Arua at sea
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Private Charter

Arua

An intimate, seven-sail schooner specializing in private charter cruises to Komodo National Park.

Overview

Arua is a traditional Indonesian phinisi, designed for year-round private charters, following three to seven-day itineraries through the magnificent Komodo National Park. With only four guest cabins on board, Arua yacht is perfect for couples, friends, or families who prefer to travel in more intimate groups. There is no need to share your space with strangers.

Cabin Comforts

Built by the highly skilled seafaring people of Tanah Beru in South Sulawesi, this seven-sail schooner is representative of the beautiful, centuries-old maritime tradition of hand-crafted boatbuilding in Indonesia. All indoor and outdoor living areas, decks, and cabins are made from teakwood.

The four air-conditioned cabins, with queen and single beds, are designed with your relaxation in mind and can comfortably accommodate a maximum of nine guests for overnight trips. All have ample storage space and plenty of electrical outlets and are equipped with cotton sheets, microfiber pillows, blankets, bath towels, and beach towels. Each has a private en-suite bathroom with hot water, a flush toilet, washbasin, and a shower.  

Onboard Meals

Meals aboard the Arua yacht are prepared fresh and feature high-quality ingredients, which are hand-picked by your onboard cook from local markets. Dishes are lovingly prepared combining Indonesian, Asian and Western flavors.

Living Space

There is a kitchen and dining area on the main deck and an alfresco dining area on the upper deck. Additionally, there are two sundecks furnished with bean bags where you can relax under the tropical skies, watch the splendid scenery passing by, and experience the freedom of being at sea. 

Safety Onboard

The boat complies with marine safety standards and is equipped with all regulatory requirements including a life raft, lifebuoy, life jackets, fire extinguishers, fire blankets, and a first aid kit, ready to use and regularly inspected. The boat’s emergency plan and safety procedures are up-to-date, and the crew is trained to act accordingly in any emergency situation.

Facilities and Activities

Arua is equipped with a tender boat, snorkeling gear for adults and children, a sea kayak, stand-up paddleboards, floaties, a hammock, a ukulele, and a beach umbrella. On land, you can hike through jungles and savannah grasslands and explore the volcanic islands in the hope of spotting rare wildlife and birds, you can visit fishing communities, or wander through local villages to witness cultures unchanged by time.

Gaze in awe as thousands of bats come alive at sunset and shadow the sky; go kayaking, try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding, trek up active volcanoes or sunbathe on deserted white sandy beaches. From first-hand encounters with Komodo Dragons to snorkeling through vibrant reefs of soft and hard corals alongside colorful fish, giant manta rays, and turtles, you will experience the spontaneous warmth of the Indonesian culture as part of an unforgettable voyage.

The volcanic islands of Komodo inspire adventure, and customized itineraries have been designed to satisfy all ages so that you can discover the most spectacular scenery and wildlife around the Indonesian waters. The very able crew will ensure that you and your family and friends are very well looked after. 

Itineraries & Prices

All itineraries are subject to change due to seasonal weather conditions (and resultant variations in river and tributary water levels) affecting accessibility to locations. Thus navigation routes, times and excursions may need to be modified at the cruise captain’s or your guide's discretion.

1 / 5
3-Day
4-Day
5-Day
6-Day
7-Day

3 Day - Komodo

Sample Itinerary
itinerary map

Embarkation

08:30 Pick up from your hotel in Labuan Bajo

09:00 Departs to Kelor Island

10:00 Arrives at Kelor Island. Follow the short hiking trail for a gorgeous view from the top of the hill. Please bring comfortable shoes and don't forget to put on your sunscreen. Also bring some cash if you want to buy fresh coconut from one of the stalls at the beach. 

​12:00 Lunch will be served on board, buffet style. Generally, lunch and dinner will consist of rice, 2 types of white meat, 2 type of vegetables, and fresh fruits. If you are a vegan/vegetarian or have any food allergy, let us know and we will prepare the menu accordingly without additional cost. Gluten-free and Keto meals will be charged extra.

