Star Clippers Sailing

Looking for some travel inspiration? A new adventure to fuel your wanderlust? Perhaps you’ve already heard of Star Clippers Sailing and you’re debating whether or not to book a trip. Or perhaps this blog post is the first you are hearing about the company. Well either way, you are in luck! Because this is a travel experience you won’t want to miss.

Destinations You Can Explore With Star Clippers:

• Indonesia
• Thailand
• Malaysia
• Panama Canal
• Italy
• Montenegro
• Croatia
• Malta
• Spain
• Canary Islands
• Greece
• Full Ocean Crossings and more!

I went on my first Star Clippers trip in 2018 and I’ve been daydreaming about setting sail with them again ever since! We spent 9 days and 7 nights exploring the islands of Indonesia. Sleeping onboard the ship, meeting travelers from all over the world and exploring a different destination each day- what’s not to love? So here are my top 5 reasons a trip with Star Clippers Sailing should jump to the top of your bucket list.

Small, Intimate Cruise Experience

Cruise ships sometimes get a bad wrap in the travel industry for being mass parties at sea that have little to do with culture or real “travel”. While I think there is no right or wrong way to travel (to each their own!!) and while I personally have loved cruising on large ships in the past, I have also really come to love the smaller more intimate cruise experience. Star Clippers Sailing often has a capacity of less than 200 people onboard. This allows the sailing ships to port at smaller islands or cities that a major cruise line simply would be unable to visit. We really got to connect and meet the other travelers on our ship as well. And by the end of our 9 days, we felt the crew really knew us.

Luxury Style Vacation At An Affordable Price

For the price of the trip, we couldn’t believe the luxury we were afforded. I’ve paid a lot more for a lot less glamorous trips! Some Star Clipper cruises are to less than $100 per day.

Lounge by the pool on the top deck. Sunbathe on the front nets as you sail across the open sea. Sip cocktails at the bar with other guests. There is no shortage of relaxing activities that will leave you feeling pampered.

All Inclusive

I love an all-inclusive cruise! It makes it wonderfully easy to simply have all your meals included up front. All activities on the ship will also be included. So get ready to mingle with the other guests during parties, stargaze with the crew in the evening or attend a work out class in the pool. Some shore excursions come at an additional cost but these are totally optional!

The food is delicious with plenty of options at each meal.

Your cruise price includes:

•  Your cabin
• All meals & non alcoholic beverages
• Entertainment
• Parties
• All transportation between all the ports on your itinerary

On most ships, alcoholic beverages and optional shore excursions are not included in the basic price.

World Class Beaches & Shore Excursions

Think you might like to sunbathe on Indonesia’s famous Pink Beach? Or explore Komodo National Park, home to the wild komodo dragons? There is no shortage of epic adventures on a Star Clippers day at port. From hiking to waterfalls to shopping in local markets to snorkeling- there is something for everyone!

Read: INDONESIA’S PINK BEACH- EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW!

A beautifully designed ship will have you feeling like you’ve traveled back in time!

From the moment we spotted our Star Clipper ship in port, we were thrilled! The towering sails, the beautiful open deck and the friendly staff welcoming us aboard left a huge smile on my face. Wandering the nautical themed hallway with dark wood accents left us feeling like we had traveled back in time to the golden age of sailing. We didn’t upgrade our cabin and it was still beautifully decorated. If you want total luxury, book an owner’s suite or deluxe cabin! Get a quote here.

“Your ship’s accommodations are thoughtfully designed, featuring: private bathrooms, air conditioning, hair dryers, private safe, television, DVD player, telephone and other amenities an experienced traveler has come to expect. Star Flyer’s electrical output is 110 volts.“

Don’t forget to pack:

• This reef safe sunscreen
• My favorite travel books to read at sea
• A GoPro or underwater camera to capture your ocean adventures
• Non-drowsy motion sickness pills in case you get seasick!

Let me know if you have any questions about Star Clippers Sailing! If you book a trip, tag me in your Instagram posts or stories so I can reshare you on my page

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Shop My Sailing Essentials:

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The post 5 Reasons To Put Star Clippers Sailing At The Top Of Your Bucket List appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.

