Dewi Nusantara

Overview

This majestic 57 metre, triple masted schooner offers superb comfort. Dewi Nusantara sails itineraries through Raja Ampat and the Komodo National Park, in addition to some special exploratory itineraries in the Banda Sea, Sorong and Cendrawasih Bay areas.

Read an article from Sport Diver Magazine on whale sharks in Cenderawasih Bay

Accommodation

There are 9 beautifully appointed cabins, consisting of a Master suite and 8 twin or doubled bedded State rooms. The air-conditioned en-suite cabins offer many added comforts.

The Staterooms have a wardrobe, bathrobes, hairdryer, toiletries, fresh towels daily, and independently controlled air-conditioning units. The boat sleeps up to a maximum of 18 guests each sailing.

Other Facilities

With space enough to seek a corner of your own or to mix with your fellows guests with an after dive drink, Dewi Nusantara’s spacious relaxation areas offer the perfect spot to enjoy your time above water.

There is a separate camera room, plus bow sundeck, covered dining area and very comfortable indoor saloon.

Specification:

Length 57m, Beam 12m, Draft 3m, Propulsion: 2 x 500 hp Nissan twin turbo diesels, Fuel capacity: 29,000 litres, Desalinator: 2 x 5,000 litres per day Cruising speed: 8 knots

Navigation & Safety:

• Navigational aids: VHF, SSB, Furuno radar, twin GPS systems
• Communication devices : VHF, USB Radio and satellite phone

Twin centres: Dependant on your international flights, the boat can be twinned with Bali, Flores, Sulawesi and Kalimantan.

Schedules & prices

Dive info

Liveaboard diving in Indonesia

Diving in these areas is often undertaken in remote locations. Some of the dives can be quite challenging, suiting only more experienced divers in exciting, bizarre and unpredictable currents. Liveaboard diving does not get more adventurous than this!

Liveaboards diving to and from Bali

Eastwards from Bali, a string of picturesque islands stretch east towards Komodo, offering a wealth of different dive sites to choose from as you dive your way to or from Komodo National Park. Lombok, Gili Islands, Sumbawa, Moyo, Satonda and Sangeang are the main land masses, with numerous other islets.

This group of islands further east are surprisingly dry, looking more like parched grassland on steep volcanic formed slopes than the expected lush green tropics, unless visiting during the more rainy season (winter months), This area is truly a YEAR ROUND diving destination, with itineraries and dive sites tailored to the prevailing weather conditions. If the liveaboards operate there year round, you know it is good!

Liveaboards with itineraries encompassing Bali and Komodo National Park: Mermaid I, Mermaid II, Indo Aggressor, Indo Siren and Dewi Nusantara.

How do I get there?

The best gateway is via Bali’s Denpasar airport.

Boat and itinerary dependant, an internal flight from/to Bali from/to Bima (Sumbawa Island), Labuan Bajo or Maumere (Flores Island) may be required. Overnights prior and after the boat are usually required due to flight schedules, plus Regaldive always advise to have some slack in an itinerary in case of internal flight delays.

Liveaboard diving in Komodo, Flores & Alors

Komodo: Officially declared a World Heritage Site in 1986, the Komodo National Park (Komodo, Rinca and Padar Islands) is the largest protected marine zone on the planet. The variety of islands within the park, combined with the current, wave and wind exposure have resulted in an incredible diversity of coastal and marine habitats.

Underwater, strong currents and deep upwelling’s transport nutrient-rich waters throughout the area, which supports a cornucopia of life. Mangrove forests, sea grass beds and pristine coral reefs define the main habitats within the borders of the park. Dive sites vary from walls and coral gardens to pinnacles, drop offs and quiet bays that are ideal for macro lovers seeking rarely seen species.

So far over 1000 fish species, 260 reef building coral species and 70 sponge species have been recorded in the Komodo National Park, with a particularly high number of organ pipe coral, which accounts for the famous pink sand beaches. Turtles and marine mammals frequent Komodo's waters along with whales and mantas that are occasionally seen migrating through the park.

The park is also home to many rare and endemic land species including a population of the world's largest lizard, the Komodo Dragons. Most of Regaldive’s cruises covering the park incorporate an island visit to see these interesting reptiles in their natural environment.

Flores and Alor: The currents that flow through the straits which connect the Banda and Savu seas create thrilling drift dives that attract large animals such as whales, tuna, sharks (including hammerheads), giant groupers, eagle and manta rays, napoleon wrasse, schools of big eye jacks, mola-mola, and other pelagic fish. In the Pantar strait between Alor and Pantar pilot-whales and dolphins are common as they pass between the islands during their seasonal migration to the Pacific Ocean.

Liveaboards with itineraries encompassing Komodo National Park, Flores & Alors: Mermaid I, Mermaid II, Indo Aggressor, Indo Siren, Emperor Raja Laut and Dewi Nusantara.

How do I get there?

The best gateway is via Bali’s Denpasar airport.

