Description
Boat
Cheng Ho is a 35 meters long, 10.65 meters wide Indonesian Phinisi Buginese Schooner, made of Ulin wood, origially built in 1996, it has 3 engines and cruise between 7 to 10 knots/hour.
This Bugisese Phinisi has been handcrafted in the South Sulawesi traditions of the Bugis master carpenters with ulin, or ironwood. In the old day these boats were pure sailing boats and consequently they were sometimes becalmed in windless seas for weeks on end. Since the late sixties virtually all of them have been motorized.
Cheng Ho features a beautiful roomy air conditioned salon/dining room on the main deck, with a flat screen TV, DVD player, computer/camera station, a stereo player and an assortment of movies, CDs and books. There is also a chiller show case with 1 glass door for soft drink and fruits.
The upper deck is partially shaded and has sofas and tables. And for those who enjoy the sun is a top sun deck with chaise longues. And there is a new Jacuzzi.
The dive deck located at the front of the main deck, it is spacious and well equipped with personal gear lockers, an in place-fill station and a camera table with low pressure hose.
Cabin
Cheng Ho has 14 guests cabins, it can welcome up to 26 guests :
All cabins have private bathroom, air conditioner, storage area, hair dryer, safety box, and hand sanitizer.
3 Deluxe Double Cabins:
Located on the upper deck, each cabin comes with a double bed, seaview windows.
2 Deluxe Twin Cabins:
Located on the main deck, each cabin comes with two single beds side by side, seaview windows.
2 Deluxe Single Cabins:
Located on the main deck, each cabin comes with one single bed, seaview windows.
3 Standard Double Cabins:
Located on the lower deck, each cabin comes with a double bed, portholes.
4 Standard Twin Cabins:
Located on the lower deck, each cabin comes with two single beds side by side, portholes.
Diving
- 3 dives per day + alternating additional night dives.
- No dive on the embarkation and disembarkation day.
- Only 1 - 2 dives will be provided on the last diving day.
- All diving will provide experienced guide to lead the dive.
- Divers will be provided with ENOS diver locator system.
- Sea kayaks, snorkeling gears are available for use.
Other Informations
- Nitrox：Available with additional cost
- 15L Tanks：Available with additional cost
- REBREATHER Dive：Not available at the moment
- Technical Dive：Not available at the moment
- Dive Equipment Rental：Available, rate on request
- Dive insurance：Divers must have valid dive insurance
- Wi-Fi Internet ：Not available at the moment
- Laundry Service：Available with additional cost
- Massage Service：Not available at the moment
- Payment on board：By cash only (IDR/USD)
- Crew Number：24, include 5 dive guides
Itineraries
Cheng Ho traverses mainly to Labuan Bajo, Bali, and Ambon Banda Sea according to the diving seasons.
Komodo 7D/6N
Day 1: Labuhan Bajo - Sabolan
Arrive at the newly built Labuan Bajo airport in Flores. Our representative will be waiting outside the arrival hall and ready to escort you to the ship for immediate boarding. Safety Breifing, Safety DVD, Crew Introduction, Necessary Dive Paperwork, Cabin allocation and ship orientation will take place before departing the Harbour. During the journey to our first dive site, Sabolan for a check dive, take this opportunity to familiarize yourselves with the vessel and make yourself comfortable.
Diving: 1-2 times
Day 2 : Day 2 : Gili Lawa Laut – Gili Lawa Darat
Arrive early in the morning around the bay of Gili Lawa, an outstanding diving location in this region, which will includes the sea mound and the drift diving of the point. A few dive points such as GPS Point and Crystal Bomie will leave you the opportunity to spot napoleon wrasse, sharks as well as turtles. Stunning corals and reefs will excite you on your full days diving in this area
Diving: 3x day dives + 1 night dive
Day 3 : Sangeang – Banta Island
The boat arrives early in the stunning volcanic island, Sangeang. Sea Safari welcomes you to enjoy the half days of diving at the one of the best dive site in the island. Lunch will be served onboard while the boat is sailing toward to Banta Island where you will be treated to an enormous array of fish life as well as stunning above water scenery.
