This information has been contributed by and is intended for use by
competent amateur yachtsmen as general guidance solely to supplement research of their cruising plans.It has not been checked or verified by the OCC. The Information may be inaccurate or out of date and is NOT TO BE USED FOR NAVIGATION.


Information Is held on the following harbours and anchorages. They are listed roughly East to West. Use the find on this page feature on your browser to find information about a particular place.

Nongsa Point            01°12.00 'N   104°05.00 'E
Nongsa Point Marina, Pulau Batam   01°11.80 'N   104°05.80 'E
Nongsa Point Marina   01°11.80 'N   104°05.80 'E
P.P.Gulang, East Bay.   00°43.90 'N   104°17.10 'E
P. Kentar, Lingga Islands   00°03.28 'N   104°45.72 'E
P. Kentar, Lingga Islands   00°03.28 'N   104°45.72 'E
Belitung            02°33.31 'S   107°41.90 'E
Pantai Pasir, near Tg Selaka      03°03.70 'S   111°01.50 'E
Tg Kluang, Kumai River         02°54.10 'S   111°42.30 'E
Kumai, Kalimantan         02°44.40 'S   111°44.00 'E
Bawean Island            05°46.00 'S   112°35.00 'E
Bawean island            05°43.89 'S   112°40.27 'E
Lembongan            08°40.70 'S   115°26.30 'E
P. Lawang, Lombok         08°19.96 'S   116°04.61 'E
Giliair               08°21.90 'S   116°04.80 'E
Gili Aer or Pulau Aer, NW Lombok   08°21.90 'S   116°04.90 'E
Medana Bay Marina, Lombok      08°21.80 'S   116°07.80 'E
Pulau Medang, north Sumbawa      08°08.48 'S   117°22.45 'E
Kmanga, Sumbawa         08°08.50 'S   117°46.00 'E
Tarakan               03°17.76 'N   117°34.44 'E
Pulau Bungyu            03°35.07 'N   117°47.26 'E
KG Kurung Tigau         02°27.15 'N   117°58.50 'E
Pulau Derawan            02°17.55 'N   118°14.74 'E
Makassa, behind Pulau Lae-Lae Besarr   05°08.13 'S   119°23.67 'E
Teluk Laikang            05°36.57 'S   119°32.73 'E
Gili Lawa Dawat, Lombok island      08°29.61 'S   119°33.07 'E
Teluk Lehok Ginggo, Rinca      08°36.27 'S   119°38.33 'E
Lehok Dasani, S Rinca island,      08°47.18 'S   119°39.08 'E
Rinca Ranger Station, Rinca Island   08°39.12 'S   119°42.78 'E
Crocodile Bay, Rinca         08°39.10 'S   119°42.80 'E
Labuan Bajo Lodge, Flores      08°31.12 'S   119°52.07 'E
Tanah Biru            05°32.10 'S   120°21.50 'E
Inca Village, Flores         08°16.60 'S   120°24.40 'E
Teluk Belonligum         01°19.09 'N   120°55.43 'E
Bomba               00°32.17 'S   121°39.37 'E
Siatu               00°28.92 'S   121°41.04 'E
Atoll reef            00°25.27 'S   121°41.06 'E
Wakai               00°24.68 'S   121°52.23 'E
Pulau Pangembang         00°19.28 'S   121°56.89 'E
Pulau Waleabahi, Kanari Bay      00°14.26 'S   122°15.86 'E
West side, Pamana Island      08°22.30 'S   122°16.50 'E
Pulau Besar or Pulubesar, Flores      08°26.75 'S   122°24.50 'E
Baubau               05°27.15 'S   122°36.35 'E
Labuan Lebutan            04°56.07 'S   122°47.69 'E
Tanjung Gedong         08°04.60 'S   122°50.70 'E
Tanjung Gedong, Flores         08°04.63 'S   122°50.71 'E
Pulau Labuan Blanda         04°26.27 'S   122°56.30 'E
Near Laruntuka            08°19.40 'S   123°00.90 'E
Pulau Sidoela            01°53.63 'S   123°00.93 'E
Gorontalo            00°30.60 'N   123°03.71 'E
Pulau Bundu            01°55.38 'S   123°08.93 'E
Banggai Town            01°35.95 'S   123°29.64 'E
Tanjung Liang Meah, Pulau Kawula, P. Kawula   08°30.49 'S   123°13.60 'E
NE Adunara Island         08°14.60 'S   123°19.60 'E
Lembata, P.Kuwala         08°22.11 'S   123°24.90 'E
Lembata, P.Kuwala         08°22.11 'S   123°24.90 'E
Kupang   1            0°09.72 'S   123°34.20 'E
Timore               10°09.60 'S   123°34.40 'E
Pulau Togong Bojoko         02°07.09 'S   123°37.81 'E
Jiko Buhe-taya            00°37.59 'N   124°23.95 'E
Manado            01°29.26 'N   124°49.99 'E
Kima Bajo            01°36.19 'N   124°52.04 'E
Bentanan Bay            00°59.80 'N   124°53.83 'E
Petimati Bay            01°40.90 'N   125°09.37 'E
Ambon               03°47.00 'S   128°05.00 'E

