Know Before You Go!
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Ombak Biru
Komodo National Park Itinerary Alor (indo coming soon) Ambon (info coming soon) Forgotten Islands (info coming soon)
Where is Komodo National Park?
The Komodo National Park is part of the Republic of Indonesia and is located 8 to 9 degrees south of the equator between Java on the West and Lombok and the rest of the Lesser Sunda Islands (Sumbawa, Flores, Sumba and Timor) on the East.
Komodo National Park is a World Heritage Site and one of the 7 New Wonders of the World. The Indonesian archipelago is spread over three time zones. Central Indonesia Standard Time covers East and South Kalimantan,
Sulawesi, Bali and Nusa Tenggara, and is 8 hours ahead of GMT.
OMBAK BIRU INCLUDES:
All staterooms are air-conditioned and fitted with private toilets, showers and sinks. Breakfast (cooked to order), buffet lunch and an elegant chef prepared dinner with tableside service are served in addition to mid-afternoon snacks. Beverages (soft beverages, local beer and wine with dinner) are complimentary while onboard. The yacht is equipped with hairdryers in each stateroom. Linens are changed mid-week and fresh towels are placed in each stateroom as needed. Filled tanks, weights and weight belts are included.
SINGLE TRAVELERS & SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
All rates are quoted on a share basis; therefore you will be roomed with another person of the same gender. If you would like a private room, the cost is a 65% surcharge and will guarantee you a private room.
ITINERARY
The Ombak Biru visits dive sites in the Komodo National Park, part of the Lesser Sunda Islands and surrounding islands of Sangeang and Sumbawa. Year round this area of Indonesia offers great diving. Water temperatures can vary greatly within the park ranging from a low of 72F (22C) in the south to a high of 84F (29C) in the northern region. The Indo Aggressor aims to return to port on the evening prior to disembarkation. Final disembarkation will occur between 8:00 am –1:00 pm at the end of the charter. Be sure to remember the suggested 24-hour no-fly rule when planning your departure. Guests will be transported to the Labuan Bajo Airport for a domestic flight back to Bali.
If necessary, additional transfers from the Bali Airport to your hotel can be purchased ahead of time.
WELCOME
As you prepare for your diving adventure onboard the Ombak Biru, we extend a most hearty welcome. It is important to notify our office of last minute changes concerning your airline arrival and departure times or any changes in your address and telephone numbers. In the event of an emergency, family and friends may contact you at the above numbers. If you need to reach the yacht, please call or e-mail the boat. There is a satellite phone onboard for emergency communication.
We recommend you pack a regulator, mask, fins, and swimsuit, change of clothes, medication and toiletries in your carry on bag. Having these few items with you can make an unexpected luggage delay more bearable.
PASSPORTS & DOCUMENTATION
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your period of stay with 2 blank page and you must have a return airline ticket to travel to Bali/Labuan Bajo. It is the travelers’ responsibility to ensure they have the proper documentation to travel into each country on his or her itinerary as well as for re-entry and return to their country. Please check with the appropriate consulate to ensure you have the proper documentation. Always check your passport and visa requirements. US citizens may go to the US Department of State website at www.travel.state.gov for more information. The website also has information for consulates by country to assist with requirements. There are special requirements for children leaving the US and many countries have adopted requirements for the protection of children. Since regulations vary by country, contact your consulate or embassy of your country for the requirement. The Reservation Office and staff cannot assume responsibility for passengers not having correct documentation.
KOMODO NATIONAL PARK: ARRIVAL (7, 10 & 11 Night Charters)
Arrival to the Indo Aggressor will involve a round trip domestic flight from Bali to the Komodo Airport near the city of Labuan Bajo (city code LBJ) on Flores Island in the East Nusa Tenggara province in Indonesia. Since the majority of the Indonesian domestic air carriers do not participate in global ticket distribution, Aggressor Fleet has made arrangements with a local Indonesia travel company to provide a purchasing service for the domestic tickets on our guests’ behalf. The Indo Aggressor is scheduled to depart when all the guests arrive. Guests should arrange to take one of the two available morning flights.
Once you have claimed your luggage in Labuan Bajo Airport you will need to show your claim tickets. An agent wearing a Ombak Biru polo shirt will be waiting for you outside of the claim area for those who have pre-arranged this transfer in advance.
We recommend at least two hotel nights be built into your travels; one upon arrival between the international and domestic legs of your trip, and one on your journey home between the domestic and international legs.
Transfers Included:
- – Transfer from Labuan Bajo Airport (LBJ) to Indo Aggressor
- – Transfer from Indo Aggressor to Labuan Bajo Airport (LBJ) –
C-CARDS & DIVE THE WORLD CLUB
Remember to bring your c-card or proof of certification. The divemaster requires proof of certification before the first dive.
