PLANNING OF CRUISING IN INDONESIA?

                                                                                                                                           Sail Indonesia fleet at Lowoleba, Lembata

It is safe to say that thousand people have cruised through Indonesia on their yachts. Each has different stories regarding their own experience. Most if not all cruisers, gaining their initial information on cruising in Indonesia from these invaluable sources. Actually there are more and more information are available in each passing day through Internet and some publications. This blog is just another addition to array of information which I hope may be useful to other cruisers.

The fact that I am Indonesian who has a bit of experience in sailing (owned a 40 footer S&S) and happened to spend considerable time abroad may give me a slightly better advantage in term to be able to provide more rounded picture about Indonesia. Well .... I may be wrong. Readers will be the judge.

Going cruising by joining the Rally maybe not everyone's cup of tea. But it has many advantages such as:

• Saving you considerable time, money  and headache regarding paperworks (visa, permits etc.). Rally Organizer will process your necessary permits for your boat, assist you with your visa application and extension and CIQP process. 
• Having Rally Organizer provide you with information, assist you with logistics, case of emergency, local contacts etc.
• Rally Organizer working with local Governments will have numerous locally arranged traditional shows, dinners, tours (most of these are free of charge) which most of them will not be available if you come on your own.

There are several Rallies are held every year. The oldest one and biggest one is Sail Indonesia (www.sailindonesia.net) which has been organizing rally since 2009 (officially). There will be more detail information on these organizers and Rallies.

Each of these Organizer will charge fee for joining the rally. The amount is varies (in average last year cost about US $500.00. It is really quite a bargain when one considers what you get in return.

Although you are registered with these organizers, you are not under any obligations to follow the route that have been planned by the organizer. But by not following the planned route, you cannot expect support from the organizer. Usually organizer will have a support team in each destination to provide any assistance (among others).

Some of these organizers have the support of Central Government or Local Governments. Without their support it is very challenging for any organizer to mount these Rallies, considering the length of time, the distance, numerous stops, different Government agencies involved, number of yachts and so on. 

To be continued...