Entering Indonesia at Maumere

Created by val. Last modified on 2010-01-05 17:04:53
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Countries: Indonesia

This is our experience entering Indonesia at Maumere. We departed Darwin early September 2009

We received our CAIT and sponsor letter in Darwin from Lytha at cait@indo.net.id , http://cruisingindonesia.blogspot.com..

We had asked Lytha’s advice on Maumere being a suitable entry point.

After presenting the CAIT and sponsor letter to the Indonesian consul in Darwin in the morning, we received our 60 day visas at 3PM the same day.

From Darwin we sailed directly to Dili, Timor Leste. After checking out at Dili we spent a short time at Atuaro Island then motored and sailed along the southern side of Alor then passing through Boleng Strait on the western side of Lembata. We anchored at Kroko Island on the NE corner of Adonara. From here we stopped at the village of Wailawung an easy day from Maumere.

We anchored off Sea World resort and were greeted by a man bearing a letter of recommendation from previous visiting yachts wishing to provide fuel, food and water. We took on fuel and water.

The anchorage at Sea World Resort, while fairly open is on volcanic sand and the drop off makes it fairly safe for on shore breezes. Off shore wind can cause boats to drag.

Next morning we took ojeks (motor bike taxis) to immigration. After this we went to customs who also guided us to Quarantine where we paid 250,000 rupiah for ships papers and clearance necessary for when exiting Indonesia. A receipt was issued. We were advised the papers would be available that afternoon. We wished to leave for Labuan Bajo that afternoon.

While officials will come to Sea World Resort anchorage, they seemed reluctant so to help speed up the entry process, we agreed to bring our boat to Maumere harbour about 5 miles or so from Sea World. Tying up at the wharf was difficult due to lack of space and potentially damaging overhangs. However, two or three Indonesian seamen working on the wharf noticed our problem and had us secure with springers and all in no time. We stayed for only a few hours but I understand that longer stays of a few days are tolerated. There are a lot of people in this area and security could be a problem if the boat is left unattended.

Our customs man was waiting and he willingly ferried me around on his motorbike to the right offices, even pursuing the harbour master to his home. He also made sure we had all our necessary documentation gathered and approved. We paid him a well earned and a substantial tip.

While we nominated our next port to be Labuan Bajo, which meant we needed clearance in and out here, advice since then suggests that you only need to nominate your port of exit. In Labuan Bajo I nominated Nongsa, Batam and was cleared out there with no trouble. At no time did we feel that anyone wanted to add any additional charges.

These websites are very useful for anyone cruising Indonesia.

http://hackingfamily.com/cruise_info/Indian/Indonesia_Cruising.htm

http://cruisingunderpower.fastmail.net/Actual_20anchorages_20Indonesia.html

Our thanks to Vic Martin for this informative report.