SILOLONA Sojourns

Inspired by the traditional Indonesian phinisi cargo ships that once plied the spice trading routes between China and India in search of nutmeg, pepper, sandalwood and textiles centuries ago, Silolona Sojourns’ pair of phinisi schooners are luxurious versions of these classic sailing vessels, motorized and built to German Lloyd’s safety standards.

Founder and owner Patti Seery, who passed away in late 2020, was an American expat who has spent 35 years in Indonesia. She supervised the fleet’s construction in Sulawesi, an Indonesian island known for its master boat builders.

Made by hand with tropical hardwoods, the 164-foot Silolona and the 131-foot Si Datu Bua, have the big dark-colored gaff rigged sails of the traditional phinisi and the fore and aft sails used by classic European-built sailing ships.

Silolona Sojourns pair of gorgeous phinisi schooners. * Photo: Silolona Sojourns

Seery’s business model, which remains today, was to charter the boats to wealthy individuals who want to travel with their families, friends or colleagues to the remote islands of eastern Indonesia (and other places) on custom-designed cruises to scuba dive and snorkel. An expedition leader and a PADI instructor are aboard every sailing.

Guests enjoy the good life with excellent meals, massages and lots of R & R.

Ship, Year Delivered & Passengers

Silolona (built 2004, 10 passengers)

Si Datu Bua (built 2012, 6 passengers)

The Sidatu Bua is a masterpiece like her sister. * Photo: Silolona Sojourns

Silolona Sojourn Passenger Profile

Families and groups of friends from Europe, Asia, North America and other parts of the world looking for luxury and adventure.

Passenger Decks

2, with no elevators.

Price

$$$ Expensive

Included Features

Excursions
Diving for certified passengers
Snorkeling & water sports equipment
Soft drinks

The islands of Indonesia are simply breathtaking. * Photo: Silolona Sojourns

Silolona Sojourn Itineraries

One- to two-week cruises are scheduled in the region according to the four regional monsoon seasons for smooth sailing, but the exact itinerary and focus (whether diving or cultural experiences) is custom-designed according to what passengers are looking for.

As each ship only has a handful of cabins, most cruises are chartered by families or small groups, though a few per year are sold to individuals.

April – August: Itineraries focus on the eastern half of the Indonesia archipelago, from Komodo, famous for its “dragons” and Flores to the islands of the Savu Sea for local culture and spectacular scenery.

September – November: The focus is on the islands of Banda, the Spice islands, the stunning Raja Ampat archipelago for excellent diving and snorkeling, and West Papua, known for the fascinating customs and culture of its tribal people.

December – March: Possible itineraries include Raja Ampat and Papua’s Cenderawasih Bay; the archipelago of Langkawi, off the northwestern coast of Malaysia, and the islands off the western coast of Thailand — both areas are known for their gorgeous limestone rock formations and slivers of gorgeous beach; the Mergui archipelago off the coast of southern Myanmar (Note, not currently a destination) known for their exotic birds, wildlife, sea creatures, beaches and the culture of the local “Moken” people; and cruises around the Andaman Islands, belonging to India, located in the eastern Bay of Bengal and known for excellent diving and snorkeling.

Snorkeling and scuba diving are a big draw in the eastern islands of Indonesia. * Photo: Silolona Sojourns

Why Go?

To see remote parts of Indonesia in the lap of luxury in intimate surroundings with your family or friends.

When to Go?

The line schedules its cruises to avoid the prevailing monsoons in the various parts of Southeast Asia.

Silolona Sojourn’s Cabins

Silolona’s five suites and Si Datu Bua three suites are predominantly wood paneled and tastefully incorporate Indonesian textiles, woodcarvings and handicrafts.

They’re all air-conditioned, have portholes, and queen beds or twins beds. Amenities include robes, toiletries, hairdryers and safe.

Charming cabins incorporate traditional Indonesian art and design. * Photo: Silolona Sojourns

Silolona Sojourn’s Public Rooms

Each has an inside dining area and a lounge with a bar, plus outdoor seating including sun beds and small aft and forward lounging areas as well. Though the cabins are lovely, you’ll want to spend as much time up on deck as possible.

Sidatu Bua is gorgeous inside and out. * Photo: Silolona Sojourns

Dining with Silolona Sojourn

Meals are served at one or two tables and are a combination of Indonesian and western flavors, with local seafood, veggies and spices worked into the menu.

From fresh sushi and prawns to flakey croissants and pancetta-wrapped sea scallops, mealtime is a highpoint.

Activities & Entertainment

The ships are certified PADI dive centers with a dive master, and you can get certified on board for an extra cost.

Besides diving equipment, the ships also carry snorkeling gear, kayaks, water skis, wake boards, and fishing gear. All this, plus several inflatable tender boats to zip passengers to remote spots to do all this stuff.

On out-of-the-way beaches, wood and canvas umbrellas are stuck into the sand and the crew lays out rattan beach mats, towels and fancy picnic lunches.

Back on board, be pampered with massages, as one or two crew members are certified massage therapists in addition to performing other duties.

Requests like yoga classes and full-time massage therapists can also be accommodated, as this is a “your-wish-is-my-command” sort of cruise.

The pair of yachts each have a music system as well as a TV in the lounge, though there’s live entertainment too. The musical crew invariably brings out their guitars and sings for passengers a few evenings a week.

Otherwise, it’s drinks, conversation and soaking up gorgeous sunsets through the rigging while reveling in the romance of being on such an exotic ship in such exotic places.