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Photo: Prana by Atzaro
Getting a chance to visit Raja Ampat can easily be considered a bucket list adventure for any water-loving person. The area is located off the northwest tip of New Guinea and is part of the Indonesian West Papua Province. With a name that translates to “four kings”, Raja Ampat is a diver’s paradise, boasting 1,500-plus island.
Raja Ampat is at the centre of the Coral Triangle region (75 per cent of the world’s coral species are found here) — known for its untampered, biodiverse marine life and corals. The underwater landscape teems with over 1,600 fish species, including 35 found nowhere else on Earth.
Porcelain anemone crab. (Photo: Unsplash, Farwiza Farhan)
Equally impressive are the vibrant coral gardens, home to over 600 species, of which over 40 are unique to these waters. Lucky visitors might even spot some of the 16 different whale and dolphin species that frequent these nutrient-rich seas, turning a simple dive into an unforgettable encounter with nature’s wonders.
Getting there is equally part of the adventure, from Singapore to Sorong via Jakarta. While you can opt to stay at a dive lodge or an eco-resort in Raja Ampat, soaking in the majesty of the place on a luxury phinisi is certainly an unparalleled experience.
A little piece of heaven
Boasting the world’s largest and most luxurious authentic phinisi sailing yacht, Prana by Atzaro (prana means “life force” in Sanskrit) is a stunning, hand-built wooden yacht that traverses the Indonesian archipelago — namely Komodo National Park, the Spice Islands, and Raja Ampat.
Launched in mid-2018, the impressive yacht is 55m long, totalling 9,687.52 sq ft, and has nine suites accommodating up to 18 guests. It’s a traditional gaff-rigged timber phinisi made of ironwood and teak, armed with all the equipment you may need — paddle boards, sea kayaks, wakeboards, waterskis, fishing gear, and complete diving and snorkelling equipment — for endless days of frolicking in the water.
Sail days vary depending on the season and guests’ preferences, but you can certainly give the Prana team carte blanche over your itinerary once the anchor’s up.
Photo: Prana by Atzaro
Our four-day voyage kicked off via the Dampier Strait and west towards Waigeo, where we cooled off in the refreshing waters of Kali Biru, an incredibly clear, turquoise freshwater river. Over several days, multiple snorkelling and idle swimming opportunities — such as Mioskon Reef’s scenic, shallow reef — allowed us to witness the vibrant marine life up close, including the notorious triggerfish and the coveted sea turtle.
One of the ways the Prana team supports local businesses in the area is by purchasing supplies from nearby villages as and when necessary.
As luck would have it, the weather didn’t maintain its sunny disposition, so exploring renowned Melissa’s Garden — a coral haven teeming with a myriad of fish species such as eels, barracudas, and reef sharks — in overcast, choppy waters was an underwhelming expedition.
Looking out from Piaynemo’s peak. (Photo: Zawani Abdul Ghani)
Regardless of the unsavoury weather, a brief trek to Piaynemo’s lookout marked an iconic viewpoint famous for admiring the horizon and its lagoons. A short stop at quaint Sauwandarek allowed us a peek into the quiet life of the locals, whose livelihoods are sustained by crafting wooden spoons and weaving hats and bags from sea pandan leaves.
When the weather looked too rough, naps, along with a visit to the spa or an idle read on the expansive deck, were always on the menu.
A full day’s activities call for a full(er) stomach
Between jumping off the pontoon (into the water) and hopping ashore for quick stops, the one consistent joy of the trip was the extensive selection of Asian and Western dishes served at every meal. The Prana team goes well above and beyond to ensure no guest goes hungry, and even with a lean kitchen crew, the meals were always a treat.
Photo: Zawani Abdul Ghani
Some meals focused on Indonesian fare, while others included Mediterranean and Italian delights (it may come as a surprise, but the soups were unfalteringly, incredibly delicious). One dinner also saw the phinisi anchor close to an island with enough shoreline to accommodate a barbecue dinner party, complete with music for dancing.
In fact, one of the ways the Prana team supports local businesses in the area is by purchasing supplies from nearby villages as and when necessary. Other times, they might try their luck with fishing — which you’re free to join if that’s something you fancy.
Photo: Zawani Abdul Ghani
On a clear night, the team arranged a cocktail hour on the top-most deck as we observed the sky gradually darken from a blazing pink-orange.
Remarkable memories
Photo: Prana by Atzaro
As numerous yachts trawled Raja Ampat with fellow keen sunseekers, it felt like we were the only ones in those waters. For most of our sailing hours, we were one of the rare few boats — or the only boat — as far as the eyes could see, which explains the allure of this beautiful archipelago.
Even if you’re not an avid water nymph, just being on the Prana will make you dread (just a little) having to head back to the bustle of city life. There are alternative activities aboard to keep you busy, including yoga, a treadmill, weights, and an open-air cinema after dinner to cap off the day.
Photo: Prana by Atzaro
For a one-of-a-kind journey through Raja Ampat, this one-of-a-kind vessel is well worth its handsome price per night. Starting at US$18,000 ($24,306), the Prana team’s service stands out in its attentiveness and meticulous planning. All that’s left is to plan your nap schedule.