SEA TOPAZ – ANCHORAGE NOTES SULAWESI, INDONESIA (2012)

BORNEO

Pulau Bungyu

03deg 35.067’N 117deg 47.264’E

Good holding, firm mud 8 metres, firm bite

Anchored on north/east side of island after sail from Tawau. Some very long fishing platforms on the way. Coal mines ashore and many coal barges; either on the move or anchored.

Anchorage for Tarakan

Tarakan 03deg 17.758’N 117deg 34.436’E

Good holding, mud 9 metres

Dewi and Roy our local contacts arranged for check-in; this took two days. This area is very busy with small boats off Kampung Ajar; there is a stong current. Maxsea and Navionics not accurate. It is very hard to take dinghy ashore; we used a local longboat.

East coast of Borneo

KG Kurung Tigau 02 deg 27.151’N 117deg 58.500’E

Good holding, mud 7 metres

We sailed in deep water most of the way. A large bay with many big FAD’s (Fish Attraction Device). No sign of life.

East coast of Borneo

Pulau Derawan 02deg 17.555’N 118deg 14.745’E

Reasonable holding loose coral, 15 metres

We tried the south side of the island first, but it was on a lee shore. The anchor held during two electrical storms during the night 25 kts.

SULAWESI

North coast of Sulawesi

Teluk Belonligum 01deg19.095’N 120deg 55.428’E

Good holding soft mud, 11 metres

We tried to anchor off the village first, but that did not give much swinging room in between reefs. We explored the lagoon; found 28-50 m, ended up right into the top end. Both Maxsea and Navionics were out by 0.5 m in NS and EW directions.

North coast of Sulawesi

Manado 01deg 29.239’N 124deg 49.992’E

Reasonable holding mud/sand 20 meters

Not an ideal anchorage with predominantly onshore winds. We went ashore in the small harbour “The Marina” and tied the dinghy up at the back of a large commercial catamaran. Lucky is the self appointed yacht service man. He helped us to check in, arranged diesel, water, laundry, rubbish and a tour to Minahasa. Good supermarkets and restaurants ashore. The anchor held with 30 kts of wind one night.

North coast of Sulawesi

Kima Bajo 01deg 36.188’N 124deg 52.037’E

01deg 36.188’N
124deg 52.037’E

Soft mud, reasonable holding 20 meters

Large bay, we went in as far as we dared and anchored between the two resort jetties. We had a good meal at “Cocodame Resort”. Mosque very loud.

North coast of Sulawesi

Petimati Bay 01deg 40.902’N 125deg 09.374’E

Good holding sand, 15 metres

Big bay with a Resort onshore, nice beach and snorkelling. Off shore wind

East Sulawesi coast

Bentanan Bay 00deg 59.803’N 124deg 53.834’E

Good holding, probably sand, 15 metres

We arrived after dark. Big bay with fishing boats showing lights.

East Sulawesi coast

Jiko Buhe-taya 00deg 37.586’N 124deg 23.955’E

Excellent holding, sand, 18 metres

Village of Molobog. Friendly, curious locals came to visit us.

East Sulawesi coast, Gulf of Tomini

Gorontalo 00deg 30.597’N 123deg 03.714’E

Poor holding, soft mud 17 meters

Very difficult anchorage; many small fishing boats, mud banks with very little water over them, not easy to go ashore and tie up a dinghy. Difficult to get diesel. Not recommended; Wakai or Ampana better.

Togean Islands

Pulau Waleabahi, Kanari Bay 00deg 14.262’S 122deg 15.857’E

Excellent holding, sand mud, 13 metres

Large bay with many fringing reefs, but clear water. Few local huts ashore, very few friendly people. Good. snorkelling. Well protected. Lovely remote bay.

Togean Islands

Wakai 00deg 24.683’S 121deg 52.232’E

Good holding, mud, 14 meters.