13:30 Heading to Manjarite Beach

14:00 Arrives at Manjarite Beach, a great spot for paddling or snorkeling as there is minimum waves and shallow water. The best spot is around the jetty and near the beach. Fans of Finding Nemo will be happy to know that they are able to see Nemo (clownfish), Dory (blue tang), Deb (damselfish), or Gill (moorish idol). You will be surrounded by so many small fishes. Please be careful with your movement so that you don't accidentally touch or kick them. Also, never ever touch or step on corals. They may look like rocks but they are actually fragile animals! 

16:00 Evening snack. Generally, the chef will serve fresh juice with banana fritters or other light snacks

17:00 Heading to Kalong Island. 

18:00 As the sun sets, watch the exotic attraction of thousands flying foxes (big bats) flying above you as they head out to feed for the night. Pictures don't do justice. You need to see it for yourself to experience how spectacular it is.

19:00 Your first day concludes with buffet dinner on the upper-deck outdoor dining area (if the weather permits). Spend the rest of the night lounging with your group or read some books from Arua's little library. Don't stay up too late though, for tomorrow we will start the day very early. During this time the boat will sail for around 2-3 hours heading near Padar Island and moored there for the night.

Arua Phinisi's 3-Day Komodo - Day 1 - Turtle
Location
Labuan Bajo
Day
1 / 3

Komodo National Park

05:30 Wake up call. Sorry to wake you up so early, but our next spot is best to visit before the sun is high and scorching. We promise you won't regret it. The chef will serve you light snacks for you to eat before you go or to take along. 

06:00 Start the hike to the top of the hill at Padar Island. This is the epic spot you might have seen everywhere! At the airport, travel brochure, and people's social media. Padar Island is part of the Komodo National Park, therefore you will notice the ticket office and plenty of park employees. Do not worry, your entrance tickets are already included in your package (for Indonesian only). Sometimes there is a line at the ticket office. Your guide will take care of this while you can go ahead to the start of the stairs where a park employee will inform you some park rules and regulations. You will need to climb around 800 steps of stairs to reach the top. This is the reason why it's best to do this early in the morning when the heat is bearable. For a relatively fit person, the hike to the top would take around 20 minutes. If this is struggling for you, take your time, control your breathing, and just slowly follow the pathway one step at a time. You will get there! The top is 185m above sea level and the view is breathtaking, you'll feel like you're standing on the shoulder of giants. 

08:00 Back to the boat for breakfast. Generally, breakfast will be light and served individually, not buffet. Our typical breakfast menu are fried rice with egg or burger with fries, and fresh juice. During breakfast, the boat will sail to our next destination nearby

09:30 Arrives at Long Pink Beach. Yes, the sands are actually pink! Although in reality the pink is very light like a faint blush rather than bold spotlight pink like what you see on social media. The simple explanation of this phenomenon is this: there are these tiny micro-organisms called Foraminifera which have red or bright pink shells.  These animals live on corals, beneath rocks, and on the sea floors. When they die, the wave action crushes the shells and washes the remains ashore. When the tiny fragments are mixed with the white sands, this produces the soft pink colour. This is the perfect spot if you want to relax or play on the beach. The sands are soft with few seashells so you can walk or run on the beach comfortably. 

12:00 Lunch on board, then the boat will sail to our next destination

13:30 Arrives at Komodo National Park at Loh Liang. Komodo National Park is recognised as a World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. The giant lizards, also known as "Komodo dragons", only exist in these areas and nowhere else in the world. Just like before at Padar, your guide will take care of the tickets as they are already included in your package (for Indonesian only). You will be greeted by park rangers who will guide you inside the park. You will be given 3 options for the trekking routes. Short route (2km - 30 minutes), medium route (2,5km - 1 hour), and long route (4,5km - 2 hours). Short and medium routes' difficulty are easy with good condition trails and very little elevation, and suitable for most visitors. We strongly suggest for you to take one of these routes to maximise today's itinerary. The long route's difficulty is a bit challenging with steep climbs and rugged terrains, and only suitable for those with very good physical condition. If you wish to take the long route, note that you will have to skip our next destination (Taka Makassar). Whichever route you chose, please remember that you are entering a wildlife habitat and it is very important to always stay close to your rangers and listen to their instructions, Should you be lucky and encounter a Komodo along the way, your ranger will generally instruct you to stand at a safe distance so that he could take your picture with the Komodo. At the end of your trail, you will find some stalls selling souvenirs and food/drinks. Please bring cash if you wish to buy some. Afterwards, return to the boat and we will sail to our next destination.

