Dunia Baru Yacht Review

This traditional Indonesian phinisi measure 51 metres and is able to take 14 guests on a fantastic adventure in Indonesia and South East Asia.

Sailing Yacht Dunia Baru

Launched early in 2014 Dunia Baru, 51m/167ft, is one of the most majestic luxury yachts available for charter. This phinisi (a traditional two masted Indonesian sailing ship) is graceful, stylish with a genteel feel. She was built to international standards and can accommodate up to 14 guests in 7 pristine cabins. With an 18-man crew and a cruising speed of 10 knots, Dunia Baru is a yacht certainly recommended for charter.

Dunia Baru combines a classic Indonesian phinisi design and the finest wooden craftsmanship with the latest technology. Built by a 20-strong team of native Konjo Boat Builders, Dunia Baru’s curvaceous hull and superstructure were harvested from local teak and ironwood. On board technology includes worldwide communication, broadband wireless internet along with advanced sound and lighting systems. This sets the mood throughout the yacht. Ideal for sailing through the Indonesian Archipelago she is a beautiful sight under full sail, evoking passionate feelings of a bygone era.

This superb vessel was delivered to her owner Mark Robba in 2014. She is a striking figure on the water and is an unrivalled addition to charter yachts available on the market today. The interaction between traditional and modern is ever present throughout. This beautiful vessel has a streamline structure which surpasses all previous levels of safety, stability and handling.

What to expect on board

When guests step on board the yacht for the first time via the port side boarding platform, what an impressive welcome they receive. There’s a wide foredeck, typical of a phinisi design and an al fresco lounge under a retractable sun awning. In the centre are two long comfortable sofas facing a coffee table, perfect for relaxing and taking in the views.

Bean bags can be found on a raised horizontal strip near the bow. This provides a fantastic place to soak up the sun during the day and watch the sun set in the evening. Calm serenity is certainly what one can expect on board Dunia Baru.

Further forward, a mast and rigging are attached to fixtures on the bulwarks. Here you will see five bark coloured sails. Behind them a second mast rising from the flat-topped superstructure aft which has two further sails – how awesome is that?

The main saloon spans across the widest part of Dunia Baru’s main deck. It forms the forward most part of the superstructure which can be accessed by the wraparound decks. This tailor-made interior offers an open plan space with a sofa and a square coffee table. The area is discreetly split in half with a dining table and benches to starboard.

In the mood to read a book? No problem. There’s a small library full of books opposite the dining area, just take your pick. Alternatively relax on the sofa where you can watch favourite programmes on a 60-inch flat screen TV. During the voyage, there will be plenty of time to relax in the saloon. Surrounded on three sides by rectangular windows, there’s lots of natural light to reveal the stunning views. It’s also a popular place to cool off especially when the temperature gets a little too hot outside.

The saloon is definitely the hub of Dunia Baru. It’s the ideal spot for socialising, dining and relaxing. Enjoy movie nights or listen to your favourite music from a state-of-the-art surround sound system. A central docking station controls the Sonos music system. This is integrated across zones throughout the yacht. Guests can also download the app onto their smartphones and connect directly to the system. You can also sync to the yacht’s satellite via your phone or tablet or download the latest newspapers via 3G Wi-Fi and satellite internet.

The impressive main deck

One of the many alluring features of Dunia Baru is the impressive aft section on the main deck. It has an eat-in galley with bar stools on one side so guests can watch Dunia Baru chef at work. Working with a teppanyaki grill and commercial range the chef creates mouth-watering meals as well as culinary delights. Only the freshest, locally sourced ingredients are used for preparing the meals.

It’s a great place to drop in when anyone needs refreshments or order a meal directly with the chef. This spontaneous style of dining is not always possible on luxury yachts, so Dunia Baru will more than exceed guest’s expectations.

This galley was specifically designed to be the heart of the yacht. It opens up through double doors aft onto a beautiful al fresco dining area. Here there is a lounge with a formal dining table that seats 14 guests as well as a saloon with comfortable sofas on the starboard side. Evening LED lights create awesome visual effects which attracts all kinds of marine life.

Panoramic views

Situated above the galley and dining area there’s a private terrace and a fabulous master suite. These share the upper deck with the helm, navigation systems and captain’s accommodation. In a prime position, the aft terrace provides a riot of colour with amazing views across the ocean. Furnished with a large daybed, guests can chill out here and even have a massage by an on board qualified masseuse – sheer bliss.

