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INDONESIA 01
INDONESIA 01
WAKATOBI & BALI
14 – 27 OCT 2023 ● 14 DAYS ● 9 GUESTS (SCUBA Divers Only)
Be one of only 9 divers lucky enough to join Natalia on a journey into the heart of the Coral Triangle
to explore the underwater riches of Indonesia’s marine mecca, Wakatobi. Aboard the luxury yacht
MV Pelagian, embark on a cruise to the planet’s most bio-diverse marine environment. Home to
some of the worlds’ most pristine reefs, with spectacular sea mounts, steep drop offs, pinnacles and
shallow coral gardens, all covered in a myriad of colorful fish, soft and hard corals. Travel Sidemen
valley and explore the lush green rice paddies in the foothills of towering Mount Agung volcano in
Bali; witness hidden waterfalls, breathtaking views and authentic Balinese culture all from our
beautiful Balinese lodge on this extraordinary Indonesian adventure.
Fly to remote Wakatobi in south-eastern Sulawesi and board the MV Pelagian, one of the worlds’
finest live-aboards. Surrounded by stunning island landscapes and a pristine natural environment
with world-class marine life, this luxurious yacht works hard to offer its 10 guests the highest level of
service and the most exceptional experiences and memories, whilst providing a sustainable income
to the local community. With their Collaborative Reef Protection Program, they are protecting the
reefs surrounding Wakatobi, which has allowed the reefs and marine life to flourish and become one
of the worlds’ greatest marine biodiversity hotspots. Spend a week discovering the abundance of
colorful reef fish, mantas circling over cleaning stations, patrolling sharks and pelagic fish schooling
off the current-swept seamounts and walls in search for weird and wonderful critters on exceptional
muck dives.
Head to Sidemen valley, for an authentic Balinese experience. Walk through lush rice paddies, visit
remote villages, cool off in breathtakingly beautiful cascading waterfalls, learn how to cook traditional
Indonesian dishes and experience the traditional Balinese way of life.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Experience exceptional diving at world-famous Wakatobi in the heart of the Coral
Triangle
• 9 divers only with Wild Earth Co-Founder Natalia as your Expedition Leader
• Immerse yourself in the unspolit beauty of Bali, with rolling rice fields, traditional
villages and cascading waterfalls at a luxury lodge in Sidemen Valley
• Sail in luxury onboard a privately chartered yacht through the Wakatobi islands
• Explore lush coral gardens, seamounts and coral covered drop offs
• Hunt for unusual critters on exceptional muck dives
• Dive alongside the mysterious ocean nomad, the Mola mola and Manta rays
• Get pampered with mouth-watering cuisine and exceptional 5* service
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CLICK TO VIEW IN GOOGLE MAPS ITINTERARY OVERVIEW PRE EXTENSION NUSA LEMBONGAN – Mola Mola & Mantas 10 - 15 OCT 2023 ● 5 DAYS ● 12 GUESTS Day 01 | Oct 10 Depart Home / En Route to Bali, Indonesia Day 02 | Oct 11 Arrive in Bali / Transfer to Nusa Lembongan Island Day 03-05 | Oct 12-14 3 days diving Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan Day 06 | Oct 15 Transfer to Bali / Join Main group for Indonesia 01 INDONEISA 01 – Wakatobi & Bali 14 - 27 OCT 2023 ● 14 DAYS ● 9 GUESTS (SCUBA Divers Only) Day 01 | Oct 14 Depart Home / En Route to Bali, Indonesia Day 02 | Oct 15 Arrive in Bali / 5* Beach Resort Day 03 | Oct 16 Charter flight to Wakatobi islands / Board MV Pelagian Day 04-09 | Oct 17-22 7 days diving the Wakatobi Islands Day 10 | Oct 23 Charter flight to Bali / Transfer to Sidemen valley / Samanvaya Resort Day 11-12 | Oct 24-25 Explore Sidemen valley and the Balinese Highlands Day 13 | Oct 26 Fly Home / or continue to Manado, Sulawesi for Indonesia 02 Day 14 | Oct 27 Arrive home WWW.WILDEARTHEXPEDITIONS.COM 3 INFO@WILDEARTHEXPEDITIONS.COM
PRE EXTENSION ITINERARY
NUSA LEMBONGAN – MOLA MOLA & MANTAS
Come eye to eye with one of the worlds’ most mysterious, odd-looking and elusive ocean nomads,
the gigantic Ocean Sunfish, also known as the Mola mola. The Mola mola is a large pelagic fish that
frequents the waters around southern Bali between August and November. It is the heaviest bony
fish in the world, feeding mainly on jellyfish, weighing a ton and growing up to 3m (9ft) in length. It
can be very curious and will often approach divers.
