Dunia Baru | Yacht Charter in Raja Ampat, Indonesia

Lush, verdant islands rise from the turquoise waters, surrounded by a hazy, golden sky at sunset, creating a serene and picturesque landscape.

Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat, also known as the ‘Four Kings’, is a group of islands that exists within the expansive Indonesian archipelago. Spanning hundreds of miles, this region is vast, wild, and only accessible by yacht. In Raja Ampat you will encounter some of the best nature and wildlife in the South-Asia pacific, from untouched landscapes and vibrant coral reefs, to volcanoes, mountains and luscious jungles - Raja Ampat is the tableau vivant of paradise. One broker commented, "I could say it was "exceptional" but that feels like an understatement—there truly are no words to fully capture the magic of it all and the beauty of Raja Ampat."

Authentic Experience

Dunia Baru offers the opportunity to fully disconnect from the modern world and feel closer to nature, "it felt like an immersive experience where you can escape from modern life and completely switch off...there are not many times in life where you can do that these days," noted Eleanor and Ollie.

These familiarisation trips allow brokers to experience the unique qualities of a yacht charter first-hand, meaning their recommendations and knowledge is guided by real experience. The result is a highly tailored proposal that you can accept with confidence, knowing that your requirements match perfectly. Chartering Dunia Baru is like being transported to another world, and with a local and highly skilled crew at the helm, you can assure your yachting experience will be like no other.

A large, wooden sailing ship with tall masts and sails is visible in the background, while in the foreground, a group of people can be seen on a boat or platform, observing the ship.

"It was just magical from start to finish, I feel like I have been to another world." Eleanor Bloodworth, Y.CO

A group of people in white shirts and hats are seated in a small boat, navigating through a scenic, turquoise-colored river surrounded by lush, green vegetation and a clear blue sky.

Attention to detail

There is a special kind of energy aboard Dunia Baru, mostly down to the crew and their affinity with the yacht, “The crew are warm and welcoming, always with a smile on their faces and nothing was ever too much to ask,” the brokers commented. Throughout the trip, each crew member openly shared stories of their upbringing, Indonesian traditions the country’s history, "The level of detail and effort the crew put in was next-level, something you'd expect from a much larger yacht operation." Ollie Pryce, Y.CO.

International Flavours

Chef Kadek’s gastronomic knowledge is diverse, with extensive global experience working in luxury resorts, world-class hotels and esteemed cruise lines. He primarily specialises in pan-Asian cuisine but draws inspiration from a broad range of international influences, skillfully applying his craft and mastering the art of flavour pairing. His approach to cooking focuses on the beauty of simplicity by sourcing local ingredients and producing mouthwatering dishes that express big, bold flavour – one guest remarked, "The food was superb, a fantastic mix of Asian, Balinese and Western that showcased the chef’s abilities and flexibility. All meals were executed flawlessly."

A white plate on a woven placemat contains a dish with a golden-colored sauce, pieces of chicken, and various vegetables, accompanied by a fork and knife.

A dark wood library features woven cabinets and shelves displaying decorative objects and fresh white flowers.

Heritage Craft

Dunia Baru took eight years to build and the result stands testament to the talented craftsmen involved in creating this remarkable Phinisi yacht. Three of the master craftsmen are still on board today, creating a special symbiosis between Dunia Baru and the crew who bring her to life. Throughout the vessel you will notice detailed woodwork, from cabinets and door handles, to the helm, which took four days to hand carve. The Indonesian philosophy around boat building is one that values the ‘eye’ of the master builder, and so traces of the human touch, executed with utmost precision, can be seen throughout her intricate ironwood interior.

A close-up view of a metal frame with intricate spokes and a central hub, set against a blurred background.

A wooden carving of an abstract shape protrudes from a dark, shadowy background.

"The warm welcome and hospitality of the crew, their "can-do" attitude, and constant smiles made the trip so special." Ollie Pryce, Y.CO

A large, dark silhouette of a shark swims in the foreground, while a diver is visible in the background, surrounded by the vibrant blue-green hues of the underwater environment.

