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Peregrine Travel Centre

Raja Ampat Through the Lens

Raja Ampat Through the Lens

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Description

During this ten-day cruise, SeaTrek and Thijs Heslenfeld will take you on a far-reaching photographic exploration of what is without a doubt one of the least visited but most memorable adventure destinations on our planet. With camera in hand and Thijs expert guidance, you will be able to hone your camera skills in one of the most photogenic places in the world for natural history and splendour.

Each morning, Thijs will provide a short lecture on a specific topic. After that you can put all that into practice, both on shore and on board. You will see for yourself how the smallest changes in the background of an image can completely change its atmosphere. How extremely important it is to understand light conditions, and how to work with them. Why in most cases an image becomes much stronger by avoiding little extra’s instead of adding them. Thijs’ approach is down to earth and relaxed, focusing not on the technical aspect of photography but on the creative side: ‘Technique is important, but you can learn most of that from a book or a tutorial on YouTube. I want people to experience the difference between a snapshot and an image that really touches. And in my experience the secret is connection. If you open yourself up fot the world, for other people but also for animals and nature, you will notice that what you give is what you get back in return. That is something beautiful that your images will show. And that is the core of my workshops.’ This approach also means that participants of any level are welcome, and you can turn up with a professional camera or an iPhone.

As for the nature, you will experience some spectacular snorkelling, visit some fascinating local people and experience their vibrant cultures first hand, and we certainly hope to witness the curious bobbing, flapping and weaving display dance of the red bird of paradise, to hear the shrieks of the crested cockatoo and the loud whooshing wing beats of hornbills in flight.

Note: The price of this cruise does not include any domestic airfares to and from our start and end points. Except for Bali, transfers to and from local airports to the boat are also included. If you are booking flights by yourself, do not book any flights before checking with us first. Our first and last day programmes rely on strict time scheduling, so please confirm with us to ensure that you arrive and depart at your destination with plenty of time to spare and to avoid disruption to other guests’ schedules.

