Dunia Baru, a seven-cabin, 51-meter luxury superyacht, offers an unparalleled blend of adventure and exclusivity, taking guests on private journeys through Indonesia’s remote and breathtaking archipelagos. Whether exploring the turquoise waters of Raja Ampat, encountering Komodo dragons in their natural habitat, or diving with hammerheads, whale sharks and manta rays in the vibrant coral reefs of the Coral Triangle, every voyage is tailored for an unforgettable experience. With expert guides, bespoke itineraries, and world-class service, guests are immersed in the region’s rich marine life, untouched landscapes, and unique cultural heritage—all whilst enjoying the utmost comfort and privacy on board.
DESIGN
Dunia Baru, meaning “New World” in Indonesian, is inspired by the traditional phinisi, an indigenous Indonesian sailing vessel that has been a symbol of the country’s seafaring history for centuries. Phinisis, now UNESCO recognised, were traditionally used to carry commodities along the Spice Routes, with Dunia Baru designed to preserve this historic craftsmanship while seamlessly blending modern maritime innovations.
To bring this vision to life, American naval architect Michael Kasten led the yacht’s design, while the renowned Konjo Boat Builders of Ara, South Sulawesi, spent over eight years constructing the vessel. The Konjo shipwrights are masters of their craft, building phinisis by eye without detailed blueprints. Dunia Baru is primarily built from Ulin, an exceptionally durable and rare ironwood native to Indonesia. This slow-growing wood was once widely used in boatbuilding but is now endangered, making Dunia Baru one of the last vessels to be constructed using this material.
Every detail has been meticulously crafted, from the hand-carved ironwood steering wheel to the custom-made hinges created by master craftsman Jamaluddin, who remains part of the yacht’s crew today. Outfitted with sails from Thailand, rigging from the United Kingdom, and an American Boat and Yacht Council-compliant engine, Dunia Baru set sail in 2014, embodying beauty and seaworthiness as it navigates the remote South Asian waters.
EXPERIENCES
Sailing through the Coral Triangle, guests are immersed in one of the world’s greatest and largely untouched marine wilderness, home to nearly 2,000 species of fish and over 600 species of coral. In these waters, manta rays, sea turtles and hammerhead sharks flourish, with marine experts and dive instructors on board to help guests discover this extraordinary ecosystem. Snorkelling alongside whale sharks in Cenderawasih Bay, spotting dolphins from the deck, and witnessing Komodo dragons in their natural habitat are just a few of the unforgettable experiences incorporated into Dunia Baru’s bespoke itineraries.
For thrill seekers, jet skis, wakeboarding, and a custom-built waterslide provide endless excitement, while paddleboarding and kayaking offer a more tranquil way to explore hidden lagoons and mangrove forests. Personalised experiences curated by the crew such as beachside picnics and nighttime crocodile watching further elevate these unforgettable voyages.
JOURNEYS
While Dunia Baru can be chartered for longer journeys to the likes of Thailand and Myanmar, Dunia Baru spends most of her time sailing through the calm waters of Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. Bespoke itineraries, for a minimum of five nights, are created for each voyage, prioritising wildlife, cultural communities or diving sites depending on the preferences of those onboard. From May to September, the yacht travels through the southern islands of Indonesia, including Komodo National Park, Alor and Flores. Between October and November, Dunia Baru continues east, exploring South Maluku, the Banda Spice Islands and the Forgotten Islands. When seasons begin to change in November, Dunia Baru heads northeast towards Papua New Guinea where it remains for the next six months, cruising through Raja Ampat, Cendrawasih Bay and Kaimana.
AMENITIES
As the only BKI Classed (the only national classification agency in Indonesia) wooden vessel operating in Indonesian waters, Dunia Baru sits firmly in a class of her own. Carrying up to fourteen guests, the expansive vessel boasts seven spacious en-suite cabins, an open-plan lounge and dining area, and wrap around teakwood decks with panoramic ocean views. A private chef prepares gourmet meals using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, with menus tailored to guests’ preferences, including fresh seafood, Indonesian specialties, and international flavours. The Teppanyaki grill offers unique interactive dining experiences, while the open-air cinema provides entertainment under the stars. A dedicated crew of eighteen, many of whom have been on board since inception, include chefs, yoga instructors, diving experts, massage therapists and nannies, ensuring seamless service, personalised itineraries, and expert guidance throughout the journey.
COMMUNITY AND CONSERVATION
Dunia Baru actively supports marine conservation efforts, partners with local education programs and is passionate provider of humanitarian aid. Over the years, Dunia Baru has delivered emergency aid after the 2018 Lombok earthquake, helped remote villages in Raja Ampat gain access to healthcare, established a learning centre for the local Sauwandarek community and continues to support Black Coral Research in their ocean biodiversity studies. Dunia Baru actively invites guests to join these initiatives, whether it be contributing to existing projects, learning about marine conservation or engaging with local villages during their charters.
