Siren in Sorong / Fly Home
Day 20 | Nov 15 Arrive Home / Add On Papua Paradise Eco Resort
ADD ON - PAPUA PARADISE ECO RESORT
Complete your adventure with a customized stay at Papua Paradise Eco Resort. Contact us for pricing
and more details.
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ITINERARY INDONESIA 02 BUNAKEN, LEMBEH & RAJA AMPAT 27 OCT – 15 NOV 2021 ● 20 DAYS ● 14 GUESTS Day 01. Oct 27,2019. Depart Home / En route to Manado, Indonesia Depart your home and journey to Manado, arriving into Sam Ratulangi international airport. We highly recommend arriving at least a day before the expedition departure, so you can acclimatize, are well rested and most importantly, don’t miss the trip. We can assist with making a booking for additional hotel nights at the Siladen Resort & Spa. Day 02. Oct 28,2019. Arrive in Manado / Transfer to Siladen Island On arrival at Manado airport be met and transferred by boat to Siladen Resort & Spa, our tropical island getaway for the next 4 nights. Siladen Resort & Spa is located in the heart of the world- renowned Bunaken National Marine Park, just north of the equator. An eco-friendly, socially responsible boutique resort, which places high emphasis on the protection of the marine park and environment, with 40 premium dive sites within easy reach of the resort, thanks to the strategic location of the resort. Join your Expeditions leaders and the rest of the Wild Earth Explorers for a special welcome cocktail party and dinner before retiring for the evening for a much-needed rest after your long journey. *Please note, those participating in INDO 01, will be traveling from Bali to Manado today. Overnight: Siladen Resort & Spa- Beachview villa (upgrades available to Luxury villas) (D) Day 03-05. Oct 29-31,2019. Bunaken Marine Park / Dive & Snorkel 3 Days We have three full days to discover the treasures of the world renowned Bunaken National Marine Park, which encompasses the islands of Siladen, Bunaken, ManadoTua, Montehage and Nein and is ranked among the top diving and snorkeling destinations in the world. The islands are known for their rich macro life and also for the huge number of turtles and the odd reef sharks, eagle rays, barracudas, tuna and napoleon wrasses passing by. Enjoy spectacular drift and wall dives, where the walls are dripping in sponges, hard and soft corals. All reefs offer fantastic snorkeling as they are fringing reefs that come right up to the shallows. You’ll have ample time to enjoy the resort and its facilities during your stay; indulge in a massage, swim in the pool, or take a stroll on the beach. In the evenings join your leaders and Marine Biologist for a recap or marine lecture, sundowners and mouthwatering dinners and discuss the day’s events whilst watching the sunset behind Manadotua volcano. Overnight: Siladen Resort & Spa – Beachview villa (upgrades available to Luxury villas) (B,L,D) Day 06. Nov 01,2019. Dive & Snorkel Bangka Island / Transfer to Lembeh / Night Dive After breakfast spend the day en route to Lembeh diving and snorkeling the Gangga & Bangka islands at the northernmost tip of North Sulawesi. The islands are surrounded by gorgeous coral gardens, coral pinnacles and sloping reef walls filled with a variety of colourful reef fish, there is even the potential to see a rare Dugong. Arrive at Lembeh Resort in the late afternoon. Check in at the Lembeh Resort. Enjoy your first night-dive in the “muck” before dinner and retiring for the night. Overnight: Lembeh Resort (B,L,D) WWW.WILDEARTHEXPEDITIONS.COM 5 INFO@WILDEARTHEXPEDITIONS.COM
