Si Datu Bua

Si Datu Bua is a luxury Phinisi liveaboard available for private charter across Indonesia. Three suites, six guests, fifteen crew. The boat is small enough to reach harbours that larger yachts can’t access. Every aspect of the charter is shaped around who’s on board.

Built in 2012 by the Konjo boat builders, using Borneo ironwood and rare tropical hardwoods, Si Datu Bua was designed by Seery Yacht Design. Its name means « The Beloved Princess. » Each of the three suites is named for a Spice Island and decorated with original art from that island’s culture.

The crew of fifteen includes an English-speaking expedition leader, a certified PADI dive instructor, and a resident spa therapist. The boat runs Starlink internet, two Bauer dive compressors including nitrox, and two 100HP RIB tenders for reef and shore transfers.

The Cabins

Si Datu Bua has three suites, each named for a Spice Island and individually decorated with original art. All are fully air-conditioned with en-suite bathrooms. Extra beds for children can be arranged in any cabin.

Banda Suite

The master cabin and the largest suite on the boat at 6.8 x 5.6 metres. It has a king-size bed, generous living space, and a private en-suite bathroom. The decor is inspired by the Banda Islands, the historic heart of the spice trade. Accommodates 2 adults.

Toraja Suite

A midship suite at 5.8 x 4.1 metres with a queen-size bed and en-suite bathroom. The art draws from the Toraja highlands of Sulawesi. Its central position in the hull makes it the steadiest cabin at sea. Accommodates 2 adults.

Celebes Suite

The second midship suite, identical in size to the Toraja at 5.8 x 4.1 metres. Queen-size bed and en-suite bathroom. The artwork draws on the coastal traditions of Sulawesi, historically known as Celebes. Accommodates 2 adults.

Life on Board

Days aboard are built around the group and the conditions. The PADI instructor takes certified divers into every site the boat reaches. All equipment is included: tanks, wetsuits, fins, and masks. Between dives, guests can kayak, paddleboard, waterski, wakeboard, or fish from the tender. When conditions allow, the sails go up and the motor goes off.

Meals are prepared fresh each day and served on deck or in the saloon. The charter covers all meals, snacks, soft drinks, local beers, and four bottles of premium local wine per night. The spa therapist is on hand for massages throughout the trip. Starlink internet is included at 250GB per week.

Destinations and Seasons

Si Datu Bua follows a seasonal schedule across eastern Indonesia. From October to April, she operates from Sorong in West Papua. During this season, routes cover Raja Ampat, the Moluccas, Cenderawasih Bay, Triton Bay, and the Banda Sea. From May to September, she moves to Labuan Bajo. The southern season covers Komodo, Flores, Sumbawa, Sumba, Alor, and the Savu Sea.

Minimum charter is 7 nights in Raja Ampat and 5 nights in Komodo. Contact us for current availability and routing.

Inclusions

• Accommodation in private suites
• All meals, snacks, and refreshments
• Local beers and 4 bottles of premium local wine per night
• Unlimited diving for certified guests, including all equipment (tanks, wetsuits, fins, masks)
• All water sports gear (kayaks, paddleboards, wakeboards, water skis, fishing gear)
• Unlimited onboard massage with the resident spa therapist
• Airport transfers (shore to vessel)
• Entrance fees and permits at seasonal home ports
• Services of the expedition leader, PADI dive instructor, and full crew of 15
• Personal laundry
• Starlink internet (250GB per 7 nights)

Exclusions

• International and domestic flights
• Accommodations before or after the charter
• Dive certification courses
• Crew gratuities
• Entry permits outside seasonal home ports
• Repositioning fees (charters departing from a non-base port)
• Government taxes
• Travel and dive insurance (strongly recommended)