Sailing in Indonesia

Sailing in Indonesia: The Complete Guide with Suggested Itineraries

Sailing in Indonesia’s archipelago of over 17,000 islands offers an unparalleled sailing playground. Straddling both sides of the equator, these islands provide an extraordinary mix of cultures, seascapes and marine biodiversity. From tranquil anchorages in turquoise lagoons to bustling ports tinged with centuries of trading history, Indonesia promises a diverse cruising experience.

Whether you seek world-class diving, remote anchorages or lively nightlife in coastal towns, this guide lays out what you need to know about sailing here: the primary cruising areas, prevailing winds and weather patterns, harbours and anchorages, chartering protocols and essential preparation.

Indonesia’s Climate and Winds

Indonesia Monsoon Seasons

Indonesia lies within two main monsoonal regimes:

• Southeast (SE) Monsoon (April to October)
  • Wind direction: south-east to north-west
  • Typical conditions: dry weather, more stable winds (15–20 knots)
  • Sailing implications: best time for eastern archipelago cruising (Komodo, Flores, Alor)
• Northwest (NW) Monsoon (November to March)
  • Wind direction: north-west to south-east
  • Typical conditions: wetter weather, variable winds (10–18 knots), occasional squalls
  • Sailing implications: wetter but still sailable—choose anchorages with good protection

Temperature and Rainfall

• Temperatures: Year-round range from 24 °C (75 °F) to 33 °C (91 °F)
• Rainfall:
  • December to March: peak rainy season (especially in western regions)
  • July to September: driest months
• Sea Temperatures: 27 °C to 30 °C, ideal for diving/snorkelling

Sailing in Indonesia: Primary Cruising Areas

Indonesia’s vastness means that each region offers a distinct cruising flavour. Below, the main areas are described in terms of geography, typical anchorages and highlights.

A. Lesser Sunda Islands (Bali, Lombok, Sumbawa, Komodo, Flores)

Bali and Lombok

• Overview:
  • Bali (Benoa Harbour, Serangan Marina): gateway for customs and immigration (CAIT)
  • Lombok (Labuhan Lombok): secondary entry point with fewer formalities
• Anchorages:
  • Bali: Benoa Harbour (deep water marina), Sanur Bay (protected anchorage)
  • Lombok: Gili Islands (Gili Meno, Gili Trawangan anchorage), Teluk Nare
• Highlights:
  • Vibrant nightlife in Bali’s south (Seminyak, Kuta)
  • Traditional Sasak culture in Lombok’s north and west coasts

Komodo National Park and Flores

• Overview:
  • Renowned for Komodo dragons, vibrant coral reefs, dramatic topography
  • Labuan Bajo (Flores) serves as the primary provisioning hub
• Anchorages and Johar:
  • Kalong Island: evening flights of flying foxes—must-see spectacle
  • Kelor, Padar and Rinca Islands: sheltered bays for day-sailing and wildlife viewing
• Highlights:
  • World-class dive sites (e.g., Crystal Rock, Manta Point)
  • Hiking on Padar Island for panoramic photo opportunities

Flores to Alor Passage

• Overview:
  • Wild, remote cruising with fewer yachts; ideal for experienced sailors
• Anchorages:
  • Alor Archipelago: calm anchorages in Pantar Strait and near Pura Island
  • Lembata (Levuka Bay): protected anchorage with local markets and cultural immersion
• Highlights:
  • Ethnic diversity: sights of traditional villages and ikat weavers
  • Excellent reef diving off Alor and Pantar

B. Maluku and Banda Sea

Ambon and its Neighbours

• Overview:
  • Ambon Harbour: deepwater anchorage with city access
  • Seram Island: protected bays, logging-free anchorages
• Anchorages:
  • Amahai (Seram): deep, calm bay offering provisioning possibilities
  • Saparua: sheltered anchorage close to historical spice trade forts
• Highlights:
  • Rich spice-trade history (nutmeg, clove)
  • Vibrant marine life: excellent snorkelling and diving

Banda Islands

• Overview:
  • Historic spice islands—Nutmeg capital in the 17th century
• Anchorages:
  • Banda Neira: well-protected harbour, with access to local markets and restaurants
  • Pulau Hatta: quiet, picturesque anchorage on the lee side
• Highlights:
  • Snorkelling amongst sea fans and ghost pipefish
  • Fort Belgica: colonial ruins with panoramic views

