Si Datu Bua in Indonesia
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Private Charter

Si Datu Bua

Boutique 'Beloved Princess' charter yacht built by the master Konjo boat builders of Sulawesi.

Overview

A beautifully crafted, 132-foot, phinisi boat, Si Datu Bua (her name means Beloved Princess) blends modern luxury and traditional, authentic spirit. Offering private charters, she is the perfect choice for those looking to explore the Indonesian archipelago (and beyond) with family or friends.

Life On Board

Si Datu Bua liveaboard offers accommodation for up to six guests in three air-conditioned king-bedded suites designed for the utmost in privacy and comfort. The warm wooden floors, ceilings and shelves create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, harmonized with Indonesian textiles and artifacts. These cabins also feature en-suite bathrooms with twin washbasins and all the amenities you would expect from a five-star hotel.

Spread out below Si Datu Bua’s wine-colored sails are expansive wooden decks and a cozy bowsprit lounge, where you can relax, sunbathe, curl up with a book, or nap on the soft sun loungers, while gazing out at the jungle-covered isles, volcanic peaks and deserted beaches passing by. Enjoy gourmet meals in the dining room, which is lit by large windows that show off the stunning views in every direction, and kick back in the multimedia room with all the latest entertainment technology.

At your request, massages and spa treatments can be administered by a professional therapist, as well as yoga sessions. Take a break from the heat of the sun on the shaded aft deck and enjoy seafood barbecues under the stars at the alfresco dining tables. Your personal chef specialises in international gourmet cuisine with an Asian flair, and you can also specify your own menus to ensure a variety of familiar foods, and your favorite dishes prepared in the way that you like them best. Indonesian cooking classes with the chef are also available.

Si Datu Bua has a crew of 12 who are all experts in their respective fields and include the top-class chef, an experienced local expedition leader, and a qualified dive instructor. They know the areas they cruise better than anyone and will provide five-star service onboard and become your guides ashore, ensuring that you will want for nothing during your charter. Furthermore, the crew are kid-friendly and have an endless imagination for fun, safe adventures, and experiences.

Destinations & Activities

In common with the spice traders of centuries gone by, Si Datu Bua travels in accordance with Southeast Asia’s monsoon seasons to ensure the smoothest ocean experiences and spectacular diving and snorkeling opportunities. Depending on the time of year, you could explore the white sand beaches, jungles and traditional villages of Sulawesi, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Komodo National Park, the historically intriguing Banda Islands, or the unrivaled dive spots of Raja Ampat. Si Datu Bua also sails to Papua, the Andaman Islands, the Mergui Archipelago, western Thailand, and Langkawi.

Si Datu Bua is a fully licensed and equipped PADI Dive Center, with two tenders to transport you with ease. The boat also has plenty of water toys on board, including water-skis, wakeboards, kayaks, donuts, sport fishing equipment, stand up paddle-boards and snorkeling equipment to satisfy even the most adventurous of explorers.

Chartering both Si Datu Bua and her sister-ship, Silolona, together in tandem is a popular option as it enables large groups of 16-20 to enjoy holidays together, with programmes customised to guests’ preferences.

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 / 3
6-Day May-Aug
8-Day Oct-Feb
11-Day Mar, Sep

6 Day - Komodo

Sample Itinerary
itinerary map

Embarkation

PM: After embarkation at Labuanbajo, sail north up the eastern coast of Komodo Island to Sabolon Island for water sports and beach relaxation and a sunset cocktail on the scenic coast of this small beautiful island. 

Si Datu Bua's 6-Day Komodo - Day 1 - Sundeck
Location
Labuan Bajo
Day
1 / 6

Rinca Island

AM: Visit Rinca island park to see the Komodo Dragons in their natural habitat. Trek directed by Park Rangers. Early morning walk to see the Komodo dragons in their native habitat along with wild boar, monkeys, and wild water buffalo and a score of birds on a guided walk with rangers from Komodo National Park.

PM: Return to Silolona for big brunch and sail to a nearby rocky islet for a spectacular underwater dive. Afternoon beach stop at Langkoi with the possibility to swim with Mantas (if they are there). 