15:30 Evening snack is served

17:00 Arrives at Taka Makassar. It has no relation to the Makassar city in South Sulawesi. This tiny crescent island is very unique. With the size smaller than a football field, this island only appears when the sea water recedes. Here you can feel the sensation of "walking in the middle of the sea". 

19:00 Dinner is served and this concludes your second day.

Arua Phinisi's 3-Day Komodo - Day 2 - Long Beach
Location
Komodo
Day
2 / 3

Disembarkation

07:00 Breakfast on board

07:30 Try your luck and swim with the majestic Manta Rays at Manta Point. Sometimes they swim near the surface and when they do, you can even see them from the boat. If you're underwater and the mantas are swimming close to you, please DO NOT chase or touch them! You may think you’re being gentle or that the animal isn’t bothered, but you are likely causing the animal stress. Also remember to control your movement so you don't accidentally kick them with your fins. The best and safest way to observe the mantas is to keep your distance a few meters from them, and just stay there and be passive. If you want to be closer, move slowly while keeping your distance.

09:00 The boat will sail to a nearby spot and you have a chance to swim with sea turtles at Siaba Besar, also known as Turtle Point. Just like before with the mantas, please keep your distance and DO NOT chase or even touch the turtles. While manta rays generally don't mind being near people, sea turtles are very shy animals and will swim away if you get too close! Please do not stress them, and observe passively at a distance.

12:00 Lunch is served and the boat will sail back to Labuan Bajo.

15:00 Arrives in Labuan Bajo and you will be dropped off back to your hotel.

Arua Phinisi's 3-Day Komodo - Day 3 - Manjarite
Location
Labuan Bajo
Day
3 / 3
1 / 3

4 Day - Komodo

Sample Itinerary
itinerary map

Embarkation

AM: From Labuan Bajo we depart to Kelor Island.

PM: After lunch, enjoy Manjarite Beach, a great spot for snorkeling. Witness thousands of bats flying from Kalong Island at sunset.

Arua Phinisi's 4-Day Komodo - Day 1 - Komodo Island
Location
Labuan Bajo
Day
1 / 4

Komodo National Park

AM: Start your day early with a breathtaking view of Padar Island. Relax on the pink sands at Long Beach.

PM: Meet the Komodo dragons at Komodo Island. Wait for the sunset at Taka Makassar.

Arua Phinisi's 4-Day Komodo - Day 2 - Taka Makassar Sandbar
Location
Komodo
Day
2 / 4

Gili Lawa

AM: Visit Gili Lawa, also a great spot for snorkeling. Try your luck with Manta Rays at Manta Point.

PM: Swim with sea turtles at Siaba Besar.

Arua Phinisi's 4-Day Komodo - Day 3 - Padar in Wet Season
Location
Komodo
Day
3 / 4

Disembarkation

AM: Last chance of snorkeling and paddling at Sebayur Island.

PM: After lunch, back to Labuan Bajo.

Arua Phinisi's 4-Day Komodo - Day 4 - Relax on Floaties
Location
Labuan Bajo
Day
4 / 4
1 / 4

5 Day - Komodo

Sample Itinerary
itinerary map

Embarkation

PM: Pick up from airport at 11 AM - 1 PM. Check in Arua Phinisi. Lunch will be served on board. After lunch, we will cruise to Kelor Island. Follow the short hiking trail for a gorgeous view from the top of the hill, followed with water activities. Afterwards, we'll cruise to Kalong Island where you will experience the exotic attraction of thousands of flying foxes (big bats) flying above you during sunset as they head out to feed for the night. It's one of the most favorite tourist attractions that you should not miss.

Arua Phinisi's 5-Day Komodo - Day 1 - Padar
Location
Labuan Bajo
Day
1 / 5

Komodo National Park

AM: Start your day early with a breathtaking sunrise view of the islands from the top of Padar Island. It's the most popular spot in Komodo National Park and you might have seen pictures of it at the Komodo Airport when you first landed in Labuan Bajo. Back to the boat as we cruise to Komodo Island.

