The 7 Most Epic Sailing Routes in Indonesia

Let’s be honest: Indonesia wasn’t designed to be explored by land. Sure, you could cram into a bus somewhere between rice fields and volcanoes, but why would you, when you could be barefoot on a teak deck, sailing past dragons, jellyfish lakes, and islands that look like they were Photoshopped by Mother Nature herself?

With over 17,000 islands (yes, we counted; well, someone did), Indonesia is basically a grown-up playground for sailors, yachties, sea lovers, and pirates with better skincare routines. But with so many routes to choose from, how do you know where to start?

Fear not. Whether you're a salty sailor, a barefoot luxury queen, or just someone who thinks “starboard” sounds sexy, this list of the top sailing routes in Indonesia is here to steer you right.

Why Everyone’s Suddenly Obsessed With Sailing Indonesia

Because it’s absurdly beautiful. Also:

• The marine biodiversity is so wild it makes Finding Nemo look like a stick figure drawing.

• You can have an entire island to yourself (yes, yourself) for a night.

• You’ll see cultures, volcanos, and wildlife that make your Insta grid look like National Geographic’s cooler cousin.

• It’s warm. It’s salty. And the sunsets? Ridiculous.

1. Labuan Bajo to Komodo: Sail Like You’re in Jurassic Park (But Hotter)

Trip length: 4–7 days
Best season: April to October
Route: Labuan Bajo → Padar → Komodo Island → Pink Beach → Gili Lawa → Manta Point → Sebayur → Kanawa

Komodo isn’t just about dragons — though yes, you will meet the big lizards (and they don’t do cuddles). This route is the ultimate beginner’s thrill ride: coral gardens, alien landscapes, and pink beaches that look like Barbie had a glow-up in Bali.

Why It Slaps:

• You hike with real-life dragons. What are you doing with your life otherwise?

• That three-bay view from Padar Island is peak “I need a new profile pic.”

• You snorkel with manta rays the size of your Airbnb.

• Pink. Freaking. Beaches.

Pro tip: Strong currents here — they’ll humble your navigation skills real quick. Bring a captain who knows their stuff or become one with your anchor line.

2. Raja Ampat: Where the Ocean Shows Off

Trip length: 7–14 days
Best season: October to April
Route: Sorong → Wayag → Kawe → Piaynemo → Misool → Arborek → Dampier Strait

Welcome to Raja Ampat, the Beyoncé of Indonesia’s sailing routes. Everything is just…extra. Extra coral. Extra remote. Extra “is this real?” moments.

Why It Slaps:

• Wayag’s karst islands look like someone spilled green gems across a turquoise table.

• Manta rays. Jellyfish lakes. Sharks that walk. Yes, you read that right.

• Snorkeling here is like swimming inside a lava lamp.

• Villages like Arborek are so cute you’ll consider moving there and weaving your own sarongs.

Pro tip: Zero cell signal in most places. Tell your ex you’re going off-grid. Forever, if needed.

3. The Forgotten Islands: For When You Want Everyone to Leave You Alone

Trip length: 10–14 days
Best season: October to December
Route: Saumlaki → Tanimbar → Babar → Leti → Sermata → Wetar

These islands are called Forgotten not because they’re boring, but because almost no one goes here. Which is exactly the point.

Why It Slaps:

• You’ll meet entire villages who haven’t seen a tourist in months.

• Coral reefs untouched by even the most aggressive GoPro users.

• You might spot blue whales. Or beaked whales. Or just contemplate life under the stars with a Bintang.

• It’s adventure with a capital A and no cappuccino in sight.

Pro tip: Bring your own snacks, spare parts, and Spotify playlists. There’s no 7-Eleven where you’re going.

4. Banda Sea Spice Route: Where History Got Messy and the Diving Is Divine

Trip length: 8–12 days
Best season: October to November
Route: Ambon → Banda Neira → Banda Besar → Run → Ai → Hatta Island

Once worth starting literal wars over, the Banda Islands still have that “rich with stories” vibe — minus the colonial power struggles.

Why It Slaps:

• Forts, cannons, and nutmeg trees, all on the same walk.

• Hammerhead sharks are the local celebrities during migration season.

• The diving here is so good your mask will fog from excitement.

• It’s like being in a period drama… but with dive gear.

Pro tip: This is a seasonal window. Miss it and you’ll cry until next October.

5. Alor Archipelago: High Voltage Culture Meets Underwater Fireworks

Trip length: 7–10 days
Best season: April to November
Route: Kalabahi → Pantar → Treweng → Beangabang → Lembata

Alor is that quiet cool kid at the sailing party. No crowds, just strong culture, sea life, and unreal sunsets.

Why It Slaps:

• Moko drums and ikat weaving straight from the source.

• Diving sites where visibility goes forever.

• Natural hot springs on the beach because Indonesia is casually magical.

• Whales and dolphins frequently dropping by for guest appearances.

Pro tip: Locals are lovely. Learn a few Bahasa basics and bring gifts like school supplies—it’s appreciated more than you know.

6. Flores to Alor: For When You Want Lava, Looms, and Sea Legends

Trip length: 7–10 days
Best season: April to October
Route: Maumere → Lembata → Adonara → Pantar → Alor

This route is for people who want it all: volcanoes, cultural immersion, diving, and bragging rights.

Why It Slaps:

• Trek Kelimutu volcano pre-departure (those three-colored lakes? Unreal).

• Visit Lamalera, where ancient whale hunting traditions still exist.

• Dugongs, reef sharks, and every shade of coral imaginable.

• A real-deal taste of Nusa Tenggara’s wild side.

Pro tip: Anchorages can be deep. Time to see if you’ve really been working those biceps.

7. North Maluku: The Land of Cloves and Smoking Mountains

Trip length: 8–12 days
Best season: October to December
Route: Ternate → Tidore → Bacan → Halmahera → Morotai

North Maluku feels like the setting for a pirate novel crossed with a volcano documentary.

Why It Slaps:

• Active volcanoes as your daily backdrop. Casual.

• Spice-scented markets and clove-filled air.

• WWII wreck dives without the tourist hordes.

• Forests that echo with hornbills and cockatoos.

Pro tip: Brush up on your bird calls and maybe your history. You’ll feel like Indiana Jones on holiday.

FAQ: So, Can I Just Rock Up and Sail?

Do I need permits?
Yep. CAIT, port clearances, and some national park entries too. But if you’re on a charter, it’s usually sorted for you.

What kind of boat?
Indonesia is home to beautiful phinisi schooners, catamarans, and motor yachts. Choose one that matches your “I want adventure but also AC and fresh croissants” level.

Best time to sail Indonesia?

• Komodo & Alor: April–October

• Raja Ampat, Banda Sea, Forgotten Islands: October–April
  There’s always somewhere in season—because Indonesia is a show-off like that.

Whether you’re chasing dragons, diving with mantas, or sailing past a literal volcano, sailing in Indonesia will ruin you (in the best way) for every other destination.

So hoist the sails, pour the coconut cocktail, and set your out-of-office. There’s a whole tropical odyssey waiting and spoiler alert: it’s going to be better than anything you had planned.

Thanks for reading, and now back to happily roaming!