Fancy New Phinisi Cruise Around Komodo Islands

Jun 1, 2018 | 0

Phinisi Cruise

By Heidi Sarna.

Known for their dramatic sheer and double masts, phinisi sailing ships are the indigenous sailing craft of the Indonesian archipelago.

A brand new phinisi being built by one of Indonesia’s top hoteliers, AYANA Hotels, will set sail in July 2018. The 18-passenger luxury vessel is called AYANA Lako di’a, meaning “Safe Journey” in Balinese. Amenities include multi-course meals, professional spa treatments and activities from snorkeling to stand-up paddleboard (SUP) yoga and dolphin spotting.

The 18-passenger luxury AYANA Lako di’a, * Rendering: AYANA Hotels

The launching of the phinisi coincides with the September 2018 opening of the new 192-room AYANA Komodo Resort at Waecicu Beach on the island of Flores, a one-hour flight from Bali.

Said to be the world’s largest specially-built phinisi, AYANA Lako di’a will offer 2-, 3- and 5-night cruises round-trip from the AYANA Komodo Resort and sail among the scenic Komodo Islands. Highlights include diving opportunities and a visit to Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to see the famous Komodo dragons, the world’s largest lizards.

The legendary Komodo dragons. * Photo: AYANA Hotels

Phinisi ship-building is an ancient tradition originating in Sulawesi, Indonesia, by the Konjo people. In December 2017, UNESCO added South Sulawesi’s Phinisi boat-building craft to its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The 54-meter-long AYANA Lako di’a is a modern phinisi that will operate with a combination of sail and engine power, depending on wind conditions.

Rates are steep and range from SGD$805 to SGD$2,818 per night, per person. For more info, go to ayanakomodo.com.

The Saloon Galley. * Rendering: AYANA Hotels

Outdoor Deck. * Rendering: AYANA Hotels

Luxury Suite. * Rendering: AYANA Hotels

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About The Author

QuirkyCruise

Ted & Heidi are long-time travel writers with a penchant for small ship cruising. Between them they've traveled all over the world aboard hundreds and hundreds of small cruise ships of all kinds, from river boats to expedition vessels and sailing ships.

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HEIDI SARNA

I'm up to 78 countries and 110+ cruises worldwide, and it's the small ship journeys that I love writing about most. And so QuirkyCruise.com was born, an excellent research tool for planning your own unforgettable small ship trip.

THEODORE W. SCULL

I have traveled between all continents by sea and cruised along three dozen rivers. Ships and travel are in my blood, and so is writing. My journeys have translated into many books and many hundreds of articles.

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Heidi & Ted and their team of curious travel writers explore the far corners of the world to share their experiences & insights about small-ship cruising.

Heidi M. Sarna

So far, I’ve explored 78 countries around the world by boat, road, plane, foot, bicycle and camel. My first big journey was a six-month trip around the world back in the days when…

Theodore W. Scull

I am happiest near water, over water or better still on a conveyance moving through water. When my brother Sandy and I were deemed old enough, mother took us to Europe by ship.

Peter Knego

John Roberts

Judi Cohen

Robin McKelvie

Ben Lyons

Dana Freeman

Gene Sloan

Randy Mink

Judi Cuervo

Lynn and Cele Seldon

Elysa Leonard

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