Plataran Phinisi Ambasi

A former freighter handcrafted from Bornean ironwood and repurposed as a liveaboard, the 82-ft Plataran Ambasi is a Buginese phinisi schooner, based in Labuan Bajo on the Indonesian island of Flores, offering short and sublime 3-day cruises for up to 8 guests around the waters of the incredible Komodo National Park. She is also available for private charters. 

Refurbished over the years, and most recently in 2020, the Plataran Ambasi has undergone regular maintenance, upgrades and enhancements with the comfort and convenience of her guests in mind, while her soul has remained true to her traditional Buginese roots. The seafaring Bugis tribes are the master shipbuilders and seafarers of Indonesia. They handcraft exceptionally strong phinisi schooners, using robust timbers, age-old techniques and a skillset passed down through the generations.

Life On Board

When not exploring the enchanting Komodo islands themselves, the Ambasi has ample attractions of her own. Inside there is an inviting social space including a large dining area with flatscreen TV and coffee station. Outside there is a spacious sundeck with beanbags and chairs, a great place to enjoy the sea breeze and take in the stunning views of the islands passing by during the day, and the stars in the night sky. As the adrenaline of the days’ pursuits abides, the Phinisi Ambasi’s cozy cabins beckon. Her three luxurious double cabins and one bunk-bedded twin cabin are all ensuite, air-conditioned and charmingly timber-clad, accessorized with delightful traditional Indonesian textiles and decorative motifs.

Excellent meals are served three times a day at a long, indoor communal table that sits all guests comfortably. Here, you can look forward to delicious and fresh local specialties, prepared on board by a local chef, part of the seven-strong professional, friendly, and experienced crew of  Phinisi Ambasi. However should you get peckish, you’ll also have all-day access to snacks and soft drinks. Aside from the chef you entourage includes an expert divemaster for those keen to discover Komodo’s amazing marine life. All members of the team will strive to give guests an experience to remember. Scuba diving equipment and snorkeling gear is available on board, as well as all essential safety equipment. 

Komodo National Park

Covering around 900 square miles of sea and land, Komodo National Park is the natural habitat of the famous Komodo dragons. It is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, over 150 species of birds, and nutrient rich waters that support one of the world’s most biologically diverse marine environments with over 1000 species of fish. The region features a Jurassic landscape of rough hillsides lined with dry savannah and green thorny vegetation, and perfect sandy beaches surrounded by crystal clear blue waters with pristine coral reefs. From giant manta rays, turtles, dolphins, and giant pelagics to tiny pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs, shrimps and frog fishes, Komodo is a magical area for both diving and snorkeling.

The only way to explore the waters and landscapes of the national park is by boat. On your Ambasi cruise, you can visit the beautiful Pink Beach, trek to the panoramic viewpoint on Padar Island, encounter the dragons on Komodo Island or Rinca Island, and witness the sight of thousands of flying foxes commuting from Kalong Island, at sunset to feed on the mainland overnight. This unforgettable voyage is perfect for singles, couples, families and groups of friends. For a wonderful liveaboard sailing experience look no further than the Plataran Phinisi Ambasi.