After several days relaxing in Bali it was time to make the long jump northwards where we would be sailing by moonlight for the first time in ages.
In the last episode, knowing that the remainder of our 1,300nm passage would be off-shore with no land in sight, we made the most of Bali’s luxuries. Reluctant as we were to say goodbye to the all-around protection of Banyuwedang, the passage to Baluran would once again mean taking advantage of the prevailing SE trades.
With the engine on for a few moments to weigh anchor, we soon turned it off to enjoy the tranquillity of well-set sails.
The tight entrance into this anchorage was tucked behind a reef. Still, with an intense midday sun, we could clearly see the perimeter.
As the afternoon wore on, so the tide dropped, and the odd fisherman appeared on the reef. Aside from these lonesome figures, there was no one here; it’s these kinds of anchorages that we relish most.
Surrounded by nothing but reef, sand, and mangrove, it’s the perfect setting to take in Bularan National Park, with its impressive volcano perched on the northeast corner of Java. We should have taken out the kayaks to explore, but we only had one night here with a big day tomorrow, so instead, we took in the sunset as we dozed in the cockpit.
The next day was a fair old run of 50-odd miles. Fortunately, the winds were with us, and we made good progress. We moved fast enough to get to Banraas on Gili Lyang within daylight.
Since this was to be our last day-hop for the next few hundred miles, a good night’s sleep was in order before going out into the open ocean of the Java Sea.
As the sun set, a full moon rose, and we began our first over-nighter of this journey. At last, we would be sailing by moonlight!
If you like our content and would like to support us, we will give you ad-free access to our videos before they go live to the public, discounts in our shop, access to Jamie’s iconic full-res photographs, and supporter-only blog posts. Click our ugly mugs for more info!
The tug you saw are called Articulated tug barges (ATBs)
Thank you, Carrie. Now I know!