Boat and itinerary dependant, an internal flight from/to Bali from/to Bima (Sumbawa Island), Labuan Bajo (West Flores) or Maumere (East Flores) may be required. Overnights prior and after the boat are usually required due to flight schedules, plus Regaldive always advise to have some slack in an itinerary in case of internal flight delays.

Liveaboard diving Ambon and Raja Ampat

Twenty percent of West Papua’s land (formerly Irian Jaya) and marine parks are designated conservation areas. With over 3000 fish and 400 coral and sponge species recorded, as well as dolphins, dugongs, green, hawksbill and leatherback turtles, this area will not fail to amaze. Above water, exotic creatures such as the Venus Fly trap inhabit the region.

Liveaboards with itineraries encompassing Ambon, Maluku Islands: Mermaid I, Mermaid I and Emperor Raja Laut

Liveaboards with itineraries encompassing Raja Ampat, West Papua: Mermaid I, Mermaid I, Emperor Raja Laut, Indo Siren and Dewi Nusantara.

How do I get there?

The best gateway can be via Jakarta airport, Bali’s Denpasar airport or Manado airport.

Internal flights to/from either Ambon, Sorong and Maumere, boat itinerary dependant. Overnights prior and after the boat are usually required due to flight schedules, plus Regaldive always advise to have some slack in an itinerary in case of internal flight delays.

 Some great Raja Ampat footage from our friends at Mermaid Fleet:

Liveaboard diving in Manado, Sulawesi

Manado lies at the Northern tip of Sulawesi, located in a bay and surrounded by a dramatic volcanic landscape. Manado is host to some of the finest diving in South East Asia.

Divers will experience everything from the smallest pygmy seahorses and nudibranchs, to eagle rays, orcas and pilot whales. Manado is an idyllic, tranquil diving destination with an outstanding and celebrated bio-diversity.

There is said to be a greater variety of marine life in the seas off North Sulawesi than anywhere else on the planet and outstanding diving is available year round. The area is a centre of marine bio diversity and is home to many unusual species, ranging from prehistoric fish like coelacanth through to some recognised household names like reef sharks and the eagle ray.

Liveaboards with itineraries encompassing Manado, Sulawesi - Lembeh Strait, Bunaken and Sangihe Islands: Dewi Nusantara.

How do I get there?

The best gateway is Manado Airport (Sulawesi) via Singapore on Singapore Airlines. Other international flights may be arranged into Jakarta, with a separate ticket on Garuda or Lion Air to Manado. Overnights in Jakarta may be required.

Overnights prior and after the boat are usually required due to flight schedules, plus Regaldive always advise to have some slack in an itinerary in case of internal flight delays.

If you're looking for a liveaboard experience but with the comfort of staying at a resort, our Bunaken land-based liveaboard experience sees you based at Tasik Ria Resort. For more information, contact our friendly dive team.

Liveaboard diving in Timor-Leste (East Timor)*

This remote island southeast of Indonesia is surrounded by the Timor and Banda Seas. Timor-Leste offers divers many different sites with diverse topography and an array of marine life in this little explored area. Pristine corals, sandy muck diving slopes and off shore pinnacles await the adventurous diver.

Timor-Leste, once governed by Indonesia, has a tumultuous history with a strong influence from the Portuguese, which remains one of this small nation's official languages. The young nation is made up of the eastern half of Timor island, Atauro island to the north and the tiny island of Jako, yet despite being an island nation does not have a strong fishing background.

*Timor-Leste is an independent state and not part of Indonesia. However, for sake of geographic proximity and ease of operation, Regaldive currently incorporate the country under this area as the region slowly grows its diving potential.

How do I get there?

The best gateway is via Bali’s Denpasar airport.

An internal flight from/to Bali into Dili, Timor-Leste is required, with daily flights available. There is also a flight from Singapore on an Air Timor charter, but we recommend the route via Bali.

Overnights prior and after the boat are usually required due to flight schedules, plus Regaldive always advise to have some slack in an itinerary in case of internal flight delays.

Liveaboards diving to and from Bali - How do I get there?

The best gateway is via Bali’s Denpasar airport.

Boat and itinerary dependant, an internal flight from/to Bali from/to Bima (Sumbawa Island), Labuan Bajo or Maumere (Flores Island) may be required. Overnights prior and after the boat are usually required due to flight schedules, plus Regaldive always advise to have some slack in an itinerary in case of internal flight delays.

Liveaboard diving in Komodo, Flores & Alor - How do I get there?

The best gateway is via Bali’s Denpasar airport.

Boat and itinerary dependant, an internal flight from/to Bali from/to Bima (Sumbawa Island), Labuan Bajo (West Flores) or Maumere (East Flores) may be required. Overnights prior and after the boat are usually required due to flight schedules, plus Regaldive always advise to have some slack in an itinerary in case of internal flight delays.

Liveaboard diving Ambon and Raja Ampat - How do I get there?

The best gateway can be via Jakarta airport, Bali’s Denpasar airport or Manado airport.

Internal flights to/from either Ambon , Sorong and Maumere, boat itinerary dependant. Overnights prior and after the boat are usually required due to flight schedules, plus Regaldive always advise to have some slack in an itinerary in case of internal flight delays.