Position was passed the ferry terminal. Wakai offers some provisioning. Anwar and Ellie, our local contacts arranged diesel and water. No ATM or restaurants. Unreliable mobile phone signal; the only one in the Togean Islands. Plenty of curious children in dugout canoes. Friendly town.

Togean Islands

Pulau Pangembang 00deg 19.283’S 121deg 56.891’E

Excellent holding on sand in 7-10 meters

Anchored in the channel between Pulau Pangembang and the village of Katupat. Beautiful clear water with good snorkelling. Small locally run resort who welcomed us. Hired a local boat to visit no 1 reef (amazing snorkelling), Karina Beach and Jelly fish Lake, Bajo village on Pulau Taolek.

Togean Islands

Atoll reef 00deg 25.275’S 121deg 41.063’E

Small sand patches amongst coral heads, poor holding in 11-20 meters

We had been told that it was possible to anchor there. We tried several times, but could not get a bite and time was running out to find an alternative anchorage.

Togean Islands

Siatu 00deg 28.921’S 121deg 41.044’E

Sand, excellent holding, 10 metres

Large shallow bay, Bajo village nearby; a fisherman came to sell us very small lobsters

Togean Islands

Bomba 00deg 32.171’S 121deg 39.373’E

Sand with coral patches, good holding, 5-9 metres

Anchored between Island Retreat Resort (American run) and Poyalisa Resort (locally run). Diving on reef of Pualu Taupau with the dive master of IRR (amazing), supper at both; PR was more fun. With great care it is possible to anchor off Bomba village and in lagoon opposite Poyalisa.

Banggai Islands, East Sulawesi

Banggai Town 01deg 35.951’S 123deg 29.638’E

Sand good holding dropped in 26 metres sat back towards shore in 11 meters

We anchored away from the town, near fishing boats. Dirty busy town, very difficult to find a place to go ashore and tie dinghy up. Many small boats. Jemi and Alex our contacts arranged diesel and water. ATM’s and local market. We visited a local high school.

Banggai Islands, East Sulawesi

Pulau Sidoela 01deg 53.630’S 123deg 01.931 E

Sand and coral reasonable holding in18 meters

Beautiful clear water, good snorkelling and lovely beach with tiger cowries.

Suhardin, a local guesthouse owner, who we had met in Banggai Town came to visit us. He claimed we were the first yacht in these waters

Banggai Islands, East Sulawesi

Pulau Bundu 01deg 55.376’S 123deg 08.930’E

Coral and sand, good holding in 15 meters

Large, well protected bay with the fringing reefs well marked. Snorkelling not great, on the island many dead palm trees and waste land. Tiger cowries on the beach. Fishermen blasting the reef late afternoon.

Banggai Islands, East Sulawesi

Pulau Togong Bojoko 02deg 07.090’S 123deg 37.813’E

Sand with dark patches of coral/weed 5 meters

Anchored about 1 mile off shore. Islands mainly mangroves. Small beach, no reefs for snorkelling. Lovely swimming in clear water.

East Sulawesi, Buton Channel

Pulau Labuan Blanda 04deg 26.267’S 122deg 56.297’E

Sand with good holding in 20 metres

We anchored behind the reef near two fishing boats

East Sulawesi, Buton Channel

Labuan Lebutan 04deg 56.072’S 122deg 47.686’E

Sand good holding in 14 metres

Small island with a large reef. Local man who collects sand from the island came to ask for 10.000 rupiah (US$ 1) for anchoring.

South Sulawesi

Baubau 05deg 27.147’S 122deg 36.352’E

Sand, good holding, 14 metres

Anchored off KFC in town amongst big local boats; they don’t leave much swinging room! Hard to go ashore and tie up dinghy with many small outrigger boats. Mukmum, from the local tourist office was our contact, we got water, but no diesel. Good local market, but not much else.

South Sulawesi

Tanah Biru 05deg 32.098’S 120deg 21.504’E

Sand, excellent holding in 12 meters

Large bay with a sloping sand bottom. Traditional wooden boat building on the beach

South Sulawesi

Teluk Laikang 05deg 36.566’S 119deg 32.728’E

Sand, very good holding in 8 metres

Large new power station and large areas of floating lines with small plastic bottles for seaweed farming. We were visited late at night by armed police; they were friendly. We were in a restricted area.

South Sulawesi

Makassa, behind Pulau Lae-Lae Besarr 05deg 08.129’S 119deg 23.667’E

Good holding, sand in 8 metres

Arief, our contact arranged for checking in and visa extension as well as diesel, water, laundry rubbish and Sempo, who looked after our boat while we went by bus to Tana Toraja for four days. He was also our water taxi. Makassar is a big city and offers everything you might need.


