THE WORLD'S LAST PARASISE: Raja Ampat

Article

The Pelorus Yachting team recently embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime expedition to Raja Ampat aboard the KUDANIL EXPLORER. As one of the only motor yachts in Indonesia, with superb stability and range, she is the perfect explorer vessel for voyaging through the 17,000 islands that make up the Indonesian Archipelago.



EXPLORE KUDANIL EXPLORER

Gayle, Director Yachting and Olivia, Yacht Marketing Manager, ventured to the deep and diverse waters of Raja Ampat, also known as ‘the last paradise on earth’. But the team were not alone on this adventure and were joined by a diverse group of brokers and one very special journalist, who flew in from all over the world, to join us and experience one of most unique yachts in Indonesia.

"KUDANIL EXPLORER is a fantastic product for the Indonesian market. I think it offers something different from the typical phinisi experience by the size and space it provides."

YACHT BROKER

About KUDANIL EXPLORER

This luxury 50m explorer yacht is perfect for the adventurous, taking you diving, surfing, and exploring the most magical and lesser-known parts of Indonesia.

She began her life as a safety standby vessel before being converted into a luxury explorer yacht from 2016-2018. Since 50m KUDANIL EXPLORER has had numerous upgrades in amenities and service, and is constantly maintained to impeccable standards. She sleeps up to 16 adults & 3 children in 8 identical state-of-the-art cabins (each 30 sqm) and each with a private, spacious balcony (the only vessel to boast this in Indonesia)! The bohemian-cool interiors juxtapose/e with her rugged exterior, achieving a harmony between outdoor living and surf style.

To experience what David Attenborough has coined ‘the last paradise on earth’, there was no doubt that Gayle and Olivia would have to travel across the globe to reach some of the most uncharted waters in Indonesia.

Landing in Sorong, we were quickly absorbed into the rhythm of local life. At the bustling docks of this fishing town at dawn, a quiet anticipation built as the hum of a tender grew closer. Three proud-looking KUDANIL EXPLORER crew members approached the jetty, smiles, bright eyes, and a natural aura of confidence as they greeted us.

We skimmed across the harbour toward the mighty KUDANIL EXPLORER, her name derived from the term ‘hippo of the Nile’. From the moment we stepped aboard, the service was world-class. A dragon fruit smoothie, lemongrass hand towels, and a warm welcome from the wise and hospitable French owner, Thibaud Epstein, set the tone. We knew we were in for the trip of a lifetime.

DAY ONE - Pulau Matan & Selat Sele

We began with a relaxed check dive off Pulau Matan, sandy slopes dotted with gobies, shrimp pairs, sea turtles, and soft coral. It was some of the group’s first time diving, so the still waters and peaceful white beach, was the perfect entry point to quite literally test the waters. In the afternoon, we cruised overnight via Selat Sele, making our way toward the karst islands of Misool.

DAY TWO – Lenmanaka Lake & Balbulol Lagoon

We kicked off with a short jungle hike to Lenmanaka, a lake home to thousands of golden, stingless jellyfish, a rare and fascinating phenomenon. The group arrived by tenders to an unassuming dark wooden dock, with gaps it in its slats and fresh lobsters hanging from nets along the edge, it felt as though we were somewhere rarely visited and kept as a secret by locals. The rest of the day was spent diving and snorkelling in the protected waters of Balbulol Lagoon. Dive sites included Love Position No. 9, rich with pygmy seahorses and reef fish, and Farondi Cave, where we spotted a wobbegong shark. Snorkellers explored sites like Tayrona and Wagmak Bay, encountering triggerfish, turtles, and octopus.

DAY THREE - Misool Marine Reserve & Hidden Beach Club

We entered Misool’s core marine protected zone, diving Karang Bayangan, also known as Magic Mountain. Highlights included a close manta encounter, reef sharks, and large schools of batfish and surgeonfish. Later, Whale Rock offered powerful currents, oceanic mantas, and colourful reef tops.

In the afternoon, we anchored at a hidden lagoon for a laid-back beach club setup. Wood-fired pizza, paddleboarding, canoeing and dancing waterside, under the fiery sunset rounded off the day.

DAY FOUR  - Wayil Lagoons & Pool Party

We visited Wayil’s heart-shaped lagoon before heading to Four Kings, an action-packed dive site teeming with pelagic life, giant groupers, jacks, and barracuda. In the afternoon, we explored the reef at Pulau Pele’s Kaleidoscope dive site and capped off the day with a fun pool party on KUDANIL’S stern deck, complete with kayaks, wakeboarding, and sunset drinks.

DAY FIVE – 1000 Temples & the Karst Viewpoint

We explored the cave network known as the 1000 Temples, swimming through caverns lined with bats and limestone formations. Later, we hiked to a karst viewpoint overlooking a classic Raja Ampat seascape, a panoramic moment that captured the wild, remote beauty of the region.

 

DAY SIX – Batanta Mangroves & Waterfalls

Our final day brought a calm paddle through Batanta’s mangroves, a last dive at Arief Reef with turtles and fusiliers, and a short jungle trek to a pair of waterfalls. Some in the group swam at the base; others took a steeper path to a second cascade, enjoying a final chance to disconnect from the outside world.

The last excursion was a joyful visit to a local village, organised through the owner and chaperoned by some of the KUDANIL crew, who had ties with the village people. As we arrived in our tenders, we were met by a sea of brightly dressed children, wearing wide smiles and energetically waving us to shore.

 

After gifts were exchanged, the group were led through the pastel-coloured village to the only school on the island. A large centre square in the middle of the buildings was the perfect grounds for a KUDANIL, broker and local football match. For those not chasing a football, a group of smaller children entertained, sweetly singing traditional Indonesian lullabies, chants and songs.

This was more than a familiarisation trip: it was a rare chance to witness just how far the KUDANIL EXPLORER can take you. Raja Ampat continues to offer one of the most exciting and untouched yachting destinations on the planet. With a growing fleet and year-round cruising opportunities, Indonesia is fast becoming a key player in the world of explorer yachting, and KUDANIL leads the way.

DISCOVER INDONESIA EXPLORER KUDANIL EXPLORER

"This has been a phenomenal trip. I cannot thank you all enough for hosting us. This has been a bucket list item for me, and I look forward to my clients experiencing the same magic."

YACHT BROKER

Feeling Inspired?

If this yachting expedition in Raja Ampat, Indonesia inspired you, get in touch with our team to create your own unique unforgettable experience.



Enquire Now

Other Stories from Pelorus Yachting

Founder's Note: The Rise in Expedition Yachting

Four triumphant rowers pose shirtless on a boat, holding a banner that reads "Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge We Rowed the Atlantic." They celebrate their achievement against a backdrop of a marina and palm trees.

Reflecting on 36 Days at Sea with Jimmy Carroll

Aboard Pacific Yellowfin: Great Bear Rainforest & Humpback Encounters

Venetia & Gayle's Journey Through Lofoten

Uncover Komodo National Park with Expedition Designer, Venetia

Komodo national park pink beach

Geordie’s Indonesian Adventure: Komodo National Park & Sumba Island

A sleek, modern yacht with a dark exterior gliding over calm blue waters, captured from a high aerial view.

Esquel, the 105m Expedition Yacht

A large, sleek yacht is being moved out of a hangar at Heesen Yachts during twilight, showcasing its polished hull and modern design. Cranes and machinery are visible inside the facility.

In the shipyard with Heesen Yachts