Diving & Snorkelling

Pilot whales, dolphins, Wobbegong sharks, turtles - to name just a few – remained a highlight for the brokers as they reminisced about their favourite moments of the trip, "we saw a Manta Ray as soon as we put our heads in the water," said Y.CO broker Eleanor Bloodworth. With an overwhelmingly beautiful hub of marine wildlife to experience, Indonesia is widely recognised across the globe for its diving, and quite rightfully so. Boasting some of the highest levels of biodiversity in the world, Indonesia looks and feels like an immersive experience that will reveal to you the sheer beauty and awe of an untouched world. For those seeking a charter that puts you side-by-side with the natural world, Raja Ampat is a nature-lovers zenith.

Untouched Nature

The group awoke in Wayag in the early hours of the morning to prepare for a hike up Mount Pindito. Besides rich marine biodiversity, Raja Ampat is also the land of mountains and volcanoes that stretch as far as the eye can see. At the peak, they were met with panoramic views of Indonesia. The Wayag islands are uninhabited, with no traces of construction - just luscious unfurling jungle and pristine beaches. Here you will easily spot tropical fish, turtles and small sharks happily meandering the shallow waters.

Lush, verdant islands rise from the turquoise waters, surrounded by a hazy, mountainous landscape in the distance, creating a serene and picturesque tropical scene.

A group of people, both adults and children, standing on a wooden boardwalk surrounded by lush greenery and a clear sky in the background.

Learning Centre

The brokers visited Suawandarek village to see the Dunia Baru Learning Centre set up in 2018. The ongoing project aims to strengthen connections between the local people and charter guests, to understand on a deeper level the impact that yachting has on these communities. The centre promotes the benefits of conservation and sustainability and educates young children about the environment to help them understand the beautiful, delicate ecosystem that they inhabit. The brokers donated clothes, toys, musical instruments and cleaning supplies to the centre, then spent the rest of the afternoon playing with the children.

Y.CO is dedicated to making a meaningful difference for the people and communities that yachting relies on. Click on the link below to learn more about our sustainability pledge and the projects we are involved in.

Sustainability

A wooden walkway leads to a beachfront resort with thatched-roof structures, surrounded by lush greenery and a cloudy sky.

"Raja Ampat is breathtaking, easily the most beautiful place I have ever cruised," Eleanor Bloodworth, Y.CO

Beach BBQ

When it comes to thoughtful gestures, Dunia Baru does not disappoint. The crew arranged a beach BBQ one evening and the group was guided along a pathway that had been hand carved out of sand, with soft candlelight dotted along the trail towards the dining area. Everybody enjoyed a relaxed evening under the stars.

"The crew set up the most incredible beach BBQ dinner, delicious food but a particularly beautiful set up and table setting, very elegant service. The crew chef had been hand turning pork on a spit for three hours. Rounded off by fireworks!" Eleanor Bloodworth, Y.CO.

Wellbeing

Dunia Baru is the perfect yacht to experience blissful relaxation, with the idyllic Indonesian landscape as your backdrop - where nature and the phinisi coalesce as one. With two highly skilled masseuses on board who specialise in a variety of massage techniques including reflexology, you can indulge in a range of wellbeing and beauty treatments throughout your stay.

Three women practice yoga on a wooden deck overlooking a scenic mountainous coastline.

A group of people, dressed in casual attire, are gathered together in an indoor setting with decorative lighting and patterned fabrics in the background.

Balinese Dinner

The crew held a traditional Balinese dinner on the final night. The group was invited to dine on the aft deck and presented with a cornucopia of delicious Balinese dishes. The whole deck was adorned with intricate handwoven decorations made by the crew using palm fronds, depicting various animals like grasshoppers and birds that hold symbolic meaning in Balinese culture.

"There was a huge spread of different Balinese dishes, all of which were delicious, including a traditional multi-tiered rice ‘cake’, that is served at weddings and on special occasions. It is difficult to convey how special this dinner felt." Eleanor Bloodworth, Y.CO.

