Beautiful Pulau Tomahu with it’s lurking danger

Embarking on a journey to Pulau Tomahu promises an escapade into a tropical paradise that remains relatively untouched by the tourist brochures. This small island, nestled off the northwest coast of Pulau Buru, serves as a serene waypoint for sailors and adventurers alike, seeking solace in its pristine natural beauty. While the island itself may not be widely documented, the anticipation of discovering this hidden gem fuels the excitement. 

Our journey across the top of Pulau Buru afforded us with spectacular scenery 

The voyage from Namlea, the bustling capital of Buru, to the tranquility of Pulau Tomahu offers a contrasting experience. It's the allure of secluded beaches and vibrant coral reefs that beckoned us, promising a refreshing respite and an opportunity to connect with some of the rally participants we haven’t seen since Debut. 

Pulau Tomahu lived up to expectations 

Nanely the Village across the passage from Pulau Tomahu 

Once we had securely anchored, we swiftly made our way to the dinghy. Eager to plunge into the crystal-clear waters by the stunning white sandy beach, we felt like we were in paradise once more, with the sand between our toes and the gentle waves at the shore. We beach combed along the gorgeous white sandy beach adding to my ever increasing shell collection taking in the natural beauty on offer. 

Beautiful sandy beach to walk along

What shells Rob?

The beautiful pristine reef beckoned us for more exploring. Before long, all four of us were wading in the water up to our necks to cool off. Seeing other cruisers snorkeling, we hurried back to the boat to grab our snorkeling gear and join them.

Upon returning to the boat, Rob's phone once again connected to our Starlink Wi-Fi, and a notification chimed – we had mail. As Rob opened the message, his face turned pale. Unbeknownst to us, we had unknowingly endangered our lives. The urgent message from the Indonesian Rally organiser warned of crocodiles in the anchorage. "Don't swim!" Rob quickly jumped into the dinghy to alert others, whether in the water or on their boats, about the lurking danger in those beautiful waters.

That evening, relaying all of our close to death experiences, over a few drinks with the other cruisers on the beach at sundowners, we had a good laugh at our foolishness in not asking the locals about crocodiles. The beautiful tranquil waters had us so excited to consider see any risks. 

The following day we visited the nearby village of Nanaly, across the passage on Buru. This visit added a cultural dimension, offering insights into the local way of life and traditions.

Visiting Nanaly, a village that epitomizes the grace of simplicity and the wealth of community, was a heartwarming experience that enriched our understanding of living harmoniously with nature. The villagers, with their modest means, showcased an extraordinary level of hospitality by providing a Welcome cultural showcase and a luncheon that was both a feast for the senses and a testament to their generous spirit. The children, adorned in traditional costumes, were not just a sight to behold but a living homage to a culture deeply rooted in tradition and respect for their forebears.

Traditional costumes and danced with enthusiasm by each participant welcoming us to their village 

Aa extremely tasty luncheon was supplied by the village of traditional dishes of the region.

The welcoming committee 🤗

Nanaly’s economy is intricately tied to the natural bounty of the sea and the forest, illustrating a lifestyle of sustainability that many in the world are striving to return to. The village boasts a school that serves as a beacon of hope and progress, where we met Rudi, a teacher whose pride in his students, particularly their achievements in learning English, was both palpable and contagious. Our visit to Nanely offered a rare glimpse into a way of life that prioritizes communal well-being, environmental stewardship, and cultural preservation.

Karen getting the explanation on how the women collect spices, seeds and nuts. Dry them by the sun and then export them.

Harvesting Spices and drying them by the sun ready for export

Fishing is still the main occupation for the men

The men were all in the Village today as we were honoured guests.

The following days celebration of Indonesia's Independence Day added another layer to our understanding of the country's rich history and resilient spirit. The fervour with which the villagers celebrated their national identity, freedom, and unity was a powerful reminder of Indonesia's long journey to independence, marked by struggles against colonial powers and the triumph of becoming a sovereign nation in August 1945. The speeches, parade, and raising of the flag were not just ceremonial but a reaffirmation of their independence and a tribute to their forefathers' sacrifices. Witnessing these events in the context of a village that thrives on simplicity and communal harmony was a profoundly moving experience that highlighted the indomitable spirit of the Indonesian people.

You can watch the Episode that covers our visit to Pulau Tomahu and Nanaly Villige here ▶️ https://tinyurl.com/DreamtimeSailEp90 

Thanks for catching our latest Blog, cheers R&K 

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We found paradise but we may never leave as our anchor is stuck solid. You can watch it here. 👉  http://tinyurl.com/DreamtimeSailEp87

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