Darwin 2 Saumlaki

About Saumlaki

Saumlaki is the largest town and has a population of about 15,000 people located due north of Darwin on the south end of Pulan (Island) Yamdena in a natural harbour.

The Tanimbar Islands, also called Timur Laut, are a group of about 65 islands in the Maluku Province of Indonesia, including Fordata, Larat, Maru, Molu, Nuswotar, Selaru, Selu, Seira, Wotap, Wuliaru and Yamdena.

The Islands, have a distinct culture and remain a major centre for the production of traditional crafts like ikat cloth and carved wooden statues in Maluku, and have their own forms of music and dance. Cultural attractions apart, the Tanimbars also have their own distinct fauna, including 8 species of birds endemic to the archipelago, and fine beaches and great areas for snorkelling and diving. Most of the above attractions can be found on the main island of Yamdena. This is the most accessible of the islands and is the focus of most visits. Of the other islands, Larat in the north, with its town of the same name is the most accessible one, and the only one to offer any facilities. The local people are very friendly with children being very inquisitive. The main industries apart from carving and weaving are fishing and farming. In Saumlaki the population is about 95% Christian and 5% Muslim.

Saumlaki provides for the provisioning of most items with supermarkets, open markets, general stores, and fuel and water facilities available. Fuel will need to be obtained in jerry cans and drinking water is available in 15 litre bottles (bottles are to be returned to the point of supply). While ATM’s and credit card facilities are available it can be difficult to get internet connections at times and it is recommended that Indonesian currency (Rupiah) is obtained prior to leaving Darwin. Emails can be difficult to send and receive.

The Darwin to Saumlaki Race and Rally is supported by the local and regional governments in Indonesia. A tour of some of the key areas will be provided for participants by the Ministry of Tourism. Arrangements have been made to ensure that Quarantine, Customs, and Immigration clearances will be available on arrival to, and departure from, Saumlaki.

Skippers will need to ensure they have enough chain to anchor in 20m in a mud seabed with generally NE offshore prevailing winds. The anchoring area is adjacent to a roll on roll off wharf and is some distance from the shoreline. Direct access to the shore is not possible during low tides as there is a considerable area of tidal flats to cross that dry out.

Permits and Visas

A permit for each yacht to sail in Indonesian waters must be obtained prior to departure from Darwin. The application is obtainable online at http://vds.beacukai.go.id . This can be a slow process and should be applied for several weeks prior to departure to allow for any possible delays in processing.

Indonesian Visas can be obtained from the N.T. Indonesian Consulate at 22 Harry Chan Avenue, Darwin, at an estimated cost of $80 each at the time of printing. This can take several weeks to obtain. Note: Visas on Arrival will not be available.

Arrangements are being made with Borderforce for departure clearances from Darwin. All crew members for each yacht participating will need to be present as a group and have available current passports with a minimum of 6 months validity remaining on arrival in Indonesia. All boats leaving Australian waters are required to have national registration. (i.e. the vessel needs to be listed on the Australian General Shipping Register or that of another country.)