Alila Purnama: Cenderawasih Bay

The crew of the luxury yacht Alila Purnama awaits guests arriving at Rendani Airport in Manokwari. After the welcome, guests will be transferred by car and then by speedboat to the yacht. Here, the cruise director will conduct a general briefing, presenting the ship and safety procedures, after which it will finally be time to drop the moorings, raise the anchor and set off on an unforgettable cruise around the paradise that is the Bay of Birds of Paradise. Guests have time to enjoy cocktails in the breeze on the upper deck while watching the shore recede.

The rainforest-covered Biak Islands have been included in the Biak-Numfoor Rainforest Protected Zone because they are home to the largest number (approximately 16) of endemic bird species in one area in the entire New Guinea region. And although the island and its nature are spectacular, the real treasures lie below the water surface, where the remains of the "Battle of Biak" from World War II are scattered at the bottom. In May and June 1944, more than 22 human soldiers fought in the great American attack against the Japanese forces occupying the island. The US victory became a turning point in the Pacific War. In the depths lie the wrecks of fighter planes, rescue planes and sunken US landing craft, which over the years have turned into breathtaking coral reefs inhabited by schools of large fish. The classic dive in the waters of Biak is a slow drift above the amazing Catalina flying boat, probably intended to rescue downed pilots. This large, intact American plane lies on the sand, upright and proud, as if waiting for its pilot and crew to return. After lunch, guests can head ashore to the amazing tropical rainforest where they can spot beautiful birds of paradise. Upon their return, they can relax with a variety of water sports, including snorkeling, scuba diving and sea kayaking.

After waking up in a beautiful, paradise-like environment, guests will have the opportunity to do another wonderful diving or snorkeling over reefs gradually falling into the depths, beautifully decorated with gorgonians resembling fans and whips, and elephant sponges, among which dense schools of fish lurk. However, sometimes it is worth taking your eyes off the colorful coral gardens to spot reef sharks in the depths around the reef. After the morning dive, it's time for lunch on board the yacht. Guests can then relax, go on a speedboat cruise or go on another scuba dive.

The Kwatisore Island area is home to majestic and gentle whale sharks and magnificent blue sharks. Guests will have the opportunity - perhaps once in a lifetime - to snorkel or scuba dive in the company of these beautiful and majestic creatures. There are only a few places in the world where you can encounter a whale shark, and even fewer that offer encounters with more than one of these extraordinary sharks. However, nowhere else in the world is there such a large number of whale sharks swimming in crystalline waters, which you can admire while snorkeling or scuba diving. There is a huge difference between being one of dozens of divers chasing a single whale shark, and being one of several divers surrounded by whale sharks swimming near the surface in clear water, coming here to eat leftovers thrown from floating fishing platforms. This is an amazing experience for divers of any experience and skill. At the end of the day, guests enjoy a delicious dinner prepared by the chef on board Alila Purnama. Definitely a perfect end to another amazing day.

Diving around Rippon Island is absolutely amazing with excellent visibility. Guests will encounter huge whales, dugongs, reef sharks and countless schools of reef fish. At the bottom, divers will come across another remnant of the war. Here, soft corals and huge anemones cover the wreck of the Nakajima Ki-43 Hayabusa - an Imperial Japanese Air Force fighter plane from World War II. This is an underwater paradise for divers that guests will not forget. In the late afternoon, guests will take a quick speedboat ride to the surrounding beaches of the sandy atolls, and upon return, relax on deck with sunset cocktails.

Wairundi Island boasts pristine reefs that provide great diving opportunities. Although the landscape is dominated by countless hard madrepor corals, divers will be delighted by the abundance of rainbow soft corals. The sandy slopes at the base of the reef are teeming with multicolored sponges and an abundance of creatures, such as crabs that can grow up to a foot in diameter and a variety of small creatures, including pygmy seahorses.

After a pleasant breakfast, it's time to say goodbye to Alila Purnama and the crew of the luxury yacht. Attendants will take guests to Rendani Airport in Manokwari and assist with check-in.