Explore sloping reefs and walls, covered in vibrant and healthy hard and soft corals, sponges and a
variety of colorful reef fish. Watch majestic Manta rays as they visit cleaning stations and feed in the
nutrient rich waters. Find odd and unique critters, like ghost-pipefish, frogfish, pygmy seahorses and
other unusual suspects.
Stay in a gorgeous villa at a boutique resort overlooking the ocean, with the distant silhouette of
Mount Agung. When not diving, enjoy a spa treatment, swim in the infinity pool, explore the island
and a nearby fishing village by scooter, or simply relax and witness spectacular sunsets while sipping
on a cocktail.
Day 01. Oct 10, 2023. Depart Home / En route to Bali, Indonesia
Depart your home and journey to Bali, arriving into Denpasar 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 either the Batu Karang Lembongan Resort & Spa on Nusa Lembongan island or
depending on your arrival time, at the 5 star Maya Beach Resort in Sanur which is next to where the
boat departs Bali to Nusa Lembongan.
Day 02. Oct 11, 2023. Arrive into Bali, Indonesia / Welcome Cocktails & Dinner
Due to boat transfer schedules to Nusa Lembongan Island your flight must arrive no later than 1pm
on October 10. If your flight lands later, we recommend you arrive the day prior to not miss the
Welcome cocktail party. Transfer from the airport to Sanur and take the short boat transfer across to
the tropical island of Nusa Lembongan. Check-in to your luxurious villa overlooking the ocean at the
5* Batu Karang Lembongan Resort & Spa. A unique hotel set in the surroundings of an island
sanctuary overlooking the ocean to the distant silhouette of Mount Agung, this boutique resort
provides guests with a traditional yet sophisticated experience without compromising comfort and
ambience. Relax and unwind before you join the rest of the group for welcome cocktails followed by
a delicious welcome dinner.
Overnight: Batu Karang Lembongan Resort & Day Spa (D)
Day 03-05. Oct 12-14, 2023. Dive & Snorkel / 3 days Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Penida
Spend 3 full days exploring the underwater riches around this island paradise. Dive with Mola molas
(scuba divers only as they are deep), swim alongside feeding Manta rays and drift along sloping
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coral reefs filled with abundant fish-life. When not diving or snorkeling, enjoy a spa treatment, swim
in the infinity pool, explore a nearby fishing village and the island by scooter, or simply relax and
witness spectacular sunsets overlooking the ocean, while sipping on a delicious cocktail.
Overnight: Batu Karang Lembongan Resort & Day Spa (B, L, D)
Day 06. Oct 15, 2023. Travel to Bali for Main Expedition
Spend a last morning in the beautiful clear waters surrounding Nusa Lembongan and enjoy your
luxury villa before travelling back to Bali and the The Patra Bali Beach resort after lunch for the start
of the main expedition. Meet with the rest of the group for welcome cocktails and a welcome dinner
in preparation for your upcoming Wakatobi adventure.
