Lighthouse - Handbook.indb - Lighthouse Consultancy

The Lighthouse Consultancy’s team have been assis ng yachts in Indonesia since 2009. Company Founder Andy Shorten and the team provide 24 hour support and advice to captains and management companies, from planning stages and documenta on procurement, throughout the cruise experience un l the vessel clears out interna onally. Predominantly based in Bali to ensure ease of communica on, he is, along with other Lighthouse representa ves, also ready to provide support in the nearest port during cruise or clearance me frames.

Fluent in Indonesian a er well over twelve years in the country, with a background in marine tourism involved in developing dive resorts and managing liveaboard vessels in the region, Andy has developed a network of logis cal support professionals across Indonesia and u lises this to solve any of the opera onal and logis cal issues that inevitably arise during cruises.

The consultancy’s ul mate desire and responsibility is to provide logis cal support and off er advice to the vessel, ensuring the Captain and crew feel that although in a remote area, they are s ll able to operate in a smooth and convenient manner, with access to provisions and ameni es that are key to providing the best possible service to the vessel owners and their guests on board.

The team can call upon decades of local experience to provide advice rela ng to clearances and permits, crew and guest visas, bunkering, provisioning, cruise i neraries, interna onal and Indonesian cruise guides and lecturers, transport, hotel logis cs and commercial fl ight services, as well as assistance with helicopter opera ons and private aircra ground handling at airports across the archipelago. The Lighthouse Consultancy and it’s network provide truly 360 Degree Support.

The Lighthouse Consultancy: 24 Hour 360° Superyacht Support

Indonesia: The Ultimate Superyacht Cruising Destination The planet’s longest and most diverse archipelago, Indonesia is a terrestrial and marine paradise, consis ng of huge mainland areas and over 17,000 mostly uninhabited islands - large, small and ny.

The fer le waters that surround this waterborne na on are no less breathtaking and feature every type of tropicalseascape, from sleepy mangrovebackwaters and crystal clear coralatolls to wave ba ered basalt cliff sand current swept rocky sea mounts, all of them teeming withwildly colourful life.

The fl ora and fauna that canbe found in this country ofunparalleled natural beautyis boundless. Indonesia boastssome of the world’s rarest plants,trees and land animals, and is hometo a more diverse and concentratedcollec on of marine animals than anywhere else on earth.

With a rich human history of kingdoms,conquests and colonialism, Indonesia has been blessedwith an exhilara ng kaleidoscope of cultures, tradi ons andlanguages set amongst the drama c scenery of an ever changing landscape.

Combine these elements with a welcoming popula on and a wonderful year round climate and it’s easy to see why Indonesia is rapidly rising to the forefront of Asia’s booming superyacht cruising and adventure des na ons.

Landscapes of incredible diversity

Topside the huge landmasses and countless islands of Indonesia are as equally diverse as their marine counterparts. Volcanoes, 155 of them ac ve, dominate the country and follow the archipelago’s sweep eastward, forming the Indonesian “Ring of Fire”. This unique terrain off ers unparalleled opportuni es to cruising guests for trekking and explora on, from the undula ng foothills to the soaring rocky mountain peaks.

Grassy meadows, dusty hills and sandy coral atolls feature across the central Nusa Tenggara region, which then give way to West Papua’s mangrove covered river deltas, high jungle and mountain peaks in the east. Indonesia, straddling the Wallace Line, has a greater range of animal species, both marine and terrestrial, than any other country on earth.

The Coral Triangle

All of Indonesia’s premier cruise loca ons are situated within what is known interna onally as “The Coral Triangle”, a geographical term referring to an extensive area of tropical oceans and seas in south-east Asia. This includes parts of the coastlines of Malaysia in the west, the Philippines to the north, across Papua New Guinea to the Solomon Islands in the east and all the way down to its most southerly point, the world’s newest na on, East Timor.

Posi oned inside these boundaries is the en re eastern half of Indonesia, pu ng this part of the country at what marine scien sts refer to as the global epicentre of marine biodiversity and a major centre for coral evolu on, the “Amazon of the Seas”.

Virgin cruising grounds

Cruising Asia has historically been the dominion of a limited number of explora on vessels or larger yachts. This is changing, and with an increasing number of superyachts visi ng Indonesia, Captains of these adventurous vessels usually return with tales of deserted beaches, stunning scenery and incredible adventure cruising, vowing to return as soon as possible.

Extended cruises off er the opportunity to explore all of the archipelago’s world famous loca ons, with many yachts op ng to ini ally cruise the more well-known areas of The Komodo Na onal Park and Raja Ampat, before embarking on to the lesser known areas of Flores, Alor, the Banda Sea and the latest hotspot of Cenderawasih Bay.

“There is no question that the stellar service we received from The Lighthouse Consultancy made everything easily fall into place, allowing me to focus on our guests, routes and daily routines. I very much look forward to returning to Indonesia, hopefully sooner rather than later, and Lighthouse will be the fi rst call I make.”