Si Datu Bua's 6-Day Komodo - Day 2 - Sailing
Location
Komodo National Park
Day
2 / 6

Padar Island

AM: The Padar Island is one of our favorite ones: it is superb and enables many activities: water sports such as sea kayaking, water skiing, diving and snorkeling.

Those who prefer to walk and discover the surrounding fauna will have the opportunity to observe many kinds of birds in their natural environment.

PM: The view of nearby islands from the top of Padar is stunning. Admire the different shades of the sea when the sun and clouds are reflected in it. 

Si Datu Bua's 6-Day Komodo - Day 3 - Lounge
Location
Komodo National Park
Day
3 / 6

Batu Muncul

AM: This morning you will wake up again in front of truly magnificent scenery! Batu Muncul offers some stunning crescent-shaped beaches with pristine white sand where the swimming is superb.

PM: There are also some excellent spots for diving and snorkeling. 

Si Datu Bua's 6-Day Komodo - Day 4 - Pink Beach
Location
Komodo National Park
Day
4 / 6

Banta Island

AM: Although Banta Island lies outside the National Park boundaries, its numerous fingers like bays and crescent-shaped beaches feature excellent diving and snorkeling. This island is noted for its large population of giant turtles and manta rays.

PM: Enjoy a beach BBQ on a nearby island as the sun sets and the skies shift to the brilliant stars of the Southern Hemisphere as the Milky Way makes it arc across the night sky.

Si Datu Bua's 6-Day Komodo - Day 5 - Tender
Location
Komodo National Park
Day
5 / 6

Disembarkation

AM: Early morning stop on the way to Labuan Bajo for the disembarking.

Si Datu Bua's 6-Day Komodo - Day 6 - Diving with Whaleshark
Location
Labuan Bajo
Day
6 / 6
1 / 6

8 Day - Raja Ampat

Sample Itinerary
itinerary map

Embarkation

AM: Upon arrival in Sorong, the Crew will welcome you at the airport and arrange the transfer to the nearby harbor where the MSV Silolona will be waiting.

PM: Set sail for the Raja Ampat Archipelago. For the next week, you will be onboard Silolona and served by a professional crew of 17. Depending upon the winds and the tides and wishes of our guests, you may choose to snorkel or dive with our experienced PADI dive instructor, kayak, water ski, fish from the tenders, visit a village or relax on a pristine white sand beach. All meals will be served alfresco on Silolona’s spacious teak deck and feature our own Asian, Fusion and Western cuisine prepared by the talented Chef with an emphasis on fresh tropical fruits, organically-grown vegetables, freshly caught seafood, and made-onboard pastries and fresh bread. 

Si Datu Bua's 8-Day Raja Ampat - Day 1 - Deck
Location
Sorong
Day
1 / 8

Dampier Strait

AM: In the 1700s William Dampier reached the northwestern tip of Papua and traveled with the rising tide into the great channel that now bears his name. The Dampier Strait conveys massive quantities of seawater, forcing currents to flow parallel to the equator where most currents flow North and South. Dampier’s tidal surges carry planktonic feasts that attract hundreds of manta rays at this time of year near Arborek Island.

After an alfresco breakfast on deck, dive down to the shallow sandy bottom and wait for the giant mantas to pass overhead circling back again and again, or swim with these gentle giants at the surface, as they glide by graceful and mysterious.

PM: In the late afternoon, trek through the forest of Sawingrai village on Pulau Gam, guided by a local Papuan, to catch a glimpse of the mating rituals of the elusive and ethereal Red Bird of Paradise.

Dine under a starry sky, then the Silolona will sail North-West towards the Wayag Archipelago.

Si Datu Bua's 8-Day Raja Ampat - Day 2 - Diving in Raja Ampat
Location
Raja Ampat
Day
2 / 8

Wayag Archipelago

AM: Cruise by tender or kayak silently through the Wayag lagoon and its magical maze of limestone karst ‘gumdrop’ islands adorned with pitcher plants and wild orchids.

No words can adequately describe the sense of exploration and discovery of a world as it must have appeared before the arrival of man.