INSURANCE
We strongly recommend each guest purchase comprehensive accident, medical, baggage and trip cancellation and interruption insurance when space is reserved. Trip insurance will protect you from financial disappointment if you are prevented from making your scheduled trip due to illness, family illness or in the event that unforeseen circumstances prevent the airline or yacht from making its scheduled trip.
FEES & TAXES (per person)
All payments will be subjected to a 10% gst charge. Credit card payments on board the vessel incur an extra 3% service charge.
Rupiah (IDR) is the official currency. It is required for all guests to have some local currency as overweight baggage charges MUST be paid in local currency.
HEALTH
The Ombak Biru has a first aid kit onboard, including oxygen and an AED. You may want to bring motion sickness medication if you feel you will need it. We suggest you bring over-the-counter motion sickness medication or consult your doctor about prescription brands, such as the trans-dermal patch or Scopace tablets. Currents and winds may cause moderate movement of the yacht at times. We recommend a complete physical before your trip. There is a recompression chamber located in Bali.
The staff are unable to accept any medication brought onboard for safe keeping including those that require refrigeration. Should a guest have a medication requiring temperature control, they will need to travel with a travel cooling case or small storage cooler with several blue ice packets. The crew will be happy to store and recharge the blue ice but are unable to accept possession of or responsibility for the proper care and storage of medication. This should be kept in your stateroom. There is NO smoking allowed inside the yacht or on the dive deck. Smoking is only permitted on the sun deck.
THE YACHT
The Ombak Biru is a 98’ (124’ LOA) finely crafted twin-masted wooden sailing yacht built in the Pinisi style. Built and powered for comfort, safety and stability, she cruises at 8 knots and has 220-volt power onboard. Accommodations include 2 deluxe staterooms with queen bed, 2 master staterooms with two single beds or one asian king bed, and 4 twin staterooms with two twin bunk beds (European style). All staterooms have climate controls.
The Ombak Biru sleeps 16 guests in privacy and comfort. She features a roomy, air- conditioned salon and dining area, sun deck complete with lounge and deck chairs. The Indo Aggressor has a TV with media player, and stereo in the main salon. Diving amenities include Nitrox (unlimited Nitrox is $100 per 7 night charter/ $150 per 10 night charter), camera table, and fresh water showers. The yacht is not responsible for lost, damaged or stolen items. We highly recommend extreme caution and care be taken if you plan to travel onboard with electronic equipment. This equipment should always be stowed after use to avoid the risk of damage.
FOOD
The menu onboard is varied and plentiful, with a variety of American feasts and local cuisine. If you have any special dietary requirements, please be sure these are noted when completing the GIS. You will awaken to fresh fruits, hot entrees, cereals and juices. Lunches are buffet-style featuring delicious local cuisine. Chef prepared dinners are served each evening and include salads, vegetables, seafood, beef or chicken with a fresh homemade dessert. Once onboard, please speak to the chef about any special needs.
Certain special dietary and beverage requests may not be available due to the remote nature of this location.
BEVERAGES
The yacht’s selection includes fruit juices, soft drinks, iced water, iced tea, coffee, and local beer , which are complimentary. Due to the high duty charged on liquor, we suggest you bring your special brand from the U.S. Due to local regulations; the bar will be closed while the boat is in port. Drinking and diving do not mix. Once you consume alcohol, you become a snorkeler until the next day.
CLOTHING
Please plan to travel light, as on all live-aboard dive yachts, space is limited. We recommend that you pack your gear in soft luggage such as a duffel bag for easy stowage and to add to your comfort in your cabin. Clothing should be lightweight, comfortable sportswear; sunscreen and swimsuits are a must. A light sweater or jacket is ideal for evenings. Dress is always casual and informal. Additional items you may want to bring are sunglasses and walking shoes for you time on shore.
IMPORTANT: If guests are traveling through the Narita, Tokyo Airport, Japan; please note that they require all lithium batteries to be removed from the device they are intended for and the batteries placed in your CARRY-ON luggage. Failure to have them in your carry-on may delay your travels while they pull your luggage when screened.
ENTERTAINMENT
There is a variety of nightly entertainment, including diving, movies, games and more. A small library of books for exchange is maintained onboard as well as fish identification books for reference.
Whether it’s your anniversary, birthday, honeymoon, wedding or you are celebrating a 100 dive, please let us know so the crew can celebrate your occasion. KUS office prior to traveling so the crew is notified in advance.
DIVING CONDITIONS
Any time of the year this area of Indonesia offers good diving. Visibility may vary from season to season but 10 to 30 meters (35 to 100 ft.) can be expected at most dive sites. Water temperatures can vary greatly within the park ranging from a low of 72F (22C) in the south to a high of 84F (29C) in the northern region. A 3-5mm wetsuit with hood is recommended year round. All diving is from tenders. Guests are also suggested to bring reef hooks for use at some dive spots.
