A transformational journey in all senses
In era of constant technological advancement, connections to nature and other people are often lost. A remote destination provides opportunities for silence and space connecting us to nature. Any time you get off Sequoia, whether it is scuba diving, snorkeling, birding, hiking, or culture immersion it allows us to pause, observe, and learn about wildlife and life in a larger scale. In the end, it will allow us to connect with our inner self leaving you more balanced after your safari.
Imagine swimming along side of whale sharks, stingless jellyfish, colorful soft coral and thousands of fish while staying on the surface of the water. The aquatic treasures of the Coral Triangle can be enjoyed by virtually any one at any level – the only equipment needed are a mask, snorkel and fins!
You and your family can be trained together with our own private instructors.From the shallow Sandy beaches you can learn how to breath underwater, clear you mask, give proper hand signals and other skills to allow you to dive safely. This training will result in you earning your PADI divers ID card which will allow you to dive anywhere in the world. This experience will undoubtedly be highly rewarding gaining a skill that can be use for a lifetime.
Indonesia has by far the world’s largest population of mangrove trees including the only “blue water” mangroves. Unlike the majority of mangroves elsewhere in the world, the mudflats are not built up, so the water is crystal clear, free of silt and river-borne sediments. This permits lots of light to penetrate to the bottom to the hard and soft multi-colored coral. It is great to snorkel or dive. In the low ties, you may see Walking Sharks sleeping amid the nearby mangroves during the day.The sand is a home of the myriad of creatures such as Nudibranch, giant Sea Cucumbers, and patrolling Archer Fish.
As a bonus, the rainforest behind Mangrove are full of birdlife. Watching birds through the binoculars is becoming more popular every year. It offers an opportunity to spend time outdoors with loved ones examining their beauty and the complexity of avian social interactions. It also allows you to “enjoy the moment” and become one with nature while you try to determine the species under the lens. The variety of birds in Indonesia is astounding with 380 endemic species as well as considerable number of migratory species. Trek to West Papua and/or Raja Ampat allow us to have a chance to witness the dancing of the most beautiful bird on earth "Cenderawasih" The Bird of Paradise.
The Coral Triangle is comprised of thousands of magical Islands each unique in terms of landscapes and culture. Venture to this isolated archipelago where its myth, culture and wilderness are lost in time. You will visit local tribes to connect with their culture from ancient handicraft production such as Ikat weaving as well traditional celebratory dance routines. These textiles and ceremonies are evidence that the locals are committed to preserve their precious art & culture that may soon be lost in time.
Of the 147 Volcanoes in Indonesia, 32 are in Lesser Sunda Islands. It is part of the world’s “Ring of Fire”, the most volcanic region on earth. The Lesser Sundas are an inner volcanic island arc created by the subduction and partial melting of the Australian tectonic plate below the Eurasian plate. The Lesser Sunda Islands chain starts in Bali and ends in Tanimbar. Here you can trek volcanoes whose eruption changed the world.
East of Flores, is the island of Lembata which features massive volcanoes with cliffs that drop into the sea. It has the most severe droughts in the entire Indonesian Archipelago. Lamalera village, on the rocky south coast of Lembata. is known for its traditional whaling done from oar-powered boats using homemade harpoons. During dry season from May to September, Lamalerans keep their eyes on the sperm whale. If a whale wanders close to shore, the villagers launch their boats and give chase under oar and sail. Despite sanctions from The United Nations to its whaling tradition, the locals are still-hunting whales, sharks and rays for the only protein source available. This activity has nothing to do with commercial fishing. It is a matter of survival.
Between dives or after snorkeling, you can venture out in the calm lagoon in one of our 3 person kayaks. A relatively new activity that is gaining popularity is Paddle-boarding. It allows you to enjoy your surroundings without the sound of any machines or engines while viewing the world around you. It also burns up many calories as you work your core muscles to move forward and keep your balance. The powerful 225 hp Boston Whaler Dauntless is set up for both water skiing with either one or two skis depending on your skill level. Alternatively, you can choose to be towed on our 2-person tube. The still waters of hidden bays and lagoons provide the ideal venue for smooth turning in surroundings of unimaginable beauty.
Sequoia features many activities for kids to enjoy. Some of activities include: drawing, books, puzzles, origami, handcraft from Decopath, volleyball, soccer, frisbee, and kites. With their natural curiosity and affinity to learn new skills, children can make some of the best scuba divers.
The “Bubble-Maker” program is a one day experience program in a pool or confined water for children eight and older with a max depth of two meters (six feet). PADI’s Junior Open Water Diver course is similar to the adult certification program and prepares kids to become full-fledged divers when they are ten.To begin the program, students must be at least 10 years old and be able to swim.
A Sea Safari allows you to reconnect with your busy family. You will be able to picnic in pockets of privacy artfully selected and in just the right location. Enjoy your afternoon with with tea or a cocktail while you become mesmerized by the romantic sunset of equatorial Indonesia. Continue with dinner under the stars with the music of your choice playing in the background. End your night with a romantic “under the stars” movie cinema up in our sky deck.