The warmth of the sun, the wind in hair, and a good book to read, your sea voyages to the neighbouring eastern islands will be filled with sunny days, warm breezes and starlit nights.
Cruising in a destination such as the Indonesian archipelago, where each stop leads you to something new and every moment on board is about your enjoyment, will definitely leave a memorable experience in your travel diary. A number of yacht charters available here on the Island of the Gods make it even more convenient to access the pristine waters surrounding the neighbouring islets, and even to the far reaches of Papua. And no matter where you travel, your preferences, from the gourmet meals to the daily excursions, are always first priority.
A luxury vessel that invites you to a bespoke seafaring adventure is the expedition yacht MV Salila. With Salila, you can traverse through remote frontier destinations onboard a lavish private charter yacht specifically designed to accommodate tailor-made travels. More than just a premium vessel, Salila delivers an unforgettable journey for discerning travellers seeking one-of-a-kind experiences.
Salila, from the outside, may not look like a ship of leisure – she was once a Japanese fishing vessel, built in 1991. It looks more like a warship compared to your usual yachts but with its 5 decks and huge space it has plenty of room for luxuries. When it was converted between 2009-2012, traces of its rougher, fishing past were replaced with interiors that resemble a top 5-star hotel. Any designer would marvel at the contemporary interiors, which blend marble, white oak, limestone and marine-inspired materials (such as mother of pearl) to create an ambience that offers only sophistication. With its many windows, you can be assured that each room is showered in natural light and views of the ‘Eastern Islands’.
The two master cabins onboard come complete with a plush king-size bed and an en-suite bathroom equipped with a bathtub should you feel like having a good soak after a day out in the sun. Expect top-notch amenities such as a flat screen TV, DVD player, a working desk and a large viewing port. On top of the master cabins, Salila also offers two semi-master double cabins and six regular cabins (two double and four twin cabins) with en-suite bathrooms. Each of them comes with a flat screen TV and DVD player. Other amenities include a room-to-room telecom system and individually regulated air conditioning as well as a safety box. Comfortable and spacious, the cabins can accommodate up to 20 people staying overnight.
The bar, of course, is a popular spot where guests can gather and commune over a glass of fresh juice during the day or a glass of wine or cocktail in the evening. It comes fully equipped to serve all your requests, from tea to tequila. The dining room features two stunning long tables carved out of the finest wood, where you can sample an array of delectable menus tailor-made to your preference by the vessel’s trained chefs.
Whilst Salila’s interiors provide for absolute and total comfort, you’d most likely like to spend your time out on the open deck – which is just as impressive as the interior, but with a better view! Sprawl out on the sundeck on very top of the vessel, complete with full wet bar and outdoor couches. What really takes the ticket however is the open air Jacuzzi which allows you to soak up the sun, whilst soaking yourself. Undoubtedly, this is the place where you want to be during sunset. Have a glass of wine in hand and just enjoy the magical view followed by a romantic, stargazing evening.
The Sky Lounge, Salila’s shaded deck, is social area perfect for enjoying refreshments as the gentle lull of waves reminds you that you are out at sea. The view, as can be imagined, is breathtaking, and luckily the scene is ever-changing upon the Salila, as you cruise to new vistas.
All luxuries aside, the vessel is well equipped with recreational gear: the rear part of the ship is designed to accommodate you while preparing for scuba diving, snorkeling or other activities. An additional swimming platform that can be lowered to sea level provides a nice place for a refreshing swim or settle in the kayaks.
For more challenge, traditional fishing or strolling competitions can be arranged from the tender boats. Experience the islands underwater paradise by diving together with experienced dive guides who are keen to show you everything from tiny creatures to big fish.