1. Information Submitted by Andy Copeland – Bagheera


2) Date 1989

3) Harbour or Area Covered Include Lat & Long Ambon, Indonesia. 03? 47 'S 128?15 'E

4) Suitability and Attraction for Yachts Very suitable. Non touristy, but can get supplies, fuel etc. Locals generally friendly.

5) Marinas, Berthing or Anchorage Advise anchoring at Amahusu 5 miles south of city. Anchor in 70ft and take stern line ashore to hotel after clearing formalities completed in city.

6) Entry Ports Alt targe islands have Entry Ports which are mandatory for first entry into country.

7) Formal Requirements for Yachts Entering/Departing:

a) from/to same country Register with the 4 or 5 official offices at each large town. Allow 2 days to clear in, be patient and keep your temper. All offices in different parts of the town.

b) from/to abroad Cruising permit mandatory before entering Indonesian waters

c) visa requirements None, if visiting less than 2 months, if in doubt get visas for crew

Location/Existence of: a) harbour master Yes b) customs/immigration Yes c) health authorities Yes d) police Yes, and Navy

9) Control of Foreign Yachts Not known - Cruising Permit controls length of stay.

10) Attitude of Officials to Visiting Yachtsmen Usually polite, but unhelpful. Little English spoken, rules vary daily. They sometimes ask for Scotch or money etc -refuse politely. Be patient & firm as they are not used to yachts or tourists. Dress properly.

11) Repair/Hauling Facilities

12) Sailing Directions or Charts BA or Indonesia Navy charts - cheaper. Don 't trust charts & expect all aids to navigation to be 'out '.

13) Cruising Guide and where Obtainable. Include Phone and/or E-Mail

14) Port Radio Services VHF Ch 16 - Very broken English

15) Weather Forecasts Use Darwin - High seas and Weatherfax.

16) Yacht Club(S) No, but Amahusu Hotel welcomes yachts and is host to fleet for annual Darwin to Ambon Yacht race.

17) Other Facilities: drinking water Boil or chlorinate. Plenty of rain, so catch if possible. fuel Inexpensive, but check for dirt or water. gas (propane)/gaz Yes, both chandlers No bank Yes shops/market Yes, good shopping and very cheap restaurants/hotels Yes, variable quality post office/telephones including mobile facilities Phones unreliable internet cafes best mailing address Poste Restante showers At hotel by request laundry Yes but not cheap transport/air services Local taxis cheap. Airport 1 hour away for local flights to connect to International flights medical facilities/hospital Yes but not good

18) Recommendations or Warnings Anchor away from town (where V. Dirty, rats & thieves are a problem).

19) Other Information – please include here general impressions, opinions, comments or any other matter which might be of use to those visiting. Easy way to get permit for Indonesia is to participate in annual Darwin to Ambon race. Indonesia generally - Anchorages very deep. Beware Indonesian loos. Beware thieves, particularly in Muslim areas. Fruit and vegetables usually very cheap, but meat hard to obtain.

Bawean Island – 05°46.00'S, 112°35.00'E Pete Jobson, 02 January 2010
5 degrees 46 South, 112 degrees 35 East

We have just dropped anchor at Bawean (5 degrees 46 South, 112 degrees 35 East) after a lovely sail. We motored for 6 hours to get away from the grip of Bali and suddenly had enough breeze to clip along at 7 knots. The whole journey has been beautifully calm with a solid breeze that has kept us going at around 6+ knots. Last night, we furled away the headsail to slow us down and we arrived at the anchorage ay 09:30. A little tricky since the sun was too low to see the coral patches and we came in very slowly. At one point, the depth dropped from 25 to 5 metres and we reversed hard to a standstill until we could make out the deeper water to port. Anyway, all safe and sound and ready to explore the little fishing village on the shore.

Today, three teenagers from the local village motored up in their dug-out canoe and came alongside for a chat. Soon, they were aboard drinking orange squash and testing out our binoculars. They invited us to come an look at their village so we very carefully boarded their unstable craft and they coaxed the small diesel into life and bailed the accumulating water from around our ankles. The dug-out was carved from a single tree-trunk to about 1/2 and inch think and later technology had been applied by rivetting old oil-drum metal to the exterior.


About 200 yards from the village, the water bacame too shallow and we waded through the mud to the shore. The outskirts of the village were joined to the village-proper by a meandering bridge across the swampy ground. This was built from bamboo supports holding-up pieces of broken boats that had been casually tossed on top to create the unstable walkway.


