5 Days on board "The Best Luxury Charter Yacht in Indonesia" A Daily Charter Log
Ever wondered what a private Superyacht charter in Indonesia would be like? Allan Jouning of 37South shares this rare day by day account of his experience on board what has been termed "the best Superyacht in the region", S/Y DUNIA BARU. The five day journey begins in Bali and heads east, dotting along the top of Nusa Tengarra, finishing in the Komodo National Park. Read on for the full day by day account...
Bali to Labuan Bajo, Familiarisation Trip May 2017 INDONESIA
Story by Allan Jouning
Photos by Andrea Guerin
DAY ONE: TUESDAY 16TH MAY
All guests aboard by 1700Hrs Serangan Harbour – Five brokers plus myself. Depart Bali for 24 Hour run to Lombok and Sumbawa, good sea conditions. DUNIA BARU is a traditional Indonesian, Phinisi style boat and although there was an ocean swell running on the beam the yacht was very stable. These yachts do not have stabilizers but the weight and the solid 'Iron wood' timber of the hull, made for a very comfortable evening. Dinner was served in the 'country kitchen', with Chef Tom creating a Pumpkin and shrimp soup, accompanied by a mild chilli hot sauce followed with a seared Tuna dish for a main, all prepared and served in front of 9 guests.
DAY TWO: WEDNESDAY 17TH MAY
Everyone one got up at different times due to jet lag – catch up etc, you arrive in the kitchen and Tom will prepare any meal you wish from Continental, Indonesian to full cooked breakfast at any time. Todays special was an omelette with avocado and condiments, followed by a fresh fruit platter. Morning was catch-up time for those that needed internet, reading and relaxing. By lunch time we will be in the lee of Sumbawa.
1530 -20 miles from destination, all into Tender to get to the destination with some light left. DUNIA BARU will follow on and meet us there. Flat water in the RIB at 25 knots. Island is Palau Satonda, the knowledgeable crew inform us about the interesting geographic and historic features of the island. It has a salt water crater lake in the middle which is below sea level. It was created by a volcanic tsunami that filled it and it is somehow connected to the ocean underground - we hiked to the top and then went for a swim and boarded at 1900 for drinks and dinner.
DAY THREE: THURSDAY 18TH MAY
Early start to Palau Sangeang, two village visits – one showing the weaving, very prosperous looking village. The other like small subsistence farm - great contrast. Moved over night to Komodo National park Noon dive at Komodo, others snorkelled and beach, Move early afternoon to Gila laua Laut – hiked to top of small mountain for sunset and champagne - dinner on board.
DAY FOUR: FRIDAY 19TH MAY
Cruised to Rindja, Komodo national park office – land tour of the dragons – hike across island. 1000 Hrs – sand bar snorkel for the Manta Ray. Dunia Baru continues onto Padar. Divers X 3 to the most challenging dive site in Komodo, Batu Bolong, very strong currents going down! Way down to Middle earth! So very careful dive – 20 meters – great turtles - fish live. 1300 – Lunch – afternoon of water sports – jet ski – wave board – paddle board. Evening hike for excellent sunset and champagne.
DAY FIVE: SATURDAY 20TH MAY
Departed 0600 Hrs for – South Side Rindja – Nusa Kode, arrived 0900 Hrs – special Nasi Goreng for breakfast. Dive at 1000 Hrs - vis not so good but lots small fish and corals. Canibal Rock 1100Hrs – ashore in tender to “dragon” beach. Offered up the brokers to the dragons for lunch... the dragons said no. 1230hrs – underway for afternoon anchorage Water toys – Beach BBQ for the night.
DAY SIX: SUNDAY 21ST MAY
Underway 0800 Hrs - sails up - Arrived pink beach at 1300 – snorkel – umbrellas and beach chairs all set up, very nice last day – good snorkelling. 1800 – proceeded to Labuan Bajo for departure am Monday. Fore deck dancing – great dinner – Trip de brief and video after dinner. Monday 22nd – departed 0745.
