AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach, Labuan Bajo’s award-winning five-star resort, has opened bookings on board its flagship luxury phinisi, AYANA Lako di’a, for its unforgettable two-day, one-night sailing adventures through the ecological wonders of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Komodo National Park.
The phinisi is a wooden sailing ship style that has been integral to the seafaring cultures of South Sulawesi since the early 20th century, which is recognised as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage item.
“Lako di’a means ‘safe journey’ in the local Manggarai language,” explains Dermot Birchall, General Manager of AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach. “Our floating sanctuary allows you to discover the most magical parts of Komodo National Park in unparalleled safety, comfort and style. We look forward to welcoming guests aboard for what we hope will be an experience they’ll never forget.”
Accommodating up to 14 guests, AYANA Lako di’a showcases an inspired blend of contemporary elegance and traditional South Sulawesi boatbuilding techniques in its unique design, which reflects the rustic beauty of Flores Island.
One of the largest luxury vessels in Western Flores, accommodation is offered in nine ultra-modern air-conditioned suites with ensuite bathrooms. The ship also features a living room, lounge, bar, an indoor dining area and daybeds on the main deck.
Each luxury cruise fare includes full-board meals: breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner; free-flowing mineral water, and a refreshing range of other non-alcoholic beverages. Included activities include snorkelling, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding; while onboard options include karaoke, film screenings and yoga. Cruise fares also include Komodo National Park entrance fees, transfers to and from Komodo International Airport, and digital documentation.
Guests seeking the ultimate indulgence can stay in the elegantly appointed 69-square-metre Master Suite which boasts a king-sized bed, private balcony, ocean view bathtub and walk-in wardrobe. For single occupancy, it is priced at IDR 26,686,000++/AUD 2,610, or for double occupancy at IDR 19,982,000++/ AUD 1,955 per person.
Ideal for families or groups travelling together, the six Luxury Suites are all conveniently located on the middle deck and feature twin beds or a double bed depending on guest preferences and availability. Each 20-square-metre Luxury Suite features a thoughtfully appointed bedroom, exquisite ocean views from the generous bathroom, and a private balcony to take in the glorious surroundings. For single occupancy, Luxury Suites are priced at IDR 18,000,000++/ AUD 1,760 per person, or for double occupancy at IDR 14,146,000++/ AUD 1,385 per person.
Idyllic itinerary
The two-day voyage’s itinerary has been carefully designed to take in Komodo National Park’s most spectacular destinations and an exhilarating mix of marine and land excursions, with ample time to relax and rejuvenate on board. From marvelling at the graceful movements of the Komodo Dragon to admiring the radiant hues of a spectacular sunset, the two-day voyage is the ultimate way to experience the best this remarkable region has to offer.
Departing at 4:00 pm, the first destination is Kalong Island, a tiny mangrove islet home to thousands of fruit bats, known locally as kalong. Guests will gaze in awe as the bats fly from their roosts and fill the golden sky at sunset. The night ends with an intimate dinner under the stars on the main deck of AYANA Lako di’a.
On the second day, cruisers will explore the three most renowned destinations of Komodo National Park. An essential experience while visiting the region, a 90-minute hike to the summit of Padar Island provides a panoramic view of four crescent-shaped, shimmering beaches below green-capped hills. The following destination, Pink Beach, is a true ecological wonder and one of only seven beaches of its kind in the world. The picture-perfect beach gets its unusual colour from a microscopic creature that produces a red pigment on the fringing coral reefs, which combined with crushed red coral creates a dazzling dusky pink.
The last destination is of course Komodo Island, home of the iconic Komodo dragon, the largest lizard on earth. Expert local rangers guide guests around the park for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to observe the dragons in their natural habitat, as well as other animals large and small that make up the island’s rich biodiversity.
Setting sail for her first voyage of 2024 on Friday 12 April, AYANA Lako di’a’s luxury cruises will typically operate once a week from Friday to Saturday until 19 October.
To book AYANA Lako di’a Shared Cruises, please contact (+62) 385 2441000, WhatsApp chat via (+62) 811 3820 2288, or email to reservation.komodo@ayana.com.