Diving: 3x day dives + 1 night dive
Day 4 : Tora Longkoy – Padar – Lohoksera
Arrive in Toro Longkoi. Here, one of the well-known dive sites is ‘Manta Ale’, located in the south west of Komodo. This is a home to famous manta cleaning station. This area is excellent wide-angle opportunity as the topography of this island is facing towards the wide-open Indian Ocean. The three rocks between this deep bay is all covered by multicolor of soft coral and hard coral garden, leather coral, shark and number of large fish with many different species such as Jack, Tuna, Napoleon, Barracuda, and many other schools of fish. During the season of October – November, you have a golden opportunity to snorkel and dive with Manta as they circle around you. This site is entitled with the most active area in Komodo. Next will be in Padar, Pillarsteen is also known as ‘Pillar Rock’. This site is identified by a tiny pinnacle, just off the southern tip of Small Island east of Padar’s southern point. In honor to its designation on our old Dutch map. There are good caves at about 40 meters. Visibility averaged 10-12 meters. Then night dive in Lohoksera. After night dive and dinner, we proceed to Tatawa Island
Diving: 3x day dives + 1 night dive
Day 5 : Tatawa Besar – Tatawa Kecil
We begin with diving in Tatawa Besar and Kecil. The prevailing current, north or south, will dictate where you enter at the main dive site of Tatawa Besar. Turtles seem to be everywhere and you can expect to see many as you navigate the site. Before you leave the currents behind watch out of the balcktip reef sharks, giant trevallies, great and black-tail barracudas. Manta Rays also make occasional guest appearances. Also to the south of Tatawa Besar is Tatawa Kecil. It’s best to dive the west coast of this island to explore its vibrant shallow coral gardens full of anthias. Its caves and boulders are perfect harbours for larger groupers. There are also large schools of humpback snapper, titan triggerfish and the occasional orange-spotted trevally.
Diving: 3x day dives + 1 night dive
Day 6 : Pink Beach – Komodo
Our boat anchors early in the morning in the famous Komodo Island. Before your encounter with Komodo Dragons, we will have 2 dives in surrounding area of Pink Beach. Lunch will be served onboard. After the dive, a park ranger will escort you across the island (about 4,5 km there and back ) to a viewing spot to safely watch the “ Komodo Dragons” at very close range. After this breathtaking encounter, the boat will sail to Labuan Bajo.
Diving: 2 x day dives
Day 7 : Labuan Bajo
The ship will arrive in Labuan Bajo early in the morning. You will be served breakfast and afterwards prepare for disembarkation.
Other itineraies
Please feel free to contact one of our booking agents for detail informations about other itineraries or send us an email, we will get back to you shortly! ;-)
More
| Destinations | Alor, Bali and Lombok, Komodo, Banda Sea |
|---|---|
| Facilities | Nitrox support, Sidemount Friendly, Watersport equipment, Camera Station, Nautilus GPS, Jacuzzi, Laundry |
| Languages spoken | English |
Schedules & routes
Prices & conditions
Included
- Transfers from airport and/or hotel to the yacht
- VAT and local taxes
- Full-board meal plan (including snacks)
- Complimentary beverages (water, tea, coffee)
- Diving activity (incl. tanks, weights, weight belts)
- Dive guide service
- Use of Kayaks or/and SUPs
- Land excursions and activities throughout the trip
- Boat accident insurance
- Cabin towels and complimentary toiletries
- Cabin cleaning service
Not included
- Domestic flights in destination country
- Marine park fees & Port fees
- Fuel surcharge
- Alcoholic beverage
- Soft drinks
- Dive equipment rentals
- Larger tank (15 L)
- Nitrox fills
- 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 informations 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.
Bali and Lombok
Best time for diving
May to October is usually considered to be the best time. The best season for seeing the Mola Mola is from August to October.
Diving can be a little bit tricky as divers will be expecting sudden unpredictable current which sometimes can be very strong.
About temperatures
Air : year round temperatures average 29°C - 32°C, May is usually the hottest month in Bali with an average temperature of 29°C, the coldest is January average at 26°C.
Sea : vary from location to location, around Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida is generally 25°C - 26°C (except during mola mola season - it can drop to 19°C - 21°C), while the north coast are balmy 27°C - 30°C year round.
Wetsuit Recommendation
We recommend a 3 - 5 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. You can find out more informations about diving in Bali and Lombok here : Bali and Lombok
Embarkation / Disembarkation
Liveaboards visit Bali and Lombok area usually will combine with Komodo National park.
So the embarkation and disembarkation can be both in Bali (Ngurah Rai International Airport - DPS), or from Bali to Labuan Bajo (Komodo International Airport - LBJ) or reverse.
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. However, the use of drones is only allowed at certain areas around Komodo National Park and requires a permit which must be obtained in advance of the commencement of your visit.
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 -27°C, while it gets colder towards the south where it can drop down to 22 ° C.
Wetsuit Recommendation
We recommend a 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 informations 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.
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 informations 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.
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