By: Torben Lonne
With a design based on a traditional British schooner, in combination with elements of the Indonesian “phinisi”, the elegant Mutiara Laut has real sailing capabilities. It is equipped with modern engines and generators, as well as all the latest in safety equipment and instrumentation. With 10- or 11-night diving trips, this liveaboard offers year-round diving and leisure trips in the Indonesian archipelago. Tastefully decorated, ready to cater up to 14 guests in 7 cabins, it guarantees an unforgettable vacation in Indonesia. There are six deluxe cabins and one spacious master cabin located at the stern of the boat. Social areas include a cozy indoor saloon and dining room, a spacious al-fresco dining area and a large sun deck with lounge chairs.
Our Overall Review
Things we like:
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Several divers reported that the water was crystal clear and the changing currents made diving interesting. -
Many people noted that the naturalist was informative and made the land excursion fun.
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Many people were happy with the structure and flow of the boat, everything is easily accessible.
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The food was awesome and prepared with love by the dedicated chef.
Things we don't like:
Some divers said they were expecting a more diverse selection of marine life.- Some people noted that the boat was small in nature and felt cramped at times.
Some divers said they were expecting a more diverse selection of marine life.
Diving on the Mutiara Laut in Indonesia
Mutiara Laut
Mutiara Laut is one man’s dream and creation built quite literally with his own hands. Leendert Van Oostenbrugge, a Dutch native, an insatiable adventurer, upon his retirement, willing to satisfy his thirst for exploring the remote parts of Indonesia, built his own sailing yacht. He named it Mutiara Laut or “The Pearl of the Sea”.
Mutiara Laut is one of the most luxurious yachts in Indonesia. It is a unique 46m (150.9 feet) long and 9m (29.5 feet) wide liveaboard with a design based on a traditional British schooner, all while combined Indonesian “phinisi” elements. As a classic two-mast schooner, it is carefully constructed to cater to every guest’s seafaring fantasy. Viewed from a distance, Mutiara Laut’s sleek hull and imposing masts give a feel to exude speed and agility rather than comfort and leisure. However, with over 850m2 of sail, this liveaboard boasts real sailing capabilities. Equipped with modern engines, generators and all of the latest in safety equipment and instrumentation, Mutiara Laut offers luxury year-round diving and leisure trips to the most remote islands of Indonesia and the Indonesian archipelago.
Mutiara Laut Interior and Features
Guests are welcomed by the wide large open deck. Being close to 200m2 (2,150 sq. feet), the open deck space is arguably the most popular hangout on the yacht. Being multi-functional, it is used not only as a staging area for all daily activities and as a dive center during the day, but also as an alfresco restaurant for breakfast, lunch & dinner, plus a lazy cocktail lounge during sunset.
There is a large central table underneath the white canvas “sunbrella”, with comfortable cushioned chairs and plenty of space for lounge & sunbathing chairs all around. The main deck saloon and dining room offer all possible amenities needed for meetings or formal dining. It also comes complete with all necessary media facilities for presentations or entertainment events. A large LCD TV and library are also part of the exterior.
There are 7 cabins for 14 guests in total. The 6 deluxe cabins have double beds, storage space, individually controlled AC units, and en-suite bathrooms. The spacious master cabin, on the other hand, located at the stern of the boat, offers a double bed and an open-plan shower with double vanities. The interior design of the cabins represents a harmonious fusion of eclectic Asian with classic European craftsmanship. The mix of an effortless symbiosis of modern stylishness and old-world charm result with a symphony of comfort and style.
Mutiara Laut Trips and Excursions
Throughout the year, in the form of 10- or 11-night diving trips, Mutiara Laut extensively explores the spectacular dive sites of Raja Ampat’s “Four Kings”. As part of the Coral Triangle, Raja will never disappoint, giving every diver the opportunity to come across an incredible variety of fish, stunning scenery and pristine beaches. Mutiara Laut also travels far off the beaten track, all in order to find hidden wonders both above and below the water – Halmahera, and Ambon in the Moluccas, Cenderawasih’s whale sharks, Triton Bay, the Banda Islands, and Alor – nothing stays unexplored. With professional dive guides and two tenders, hassle-free diving is assured.
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