Explore Indonesia’s Borneo region aboard the ultra luxurious Arenui liveaboard. The Arenui is a traditional and magnificent Phinisi – a classic Indonesian wooden sailing vessel – set to explore the majestic underwater world of the Indonesian archipelago. By providing the highest quality from diving to dining, from leisure activities to the exquisite accommodations – and, above all, providing outstanding service at all times to guests. There is a choice of both comfortable indoor and outdoor areas for relaxing and dining. During meals, there is always an extensive selection of dishes and a tantalizing list of fine wines. When resting in between dives, guests have the possibility of indulging themselves in a relaxing massage on deck.
Our journey will start and end in Tarakan, located on Tarakan Island. It is one of the major cities in northern Borneo, close to the Malaysian border from Sabah, Malaysia. Tarakan is well connected to Singapore via Balikpapan. Tarakan is also well connected to Bali and Jakarta via Balikpapan. This 9 day, 8-Night cruise takes us between the islands and reefs rising up from the Makassar Strait. After leaving the coast of Borneo, the ocean floor becomes very deep, very soon. As we continue farther out, a number of incredible coral reefs and islands grow up to the surface from the depths. Nutrient rich currents bring up big fish from the deep into shallower waters, allowing us to see them pursuing reef fish in hope of catching a meal.
Each island has its own unique character. We can see entire schools of manta rays at Sangalaki that are drawn here to feed on plankton. As well as turtles, Derawan has elusive treasures to be found; here we search for hidden critters. Maratua hosts massive marvels, such as sharks, barracudas and more mantas! At Kakaban island, plunge into the saltwater lake full with non-stinging jellyfish in the middle of the island. Dive the incredible walls encircling the island of Kakaban. In the shallow waters encircling Samama, we scan for an abundance of macro critters, hiding in plain sight.
Moving on, we cross over to the Sulawesi side of the Strait. We will follow the coastline to see the many picturesque islands and bays. Under the Dutch colonial government, Donggala was the main town and port in Central Sulawesi. After the main harbor was destroyed, ships needed to use the harbor in Palu, on the other side of the bay. Since then, Palu became the regional capital. We can expect to dive large reefs with immense soft and hard coral coverage, incredible pelagics, including sharks on almost each dive.
Marine life highlights to see:
• Cuttlefish
• Clown frogfish
• Mantis shrimp
• Ribbon eel
• Turtles
• Barracuda
• Manta rays
• Reef shark
PADI Scuba Instructor and Travel Manager at TSC. Megs is a veteran Scuba Getaway traveller, having dove in Egypt, Indonesia, Galapagos and beyond! Follow her on a dive and you’re guaranteed to spot the coolest sea creatures.
If you’ve dreamed of setting sail aboard an old-fashioned pirate ship then this is for you. If you want to experience the culture and style of the country, as you sail through its beautiful islands, then this if for you. Unlike modern-style vessels, we offer you the chance to step aboard a truly Indonesian experience, to enhance your time in this special destination.
There is flexibility in terms of rooms, so the Arenui has an unconventional layout to offer larger cabins, a larger restaurant, a large outdoor area (sky restaurant, sky lounge and dive deck), a roomy wheelhouse for the captain (and guests keen to take part), as well as a very large area for the invaluable crew (22 beds in the crew quarters with extra space for our cruise directors who work so tirelessly on our operations). To accommodate these spacious rooms the corridor space was minimized and created a compact galley with innovative storage areas. The stern of the vessel is the ‘working’ area, so the tenders and diving equipment can be prepared easily without disturbing guests.
The restaurant area is also unique, stretching across the full width of the vessel to allow for maximum seating and space, so guests can spread out and have a choice of places to sit. The upper deck features 2 master-suites (Rama and Shinta, double beds) and 2 deluxe twin cabins (Barong and Ganesh, single beds), plus the galley, the dive deck and the spacious restaurant. On the lower deck we have 4 deluxe cabins (Garuda, Legong, Toraja and Dayak), accommodating couples, single divers or groups of 3 (e.g. families with children). On the skydeck you’ll find the sky restaurant and sun-bathing, the wheelhouse and then the raised sky lounge with stretches across the back half of the boat.