The master cabin with king size bed has a private deck with floor to ceiling windows and dramatic views. With additional natural light and custom mood lighting the handmade four poster bed is the main feature of the room. There’s also seating to starboard and a desk to port. The light and beautiful woodwork can also be found in the en suite complimenting modern fixtures perfectly. This adds a touch of glamour, luxury and style in the accommodation area.

Six double guest cabins on the lower deck are roomy and airy. Designed to remain in keeping with the feel and look of Dunia Baru they have been furnished in exotic opulence. Guest cabins have individual colour schemes, artworks and textiles, all slightly different in size and layout. The state rooms all lead off a central corridor and have been decorated in Balinese and Indonesian style. This serene, uncluttered environment is great to unwind in after a busy day of water sport activities.

Artisan skills

For inspiration, Dunia Baru’s interior is furnished with unique and handcrafted products sourced from renowned Balinese furniture stores. Much of the vessel’s interior was actually crafted in Bali where she was towed after the superstructure and hull were completed. The end result really does showcase the remarkable skills of the carpenters and craftsmen of Indonesia.

Throughout the construction project, the Konjo Boat Builders were challenged to their limits way beyond their usual artisan skills. Their breath-taking craftsmanship is evident throughout the vessel from the wooden door hinges to cabinet doors, bar stools and intricate inlays. In true Phinisi style, two of the carpenters, fifth generation shipwrights involved in building the vessel, remain on board as part of the crew. This is to make sure an expert is always available to tackle any issues that may arise.

Admire the crafted sculptures in the communal and guest spaces. These rarities have been sourced from local artisans, hand-picked by the owner and his wife around Bali. There’s a bust of the Buddhist protector of seaman, Kwan Yin, in the main saloon. The bust is very impressive and relevant to Dunia Baru’s overall theme.

By incorporating the spirit and landscape of Indonesia, superyacht Dunia Baru really does enhance the experience of a charter vacation on a phinisi.

Prolonging the pleasure

As night falls and guests began to retire to their cabins, Dunia Baru is totally transformed. She comes alive with the majestic glow of multi-coloured LED lights which takes her far and beyond a traditional phinisi. What a striking image on the water these lights create and a surreal, almost mesmerising atmosphere on deck. Not to be outdone, this effect even continues into the interior. The staircase to the lower deck is lit up in delightful colours making it a sight to behold. One of the features at night is definitely the foredeck which converts into a cocktail lounge.

For additional comfort, the sofas extend to connect with the table. Cushions are added to the raised lounging area which is also illuminated with bright lights. Although a traditional vessel, Dunia Baru hasn’t been left behind with modern technology. She is fitted with all the latest navigational equipment which is integrated so well in the bridge it doesn’t distract from the flow of the phinisi.

The bridge is also large enough for guests to get behind the helm when the yacht is sailing, what an experience! The captain can cruise along the waters with efficiency and ease. State-of-the-art technology allows the captain to plan the course around Dunia Baru’s charter grounds at the touch of a button.

An extensive range of water toys

This gem of a superyacht is stocked with an extensive range of water toys. There are water skis, jet skis, kayaks and even inflatable ribs. These toys provide more ways in which to explore and enjoy the waters of South East Asia. Enjoy a morning or afternoon on paddle boats, a Sunfish sailing dinghy or on a stand-up Kawasaki. Children will love banana boat rides while there are fishing rods and tackle for adults.

As you would expect from such a prestigious vessel, Dunia Baru is also fully equipped with diving equipment. What’s more, one of the crew is a qualified PADI dive instructor. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional diver, take advantage of the facilities on board to discover some of the region’s spectacular dive sites. There’s snorkelling gear too so enthusiasts can explore the soft and hard corals along with diverse marine life.

Itineraries

Not only can Dunia Baru be chartered in Indonesia, she is also available for cruising in neighbouring countries like Myanmar and Thailand. Did you know that the name Dunia Baru means “new world” in Indonesian? There’s a thought. One thing’s for sure, this vision of modernity certainly opens up new ways of exploring the unspoilt native waters of South East Asia in complete luxury. Dunia Baru is considered an art piece and a vessel built for luxurious exploration, so why not charter it and see for yourself?

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