Liveaboard diving in Manado, Sulawesi - How do I get there?

The best gateway is Manado Airport (Sulawesi) via Singapore on Singapore Airlines four times a week.

Other international flights may be arranged into Jakarta, with a separate ticket on Garuda or Lion Air to Manado. Overnights in Jakarta may be required. Overnights prior and after the boat are usually required due to flight schedules, plus Regaldive always advise to have some slack in an itinerary in case of internal flight delays.

Flight Information

Flights are available on multiple airlines serving this region, for example: Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Thai Airways, Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways and Garuda Indonesia.

Flight duration:
Approx. 15 - 17 hours including flight change.

Passports & Visas

Passengers travelling to Indonesia and Timor-Leste should have minimum six months valid on their passport from the date of return to the UK, plus one full page free. Hotel receptions may be required to take a photocopy of your passport for registration purposes.

British nationals travelling to Indonesia on holiday can enter the country without a visa for up to 30 days at certain ports of entry, including international airports in Jakarta and Bali. You won’t be able to extend your stay beyond 30 days if you enter under this visa waiver scheme. Entry via Manado and certain other entry points is still subject to a visa on arrival at a cost of $35 (30 day visa) and $15 (7 day visa).

For further information about entry requirements, visit the website of the Indonesian Embassy in London or your nearest Indonesian embassy.

Visitors to Timor-Leste require a visa, which British passport holders can purchase on arrival at the airport. A 30 day tourist visa, single entry costs US $30. It is your responsibility to check that your passport complies with Indonesian and Timor-Leste entry requirements.

Vaccinations

There are no compulsory vaccinations for travel, but we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A and polio. Vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure with your GP or local travel clinic.

Advice on Malaria, Dengue Fever and Japanese Encephalitus should be sought before travelling specific to the area of your boat's itinerary.

Further information regarding vaccinations for travel to this country can be found at www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk, from your local healthcare provider or from a specialist travel clinic.

Itineraries

Reviews

Raja Ampat trip Xmas and New Year 2012/13

"
This is really a trip of a lifetime. Raja Ampat is at the centre of the coral triangle and as such provides more bio diversity than any other dive location on the planet.

As a destination Raja Ampat is a mission to get to. I used the Jakarta gateway and flew Etihad from LHR to Abu Dhabi then Jakarta. This was followed by domestic flights outbound Jakarta – Ambon – Sorong, and inbound Sorong - Manado Surabaya - Jakarta. Be aware of the limited baggage allowances of 15 or 20kg on domestic flights but excess baggage charges are very reasonable. You will also need Indonesian currency for departure taxes both domestic and international. I had transit stopovers on both legs at the Jakarta Airport Hotel. I might suggest that there may be a less protracted route for your trip so speak to the guys at Regal.

We were picked up at Sorong Airport and taken to the boat. I have been on a lot of liveaboards but this boat is impressive! Dewi has beautiful lines and plenty of space. Rooms are spacious and kept impeccably clean. The food is very good considering that they get their supplies from Sorong. Beer and one glass of wine with your evening meal are included, as are coffee and all soft drinks. If you like a sundowner I would advise taking your own bottle of Duty Free spirits as alcohol is a little expensive on board.

The scenery above the water is amazing, very reminiscent of the islands in the movie King Kong and also slightly other worldly. The diving operation is slick. Wendy, the English cruise director, runs the boat like clockwork. You will not have to lift a finger with your gear as the crew do everything and all diving is from tenders. There is a camera room with spacious stations for each photographer. Expect to do four dives each day. You will be offered hot showers, hot towels and neck massages after each dive and hot Baileys coffee after the night dives.

Water temp in Raja Ampat is a constant 28-30 degrees, a 3mm suit is plenty but some wore 5mm and some almost nothing. I had a 3mm full suit and a hooded 2.5mm vest which was perfect and provided some flexibility if I felt colder. I did a lot of the dives in just the vest and a pair of boardies but there are some nasty stinging hydroids so watch out.

The first thing that strikes you about the dives are the colours and the abundance of fish. The reefs are pristine with amazing hard and soft corals. Expect to see all the critters on your wish list but we also saw lots of mantas including a giant oceanic manta and various species of shark including black tip, white tip, grey reef, tasseled wobbegong and epaulette.

The crew are the ones that will make your trip; they are special and will do anything for you. I had my birthday on the boat and the entire crew sang to me (in tune and in harmony!) which made me feel special too. You will therefore wish to leave a tip - the guideline is about 10% of the cruise price but from talking to other guests the amounts given ranged from $100 to $600 per person and are split equally between the crew and dive guides.

Raja Ampat gets the tag frontier diving. Repeat guests said they had sometimes not seen another dive boat for days on prior trips. We saw one, two, sometimes three boats a day, so my advice is to make the trip sooner rather than later.

Thanks to all the crew on this luxurious boat and to Regaldive for arranging it. It seems like a lot of money but it is well worth it!

"

Paul Cavanagh - Bournemouth, UK

10

Guest rating: 10/10 (1 vote)

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