Indonesia’s pink beach

Looking for the best beach in Indonesia? This one is a no brainer. Welcome to Komodo National Park’s Pink Beach! Yep, the sand on the beach is quite literally a shade of light pink.

Contrasted with the blue waters, it makes for an unbelievably memorable beach. Stunning views, great look out points and incredible snorkeling. Not to mention, the photos turn out marvelously with the splashes of blue on pink!

Why is the sand pink?

Pink Beach gets it’s bizarrely beautiful pink sand from Foraminifera. These microscopic organisms produce a red pigment on the coral reefs. This is why it’s known as Pantai Merah in the native language, meaning Red Beach. When these bits of red coral combine with the white sand, it creates a shoreline of soft, pink sand. How amazing is that?

This beach is actually one of seven pink beaches around the world.

7 Pink Beaches Around The World

• Elafonisi Beach, Greece.
• Pink Beach Of Komodo, Indonesia.
• Horseshoe Bay Beach, Bermuda.
• Pink Beach Of Barbuda, Caribbean Sea.
• Tangsi Beach, Lombok, Indonesia.
• Great Santa Cruz Island Pink Beach, Philippines.
• Balos Lagoon Beach, Greece.

Where is Pink Beach located?

The beach is located on a small, uninhabited island in Indonesia known as Komodo Island. (It’s considered part of southeast Asia and just above Australia. See the map for reference!)

The island also belongs to Komodo National Park. So there are no hotels, restaurants or even camping allowed on Pink Beach to protect it’s natural beauty.

How do you get there?

Since Pink Beach is on a remote and uninhabited island, most people arrive by day trips booked from the main island of Bali.

We were on an Indonesian cruise with Star Clippers Sailing that stopped off at a variety of different islands. So Pink Beach was one of many wonderful day trips!

I highly recommend booking a cruise with Star Clippers. You can read more about my experience onboard here.

Read: 5 REASONS TO PUT STAR CLIPPERS SAILING AT THE TOP OF YOUR BUCKET LIST

What can you do once you arrive?

Get ready for some incredible snorkeling and beautiful reefs! If you book a day trip, your snorkel gear will most likely be provided by your tour company or cruise ship.

I also highly recommend hiking up to the vantage point so you can take in the scenery and see the gorgeous pink sand from above! It’s an easy enough walk and certainly worth the views. Bring your camera!

Other than hiking, snorkeling and sunbathing- there isn’t much to do on the beach since there are no cafes/shops etc. Swim, enjoy your surroundings and have fun snorkeling!

Just make sure you have reef safe sunscreen. I recommend this one by Sun Bum.

There may be locals from other islands that come over in small boats. Sometimes they will be selling bracelets or trinkets as souvenirs.

We found the salesmen to be very friendly and not at all pushy which we appreciated. The two guys selling jewelry even ended up joining us for a hike to the view point. And when it was time for us to leave, they gave us each a bracelet for free. So friendly!

Are there any facilities at Pink Beach?

Since the beach is fairly remote and part of the the protected Komodo National Park, there are no toilets, shops, restaurants or anything! So plan your day accordingly.

You’ll need to bring whatever snacks and drinks you want with you from your boat when you port!

Enjoy your time at Indonesia’s magical Pink Beach!

Looking to book trip to Bali and the Indonesia islands? Check out the deals on TourRadar.

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Indonesia’s pink beach. Indonesia’s pink beach.

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Where To Stay In Bali To Avoid The Crowds

Where To Stay In Bali To Avoid The Crowds.

There are two kinds of trips people tend to take in Bali, Indonesia. The first being a party trip. Which usually involves dancing in a nightclub on the beach in Canggu with a lot of booze-fueled Australians. It is very reminiscent of American spring breakers in Cancun, Mexico.

The second type of trip is more about nature, new experiences and the beautiful Balinese cultural, which is truly one of kind.

Now there is nothing wrong with either trip. I have experienced both sides of Bali. (My last night there I was indeed clubbing with a bunch of Australians, ha!) But for those of you looking to escape the crowds and the tourists, there are some wonderfully remote places you can stay for a truly local experience.

