Explore Indonesia’s Raja Ampat Islands aboard a luxurious phinisi cruiser
With five double cabins, fine dining and the world’s richest marine environment as its playground, the Rascal is a boat not to be missed
What is it? The Raja Ampat Islands, in Indonesia’s remote West Papua province, appear on the bucket list of many a diver. Some stay in the handful of low-key resorts, others reach the islands by liveaboard dive boat. Another way is by creating a bespoke tour, with itinerary and companions of your choice, and this is where charter vessel Rascal comes in. Launched in mid-2017, the wooden phinisi cruiser, built by traditional Konjo boat builders of Sulawesi, offers a new perspective on these islands, and it’s not just for divers.
The interiors of most rival boats are dark; this one is built from light timber, with neutral colours and nautical blue-and-white cushions. Cabins have modern, Hamptons-themed styling, spacious bathrooms and plenty of storage space. And as the Rascal is crewed by a staff of 10, there’s always someone to anticipate a guest’s next whim.
Is it worthy of the hype? Oh yes! This is the stuff of tropical island dreams. Jungle-clad isles are separated from a turquoise ocean by white beaches, limestone cliffs or mangroves. Cockatoos screech between treetops while spinner dolphins leap from the bow wave and frigate birds dive on schools of squid. Underwater, corals in gaudy colours offer little evidence of the bleaching affecting other reefs worldwide. The vast schools of barracuda, jacks and reef fish must be seen to be believed and, at a couple of sites, huge manta rays routinely show up for a fishy cleaning service.
Bird watchers might like to take a 4.30am hike with local guides, and search for the rare Wilson’s bird-of-paradise. Alternatively, of course, an afternoon on a beach with only your invited guests for company is not to be sniffed at; tootling around on kayaks and stand-up paddle boards, taking a dip or snoozing on cushions under a gazebo with a cooler box of drinks. How about a beach barbecue dinner, complete with hanging lanterns in the trees and a long, candlelit table?
And the boat carries enough fine wines and beer to keep everyone constantly squiffy. In the evening, adjourn to the rooftop for a cocktail while reclining on beanbags. With no light pollution, the show above is spectacular.
Where can I get on this boat? Rascal sails from the port of Sorong from October to April, with flexible departure dates. Flights to Sorong can be taken from the Indonesian cities of Jakarta, Makassar and Manado. The boat operates in Komodo National Park during the rest of the year.
The bottom line The entire boat must be chartered (rascal-charters.com) and that includes food, non-alcoholic drinks, activities, snorkelling, diving and airport transfers. The price is US$9,500 plus 10 per cent tax per night for a trip through the Raja Ampat Islands, and US$8,500 plus 10 per cent per night while in the Komodo Islands.