The boys residence seemed to be the best in the village and was built of concrete/brick and fully tiled - unlike many of the loose-boarded wooden shacks that others seemed to inhabit. We were given bright red Strawberry Fanta and nibbles before being whisked away to go and visit somebodys ' brothers cafe. This was some way away and we were taken pillion at breakneck speed over rutted roads on the lads scooters. Everyone seemed proud of their 'Cafe ' that had been built only 3 months before to cater to the locals need for a place to congregate in the evenings. The menu consisted of about 4 options for food and about 30 choices of different soft drinks. The chap who had built the place also worked as a local English teacher, the local internet cafe and also supplied business cards, invitation cards and wedding videos - an enterprising young soul.


We were eventually returned to chez Naz and expected the usual request for cash for the "tour" but the lads simply dropped us back and apologised for not being able to stay because they had a football match to attend to.


The next day it rained. You could hear it coming as a loud hiss of water hitting the sea. We filled our tanks very quickly and it kept on coming with lightening and thunder to accompany it. The wind piped-up and we found ourselves on a lee-shore with uncomfortable swell rolling us about all day. Fortunately it abated before nightfall so we had a decent rest.


The anchorage in this report is the less-visited anchorage on Bawean and you are almost certain to find it unoccupied. Beautiful and unspoiled. Fantastic local village and local people untainted by any form of tourism
Bawean island – 05°43.89'S, 112°40.27'E Beth Bushnell, 03 January 2012
A delightful safe anchorage with excellent shelter in the SE Monsoon, would be untenable in the NW Monsoon. Anchor 5m mud, no swell. Approach from west of north to avoid the large reef extending well offshore from the east headland and from the west side where poles mark the entry channel to the village for shallow boats. There are a couple of isolated rocks which were marked by poles and many FADs. The water was fairly clear.

The villagers are very hospitable but get few visitors. Local market, drinking water can be bought. This is a seafaring island, many men are at sea on commercial vessels. It is a great stop before heading to Kumai or P.Belitung.
Belitung – 02°33.31'S, 107°41.90'E Beth Bushnell, 03 January 2012
CM93 charts were not too far out here. The 2010charts were good. There are a number of isolated reefs on approach to identify and miss. We entered with the isolated island/rock, Batu Putith, in the middle of the bay bearing about 145ºT and had good water. The bay becomes shallow further out than appears on the charts. CM93 2010 was not too far out. At LW a surprising number of isolated rocks become apparent. Good holding in sand. We experienced a fair swell and in the afternoon the wind swung easterly making the anchorage uncomfortable but in the evening the wind dropped and shifted back SE for a reasonable night. No mobile or internet but nearer the village there is access.

Belitung – 02°33.31'S, 107°41.90'E
Beautiful island. A tourist diving mecca so restaurants and hotels but only small shops unsuitable for good provisioning. Drinking water and Diesel were available but very expensive due to transport costs to the islands. Approach is from the south between a long reef that runs south from the western side of Gil Aer and a large isolated reef patch to the east. Both are easily seen in the usually clear waters and may have divers/snorkellers/fishing boats on them. There is an eastern passage but we saw only very small boats use it. Charting is not good. Once inside pick up a mooring buoy or anchor clear of the moorings. Go ashore to the hut by the beach and pay for the mooring 50,000rupiah/night or the harbourmaster will visit to collect fees. Keep your receipt to prove how many nights you 've paid. Some boats have left without paying so the system is tightening up. No swell, well sheltered even in 25kt southerly.

Gili Aer or Pulau Aer, NW Lombok – 08°21.90'S, 116°04.90'E
Beautiful island. A tourist diving mecca so restaurants and hotels but only small shops unsuitable for good provisioning. Drinking water and Diesel were available but very expensive due to transport costs to the islands. Approach is from the south between a long reef that runs south from the western side of Gil Aer and a large isolated reef patch to the east. Both are easily seen in the usually clear waters and may have divers/snorkellers/fishing boats on them. There is an eastern passage but we saw only very small boats use it. Charting is not good. Once inside pick up a mooring buoy or anchor clear of the moorings. Go ashore to the hut by the beach and pay for the mooring 50,000rupiah/night or the harbourmaster will visit to collect fees. Keep your receipt to prove how many nights you 've paid. Some boats have left without paying so the system is tightening up. No swell, well sheltered even in 25kt southerly.
Gili Lawa Dawat, Lombok island – 08°29.61'S, 119°33.07'E
Two free mooring buoy. It can be rolly especially in afternoon sea breeze. Anchoring was on sand closer in or between coral patches further out, best to the south and east of the bay. Again the fringing reef shelves quickly. There are a couple of shallow reefs on the east side detached from the shore reef so keep a good look out on entering the bay. The water is usually clear. Snorkelling and diving are excellent with the 2 drifts between Gili Lawa Dawat - Lombok, and Gili Lawa Dawat - Gili Lawa Laut being superb. There are often Live-aboard boats around at night and some local boats from Lombok may visit to sell you trinkets or fish. Possible to land ashore but be careful Komodo Dragons are around and one boat lost its Jack Russell dog to a Komodo Dragon while on a walk. Mobile/internet was iffy.

