A discovery trip to Indonesia
Indonesia is a destination that’s all about discovery. This intoxicating country, featuring the largest archipelago in the world, offers some of the last great adventures on earth. Many say it’s like 100 countries combined into one, a kaleidoscopic nation that extends some 5,000km across the Equator.
With more that 17,500 islands to cruise between, a superyacht charter in Indonesia presents enormous scope of possibility.
Frederic Cretin, charter manager at Camper & Nicholsons, recently spent three weeks in the region, visiting several of the finest hotels, inspecting vessels in the Camper & Nicholsons charter fleet, and learning more about the superyacht charter experience to be had here.
“This was my first visit to Indonesia and, in word, it was amazing. The country and its offerings are vast and varied. Each area I visited was extremely beautiful and the kind, welcoming nature of the Indonesian people made this trip incredibly special,” comments Cretin.
Cretin’s tour began in Bali, where he visited some of the region’s most luxurious and well-known hotels. “International luxury travellers will be delighted to find a five-star Raffles resort,” comments Cretin. Those seeking a more unusual experience will be intrigued by the tented, barefoot luxury of the Capella Hotel in Ubud, which has been ranked amongst the top three resorts in Asia, or perhaps the traditional romance of the Tugu hotel. “I was also quite taken by the majesty of the Nirjhara hotel, which is set amongst lush jungle, and the wellbeing retreats offered by the Como Shambala are exceptional,” adds Cretin.
C&N charter fleet in Indonesia for your ideal holiday
When it comes to superyachts available for charter in Indonesia, Camper & Nicholsons is proud to include four unique vessels in its fleet. Cretin took the opportunity to visit each in turn and learn more about what makes them such an ideal choice for cruising the Indonesian waters.
Vela is a 50m Phinisi, launched in 2022 but built to the traditional Indonesian design. The yacht celebrates Indonesian craftsmanship and pairs it with a contemporary edge – the result is a wonderfully refreshing take on luxury and superyacht style. “Every single detail aboard Vela has been carefully considered. She is truly exceptional and built to very impressive standards. I really love the interior decor – Vela is an incredibly stylish vessel,” recalls Cretin.
Available in Ambon and elsewhere depending on the time of year, is the 60m Aqua Blu. A replica of the HMS Beagle, which carried Charles Darwin on his voyage of discovery, there’s arguably no more fitting a boat for a charter in this part of the world. “With 15 cabins and accommodation for up to 30 guests, Aqua Blu is a fantastic option for an extended family or large group charter. The variety of social and relaxation spaces onboard make Aqua Blu particularly well suited to multi-generational groups,” explains Cretin.
The 26m Sequoia is a hand built wooden Phinisi, purposefully designed for cruising the Raja Ampat archipelago, visiting Sorong, Waisai, and Piaynemo. “The crew aboard Sequoia have exceptional knowledge of the area and have great relationships with the island communities – often permitting access to anchorages and locations not accessible to other yachts.” Sequoia has accommodation for six guests in three cabins, and the yacht boasts an on-deck cinema, activities such as scuba diving and water sports, and operates with a notable ecological conscious – minimising the environmental impact of their cruising at every opportunity.
For those seeking a more rugged aesthetic, the 50m Kudanil Explorer is the answer. An ocean-going expedition yacht, refit to impressive levels of luxury in 2018, this superyacht accommodates 16 guests in eight suites. “Equipped with three tenders, scuba diving gear, clear-bottomed kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, surfboards and waterskis, Kudanil Explorer offers action-packed adventure,” describes Cretin. “With a sizeable sun deck as well, an on-deck Jacuzzi and a massage room, Kudanil Explorer provides an indulgently luxurious charter experience.” The crew of Kudanil Explorer all speak English and great emphasis is placed on delivering five-star service and hospitality.
Wherever your superyacht charter itinerary takes you, you’ll be met by a beautiful and dramatic landscape. From snoozing volcanoes to white-sand isles in the midst of the ocean, from land-stalking dragons to the largest sharks in all the seas, Indonesia holds many of the world’s greatest, rarest, and most unique wonders in the palm of its hand.
The more southern parts of Indonesia, such as Komodo and the Spice Islands, are best visited between April and October, when you can expect dry days with plenty of sunshine and temperatures at a consistent 28 degrees Celsius (82 Fahrenheit). For West Papua and Raja Ampat, February to May are the more reliable months for desirable weather, or October and November.
Whilst international flight connections make the region more accessible than in years gone by, it remains suitably off-the-beaten-track for many. And, whilst more superyachts are available for charter in Indonesia, yachting infrastructure remains scarce. For Cretin, however, that adds to the appeal: “When you charter in Indonesia, you have to abandon all of your ‘norms’ – be open minded, step outside your comfort zone and, in doing so, you will be rewarded with the most culturally authentic experience.”