Trip Name
Raja Ampat Through the Lens
Days
10
Overview
Vessel Type: Yacht Length: 40 metres Passenger Capacity: 14 Built / Refurbished: 1995 / 2014 The Katharina is a traditional Indonesian pinisi, built in 1995 in Kalimantan using only the very best grades of ironwood. Her slim hull was originally being planned for commercial sailing carrying freight before we spotted her in the making. We bought her and fitted her out as a cruising vessel, and then again in January 2014, the Katharina was the subject of a major interior refit. Working with the unique heritage this vessel represents, her transformation is a conservation exercise back to authenticity, using only the best traditional materials, shaped by highly skilled Indonesian craftsmen. Yet, what goes on behind the scenes is the use of the most up-to-date technology and she is now equipped with a super yacht grade AC station and we are optimizing our systems to the latest safety standards. Not only is the Katharina very elegant on the water, she is also fast becoming a classic yacht, as very few of these original designs remain. Katharina’s overall length is 40 metres, providing comfortable accommodation for up to 14 guests in six cabins located below decks. All cabins offer creature comforts and necessary amenities including double beds or twins, private en-suite bathrooms, natural light, safety boxes, individually controlled air-conditioning and storage space including a safe. Led by Captain Iwan, the Katharina is catered to by an all-Indonesian crew of 12, with each member dedicated to making your stay aboard truly memorable.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Sorong
Your flight will arrive in the West Papuan port town of Sorong, the gateway to Raja Ampat. From the airport we will transfer you to the harbour where the Katharina will be waiting at anchor. You may have already met Thijs on the flight, but once settled into your cabin, your cruise director will familiarise you with the vessel’s facilities and safety procedures. Ready to start our adventure, we will weigh anchor and set a southerly course for the Misool Archipelago, stopping for a refreshing swim along the way. We will then dine alfresco on the main deck while meeting the other passengers and crew and watching the sun set on our first day at sea.
Day 2 - Day 2 Misool Archipelago
This morning we will wake to see the sun rise over the picturesque chain of islands that makes up the Misool Archipelago. The topography is typical of ‘karst dissolution,’ featuring a great number of tiny islets whose bases have been eroded over time by the relentless motion of the tides. We will spend the day maximising everything that this fascinating area has to offer by marvelling at both the marine wonderworld under the water and the magnificent landscape above the surface. We can test out our paddling skills in the sea kayaks, watch for birds perched on the rocks, or just sit back and take in the glorious scenery. After a full day of island hopping through this archipelago, the Ombak Putih will spend a quiet night at anchor in Misool’s Tomolol Bay.
Day 3 - Day 3 Raja Ampat
A swim through Tomolol’s mysterious dome-topped cave is undoubtedly one of Raja Ampat’s most memorable activities. After an early breakfast, our tenders will take us into the heart of the bay to see this partially submerged cave where it is possible to swim, snorkel or simply float while gazing up at the cavernous grotto adorned with astonishing stalactites. The more adventurous can swim or paddle through the dark waters to the other mouth of the cave. We will then move on to the peculiar jellyfish lake and swim amongst the many thousands of stingless animals, which have living algae within their bodies that, just like plants, photosynthesise in sunlight. The algae produce what is essentially a form of sugar, which the jellyfish metabolise, and this is how they gain the energy to propel and migrate through the water, grow and reproduce. After returning to the ship, we will use our tenders to explore more of this impressive maze of karst islands, both above and below the surface, complete with mystifying skull cairns in sea-cave cemeteries, and prehistoric cave paintings, estimated to be anything between 3,000 to 5,000 years old and depicting various human figures and huge human palms, fish, flowers and plants, tools and vessels. Overnight, our boat will cruise north to the island of Batanta.
Day 4 - Day 4 Raja Ampat
After our days of marine exploration, the jungle-clad island of Batanta offers us a change of scenery and a chance to stretch our legs on an adventurous trek into the island’s interior. We anchor at the foot of Arefi Village, nestled on the north coast of the island, where we will find local guides to escort us through the mangrove waters to the start point of our trek. A short walk along the riverbed brings us to the first of two jungle waterfalls complete with a refreshing pool for cooling off. The fit and adventurous may choose to continue the uphill climb along the rocks to where a second, larger cascade awaits. After leaving the wilderness behind us, we will find a nearby spot to swim and snorkel before moving north to the island of Waigeo.
Day 5 - Day 5 Raja Ampat
After waking up, before sunrise, we will follow in the footsteps of the famous naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace in a pre-dawn quest to spot the remarkable Red Bird of Paradise, one of the species that Wallace was most anxious to collect. We hope that the efforts of our trek through the forest will pay off, enabling us to catch a rare and privileged sight of the bird’s elaborate courtship dance as the day breaks over the forest canopy. Whether we spot the birds or not, for sure we will experience a wonderful trek. Afterwards, we will turn our attention from the sky to the sea as your ship makes its way through the Dampier strait, home to some of Raja Ampat’s premier reefs. With a bit of luck, we hope to snorkel among some of the larger specimens of marine life attracted to the strait’s nutrient-rich currents. We will end our day by mooring off Pulau Arborek in front Arborek Village. Here, we can easily circumnavigate the tiny island by foot and gain a sense of the Asai culture, which is still kept alive by the villagers living in this isolated place.
Day 6 - Day 6 Raja Ampat
Another full day of adventure awaits us along the convoluted western coast of Waigeo. We will begin the morning by exploring Wofoh, three island gems linked together by stretches of pristine coral reef. You can use the tenders or kayaks to navigate the islands, or put your newly-acquired fish identification skills to use in exploring this vibrant reef. Or you may prefer to simply just relax on the beach. In the afternoon we will move northwards to Aljui Bay, home to the Cendanda Pearl Farm, one of the larger producers of high quality seawater pearls in the region. Pearling is an important industry throughout Indonesia and a number of farms can be seen in the waters of Raja Ampat, where the farmers may grant us permission to visit their facilities and receive an explanation of the pearling processes that we have seen during our voyage. In the evening we will make our way across the Equator to the northern hemisphere on our journey to the islands of Wayag.
Day 7 - Day 7 Raja Ampat
Few areas in Indonesia can lay claim to such unsurpassed natural splendour as Raja Ampat’s Wayag islands. The beauty of these picturesque karst spires is perhaps only equalled by the brilliant colours and vibrancy of the reefs and the marine life that flourishes below. Nature has carved these islands into a series of coves and lagoons, narrow channels and inlets, caves, jagged rocks and shaded, sandy beaches. For those who dare, there are some spectacular but nearly vertical climbs that are rewarded with magnificent panoramas. We will spend a quiet night here at anchor.
Day 8 - Day 8 Raja Ampat
The Wayag islands are Raja Ampat’s best, and we will make the most of this unique region for one more morning, navigating the maze of mushroom-shaped islands, and stopping for swimming and snorkelling. In the afternoon, we will set our compasses to return to the southern hemisphere for a swim on the Equator.
Day 9 - Day 9 Raja Ampat
The focus of our last full day at sea will be on exploring the best snorkelling spots in Raja Ampat. We start our morning in the bay of Yengeffo where a myriad of birds will welcome us in the trees above while we explore the wonders of the marine world below. After a paddle and lunch, we will make our way back through the Dampier Strait for a snorkel in one of the best snorkel sites in the park. With a bit of luck, we hope to swim among some of the larger specimens of marine life attracted to the strait’s nutrient-rich currents. We will then enjoy a Farewell Dinner and party with the captain and crew.
Day 10 - Day 10 Sorong
After a quick stop for a last swim and refreshments on one of the nearby islands, we will make our way back to the harbour of Sorong. Here we will bid farewell to the ship her crew and our expert, Thijs, taking away many splendid moments in both our minds and on our memory cards. Our tenders will take you ashore for your transfer to the airport for your onward travel.
Day 11 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type

Inclusions

    • Travel with Thijs Heslenfeld. Dutch photographer Thijs Heslenfeld has traveled all over the world, focusing on the planet’s most remote and inhospitable corners. His images are characterized by careful composition and an eye for the smallest details that people tend to overlook. He prefers natural light and doesn’t like styling. His work covering seven continents has been published in magazines worldwide such as National Geographic, GEO Saison, Professional Photographer and Holland Herald. He has published six award-winning photo books on remote places like Antarctica, the Amazon, the Australian outback and the deserts of Namibia. He leads adventurous photography workshops to destinations such as the Caribbean, Namibia and Morocco, and is a sought-after speaker.
    • Discover Misool, Raja Ampat, Waigeo, Wayag

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