Signature Itinerary

Banggai Islands on Bugis

9 Days | 8 Nights

Kayaking in Raja Ampat on Mutiara Laut

Written by:

Laura

Embark on a 9-day yacht charter from Kendari to the Banggai Archipelago, combining remote island cruising with meaningful cultural encounters. This route explores lesser-visited islands off Central Sulawesi, including Bajau (“Sea Nomad”) communities whose daily life is closely tied to the sea. Expect sheltered lagoons, white-sand beaches, freshwater lakes, and colourful reefs in areas with limited land-based access. Days are typically built around one to two water sessions, a shore visit when conditions allow, and short repositioning cruises between anchorages. Crossing times vary with sea state, but the itinerary is designed to keep travel comfortable and unhurried.

Day

01

The voyage begins

In the late morning, you will be picked up from your hotel in Kendari. After a short drive (around 15 minutes), you reach the harbour, where the yacht is anchored. Once on board, the crew welcomes you with a refreshing drink and a warm introduction. Your cruise director provides a short safety briefing and a preview of the days ahead.

Your first stop is Pulau Saponda—an easy first anchorage that allows everyone to settle in. After lunch, you can jump into the water for your first snorkelling session. In the afternoon, you will visit a small village at a gentle pace. Enjoy your first sunset and dinner on board before an evening cruise towards Pulau Labengke. You will typically arrive and anchor before midnight, depending on conditions.

Main Deck of Bugis Charter Yacht.

Day

02

Little Raja Ampat

Wake early to watch the sunrise over calm water and lush hillsides around your anchorage. After coffee and breakfast, head out to visit the Blue Lagoon on Pulau Labengke. Return to the yacht and continue towards Pantai Merah, where you can choose a beach stroll or underwater exploration.

You then cruise into the Sombori area, a landscape of small islets, limestone formations, and bright turquoise shallows. It is often nicknamed “Little Raja Ampat” for its lagoon scenery and karst shapes. Tender time is usually short here, making it easy to combine a viewpoint and a cave visit in the same day. In the evening, the yacht repositions overnight towards Staggal Island to keep the next morning’s plans relaxed.

Bugis Yacht at Little Raja Ampat.

Day

03

White sand beaches

As the sun rises, the yacht reaches Pulau Staggal. After breakfast, you set out for your first snorkelling session of the day. The reef shows strong hard-coral growth and is home to a wide variety of small reef fish, with rays often seen in the area. After a short break and warm tea on board, the tender takes you to a white-sand beach for a walk and some time ashore.

The island is uninhabited and typically used by local fishermen during the day. Later, you visit a small local village near Pulau Buntu. In the afternoon, you can choose a second snorkelling session or simply relax on board.

In the evening, dinner is served on the beach: grilled fish, fresh vegetables, and cold drinks as the sun sets over Central Sulawesi. After dinner, the yacht begins the longer repositioning cruise towards Genemo Island in the Banggai region. This overnight passage is planned to be steady and comfortable rather than fast.

Village at Pulau Staggal.

Day

04

Banggai Islands

Arrive in the Banggai region, where the day begins with an early snorkelling session. The reef around the island is colourful and hosts a wide variety of coral and fish life. Light current and good visibility often make for an excellent start.

After lunch, relax on board or spend time on the upper deck daybeds. If you wish, you can add a second snorkelling session on a different side of the reef. Later in the afternoon, visit a small island used by local fishing communities. Timing for village visits is always guided by local etiquette and the day’s conditions. Return to the yacht for dinner and a short cruise to the next anchorage.

Kids on a jetty at Banggai Islands.

Day

05

Banggai Cardinalfish

After a restful night, Day 5 begins with breakfast and snorkelling. This is a strong opportunity to spot the Banggai cardinalfish, which is endemic to the region. The fish is often found in shallow water (around 1–2 metres), staying close to the seabed among seagrass or around sea urchins.

Later, visit the stingless jellyfish lake at Paisu Batongan. A long jetty allows you to observe the jellyfish gliding through the water. You can relax on the jetty or enter the lake with mask and snorkel for a closer look. As with all lake visits, water level and clarity vary by season.

In the evening, there is the option to explore a river by kayak or tender. Via the mouth of the river, you enter shallow water rich in marine life. Paddle gently upriver and return to the yacht as the light drops. This is typically a calm, low-wake excursion.

Lagoon village on Banggai.

Day

06

Melilis Island

Begin the day with a swim from the yacht and freshly brewed coffee. After breakfast, visit a local village to learn about fishing techniques, seaweed cultivation, and daily island life. Depending on timing, you may be invited into the local school. After ringing the school bell to announce a break, the children often enjoy showing guests around the village.

At the beach, you can meet local fishermen who may join you for a snorkelling session on their home reef. In the afternoon, choose another snorkelling session or a visit to a nearby village. On return, dinner is prepared on board, and after sunset the yacht moves to the next anchorage—usually a short cruise designed to set up a calmer morning.

Tonight’s anchorage is well suited to spending time on the top-deck daybeds. With minimal light pollution, stargazing is often exceptional. Sleeping under the stars can be a simple highlight of the voyage.

Children of Melilis Island.

Day

07

Living on the Sea

Ease into the morning with a swim and a light breakfast before your snorkelling session. This site often shows healthy coral growth and a wide variety of reef fish. After lunch, take the tender to a small village built entirely over a reef. Houses here are simple and functional, focused on the essentials.

Meet local fishermen, hear stories of life at sea, and observe how they prepare dried fish and maintain equipment. Return to the yacht for refreshments and a quiet afternoon on board.

In the evening, enjoy another beach barbecue. Watch the sunset from a quiet shoreline while the crew prepares dinner. After the meal, the evening is yours—time for a bonfire, conversation, stargazing, and rest. After the beach programme, the yacht repositions overnight towards Pulau Tikus so you wake closer to the next day’s sites.

Evening beach barbecue.

Day

08

Blue Water Lake

Day 8 begins with snorkelling at Pulau Tikus. The reef here often shows excellent colour and marine life. Snorkel along the steeper sections and look out for groupers, clownfish, and butterflyfish.

Later, visit Danau Paisupok. The lake is set against lush green jungle, with strikingly clear blue water. A swim here is well worth the time. Nearby, you can also visit a blue-water lagoon where local children jump from rocks and women wash clothes. This lagoon mixes salt and fresh water, and offers another refreshing swim before returning to the yacht. Most groups return on board with enough time for a relaxed late afternoon and sunset at anchor.

Danau Paisupok in the jungle.

Day

09

Luwuk

Day 9 marks the final day of the voyage, after a week of remote cruising through Central Sulawesi. In the morning, Bugis leaves the bay and heads towards Luwuk. The cruise takes around three hours—enough time for a final breakfast on board and the last views from the upper deck.

On arrival in Luwuk, take a photo with the crew, say farewells, and disembark. You will then be transferred to the airport for onward travel.

Bugis at Central Sulawesi.

Yacht Charter Itinerary

Please note: This is a sample itinerary. Each private yacht charter is different, and the detailed day-to-day plan will be tailored to your preferences as well as weather, sea, and local conditions. Private charters offer more flexibility than shared cruises. On board, your cruise director will work with you on daily timing, site choices, and the overall flow of the journey.

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