On land, you’ll get the chance to visit small local villages hidden in the jungle or located in small isolated islands, you will encounter fishermen and boat makers, women who still make traditional weaving or pottery and curious children who greet the visitors with big smiles and sparkling eyes. Finish the day with a drink and delicious food at Salila’s lavish BBQ on the beach while singing and dancing together with the crew under the sparkling stars. Salila’s routes are different throughout the year, but you can rest assured, each destination is a world of tropical exoticism: from Bali to Lombok, and Submbawa and even to the dream dive spots of Raja Ampat (and more).
Another option, Alila Purnama, the Alila Hotels and Resorts’ luxury Phinisi, takes you on voyages of discovery throughout the stunning, undiscovered waters and islands of Raja Ampat and the Komodo Islands. Each expedition will see you experience amazing sea and island-hopping adventures, alongside world-class diving in some of Indonesia’s most pristine destinations. An accomplished kite surfer, surfer and diver, Alila Purnama’s Captain, Mario Gonzalez, has accumulated extensive knowledge of the best dive sites in Indonesia and West Papua in his years of sailing the Indonesian waters. From night diving with Eupalette sharks in Raja Ampat to drift-diving with schools of snappers and jack fish in the Komodo Islands, Mario will share with you the ultimate insider’s guide to the best diving in Indonesia.
Alila Purnama also has its own fully licensed PADI dive centre, catering to qualified divers. Development courses offered onboard range from Advanced Open Water Diver to over 16 specialties, including Enriched Air Nitrox, Deep, Peak Performance Buoyancy, Drift and Underwater Naturalist. There is plenty of equipment for all guests onboard as well as a dedicated freshwater rinse tank for camera equipment.
The 46-metre-long Alila Purnama consists of three decks and has been built by hand in the traditional style of a Phinisi, as used by the Bugis seafarers from south Sulawesi in Indonesia.
On board there is a library, lounge, bar, indoor dining area seating up to 10 people, and plenty of space outside to unwind and enjoy the views! The vessel is also equipped with complimentary WiFi access, enabling you to upload your trip photos on a daily basis. You will be able to dine at leisure in the air-conditioned dining room or on the outdoor deck. Meals and an extensive list of non-alcoholic beverages are all-inclusive while alcoholic beverages including wines, beers and cocktails are available for an additional charge. The main outdoor deck has large oversized daybeds shaded by umbrellas – perfect for a relaxing day or night and enjoying the fresh sea breezes. And with a spa therapist aboard the vessel, guests can succumb to the soothing pleasures of a signature Alila massage onboard or on a nearby beach.
In Komodo, East Nusa Tenggara, Wunderpus offers both personal and private charters for a luxury liveaboard experience onboard a 25-metre traditional Phinisi. Wunderpus’ 4-7 days Manta Trips offer you the chance to see these amazing creatures and learn more about them as well as actively get involved with the efforts to protect and study these gentle giants of the sea. But Mantas are really just the icing on the cake, for reef sharks, turtles, tuna, giant trevally, Napoleon Wrasse and a host of other beautiful fish and amazing macro critters are all on show here.
Accommodation on Wunderpus consists of 2 double cabins with queen size beds and 2 double/twin cabins with a queen size bed and a single bunk. All 4 cabins are equipped with AC, spring beds, ensuite bathroom with hot water shower, charging points for your electrical devices and ample storage. Wunderpus also has 2 upper decks for relaxing and comfortable sunbeds for the times between dives, one of these is shaded and one is uncovered so you can work on your tan or look up at the stars at night. The onboard chef will prepare 4 delicious meals per day for you to enjoy either in the boat’s air conditioned salon or on deck where you can enjoy the spectacular beauty of your surroundings in the day, or dine under the stars at night.
For schedules and reservations, you can contact:
ALILA PURNAMA
+62 361 236 384
www.alilahotels.com
SALILA
Jalan Danau Poso No.40, Sanur
+62 361 282 933
www.salila-indonesia.com
WUNDERPUS
Jalan Soekarno-Hatta, Labuan Bajo, Flores, East Nusa Tenggara
+62 812 3672 1207
www.wunderpusliveaboard.com