Captain Ethan Lee, MY CV-9

Komodo

Established in 1980 as a World Heritage Site, the Komodo Na onal Park is located some 250 nau cal miles east of the holiday island of Bali. Encompassing 1,817 square kilometres and comprising the three main islands, Komodo, Rinca and Padar, the park is considered to be one of the most exci ng natural world adventure des na ons on the planet.

Intrepid divers and explorers can experience some of the richest and unique marine environments in the world, get up close and personal with the ferocious Komodo Dragons and trek up and along the desolate jagged ridges to the peaks of the park’s breathtaking mountainous landscapes.

Cruises focusing their en re dura on in Komodo Na onal Park usually embark from the busy li le port of Labuan Bajo, just over an hour fl ight from Bali. Labuan Bajo’s runway is quite small, so considera on must be given to this fact if private aircra are to be u lized although at the me of wri ng a new airport terminal is nearing comple on and the runway being lengthened. Private aircra can also be chartered out of Bali.

An alterna ve embarka on point is the town of Bima to the west of Komodo where the airport has a longer runway. For those with more me, extended cruises can embark from Bali, in which case the journey between Bali and Komodo can be broken up with interes ng days of snorkelling and topside explora on of the islands of Lombok, Moyo and Sumbawa.

A cruise in Komodo is a journey around one of the most diverse and unique regions of the natural world, a land of dragons and drama c landscapes, fi erce currents and sparkling corals in seas teeming with more marine life than almost anywhere else on the planet, a real-life “Jurassic Park” above and below the surface.

The Komodo National Park

The Komodo National Park

Topside Komodo

While most of Indonesia is green and tropically lush, the Komodo Na onal Park is more arid, the varied landscapes featuring rocky peaks, creature-fi lled green forests and grassy slopes and meadows that give a savannah type feel to the environment.

The two largest islands in the park, Komodo and Rinca, are home to many types of land-based fauna too. Snakes are common, especially during the we er months, and it’s not unusual to come across a cobra, python or green tree viper during a cross-country trek. Wild pigs, boar or deer are plen ful while small groups of goats are resident on some of the smaller islands like Gili Lawah Laut. This combina on of habitat and prey creates the perfect habitat for Komodo’s most famous resident, the 150 kilo, three metre man ea ng Komodo Dragon, the largest lizard on earth.

The beaches of the Komodo Na onal Park are a dream, sandy with a background of rocks and hills, and mostly deserted. Great for trekking and beachcombing, however not such a good place for sunbathing - it is important to remember that the other residents of the islands are always searching for a snack.

Eff ortlessly swirling high up in the thermals close to shore, the breathtaking hun ng displays by white bellied sea eagles and brahminy kites are a show not to be missed. In the wooded areas, the trees screech, cha er and hoot with green imperial pigeons and yellow crested cockatoos, just some of the birds that make their home in the park. Snakes are a common sight, especially during the we er months and it is not unusual to come across wild pigs or huge buff alo wallowing in the shady mud pools.

The Komodo National Park

Marine Komodo

The huge island na on of Indonesia is home to the world’s most prolifi c marine ecosystem and the Komodo Na onal Park is at the epicentre of all this wild ac vity. In excess of 100 dive sites have been pioneered throughout this spectacular seascape, comprised mainly of volcanic sea mounts, pinnacles, walls, canyons and fringing reefs. The coral gardens, mangrove bays and sandy slopes, create an unmatched variety of very diff erent and dis nc ve dive environments.

Between the sea mounts the vast coral reefs, o en in shallow water, teem with unusual tropical reef animals. In fact, this area plays host to more than 1,100 diff erent fi sh species, compared with 300 or 400 in the Caribbean.

The list of cri er species is signifi cant and for bigger animals, the dive sites with stronger currents play host to manta rays, sharks and many other larger pelagic species. Whales, dolphins and turtles have made the park a playground and even the rare dugong or sea cow can occasionally be spo ed in the sca ered mangrove forests.

North and south Komodo, despite being separated by only 15 nau cal miles, off er two dis nctly diff erent underwater environments, with the northern area generally consis ng of sparkling hard coral gardens and sea mounts, and the southern usually off ering more sedate so coral habitats and a larger density of cryp c cri ers.

Komodo is justly famous for its high-energy, adrenaline-pumping dives and the gus ng currents that surge and swirl through the deep channels and around the islets and sea mounts between Komodo, Padar and Rinca islands are the key to the park’s wonderful marine life. An experienced dive guide is essen al in order to indicate not only the right me and de to dive, but the correct entry point to gain maximum enjoyment from the dive.

Great visibility, massive cliff s of black basalt, colourful walls and dazzling coral gardens all combine to create one of the most prolifi c and diverse undersea ecosystems on earth. These a ributes give Komodo the poten al to become one of the world’s ul mate yach ng des na ons.

