reflected by Chinese trade ceramics, and walls adorned with original
maps and charts of Southeast Asia dating from the 16th to the 18th
centuries. The finish, service and amenities are five-star, such as the
silky towels made from sustainable bamboo fibres.
From June through September, the pair are based in Labuan Bajo and
operate charters in the Komodo archipelago, eastern Flores and the Savu
Sea. From October to May, they head northeast to Ambon and charter to
Raja Ampat, the Spice Islands and Cenderawasih Bay in Papua.DUNIA BARU ADDS ADVENTURE
At 50m in length, Dunia Baru was a powerful addition to the
family of charter phinisis when it was launched in December 2013
after eight years of painstaking construction by Konjo shipwrights.
The yacht is owned by Mark Robba, who also has a strong
attachment to the region and has joined the yacht on adventures
around and beyond Asia, including deep into the Pacific Ocean.
The American has also ensured Dunia Baru has been meticulously
maintained from launch.
Accommodating 14 guests in seven staterooms and serviced by 18
crew, Dunia Baru was built for adventure and has an on-board dive
instructor and full facilities for 14 divers. She also has a fantastic
open kitchen on the aft deck where guests can watch the chef prepare
meals.
The yacht is family-friendly, with high side railings and safe
cushioned play area outdoors, while there’s expansive deck space for
lounging, partying or exercise, and a roof deck ideal for morning yoga,
offering panoramic views.
Dunia Baru is available for charter in the waters of Komodo
National Park and surrounds from April until October, then Raja
Ampat from November until March. Rates start from US$101,500
inclusive per week.
Operator Dunia Baru Adventures has also been keen to clarify that
its charters in Komodo will not be affected by the potential 2020 closure
of Komodo Island, a measure designed to allow the natural habitat torejuvenate in order to sustain the island’s population of dragons and
deer. Other charter yachts will also continue visiting the area.
In fact, Komodo Island accounts for just 390sqkm of the 3,329sqkm
land area of the Komodo Biosphere Reserve and National Park.
While Komodo dragons share their name with the island, they
can also be found on Rinca, Padar, Gili Motong and on some parts of
Flores, while Rinca offers plenty of hiking options for visitors, who can
walk with guides along a range of trails from the ranger station.
Komodo National Park will remain open, divers will still be able
to see manta rays, turtles, pygmy seahorses and coral gardens, and
visitors will still be able to see dragons.http://www.voyage.yachtsourcing.com
http://www.silolona.com
http://www.duniabaru.comThe 40m Si Datu Bua (left) and 50m Silolona (above) are a popular charter pairingThe 51m Dunia Baru is built for adventure and meticulously maintained© DUNIA BARU ADVENTURES© SILOLONA SOJOURNS / J. RADCLIFFE© SILOLONA SOJOURNS / SHANE GRANGE