What’s the maximum group size?

Sri Noa Noa is registered to carry a maximum of 6 passengers, however, we believe that it's best with 3-5 guests to allow for more space and comfort.

What should I bring?

Not a lot!

• Dress on board is very casual, and passengers are advised to dress modestly during village visits.
• For nature walks, bring several sets of long sleeve, lightweight shirts and long trousers.
• The tropical sun is intense so be sure to bring a hat, a pair of sunglasses, good sun block-out and tropical strength mosquito repellent.
• A comfortable pair of shoes or sandals for trekking is a must. We also recommend that you bring at least one pair of sport shoes/sandals that you won’t mind getting wet for dinghy landings and exploring local reefs, or specially designed reef shoes or booties.
• Of course bring your swimmers or board shorts and your beach towel.
• Snorkeling and fishing equipment are provided, but if you are an enthusiast, please feel free to bring your own.
• Other items you might want to consider include: iPod, photo & video camera, books you want to read.
• A bottle of your favourite duty free spirits or wines. Local beer is provided, limited to 3 beers per person per day, extras can be purchased before boarding the boat at self cost. Just let Heri know upon pick up at the airport.
• A small first aid kit is also recommended, along with sufficient supplies of any prescribed medicines you take.
• Ear plugs may come in handy if you are a light sleeper.
• You don’t need to bring any linen or bedding, as it is supplied.
• If you plan to stay in touch with friends and family, we recommend a Telkomsel SIM card as other operators do not work in these remote areas.

Do I need a visa?

Most nationals are granted now a free 30-day tourist visa on arrival in Indonesia. Passports must be valid for 6 months after the date of entry. Please contact your nearest Indonesian consulate to confirm visa requirements or visit this site.

What level of fitness do I need?

These cruises are generally for people of normal fitness levels, without any physical disabilities or illnesses that may prevent them from making the most of their time. To enjoy partaking activities such as surfing, swimming, snorkelling, fishing, bush walking and general sightseeing. Again, it depends on what you want to do, so if you prefer to observe a volcano from its base, rather than walk up to its peak, it’s your choice. We can ensure all activities are within your limits. At minimum, you need to be comfortable with climbing a small ladder to and from the tender (dinghy) to the vessel, with the assistance of crew. You will need to ensure that you have the standard vaccinations for traveling to the region. See your doctor or local travelers’ medical vaccinations centre for advice.

Must I know how to sail?

These are crewed charters. No sailing experience is necessary. Our crew are experienced sailors and will look after everything for you while you sit back and relax.  Most of the time you are under motor.

Can I go scuba diving?

We generally don’t cater for divers as we do not have a comprerssor on board. If required, diving can be arranged in some of the areas we cover through local dive schools. Being home to some of the world’s most beautiful coral reefs, there are numerous professional diving schools at various locations we visit, including Lombok and Flores. All equipment and qualified instruction is provided by the dive schools. We can organise all the details, please let us know already during the booking process if you wish to dive.

Can I recharge my video batteries?

Yes. There is 220-240 Volt, 50Hz AC as well as 10-24 Volt DC power sources. We also have various adaptors onboard. In general, the two-pin "European" plugs are being used in Indonesia.

Can I plan my own itinerary?

Definitely before the booking we set the route, the start and finish of each trip. Many of our customers, particularly the surfers, know exactly where they want to go so we just take them there. They coordinate with our Captain to find the best waves in any given swell, wind and tide conditions. Other non-surfing customers often have a special purpose for their trip, such as researching particular flora and fauna, treasure hunting, or to see specific places of natural interest, such as Komodo Dragons. We can cater to all requirements – just let us know what you’d like to experience.

What’s the minimum cruise duration?

Charter durations are flexible so it’s up to you. Most trips are between 4 – 12 days. Surfing trips are always longer than cruising trips. We recommend a minimum of 5 days, giving you enough time to see many of the fascinating places in the region, and really experience life at sea in the tropics. We occasionally do shorter trips from 1 – 3 nights, particularly for special occasions such as honeymoons, birthdays, New Year celebrations and so on. Contact us to discuss your requirements.

Do I need to be an experienced surfer?

The short answer is no. Indonesia is a world class surfing destination, with many spots suited to intermediate to advanced surfers. Upon request, we could even organize a  certified surf instructor at an additional charge if you have never surfed before or would like to improve your skills (please let us know well in advance). Open Boat trips however are not suited for beginner surfers.

