Lady Denok Liveaboard Overview

woman carrying a scuba tank near a rocky cave entranceDIVEIN contributor Rebecca Strauss taking a selfie near a city canal
By
Kiani Versluys
woman carrying a scuba tank near a rocky cave entrance
Contributor at DIVEIN.com
Kiani is a PADI instructor with a passion for traveling. From taking her first breath under water in the Gulf of Thailand, to working in the...
Rebecca Strauss
DIVEIN contributor Rebecca Strauss taking a selfie near a city canal
Editor at DIVEIN.com
Rebecca has been an avid traveler and scuba diver for many years. She began her editorial career by updating travel guides, which took her all over...
The Lady Denok phinisi liveaboard anchored near a small island under blue sky
Hand-built in 2016 by the master boat builders of the Konjo tribe in Sulawesi, Lady Denok gives you access to the watery wonders of Indonesia.
Lady Denok anchored near a forested mountain in Indonesia
The ship has the bygone charm of a traditional phinisi, with all the added mod-cons and safety features of a twenty-first century vessel.
Lady Denok phinisi anchored at sunset
This 92-foot (28 m) vessel can accommodate up to 12 guests in seven spacious ensuite cabins.
wood trimmed double cabin bed aboard Lady Denok
The Lady Denok can accommodate up to 12 guests in seven spacious wood-trimmed cabins, which come in a variety of configurations.
twin cabin with wood paneling and framed art aboard Lady Denok
Each cabin features an ensuite bath, along with individually controlled air conditioning, windows or portholes.
Lady Denok docked alongside another sailing vessel
Dive safari seekers will be pampered as they travel in style to Komodo, the Forgotten Islands, Raja Ampat, and the Banda Sea to experience the most diverse marine environment on the planet.
manta ray gliding over a reef with a large grouper below
Swim with manta rays and schools of rainbow runners in Komodo National Park
diver hovering above a reef packed with damselfish
Find mobula rays and dogtooth tuna in the Banda Sea, and revel in the diversity of Raja Ampat.
dense school of trevally schooling over a reef
The marine biodiversity of Indonesia is unmatched.
green sea turtle swimming past a diver over coral
Expect wall dives, drifts, wreck diving, and vibrant shallow reefs.
school of barracuda schooling in tight formation
For the Raja Ampat trip, guests should have at least 30 dives, while guests on Komodo trips should have at least 50 dives logged.
two small tender boats moored together off Lady Denok
Guests are ferried to dive sites by tender, keeping the main liveaboard anchored in calmer water.

From muck diving to vibrant reefs teeming with macro life, Indonesia is a haven for dive enthusiasts. Log encounters with pygmy seahorses, majestic manta rays, and sleek hammerheads amidst astounding visibility. Indulge in diverse activities from wreck diving to kayaking, alongside encounters with pelagic sharks and elusive wobbegongs. The treasure trove of coral species paints an underwater kaleidoscope.

Hand-built in 2016 by the master boat builders of the Konjo tribe in Sulawesi, Lady Denok gives you access to it all. The ship has the bygone charm of a traditional phinisi, with all the added mod-cons and safety features of a twenty-first century vessel. This 92-foot (28 m) vessel can accommodate up to 12 guests in seven spacious ensuite cabins.

Dive safari seekers will be pampered as they travel in style to Komodo, the Forgotten Islands, Raja Ampat, and the Banda Sea to experience the most diverse marine environment on the planet.

Let’s dive into our review of Lady Denok. 

About this overview

To help you decide whether this liveaboard fits your dive style, budget, and comfort needs, we’ve researched the boat, itinerary, onboard experience, diving setup, and overall value.
We review liveaboards based on the details that matter most during a multi-day dive trip, including cabins, food, crew support, dive operations, safety, route quality, and how the boat compares with similar options in the destination.