PM: After lunch, get ready for a close encounter with the komodo dragons at Komodo Island. Do not worry, a National Park Ranger will accompany you on the trek as well as taking your pictures with the dragons. During your trek you will also encounter various other wildlife such as wild pigs, deers, and buffaloes. Afterwards, relax on the pink sands of Long Beach (yes it's actually pink!). This is one of the very few pink sandy beaches worldwide and snorkeling here is also incredible.

Arua Phinisi's 5-Day Komodo - Day 2 - Wakeboard
Location
Komodo
Day
2 / 5

Gili Lawa Darat

AM: After breakfast, go snorkeling at Manta Point. It may not have the bright-colored coral that other sites are famous for, but it does have one thing, manta rays! If you are lucky, you may see more than a dozen swimming right next to you. Afterwards, we'll cruise to North Komodo.

PM: After lunch, drift snorkeling at Gili Lawa Laut/Darat. It's a stunning bay with white sandy beach and crystal-clear water. Both islands offer some of the best snorkeling opportunities. For the adventurers, go drift snorkeling in-between the narrow channels of the islands. Before sunset, take a short trek to the top of Gili Lawa Darat hill from which you'll enjoy stunning panoramic landscapes over the islands of Komodo National Park.

Arua Phinisi's 5-Day Komodo - Day 3 - Manta Rays
Location
Komodo
Day
3 / 5

Tatawa Besar, Siaba Besar

AM: After breakfast, get ready to go snorkeling at Tatawa Besar, one of the best coral gardens in Komodo. You will see many schools of fishes around.

PM: After lunch, snorkeling around Siaba Besar. This underwater hill is home to dozens of sea turtles sitting on the coral gardens. It's an easy snorkel in shallow and pristine clear water. Also a good spot if you want to go paddling. Afterwards, we will cruise to Kanawa Island, a hidden treasure island offering a diverse snorkeling site and a gorgeous beach, perfect to wait for sunset

Arua Phinisi's 5-Day Komodo - Day 4 - Rock Mountain
Location
Komodo
Day
4 / 5

Disembarkation

AM: Last chance of snorkeling/paddling at Bidadari Island before check out.

PM: You will be dropped off at Komodo Airport, and hopefully to see you again in the future!

Arua Phinisi's 5-Day Komodo - Day 5 - Tender Boat
Location
Labuan Bajo
Day
5 / 5
1 / 5

6 Day - Komodo

Sample Itinerary
itinerary map

Embarkation

PM: Pick up from airport at 11 AM - 1 PM. Check in Arua Phinisi. Lunch will be served on board. After lunch we will cruise to Kelor Island. Follow the short hiking trail for a gorgeous view from the top of the hill, followed with water activities. Afterwards, we'll cruise to Kalong Island where you will experience the exotic attraction of thousands of flying foxes (big bats) flying above you during sunset as they head out to feed for the night. It's one of the most favorite tourist attractions that you should not miss.

Arua Phinisi's 6-Day Komodo - Day 1 - Manta Ray
Location
Labuan Bajo
Day
1 / 6

Siaba Besar, Mawan Island

AM: Snorkeling around Siaba Besar. This underwater hill is home to dozens of sea turtles sitting on the coral gardens. It's an easy snorkel in shallow and pristine clear water. Also a good spot if you want to go paddling.

PM: After lunch, we'll cruise to Mawan Island, beautiful snorkeling with chance for Manta Rays. While sightings of manta rays here are a little less frequent, the interactions are generally longer and closer. Enjoy your evening relaxing at Taka Makassar, a gorgeous sandbank surrounded with turquoise water. One of the most popular site to take a drone video.

Arua Phinisi's 6-Day Komodo - Day 2 - Kayak at Sunset
Location
Komodo
Day
2 / 6

Padar Island

AM: Start your day early with a breathtaking sunrise view of the islands from the top of Padar Island. It's the most popular spot in Komodo National Park and you might have seen pictures of it at the Komodo Airport when you first landed in Labuan Bajo. Back to the boat as we cruise to Komodo Island.

PM: After lunch, get ready for a close encounter with the komodo dragons at Komodo Island. Do not worry, a National Park Ranger will accompany you on the trek as well as taking your pictures with the dragons. During your trek you will also encounter various other wildlife such as wild pigs, deers, and buffaloes. Afterwards, relax on the pink sands of Long Beach (yes it's actually pink!). This is one of the very few pink sandy beaches worldwide and snorkeling here is also incredible.