The Komodo National Park

“Our cruise experience on SY Twizzle in Indonesia was fantastic, made much easier by having The Lighthouse Consultancy onside. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend their services to captains and owners contemplating a visit to this area.”

Captain Jon Spiller, SY Twizzle

Raja Ampat

Located off shore from the north western p of the Bird’s Head Peninsula, at the heart of the “coral triangle’ lies the pris ne Raja Ampat Na onal Park. Spanning a vast 50,000 square kilometres, the region is described by many as Indonesia’s fi nal fron er. What is sure, Raja Ampat casts a spell on all who visit.

The name Raja Ampat refers to “Four Kings” who were empowered to rule over the four main islands that make up the region: Waigeo, Batanta, Salawa and Misool. In addi on to these larger landmasses, many other smaller islands, and literally thousands of karst limestone islets, make up the total 1,500 islands in the region. Explora on of the area can focus on the northern or southern regions independently, or can combine to create a longer cruise, to experience a selec on of all that Raja Ampat has to off er. Anchorages in the cruise area are seldom further than 100 nau cal miles from Sorong.

The embarka on port for Raja Ampat cruise meframes is Sorong, a busy, developing, large town on West Papua’s north-west coastline. The large runway can accommodate private jets, but Sorong is not an interna onal airport, so there are special visa requirements that should be discussed and considered before arrival.

Local government and conserva on organisa ons are working together to protect the future of Raja Ampat’s natural treasures by making the Na onal Park a protected zone. Some islands to the south have taken a further step by implemen ng huge no-take zones, where fi shing of any kind is prohibited. In order that tourism contributes to the protec on and the governance of the region, a Raja Ampat Tourism Tag, arranged in advance of any visit to the area, is required for each individual visitor and a contribu on is required for each vessel cruising in the area.

Raja Ampat

Breathtaking Topside Scenery

Raja Ampat is world renowned for its spectacular above water scenery and sparsely inhabited tropical islands. Pris ne rain forest decorates the tops of the drama c limestone cliff s and there are hundreds of deserted bays and many other hidden treasures to discover around the myriad of islands. It’s a kayakers wonderland, featuring an intricate coastline with caves, bays, gorges, hidden rivers - all of them teeming with exo c tropical fl ora and fauna.

Exci ng topside adventures start on the countless, isolated white sandy beaches and opportuni es exist for thrilling speedboat rides around the karst forma on islets to explore cathedral-like caves. There is even the chance to visit a working pearl farm and purchase some of their valuable produce direct from the source.

For the lucky few, rainforest hikes past exo c orchids growing from jagged crevices, can climax with the unique experience of witnessing the male Birds of Paradise performing their elaborate early morning courtship dances to a ract a mate.

The lagoon anchorage at the island of Wayag is a visually stunning loca on to explore for a few days. Encompassed by vibrant vegeta on and tranquil waters, the karst forma ons can be explored during lazy a ernoon tender rides, there is something exci ng and inspiring about exploring isolated bays where few people have ever been.

Caving explora ons provide an exci ng glimpse into a fascina ng hidden subterranean world, and it is s ll possible to search for historical war me artefacts and interes ng remnants from human history that lie hidden from the world.

Raja Ampat

Under the Surface

Raja Ampat’s marine environments are spectacular, with something for the whole spectrum of marine enthusiasts, from expert underwater photographer through to beginner snorkeller. The Na onal Park boasts an astounding variety of marine habitats and inhabitants; this translates to wildly diff erent diving experiences, from pelagic dri dives, to coral encrusted wooden je es and magical cri er dives. There are even sites that are unique to Raja Ampat, such as crystal clear salt water mangrove forests with brilliant coral gardens growing right next to and some mes even among the mangrove roots. There are hundreds of known dive sites, while the poten al for the explora on of many more in this unique area is considerable.

The shallow reefs of the north are a riot of colour, with unusual purple and orange so corals prominent. These reefs cover every nook and cranny with incredible variety, and the interes ng underwater topographical forma ons and subaqua c caverns are home to large schools of fi sh, and some of the rarest marine life in the oceans. In the south, especially in the Misool area and Daram region, plunging walls covered with dense mul -coloured so corals rise up from the ocean fl oor.

Huge pelagic concentra ons inhabit the sea mounts and remote islands and big animals are regularly spo ed, with manta ray displays a common occurrence at a number of sites. These gentle giants are resident at one par cular sandy bank in just 15 metres of water, and, when treated with the respect

that they deserve, they are not fearful of divers or snorkellers and provide drama c up close and personal experiences.

All of these environments combine to form habitat for marine life in more shapes and sizes than any ocean in the world, from minute reef cri ers, found by the eyes of only the most experienced guides, to top predators and everything in between. Wave upon wave of fusiliers, damselfi sh, and chromis pulsate along the reef slopes while sharks, grouper, trevally, and rays patrol the blue. Nestled within many of the sea fans one can fi nd four diff erent species of the much sought a er pygmy seahorse. As a marine adventure des na on, Raja Ampat hosts a variety of marine life that is unparalleled in the world.

