MV Duyung Baru Liveaboard Review

If you’re considering diving the wonderful Komodo National Park, the MV Duyung Baru, owned and operated by Vovo and Yano – a friendly and professional Indonesian couple – must be near to the top of your list for a memorable voyage and great diving.

The Komodo National Park is maintained by the Indonesian authorities and offers some of the best diving on the planet. Rare nudibranchs, sea horses and frog fish can be found by those with a keen eye. Colourful schools of reef fishes such as snapper, surgeonfish and fusiliers circle in the currents. Trevally, barracuda, tuna and manta rays patrol the waters gliding effortlessly in the currents. The Komodo National Park is also home to many species of shark including black-tip, white-tip, grey and hammerhead sharks.

The diving can be challenging depending on site so experience in currents and SMB deployment is recommended. However, there are also sheltered areas in in the shallows where you can also snorkel amongst beautiful unspoiled coral gardens.

The Duyung Baru or ‘The New Mermaid’ is a beautiful looking vessel. She was originally built in 2010 and renovated again as recently as 2016. She is set-up specifically with divers in mind. She is a Phinisi – a traditional Indonesian-style schooner, and has powerful Yanmar marine engines for powering from site to site at a 7 knot cruising speed.

Don’t think that being ‘traditional’ means she is lacking in modern safety equipment. Duyung Baru is equipped with GPS, radio, life vests, first aid, fire alarms and extinguishers to ensure she can effectively cope with any unforeseen emergencies. The crew are also first-aid trained.

You can check the availability and prices for this Boat here.

Cabins and Boat Layout

One of the big appeals of this amazing vessel is the intimate and friendly atmosphere onboard. Duyung Baru is host to a maximum of just 6 passengers in 3 luxurious cabins.

Double Cabin

Bathroom

Each stylish cabin has private ensuite bathroom facilities and is individually air-conditioned. You are guaranteed to have a good night’s sleep.

Of the three cabins there is one ‘twin’ cabin with two individual single beds. The remaining two cabins are ‘double’ occupancy with a comfortable double bed.

Food onboard is prepared and served from Yanies Kitchen. Great pride is taken in the food prepared onboard and each meal is lovingly prepared by Yani. Enjoy an authentic combination of Indonesian, Japanese and western dishes. Breakfast is a usually a Mediterranean-style buffet often accompanied by Yani’s homemade bread. Freshly-prepared lunches and evening meals follow. And, during your voyage, Yani will often produce her own homemade cakes too!

Inside is a salon/dining area where you can relax. There is audio/visual entertainment onboard and a library of books should you wish to check your fish species.

Salon/Dining area

Alternatively, outside on the upper deck is a outdoor relaxing area and sun deck with loungers where you might choose to relax and soak up the breathtaking panorama.

Diving onboard Duyung Baru

The dive deck is spacious and there is ample room for the 6 guests to put on their kit.

A 6m aluminium boat accompanies the vessel for pick-ups/drops in the best spot for the ultimate dive. And, for the photographers, there are rinse tanks, charge stations and the camera facilities you would expect.

Sun Deck

There are 3 guided dives each day – led by Vovo – and a self-guided night dive where conditions permit.

Upper deck relaxing area

The crew speaks English, German, French and Indonesian. Your personal attention on this vessel is assured.

Itineraries

Different itineraries of 7-9 days are available depending on the season. Dive site selection is obviously subject to the prevailing conditions.

Expect to pay around EUR1,690 for a 7 day trip. This equates to EUR241/day, making her very competitive for this exclusive region. Please note that this does not include some extras such as port/marine park fees, alcoholic drinks and crew tips. Please contact us for further details.