Arua Phinisi's 6-Day Komodo - Day 3 - Pink Beach
Location
Komodo
Day
3 / 6

Manta Point, Gili Lawa Laut

AM: After breakfast, go snorkeling at Manta Point. It may not have the bright colored coral that other sites are famous for, but it does have one thing, manta rays! If you are lucky, you may see more than a dozen swimming right next to you. Afterwards, we'll cruise to North Komodo.

PM: After lunch, drift snorkeling at Gili Lawa Laut/Darat. It's a stunning bay with white sandy beach and crystal-clear water. Both islands offer some of the best snorkeling opportunities. For the adventurers, go drift snorkeling in-between the narrow channels of the islands. Before sunset, take a short trek to the top of Gili Lawa Darat hill from which you'll enjoy stunning panoramic landscapes over the islands of Komodo National Park.

Arua Phinisi's 6-Day Komodo - Day 4 - Padar Island
Location
Komodo
Day
4 / 6

Tatawa Besar, Sebayur Island

AM: After breakfast, get ready to go snorkeling at Tatawa Besar, one of the best coral gardens in Komodo. You will see many school of fishes around.

PM: After lunch, explore Sebayur Island. You can choose to go snorkeling/paddling, or hike to the top of the hill for a gorgeous view of the islands. Afterwards, we will cruise to Kanawa Island, a hidden treasure island offering a diverse snorkeling site and a gorgeous beach, perfect to wait for sunset.

Arua Phinisi's 6-Day Komodo - Day 5 - Kelor Island
Location
Komodo
Day
5 / 6

Disembarkation

AM: Last chance of snorkeling/paddling at Bidadari Island before check out.

PM: You will be dropped off at Komodo Airport, and hopefully to see you again in the future!

Arua Phinisi's 6-Day Komodo - Day 6 - Taka Makassar
Location
Labuan Bajo
Day
6 / 6
1 / 6

7 Day - Komodo

Sample Itinerary
itinerary map

Embarkation

AM: Pick up from your hotel at 9 AM. Check in Arua Phinisi and cruise to Sebayur Island. Prepare for check dive at Sebayur Kecil, a great place for a relaxed dive with very little current, featuring a coral slope that runs into a pristine white sand bottom. This initial dive is a good way to familiarize yourself with the equipments and for your dive guide to know how confident you are in the water.

PM: After lunch, get ready for your second dive at Mini Wall, located on the North of Sebayur Kecil. This site features an abundance of hard and soft corals in the form of a wall, hence the name "Mini Wall". Spend the rest of your evening snorkeling, paddling, or relaxing at the beach.

Arua Phinisi's 7-Day Komodo - Day 1 - Snorkeling
Location
Labuan Bajo
Day
1 / 7

North Komodo, Gili Lawa Darat

AM: Today you will explore North Komodo (only for advanced divers). After breakfast, you will go for your first dive at Castle Rock, one of the most famous dive sites in Komodo National Park. Here you will see grey reef sharks, white tip sharks, tuna, and mackerel swim in massive schools above your head as you hold on to a rock in the current. After surface interval, dive Crystal Rock nearby. Similar to Castle Rock, yet much larger. This is a very colorful dive and usually worth doing twice.

PM: After lunch, dive Cauldron, also called Shotgun by some of the locals. It's a drift dive featuring amazing changes of topography. One side has a bowl shape that's deep and round with sandy bed, almost like a cauldron. Once you get to the other side, it will transform into a world of channels with canyons that run parallel to each other. Have a snack break, then go for a short trek to top of the hill at Gili Lawa Darat for a spectacular sunset with a panoramic view of the islands.

Arua Phinisi's 7-Day Komodo - Day 2 - Padar Strait
Location
Komodo
Day
2 / 7

Batu Bolong, Tatawa Besar

AM: After breakfast, you will dive Batu Bolong (only for advanced divers), arguably the most popular dive site in Komodo National Park. It features a magnificent condition being untouched by fishermen due to strong currents. The main attraction at this site is the volume of fish that inhabit this area. Discover tremendous schools of fishes of different species, vibrant corals, and large fishes such as sharks, rays, and tuna. After surface interval, dive Tatawa Kecil (only for advanced divers). Highlight of this side includes swim-throughs, valleys, giant boulders, and an endless sea of orange colors.

