By: Torben Lonne
This wooden schooner was built in the year 2014. Since then, it has been cruising in the famous dive sites of Indonesia. The custom-built wooden phinisi is best for a small group of friends or a family who wants to have an intimate vacation in a lavish style. The installed solar panels create a low environmental impact and make Mantra one of the eco-friendliest liveaboards, cruising in the Indonesian sea. Mantra has been offering the best dive destinations of Indonesia including Komodo, Alor, and Raja Ampat as its main itineraries. While exploring the exciting Komodo National Park you can witness the fearsome appearance of schools of barracuda, sharks, frogfish and manta rays.
Our Overall Review
Things we like:
-
Some people stated that the wooden nature of the boat made it exclusive and authentic. -
Many people were happy with the staff and the fact that they always had a smile on their face.
-
The chef prepared interesting meals that everyone liked.
Things we don't like:
Some divers said that the vessel was small and cramped.- A couple of people noted that the water was cold and freezing.
- In the lower cabins you van hear the noisy engine.
Some divers said that the vessel was small and cramped.
Diving on the Mantra Dive in Indonesia
Mantra – assures to provide an intimate dive safari vacation
The 30 meters (approx. 99 feet) traditional wooden vessel has been offering diving cruises for the last 5 years. It swags to be one the eco-friendly liveaboard with solar panels installed to create a low environmental impact. The floating beauty cruises at a maximum speed of 8 knots. It has the capacity to host a maximum 10 guest with a special sense of privacy due to the lesser number of divers. Mantra boasts to offer cruises to the least visited islands of Indonesia. Multiple sea excursions and unique dive spots are what make Mantra different from other liveaboards sailing in the Indonesian sea. The dive destination Raja Ampat provides a diversified marine life along with an opportunity to swim with dolphins, sharks, and turtles. Whereas, visiting Komodo National park will offer the sightseeing of the rare creatures, Komodo Dragons. You can also get an experience to see the rugged volcanic archipelago and local villages nearby to the islands.
Boat Interior – decorous interior with compact amenities
The traditional wooden Phinisi has a light teak wood interior, which reflects a rustic impression. It has a capacity to welcome up to 10 guests onboard in 3 spacious and ultra-modern cabins. These cabins are incorporated with the latest technology that helps to provide a peaceful stay along with respecting the privacy. Each cabin has a en-suite bathroom with fresh/hot water, separate temperature-controlled A/C and digital safe to keep the belongings.
Deck Area – enjoy the 360-degree view of the archipelago
The main deck of lavish Mantra has a dive deck, where divers can prepare for an action-filled dive. Rental equipment is available there for paying an extra charge of 35 euros per person for a day. There are plenty of cushioned chairs along with the dining table. If you wish to enjoy your food in the fresh sea breeze with fantastic vistas of the surroundings, the al fresco dining table on the sun deck is the perfect choice for it. The large open sun deck area is on the upper deck, where you can enjoy the astonishing 360-degree view of the surrounding with a chilled drink.
Food and Entertainment
The modern liveaboard with a fusion of traditional design has all the facilities, which are required to have a fun-filled intimate dive safari adventure. The assortments of entertainment won’t let the non-divers get bored. The onboard activities include audio-video entertainment, charging stations for gadgets, free Wi-Fi access when GSM is available, movies and much more. To boost the energy for an action pack dive, the chef onboard prepares delicious surprises three times a day. There is a variety of wholesome meals, which include a western and local menu. The guests having any food allergy or on special medication are catered on special request.
When to go
Komodo and Rinca combine together with around 10 more smaller islands and form an exceptionally beautiful archipelago. This magnificent itinerary can be explored from April till November. The dive site of Raja Ampat is available to cruise with Mantra from November to March.
Comments