Overnight: The Patra Bali resort & Spa (B, L, D)
ITINERARY
INDONESIA 01 – WAKATOBI & BALI (SCUBA Divers Only)
Day 01. Oct 14, 2023. Depart Home / En route to Bali, Indonesia
Depart your home and journey to Bali, arriving into Denpasar international airport. We highly
recommend arriving at least a day before the expedition starting date, so you can acclimatize, are
well rested and most importantly, don’t miss the trip. We can assist you with making a booking for
additional hotel nights at the 5* beach resort Patra Jasa Bali Resort, which is located near the airport.
Day 02. Oct 15, 2023. Arrive in Bali / 5* Beach Resort
On arrival at Bali’s Ngurah Rai Denpasar international airport you will be met and transferred to the
nearby 5* Patra Jasa Bali Resort. Relax and enjoy the beach, pool or spa. Meet your fellow Wild
Earth Explorers for a Welcome cocktail party followed by dinner at the hotel restaurant.
Overnight: Patra Jasa Bali Resort- Deluxe Suite (D)
Day 03. Oct 16, 2023. Charter Flight to Wakatobi Islands / Board MV Pelagian
Our early morning charter flight will take us to the remote Wakatobi Resort airstrip in the Wakatobi
archipelago in South Sulawesi. Due to the limited spaces onboard the MV Pelagian yacht and also
because many dive sites are not suitable for snorkelers (deep seamounts, muck diving, night dives),
this week long charter is reserved for Scuba Divers only, however, any snorkelers who wish to join
are most welcome and can stay at the wonderful Wakatobi Resort in Ocean-front Bungalows (or
upgrade to one of the splendid villas) with daily snorkeling activities on the world-famous house reef
and nearby reefs. See more details on a Wakatobi Resort snorkelling option below.
On arrival board your home for the next week, the MV Pelagian – a luxury motor-yacht with boutique-
hotel style accommodation and outstanding service. The spacious vessel offers more comforts than
any other dive live-aboard and will take you to some of the very best dive sites in Indonesia.
With no other divers in site, enjoy the vibrant coral reefs bustling with marine life without disturbance.
Overnight: MV Pelagian (B, L, D)
*Please note a snorkeling option is available staying at Wakatobi Resort, refer to the last pages for
more details.
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Day 04-09. Oct 17-22, 2023. Dive the Wakatobi Islands onboard the MV Pelagian Every day offers countless opportunities to experience the spectacular reefs of Southern Sulawesi. More than 40 dive sites are on offer as we venture around the Wakatobi Islands Archipelago. Stunning coral reefs abound with rare and threatened marine life including a variety of unusual critters. In fact, there are still species being discovered in this remote part of the world! Each night will be spent on the yacht, indulging in beautiful food whilst reminiscing about our day. Aside from many gorgeous coral reefs and seamounts, below are some examples of the dive sites you may experience. Overnight: MV Pelagian (B, L, D) Magic Pier This is an amazing night dive. A concrete block jetty has been built upon a shallow coral plateau (5m/15ft) ending at 8m/25ft on a gentle slope that goes down to 25m/75ft. The best sightings are in the shallows. At dusk you can watch Mandarin fish performing their beautiful courtship dance which peaks with mating. Among the residents there are several types of moray eels, ghost pipefish, hermit crabs, sponge crabs, freckled frogfish, cuttlefish and occasionally the rare blue ring octopus. Hoga Buoy Usually done as a dusk or as a night dive, this site features a short wall dropping from 5-25m (15-75ft), riddled with a labyrinth of huge overhangs and caves covered on the ceilings with orange cup corals, hanging soft corals and colored fan corals. It is noteworthy not only for the night critters, such as crustaceans, nudibranchs and fish, but also for the amazing colors that dive lights bring out. Batu Turo North (Escape) Located on the South-eastern tip of Buton Island, this steep wall is sculpted into a continuous overhang 3 to 4m high. On the bottom and sides are black corals, whip corals, nudibranchs, jawfish, mantis shrimps and other unusual animals, while the adjacent open water column brings eagle rays, tunas, big groupers, barracudas, jacks and whitetip sharks. The