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Malaillo is a boutique luxury Phinisi liveaboard offering unforgettable diving expeditions throughout Indonesia's most spectacular marine regions. Accommodating only 14 guests, she combines elegant comfort, personalised service and world-class diving while exploring Raja Ampat, Komodo, the Banda Sea, Alor, Ambon and North Halmahera.

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Description

Boat

Inspired by the timeless beauty of Indonesia's traditional Phinisi sailing vessels, Malaillo has been thoughtfully designed to offer an intimate liveaboard experience where luxury, comfort and adventure come together. Carefully refurbished with attention to every detail, she blends authentic Indonesian craftsmanship with modern facilities, creating an elegant home at sea for divers wishing to explore some of the richest marine ecosystems on Earth.

With only a small number of guests onboard, every cruise offers a relaxed and highly personalised atmosphere. Spacious outdoor decks invite guests to admire spectacular island landscapes, enjoy unforgettable sunsets or simply unwind between dives while cruising through Indonesia's remote archipelagos. Comfortable lounge areas provide welcoming spaces for dive briefings, photography, reading or sharing the day's underwater encounters with fellow travellers.

Dining is an important part of the Malaillo experience. Freshly prepared meals combine Indonesian flavours with international cuisine, using quality local ingredients whenever possible. Throughout the day, guests enjoy generous breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks, fresh tropical fruits and refreshments, ensuring plenty of energy for the demanding diving schedule.

Designed specifically for extended diving expeditions, Malaillo features a spacious dive platform with dedicated equipment stations, camera facilities and easy access to the water via custom-built tenders. The experienced captain, attentive crew and professional dive guides work seamlessly together to provide smooth operations while maintaining the highest standards of comfort and safety throughout every expedition.

Whether discovering the extraordinary biodiversity of Raja Ampat, drifting through Komodo's nutrient-rich channels or exploring the untouched reefs of the Banda Sea, Malaillo offers an unforgettable platform from which to experience Indonesia's legendary diving destinations.


Cabin

Malaillo welcomes up to 14 guests in 7 spacious ensuite cabins, creating an intimate atmosphere rarely found aboard larger liveaboards.

Accommodation includes a selection of beautifully appointed double and twin cabins ranging from approximately 13 to 18 square metres, each offering generous living space, elegant furnishings and private ensuite bathrooms. Every cabin has been designed to maximise comfort during multi-day expeditions while maintaining the warm character of a traditional wooden Phinisi.

Each cabin features:

  • Individually controlled air conditioning
  • Private ensuite bathroom with hot water
  • Comfortable queen or twin bedding
  • Large storage space for personal belongings
  • Reading lights
  • Charging outlets for electronic devices
  • Daily housekeeping service

The limited guest capacity allows every traveller to enjoy a peaceful onboard atmosphere together with attentive service from the experienced crew throughout the voyage.


Diving

Malaillo has been designed for divers seeking exceptional underwater experiences across Indonesia's most celebrated marine regions. Every expedition is carefully planned according to seasonal conditions, allowing guests to discover remote reefs, dramatic walls, pristine coral gardens and rarely visited islands in optimal diving conditions.

Professional dive guides provide comprehensive briefings before every dive, introducing guests to local marine life, underwater topography and prevailing conditions. Small diving groups ensure a relaxed pace underwater while allowing photographers and marine life enthusiasts ample time to enjoy each dive.

Typical diving operations include:

  • Up to 3–4 dives per day depending on itinerary and weather conditions.
  • Night dives whenever local regulations and conditions permit.
  • Professional dive guides on every dive.
  • Spacious dive deck with individual equipment stations.
  • Dedicated camera table and rinse tanks.
  • Tender boats providing direct access to dive sites.
  • Final diving day planned to respect recommended no-fly intervals.

Depending on the season and destination, divers may encounter manta rays, whale sharks, reef sharks, hammerheads, pygmy seahorses, walking sharks, schooling barracuda, turtles, dolphins and an astonishing diversity of macro life, making every expedition unique.


