STEPPES OFFERS A PRIVATE SEA SAFARI AROUND REMOTE INDONESIA ISLANDS

NEW YORK, NY (02/14) Steppes Travel, whose watchword is “Travel Beyond the Ordinary,” is offering an exclusive cruise to explore the stunning and remote islands of Eastern Indonesia on Tiger Blue to explore Komodo, the Spice Islands (also known as Malaku Islands) and Raja Ampat.  Adventurers can go on a set departure (see dates below) or take an opportunity for a family or a group of friends to charter Tiger Blue for a private cruise. Either way, it is a trip that few humans have ever made.

Here are beautiful sandy beaches, world class diving and snorkeling, and diverse marine and wildlife.  The seven-night cruise starts at $3,042 per person sharing, with a minimum of 12 persons.  Last minute travelers who sail before February 28 will save $265 per person on the Raja Ampat tour.

Tiger Blue is a timber phinisi sailing yacht, hand-built by craftsmen from Sulawesi.  A phinisi is a traditional Indonesian two-mast sailing ship historically and still widely used for local transportation, cargo and fishing within the Indonesian archipelago.  Tiger Blue has four meticulously appointed, air-conditioned en suite cabins.  A crew of eight includes the expedition leader, dive master and executive chef.  Asian and western menus are tailored to guests’ preferences.

Justin Wateridge, managing director of Steppes, explains:  “Until recently, Indonesia has mostly been an unknown destination for tourism.  This tour enables us the chance to experience life at sea in a very graceful, comfortable vessel and to explore the beautiful islands of Eastern Indonesia with their diverse bird and wild life, gentle hiking opportunities and world class dive sites.  Most of these islands are only accessible by boat.  The cruise is very laid back and passengers can do as much or as little as they like.”

The Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, encompasses three large islands and 26 smaller ones.  It is the home of the Komodo Dragon, the world’s largest lizard.  The Park has been named as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.  Raja Ampat is known for fantastic diving sites with natural underwater beauty and diverse marine life.  The Spice Islands (Malaku) features a mountainous terrain with several active volcanos.  Its tropical rainforest climate allows for luxuriant vegetation. 

Guests can opt for the set departures which begin and finish in the same port or a Journey of Discovery which starts in one port and finishes in another.  For more information or a detailed itinerary, contact: enquiry@steppestravel.com or visit: www.steppestravel.com

SET DEPARTURES 2014
10 - 17 Jan (Raja Ampat)
31 Jan - 7 Feb (Raja Ampat)
16 -23 May (Komodo)
7 - 14 Sep ( Komodo)
17-24 Sep ( Komodo Journey of Discovery)