I spent two weeks in Bali keeping off the beaten path and traveling in lesser known areas. I hardly encountered a single selfie stick, drone or camera-touting tourist.

So where did I stay when I wanted to experience Bali with locals or on my own? Well I’m glad you asked…. these were my hidden gems of Bali!

A Bamboo House With A Local Family

This homestay was one of my favorite Airbnb experiences of all time. Just 40 minutes outside of Ubud, you can escape the city’s hustle to a beautiful bamboo house with stunning forest views. Take in the fresh air and enjoy staying with the sweetest Airbnb hosts I’ve ever met.

Book this Bamboo Airbnb here

Get $55 off your first Airbnb stay!

The property is run by a mother, father and their son who are the kindest, friendliest people we encountered on the island. Every morning they were making us a full spread for breakfast and delicious Balinese coffee. When we arrived late the first night, they stayed up and cooked us a welcome meal.

The property is remote- giving you a true local experience. But nearby there is so much to do!

You can visit Tirta Empul (The Holy Water Temple), several waterfalls or markets. And the rice terraces at only a 30 minute motorbike ride away.

The property is known as “Warung Kadek”

“We have one bamboo house, simple and close to nature, with a queen size bed, mosquito net, closet, desk space, and balcony area where you can meditate. The bamboo house is a private room, with locks, and the guests to the restaurant will not have access to your room. There are two restrooms that are shared. One of the restrooms has a hot shower newly installed, and outside the two restrooms, there is a sink. We also have newly installed wifi. At night, it is very quiet and you will be able to hear geckos and other peaceful sounds from nature. It can get a little bit humid and cold at times, so please bring warm clothes. We also have a small organic farm onsite with various fruits, herbs, and wild Luwak coffee which we make here. We’re happy to give you a tour!”

Not only was it a remarkable place to stay, the family showed us around on motorbikes for an entire day!

The second day of our stay was incredibly special. We woke up early for a great breakfast with the family. After a delicious spread, we were off on a full day adventure!

My friend and I didn’t have a motorbike to get around the island or feel comfortable driving one on our own. So our host invited his friend over and the two of them took us everywhere.

We drove to waterfalls, temples, markets and villages. It was incredible! We never would have seen half the things we did if it weren’t for our own personal tour guides showing us around. We of course, gave them a very generous tip to thank them for the day and to pay for the cost of gas.

We formed such incredible bonds with the family at Warung Kadek that we wound up coming back for lunch later in the week while staying elsewhere because we missed them so much!

This “Bubble” On A Hidden Beach

You can’t get much more remote than a private, hidden beach. You will hardly see another living soul, much less crowds of tourists! When you book this Airbnb, you will receive instructions and directions to arrive at a meet-up point. From there, a local woman will guide you down a steep hill as you trek down to the beach. Leave the heavy suitcases behind if possible, you have a bit of a trek to and from the beach!

Once you arrive, you will have a private bubble to yourself that is hidden from the beach by the trees.

Book your Bubble Hotel experience here

Get $55 off your first Airbnb stay!

Full Amenities at the Property

Your bubble campsite includes a beautiful outdoor shower, a fire pit, a swing and (we were quite surprised to find) a fully flushing, working toilet. It’s more of a “glamping” experience than a camping one.

You also have the option to add on dinner, drinks, breakfast, a photoshoot, hookah or a lantern experience. Any additional add ons will be brought right to your bubble for you.

With how remote this place is I would recommend just one night. The bubble gets hot during the day but it’s lovely in the morning. It truly is an unforgettable night in Bali!

The bubble is designed to allow you to stargaze and appreciate the surroundings of your campsite, even from the comfort of your bed. We enjoyed the bubble but it was such a lovely summer’s night, we opted to stay outside under the grass hut by the fire for more airflow. Waking up to the sound of the ocean was truly magical.

We woke up surrounded by a herd of wild beach cows!

If you’re looking for remote, no crowds and a unique stay- this certainly beats a hotel. When we woke up in the morning, we realized a herd of wild cows had lazily wandered into our bubble campsite.

