After more than 250 days of rowing across the Pacific Ocean, Louis has officially set foot on land in Indonesia, on the island of Waigeo, marking a major milestone in his human-powered journey around the world.
A Historic Crossing
Leaving from the Marquesas Islands on June 1, 2025, Louis covered more than 11,000 kilometers – nearly a quarter of the Earth’s circumference.
Over the entire Pacific crossing — from Lima — he spent more than 250 days alone at sea, becoming:
-the 17th person in history to row solo and unassisted across the Pacific Ocean,
-and the first Swiss ever to complete this legendary route.
An Arrival Just 200 Meters from Shore
Upon reaching the coast of Waigeo, Louis had to wait several days — just 200 meters from land — for his entry visa to be processed. He was finally able to step ashore legally during the night of October 15 to 16, a symbolic final delay in a crossing full of twists and challenges.
Months of Contrasts and Unexpected Encounters
The first half of the Pacific proved particularly demanding: unstable weather, no visual landmarks, and long stretches of solitude. The second half, between the Marquesas and Indonesia, offered a completely different experience — turtles, rays, sharks, whales, encounters with local fishermen, helicopter flyovers, and even a surprise beer delivery in the middle of the ocean. Moments like these will stay with him forever.
Moments like these will stay with him forever.
A Well-Deserved Break Before Continuing West
Louis is now taking a well-earned rest in Waigeo before resuming his route westward. The next part of the journey will see him island-hopping across Indonesia, heading toward Bali, then Singapore.
The exact route and logistics are still being studied, depending on weather and navigation conditions.
Only once he reaches that region will Stage 4 of his project be officially completed.
The Beginning of the Return to Switzerland
Once Stage 4 is finished, Louis will switch back to his bike, crossing Asia, the Middle East, and Europe all the way to Morges (Switzerland) — completing his human-powered circumnavigation of the globe. His goal: to break the world record for the fastest human-powered circumnavigation, currently standing at 5 years and 11 days.
Two Years on the Move Already
September 3, 2025 marked two years since Louis left Morges. In 24 months, he has completed the following stages:
1. 🚴 Switzerland → Portugal
2. 🚣 Portugal → Colombia
3. 🚴 Colombia → Peru
4. 🚣 Peru → Indonesia ⏳ (still underway)
The adventure continues — but this arrival in Indonesia stands as a key and historic moment in this extraordinary human-powered challenge.
