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Alila Purnama is the first Bugis traditional Phinisi Boat to sail for luxury cruises, starting with Raja Ampat in Indonesian Papua.
SINGAPORE – Come December 2012, Alila Hotels and Resorts is set to launch its own luxury wooden Phinisi sailing boat, the Alila Purnama, which will take guests on voyages of discovery and relaxation throughout the stunning, undiscovered waters and islands of Indonesia.
Alila Purnama, translated as The Full Moon, will be the most luxurious Phinisi boat in the region, providing ultra-modern and relaxing accommodation for up to 10 guests, pampered by an experienced crew of 16.
The 46-metre-long Alila Purnama consists of three decks and has been built by hand in the traditional style of a Phinisi, as used by the Bugis seafarers from south Sulawesi in Indonesia. In keeping with Alila’s emphasis on style and sustainability, the furniture throughout the boat is custom-made from teak, rattan and other locally sourced materials from Indonesia.
Onboard are four well-appointed suites, all air-conditioned with queen-size beds, en-suite bathrooms with shower, separate toilet, double wardrobes and writing desk. In addition, there is the master suite, designed with large, wraparound windows offering 270-degree views of the ever-changing yet incredible landscape. Its bathroom features shower, bathtub, two washbasins and an enclosed separate toilet, while a private balcony and large sundeck with daybed and deckchairs provide space for relaxation.
Aside to the cabins, this luxury vessel features a library, lounge, bar, indoor dining area seating up to 10 people, and plenty of space outside to unwind and enjoy the views. It is also equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi access, enabling guests to upload their trip photos on a daily basis.
Guests will be able to dine at leisure in the air-conditioned dining room or on the outdoor deck. Meals and an extensive list of non-alcoholic beverages are all-inclusive while alcoholic beverages including wines, beers and cocktails are available for an additional charge. After dinner or in-between dives, guests can relax over coffee or cocktails in the bar and lounge.
The main outdoor deck has large oversized daybeds shaded by umbrellas – perfect for relaxing day or night and enjoying the fresh sea breezes. And with a spa therapist aboard the vessel, guests can succumb to the soothing pleasures of a signature Alila massage onboard or on a nearby beach.
Alila Purnama also has its own fully licensed PADI dive centre, catering to qualified divers. Development courses offered onboard range from Advanced Open Water Diver to over 16 specialities, including Enriched Air Nitrox, Deep, Peak Performance Buoyancy, Drift and Underwater Naturalist. There is plenty of equipment for all guests onboard as well as a dedicated freshwater rinse tank for camera equipment.
For those with a taste for adventure, kayaking, fishing, snorkeling, visiting local islands and pearl farms are among the many other pursuits on offer. Alila Purnama’s first sailing will set off this December from Raja Ampat in Indonesia’s West Papua province.
Setting out from Sorong, Alila Purnama will take guests on an amazing sea and island-hopping adventure, winding a course past several of the Raja Ampat islands including Gam, Miskon and Yangello. Along the way, guests will encounter some of the most pristine dives sites, with the opportunity to dive by day and by night in calm blue waters adorned with beautiful coral reefs and teeming with diverse marine life – wobbegong sharks, manta and eagle rays, schools of barracuda, to name a few.
Luc Citrinot a French national is a freelance journalist and consultant in tourism and air transport with over 20 years experience. Based in Paris and Bangkok, he works for various travel and air transport trade publications in Europe and Asia.