C. Sulawesi and Halmahera

Eastern Sulawesi (Tomini Bay)

• Overview:
  • Tomini Bay: vast, relatively uncharted waters, inhabited by indigenous communities
• Anchorages:
  • Gorontalo Harbour: official entry point in northern Sulawesi
  • Togean Islands: idyllic coral islands with multiple sheltered anchorages (e.g., Wakai)
• Highlights:
  • Jungle hikes to waterfalls, cultural exchange with Bajau and Togian villagers
  • Pristine reefs of the Togean Archipelago

Northern Halmahera

• Overview:
  • Remote cruising area with historical WWII wreck dives (e.g., Lembeh Strait)
• Anchorages:
  • Ternate Harbour: traditional spice trade port—good provisioning and inter-island connections
  • Tidore and Bacan: sheltered bays, minimal traffic
• Highlights:
  • Muck diving in Lembeh Strait (rare nudibranchs, frogfish)
  • Climbing Mount Gamalama on Ternate

D. West Papua and Raja Ampat

Sorong to Raja Ampat

• Overview:
  • Sorong: main logistics hub; busy port but well resourced
  • Raja Ampat: world’s highest marine biodiversity index
• Anchorages:
  • Waisai Marina: basic facilities near Raja Ampat office (permit processing)
  • Wayag Islands: stunning limestone karst formations—anchor off Pulau Armidon for exploration
• Highlights:
  • Iconic “karst lagoons” of Wayag—spectacular drone footage spots
  • Underwater kingdom: over 1,500 fish species and 600 coral species

Indonesia’s Navigation and Harbours

Major Entry Ports

Anchorages and Moorings

• Protected Bays: In each major region, seek anchorages on the leeward side of islands.
• Mooring Buoys: Found in marine-protected areas (e.g., Komodo NP, Raja Ampat)—support local conservation efforts.
• Depth and Holding: Many anchorages have coral bottoms—use anchor scopes wisely and consider a bridle to avoid sliding on reefs.

Customs, Immigration and Permits in Indonesia

CAIT (Cruising Permit)

• Requirement: All foreign-flagged yachts must obtain a “CAIT” (Cuti Berlayar Izin Tempat) permit before cruising Indonesian waters.
• Processing Time: Approximately seven weeks; valid for 90 days. Apply via Indonesian Directorate of Sea Transportation or authorised agents (e.g., Bali Marina).
• Renewal: Extendable for additional 90-day periods by applying before expiry.

Visas

• Visa on Arrival (VoA): €25 for 30 days (available at major airports and seaports).
• KITAS (Stay Permit): If planning longer stays, a Social Budaya visa sponsored by local agent is recommended (initially 60 days, extendable every 30 days up to four times).

Local Regulations

• Marine Parks:
  • Parks (e.g., Komodo, Raja Ampat, Togean) require additional permits and fees (park entrance, mooring fees).
• Restricted Areas:
  • Some areas near military bases (e.g., parts of Ambon, Biak) require special clearance from Indonesian Navy authorities.
• Crew List:
  • Must match names on CAIT.
• Customs Declaration:
  • Declare any high-value items, arms, electronic equipment.

Yacht Chartering in Indonesia

Types of Charters

• Bareboat Charters:
  • Limited availability—mostly in Bali, Lombok and Flores. Yachts typically crewed unless skipper has recognised qualifications.
• Crewed Charters and Liveaboards:
  • Popular option—professional crew handle navigation, cooking and diving support. Common in Raja Ampat, Komodo and Banda Sea.
• Flotilla Charters:
  • Group sailing with lead yacht/guide; rare but occasionally organised around big festivals or regattas.

Sailing Certifications and Requirements

• Recommended Qualifications:
  • ICC (International Certificate of Competence), RYA Day Skipper/Coastal Skipper, or equivalent national endorsements.
  • Local charters often insist on RYA or ASA equivalent licences; some may accept bareboat experience logbooks.
• Local Licences:
  • Not mandatory for foreign skippers if possessing an ICC and recognised endorsements; however, local agents may request licences for insurance purposes.
• Insurance:
  • Ensure comprehensive hull and liability insurance covering Indonesian waters (marine parks, remote areas).

