Shipping and sailing is an integral part of Indonesian culture and history, a tradition shared by the Dutch colonists that arrived in the 18th century. The word "cruise" often invokes the image of a massive vessel with a variety of decks and entertainment options such as buffets, floor shows and casinos. Surfers, divers, hikers, nature enthusiasts and independently minded travelers often avoid cruises because of these stereotypes. There are luxury cruise options in Indonesia that have such ships, but due to the versatility of smaller schooners and yachts among the various islands, tourists are encouraged to test their sea legs on a variety of vessels.
If you are looking for a typical Sumatran cruise that includes a large ship with all the amenities, they are readily available, but expensive. A three-week luxury cruise is priced at around $10,000 (as of January 2011) and includes a private cabin and bathroom, air conditioning, gourmet kitchen, pool, gym and small library. The price includes guided excursions to local beaches, traditional villages and national parks.
The coastline of Sumatra is relatively clean and untouched, its pristine coral reefs an ideal place for divers. The area close to the southern tip of the island is also home to the sunken USS Houston, a popular spot for wreck dives. There are scheduled cruises to these islands that include these activities, but groups with a specific interest can opt for a custom cruise that specializes in diving and snorkeling. As of January 2011, prices for diving range from $330 to $735 (depending on the number of people and length of the voyage) for diving cruises and includes equipment and meals.
If you're the type that takes your surfboard with you hoping to catch some waves, Sumatra surfing cruises are more expensive, starting at $2,595 per person for scheduled cruises (custom cruises are also a possible option). This does not include insurance or equipment. The Islands of Menatawi (located off the west coast of Sumatra) and the Banyuk Islands (in the north) are famous worldwide for their perfect swells and breaks.
Indonesia is a country not only brimming with saltwater fun in the form of snorkeling and surfing, but also rich in lush, pristine forests, active volcanoes and traditional villages and wildlife in its natural habitat. A variety of cruises include rustic hikes along untouched beaches and national parks famous for orangutans and komodo dragons. Custom cruises for outdoor or eco-tourist enthusiasts are also available.