Other Information

  • Nitrox: Available for certified Nitrox divers
  • 15L Tanks: Available upon request
  • Rebreather Diving: Please enquire before booking
  • Technical Diving: Private arrangements available upon request
  • Dive Equipment Rental: Complete rental equipment available
  • Underwater Camera Facilities: Dedicated camera station and rinse tanks
  • Dive Insurance: Mandatory for all divers
  • Wi-Fi Internet: Available when network coverage permits
  • Payment on board: Cash and major credit cards accepted (subject to onboard policy)
  • Crew: Experienced Indonesian crew with professional cruise director and dive guides

Itineraries

Malaillo explores Indonesia's most spectacular diving destinations throughout the year, following carefully planned seasonal expeditions across the Coral Triangle. Depending on the time of year, cruises visit Raja Ampat, Komodo National Park, the Banda Sea, Alor, Ambon and North Halmahera, each offering its own unique combination of marine biodiversity, dramatic underwater landscapes and unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Rather than following a single fixed route, every expedition has been designed to showcase each region during its optimum diving season, allowing guests to experience Indonesia at its very best.


Raja Ampat

Often described as the world's richest marine ecosystem, Raja Ampat offers an extraordinary diversity of coral reefs, limestone islands and vibrant marine life. Located in the heart of the Coral Triangle, this remote archipelago supports more species of fish and hard corals than anywhere else on Earth.

Divers explore famous sites including Cape Kri, Blue Magic, Manta Sandy, Melissa's Garden and Arborek, where colourful coral reefs teem with reef sharks, giant trevallies, turtles, schools of barracuda and countless reef fish. Manta rays are regularly encountered throughout the season, while photographers will appreciate the incredible abundance of macro life hidden among the coral gardens.


Komodo National Park

Komodo National Park combines thrilling drift diving with spectacular volcanic scenery above the surface. Strong nutrient-rich currents support exceptionally healthy reefs where both pelagic species and colourful macro life flourish together.

World-famous sites such as Batu Bolong, Castle Rock, Crystal Rock, Manta Alley and Tatawa Besar offer encounters with reef sharks, manta rays, turtles, giant trevallies, Napoleon wrasse and enormous schools of fusiliers. Between dives, guests also have the opportunity to admire Komodo's dramatic landscapes and, on selected itineraries, visit the famous Komodo dragons on land.


Banda Sea

The Banda Sea is one of Indonesia's most remote and rewarding diving destinations. Isolated volcanic islands rise from deep blue water, creating spectacular underwater walls covered with healthy hard and soft corals.

Large schools of hammerhead sharks are among the region's greatest attractions during the appropriate season, accompanied by tuna, barracuda, eagle rays and reef sharks. Historic spice islands, crystal-clear visibility and rarely visited dive sites combine to create one of Indonesia's most memorable liveaboard expeditions.


Alor & Ambon

Cruises linking Alor and Ambon introduce divers to an extraordinary variety of underwater environments. Alor is renowned for dramatic walls, colourful reefs, nutrient-rich currents and exceptional fish life, while Ambon has earned international recognition as one of the world's finest muck diving destinations.

Guests may discover everything from pygmy seahorses, rhinopias and rare nudibranchs to schooling pelagic fish and pristine coral reefs within a single expedition. This remarkable contrast between macro photography and wide-angle diving makes the route particularly rewarding for underwater photographers.


Raja Ampat – North Halmahera

This expedition combines the legendary biodiversity of Raja Ampat with the rarely explored reefs of North Halmahera, creating one of Indonesia's most exclusive liveaboard adventures.

Far from the busiest diving areas, North Halmahera offers pristine coral reefs, dramatic drop-offs and exceptional fish biomass. Divers regularly encounter reef sharks, schooling barracuda, eagle rays and turtles while enjoying dive sites that remain virtually untouched by mass tourism. Together with Raja Ampat's iconic reefs, this itinerary provides an exceptional journey through some of the healthiest marine ecosystems in the Indo-Pacific.


Seasonal Marine Life

Indonesia's immense marine diversity ensures that every Malaillo expedition offers unique wildlife encounters depending on the destination and season.

Throughout the year, divers may encounter manta rays, reef sharks, turtles, schooling jacks, barracuda, giant trevallies and countless reef fish. Seasonal highlights include hammerhead sharks in the Banda Sea, manta rays in Raja Ampat and Komodo, whale sharks at selected locations, and an astonishing variety of macro life including pygmy seahorses, frogfish, ghost pipefish, rhinopias and colourful nudibranchs.