external wall is covered by thousands of juvenile Redtooth Triggerfish and orange Anthias, creating marvelous color games. Asphalt Pier Set amid the rusting shacks of an old asphalt production plant this site may not seem like much from the surface. But as you descend the sandy slope through the concrete pylons of the jetty, and start poking about the rubble, you discover ghost pipefish, garden eels, nudibranchs and Pegasus moth fish tucked into the nooks and crannies. Blue ribbon eels, and frogfish are frequently seen at this site, and photographers may capture intriguing behavior such as Gold-Spec jawfish incubating large egg masses in their mouths, or Yellow-nose shrimp gobies competing for a burrow. Inner Pinnacle This underwater mount rises from 70 meters (200 feet) to 11 meters (36 feet) and has two distinct tops linked by a saddle. The complex has a steep wall on one side that is loaded with big black corals and gorgonian fans, schooling batfish and lots of reef fish; the other side offers a sandy slope with huge pink fans. The site usually features a large school of Chevron barracudas and 2 smaller schools of Pickhandle and Forster's barracudas. Day 10. Oct 23, 2023. Fly to Bali / Transfer to Sidemen Valley Enjoy breakfast and a final relaxing morning at the Wakatobi Resort. Head out for a snorkel on the house reef, enjoy a walk around the gorgeous property or just relax and enjoy the breathtaking scenery that surrounds you. After lunch transfer to the private airstrip for your flight back to Bali. Continue your travels to Sidemen Valley in the highlands of Bali. This hidden gem is a haven of serenity and nature, nestled in amongst the rice terraces, with traditional architecture designed to allow you to fully appreciate the incredible scenery around you. The perfect location to experience authentic Balinese culture. End the day with a sunset cocktail and delicious meal overlooking the rice fields before some well-earned rest. Overnight: Samanvaya Resort & Spa (B, L, D) WWW.WILDEARTHEXPEDITIONS.COM 6 INFO@WILDEARTHEXPEDITIONS.COM
Day 11-12. Oct 24-25, 2023. Explore Sidemen valley & the Balinese Highlands
Spend two days immersed in the cultural delights of Sidemen valley. Cycle through the rice fields,
cross the raging river and stroll through remote villages, take a guided scooter tour to hidden
waterfalls, visit spectacular viewpoints, and learn how to cook a traditional dish. Take a ride to the
nearby Gembleng Waterfall with it’s natural springs, situated within the lush, tropical jungle,
cascading down multiple levels, and feel like you are on top of the world as you look across the
treetops and valley. Take a dip in one of the naturally formed pools and bask in the stunning views
around you, or simply enjoy a massage and relax in the pool overlooking the stunning scenery
surrounding you. Watch a traditional balinese dance performance and let the music and movement
take you on a journey through the mystical legends and beliefs of the ‘island of the gods’, and feast
on authentic Balinese cuisine as you gaze across the scenic landscape around you.
Overnight: Samanvaya Resort & Spa (B, L, D)
Day 13. Oct 26, 2023. Fly Home / or Ubud for your Indonesian 02 Adventure
After breakfast head to the airport for your international flights home or continue to Ubud to rest and
unwind for a couple of nights before continuing on your Indonesian adventure to North Sulawesi,
Lembeh strait and Raja Ampat on the Indonesia 02 expedition.
Overnight: (B)
*Please note for those participating in INDO 02 we have secured extra nights at the Hotel Villa Ubud
in the cultural heart of Bali, so you can explore Ubud and unwind before flying to Manado for your
next adventure.
Day 14. Oct 27, 2023. Arrive Home
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 level of fitness is required. This expedition is designed for Scuba Divers
only and is very active and will include scuba diving coral reefs where currents may be present,
walking 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 MV
Pelagian all with a/c, hot water and en suite bathroom facilities. Your expedition will be led by Wild
Earth Expeditions Co-founder Natalia Baechtold and the best, most experienced local guides.
Detailed Pre-departure information will be sent to you 6 months prior to the expedition.
