If anchored at Tanjung Kelayang, Belitung, you will need to hire a car and driver for the day to clear in or out with Immigration, Customs, Harbour Master, and yes, that silly green book is still required here. Ervan at the jetty will organise for you, he’s the go-to man while you are here.
Karimun Jawa will charm you a little more each day. With several well-protected anchorages, white sandy beaches, reefs and a laid back easy living vibe makes Karimun Jawa a favourite of ours.
Tanjung Kelayang, in the north of Belitung has a bit of a different look to most of Indonesia. The island is quite flat and surrounded with large round boulders. The water is shallow and clear here. The local fishermen have transitioned to tourism and with this the fish stocks are increasing. The jetty is the heart of the area. At the cafe you’ll find indonesian food, beer and friendly folk.
We’ve visited Bawean in both monsoons and have had some of our most memorable experiences here. The northen anchorage is well protected but beware of out of control barges! The outer islands are beautiful and worth the effort.
Gili Gede is a delightful island off the south west coast of Lombok and is the largest of the southern gili islands, or the Secret Gilis as they are known due to been less touristed than the popular Gili T, Air and Meno. However, numerous resorts are now popping up between the five traditional villages on the island offering different eating and drinking establishments.
Moyo Island is a densely forested and sparcely populated island just off the north of Sumbawa and the Moyo Island anchorage is a easy dinghy ride from the small village, resort and the island’s unique attractions.
Home of the fearsome Komodo Dragon and a diver’s paradise, UNESCO listed Komodo National Park offers dramatic scenery above and below the water.
Riung, or “Rastafar-Riung” as we’ve renamed it as the town exudes a Bob Marley vibe evident in the cafes, bemos and dreadlocked locals. A low key town exists supporting some tourism with people coming here to visit the 17 Islands National Park.
Labuan Bajo is the gateway to Komodo National Park and a perfect place to anchor up for a few days. Organise some diving, indulge in the many restaurants and bars and stock up on supplies.
The entry into the harbour of Kalabahi, Alor has been likened to the fjords of NZ. It is truly beautiful but the fish farms and mosques firmly remind you that this is Indonesia.
Saumlaki was our first stop in Indonesia after leaving Darwin in 2018. Two battered crew and a wounded boat were pleased to be there and looking forward to the beginning of another adventure.