Raja Ampat

“With the Lighthouse Consultancy’s help I am confi dent that I can get what I need and what my owner wants. They provide peace of mind and give me an incentive to return, time and again. Indonesia is a fantastic place for yachting. It is also a world-class diving destination. I have no hesitation in providing a reference for Andy and his team. I would not consider any alternative, when I am in the country.” Captain Raymond Heer, MY Andiamo

Cenderawasih Bay

Located on the northern coast of West Papua approximately 250 nau cal miles east of Sorong, Cenderawasih Bay, combined with Raja Ampat makes up what is known as The Bird’s Head Seascape. Both of these markedly diff ering regions are rela vely new to the south-east Asian cruise fraternity, with Cenderawasih Bay being the latest discovery in an already outstanding cruising por olio.

Inside the bay, the marine park and outlying areas are situated on the north east side of the Bird’s Head Peninsula and include the towns of Manokwari and Nabire, as well as the larger island of Biak. Cruises in the region usually embark from either Biak or Manokwari, both rela vely large towns with runways capable of accommoda ng private aircra . Regular commercial fl ights service the region, so provisioning is no more diffi cult here than other areas of Indonesia.

Cenderawasih Bay is an offi cially regulated Na onal Park and has an aff ordable but complicated tourism fee system which needs advance planning. However, due to the remote nature of this area, there is a perceived autonomy here in local government and although all services can be acquired in the same way as they can in the more regularly visited areas, Cenderawasih has been observed as being the most expensive cruising area in Indonesia.

Cruising Cenderawasih

The Cenderawasih Na onal Park has some great diving, the reefs of the outer islands and the Padaido archipelago off er sparkling colour, healthy corals and marine life, picture perfect

Cenderawasih Baysandy beaches surrounding ny uninhabited islands. There are also chances to explore WWII wrecks and artefacts. The truly pris ne island of Yapen in par cular, has spectacular topside treks, however, the main a rac on and the stars of the Cenderawasih Bay cruise experience are the awe inspiring, up close and personal whaleshark experiences deep inside the bay at Kwa sore.

Whalesharks

Encountering a whaleshark in the wild is a humbling experience and Cenderawasih Bay has a whaleshark encounter like no other. In Indonesia it is common for fi shermen to u lise anchored and sta c vessels which have been turned into elaborate fi shing pla orms called bagans. In Cenderawasih the fi sherman use nets underneath the bagans to catch bai ish at night. This ac vity has a racted the a en on of the local popula on of whalesharks that like to gather below and suck at the nets for a free meal. Fortunately the local fi shermen took their presence as a good luck omen and in me struck up a rela onship with them, to the point where they can now hand feed bai ish to the whalesharks. Up to nine whalesharks have been observed here at the same me, making for a truly spectacular experience for snorkellers and divers alike.

Topside Nature Reserves

Cenderawasih Bay retains a natural beauty becoming of the South Pacifi c and the surroundings are home to a host of rare creatures. Living in the lowlands, gorges and hilly forests, some that are endemic to the area include forest wallabies, possums and bandicoots along with the sleepy and secre ve cuscus, all poten ally spo ed during treks through the forests. The whole con nental-sized island of Papua has, along with the Amazon, the largest concentra on of bird life on the planet with West Papua home to the elusive and rare Birds of Paradise. In the Arfak Reserve, it is reckoned that 320 bird species have been recorded, with around 50% of these endemic to the region. These ornithological delights make Cenderawasih Bay a scin lla ng natural paradise.

Cenderawasih Bay

“All in all it was a fantastic cruise for our guests and crew and we all thank The Lighthouse Consultancy for a great job, well done!” Captain Christopher Walsh, MY Archimedes

“The Lighthouse Consultancy’s attentive responses, 24 hour availability and swift reactions made our experience in Indonesia signifi cantly less stressful.” Captain Giles Smith, MY Helios 2

The Banda Sea

The Banda Islands, The original Spice Islands

Overlooked by the imposing 600 metre volcano Gunung Api, the Banda Islands host many treasures; historical, cultural and natural and this intriguing des na on also features an incredibly a rich marine environment. Infrequently visited due to both their physical loca on and the open oceans surrounding them, these islands and their adjacent dive sites off er the opportunity to interact with the more wild side of the Indonesian archipelago.

Due to being home to what was then the only known source of nutmeg in the world, the Banda Islands were the centre of the Spice Race throughout the 16th and 17th Centuries, with their exact loca on a closely guarded secret. Many ba les were fought over control of the islands. These days Banda town has a peaceful and

The Banda Seasleepy village feel, with just a couple of hotels and a limited number of homestays hos ng the handful of tourists that make it out to the region.

Cruising in the Banda Sea is somewhat curtailed by the steep underwater topography of the Banda archipelago, with one main anchorage area that vessels usually return to a er day long explora ons to the neighbouring islands. Standing off is a certainty in some areas.