The Arenui has been designed to host a maximum of 16 passengers in 8 exceptionally spacious cabins (starting from 19 squared meters). All cabins have been luxuriously furnished in a sophisticated and tasteful manner. The cabins’ individual themes and styles were inspired by handicrafts from each of the Indonesian provinces. Each cabin has a private en-suite bathroom and individual air conditioning. A king-size bed or roomy singles and a distinct lounge area guarantee maximum comfort and ensure that our guests never feel crowded.
The Arenui can be your private sanctuary and second home, but one located amidst a constantly changing tropical landscape!
This cabin is ideal for couples, individuals or a small group or family. It is located on the lower deck and is 226 sq ft (21 sq meters) in size. Amenities include: king-size bed, sofa/relaxing area (sofa can be converted into an extra bed), en-suite bathroom, 3 large portholes, individual air conditioning, minibar and safety deposit box.
This cabin is ideal for individuals. It is located on the upper deck and is 205 sq ft (19 sq meters) in size. Amenities include: 2 single beds, spacious desk (great for photographers), en-suite bathroom, 2 large windows, individual air conditioning, minibar and safety deposit box.
This cabin is ideal for couples with stunning sea-view. It is located on the upper deck and 215 sq ft (20 sq meters) in size. Amenities include: king-size bed, sofa/relaxing area, en-suite bathroom, 7 large windows, individual air conditioning, minibar and safety deposit box.
This cabin is ideal for couples or a small group or family. It is located on the lower deck and is 215 sq ft (20 sq meters) in size. Amenities include: queen-size bed, sofa/relaxing area (sofa can be converted into an extra bed), en-suite bathroom, 3 large portholes, individual air conditioning, minibar and safety deposit box.
This cabin is ideal for couples or a small group or family. It is located on the lower deck and is 215 sq ft (20 sq meters) in size. Amenities include: king-size bed, sofa/relaxing area (sofa can be converted into an extra bed), en-suite bathroom, 3 large portholes, individual air conditioning, minibar and safety deposit box.
This cabin is ideal for couples or a small group or family. It is located on the lower deck and is 226 sq ft (21 sq meters) in size. Amenities include: king-size bed, sofa/relaxing area (sofa can be converted into an extra bed), en-suite bathroom, 3 large portholes, individual air conditioning, minibar and safety deposit box.
Day 1 Embarkation in Tarakan
Day 2 – Derawan (4 dives)
Part of the Coral triangle, Derawan Islands have one of Indonesia’s richest and diverse ocean life. Not just diversity of Cave dives, wreck dives, muck dives, drift dives, walls, plateaux.
Days 3/4 – Maratua (8 dives)
Here we have the chance to see some thrilling big creatures. Some best dives include, “The Channel” and “Big Fish” which has whirling schools of barracuda, grey reef sharks, thresher sharks, masses of turtles and schooling eagle rays schooling.
Day 5 – Kakaban (4 dives)
Kakaban is best known for its non-stinging jellyfish lake, located in the centre of the island, a short walk from the coast. Kakaban was likely uplifted during the Holocene and sea water was trapped turning the area and formed a landlocked marine lake. The water is now a mix of salt water and fresh water from the rain. The non-stinging jellyfish have lived in this lake for hundreds of years with no known predators. Around the coastline of Kakaban island we are offered a large variety of diving, including corals, large pelagic and caves.
Days 6/7 Sangalaki (7 dives)
This area is famous for the large population of turtles and manta rays year round and guests will frequently see them feeding. The island has a turtle nursery run by the local government which can be visited. Whale sharks are frequently seen off the coast of the island.
Days 8/9 – Central/West Sulawesi-Palu (7 dives)
This area really is a world away from the tourist track. Liveaboards haven’t been cruising this area for long at all and so it’s unlikely we’ll see many others around. The diving here is incredible and this location’s appeal extends further than the diving; charming little fishing villages, deserted sandy beaches fringed by palm trees, surrounded by turquoise waters. Heaven on Earth.
Day 10 – Disembarkation in Tarakan
Prices are per person and dependent on room selection, all taxes are already included. Price also includes all park, diving fees, and fuel surcharge.
Deluxe Stateroom: $8,385 USD
Master Stateroom: $8,895 USD
Prices do not include flights, additional hotel stays, gear rental, nitrox, alcoholic drinks, crew gratuity and travel insurance (highly recommended).
Dive insurance is required to travel with Scuba Getaway, travellers need to purchase this separately.
