Pre Cruise Information

Thank you for choosing Nomad Archipelago for your cruise experience to explore the Indonesian Archipelago. Here are some guidelines to help you prepare and pack your belonging for an extra convenience:
 
1. Accommodation
On board of the Bugis there are 4 double cabins equipped with double bed 140 cm x 200 cm and single bunk bed 90 cm x 200 cm cabins. All cabins are equipped with fan and ensuite bathroom.

2. Arrival on board
Upon arrival on board your tour guide will show you your cabin and familiarity tour of the boat also explain you the safety drill. During this safety drill you will be instructed where the life jackets and life rafts are located and you will get further safety instructions. After this the ‘house’ regulations will be clarified. During your trip there will be a daily briefing. In this briefing your tour guide will give you information about the route, excursions, social, cultural, geographycal and historical backgrounds for the location.

3. Climate and monsoon
Indonesia has a tropical climate with temperatures varying from 27° C to 32° C. Humidity is high: 50 to 90%. Indonesia has two monsoon periods. A rainy season from November – March with North western winds prevailing and a dry season from April – October with South easterlies. We have planned our itineraries according to these seasons.

4. Social Conduct
Bear a few things in mind concerning social behavior in Indonesia. Most travelers experience great warmth and hospitality, but along with it come an uninhibited curiosity about personal matters. Total strangers asking details about your job, income and family circumstances should not surprise you. Cleanliness and modesty are appreciated even in informal situations. Use your right hand for giving, taking, eating or shaking hands as the left is considered to be unclean. Feet are considered unclean too. Try to avoid pointing the soles of your feet to people while sitting. Don’t pat a child on the head. In fact, never touch anybody’s head. Most Indonesians consider the head to be the seat of the soul and therefore sacred. Nudity (or sunbathing topless) is not permitted on beaches and although there are some places where this ban is ignored, it causes widespread offence. Displays of intimacy are not considered suitable in public and will probably draw unwanted attention. Women should cover shoulders and legs in Islamic areas. Onboard we provide you ‘Sarong’ to use if it necessary when you visiting certain area, the guide will notify you about this.

5. Water and Electricity
Voltage on board is 220 Volts. In your cabin there is a socket suitable for 2-way European plugs. Please bring your universal plug convertor for preparation. The drink water onboard is filtered from the sea water and you can access this water through the TAP in the restaurant and drink bottle provided to use during your time onboard.

6. Fellow passengers
In general, our passengers constitute a heterogeneous group of people: parent and kids, couples, singles, men and women of various nationalities.

7. Itineraries and Excursion
Excursions during regular trips are inclusive (when chartering the boat, the excursions are not included). Your tour guide will offer various possibilities for day trips. Of course it is always up to you whether or not you join these trips. Please note: Programs might change due to unexpected weather conditions, local authorities and other causes that are beyond our control.

8. Hotels 
Prior to the sailing trip our passengers usually stay in a hotel. Please let us know where we can reach you at least 3 days before departure. This enables us to give you details concerning the transfer to the ship or other useful information for better arrangement and avoid misunderstanding concerning transfers we would also like to know about your plans after the sailing trip. 

9. Malaria 

At sea there are no mosquitoes. Ashore, there may be. Protect yourself against mosquito bites when ashore or when the ship is moored alongside the quay. Cover up exposed skin at dusk or early evening; wear light long-sleeved clothes and mosquito repellent cream or gel. Before you travel you must check with a reputable agency and take their advice on malaria prophylactics and vaccinations. 

10. Seasickness 
Some passengers are afraid that their cruise might be spoiled because of seasickness. Certainly the swell or the wind can sometimes be stronger than usual, possibly causing a mild form of seasickness. In that case you can take a tablet available on the ship. Once used to the movements of the ship, you probably won’t get seasick at all. 

11. Sunburn and heat stroke
The burning power of the tropical sun is phenomenal. Always wear a hat or cap and use some 
form of (water-resistant) sun cream or lotion on un-tanned skin plus bring the shooting cream if you your skin more sensitive. Always wear a T-shirt when you go snorkeling. Glare from the sun can cause eye problems, so wear sunglasses, especially on beaches. Avoid dehydration by drinking lots of non-alcoholic fluid. Put extra salt in your food.

 

12. Snorkeling Activity

On our shared cruise, the main activity will be snorkeling. Snorkeling gear (fins and goggles) is always included. However, we advise you to bring your own snorkeling gear for extra comfort.