Ambon is the embarka on port and has a large runway which can comfortably handle most private aircra . The city is quite basic however, but mul ple daily domes c connec ons to Bali and Jakarta mean that logis cs are rela vely smooth in the area.

History and Culture

Visitors can enjoy land expedi ons throughout the nine small islands in the archipelago, but the main focus is usually on the island of Banda Neira with its remaining heritage sites from periods of Dutch, Belgian and English colonisa on. Fort Belgica is situated on the hill ominously overlooking the town, and the original cannons s ll reside in the turrets as if protec ng the island against invaders. Other places of interest include a Dutch Palace, an artefact fi lled museum and the last remaining nutmeg planta ons on Lonthor Island.

The Banda Sea does host a remarkable varia on of cultural and historical sites, but one of the most invi ng features the region has to off er is without doubt the excitement and enthusiasm with which adventurous visitors are welcomed by the local communi es, showing their genuine warmth and aff ec on.

Marine Banda

The pris ne reefs that surround the shorelines of the fabled Spice Islands are home to some of the world’s most beau ful underwater scenery. The region is famous for the crystal clear water on almost every dive, coral encrusted walls, slopes and swim-throughs. Photographers and snorkellers can visit the fastest documented growing table corals in the world, covering the 1988 lava fl ow from Banda’s volcano, Gunung Api.

Migra ng whales and pods of dolphins are frequently seen here too and the fer le volcanic mineral enriched waters seem to have off ered the inhabitants a growth hormone. Over-sized specimens of many diff erent species inhabit the pinnacles, slopes and lush walls of the area , forming a thriving marine paradise.

The Banda Sea

“Thanks again for the exceptional service provided through Lighthouse Consultancy for the duration of our recent voyage in Indonesia. It was a major bonus also that you have extensive personal knowledge of the areas we visited and were able to pass on much appreciated tips, advice and contacts.

I am already encouraging the vessel’s owners to consider a voyage back to your region and very much look forward to working with The Lighthouse Consultancy and your guides for all agency services as the trip planning develops.”

Captain Duncan McKay, MY An podean

North Sulawesi

Home to a major marine reserve, a large densely forested Na onal Park, and some of the best “cri er” diving on the planet, North Sulawesi has a li le something for everyone.

The province of North Sulawesi is centred around the large city of Manado and the satellite port city of Bitung, at the far northern point of the island of Sulawesi. With an interna onal airport in Manado and port facili es in both Manado and Bitung, the area is well located to welcome yachts arriving from Palau (650nm), Kota Kinabalu (700nm) or the Philippines (400nm), as well as popular Indonesian cruising grounds such as Raja Ampat (350nm) or Komodo (700nm).

The western p of North Sulawesi is home to the Bunaken Na onal Marine Park, made up of a group of fi ve islands predominantly featuring clear aquamarine water and stunning ver cal coral encrusted walls. These islands are conveniently located only 10 miles from Manado City and off er high quality diving close to the port. The northern p of the mainland is home to the Tangkoko Na onal Park with the Bangka island group lying a short distance from shore. On the east side of North Sulawesi, lies the major port of Bitung and the adjacent Lembeh island which hosts some of the best cri er diving in the world.

The Manado side of the island off ers safe anchorage off the city and close to the mainland, but the islands of the Bunaken area are too steep for anchorages so standing off is generally required during daily ac vi es. The Lembeh Strait on the eastern side off ers safe and picturesque anchorages year round with short tenders rides to the dive sites and shoreside ac vi es.

Manado airport is large and modern and off ers full immigra on and customs facili es for arriving jets, there are also mul ple daily fl ights to Bali and Jakarta as well as three fl ights per week to and from Singapore.

North Sulawesi

Water Activities

With three dis nc ve diving areas located within very close proximity, the North Sulawesi region off ers a li le bit of everything for divers. The Bunaken Na onal Park is home to sheer walls with thrilling currents sweeping along so coral reefs teeming with clouds of fi sh. The Lembeh Strait is known as the “cri er capital of the world” and the diving here is completely diff erent from Bunaken; although the water is not the clearest, the amount of marine life is astounding. The “muck diving” cri ers found on the sandy slopes include wonderpus, rhinopias, frogfi sh, and even the poisonous blue ring octopus, along with hundreds of other strange fi sh and invertebrate species. As a third op on, the small islands around Bangka Island, off the north p of Sulawesi, off er a good mix of both colourful current diving as well as many of the cri ers that have made Lembeh famous. A trip to Sulawesi shows the diversity of the marine and natural environment of Indonesia.

Land Activities

The province of North Sulawesi is ringed by a string of perfectly shaped volcanoes, with the tallest being Lokon at 1,995 metres. Several of these are easily accessible from Manado, with only Lokon requiring an overnight camping trip. The panoramic views from these mountains are certainly well worth the hike. No trip to this area is complete without a visit to the famous Tangkoko Na onal Park, an 8,700 hectare nature reserve that is home to black celebes crested macaques, knobbed hornbill birds, and the world’s smallest primate: the spectral tarsier. Tours to the Na onal Park can be arranged from either Bitung or Manado and can range from a full day tour to a late a ernoon/evening event to see tarsiers feeding. For those wan ng to see a li le something diff erent, the Minahasa highlands are located about one hour by car from Manado, the area is home to several mountain lakes and one of the world’s more unique tradi onal food markets.