PM: After lunch, dive Tatawa Besar, one of the most pristine reefs in Komodo National Park. It is a giant drift dive surrounded by vibrant fringing reef, and excellent visibility. Prepare to see turtles, black tip sharks, shrimps, and seahorses. Spend the rest of your evening relaxing on the boat, or at a nearby beach.

Arua Phinisi's 7-Day Komodo - Day 3 - Komodo Trekking
Location
Komodo
Day
3 / 7

Siaba Kecil, Manta Point

AM: After breakfast, you will dive Siaba Kecil (only for advanced divers), the fastest drift dive in Komodo. Drop in with a negative entry and just let the current sweep you along. Featuring overhang and coral garden topography with small caves harbouring angel fish, batfish and sweetlips. After surface interval, dive Mawan. While sightings of manta rays here are a little less frequent, the interactions are generally longer and closer.

PM: After lunch, get ready for Manta Point. It may not have the bright colored coral that other sites are famous for, but it does have one thing, manta rays! Afterwards, relax on Taka Makassar, a gorgeous sandbank surrounded with turquoise water. One of the most popular site to take a drone video.

Arua Phinisi's 7-Day Komodo - Day 4 - SUP
Location
Komodo
Day
4 / 7

Siaba Besar, Kalong Island

AM: In the morning, you will dive Siaba Besar, also known as Turtle Point. Turtles are always here. Cuttlefish, sweetlips, white tip sharks, and blue spotted stingrays are also frequently sighted. After surface interval, dive Pengah. Explore fantastic schools of fish and rainbow of coral in this area.

PM: After lunch, dive Wainilu. If you're seeking for macro, this is your place. Ribbon eels, Indian walkman, mandarin fish, frogfish, and countless species of nudibranch are all common sightings. Afterwards, we'll cruise to Kalong Island where you will experience the exotic attraction of thousands of flying foxes (big bats) flying above you during sunset as they head out to feed for the night. It's one of the most favorite tourist attractions that you should not miss.

Arua Phinisi's 7-Day Komodo - Day 5 - Sunrise
Location
Komodo
Day
5 / 7

Padar Island

AM: Start your day early with a breathtaking sunrise view of the islands from the top of Padar Island. It's the most popular spot in Komodo National Park and you might have seen pictures of it at the Komodo Airport when you first landed in Labuan Bajo. Back to the boat as we cruise to Komodo Island.

PM: After lunch, get ready for a close encounter with the komodo dragons at Komodo Island. Do not worry, a National Park Ranger will accompany you on the trek as well as taking your pictures with the dragons. Afterwards, relax on the pink sands of Long Beach (yes it's actually pink!).

Arua Phinisi's 7-Day Komodo - Day 6 - Fishing
Location
Komodo
Day
6 / 7

Disembarkation

AM: Last minute of snorkeling/paddling at Kanawa/Bidadari Island before check out.

PM: You will be dropped off at Komodo Airport, and hopefully to see you again in the future!

Arua Phinisi's 7-Day Komodo - Day 7 - Hammock
Location
Labuan Bajo
Day
7 / 7
1 / 7

Accommodations

Social Areas

Sundeck
Kitchen
Front Sundeck
Dining
Deck
Bowsprit
Sundeck
Kitchen and a dining table
Sundeck in front of the bridge
Table on the open deck
Deck corridor
Bowsprit

Suites & Cabins

Arua Phinisi's Standard Cabin Arua Phinisi's Standard Cabin - Bathroom Arua Phinisi's Standard Cabin
4 Cabins

Standard Cabin

Guests
2 - 3
Size
2.2-3.2 m² / 23-34 ft² (approximately)
Beds
Double / Twin / Triple

Each of the four guest cabins onboard are facilitated with individually-controlled AC and en-suite bathroom with hot/cold water, flush toilet, wash basin and shower. Blankets, bath towels, beach towels and soap are also available. Two of the standard cabins contain a small double bed, with one providing a twin bunk, and one available for triple occupancy (equipped with a small double bed and an additional elevated single bed).

Technical Information

Deck Plan

Features

  • Air conditioning

Equipment

  • Snorkeling gear
  • Stand up paddleboard
  • Kayaks / Canoes
** Use of certain equipment at additional cost, ask for details
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