Whether exploring remote volcanic islands, drifting above vibrant coral reefs or photographing some of the rarest marine creatures in the world, every Malaillo expedition has been designed to deliver an authentic Indonesian diving adventure in complete comfort.

Schedules & routes

11/07/2026 to 16/07/2026

Komodo

Malaillo is a boutique luxury Phinisi liveaboard offering unforgettable diving expeditions throughout Indonesia's most spectacular marine regions. Accommodating only 14 guests, she combines elegant comfort, personalised service and world-class diving while exploring Raja Ampat, Komodo, the Banda Sea, Alor, Ambon and North Halmahera.

18/07/2026 to 23/07/2026

Komodo

Malaillo is a boutique luxury Phinisi liveaboard offering unforgettable diving expeditions throughout Indonesia's most spectacular marine regions. Accommodating only 14 guests, she combines elegant comfort, personalised service and world-class diving while exploring Raja Ampat, Komodo, the Banda Sea, Alor, Ambon and North Halmahera.

25/07/2026 to 01/08/2026

Komodo

Malaillo is a boutique luxury Phinisi liveaboard offering unforgettable diving expeditions throughout Indonesia's most spectacular marine regions. Accommodating only 14 guests, she combines elegant comfort, personalised service and world-class diving while exploring Raja Ampat, Komodo, the Banda Sea, Alor, Ambon and North Halmahera.

03/08/2026 to 10/08/2026

Komodo

Malaillo is a boutique luxury Phinisi liveaboard offering unforgettable diving expeditions throughout Indonesia's most spectacular marine regions. Accommodating only 14 guests, she combines elegant comfort, personalised service and world-class diving while exploring Raja Ampat, Komodo, the Banda Sea, Alor, Ambon and North Halmahera.

12/08/2026 to 19/08/2026

Komodo

Malaillo is a boutique luxury Phinisi liveaboard offering unforgettable diving expeditions throughout Indonesia's most spectacular marine regions. Accommodating only 14 guests, she combines elegant comfort, personalised service and world-class diving while exploring Raja Ampat, Komodo, the Banda Sea, Alor, Ambon and North Halmahera.

21/08/2026 to 28/08/2026

Komodo

Malaillo is a boutique luxury Phinisi liveaboard offering unforgettable diving expeditions throughout Indonesia's most spectacular marine regions. Accommodating only 14 guests, she combines elegant comfort, personalised service and world-class diving while exploring Raja Ampat, Komodo, the Banda Sea, Alor, Ambon and North Halmahera.

02/09/2026 to 07/09/2026

Alor

Malaillo is a boutique luxury Phinisi liveaboard offering unforgettable diving expeditions throughout Indonesia's most spectacular marine regions. Accommodating only 14 guests, she combines elegant comfort, personalised service and world-class diving while exploring Raja Ampat, Komodo, the Banda Sea, Alor, Ambon and North Halmahera.

10/09/2026 to 20/09/2026

Banda Sea

Malaillo is a boutique luxury Phinisi liveaboard offering unforgettable diving expeditions throughout Indonesia's most spectacular marine regions. Accommodating only 14 guests, she combines elegant comfort, personalised service and world-class diving while exploring Raja Ampat, Komodo, the Banda Sea, Alor, Ambon and North Halmahera.

22/09/2026 to 30/09/2026

Banda Sea

Malaillo is a boutique luxury Phinisi liveaboard offering unforgettable diving expeditions throughout Indonesia's most spectacular marine regions. Accommodating only 14 guests, she combines elegant comfort, personalised service and world-class diving while exploring Raja Ampat, Komodo, the Banda Sea, Alor, Ambon and North Halmahera.

02/10/2026 to 10/10/2026

Banda Sea

Malaillo is a boutique luxury Phinisi liveaboard offering unforgettable diving expeditions throughout Indonesia's most spectacular marine regions. Accommodating only 14 guests, she combines elegant comfort, personalised service and world-class diving while exploring Raja Ampat, Komodo, the Banda Sea, Alor, Ambon and North Halmahera.