North Sulawesi

“I can’t say enough good things about the help The Lighthouse Consultancy team gave us when we were in Indonesia. Andy and his staff were always extremely helpful and went out of their way to make our stay as easy as possible. Everything was done promptly and done with a smile.” Captain David Wagner, MY Maya Ray

West Sumatra

One of the largest islands in Indonesia, Sumatra is home to an incredible variety of a rac ons both on land and in the sea. In the Indian Ocean, off the west coast of Sumatra, lies a stunning cruising ground do ed with hundreds of picture perfect tropical islands sca ered 100 miles west of the mainland. These striking islands include famous names like the Mentawais and Nias, but also many hidden paradises such as the island of Enggano or the Batu Island group. For a li le something diff erent, the infamous Krakatoa Volcano island group lies at the far southern p of Sumatra and the smoking “Child of Krakatoa” is an interes ng a rac on for history or geography buff s.

As the area is predominantly known for swell and surf, safe anchorages are a must and there are areas in all of the major island groups where yachts can anchor in a quiet harbour or on the lee side of an island, while s ll being a short boat ride away from a beau ful beach or incredible surf.

With its loca on near to Singapore, there are several entry points into Indonesia accessible in Sumatra, with Belitung or Padang being two op ons on the east and west coasts respec vely. There are no Na onal Parks in these islands, however, for each mini-region a yacht visits, such as Nias or the Mentawais, the vessel must report to the local harbour master and police in order to register her presence in the area to help avoid any unnecessary hassles.

West Sumatra

diff erent from typical Indonesian villages. It’s possible to visit these Neolithic people in several areas via a long, but rewarding, road journey. The main island of Sumatra itself is home to many unique species of endangered wildlife such as gers, rhinoceros, gibbons, and the famous orang-utan. Although the gers and

rhinoceros are not frequently encountered, orangutans can be reliably spo ed in several reserves such as Bukit Lawang, not far from the city of Medan.

For kayakers and snorkellers, the beaches and small tropical islands in the Mentawai group off er endless opportuni es for explora on. The region is also perfect for beach lovers interested in isola on and privacy, with long stretches of pure white sand lined with picturesque palm trees,. Although scuba diving in the Mentawais is not the main focus, there are s ll many areas with coral reefs that can quench the appe te of eager divers and snorkellers who want a marine ac vity to break up their day relaxing on the beach..

SumatraActivities

The main a rac ons in Sumatra are the world-class surf breaks found all along the off shore islands of the west coast. The Mentawai islands are perhaps the most famous waves in Sumatra, yet they off er rela vely uncrowded breaks due to their remote loca on. A full service expedi on yacht can make the most of the area by accessing islands that are even more remote than the Mentawais; these include Enggano, Nias, and Panaitan, where the waves only see a handful of surfers each year. The area truly is a hidden paradise for surfers with beau ful white sand beaches, tropical blue water, and world-class waves.

The original se lers of Mentawai and Nias island groups are culturally dis nct from later “Indonesian” se lers and their way of life is s ll intact. There are several na ve tribes who s ll live a very basic way of life and their tradi ons are much

“MY Wabi Sabi used the Lighthouse Consultancy’s services extensively throughout our time in Indonesia and simply put they were above and beyond expectations in every area of our dealings. Their tireless effort to ensure all our requests were met, our travels went seamlessly and the guests left with a great desire to return was nothing short of incredible.

I feel that Indonesia is one the world’s top cruising destinations supported by a team that I feel are at the forefront of providing support for visiting yachts.”

Captain Grant Butler, MY Wabi Sabi

Lighthouse Services

Cruise Guides: Cruising with confi dence The Lighthouse Consultancy is acutely aware of the impact that a knowledgeable cruising guide can have on the enjoyment of any of the unique cruising grounds of Indonesia. The scale of the cruising regions and the sheer number of islands to be found make cruising seem simple, but certain signature dive experiences, treks for unique vistas, fl ora and fauna can easily be missed without the assistance of quality and highly experienced guides.

In addi on, a guide must have enough experience to lead guest excursions during trips; this also includes awareness of the currents and condi ons during diving, snorkelling and other marine based ac vi es. An in depth understanding of oceanic condi ons at several signature dive sites in Indonesia can be the diff erence between an incredible dive and a challenging experience for guests.

While yachts are in the cruising grounds, interac on with local villages, both planned and unplanned is inevitable. An Indonesian speaking guide can alleviate communica on challenges and enable Captain and crew to focus on serving guests rather than talking with local offi cials or village leaders; guides can also coordinate a visit to the village if guests are interested in cultural interac ons.