PM: A must for a panoramic view of Wayag’s Bay and karst pinnacle, is to climb Mt Pindito, just after dawn or sunset. This is a short climb yet fairly vertical from the beach through jungle scrub.

Search for tropical orchids, insects eating pitcher plants, and flock of red and green parrots.

Si Datu Bua's 8-Day Raja Ampat - Day 3 - Picnic on the Beach
Location
Raja Ampat
Day
3 / 8

Wayag Archipelago

AM: Cruise by tender or kayak silently through the Wayag lagoon and its magical maze of limestone karst ‘gumdrop’ islands adorned with pitcher plants and wild orchids.

No words can adequately describe the sense of exploration and discovery of a world as it must have appeared before the arrival of man.

PM: A must for a panoramic view of Wayag’s Bay and karst pinnacle, is to climb Mt Pindito, just after dawn or sunset. This is a short climb yet fairly vertical from the beach through jungle scrub.

Search for tropical orchids, insects eating pitcher plants, and flock of red and green parrots. 

Si Datu Bua's 8-Day Raja Ampat - Day 4 - Sunbeds
Location
Raja Ampat
Day
4 / 8

Aljui Bay

AM & PM: Sail into magnificent Aljui Bay, an extensive mangrove-lined inlet, home to the Cendana pearl farm. Visit the pearl farm for a tour of their operations, for a fascinating glimpse into the skill, time and energy it takes to cultivate natural pearls - especially exciting on harvest day as each oyster shell is opened to reveal a pearl. Pearl farms function as de facto marine reserves. And yes, they do have pearls for sale-but although they are a bargain, these are amongst the world’s finest pearls with a commensurate price tag!

Si Datu Bua's 8-Day Raja Ampat - Day 5 - Bow Deck
Location
Raja Ampat
Day
5 / 8

Aljui Bay, Fam & Pulau Yeben

AM: Aljui Bay is also known for its underwater abundance of unique crustaceans, including zebra crabs and Coleman’s shrimps riding on fluorescent-colored fire urchins. Under the Cendana jetty enjoy an incredible muck dive or snorkel to see dozens of stonefish, ornate ghost pipefish and frogfish.

PM: Now acclimated and attuned to the rhythm of the tides and life onboard, snorkel or scuba the varied coral gardens of the richest reefs known to mankind. Paddle through the uninhabited islets and turquoise waters surrounding Pulau Fam, kayak the perfect white sandy circle of tiny Pulau Yeben. 

Si Datu Bua's 8-Day Raja Ampat - Day 6 - Crystal Clear Water
Location
Raja Ampat
Day
6 / 8

Cape Kri

AM: Final dives at Cape Kri in the morning, maybe go snorkel to the Passage.

PM: We will spend the afternoon in the Gam mangroves kayaking.

Si Datu Bua's 8-Day Raja Ampat - Day 7 - Local Village
Location
Raja Ampat
Day
7 / 8

Disembarkation

AM: Bid farewell to the Crew and Silolona in Sorong - The Crew will escort you to the nearby airport on time for your flight to Bali or Jakarta. 

Si Datu Bua's 8-Day Raja Ampat - Day 8 - Crew
Location
Sorong
Day
8 / 8
1 / 8

11 Day - Banda Spice Islands

Sample Itinerary
itinerary map

Embarkation

AM: Upon arrival in Ambon, the capital of the Maluku Archipelago, you will be greeted by the Crew of Silolona and whisked by tender onboard.

PM: Within a short distance of our anchorage in the Bay of Ambon are several excellent dive sites including an excellent critter dive. Just out of the Bay of Ambon are several other interesting dive sites including Pintu Kota. At sunset set sail for the fabled Spice Islands following in the wake of many world’s most famous explorers for a distance of 120 nautical miles. 

Si Datu Bua's 11-Day Banda Spice Island - Day 1 - Sailing
Location
Ambon
Day
1 / 11

Banda Neira

AM: As the sun peaks above the horizon on our approach to Banda, you will soon be able to distinguish the outlines of the various islands and the tall, prominent cone-shaped peak of Gunung Api, with its thin plume of smoke drifting from the summit. The rich volcanic soil and fresh sea breezes provide the perfect home for Banda’s native tree, the stately Myristica Frangrans, whose fruit yields both nutmeg and mace. The approach to Banda Neira stirs thoughts of past explorers and captivates the imagination as our two-masted wooden schooner glides into the deep still waters of the Zonnegat Passage framed by the volcano and drops anchor.