This Seaside Treehouse on Nusa Penida

Sadly we weren’t able to stay here last minute due to an earthquake in Bali altering our travel plans.

But if you head to the nearby island Nusa Penida, there are some seriously gorgeous Airbnb’s which make for the perfect escape from the crowds.

Book this Airbnb here.

Don’t forget to pack:

• This extra strong bug spray
• These biodegradable wipes
• This reef safe sunscreen
• This Lenspen to keep your camera lens clean
• A portable charger

More on Indonesia? Keep reading: STAR CLIPPERS SAILING: EXPLORING ISLANDS OF INDONESIA & INDONESIA’S PINK BEACH- EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW! & 10 THINGS I LEARNED HITCHHIKING IN BALI

Pin” Where To Stay In Bali To Avoid The Crowds” to Pinterest!

Shop my travel favorites:

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Underwater Phone Case

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Where To Stay In Bali To Avoid The Crowds. Where To Stay In Bali To Avoid The Crowds.

The post Where To Stay In Bali To Avoid The Crowds appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.

Star Clippers Sailing: Exploring Islands of Indonesia

Imagine living on board a luxury sailboat- exploring islands by day, watching the sunset over the water and eating your meals in a beautiful dining hall with the other guests. Well that my friends, is life aboard a Star Clippers Sailing ship!

When I first began traveling, I actually won a trip on Star Clippers Sailing through an Instagram contest (I know- I couldn’t believe it either!!) By this incredible stroke of luck, I was able to do a full 9 days/7 nights around Indonesia for two- totally free of charge.

Yes, it was a trip of a lifetime. And honestly, I loved it even more than I thought I would. Star Clippers truly exceeded my expectations.

We opted to explore the islands of Indonesia but they also offer trips in Southeast Asia, around the Caribbean, Europe, the Mediterranean and full ocean crossings.

Book A Star Clippers Sailing Trip Here

“Star Clipper and Star Flyer are modern cruise ships in every way, created for luxury-loving passengers who also love the traditions and romance of the legendary era of sailing ships. Star Clipper and Star Flyer are both 360 feet long and each carries just 170 guests in pampered comfort.

Life aboard is blissfully relaxed, much like traveling on a private yacht. You’ll never feel confined on Star Clipper or Star Flyer. Each ship offer spacious accommodations and expansive teak decks with ample space and not one, but two swimming pools. In fact, you’ll find that these ships offer more outdoor space per passenger than most conventional cruise ships.

The décor of Star Clipper and Star Flyer is reminiscent of the grand age of sail. Antique prints and paintings of famous sailing ships please the eye, while teak and gleaming mahogany rails are richly reminiscent of Star Clippers’ proud nautical heritage.“

A smaller number of guests gives a more intimate, personal travel experience

Unlike a major cruise line that has thousands of people sailing per cruise, a Star Clipper has maximum 170 guests on the Indonesian sail. And if the sail isn’t sold out, it will be even less which gives it a wonderfully, intimate feel.

With open seating during meals, we got the chance to connect with the other guests on a first name basis and even form friendships onboard the ship. We got to know the crew members, bartenders and staff.

By the end of the 9 days, we were sad to say goodbye to this wonderful crew!

Excellent Value for Money

With great food, excellent short excursions, a welcoming staff and plenty to do onboard, these sailing trips are an excellent value for money. And often, Star Clippers Sailing will run specials or deals offering free room upgrades, $200 onboard credit or a free onboard spa treatment.

Some week long cruises will be on special for just $740. That’s only $105 a day! While this price doesn’t include port taxes, alcohol or additional shore excursions- it still provides a luxury style vacation at an affordable price.

Star Clippers Sailing may not have the same level of entertainment as a major cruise ship but we loved the personal feel of a smaller ship.

Sunsets on the open water, sunbathing on the front nets and stargazing at night!

We loved the time spent on the ship. During the day, we would join an exercise class, swim in the pool, tour the ship or read on the top deck.