The Lighthouse Consultancy has an extensive network of both interna onal and domes c guides available to join cruises. Made Suarsana and Herry Jeremias are full me guides with The Lighthouse Consultancy, leading trips throughout the archipelago with enthusiasm and hard work. Highly experienced interna onal guides Mike Veitch and Garry Bevan work exclusively with the Consultancy.

“During his time aboard Made proved to be an excellent dive guide, knowing all the great dive spots and the best times to dive them. He also arranged excursions ashore for us and dealt magnifi cently with the local bureaucracy.

More importantly he proved to be a very nice person to have on board, his English is excellent, and he was always helping the crew, we all became very good friends, and would love to invite him back on board another time.”

Captain Gordon Percy, SY Twizzle

Provisioning Assistance: Fresh produce when and where you need it The Lighthouse Consultancy’s full me provisioning consultant Kerry Shorten, provides direct and personal support to the vessel Chef andChief Steward. Her straigh orward advice, knowledge and experience of mul ple suppliers in Bali and exper se regarding the seasonal availability of provisions quickly makes her integral to effi cient provisioning during any cruising meframe.

Some supplies can be sourced directly in the local Indonesian ports, with a growing number of supermarkets found in these areas providing a limited but improving selec on vegetables, local meats and fi sh staples suffi cient for the majority of crew provision requirements. However dependable availability of certain items can be a problem, so most vessels opt for reliable provisioning, ordered in advance and shipped out of Bali to arrive a day prior to the arrival of the guests.

Being based in Bali, The Lighthouse Consultancy team, have access to a much more reliable supply of high quality provisions, sourced from local markets or producers direct, or from the numerous outlets that are more accustomed to servicing the huge number of interna onal standard hotels on the island. For a specifi c ingredient or item requested by the owner or the chef, regular imports of specifi c luxury items can also be arranged with advance warning.

Shipments of food and provisions that have been sourced in Bali are delivered to the vessel in Benoa port, or fl own in ice cooled Styrofoam boxes to the nearest domes c airport to the vessel loca on, making use of the Consultancy’s network among the domes c airlines and airports in the region. Shipments can then be collected and delivered to the vessel in harbour, a rendezvous at sea, or even collected by the vessel helicopter.

“The service from Lighthouse has been fantastic, they stop at nothing to get you what you need when you need it, no matter how remote you may be! The attention to detail, the communication and how the produce arrived on board was incredible and I learnt quickly I could rely on them. Defi nitely one of the best provision suppliers I’ve worked with!”

Zach Phillips, Execu ve Chef, MY Vava II

Komodo, Flores and Alor

Cruises in Komodo embark from Bali - requiring a signifi cant cruising reloca on en route to the Na onal Park - or from the ports of Labuan Bajo and Bima, which are in closer proximity to the Park but require domes c fl ights to reach them. Komodo is a year round cruising des na on, but experience has shown that July and August can be aff ected by blustery south east winds and so the focus at this me is on the north shore areas. The main rainy season is from November to March and January can be aff ected by winds from the north-west.

Mul ple anchorages can be found within the Komodo Na onal Park, and the rela vely small cruising area means that i nerary adjustments can be made should weather and ocean condi ons require.

Heading east through to Alor limits anchorage choices for larger vessels, due to the steep drop-off s of the archipelago’s underwater topography. Anchorage depths range from 40 to 60 metres.

Cenderawasih Bay

Cruises in Cenderawasih Bay embark from Manokwari or Biak and can be visited year round as the region is rela vely protected although mountainous topography contributes to regular rainfall. Combining Cenderawasih with Raja Ampat is possible, though involves a considerable mid cruise reloca on.

There are mul ple anchorages available throughout the cruising region. Anchorage depths range from 30 to 40 metres

Raja Ampat

Cruises in Raja Ampat embark from Sorong. The northern region is increasingly seen as a year round des na on, due to the mul ple anchorages available and the opportunity to sit out squalls in the many islands off ering protec on to vessels. Southern Raja Ampat, around the islands in the Misool area are more exposed and so cruising in July and August is not usually recommended, but condi ons can be assessed during a fl exible i nerary, with back up op ons to the north. More wind and rainfall will be experienced in July and August.

There are mul ple scenic anchorages throughout the northern region. Anchorage depths range from 40 to 60 metres. Southern Raja Ampat anchorages are less in number and range from 45 to 65 metres.

The Banda Sea

Cruises in the Banda Sea embark from Ambon. During the months of March, April, October and November the monsoon winds have historically dropped, however the Banda islands are incredibly exposed and it is important to study weather forecasts at any me of year prior to visi ng. Most i neraries avoid the months of June, July and August in Banda.

Anchorages in the Banda Sea are tricky due to the underwater topography in the region and it is impossible to have an i nerary moving to a new anchorage each night. Banda harbour off ers the most prominent anchorage, at a depth of around 25 metres.