Inca Village, Flores – 08°16.60'S, 120°24.40'E
The bottom shelves very steeply to a narrow ledge 10m, sand/mud. Charts are as usual not much help and CM93 had us on the beach. The wind crept around the headland with the swell in the late afternoon putting us on a lee shore but overnight was calm with only a little swell. Reefs could be seen NE and SE of the anchorage at LW with a lagoon visible inshore for shallow draft local boats. Not suitable for a night approach or poor visibility. Very friendly welcoming villagers from both the Christian and Muslim villages. Mobile access but no internet.
Kumai, Kalimantan – 02°44.40'S, 111°44.00'E
Approach recommend on a rising tide as it gets shallow 2.5m in places. Using Admiralty chart 1964, proceed to the green buoy at 02 57’ .5 South, 111 41’.0 East, approx min 3m depth. As you approach the buoy, look for the leading marks (white Triangle) on the shore, bearing 023 True. Leaving the buoy to starboard, steer 023 True, parallel to the shore, for about 3 NM to Tanjung Keluang point, avoiding the shoal that extends from the shore. At Tanjung Keluang, alter course towards the next leading marks, which bear 335 True (small white post in front of white triangle on the far shore). These marks are difficult to see. After about 1 NM on this heading, you will see leading marks on your port side (white post and triangle) – when these are in line bearing 023 True, alter course to 030 True. This is the shallowest part. Ahead you should see the next set of leading marks (two tall white posts) on this bearing, but they may be difficult to identify. Continue upstream for about 3.5 NM, towards the leads, then continue further upstream, staying mid-channel, to Kumai. There are no other leading marks or buoys.

Anchor opposite the town in 9-12m mud, close to the eastern bank of the Kumai River. Large vessels manoeuvre in this river, many vessels will be anchored including Tugs and Barges leave plenty of room. We have heard of yachts dragging. The anchorage is tide rode and trips ashore can be wet. North end of the harbour there is a national park office and they have a jetty where you can tie your dinghy. Whoever you use as Tour guides to visit the Orangutans will have their own jetty for you to use or the market (blue roof) on the front has a jetty-- difficult at LW.

As you approach Kumai the 3 agents for Orangutan trips will appear. Away from the Sail Indonesia Rally time there is no need to book in advance. I would recommend getting details/prices from all 3 and inspecting the vessels, crew and guides offered. There were major differences in boat standards, ease of English spoken and cleanliness. We did the 2 day trip with Hari. It was incredible. The highlight of our year. Do not miss this.

Good local markets and shopping but the large supermarket is in the next town. Your trip agent will also sort out Diesel, drinking water and laundry. Good mobile and internet access, some email cafés ashore.

No swimming this is Crocodile country.

CM93 2006 charts had better charting of the entrance than the CM93 2010 charts.

Kupang – 10°09.72'S, 123°34.20'E
The first stop on 2011 Sail Indonesia western rally. Well organised check in procedures all under one roof with some paperwork already completed but it still took approx 1 hour to get round all the different departments. Independent cruisers have to get to and from the different departments well scattered. Anchoring was off the beach on a 6-20m shelf that was lively with the afternoon sea breeze but holding was good. It has nothing to recommend it beyond being the rally first stop. Talking to other boats as we travelled around it appears that Kupang was the only port enforcing the Bond issue. Boats that travelled independently and checked in elsewhere did not have to pay any Bond or “avoidance” money.

Drinking water could be bought, diesel by jerry can, market, shops and banks.

Internet and phone both available but painfully slow. Mobile and Internet access .