But my personal favorite activity was when we would crawl out on the front net of the ship and sunbath with just the sky above us and the water splashing from below.

At night the crew would point out constellations and star gaze with the guests.

Eastbound Bali-Bali – Star Clipper

With both east and west trips running, I would have been happy to select either itinerary. However, we opted for the eastbound trip beginning and ending in Bali because I knew I wanted to see the Pink Beach which the westbound does not include.

Eastbound Itinerary

•  Benoa – Bali, Indonesia (Day 1)
• Gili Kondo – Lombok, Indonesia (Day 2)
• At Sea (Day 3)
• Komodo National Park – Komodo, Indonesia (Day 4)
• Pink Beach – Komodo, Indonesia (Day 5)
• Satonda Island, Indonesia (Day 6)
• Gili Meno & Gili Trawangan – Lombok, Indonesia (Day 7)
• Gili Nanggu – Lombok, Indonesia (Day 8)
• Benoa – Bali, Indonesia (Day 9)

Shore Excursions with Star Clippers Sailing

Each night, you sleep onboard the ship in your private cabin. But most days, the ship ports at a different island- allowing ample time to get out and explore.

You will have the option of exploring on your own or signing up for optional excursions at an additional cost. Things like snorkeling, water sports and group hikes are always free of charge and an excellent option.

However some of the islands have villages or national parks worth visiting which require additional transit. We opted to do half of the paid shore excursions. The crew was happy to give recommendations on which activities we might like and what would be the best spend of our money.

Komodo Island

Home to the world famous, Komodo Dragons! This island is incredible and home to around 1,7000 dragons. They freely roam the beach, grassy areas and rocky terrain while a guide wielding a “Y” shaped stick for protection brings you to see them up close.

At the moment, Komodo Island is temporarily closed to provide some much needed protection and rehabilitation for the dragons due to over tourism and smuggling issues. But don’t worry, it will open again in the future with a better system in place to protect the dragons and their habitat!

Indonesia’s Pink Beach

Another great stop on the Star Clippers Sailing itinerary is the remarkable Pink Beach.

The light pink sand gets it’s hue from Foraminifera, a microscopic animal which produces a red pigment on the coral reefs. 

Did you know there are 7 pink beaches in the world? The sand really is a true shade of pink!

Visit A Local Village

Depending on the itinerary you select, you may also have the chance to visit a local village. On the islands’ indigenous Sasak people make up 90% of population and many maintain their traditional way of life.

Upon arriving at the village, the Sasak people are happy to share their traditions. From the large grass roof houses with bamboo walls to demonstrations on cooking and weaving, it is a culturally rich experience.

Climb the mast onboard

As well as activities and tours on the ship, you’ll also be given the chance to climb the mast for some adventure and unbeatable views.

Get your camera ready and gear up because it’s a gorgeous view and a lot of fun to climb the mast!

Exploring the Islands of Indonesia With
Star Clippers Sailing

To get a better feel for life onboard the ship, enjoy the video below!

Let me know if you have any questions about Star Clippers Sailing in the comments! If you book a trip, tag me in your Instagram stories or post so I can reshare you on my page

DON’T FORGET TO PACK:

• This reef safe sunscreen
• My favorite travel books to read at sea
• A GoPro or underwater camera to capture your ocean adventures
• Non-drowsy motion sickness pills in case you get seasick!

More on Indonesia:

• 5 REASONS TO PUT STAR CLIPPERS SAILING AT THE TOP OF YOUR BUCKET LIST
• 10 THINGS I LEARNED HITCHHIKING IN BALI
• INDONESIA’S PINK BEACH- EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW!

Save Star Clippers Sailing on Pinterest for later!

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Hitchhiking in Bali, Indonesia

Welcome to Bali! A traveler’s paradise with rich culture, great weather, friendly locals and so much to do. For two weeks, I adventured around this beautiful island with a best friend of mine, Leigh. Charming, bubbly and always up for an adventure- it was Leigh who first suggested we hitchhike when found our severals without transportation on more than one occasion.

So what became of my first attempt at hitchhiking? A whole lot of new friends, memorable stories and several life lessons. Here you go, 10 things I learned hitchhiking in Bali!