Prices & conditions

Included

  • Transfers from airport and/or hotel to the yacht
  • Full-board meal plan (including snacks)
  • Complimentary beverages (water, tea, coffee)
  • Soft drinks
  • Diving activity (incl. tanks, weights, weight belts)
  • Dive guide service
  • Land excursions and activities throughout the trip
  • Boat accident insurance
  • Cabin towels and complimentary toiletries
  • Cabin cleaning service
  • Wi-Fi

Not included

  • Domestic flights in destination country
  • Marine park fees & Port fees
  • VAT and local taxes
  • Fuel surcharge
  • Alcoholic beverage
  • Dive equipment rentals
  • Larger tank (15 L)
  • Nitrox fills
  • Dive courses on board
  • Dive insurance (mandatory requirement)
  • Travel insurance (trip cancellation insurance)
  • Crew gratuity

Useful information

Alor

Best time for diving
April to November, as this is when both visibility and weather are at their best, while September is the best time to spot Mola Mola. The currents usually are strongest in October and November, making conditions more challenging. From late December until early March, Alor is usually considered as off-season due to the rainy season.

About temperatures
Air : winter months are between 26°C - 29°C, summer months are between 27°C - 32°C.
Sea : between 25°C - 27°C from March to April & October to November, between 27°C - 30°C from May to September. Thermoclines are common year round, the water can drop at times to 22°C or lower.

Wetsuit Recommendation
We recommend a 5 mm full wetsuit. If you get cold easily, we recommend also bring gloves and a hood, or even a 7 mm full wetsuit.

Diver requirement
Suitable for all levels of diver from beginners to experienced. However, in the open blue, the current can be strong at times, so divers should to be comfortable with their skills. While the muck dive sites only have little current. You can find out more information about diving in Alor here : Alor

Embarkation / Disembarkation
Alor liveaboard trips are usually from Maumere to Maumere, guests need to fly to Maumere airport (MOF).
However, some liveaboards often combine Alor with other destinations like Komodo, Banda Sea, Raja Ampat. Then you might only need to arrive or depart from Maumere.

Visa Requirements
Indonesia offers a free visa on arrival service for many nationalities which allows visitors to stay in the country for up to 30 days. A list of countries that are eligible for visa on arrival can be found on the Indonesian Government's Directorate General of Immigration.

Please note: Immigration officials in Indonesia may ask for proof of onward travel (e.g. a return or onward air ticket).

Vaccinations
Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over the age of 9 months arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Money Matters
The local currency is Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), all liveaboards accept cash payments in USD.
Rupiah can be purchased from all major banks and exchange outlets. Credit and debit cards are also accepted in major hotels, restaurants & shops.

Drones
There are very few restrictions on the use of drones for photography purposes within Indonesia. Please check Drone laws in Indonesia for details.

Extending your holiday
We offer a range of hotels/resorts, land-based diving packages, and excursions that can be arranged before or after your liveaboard holiday. Just ask us if you need such service.


Komodo

Best time for diving
May to October, the weather in Komodo is at its best between April and November. During the wet season (December to March) the weather can get a bit windy, with heavy quick rains, sometimes can cause rough surface conditions. However, liveaboards run trips here year-round.

The visibility in the North is excellent at 30 meters or even more, while it ranges between 10-15 meters in the South.
Some dive sites can have significant currents, whirlpools and see downdrafts. Sea conditions might change very quickly. Other dive sites are more quiet and rich in macro, especially in the South.

About temperatures
Air : range between 23°C - 32°C year-round.
Sea : in the North Komodo it can be around 26°C -29°C, while it gets colder towards the south where it can drop down to 22° C.

Wetsuit Recommendation
We recommend a 3 - 5 mm full wetsuit throughout the year for Komodo area.

Diver requirement
Intermediate to Advanced level, A good level in diving and some experience in drift diving are recommended to participate to Komodo cruise.
You can find out more information about diving in Komodo here : Komodo

Embarkation / Disembarkation
Most of the embarkation / disembarkation will be in Labuan Bajo (LBJ).
Unless the trip is from Bali - Komodo, then the embarkation can be in Bali (DPS).

Visa Requirements
Indonesia offers a free visa on arrival service for many nationalities which allows visitors to stay in the country for up to 30 days. A list of countries that are eligible for visa on arrival can be found on the Indonesian Government's Directorate General of Immigration.

