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!
This is so cool! Love that you can sunbathe on the net, that would have been unreal
And how amazing is that pink beach!!! Definitely going to add a pink beach to my bucket list now
Thank you so much for taking time to read my posts Chloe!! I’m glad you enjoyed the article 🙂 You’d love the Pink Beach!!