1. Confidence is key.

In life and in hitch hiking. Half committing to anything will only get you half the results. This is where my friend Leigh stepped in and carried our team. I was feeling shy/nervous/weird about it the first few times but without skipping a beat, she stopped in her tracks, turned to face traffic and with her shoulders back and her head held high- confidently stuck out her thumb.

*I’m proud to say I’m not longer shy about it and have successfully hitchhiked in Germany and Hawaii!

2. SMILE & SPREAD JOY

I’m pretty much a fan of this rule in general but it is especially helpful when trying to hitch hike. No one wants to pick up a negative cloud of energy. If you want a car (or in our case, a moped) to stop- flash ‘em your pearly whites. Look confident and happy. Like their day would improve if they picked you up. Like they’d miss out on something fun if they didn’t pick you up! We made an endless amount of friends in Bali this way.

3. Kindness is a universal language.

The people who picked us up, often spoke very little English or none at all. But if didn’t matter. The ride was all smiles, waves and appreciative nodding.

4. It’s about the journey, not just the destination.

Leigh and I howled with laughter when we both squished on a moped with someone who stopped for us. Three adults squished tight on a moped jostling along through the bumpy streets in Indonesia. It didn’t even matter where we were going because we were having so much fun getting there.

5. The Balinese people are some of the kindest, warmest and most inviting people I’ve ever encountered.

If you’ve been to Bali, know someone whose been to Bali or even read the book Eat, Pray, Love – then you know the reputation of the Balinese people. They are generally friendly, kind and very welcoming. Well our hitch hiking adventures proved it to be true time and time again!

6. Find yourself a travel partner who is down for an adventure at anytime.

Who isn’t afraid to look silly, be silly or do something silly. Like hitch hiking across Bali at 4am because you missed the bus to do a sunrise hike up Mt. Batur, whoops…

7. Go with the flow.

Because of the language barrier, we didn’t realize we had communicated the wrong place to our driver. We wound up somewhere different than we planned but WOW, it was incredible to watch the sunrise from Campuhan Ridge Walk. Lots of wrong turns, confusion and giggles led to a wonderful, mistake. Such a happy accident!

8. Say yes to the adventure.

Now I’m not saying be reckless but when you are open to new experiences, incredible things happen.  My last night in Bali we wound up swimming in a luxury villa because of friends we had made while eating street food!

9. Strangers are friends you just haven’t met yet.

Now I know we are all taught stranger danger (especially growing up in the United States) but if you are smart, trust your instincts, and recognize we are always putting our trust in fellow humans.. whether it’s the pilot flying your plane or the hotel workers who all have access to your hotel room…we are always at the mercy of our fellow human beings. Personally, I have always chosen to hitch hike during the day with another person and only for a short distance. Although I have friends who swear by it and have hitchhiked solo across several countries!

10. Be willing to step out of your comfort zone.

Often our best stories come from circumstances that involved us trying something new and intimidating, when we look back and say wow, I can’t believe I did THAT!

Like when we realized at 4am we were too far from the rice terraces to catch the sunrise… Leigh and I could have shrugged our shoulders and gone back to our hotel room. But instead, refusing to accept defeat, we hitch hiked! We drove through small villages and past local markets in the front seat of a truck with the nicest old man. He only knew a few words in English (and had even fewer teeth!) but waved and smiled at us the entire time while we giggled and joked about the randomness of the situation. Leigh and I often laugh about that day and are so thankful for the memory we share.

So I encourage you to go and do something adventurous today. Something to shake up your routine, make you laugh and perhaps make you a bit uncomfortable as you step into new territories but ultimately a memorable adventure.

INTERESTED IN TRAVELING TO ASIA? CHECK OUT TOURRADAR’S ARRAY OF GUIDED TRIPS!

Want more posts on Indonesia? Check out STAR CLIPPERS SAILING: EXPLORING ISLANDS OF INDONESIA & WHERE TO STAY IN BALI TO AVOID THE CROWDS

The post 10 things I Learned Hitchhiking in Bali appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.