Please note: Immigration officials in Indonesia may ask for proof of onward travel (e.g. a return or onward air ticket).

Vaccinations
Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over the age of 9 months arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Money Matters
The local currency is Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), all liveaboards accept cash payments in USD.
Rupiah can be purchased from all major banks and exchange outlets. Credit and debit cards are also accepted in major hotels, restaurants & shops.

Drones
There are very few restrictions on the use of drones for photography purposes within Indonesia. Please check Drone laws in Indonesia for details.

Extending your holiday
We offer a range of hotels/resorts, land-based diving packages, and excursions that can be arranged before or after your liveaboard holiday. Just ask us if you need such service.


Triton Bay

Best time for diving
November to April, most liveaboards visit Triton Bay during the Raja Ampat diving season, as from June the winds and rain can cause unpleasant sea conditions. However, rain is possible in West Papua anytime, not just in rainy season.

Some sites are subject to strong currents here, and the visibility in Triton Bay might change abruptly. Rarely exceeding 20 meters, it can lower to less than 10 meters, especially after a lot of raining in Triton Bay. Most of diving is shallow dives, no more than 35 meters.

About temperatures
Air : generally ranges between 25°C - 31°C year-round.
Sea : averaging around 26°C - 27°C from May to October, 29°C - 30°C from November to April.

Wetsuit Recommendation
We recommend a 3 mm full wetsuit for November to April, a 5 mm full wetsuit for May to October.

Diver requirement
Suitable for most divers, however, on a number of sites in Triton Bay, a certain level of currents is necessary to attract interesting fish activities. So divers should be ok with the currents. You can find out more information about diving in Wakatobi here : Triton Bay

Embarkation / Disembarkation
The nearby airport is Kaimana airport (KNG) in West Papua. However, live­aboards may utilize different ports depends on the itinerary, as often live­aboard trips will combine Triton Bay with other destinations like Raja Ampat, Banda Sea, so please ask our agent to know the exact port for your trip.

Visa Requirements
Indonesia offers a free visa on arrival service for many nationalities which allows visitors to stay in the country for up to 30 days. A list of countries that are eligible for visa on arrival can be found on the Indonesian Government's Directorate General of Immigration.

Please note: Immigration officials in Indonesia may ask for proof of onward travel (e.g. a return or onward air ticket).

Vaccinations
Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over the age of 9 months arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Money Matters
The local currency is Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), all liveaboards accept cash payments in USD.
Rupiah can be purchased from all major banks and exchange outlets. Credit and debit cards are also accepted in major hotels, restaurants & shops.

Drones
There are very few restrictions on the use of drones for photography purposes within Indonesia. Please check Drone laws in Indonesia for details.

Extending your holiday
We offer a range of hotels/resorts, land-based diving packages, and excursions that can be arranged before or after your liveaboard holiday. Just ask us if you need such service.


Banda Sea

Best time for diving
October to November & March to April, the seas are generally calmer during these months and in October to November there is higher chance to see hammerhead sharks. From May to August the surface conditions can get quite rough.

The visibility is generally good to excellent in Banda Sea areas, except in Ambon bay and in other bays for critter dives. Currents are low to moderate on most of the sites, however, strong currents may occur at times.

About temperatures
Air : range between 25°C - 31°C year-round.
Sea : range between 26°C - 29°C year-round.

Wetsuit Recommendation
We recommend a 3 - 5 mm full wetsuit throughout the year.

Diver requirement
Most dive sites are suitable for all levels with a few exceptions that are suitable only for advanced divers. You can find out more information about diving in Banda Sea here : Banda Sea

Embarkation / Disembarkation
The embarkation / disembarkation can be in Ambon (AMQ), Kaimana (KNG), Maumere (MOF), Sorong (SOQ), Waisai (RJM), Saumalaki (SXK) etc. As some of the Banda Sea trip will combine with other destinations like Raja Ampat, Halmahera, Triton Bay. So please ask our agent to know the exact port for your trip.

Visa Requirements
Indonesia offers a free visa on arrival service for many nationalities which allows visitors to stay in the country for up to 30 days. A list of countries that are eligible for visa on arrival can be found on the Indonesian Government's Directorate General of Immigration.

Please note: Immigration officials in Indonesia may ask for proof of onward travel (e.g. a return or onward air ticket).