Things we like:

  • Small dive groups
  • 1:1 guest to staff ratio
  • WiFi available free of charge

Things we don't like:

  • Nitrox is available but not included
  • Cork fee for own alcohol
  • Alcoholic beverages are quite expensive

Diving on Lady Denok liveaboard

school of manta rays feeding above a reef in the Maldives
diver swimming beside a large school of yellow snapper
school of bumphead parrotfish grazing over a coral reef

Embarking on the Lady Denok liveaboard offers an unparalleled diving experience amidst diverse Indonesian dive sites. Swim with manta rays and schools of rainbow runners in Komodo National Park or discover the largely unexplored Forgotten Islands. Find mobula rays and dogtooth tuna in the Banda Sea, and revel in the diversity of Raja Ampat.

Expect wall dives, drifts, wreck diving, and vibrant shallow reefs. Diving is typically conducted from the back of the boat, ensuring easy access to spectacular sites.

With three to four dives per day, except on select days, guests with Open Water certification are welcome. However, for the Raja Ampat trip, guests should have at least 30 dives, while guests on Komodo trips should have at least 50 dives logged. Dive groups are organized based on expertise with one dive guide per four divers.

Guests can choose between four different destinations and durations of between four and 13 nights. Land adventures will include Komodo dragon encounters and visits with locals in small fishing villages. Those who want even more activity can go kayaking or snorkeling.

Nitrox, several 15L tanks, and other equipment rentals are available at a surcharge. Snorkelers receive guided assistance and are accompanied by a crew member with a speed boat in proximity.

Highlights:

  • 1:4 guide-to-diver ratio
  • Up to 40 dives per trip
  • Marine life including pygmy seahorses and wobbegong sharks
  • Wide variety of dive sites

Onboard Lady Denok

wood trimmed double cabin bed aboard Lady Denok
twin cabin with wall mounted air conditioning unit aboard Lady Denok
wood paneled storage area with crates aboard Lady Denok
dive deck with scuba tanks and gear crates aboard Lady Denok
sundeck with blue striped loungers aboard Lady Denok

The Lady Denok can accommodate up to 12 guests in seven spacious wood-trimmed cabins, which come in a variety of configurations. Each features an ensuite bath, along with individually controlled air conditioning, windows or portholes.

Within the air-conditioned lounge, guests can unwind with entertainment via TV, CD/DVD players, a library for tranquil moments, and free WiFi. 

Lady Denok’s exterior spaces offer a retreat into nature’s serenity. The sundeck offers quiet shaded spaces and loungers or beanbags for sun seekers. At the bar on deck, divers can share the day’s adventures over an evening cocktail.

The well-equipped dive deck offers charging stations for underwater photographers, a separate rinse tank for U/W cameras, and ample space to get ready to dive. Showers, rinse tanks, and gear bins help keep everyone and everything clean and organized.

Highlights:

  • Lounge with entertainment center
  • Separate rinse tank for cameras
  • Multiple relaxation areas

Dining onboard Lady Denok

wood paneled dining salon set with a long table aboard Lady Denok
coffee urn and espresso machine in the Lady Denok galley
wood paneled lounge with dining tables and blue seating aboard Lady Denok

Guests can choose from a mouth-watering buffet in the dining area of the main salon or dine on deck with the islands as backdrops. Three hearty meals are served a day by the master chef onboard, and before the first dive guests can enjoy a cold breakfast.

Freshly prepared menus feature Western, Asian and Indonesian dishes, and chefs can accommodate allergies and dietary preferences with advanced notice.

Wine, alcoholic beverages and beer are sold onboard, although guests are welcome to bring their own wine or alcoholic beverages. Note however that a cork fee will be charged. Instant coffee, espresso, tea, soft drinks, and cookies are available all day in the dining room. After each dive, guests can expect special cold or hot drinks.

Highlights:

  • Buffet-style meals
  • Mix of Western and Indonesian cuisine
  • Tea, coffee, and soft drinks are included

Things we like:

  • Small dive groups
  • 1:1 guest to staff ratio
  • WiFi available free of charge

Things we don't like:

  • Nitrox is available but not included
  • Cork fee for own alcohol
  • Alcoholic beverages are quite expensive
Key facts
Year built: 2014
Max divers: 14
Rental equip: Yes ($)
Camera station: Yes
Internet: No
Min logged dives: No minimum
Nitrox: Yes ($)
Aircon: Yes
Trip length: 5-7 Nights
Price range: Mid-range
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