PM: Evocative remnants of Dutch mansions and two ancient forts dominate the quaint sleepy town of Banda Neira. Stroll through the wide tree-lined streets of Banda Neira town stopping to visit the museum, the former VOC Governor’s Mansion, the old church and Fort Belgica, the now silent sentinel and guardian of the Zonnegat Straits between Banda Neira and Pulau Lonthor. Small dug out canoes paddle each morning to supply the outdoor market with freshly caught tuna, local savoury snacks, wild almond candy, mounds of spices, and tropical fruits.

On May 10, 1988, Gunung Api last erupted after lying dormant for centuries. Lava flowed north from near the summit and into the sea, cooling in gentle undulating waves destroying both nutmeg gardens and corals. Today, just a little over 20 years later the lava flows provide one of the most stunning dives with giant sea fans and other corals set against a black backdrop. The coral growth is phenomenal largely due to the nutrient- laden currents and clear waters that encircle Banda. Also the lava itself seems to be conducive to speed coral growth and this spectacular growth has amazed scientists and coral specialists over the world. 

Sunset cocktails on the ancient ramparts of Fort Belgica with cultural events as the sun sets slowly over the towering Gunung Api Volcano. 

Si Datu Bua's 11-Day Banda Spice Island - Day 2 - Sunbeds
Location
Banda Sea
Day
2 / 11

Pulau Run

AM: Full-Day cruise/sail to Pulau Run to see the old church and wonder at the quirk of fate that moved Run from the center of world trade to become a very isolated dot that is home to only one remaining family. Hiking and exploration of ruins of old mansions and nutmeg factories.

PM: Pulau Run is also noted for its diving with great deep walls teeming with fish life as well as the nearby tiny island of Neijalaka. Sail back to Banda Neira arriving at sunset for our overnight anchorage. 

Si Datu Bua's 11-Day Banda Spice Island - Day 3 - Diving with Whalesharks
Location
Banda Sea
Day
3 / 11

Pulau Ai

AM: Pulau Ai remains amongst the most traditional of all the islands with one large village boasting of the perpetually winning team of 40 men who paddle their sacred ceremonial war canoes called Kora-Kora to the rhythm of the drum and chanting. Tradition and ritual remain very much alive and offerings must be prepared weeks in advance before any adat rituals or dances that keep their violent history alive for the coming generations are performed.

PM: Visit the village and hike to the ruins of the old Dutch Fort Revingil where a few cannons remain. The diving on Pulau Ai is considered to be amongst the best in the Banda islands again with crystal waters and beautiful soft corals and large schools of fish. 

Si Datu Bua's 11-Day Banda Spice Island - Day 4 - Kayaking
Location
Banda Sea
Day
4 / 11

Gunung Api & Pulau Hatta

AM: Predawn departure for the hike to the summit of Gunung Api Volcano. While it is only 666 meters in height the climb is a bit challenging due to the volcanic scree and steepness of the slope. Every bit of effort is well rewarded by the stunning panorama from the summit towards Banda Neira and beyond over the crystal blue waters of the Banda Sea.

Return to Silolona for a swim and a well-deserved breakfast. During breakfast, we’ll sail to Pulau Hatta, formerly called Rozengain Island in colonial times.

PM: Pulau Hatta is noted for some of the best dives in the Banda Islands. Sir Alfred Russel Wallace, leading naturalist and co-founder of The Theory of Evolution with Darwin wrote in the mid 19th century, living coral and even the minutest objects are plainly seen on the volcanic sand at a depth of six or seven fathoms.

Si Datu Bua's 11-Day Banda Spice Island - Day 5 - Crew
Location
Banda Sea
Day
5 / 11

Gorong Island, South East Coast of Seram Island

AM: Explore the small island group east of the rugged mountainous island of Seram, known as the Mother Island of culture in Maluku.