DIVING
The crew of the Ombak Biru, with their unique combination of talents, offers the ultimate service. While onboard, you may pick a buddy of your choice, or dive with one of the crewmembers. The yacht offers three to four dives per day depending on itinerary (2 on the last day) including night dives. The Indo Aggressor provides 80 cubic ft. tanks with DIN/yoke adaptable valves, weight belts and weights. (two 100 cu ft tanks are available upon request)
Tender diving is the rule rather than the exception. All dives will be made from two dive tenders. Guests board the tender and then don their gear at the dive site. Enjoy fresh water showers on the back deck after your dives and dry off with a warm towel.
All diving onboard the Ombak Biru should be within the limits and standards of the training agency that certified you. All dives should be planned no decompression dives.
Diving Supervision
You’ve chosen a vacation for the diving freedom that it offers. While in the water, you and your buddy are in charge. Every dive starts with a dive briefing from our staff. However, as a certified diver, you and your buddy are responsible for planning and conducting your own dives within the limitations set forth by the briefing. Our staff will be on the dive deck providing surface support for divers. We will also have staff in the water offering support, u/w photography and videography, and critter spotting services as well. On some dive sites a staff member will offer to lead a group and assist them in locating specific points of interest. However we do not offer direct supervision of dives. If you start out with a group, as long as you and your buddy remain in contact with each other and are ok – you may follow your own dive plan. Divers who desire more personal attention and structured/supervised dives should consider taking one of our numerous specialty courses. An underlying skill featured in all of specialty training is planning, executing, and debriefing after your dive in order to build a more confident diver.
DIVE GEAR SUGGESTIONS
We suggest you pack the following: mask, fins, snorkel, regulator with pressure gauge, depth gauge, buoyancy compensator, dive computer, dive light, mirror, safety sausage, Dive Alert and/or other safety devices. Dive computers are mandatory for each guest. Each piece of gear should be marked with waterproof paint or tape.
CONSERVATION LAWS
Conservation laws do not permit spear fishing or collecting.
RENTAL DIVE EQUIPMENT
A full line of rental gear is available aboard including regulators, BCs, dive computers, and night-lights.
Due to the numerous connecting flights and excess baggage charges to arrive at the destination, we highly recommend you rent dive equipment onboard to avoid disappointment incase of delayed arrival. The yacht rents a full line of Aqualung dive equipment and offers a 10% discount on full rent if booked in advance.
CERTIFICATION & SPECIALTY COURSES
Several diving specialty courses are offered onboard including Nitrox, Advanced Open Water, UW Photography and more. Check-out dives are offered as well. A list of available courses and prices are available on our website.
PHOTO/VIDEO EQUIPMENT
The Indo Aggressor offers a complete digital photo facility. The photo pro is available for free coaching with equipment rental. The Indo Aggressor offers GoPro systems available for rent. The Indo Aggressor has a 110 volt strobe charging station and a large camera table available for your camera and video equipment. Guests should bring their own battery chargers.
UNDERWATER VIDEO/DVD
Our Video Professional can capture your diving adventure onboard the Indo Aggressor to share with family and friends. Video of the week/DVD (includes all guests and crew) are USD $65 per person.
SHIPS BOUTIQUE & CREDIT CARDS
There is a mini-boutique onboard, which sells a selection of logo clothing including t- shirts, caps, CD’s and miscellaneous items. One day during the week, the crew will have a ‘boutique day’. The Indo Aggressor accepts cash, Visa & MasterCard. Sorry, no personal checks, Travelers Checks, Amex or Discover Cards. Purchases and transactions on board the vessel are subject to local taxes and charges. Credit card payments made on board the vessel incur 3% service charge. Many credit card companies are charging a conversion fee. If this happens to you, please contact your credit card company. If you would like to purchase additional boutique items after your trip, feel free to visit www.Aggressorfleet.com/shop.
GRATUITIES
Crew gratuities are not included in the charter. We believe gratuities should be voluntary and based upon the quality of service the crew has provided. When settling your account the Captain will have an envelope for gratuities that will be divided equally among the crew. Payment can be made by cash or credit card.
CHECKOUT
Final disembarkation will occur between 8:00 am –1:00 pm at the end of the charter. Guests will be transported to the Labuan Bajo airport for a domestic flight back to Bali. If necessary, additional transfers from the Bali airport to your hotel can be purchased ahead of time.
For any guest choosing to extend their stay our staff will be happy to organize tours to give you time to off-gas and enjoy the land sites that Bali has to offer. All tours are at an additional charge, but are highly recommended.
Wishing you a wonderful vacation. Please don’t hesitate to call or email us if you have any questions.