Explore Pristine Wildlife in Indonesia

Have you ever had the desire to explore prehistoric animals, embark on a jungle trek and dive among some of the most colourful reefs, but have always been put off by the thought of having to “rough it”?

These days you no longer have to worry about mosquitos buzzing around your head while trying to fall asleep in your tent, and you no longer have to do without ice in your drinks while watching the sunset, cruising from island to island. Today you can fuse the best of both worlds; luxury and nature.

Ideal for a honeymoon, two couples or an entire family, The Amanikan, a 32 metre coastal cruiser launched by Amanresorts, is the latest addition to the fleet at Amanwana, a luxury tented air conditioned hideaway on Moyo island in Indonesia. The boat makes its debut this summer to introduce the Komodo Expedition, a seven-night adventure through the untouched wilderness and waters of the Komodo National Park.

The Komodo Expedition starts with a five-night excursion on the luxury livaboard followed by a two-night stay at Amanwana, which is surrounded by tropical rainforest and overlooks Amanwana Bay and the waters of the Flores Sea. Guests can enjoy dives from the beach and hikes to jungle waterfalls, as well as spa treatments and massages in the Jungle Cove Massage area.

During the cruise, guests may encounter prehistoric creatures on a visit to the only two islands in the world (Rinca and Komodo) where the infamous Komodo dragon still marks his territory. The Komodo National Park is a World Heritage Site in which guests are escorted to view the animals in their natural habitat, while other wildlife on the two islands include buffaloes, deer, monkeys and wild horses. The island-hopping itinerary will take guests through the Nusa Tenggara island chain to some of the world's most pristine marine environments and widely acclaimed underwater snorkel and dive sites.

The Amanikan with its rustically-elegant environment boasts three luxurious air conditioned above-deck cabins with spectacular view, private balconies and sun decks, as well as an outdoor dining and bar area. The outdoor space serves as a spot for sunbathing during the day, pre-dinner drinks in the evening or sleeping under the stars at night. Furthermore, a 70 kilogram ice machine provides cold beverages during the heat of the day. And if that isn’t enough to cool down, extensive dive facilities will definitely sort you out. Furnishings are custom-made of teak, rattan and other locally-sourced materials, creating a natural, yet deluxe look and feel.

The Expedition is available until October 30, 2009 and rates start at US$22,300 for a “one couple” tent. For more information go to www.amanresorts.com.