Day 07. Nov 02,2019. Muck Dive & Snorkel Lembeh Spend the day hunting for the weird and wonderful critters that inhabit the Lembeh Strait, considered by many the ‘muck diving capitol of the world’. Find clownfish, crinoid shrimps, small frogfish, pipefish, seahorses, nudibranchs, harlequin shrimp and many other critters in the sand. The local guides will be looking for various species of octopus, snake eels, mantis shrimp, gobies, nudibranchs, star gazers, ghost pipefish, wasp fish and many other unique creatures. The extremely diverse marine habitat in this stretch of water offers a plethora of macro species, many of which can be found nowhere else on the planet. With over 30 sites to choose from all within a short boat ride over calm waters from the resort. When not diving and snorkeling, enjoy a birding nature walk, or just take time out to relax with a cocktail in hand. Overnight: Lembeh Resort (B,L,D) Day 08. Nov 03,2019. Bintung Market / Tangkoko National Park Enjoy a leisurely morning at the resort or if you’re an early riser, head to the bustling and colourful market of Bintung. After lunch at the resort head to Tangkoko National Park. The park is a flora and fauna conservation area surrounding Mount Tangkoko. The habitat varies throughout the park from primary lowland rainforest to sub-mountain rainforest and covers a total area of 3,196 hectares. The park is not only home to the cute Tarsiers, but also to the rare Crested black macaque, hornbills, the Maleo (a large endemic megapode), many other exotic bird species and a large variety of spectacular flora. Tarsiers are the smallest primates in the world with enormous eyes; each eyeball is as large as their entire brain. A nocturnal animal with a taste for insects, they spring from tree to tree to catch their prey. Enjoy dinner and overnight at the Novotel ready for your early flight to Sorong and our Raja Ampat adventure. Overnight: Novotel (B,L,D) Day 09. Nov 04,2019. Fly to Sorong / MY Indo Siren After an early breakfast it is time to fly to Sorong and embark on the luxurious yacht S/Y Indo Siren, your home for the next 10 days. This 40m (131ft) phinisi yacht was custom-built and launched in April 2011. With plenty of space to relax either inside or out, a comfortable saloon with a plasma TV, plus cocktail bar, sun lounge chairs on the sundeck and an outstanding crew to ensure that your every need is taken care of. Locally sourced ingredients are used to create meals of the highest standard, with a comfortable outside dining area so you can enjoy them with the most incredible settings. Enjoy a special welcome dinner and briefing as you set sail for your exciting adventure through Raja Ampat, hailed the #1 marine biodiversity hot spot on the planet. Overnight: MY Indo Siren (B,L,D) Day 10-17. Nov 05-13,2019. Dive & Snorkel Raja Ampat Explore the heart of the Coral Triangle from the comforts of your luxurious yacht, on an incredible 10-day journey that will showcase Indonesia’s underwater wonders and impressive marine biodiversity. Dive and snorkel to your hearts content and if interested join land tours, like seeing the colourful and rare Bird of Paradise doing its morning mating dance and visit villages en route. Boo Windows Misool Offers superbly colourful corals, schools of snappers, trevallies, batfish and large Napoleon wrasse. Smaller creatures such as ghost pipefish can be found in the shallow water and the ‘windows’ – two rock formations with holes eroded through, is an awesome spot for some dramatic photography. Gorgonian Passage Has huge sea fans in which a variety of pygmy seahorses can be found including Bargibanti and Denise. See many types of sweetlips here and some smaller creatures such as peacock mantis shrimp and juvenile razor fish. Nudi Rock, Misool Marine life from big to small can all be seen at this stunning site. Black tip-, white tip-, grey reef sharks and dog tooth tuna can all be seen cruising by whilst hiding amongst the corals and cowries you can find nudibranchs, porcelain crabs and mushroom coral pipefish. WWW.WILDEARTHEXPEDITIONS.COM 6 INFO@WILDEARTHEXPEDITIONS.COM
Karang Banyangan, Warakaraket provides a very fishy dive with sightings of yellow fin & chevron
barracuda, batfish, jacks, Spanish mackerel, sweetlips, midnight snappers and blue-fin trevally.
Wobbegong sharks and bearded scorpion fish are amongst the camouflaged benthic fish that can
be seen here.
Citrus Ridge Between Gam & Yangeffo Islands, this stunning reef is named after the carpet like
orange, pink, yellow and green soft corals that cover the entire area. Gorgonian fans shelter pygmy
seahorses, jaw fish bob out of their ground holes, Wobbegong sharks rest lazily amongst table corals
and harlequin sweetlips can be found tucked into the many bommies that are dotted over the reef.