Labuan Bajo Lodge, Flores – 08°31.12'S, 119°52.07'E
It is possible to anchor directly off the harbour however it is a busy local port. This anchorage is on a gradually shelving beach in 3m sand. The water here is murky. At LW getting ashore was across mud banks. Local boats delivered diesel and drinking water. The lodge was happy for us to use their restaurant, swimming pool, laundry, and arranged a car with driver for shopping and sightseeing at very reasonable rates. 2 courtesy mooring buoys were reported to be further north but only one was present. This is the place for organising diving trips around Komodo area. Shopping in local market and supermarkets. There is a harbour master at Labuan Bajo so if anchored off the town boats should check in with him. Nearby islands have lovely beaches to explore and the snorkelling/diving locally is excellent. There are free mooring buoys scattered around the Komodo Marine National Park ( see their excellent web site http://www.komodonationalpark.org/ ) but we found some to be in poor condition and/or missing. They are used by Dive boats so may become free in the later afternoon. Good mobile /internet access.
Lehok Dasani, S Rinca island, – 08°47.18'S, 119°39.08'E
We entered from the west just after slack water in 10kt SE wind and the overfalls were impressive. The anchorages recommended in “101 Anchorages” were untenable due to wind/tide conditions so we stayed on the west side of Nusakode island finding good calm anchorage in sand 7m amongst the coral heads. The snorkelling below the boat was good and there is excellent local diving but not for novices. Monkeys and Komodos on the beaches. An isolated lonely place with spectacular scenery. The mooring buoys were all occupied by large dive boats. No mobile/internet.
Lembata, P.Kuwala – 08°22.11'S, 123°24.90'E
Anchor off the town where depths and traffic permit. It is a busy ferry port. Water, fuel, supplies ashore. Holding good thick mud 3m. Well sheltered. Tides are strong in the straits between Kawula and Adunara islands. The unmarked reef off the town was well marked by fishing boats and nets day and night. Mobile and internet access.
Medana Bay Marina, Lombok – 08°21.80'S, 116°07.80'E
A small friendly marina offering mooring buoys, meals, water, fuel, excursions, showers/toilets, laundry service and a dingy pontoon. A lovely place to rest for a while and see some of Lombok. Web site http://medanabaymarina.com . The approach through the reefs is easy with the waypoints off the web site. CM93 charts are as normal not reliable. There are entry transits to help but the mooring buoys are black and small. Not easy to see. Some are too close to the fringing reef for larger boats. It is possible to anchor but depths are over 20m until close in. The dingy pontoon has water pipped to it but this is not drinking water. The local village has small shops but there is good shopping in Lombok town. There is a German diesel/mechanical engineer at Lembar who will visit to sort problems. Friends of ours were very pleased with his prompt help and clear advise.

There was a constant slight swell but while we were there a northerly swell developed. The anchorage became almost untenable overnight and landing on the dingy pontoon hazardous in the extreme. The steeply shelving surf beach meant that was not an option. Most yachts rapidly left for the Gili islands.

Some boats were left on attended moorings while owners travelled and appeared to be faring well.

Good mobile/internet connection, also Wifi at the marina.

NE Adunara Island – 08°14.60'S, 123°19.60'E
An isolated coral cay. Quite beautiful and peaceful. Occasional visiting local fishermen. Excellent swimming and diving. No facilities. The current in the narrow straits on approach between Adunara and P. Ipet can be strong but reef edges are readily seen in good visibility. There are strong currents through the anchorage, boats can swing oddly. Depths from 2m – 20m, good holding sand but some coral patches. No swell but wind against tide in afternoon sea breeze can be lively. No mobile/internet.
Nongsa Point Marina, Pulau Batam – 01°11.80'N, 104°05.80'E
http://www.nongsapointmarina.com The entrance has inconvenient shallows in the approaches and has altered due to an extension of the breakwater around the marina. Call the marina on approach and they will send a boat to escort you in, better than running aground as 2 boats managed in 2010, VHF 72. An excellent fully serviced marina but there can be surge when Sumatras blow. It is a small marina. Ferry wash is better now but still occasionally noticeable. There is a small shop at the marina for basics but good shopping a taxi ride away in Batam city. There is a Carrefour supermarket on the outskirts, ask to go there. Mobile and internet access together with wifi. This is an official Port of Entry. We checked out here. It was an efficient operation with no odd hiccups and only a small charge. Be aware there is no leeway for changing your mind about leaving. Once checked out you go although we were allowed to check out the afternoon before as we were leaving at sunrise the following day.