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 2023 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.
*Please note that the Mola Mola are generally only seen by Scuba divers at deeper depths at
cleaning stations at Nusa Penida, however when mantas are present, they are usually seen right at
the surface feeding.
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M/V PELAGIAN
LUXURY DIVE YACHT
Wakatobi’s 35-meter luxury liveaboard, the Pelagian, combines the five-star service, fine dining and
creature comforts of a luxury yacht with exclusive access to an exciting range of Indonesia's best
dive sites. With just 10 guests served by a crew of 12, Pelagian delivers the highest levels of personal
attention, both in and out of the water. Onboard cuisine is prepared to the same high standard as
that of the resort, as the chefs take turns between the Pelagian and Wakatobi. Pelagian’s spacious
salon is complemented by a refined dining area, modern media center and dedicated camera
workroom, while several open and shaded deck areas offer additional space for privacy and
relaxation. Each of the yacht’s 5 spacious cabins include en-suite bathrooms. The magnificent
master suite spans the full width of the yacht and offers all the comforts of an upscale hotel
suite. Photographers are provided with a dedicated, climate-controlled charging and storage
workroom, while numerous shaded and open deck spaces allow for both socialization and
privacy. Pelagian offers 4 different accommodations including the Master suite, 2 Superlux
cabins, Deluxe cabin and Standard cabin. Built in Norway, as an elegant world-ranging motor yacht,
Pelagian provides a level of comfort rarely afforded to dive travelers, with Wakatobi Dive Resort
serving as the vessel’s support platform. The spacious dive deck is replete with hot water showers
and after every dive our staff is standing by with fresh, warm towels and a beverage of choice. The
vessel is manned by an experienced, international crew and is meticulously maintained – with safety
and comfort foremost in mind. 2 custom-made 18ft rigid hull inflatable (RIB) dive tenders used for all
diving are equipped with dual outboards, tank racks and secure stainless-steel boarding ladders,
making them easy to enter and exit.
Click to view more ship images
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COST & INFO
INDONESIA 01- WAKATOBI & BALI
15 – 27 OCT 2023 ● 14 DAYS ● 8 GUESTS (Scuba Divers Only)
Double Occupancy: USD $12,890 per person sharing
Single Supplement Surcharge: USD$8,580 per person
Upgrade to MV Pelagian Master Suite 7 nights: USD$2500 (King-size bed only)
PRE-EXTENSION - Nusa Lembongan – Mola Mola & Mantas
10 – 15 OCT 2023 ● 5 DAYS ● 12 GUESTS
Double Occupancy: USD $2,750 per person sharing
Single Supplement Surcharge: USD $780 per person
⏤ •⚬• ⏤
ULTIMATE COMBINATION SAVINGS
Indonesia 01 can be combined with Indonesia 02
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 and cabins as outlined in the itinerary; Exclusive MV
Pelagian yacht charter; All group meals; Welcome and farewell cocktail receptions; Soft drinks, drinking
water, tea and regular tea and filter coffee during lunch and dinner; Drinking water in rooms/cabins and
while on tours; All group transfers and baggage handling; All tours, excursions and diving as outlined in
the itinerary; Exclusive services of English speaking professional guides, dive masters and naturalists;
Services of a Wild Earth Expedition Leader as well as the best local guides and experts; 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; Complimentary slideshow; Dive tanks/weights
for Scuba divers. Donation to Wakatobi reef conservation project.
NOT INCLUDED
All international and domestic airfares (please note Wakatobi roundtrip charter flights $860 per person
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, alcoholic beverages or bar charges (unless specified above), WiFi, telephone, fax calls; Tips for
your Wild Earth Leader 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 6
months prior to the expedition.
SINGLE OCCUPANCY
We only have 1 single space available on the ship portion (MV Pelagian) 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
PHOTO CREDIT © Thomas & Natalia Baechtold, Wakatobi Resort, Batu Karang Resort, Adobe Stock
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