MV Samambaia Liveaboard Review

MV Samambaia is a beautiful looking vessel from the fleet of Samambaia Komodo Liveaboards. Travelling the waters of Indonesia to the very best diving locations, she is designed with comfort and safety in mind.

Indonesia itself is located in the clear blue waters where the South China Sea, Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean converge in the ‘coral triangle’. The scuba diving on offer in the area is nothing short of outstanding. Indonesia itself is the world’s largest archipelago of approximately 18,000 islands. It is also a magnet for exceptional marine biodiversity. Indonesian waters are known to be home to more than 3000 fish species and 600 species of coral. It is a diver’s paradise.

Visibility in the waters here can be up to 50m depending on site and season and, including the fish species – is home to over 3500 marines species. Here you may find macro life such as pygmy seahorses and ghost pipefish. Or, at the other end of the scale, at some site you may find sunfish (mola mola). Other species spotted in the waters here include moray eels, cuttlefish, octopus, turtles, trevally, groupers, frogfish and, on occasion, sharks.

The spectacular MV Samambaia had her maiden voyage in just 2015. She is a traditionally styled two-masted Phinisi schooner. 40m in length and 9m in beam, she is comparable in size to other traditionally styled vessels in the region and capable of cruising at 10 knots. Don’t be fooled by Samambaia’s traditional appearance, she has all the latest safety and emergency equipment onboard; liferafts, satellite phone, radar, GPS being just some of the key items.

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

Cabins and Boat Layout

Samambaia is able to accommodate 14 guests. This relatively small number compared to some parts of the globe means there is always an personal and exclusive feel to the cruise.

Onboard the yacht there are three cabin options.

• Double Cabin – Approx 13m² in area. Beautifully trimmed with a double bed, ensuite bathroom facilities and air-conditioning.
• Twin Cabin – Approx 13m² in area. Features two single beds, ensuite bathroom facilities and air-conditioning.
• Master Cabin – Approx 15m² in area. Located on an upper deck this amazing cabin features stunning 180 degree panoramic views with privacy glass, super king-sized bed, individual air-conditioning and ensuite bathroom facilities.

All of the bathrooms have a rain shower head coupled with a hand-held shower head and washbasin carved out of fossil wood. The décor is traditional and yet modern. Tasteful and refined.

Twin Cabin

On the main deck is an air-conditioned dining area/lounge combination. On the starboard side you’ll find comfortable cloth-covered couches to relax in as you journey to the next destination or have a drink after your meal. On the port side is a dining area with is more than large enough to cater to all guests.

Meals are a delicious combination of local ingredients prepared to a combination of Asian and international flavours. The ingredients are always crispy fresh and you’ll never be hungry on this vessel.

Indoor Dining

Also on the main deck you’ll find – tucked in the centre of the dive deck – a table where you can dine in the open-air and take in the gorgeous ocean views.

Sun Deck

For sun-lovers there are ample opportunities to bronze in the sun. At the bow of the main deck is a sun deck/relaxing area. And, again, on the upper deck, you’ll find a spacious area with loungers where you can relax in the sun.

Diving onboard Samambaia

The crew on Samambaia always pride themselves on safety and service.

The dive deck is exceptionally well laid-out and each diver will have their own area for equipment storage.

Diving tender.

Nitrox is available for those qualified and the dive guides are passionate about sharing with you the wonders of these waters – from macro critters to large pelagic life.

If you’re a photographer or videographer you’ll find rinse tanks and charge points. For safety there are dive tenders allowing pick-up and drops where required.

Itineraries

There are various itineraries on offer. The vessel is non-diver friendly too so, should your partner or companion be a non-diver there is snorkeling and land tour options encorporated into voyages where possible.

Depending on the season the vessel takes different itineraries; whether Komodo and Bali or East Flores and Alor. Contact us for further details.

Expect to pay around EUR4,168 for a typical 12day/11 night trip. This equates to EUR347/day. Please note that this does not include some extras such as port/marine park fees, alcoholic drinks and equipment rental. Please contact us for further