In Brief: Cruising Seasons and Anchorage Information The following informa on is based on extensive experience in this part of the world however condi ons in any area can be aff ected by weather pa erns across South East Asia along with the Pacifi c and Indian Oceans. Anchorage op ons are aff ected by an individual vessel’s requirements regarding depth and required swing room.

North Sulawesi

North Sulawesi off ers two ports of embarka on, the fi rst is Manado which has easy and convenient access to the Interna onal Airport which is only 20 minutes away from the city centre. Bitung, on the eastern side of the p of Sulawesi is a li le further away and the journey from airport to harbour takes around an hour and a half. Manado Interna onal Airport connects directly to Singapore with Silk Air, a subsidiary of Singapore Airlines.

The best season for cruising North Sulawesi is between October and June which avoids the south east monsoon which becomes stronger during August. Anchorages are rela vely easy all around the coastline and the islands stretching northwards up to Sanghie and Talaud however some loca ons will require vessels to stand off due deep water concerns. Average anchoring depths are between 40 and 60 metres.

West Sumatra

Padang and Belitung are the poten al ports of embarka on for West Sumatra although it is possible to cruise from Singapore or Langkawi however interna onal clearances present their own challenges. The months between April and November bring the best swell and sea condi ons for the excellent surfi ng at the Mentawais but the island chain is fairly exposed to the elements.

This area is also very popular with the worlds surfi ng community therefore the further away from Padang a cruise goes the less crowded the surf breaks and fi ne beaches will be.

Although the anchorages are somewhat exposed they are in fairly shallow water and it is generally possible to fi nd the lee side for an overnight stay.

1. The Clearance Approval Indonesian Territory (CAIT)

This is a three month permit allowing the vessel a single entry into Indonesian waters and gran ng the crew and guests of the vessel, who are expressly listed on the document, approval to enter Indonesia at any me during the validity of the document.

Planning for the document requires:

Ships Registra on Papers

List of names and passports of all guests

List of names and passports of all crew

Planned Ports for Interna onal Clearance

Poten al planned domes c route

2. Temporary Importation

This process sounds more complicated than it is, however the vessel must be temporarily imported into Indonesia in order to be allowed to cruise the waters, this takes place during inspec ons during the ini al Interna onal clearance in to Indonesia. The vessel is rou nely exported at the end of the cruise meframe during the fi nal interna onal clearance.

Planning for the process requires:

Ship Registra on Papers

Four photographs of the vessel

Vessel Valua on Document

In Brief: Cruising Permits and International Clearances Trip Planning and Permit Acquisition

Despite the common percep on that cruising Indonesia is a complicated experience, appoin ng The Lighthouse Consultancy to pre-plan and coordinate the cruise meframe will ensure it runs rela vely smoothly. Although there are certainly more requirements than in other parts of the world, there are essen ally just two processes that are required to be arranged prior to the vessels arrival, along with a number of visa considera ons for crew and guests.

International Clearances

There are several main ports that can be u lized to clear into Indonesia, and these are generally chosen based on the vessels’ route and intended cruising des na on, in all likelihood Bali, Ambon, Sorong or Biak will be used.

Crew and Guest Visa Requirements

Crew and guests have two visa op ons, a 30 day visa on arrival or a 60 day social visa. Other op ons are possible should the vessel plan to remain in Indonesia for longer than 60 days, but these are more complex as they require advance arrangement prior to arrival in Indonesia.

The Lighthouse Consultancy: Recent Yacht Portfolio MV Alucia MY Amoha MY Andiamo MY An podean MY Archimedes MY Asteria MY Big Fish SY Bliss

MY Blue Sapphire MY CV-9 MY Dr No SY Etherial RV Falkor SY Gliss MY Helios 2 SY Maya Ray

Spor isher Norby MY Northern Sun MY Pacifi c SY Pelican SY Sarissa MY Serenity MY Serenity J MY Triple Seven

SY Twizzle MY Umbra MY Vava II SY Vivid MY Wabi Sabi

“Indonesia stands out as the best destination I have travelled to in 33 years of sailing the world. Our two trips, to the East of Bali and Raja Ampat were completely different; the scenery is simply stunning and even within a limited geographic area refreshingly different. The local populations were very warm and welcoming and genuinely excited to see the yacht and let us see their world.

It is however not an easy place to work and it was essential to have good local guidance. Lighthouse provided that brilliantly, allowing us to do some incredible things that left our guests delighted each and every day. The dilemma we have now is how other trips are going to compare.”

Captain Richard Bridge, MY Vava II

The Lighthouse Consultancy would like to thank the following photographers for generously allowing their images to be used in this presenta on:

Lukas Zumbuhl, Mike Veitch, Rod Klein, Nancy Mueller, Garry Bevan, Mark Snyder, Gordon Percy, Sco Benne , Ethan Lee, Made Suarsana, Luca Vaime and Ma hew Oldfi eld

[email protected] : www.thelighthouseconsultancy.com

your guiding light in Indonesia