A century ago, cruises were considered the premium vacation for the crème de la crème of society, with grand ballrooms and banquets offering the same class and service afforded on land. But today, the new luxury comes at a much smaller scale, with a growing preference for bespoke and boutique experiences; a preference now reflected in how we choose to voyage across the seas.

Samsara Samudra

In Indonesia, liveaboards have taken over as the preferred, premium seafaring vessel: intimate and whimsical, capturing a sense of adventure whilst providing comforts that parallel five-star hotels. There may be no better to cruise and explore the seas of the world’s largest archipelago. Here we share some of the most enviable vessels sailing Indonesia’s waters today.


Samsara Samudra

There is perhaps no more poetic name one can give a grand phinisi than Samsara Samudra. Rooted in Sanskrit origins, samsara is the term for the Hindu-Buddhist cycle of reincarnation, literally translated to ‘wandering through’; and samudra, ocean, or literally the ‘gathering of that which flows’.

This is precisely what Samsara Samudra offers passengers to experience, a wandering through the gather that which flows, an evocative invitation indeed. First setting sail in 2023, this private yacht is part of the Samsara Collection, best known for its boutique getaway in Bali, Samsara Ubud. The resort’s intimate and luxury experience is extended to its oceanic sister.

Measuring 42-metres in length, the custom-built phinisi embraces the Bugis’ mastery of ship carpentry, with seven white sails fanning majestically from stern to bow. Whilst its hull and masts are a perfect example of boat building tradition, the finishing and interiors are very much to modern tastes with elegant carved panels and bamboo-weave ceilings, elegant deep green accents and cream furnishings.

The all-timber vessel features three decks, open-plan living spaces and six elegant suites, including a master suite with a large bath tub and a private balcony. You will find all the luxuries you would expect from a boutique hotel, including a high-tech audio system, a well-stocked bar, a spa room, and ample space for unwinding and admiring the breath-taking scenery of Indonesia’s remote islands. The dining areas – both inside and outside – are designed to provide guests with the Samsara’s culinary experience at their leisure.

The interior design is a blend of classic elegance, featuring dark, rich wood accented with cream and touches of deep green, influenced by the exotic beauty of the Indonesian islands. “We believe that the design itself represents the DNA of Samsara as a brand: admiration and appreciation of traditions, yet embracing our modern ways of living and being part of a Global Citizen. The fusion of East meets West,” says Bayu Sarwono, the founder of Samsara Collection. 

The yacht hosts 12 guests, cared for by an expert crew of 16 –including a cruise director, chef, and dive guide– who together facilitate the on-board services from the gourmet dining, spa treatments to movie nights under the stars. Of course, diving and snorkelling, as well as water sports like kayaking and standup paddle, allow guests to fully take immerse themselves in life out at sea.

Whilst the yacht is an experience in and of itself, it is only half the story. Samsara Samudra sails to Komodo National Park, the Spice Islands (Banda or the Molucca) and Raja Ampat, with experiences that highlight each unique destination. Walk with dragons at Komodo National Park, explore abandoned forts and nutmeg groves of the Spice Islands, or seek out shipwrecks and birds of paradise at Raja Ampat. Culture, history and nature come together through each unique journey.

Samsara Samudra is available for private charter for up to 12 guests, inclusive of all meals and refreshments (non-alcoholic), land and water excursions and activities. Destinations are seasonal: Komodo (May-October), Spice Islands (October-April), Raja Ampat (November-March).

+62 813-5354-2565 (Charter Inquiry)
@samsarasamudra
samsarasamudra.com


AYANA Lako di’a

The luxury yacht of the five-star resort AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach, AYANA Lako di’a, invites guests to jump aboard a sophisticated phinisi for a two-day expedition around the ‘Cape of Flowers.’

Not everyone has the luxury of spending a week on the high seas, as such, Lako di’a Shared Luxury Cruises invites passengers to set sail for one night and two days. From Friday to Saturday, guests can embark on a curated itinerary across Komodo National Park, experiencing its most highlight destinations whilst enjoying the lavish facilities on board.

One of the largest luxury vessels in Western Flores, the yacht features ultra-modern suite accommodation in nine fully air-conditioned en-suite cabins. Featuring a design that echoes the charmingly rustic essence of Flores Island, the vessel is decked with a living room, lounge, bar, and indoor dining area and daybeds on the main deck.

On the first day, the itinerary comprises a sail to Kalong Island, a small mangrove islet home to thousands of giant fruit bats known as kalong as they migrate to the mainland during sunsets and a breathtaking dinner under the stars on the main deck of the phinisi. The next day, guests will venture to three of the most famed destinations including a 90-minute hike to the verdant summit of Padar Island, the unique sands of Pink Beach, and Komodo Island, home to the largest living lizard on the planet, the majestic Komodo dragon.

The full-board Shared Luxury Cruise includes breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, free-flow mineral water and an invigorating variety of non-alcoholic beverages, water activities, leisure activities, Komodo National Park entrance fee, transfers to and from Komodo International Airport, and digital documentation.

Available for single or double occupancy, the vessel features a Master Suite sized 69 sqm with a king bed, private balcony, ocean view bathtub, and walk-in wardrobe, while the six Luxury Suites are sized 20 sqm, located in the middle deck with twin or double beds, ocean views from the bathroom, and a private balcony.

+62 385 244 1000
reservation@ayanalakodia.com
ayana.com


Plataran Private Cruises

With a fleet of eight schooners, yachts and speed boats at their disposal, Plataran Private Cruises invites guests to set upon the high seas at three distinct regions: the Thousand Islands, West Bali and Labuan Bajo. From sunset sails, to exotic day trips and of course, luxurious liveaboard excursions, guests are spoiled for choice when deciding upon their ocean experience.

Perhaps most impressive are the five unique phinisi schooners: traditional wooden vessels that evoke the romance and majesty of a bygone era. These phinisis are found at Plataran Komodo, Labuan Bajo, and Plataran Menjangan, West Bali National Park, each accessed from private jetties allowing for seamless transitions between resort and ship.

Plataran’s mission to preserve and showcase Indonesia’s maritime traditions is evident in their fleet, with each phinisi boasting its own style, character and history. What’s more, the experienced sailing crews of Plataran Private Cruises are the proud descendants of nautical ancestors in NTT, Sulawesi, Java, and Moluccas.

The largest boat in the fleet, Plataran Phinisi Malayeka was originally built in Tana Beru, Bulukumba, on the shores of South Sulawesi and now sails the seas around Flores. The 37,8-metre vessel hosts up to 14 overnight guests, with an indoor lounge, bar and dining area, a Master Terrace cabin and 6 bedrooms on the lower deck. Plataran Phinisi Ambasi was built in the Sungai Danau shipyard, South Kalimantan, previously owned by an Ambonese sailor of Dutch descent. With four cabins in the lower-deck, it can host up to 8 overnight guests on a cruise through the isles of East Nusa Tenggara. Though their builds are traditional, each phinisi is decked in modern comforts and conveniences, with air-conditioned cabins, ensuite bathrooms, sundecks ready for lounging. 

The phinisi fleet is available for private charters, with liveaboard excursions available from Labuan Bajo, exploring Komodo National Park and beyond. Enjoy snorkelling, island-hopping, and scenic sunset cruises, with each itinerary designed to connect guests to the beauty of the region.

+62 385 41019
privatecruises@plataran.com
plataran.com

NOW! Jakarta

NOW! Jakarta

The article is produced by editorial team of NOW!Jakarta