Eastbound Sailing Adventure from Benoa, Bali

Benoa is the main cruise port on the island of Bali. There are numerous places that can be accessed from here including the party-centric Kuta, Nusa Dua the popular beach resort with it’s luxury hotels and restaurants as well as coffee plantations and rice terraces. Trips to temples, palaces markets and a bat cave are some of the many things also on offer.

Gili Kondo is an uninhabited island which is part of thirty three small islands in Eastern Lombok. The word Gili simply means “small island” in the Sasak language. Enjoy snorkeling directly from the beach, the waters are very calm and there are plenty of multi-colored fish. Afterwards you can relax on the white sand and soak up some rays, or take a long beach-combing stroll.

Each Star Clippers ship offers a traditional and elegant way to see the world. Feel the wind fill the sails and gently carry you from one gorgeous destination to the next. During your time on board, you can choose to relax on a sun lounger or cool off in one of the pools on the top deck, while more adventurous passengers may enjoy the opportunity to climb the rigging or even have a go at steering the ship. Alternatively, you can wander the interior areas of the ship and discover relaxing lounges and a peaceful library.

The park was founded in 1980 with the aim of preserving the unique Komodo dragon and its habitat. Komodo Island is the bleak and desolate domain of this highly aggressive reptile that looks like a relic from the age when dinosaurs walked the earth. The species is notoriously fierce and the “dragon” moniker is well deserved. The Komodo dragon which belongs to a once widespread order of monitor lizards now survives only on a handful of islands. This giant lizard can grow up to 3 metres in length and weigh as much as 150 kg. Like other monitor lizards they have tapered heads, visible ear-openings, a long slender neck, round pupils and eyelids and above all very powerful jaws.

Pink beach, or Pantai Merah, is one of only seven such beaches on the whole planet. The amazing colour comes from microscopic animals called Foraminifera which leave a red pigment on the coral reefs and the name Pantai Merah literally means red beach. Pink beach is bounded by turquoise blue sea and offers spectacular views of the surrounding area, including small islands, hills and mountains. It is said to be the best spot for snorkelling in Komodo National Park.

Satonda is a tiny uninhabited island formed millions of years ago by an eruption which rocked the sea bed at 1000m and projected volcanic rock upwards to a height of 289 metres above sea level. The local people believe that the island is sacred and you can see offerings in the form of bits of coral hanging in the trees; these have been put there by pilgrims who visit the island in the hope of having their wishes granted. Satonda is surrounded by beautiful coral reefs with a large variety of tropical fish; to protect this unique underwater paradise the island was declared to be a Marine Nature Park in 1999.

Gili Trawangan, universally known as “Gili T”, is the most cosmopolitan and popular island. During the day you can explore the island on food, snorkel, sunbathe, join a dive trip, rent a bike or take a horse carriage ride. These activities are offered by local companies directly at the disembarkation pontoon.

Gili Nanggu is on the southwest coast of Lombok and is still relatively undeveloped, offering a pristine natural region for travelers to explore. The only noise that breaks the serene silence is the singing and twittering of the birds. The beaches are powder white sand and the water crystal clear and teaming with thousands of tropical fish making it an ideal destination for snorkeling If you’re lucky you may even spot some sea turtles.