Disembark the Katharina for an interesting visit through the city of Sumbawa Besar. The island of Sumbawa traditionally is divided in two Sultanates, Sumbawa Besar in the western part and Bima, overseeing the eastern part of the island. Enjoy a brief visit at the former Sultan’s palace, a structure entirely laid out in local teak and harboring relics, displaying the luster of the ancient Sultan’s court. From this lofty location descend to meet the locals at their typical Indonesia habitat, the pasar or traditional marketplace. Those who want to join the pace of daily life may jump on the typical local means of transport, the horse drawn cart. In a parade with the local people, out for their daily shopping, we are brought to the market where it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the colors, fragrances, and stunning variety of vegetables, fruits and spices. Prices are established by an elaborate process of negotiating. Good luck!
After lunch on board Katharina set sail to the island of Satonda, an extinct volcano, and hike over a tiny ridge hiding a beautiful crater lake. Feel the eerie atmosphere surrounding this giant pond, all silent except the sound of a lonely bird or the odd gecko. Head back to the beach for some snorkeling. Swimming over the beautiful local reef just off the island enlightened by a rainbow of aquarium fish you’ll enter a world entirely different in colors but similar in silence. Another highlight of your visit to Satonda is the sight of thousands of flying foxes that commute at dusk from the island to feed on the mainland, returning before first light the next day. As evening approaches sail north of Sumbawa to the Eastern coast of the island.