Manta Sandy at Mansuar Island At just 18m on a sandy seabed is where we divers rest and wait
for the spectacular shows performed by the manta rays, whilst snorkelers watch from the top. Several
mantas are regularly seen at one time cruising in the narrow channel and to two coral bommies to
be cleaned or just get an up-close look at a curious diver! The mantas’ wingspan can reach up to
5m, some are totally black whilst others have various white markings making them identifiable. A
site not to be missed!
Arborek Pier, Mansuar Island A stunning site for a sunset dive with superb atmosphere as the light
changes. The pier supports have many soft corals and sponges and various nudibranchs such as
“blue dragons” being found crawling about. Tiny baitfish form huge schools that swarm about
underneath the pier and schools of batfish may also be seen.
Sardine Dampier Strait Offers fish, fish and more fish…. Over 970 different species have been
recorded here. White tips, black tips and Wobbegong sharks, turtles, morays and giant clams,
schools of big eye jacks, sweetlips and Bumphead parrot fish swarm over the reef and the occasional
marble ray can also be spotted under table corals. This site has so much of interest that one dive
never feels like enough.
Mike’s Point, Dampier Strait As we approach the tiny island known as Mike’s Point, eagles can be
seen resting in the tree tops. Underwater the site offers varied topography with one side full of
overhangs and crevices whilst the other has “steps’ dropping down to the deep with a field of whip
corals adorning the slope. With the right current this site is superb, and the island can be
circumnavigated in one dive/snorkel seeing sweetlips, batfish, jacks, Spanish mackerel, grey reef
sharks and Wobbegong sharks.
Happy Ending, Batanta Island Known as one of the great critter dive sites of northern Raja Ampat,
this shallow dark sand slope offers the keen-eyed diver the opportunity to spot mimic- and
Wonderpus octopus, crocodile fish, snake eels and “solar powered’ Phyllodesmium nudibranchs.
Overnight: MY Indo Siren (B, L, D)
Day 18. Nov 14, 2021. Disembark / Fly Home / OR Papua Paradise Add On
After a final breakfast onboard, bid farewell to the crew and disembark the ship in Sorong to take the
short trip to the airport for your flights home. Or if you choose, we can arrange a package to your
desire at the beautiful Papua Paradise Eco Resort. Enjoy some more fabulous diving, snorkeling,
bird watching, kayaking or just swing on a hammock over the crystal-clear waters. We will arrange
a resort transfer en route back to Sorong on Nov13, the night before disembarkation.
Meals: B
Day 19. Nov 15, 2021. Arrive Home
⏤ •⚬• ⏤
ADD ON - PAPUA PARADISE ECO RESORT
Complete your adventure with a customized stay at Papua Paradise Eco Resort. Contact us for pricing
and more details.
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S/Y INDO SIREN
The 40m S/Y Indo Siren cruises the diverse waters of Indonesia. This luxurious liveaboard was
designed by divers for divers to provide superior ease and comfort. Aboard Indo Siren, scuba
enthusiasts will explore the thriving dive sites of Indonesia and enjoy lavish accommodations. The
Indo Siren crew of 12 is on hand to ensure guest satisfaction for up to 16 divers. This intimate
liveaboard offers ample space including 8 large cabins equipped with individual climate control,
entertainment system and en suite bathrooms.
The SY Indo Siren also features an air-conditioned lounge with cocktail bar, sofas, 42 inch flat screen
and movie network. Massage service is available daily. The decks feature a covered outdoor dining
area where meals and refreshments will be served buffet style throughout the day and an upper level
sun deck with cushioned loungers. A massive shaded diving deck provides individual stations and
personal storage lockers. Guests are also provided with an aluminum tank, weights, BCD, regulator,
3mm wetsuit, mask and fins free of charge. The main lounge offers a fully equipped camera and
video station of professional quality.
CLICK TO VIEW IMAGES OF S/Y INDO SIREN
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COST & INFO
INDONESIA 02
BUNAKEN, LEMBEH & RAJA AMPAT
27 OCT – 15 NOV 2021 ● 20 DAYS ● 14 GUESTS
Double Occupancy: USD $13,990 per person sharing
Single Supplement Surcharge: USD $7,790 per person
Upgrade Siladen Luxury Villa: USD $390 per person sharing / USD $590 single
ADD ON - PAPUA PARADISE ECO RESORT
Complete your adventure with a customized stay at Papua Paradise Eco Resort.
