By Margaretta Parry
How does one research and plan a once in a lifetime family holiday? That was my goal.
We are a family from the South Island of New Zealand. We are 11 in total. The two oldies, two adult children and their partners and five amazing grandchildren from the ages of 17 to 11 years, so perfect for an active holiday, but where? The youngest said he wanted ‘tropical’, so that set the criteria. They are all amazing swimmers so that was another decision made.
We Chartered Katharina for Our Tropical Family Holiday in Indonesia
Both myself and husband had dived in Raja Ampat and we were so inspired by the incredible coral gardens and diving with Oceanic Manta Rays that we thought we could take the family back to Indonesia.
Raja Ampat was too far we thought, so after weeks of research I came across SeaTrek’s website. It was everything I had been looking for and so approached the team at SeaTrek ultimately booking Katharina for our family holiday.
It was the perfect option for us and exceeded all our wildest dreams. The concept of having this beautiful two masted uniquely built ketch all to ourselves made for a unique family holiday experience. One that we would thoroughly recommend to other families in our position.
9-day Tropical Family Holiday into Unexplored Adventure
The 9-day Komodo Dragon, Whale Shark, Corals, tour was a fantastic choice. The team led by Dion, picked us up from Labuan Bajo Airport, guided and escorted us through the vast Indonesian Islands of Flores, Sumbawa, Komodo. Each day we woke up from the quiet hum of the engines quietly coming to rest, to a new unexplored adventure.
Daily snorkels after sumptuous breakfasts, then on to land excursions, more snorkeling, freshly made refreshments, incredible lunches, leaping off the Katharina into tepid 29 degree water temperatures. Evenings were streaked with incredible sunsets, more incredible food, beach barbeques along with very informative talks and images of our day’s events and what adventures we could look forward to the next day.
Highlights were of course swimming with the ocean’s gentle giants of the sea. Being up close with Whale Sharks would have to be the ultimate experience. Then come the gracious Sea Turtles, Manta Rays, Moray Eels, Nemos, and numerous other fish species to grace the oceans.
Our excursions on land were every bit as adventurous as exploring the oceans. Walking into the famous Moyo Island waterfalls, and having them all to ourselves. A highlight.
Village Visits and Celebrating Culture with Locals
Our trip to the local school and village will be remembered for the 500 beautiful children dressed in their traditional Muslim clothing and singing their National Anthem with huge pride, conducted by the most delighted child protege. Well done. You should all be very proud of your school.
One out of the box was visiting the newly added Buffalo Race to the agenda. I think we were just the 2nd or 3rd group to visit. For us it was a highlight. The Buffalo’s were dressed in all their glory, ready for their handlers to show off their racing skills. They were harnessed to a yoked frame and then raced down this muddy strip of water at a great rate of knots. Winner takes the prize.
Incredible skill and pride amongst the villagers, who very proudly showed off their healthy & happy animals. Well done for supporting this traditional activity. We loved it.
Memorable Family Trip of a Lifetime
Our visit to the Komodo National Park was another highlight, they were sleepier than I imagined, but maybe that was because it was early in the morning and Dion had planned it that way? Also, parking up for the evening to observe the millions of Fruit Bats or Flying Fox’s flying from the Islands to the mainland just on dark, was an unexpected treat. They were much bigger than we imagined.
Our excursions to the Volcano Lake, Pink Beach, and evening barbeques topped off the most incredible tropical family holiday, and we have Dion and the whole team at SeaTrek to thank for making this such a memorable trip of a lifetime.
