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Broker on board - join James Tsui in Komodo.
Published 21 August 2018
Burgess charter broker James Tsui climbed volcanoes and confronted dragons on a cruise on board the yacht DUNIA BARU.
I was invited to spend a few days sailing from Komodo to Bali on board DUNIA BARU to experience the food, the boat, the crew and the itinerary – to immerse myself in this charter experience. It’s a privilege, for sure, but it’s also important as I need to know the area well to be able to give Burgess clients informed and impartial advice on chartering here.
The yacht
She’s based on the pinisi sailing craft that have traded in Indonesian waters since the early 20th century but despite her traditional looks, she was launched in December 2013. The 51m DUNIA BARU, ‘New World’ in Indonesian, is inspired by tradition but drawn by American designer Michael Kasten. The hull and superstructure were built in Kalimantan, Borneo from teak and ironwood then towed to Bali where the interior, styled by Dual Dimension Design USA, was built by skilled local craftsmen. All her systems were installed by an ABYC-certified marine systems engineer from NorEast Marine Systems in the USA. Today her 18 crew look after up to 14 guests.
The itinerary
We flew into Labuan Bajo where the crew picked us up, then set off for Komodo National Park, anchoring at North Rindja. In the morning we sailed to Komodo, went ashore and walked with the awesome dragons. Being close to these reptiles you really do feel like you've gone back in time. Next we hiked to a look-out point to appreciate the stunning landscape of this country. After snorkelling and diving - the yacht has its own PADI dive instructor - we spent 25 minutes walking up Gili Darat for a breathtaking sunset looking over the bay.
Then after diving with mantas – incredible – we played with all the watertoys and had some quality beach time before relaxing on the foredeck as we sailed for Satonda, passing a smoking volcano at sunset! Early next morning we landed on Satonda and hiked up to the rim of the volcano’s crater to see the amazing salt water lake filling the caldera. After hiking down, we sailed for Bali.
The crew
All the crew are absolutely lovely. They are friendly, polite, genuine, discreet, attentive and take pride in providing excellent service. Compared to crew elsewhere, Indonesians may seem rather shy at first, but they are so eager to please and will remember the guests’ preferences once requested.
It’s simply the difference in culture and hospitality. That being the case, the cruise director, also the dive instructor, is the main point of contact for the guests. He’s a New Zealander and he plans out the day’s activities with Cici, a local Indonesian lady who knows this cruising ground intimately after years in the area.
Why charter DUNIA BARU?
After my experience, I’d certainly recommend a Komodo charter on DUNIA BARU. It’s perfect for dive charters and adventurers looking to explore this Indonesian gem - and the yacht looks nicer in real life than in the brochure! The quality of workmanship is very high, everything is well maintained.
We all loved the open Teppanyaki galley and the bean bags on the foredeck. The experience is simply relaxing in a way, as there’s no gym, spa or jacuzzi, which reflects in the charter price, but as a way to get off the beaten track and experience the wonders of this area, DUNIA BARU is a great choice.
Anything else?
A definite highlight was being close to these legendary Komodo dragons! Another fascinating moment was the manta ray dive. These huge, graceful and magnificent creatures, with at least a two-metre wingspan, soared over to check us out at close range – I could have touched them if I reached out my arm! I had three mantas within two metres at different points of the dive.
Facts and figures
- Length: 51m (167ft)
- Guests: up to 14 guests in 7 cabins
- Cruising area: Bali, Komodo, Raja Ampat Islands, Thailand and Myanmar
- Standard rate: rates all-inclusive USD 135,000 per week in high season (winter & summer), USD 120,000 per week in low season (winter & summer)
- 10 percent charter tax for all locations
Stand-out feature
It has to be the master suite. You can lie in its king-size bed and look through the open doors out onto a private aft deck with daybed and sofa. Windows fill the space with natural light and let you surround yourself with the natural beauty of Indonesia. All six guest cabins have good sized double beds and daylight streams through the portholes and plays on the dark wood of these stylishly designed cabins. All interior spaces are air conditioned too.
James Tsui
James was raised in Hong Kong and completed his Business Administration degree in Sydney. After a stint in hospitality, he joined the yachting industry in 2010, as Financial Controller of M/Y BIG FISH, where he also worked on board as deck crew, undertaking charters in the Mediterranean, Caribbean and French Polynesia. He then joined Asia Yacht Management Ltd in Hong Kong as Yacht Manager of three superyachts based there. James is a passionate scuba diver and wakeboarder during his leisure time. Based in Hong Kong, James speaks English, Cantonese and Mandarin and joined the Burgess Asia team in 2016.
To find out more about Burgess’ yachts for sale and yachts for charter, please contact a Burgess broker. Alternatively, get in touch with one of our offices directly: London, Monaco, New York, Miami, Singapore or all other locations.
- Yachts, prices and availability are correct at the time of publication.
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