PULAU PEKACANG INDONESIA

PULAU PEKACANG

INDONESIA

Some 50 nautical miles east of Sumatra and 240 west of Borneo, virtually in the middle of nowhere, there is a group of islands called Kepulauan Tuju, an archipelago. About seven islands have names, one is not charted and possibly a few small ones are not honored with a name either. A lucky one that has a name is Pulau Pekacang. From a distance it just looks like another scenic island of Indonesia. At a close glance it shows amazing beauty of its landscapes and coastline.

Another small island emerges at a closer look, that one is not charted. And further afield yet another island, Pulau Cebia, some 3 nautical miles from Pekacang. Pulau Cebia has a few houses, a small village where squid fishermen live.

Pulau Pekacang is uninhabited, rocky terrain is dramatic and scenic, joy to observe.

The single islands are obviously uninhabited and access to reach them is limited. The reefs and rocks extend from their coastline.

Never the less they are pleasing pictures to look at even though stepping on them is not easy. A bit of look not touch situation which protects the wild life. Cruising these parts of Indonesia is a real pleasure and absolute adventure.

CROSSING THE EQUATOR INDONESIA

CROSSING THE EQUATOR

INDONESIA

There is no indication, across the sea, as to where the Equator line actually crosses. One minute you are in the Northern Hemisphere and the next in the Southern. OK, so it is opposite to some 9 years ago when we crossed from the Southern Hemisphere to the Northern. Back then we were day hopping and towing the dinghy behind so it was handy to get to the beach to celebrate Crossing of the Equator for the first time by boat.

Now we are on a passage and sailing against the wind so celebrations are on deck rather than on a beach.

The nine years of cruising the region has been a fabulous experience. It was exploring of different cultures and cuisines, meeting kind and genuinely friendly people, learning some of the languages to help communication.

They were years of learning about nature, wildlife and marine life. Years of fun, beach walking, swimming and snorkeling.

They were years of meeting other sailors, people that understand all the reasons for cruising and think alike.

Crossing of the Equator line does not put an end to our amazing lifestyle. It is just going to continue on the other side of the Equator.