PM: Excellent beaches and an impromptu village visit to a long-established Muslim village important since the days of the Spice Island Trade. 

Si Datu Bua's 11-Day Banda Spice Island - Day 6 - Free Diving
Location
Banda Sea
Day
6 / 11

Tomolol, Misool Island Group & South Misool Islands

AM: The remote islands of Misool are a range of majestic limestone structures with precipitous cliffs, craggy spires and razor-sharps rocks. We will be anchored in an absolute spectacular anchorage. This area unfolds to divers at least 3 species of the pigmy seahorse, no larger than a fingernail and the most beautiful soft coral jungles of Asia, with their orange, red, purple and pink shades.

PM: For those that are interested in activities “above the water”, you can paddle in yet another “secret bay” enclosed with steep rain forest walls and listen to the cockatoos flying by. 

Si Datu Bua's 11-Day Banda Spice Island - Day 7 - Diving
Location
Raja Ampat
Day
7 / 11

Tomolol, Misool Island Group & South Misool Islands

AM: The remote islands of Misool are a range of majestic limestone structures with precipitous cliffs, craggy spires and razor-sharps rocks. We will be anchored in an absolute spectacular anchorage. This area unfolds to divers at least 3 species of the pigmy seahorse, no larger than a fingernail and the most beautiful soft coral jungles of Asia, with their orange, red, purple and pink shades.

PM: For those that are interested in activities “above the water”, you can paddle in yet another “secret bay” enclosed with steep rain forest walls and listen to the cockatoos flying by. 

Si Datu Bua's 11-Day Banda Spice Island - Day 8 - Bow Deck
Location
Raja Ampat
Day
8 / 11

Tanjung Putus

AM: Spend the day diving, snorkeling and water sport in pristine waters.

PM: By sunset sail to Mios Kon, by Waisai. Stay overnight in Mios Kon. 

Si Datu Bua's 11-Day Banda Spice Island - Day 9 - Tender
Location
Raja Ampat
Day
9 / 11

Dampier Strait

AM: Early morning bird of paradise hike. Come back for breakfast. Do one last dive (possibly 2) at Mios Kon, Blue Magic, Sardine or Cape Kri, while the Captain do the clearance in Waisai.

PM: Afternoon do a hidden bay tour on kayak/tender. After dinner, sail to Sorong. 

Si Datu Bua's 11-Day Banda Spice Island - Day 10 - Indoor Dining
Location
Raja Ampat
Day
10 / 11

Disembarkation

AM: Bid farewell to the crew and Silolona in Sorong - Fly to Jakarta ( CGK).

Si Datu Bua's 11-Day Banda Spice Island - Day 11 - Sailing
Location
Sorong
Day
11 / 11
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Accommodations

Social Areas

Sunbathing
Sun Deck
Outdoor Dining
Side Deck
Bow Deck
Deck
Indoor Dining
Main Deck
Sun beds on the deck
Open deck at sunset
Tables on the deck
Side deck at night
Tables and sun beds on the bow deck
Midships deck
Table indoor onboard
Lounge onboard

Suites & Cabins

Si Datu Bua - Master Cabin Si Datu Bua - Master Cabin Si Datu Bua - Master Cabin Si Datu Bua - Master Cabin Bathroom
3 Cabins

Master Cabin Suite

Guests
2 - 3
Size
24-38 m² / 258-409 ft²
Beds
King

Si Datu Bua has three classically decorated, romantic guest cabins. Adorned with traditional woven textiles and Indonesian artefacts, these suites combine the warmth of solid wood with neutral cream tones, creating an elegant, relaxed ambiance. All suites feature air-conditioning, king-size beds and en-suite bathrooms. An extra bed suitable for a child can be installed for triple occupancy.

Technical Information

Deck Plan

Features

  • Air conditioning
  • Massage room
  • Lecture room
  • Hot showers

Equipment

  • Diving gear
  • Snorkeling gear
  • Stand up paddleboard
  • Kayaks / Canoes
  • Wakeboard / Water Ski
  • Fishing equipment
  • Yoga mats
** Use of certain equipment at additional cost, ask for details
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