Tanimbar Islands - General Info
Where are the Tanimbar Islands?
The Tanimbar archipelago is a group of about 65 islands that separate the Banda Sea from the Arafura Sea. They are located in the far south of the Maluku province, midway between West Papua and East. The main island is Yamdena where the regional capital Saumlaki is located. These islands are a popular destination for boats clearing into Indonesia from Australia, or leaving Indonesia and heading for Australia.
Entrance Notes and Cautions:
There are extensive reefs around the coasts and most anchorages are in mangrove bays. Beware of pirates which operate on the west coast.
Cruiser Highlights for the Tanimbar Islands:
Saumlaki is an official port of entry and cruisers report clearance here being very straightforward.
Positions:
- Saumlaki – 07° 58.9’S, 131° 17.4’E.
- Lutur Harbour – 07° 09.5’S, 131° 42.5’E
- Bulu Village – 07° 14.9’S, 131° 28.1’E (anchorage north of the village)
Last updated: July 2024
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Related to following destinations: Eastern Indonesia - Tanimbar Islands, Indonesia, Tanimbar Islands
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The anchorage at Saumlaki leaves a lot to be desired, but it is a nice place to visit, and formalities were very easy and straightforward.
Ester is not at the hotel, and the staff doesn’t speak English. However, you are free to use their dock, and the restaurant is decent. The dock isn’t accessible at low-low tide. I was able to get in at the higer low tide, but another cruiser took mud into his engine and clogged it, so be careful and maybe paddle the last bit when the water gets shallow.
From the water, you can find the hotel by looking for the church above it. The hotel has a deck in back with palm trees, and 2 sets of stairs from the deck down to the water.
The quarantine office is located just outside the main gate to the harbor pier, on the NE corner. After health and quarantine clearance, the other officials met me there, and I took them to my yacht.
There are tourism employees that hang out at the Hotel, and will act as a translator, or arrange transport or suggest sights to see.
Across the street from the hotel is a shop that sells clean drinking water by the 5 gallon jug.
Saumlaki is now a port of exit, as well. Customs are now represented full time on a roster basis from Tual. There was apparently an issue with the Quarantine officer requesting (incorrectly) paperwork from every port visited in Indonesia – NOT NECESSARY. Raymond T Lesmana has had Jakarta intervene and that should now be sorted.
Tip: you could contact Ester at the Hotel Harapan Indah who can arrange Customs and Immigration on your behalf. Ester will also drive you to the various offices to check out. The hotel has a dinghy dock.