For boats
Kalabahi is
located at the end of deep fjord. The bay and anchorages are protected from all
winds except W. Kalabahi is middle size dusty city where you can find most
facilities and some attractions.
APPROACH
The pass
between Pantar and Alor has strong current. Mostly going S. After LW current
seems to be light. If the current is against you as close to the shore as you comfortable.
Should be less current or even counter running N. Note that electronics chart
are not detailed enough and could be moved.
When
already in the fjord there is no current, but watch for fishing net and FAD’s.
Keep closer to the N coast.
ANCHORAGES
There is a
few places god for anchor:
A)
There is a
small bay located in an area of town called Kenarilang, just 2 km out of the
center of Kalabahi. It is on position:
08 13.412S
and 124 30.311E (15m, mud and sand)
This bay is
a little bit more protected during W winds then other anchorages.
There is a
mini bus called Bemo going to/from Kalabahi. Stop the bemo by hand on the main
road in front of the bay and town.
Dinghy
landing – just go on shore and tie the dinghy to the tree.
B)
There is
enough space for 3-4 yachts in the main harbor. The depth rises predictably and
there are no dangers in the anchorage area. Anchor just outside the two concrete
wharfs in 15-25 meters of water. Leave
enough space for maneuvering small ships approaching to the wharfs. The bottom
is mud with good holding. This anchorage is good protected, by its very close
to the busy and noisy harbor.
08 13.194S
and 124 30.891E
Dinghy
landing at small concret wharfs with stairs inside the harbor’s basin.
C)
Nice and
large anchoring area is located just after the main harbor. It is on position:
08 13.337S
and 124 31.274E (sand bottom, 15-25 meters)
Is more
quiet (no city noise) but also more expose to W winds and waves. Could be a
little rolly during W breeze but still very safe. Still close to the city
enter.
Dinghy
landing at small concrete wharfs with stairs inside the harbor’s basin (same as
anchorage B).
D)
Very quiet
anchorage at the end of the bay. Is a little exposed to W winds and waves, but
safe.
Drop the
anchor at 10m depth. Approx. position:
08 13,350S
and 124 31,824E (good holding)
Dinghy
landing in city harbor (as described in above anchorages), distance to go about
1 NM or go to nearest shore, but you are out of the city center.
FORMALITIES
No data
FUEL
There is a
fuel station in the harbor, but there is no dock to moor. Use your jerry jugs
to transport diesel (called Solar).
WATER
No data, ask
local people from the boats.
PROVISIONING
There is
many small or medium size groceries. Do not expect much and you get it. Local
market has fresh vegetables and fruits.
BANKS, ATMs
Few banks
and ATMs in the town
WiFi
Best option
is to buy a Telekom SimCard with internet data. Some restaurants has own free Wi-Fi.
OTHER
Post
office, laundry services, restaurants, street food.
For crews
Visit a
local market, eat a street food (grilled cumi cumi / squids and fishes are
awesome)
Excellent
diving can be had in the Pantar
Strait. However it’s best
to go with a local dive operator, as currents are fierce and can be dangerous.
Dive operators easy to find in the internet.
A
restaurant “Resto Mama” serve a local food. Visit it and try fish soup – delicious.
Fees
Anchorage – no fees