However, like all places that get good waves, there are also spots with more gentle waves suitable for beginners and newcomers to the sport, who just want to enjoy the warm tropical water and smaller clean waves that are within their capabilities. Let us know your requirements and we will get you to the right waves to suit your standard. On request, we can often provide a surf instructor at additional cost for your surf trip.

What’s the climate like?

Bali and the islands of Nusa Tenggara (the island chain East of Bali) enjoy tropical weather.  The sun rises at about 6am and sets at about 6pm, every day of the year. It also means that temperature variation is very small, averaging around 25-30 Celsius, and it does not have four seasons. From December to March, the West monsoon brings showers and relatively high humidity, but usually the rains pass quickly. You can expect pleasant day temperatures year-round. The difference between seasons is marginal; at the peak of the wet season you will see about a half-hour to an hour of rain in the afternoon. The rest of the time: nice, warm temperatures, with a hint of a sea breeze.

This climate endows Bali and the surrounding islands with a number of unique vegetations, including waringin trees (Banyan), Salak Bali, and a multitude of flowers from a very fragrant cempaka (Michelia champaca) to literally thousands of varieties of orchids. In Ubud and high in the mountains you can expect cloudy skies and showers throughout the year (this is why the international weather reports for Bali often mention showers and rain storms). In these higher regions such as in Bedugul or Kintamani you’ll also need either a sweater or jacket after the sun sets.

What’s the geography like?

Bali itself is just one of the approximately 14,000 islands that comprise the Indonesian archipelago. We can plan a personal itinerary to suit. Bali is situated East of Java, separated by the narrow Strait of Bali, and surrounded by the Java Sea to the North, the Indian Ocean to the South, and the Strait of Lombok on the East. A string of volcanic mountains crown the Northern part of Bali, with Gunung Agung (Mount Divine, literally) as the tallest at 3,142 meters. This volcano as well as Mount Batukaru, Mount Batur, and Mount Merebuk are still active. Cruise on the Sri Noa Noa, to these active volcanoes, anchor just offshore and then climb them! One thing to remember about Bali is that the island is not too big – about 100 miles from North to South, and 175 miles from West to East.

East of Bali stretches a chain of tropical islands which have hardly changed in centuries – the home of many different ethnic tribes who still maintain their ancient languages, religions, rituals, and traditions. Our boats anchor close in to these islands for a day/night or longer. The islands around Komodo are also the only place in the world where you can still see large land reptiles. Descendants of the carnivorous Dinosaurs, they have survived from the Jurassic age, over 130 million years ago. Sail to these atolls on the Sri Noa Noa, disembark and (carefully) photograph these living fossils. Lombok, Sumba, Sumbawa, Flores, Timor, and many smaller islands including Komodo are known as the “Lesser Sunda Islands” or “Nusa Tenggara” and are part of the fabled “Spice Islands” of Indonesia.

The coral reefs here are among the most beautiful in the world. Swim and snorkel these reefs on a Sri Noa Noa cruise. Our shallow draft lets us anchor right on top of the most spectacular reefs in the area. Much of the flora and fauna is unique to this region. These islands are in stark contrast to refined and polished Bali with its lush tropical vegetation, manicured landscape and hand-carved rice terraces. With its refined culture and performing arts, Bali has for a long time been admired by the West as a mystic Island Paradise. A cruise charter on the Sri Noa Noa to the Lesser Sunda Islands is an extension of your visit to Bali. You’ll experience totally different worlds.

Economy

Bali’s (& Indonesia’s) economy is one of the most vibrant in SE Asia, fuelled by a constant flow of tourism dollars and supported by agricultural production and trade revenues. Balinese people are gifted artists, producing garments and arts and crafts that are exported. You can cruise to village markets on the Sri Noa Noa and purchase directly from the villagers that create these treasures. In addition to a friendly, enchanting nature of people and culture, Bali is also endowed with fertile land.

The primary export products are garments, handicrafts, and agricultural products such as fish, coffee, tuna, seaweed, and vanilla. The arable land of South Bali and a sophisticated irrigation mechanism arranged through the Water Temple system gives Bali and its people two full crops of rice year after year. Corn and other horticulture is also planted. The land is also an excellent grazing pasture for Balinese cattle, water buffalo, goats, sheep, and horses. Pigs, chickens and ducks are raised by the farmers on their land. The rain forests in Bali produce cayuput oil, rattan, and incense, which is used ubiquitously in Balinese ceremonies. Marlin, tuna, baramundi, seaweed, and shrimp are quite abundant in the seas surrounding Bali.