Above: The exterior of the Alila Purnama, a two-masted sailing vessel, cruising in Indonesian waters

Cruising the Indonesian Archipelago

The best way to explore the remoter areas of the Indonesian archipelago is by luxury boat. Aman Resorts operates both a 105-foot wooden motor yacht, Amanikan, and a 170-foot traditional sailing vessel, Amandira. Alila Hotels and Resorts has a 150-foot wooden sailing yacht, the Alila Purnama.

The exterior of Amandira, a traditional sailing vessel that cruises to various spots in the Indonesian archipelago - Courtesy of Aman

Both Amandira and Alila Purnama belong to a type of traditional Indonesian two-masted sailing vessel known as a “phinisi,” which is chiefly constructed by members of the Konjo tribe on the island of Sulawesi. The first phinisi is thought to have been built around 1600 in imitation of a Dutch pinnace, but the design culminated in its present form in the 19th century, when elements of the Western schooner rig were incorporated. Phinisi vessels are still used in interisland trade and, increasingly, for upscale tourism.

A dining table aboard Amandira, a two-masted vessel that sails in Indonesian waters - Courtesy of Aman

Amanikan has three above-deck cabins, a large foredeck for outdoor dining and state-of-the-art scuba-diving facilities. Amandira is a custom-built phinisi that was launched in 2015, with five cabins (two with king-size beds). Both vessels can be privately chartered. The Alila Purnama has four suites, plus a master suite with a private deck.

Join Andrew Harper today to continue reading our exclusive content.