Vaccinations
Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over the age of 9 months arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Money Matters
The local currency is Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), all liveaboards accept cash payments in USD.
Rupiah can be purchased from all major banks and exchange outlets. Credit and debit cards are also accepted in major hotels, restaurants & shops.

Drones
There are very few restrictions on the use of drones for photography purposes within Indonesia. Please check Drone laws in Indonesia for details.

Extending your holiday
We offer a range of hotels/resorts, land-based diving packages, and excursions that can be arranged before or after your liveaboard holiday. Just ask us if you need such service.


Raja Ampat

Best time for diving
Mid October to April, the wind then picks up in May until the end of August, causing rougher seas and this means Misool area in the south will be shut from June to September. From July until September the diving in the north still can be enjoyable. The visibility can vary from 10 - 30 meters, current can be from mild to strong at times.

About temperatures
Air : fairly constant between 25°C - 31°C year-round.
Sea : it is warm all year round, about 27°C - 31°C

Wetsuit Recommendation
We recommend a 3 mm full wetsuit throughout the year.

Diver requirement
Intermediate to Advanced level. You can find out more information about diving in Raja Ampat here : Raja Ampat

Embarkation / Disembarkation
Most of the embarkation / disembarkation will be in Sorong (SOQ).
Few liveaboards also departs from Waisai (RJM).
The easiest to fly through to & from Sorong (SOQ) via Jakarta (CGK), Makassar (UPG), Bali (DPS), or Manado (MDC).

Visa Requirements
Indonesia offers a free visa on arrival service for many nationalities which allows visitors to stay in the country for up to 30 days. A list of countries that are eligible for visa on arrival can be found on the Indonesian Government's Directorate General of Immigration.

Please note: Immigration officials in Indonesia may ask for proof of onward travel (e.g. a return or onward air ticket).

Vaccinations
Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over the age of 9 months arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Money Matters
The local currency is Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), all liveaboards accept cash payments in USD.
Rupiah can be purchased from all major banks and exchange outlets. Credit and debit cards are also accepted in major hotels, restaurants & shops.

Drones
There are very few restrictions on the use of drones for photography purposes within Indonesia. Please check Drone laws in Indonesia for details.

Extending your holiday
We offer a range of hotels/resorts, land-based diving packages, and excursions that can be arranged before or after your liveaboard holiday. Just ask us if you need such service.


Halmahera

Best time for diving
October to November and March to May, Halmahera can be dived all year round, but due to the monsoon season, from June to September it can be windy and the sea can be rough. And from December to February is considered as the rainy season.

Visibility is usually very good, ranging from 20-30 meters, Inside the bays the visibility may be less. Currents can be strong in the straits, weak in the areas protected by the islands.

About temperatures
Air : generally ranges between 25°C - 32°C year-round.
Sea : it is warm all year round, about 27°C - 31°C

Wetsuit Recommendation
We recommend a 3 mm full wetsuit throughout the year.

Diver requirement
Suitable for all levels, however, divers should have some experience to enjoy the drift dives there. You can find out more information about diving in Halmahera here : Halmahera

Embarkation / Disembarkation
Depending on which itinerary you choose, the embarkation / disembarkation can be in Bitung > Manado (MDC), Ternate (TTE), Bacan (LAH/WUB), or Morotai (OTI). The international airport with the best connections is Jakarta (CGK). You can also route through Bali (DPS) if you prefer.

However, some live­aboard trips will combine Halmahera with other destinations like Sulawesi (Lembeh), Raja Ampat, then the embarkation and disembarkation will be different. So please ask our agent to know the exact port for your trip.

Visa Requirements
Indonesia offers a free visa on arrival service for many nationalities which allows visitors to stay in the country for up to 30 days. A list of countries that are eligible for visa on arrival can be found on the Indonesian Government's Directorate General of Immigration.

Please note: Immigration officials in Indonesia may ask for proof of onward travel (e.g. a return or onward air ticket).

Vaccinations
Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over the age of 9 months arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Money Matters
The local currency is Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), all liveaboards accept cash payments in USD.
Rupiah can be purchased from all major banks and exchange outlets. Credit and debit cards are also accepted in major hotels, restaurants & shops.