A ferry service runs from the river to Singapore. It is possible to leave a boat here. The Rias islands have different rules for visiting boats. It is not possible to pop over to Singapore for a day as the Social Visa is a once only entry and a new visa would have to be obtained before re-entry to Indonesia.
P. Kentar, Lingga Islands – 00°03.28'N, 104°45.72'E
A good, well sheltered anchorage just over the equator. Anchor in 8m mud, good holding. We did a night entry here with a full moon. Enter between the isolated islet south of P.Bakau and Kentar. The reef from the north headland of Kentar extends a long way north then curls round into the bay. Do not go in too far as the fringing reef is extensive. There are a lot of very substantial fish houses/devices in the bay to the north and west of the anchorage. Possible to get ashore. Friendly villagers. No facilities. A good place to stop before heading for Nongsa Point marina and Singapore, from here on traffic gets busy and water murky. No mobile/internet.
P. Lawang, Lombok – 08°19.96'S, 116°04.61'E
The approach between P.Lawang and P.Sulat is deep, clear with fringing reefs easily seen. The tides run hard between Lombok and Sumbawa as well as between the islands. Care must be taken to avoid the extensive reef on the NE corner of P.Sulat. Once through the pass anchorage can be taken to suit wind conditions. We dropped in 9m sand, tide rode but very comfortable. Several villages ashore but we did not visit. Good mobile/internet connection.

P.P.Gulang, East Bay. – 00°43.90'N, 104°17.10'E
The currents between the Rias islands run strong. We used Wx32tides for tidal information. Once between the islands the swell drops off and in reasonable weather anchorage is possible in many places. This area is very busy with shipping, keep well clear of turning areas. We dropped in the east bay on Gulang island in 8m mud and had a quiet night before heading round to Nongsa Point marina. Mobile but no internet.

Pulau Besar or Pulubesar, Flores – 08°26.75'S, 122°24.50'E
13m mud/sand good holding and well sheltered from all directions once inside, no swell. Most charts show depths of 3m level with the headland. In fact depths are greater. Several large isolated reefs off the headland with an obvious clear passage between the eastern most 2 and an almost continuous band running west. More reef patches need to be eye balled inside then anchor off the village in 10-15m. The shore comes up quickly in less clear water. Good visibility is necessary to enter here without anxiety. No facilities ashore . The village is very welcoming.

Good snorkelling and diving outside the inner reefs especially on the reefs past the headland.

No mobile/internet access but once outside we did manage to connect while sailing.

Pulau Medang, north Sumbawa – 08°08.48'S, 117°22.45'E
Anchor in sand 5-8m. Lots of reef patches around but the water is very clear and most had plenty of water on them. Well sheltered from the SE Trades with no rolling. The metal structure shown on CM93 2010 charts is on the island not the reef. Paper charts were more accurate. Approach the anchorage from west of north and watch the reef it sticks well out. More water than charted. Very friendly local villagers keen to trade for fruit, veggies and fish. No mobile/internet.

Rinca Ranger Station, Rinca Island – 08°39.12'S, 119°42.78'E
Good shelter from all directions. Mud/sand bottom 13-20m. This is a lovely deep inlet with Monkeys and Komodos on the beach but in the day it is heaving with tour boats. They usually leave around 3pm then you have the place to yourselves. It is not very big and swinging room is restricted by the surrounding reefs. Don’t go too far in it gets shallow very quickly. We arranged to go on the 7am Dragon tour so we were leaving as the tour boats started arriving. There is a Harbourmaster here and he likes to see Ships papers and CAIT. There is a free mooring buoy outside the bay but it is a huge affair. No mobile /internet but outside did get signal.

Tanjung Gedong, Flores – 08°04.63'S, 122°50.71'E
The anchorage is hidden behind the headland until due west, once tucked in you are out of the swell. The bottom shelves steeply very close to the beach. Need to hunt around for a good anchoring spot. Nearest the moored boats is best. Watch for isolated reef patches especially in the NE corner. Welcoming village ashore up the hill. Depths from 5m – 20m. Well sheltered from the prevailing SE wind. Charts show no detail. No phone/internet.

Tanjung Liang Meah, Pulau Kawula, P. Kawula – 08°30.49'S, 123°13.60'E
A good first stop heading north after leaving Kupang. The shelf is narrow with sand/coral bottom, moderate holding in 6m. Good swimming. Beautifully scenic, a tonic after Kupang. Nothing ashore. Quiet and peaceful. Slight swell crept in. No phone/internet.

Teluk Lehok Ginggo, Rinca – 08°36.27'S, 119°38.33'E
There are several bays here to anchor in depending on prevailing weather. Some swell does creep in.. All are deep until close in and the water is less clear the further in you are. Monkeys and Komodos but nothing else. The snorkelling/diving at the entrance is excellent but currents can be strong. The tides run very strongly in the Linta and Sape Strait. We found tide times unreliable if you could find any. We resorted to observation and Lunar meridian passage time. See “Guide to SE Asia Vol 2” for details. No mobile/internet.