A silhouetted sailing ship with masts and rigging against a vibrant sunset sky, with distant islands or landmass visible on the horizon.

A large, ornate wooden ship with multiple masts and sails is silhouetted against a vibrant sunset sky, reflecting in the calm waters of the harbor.

Y.CO charter broker Tilly Smith’s diary of her time on board

Day 1

"The onboard cruise director, Carl, greeted us at the airport with refreshingly-chilled, personalized water bottles and escorted us to the yacht which was waiting in a nearby bay in Labuan Bajo, Flores. As we approached the yacht, the happy, smiling crew were standing on deck waving. As I stepped on board I was handed a delicious fruit smoothie – the first of many during the trip. After we excitedly discovered our beautiful cabins and freshened up, we assembled for an incredible lunch while we cruised into Komodo National Park."

A large, traditional sailing ship with red sails and a wooden hull floats on a calm, blue ocean under a cloudy sky.

Day 2

"Today the crew organised an enchanting beach set up on Tatawa Besar, where they had laid out a selection of toys including kayaks and SUPs. We enjoyed the water, the stunning scenery and the total seclusion while some of the group spent time snorkelling and scuba diving. We ate another delicious lunch while we cruised to Gili Lawa Bay, where we were able to go snorkelling and diving again. At sunset we went on a hike to be able to look out over Komodo Island. At the top the crew handed us cool towels and a crisp glass of champagne. Nothing has ever felt better! Once back on board we had a candlelit dinner on the top deck and spent the remainder of the evening star gazing. It is hard to describe the peace and serenity of the place."

A group of friends enjoys a celebratory toast on a sun-drenched hilltop overlooking a serene bay.

Day 3

"From breakfast, we headed onto Komodo Island itself, home of the famous dragons. I was nervous about them, but the knowledgeable guides soon put us at ease with their obvious expertise and reassured us that they will keep us safe. We learned about the many types of bacteria that they have in their saliva and the way they hunt. There were different hikes to choose from around the island ranging from very short to longer walks. Having chosen a medium length loop, we set off. Not far into our walk, the guide spotted a dragon in the distance, and we waited quietly as it came closer. It was absolutely incredible to see; it’s a creature unlike anything else we’d seen. Along the walk we saw 4 or 5 dragons, including a young baby. The guide showed us their nests and explained that baby dragons climb up trees when they are born to avoid being eaten by adult dragons. They stay there for up to two years before they come back down to live on the ground.

We moved to Padar in the afternoon and as the sun set we went on a hike up to a breathtaking viewpoint from which three beaches, each with a different coloured sand, were visible. Again, the crew supplied us with cool towels and champagne. We toasted each other and the crew as the sky changed colours. It was nothing short of magical. Hiking at home just won’t match up to this! We ended the evening with a sociable dinner around the teppanyaki grill which gave a chance to see chef Nyoman in action."

A group of people, including several individuals wearing casual clothing, are gathered around a large lizard-like creature resting on a rocky surface in a wooded area.

Day 4

"In the morning the scuba diving guides led the group on dives. For those that were new to diving there was an opportunity to learn the basics with an introduction to diving in the shallower water near a tiny island. In the afternoon we headed towards Hattamin and the crew put out the huge inflatable slide. It was a chance to enjoy the water toys – some of the group were racing around on jet skis while others were enjoying relaxing, traditional Balinese massage on the private deck area by the principal cabin. Heavenly.

While we were busy having fun the crew had been hard at work on a small nearby island creating our dining experience for the evening: a private beach barbecue. The table set up, which was lit by candles and surrounded flaming torches, was beautiful. We feasted on delicious barbecue dishes and chatted about the adventures we’d enjoyed so far."

Day 5

"Today we got to see Dunia Baru with her sails up. It was very impressive to watch the crew work together and see how the sails unfolded. Some dolphins obviously thought so too, as they joined us and played around nearby while we watched.

In the evening the crew organized a traditional Balinese themed evening, with a huge array of Balinese food. We even had Balinese sarongs to wear. After dinner we had a party on the deck to celebrate our brilliant experience and time on board."