Contact Us for pricing and more details.
⏤ •⚬• ⏤
ULTIMATE COMBINATION SAVINGS
Indonesia 02 can be combined with 2021 Indonesia 01
Book both Indonesia Expeditions and we’ll include your Bali-Manado and
Manado-Sorong flights in economy class (valued at $400).
INCLUDED
All accommodations in twin/double share rooms as outlined in the itinerary; Exclusive SY Indo Siren
yacht charter (if 12 guests or more); All group meals; Welcome and farewell cocktail receptions; Soft
drinks, drinking water, tea and regular filter coffee during lunch and dinner at all hotels and onboard
the SY Indo Siren; Drinking water in rooms/cabins and while on tours; All group transfers and
baggage handling; All tours, excursions, diving and snorkeling as outlined in the itinerary; Exclusive
services of English speaking professional guides and naturalists; Services of 2 Wild Earth Expedition
Leaders (including Expedition Leader/Dive Guide and Marine Biologist/Snorkel Guide); All gratuities
to porters, guides, drivers, dive crew, ship-, resort- and wait staff; Government- Service- and Room
taxes; All permits, Harbor fees, Entrance and Marine park fees (Currently $250); Complimentary
slideshow; Recaps and Lectures by marine biologist; Dive tanks/weights for Scuba divers. Donation
to reef conservation project.
NOT INCLUDED
All international and domestic airfares (please note Domestic flights must be purchased through Wild
Earth Expeditions); Any airport arrival and departure taxes; Passport and visa fees; Immunization
costs; Meals outside the group travel itinerary; Mandatory Travel insurance (including medical,
medical evacuation and accident); Excess baggage charges; Personal items, such as laundry, any
alcoholic beverages or bar charges (unless specified above), Wi-Fi, telephone, fax calls; Tips for
your 2 Wild Earth Leaders and any non-group services; Nitrox air fills and dive gear rental.
Any sudden increase in price, due to currency fluctuations, a steep hike in fuel cost, change in
government tax policy or for any reason beyond our control, will be adjusted with the final invoice
due 4 months prior to the expedition.
SINGLE OCCUPANCY
We only have 2 single spaces available on this expedition and single occupancy rates apply. If you
are wanting to share accommodations, a roommate will be assigned to you and double occupancy
rates apply. If we cannot pair you with a roommate, the single supplement surcharge applies.
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PLEASE NOTE
WHAT TO EXPECT
All Wild Earth Expeditions are very active, and participants need to be in good general health. For
most activities a moderate to good level of fitness is required. This expedition is very active and will
include snorkeling, scuba diving coral reefs where currents are present, hiking nature trails on
sometimes rough terrain, climbing in and out of boats and other physical activities. Accommodations
we have chosen are at upmarket resorts and onboard the luxurious S/Y Indo Siren all with a/c, hot
water and en suite bathroom facilities.
Detailed Pre-departure information will be sent to you 4-5 months prior to the expedition. Your
expedition will be led by 2 Wild Earth Expeditions leaders, including a dive master and snorkel
guide/Marine Biologist and the best, most experienced local guides.
ITINERARY
Wild Earth Expeditions will make every reasonable effort to operate the expedition as advertised,
but alterations may occur, usually due to flight schedule changes, tides, weather or wildlife sightings.
We will discuss our planned itinerary daily with our local expert guides and will always choose the
best available option. Accommodations and arranged tours are subject to change or cancellation at
any time due to unforeseen circumstances or circumstances beyond Wild Earth Expeditions control.
Please note that 2021 flight schedules and airfares will only be released 11 months prior to the end
of the expedition.
WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS
Although we have reported honestly and accurately about our sightings and experiences, we would
like to point out that we are working in the wilderness and despite all our good intentions and utmost
preparation, Mother Nature may not cooperate with us at times. We believe that with good planning
and a realistic approach, you will have a successful time witnessing the natural behavior of the
wildlife we have set out to see.
PHOTO CREDIT © Thomas & Natalia Baechtold, WWDAS, Lembeh Resort & Adobe Stock
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