Drones
There are very few restrictions on the use of drones for photography purposes within Indonesia. Please check Drone laws in Indonesia for details.

Extending your holiday
We offer a range of hotels/resorts, land-based diving packages, and excursions that can be arranged before or after your liveaboard holiday. Just ask us if you need such service.


Sulawesi

Best time for diving
April to October, with peak season being July and August - it's also the best time to spot whales and dolphins (however, in the peak season, it's usually gonna be super busy, so you need to book your space long ahead). The diving can still be great in late March, November and early December, but the rain are generally a daily occurrence in these months, then the rainiest months will be between January and February but still can have good dives if you don't mind the rain.

The visibility range between 20 - 40 meters, currents are different from one location to another, some have minimal-to-no current, while some other sites can experience strong currents that attract big pelagic fish.

About temperatures
Air : range between 23°C to 32°C throughout the year.
Sea : between 26°C - 29°C, with the Lembeh Strait can be as low as 25°C/26°C during the summer (July/August).

Wetsuit Recommendation
We recommend a 3 - 5 mm wetsuit throughout the year.

Diver requirement
Suitable for all levels. Especially the photographers! You can find out more information about diving in this area here : Sulawesi

Embarkation / Disembarkation
Depending on the liveaboard and the itinerary you chose, it can be Manado (MDC), Kendari (KDI), Luwuk (LUW). Or some itineraries also combined North & Centra Sulawesi with other destinations such as Halmahera, Raja Ampat, Wakatobi (in South Sulawesi). So please ask our agent to know the exact port for your trip.

Visa Requirements
Indonesia offers a free visa on arrival service for many nationalities which allows visitors to stay in the country for up to 30 days. A list of countries that are eligible for visa on arrival can be found on the Indonesian Government's Directorate General of Immigration.

Please note: Immigration officials in Indonesia may ask for proof of onward travel (e.g. a return or onward air ticket).

Vaccinations
Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over the age of 9 months arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Money Matters
The local currency is Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), all liveaboards accept cash payments in USD.
Rupiah can be purchased from all major banks and exchange outlets. Credit and debit cards are also accepted in major hotels, restaurants & shops.

Drones
There are very few restrictions on the use of drones for photography purposes within Indonesia. Please check Drone laws in Indonesia for details.

Extending your holiday
We offer a range of hotels/resorts, land-based diving packages, and excursions that can be arranged before or after your liveaboard holiday. Just ask us if you need such service.


Derawan Islands

Best time for diving
April to October during the dry season, although the Derawan Islands is possible to dive year-round. And the islands receive consistent rainfall throughout the year. If you want to have the best chance to see manta rays, then try the beginning of the rainy season around November or December. The visibility is usually between 10 - 40 meters, with mild to medium currents.

About temperatures
Air : generally ranges between 27°C - 32°C year-round.
Sea : it is warm all year round, about 27°C - 30°C

Wetsuit Recommendation
We recommend a 3 mm wetsuit throughout the year.

Diver requirement
Suitable for all levels. You can find out more information about diving in Derawan Islands here : Derawan Islands

Embarkation / Disembarkation
Depending on the liveaboard you choose, the embarkation / disembarkation can be in Tarakan (TRK) or Berau (BEJ).
It also can be combined with Sulawesi (Lembeh) on longer cruise like 14D/13N, then the embarkation and disembarkation will be different, please ask our agent to know the exact port for your trip.

Visa Requirements
Indonesia offers a free visa on arrival service for many nationalities which allows visitors to stay in the country for up to 30 days. A list of countries that are eligible for visa on arrival can be found on the Indonesian Government's Directorate General of Immigration.

Please note: Immigration officials in Indonesia may ask for proof of onward travel (e.g. a return or onward air ticket).

Vaccinations
Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over the age of 9 months arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Money Matters
The local currency is Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), all liveaboards accept cash payments in USD.
Rupiah can be purchased from all major banks and exchange outlets. Credit and debit cards are also accepted in major hotels, restaurants & shops.

Drones
There are very few restrictions on the use of drones for photography purposes within Indonesia. Please check Drone laws in Indonesia for details.

Extending your holiday
We offer a range of hotels/resorts, land-based diving packages, and excursions that can be arranged before or after your liveaboard holiday. Just ask us if you need such service.

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