13. Holiday Address
Leave your holiday address with your friends or relatives. Just in case, you can share our office address Jl. Tukad Punggawa No.45c, Serangan, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80229 and our office number at +628247368360 tour guide and captain have daily radio or telephone communication with our Bali office. 

14. Travel insurance 

We expect our passengers to have a travel insurance. A cancellation insurance is optional. Contact an insurance company or your travel agency to arrange this.

15. Medical data
If you deem it necessary to provide us certain medical data, please forward these in a closed envelope (with your name written on it) to your tour leader. In case of emergency we may need this information.

16. What to brings
The atmosphere on board is casual. Light cotton clothes are useful almost
anywhere in Indonesia. When you are ashore, modest dress for both men and women are
always advisable, loose fitting non-see-through clothes, covering the shoulders, and skirts, dresses or shorts (at least knee-length).

Checklist:

• photocopies of essential documents

• light cotton clothes

• Swimming suit

• long trousers and shorts or skirt 

• Lycra

• sweater or cardigan

• bathing shoes (essential when you go snorkeling), casuals or sandals, walking shoes

• shoes for hike or trekking

• high protection factor suntan lotion (waterproof)

• insect repellent

• contact lens cleaning equipment

• torch, camera, small backpack/waterproof bag, or hat/cap

• your personal medicine

• crème for coral / jelly fish stings

• light rain coat

17. Currency, Credit Card and Exchanges
Indonesian currency is the Rupiah (IDR) Most travelers’ cheques are accepted without difficulty at the major banks or at authorized money changers. Bring 100 US$ or € banknotes as for smaller denominations you’ll usually be given a lower rate. Take care all the bank notes you carry are in perfect condition as banks and money changers are highly reluctant to accept notes with minor irregularities such as scratches etc. Bills from 2002 or older will not be accepted by banks or money changers. Euro-cheques are not accepted. Major credit cards are widely accepted in the main centers, though in smaller towns it is still rare to be able to pay by credit card. Automatic Teller Machines (ATM) that accept foreign cards are widespread in the main centers and cities.

The BUGIS will take you off-the-beaten-track, so we advise you to bring sufficient cash (IDR) money, including a quantity of small bank notes (1.000, 5.000 and 10.000 Rp.) on board. Onboard we accept payment with these foreign currencies such USD, EUR, AUD.

Harbor and park fees, tips, and beverage payments can be made using the onboard EDC machine, which accepts credit or debit cards. Please be aware that fees will apply depending on the card type you are using, with charges ranging from 1.75% to 3.5% added to your total payment.

18. Passport, VISA and Customs
All visitor should bring a passport which have at least 6 months of validity from the date on arrival. Visitors are automatically granted a 30 days free tourist visa on arrival. Check Indonesia's Visa-Online system and check with your ambassy to get up-to-date information. Advise to make copies of your travel documents like passport, air ticket and travel insurance.

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For all visitor before entering Indonesia ensure you check any regulations regarding the Custom Clearance on here and check for e-custom declaration too.

19. Local time
Indonesia is divided into three time zones:

• WIB, GMT+7 including Sumatra, Java, and West Kalimantan

• WITA, GMT+8 including East Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Bali, and Nusa Tenggara

• WIT, GMT+9 Including Maluku and Papua

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20. Toiletries
For onboard use we are provide you with eco-friendly toiletries product for shampoo, soap toothpaste, tooth brush and tissue.

21. Internet Connection
We recommend you to buy TELKOMSEL sim card when you arrive at airport to use when you are in sailing. The connection availability and stability will depend on the area.

22. Alcohol Beverage
On the flight, every visitor allows to bring one litre of alcohol into the country.  While we sell alcoholic drink on board, we recommend to bring one bottle of your favorite beverage to enjoy your sunset moment.

23. Guide onboard
Our travel guides can speak both Indonesian and English. It is their task to act as an intermediary between guests and the local population, the local guides, the authorities and the ship’s crew. They are also responsible for organizing day trips and transport. They are experienced and have a thorough knowledge of Indonesia so they can tell you much about the areas to be visited. Sometimes we visit very remote, undocumented areas, which may involve a lot of improvisation on the part of your tour guide.

We wish you very pleasant preparations for your trip and hope to welcome you on board the BUGIS soon!