Among the country’s 17,000 islands are some fabled destinations. However, some of the very best are to be found in a relatively compact, charter-friendly sequence beneath the central islands of Borneo and Sulawesi.
With a world-famous range of fauna, from elephants and macaques to tigers and Komodo Dragons, an Indonesian yacht charter has the potential for almost unparalleled adventure. Just off the sprawling, multi-coloured metropolis of Jakarta, the Kepulauan Seribu chain is a stunning example of a tropical archipelago. Further east, the equally lovely Karimunjawa group is another great region for idyllic anchorages, secluded beaches and relaxed island-hopping. However, a superyacht charter centred around the islands east of Bali makes Indonesia’s natural variety feel even richer. From here to the enchanting anchorage at Labuan Bajo there are plenty of memorable places. Chief among them are Lombok, which has all the charm of Bali but none of the seasonal congestion; and Komodo, a naturalist’s paradise. With vibrant pockets of nightlife to supplement the surfing hotspots, the excellent reef dives, the wildlife and the volcanic wilderness, this is yacht charter versatility at its best.
Embark on your Bali superyacht charter against the majestic backdrop of Agung volcano. It is the largest peak on the island of Serangan. If you have a passion for surfing, this is a great spot to hit the local breaks.
This impish little 656m volcano has always been a threat to Bandaneira, Banda Besar and anyone attempting to farm its fertile slopes. Its last eruption in 1988 killed three people, destroyed more than 300 houses and filled the sky with ash for days. Historically, Gunung Api’s eruptions have often proven to be spookily accurate omens of approaching European invaders or traders. The waters around Gunung Apiare are home to lurid purple-and-orange sea squirts, remarkably fast-growing table corals, leatherback turtles and concentrations of (mostly harmless) sea snakes. The submerged north-coast lava flows (‘New Lava’) are especially good for snorkelling and shallow dives.
Overlooked by the imposing 600-metre volcano Gunung Api, the Banda Islands host many treasures – historical, cultural and natural – and this intriguing destination also features an incredibly rich marine environment. Infrequently visited due to both their physical location and the open oceans surrounding them, these islands and their adjacent dive sites offer the opportunity to interact with the wilder 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 location a closely guarded secret.
Ambon is the capital city of Maluku Province in eastern Indonesia. The bay has many excellent muck sites, full of amazing critters. The wreck dive "Duke of Sparta" is an underrated, outstanding dive. The mast of this wreck is just full of critters and invertebrate species, and the deck is intact. The largest octopuses in the area are to be found on this wreck, along with a plethora of lionfish species. Ambon has many coral reef dives full of crinoids, large barrel sponges, large sea fans and table corals – especially as you leave Ambon Bay. Some sites will have many fish, fusiliers, bump head parrotfish, and Napoleon wrasse. Inside the bay, you have spectacular muck sites, with critters such as rhinopia, numerous species of shrimps and crabs, wonderpus, ghost pipefish, seahorses and frogfish.