Charter Costs (Indicative)

Sailing Navigation and Safety Considerations

Navigational Hazards

• Coral Reefs and Shallow Banks:
  • Yellow Bank (Bali–Flores passage), numerous coral heads east of Lombok. Navigate in daylight with local guidance.
• Strong Currents:
  • Ombai/Flores Strait: currents up to 4 knots—plan crossings around slack water times.
• Limited Charting:
  • Some remote passages (West Papua, Maluku) rely on local knowledge; consider hiring local pilots or using updated electronic charts.

Electronic Aids

• Charts:
  • Navionics and C-Map cover most Indonesian waters; supplement with local paper charts (Imray, Periplus).
• AIS and VHF:
  • VHF channels vary by region; monitor Channel 16 for emergencies and local harbour instructions.
• Internet Connectivity:
  • 4G coverage near main islands; satellite communication recommended for remote areas (Raja Ampat, Maluku).

Health and Security

• Health Preparations:
  • Vaccinations: Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Rabies (for remote land excursions), Malaria prophylaxis in eastern islands (West Papua, Maluku).
  • Medical Kit: Include antibiotics, anti-malarials, anti-diarrhoeal medications, reef cut treatments.
• Security:
  • Indonesian waters generally safe; however, petty crime (theft) can occur in crowded marinas. Maintain watch overnight and lock valuables ashore.
  • In certain regions (parts of Maluku), periodic local unrest may require avoiding anchorage near conflict zones—stay updated via local news or cruising forums.

Provisioning and Repairs

Provisioning

• Major Hubs:
  • Bali (Denpasar, Denpasar Market): Wide selection of fresh produce, imported goods, chandlery items.
  • Labuan Bajo (Flores): Smaller supermarkets, local fish, limited imported items.
  • Sorong (West Papua): Basic provisioning, but fewer fresh produce choices—stock up in Makassar (Sulawesi) if transiting.
• Fuel and Water:
  • Available at most marinas and local jetties; negotiate price in more remote ports.
• Spare Parts:
  • Common engine spares (filters, belts) found in major ports. For specialised parts, ship from Singapore or Bali.

Repairs and Maintenance

• Marinas with Services:
  • Benoa Marina (Bali), Labuan Bajo Marina (Flores), Misool Eco Resort (Raja Ampat) offer basic technical support.
  • Dry-dock facilities: Bali (Batulayar), Makassar (Sulawesi).
• Local Technicians:
  • Many mechanics and sailmakers are accustomed to cruising yachts; expect variable quality—inspect previous work if possible.

Practical Advice for Cruising Indonesia

Medical and Health Notes

• Vaccination Checklist:
  • Hepatitis A & B
  • Typhoid
  • Tetanus–diphtheria booster
  • Rabies (considered if extensive land exploration)
  • Malaria prophylaxis (West Papua, Maluku)
• Onboard First Aid Kit:
  • Broad-spectrum antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline, ciprofloxacin)
  • Anti-malarials (where appropriate)
  • Dressings, antiseptics (for coral cuts)
  • Pain relievers, rehydration salts

Communication

• SIM Cards & Data:
  • Telkomsel (SimPATI, Loop) offers best coverage—purchase at airport/shops.
  • XL and Indosat reliable in larger towns, but limited on remote islands.
• VHF & HF:
  • Monitor VHF 16 in all regions.
  • HF broadcasts by Australian Bureau of Meteorology (for weather) in Indonesian waters.

Cultural Etiquette

• Respect Local Customs:
  • Wear modest clothing when visiting villages or mosques.
  • Always ask permission before photographing locals.
• Festivals and Events:
  • Jakarta to Makassar regattas (July–August) draw local sailors—spectacular to witness.
  • Nyepi (Balinese Day of Silence; March) means limited movement in Bali; plan accordingly.

Sailing in Indonesia FAQs

References

1. CruisersWiki: Indonesia — https://www.cruiserswiki.org/wiki/Indonesia
2. World Meteorological Organization — Monsoon patterns over Southeast Asia
3. Indonesian Directorate of Sea Transportation — CAIT (Cruising Permit) regulations
4. Raja Ampat Marine Park Authority — Permit requirements and fees