The magnificent Phinisi is a symbol of Indonesia’s seafaring heritage, which has been sailing along the Southeast Asian archipelago since the 14th century. These enormous ships, made from tropical hardwood, were initially designed for transportation and trade. The Bugis ethnic group of South Sulawesi, particularly the Konjo people of Ara, are world-famous Phinisi builders and today’s masters are proud descendants of a long sea-faring heritage.
In December 2017, the boat builders of the Bugis and Makassar traditions were recognised by UNESCO. Certain unique construction techniques are central to their endorsement as intangible cultural heritage. Never built to plans, the original vessels were made with ritual, prayer and ceremony, following a series of proportions memorised by master builders and passed down through the generations.
Individual timber components including planks were not sawn but hand-sculpted, each piece uniquely shaped and named, and fastened by tight-fitting wooden pegs or bindings of rattan. No iron fastenings were used at all. Over time the boat builders have embraced electric tools and sawn planks to speed up production and modifications have been made to allow the ships to be motorised.
Adaptations have been made but these unique and massive vessels of up to 500 tonnes are still being hand-built on beaches by the heirs of these ancient traditions.
It was on a trip through South Sulawesi in 2017 that I met a wonderful man named Bapak Haji, a master builder whose lineage can be traced back generations. He had begun work on a new hull and the moment I laid eyes on it, I was inspired by all the history and tradition of the original explorers who commissioned these boats for their adventures.
I began to envisage a graceful boat that would embark on journeys that inspire people to learn more about this beautiful part of the world, connect with the diverse nature and many cultures that make the Indonesian archipelago so unique, and also discover more about themselves, their family, friends and the people they meet along the way.
The Oracle began as a dream, built on stories of a bygone era, of explorers and pirates sailing into unchartered lands. I embarked on my own journey to build a beautiful boat that would provide luxury and comfort on great journeys of discovery.
I’d designed villas before but never a boat. Some of the things I asked for were not possible. I wanted two beautiful above-deck cabins surrounded by glass. They laughed and told me it wouldn’t survive the first wave. Nevertheless, we worked together and the two master cabins on deck now have the maximum amount of glass possible to allow its passengers to enjoy beautiful views while sailing. They also have private ensuite bathrooms and a generous feeling of space.
Below the deck, the living quarters for the staff were also designed to allow space and privacy for the crew who call The Oracle home for much of the year. A happy crew makes for a better voyage in my mind and it has proved to be true. There is also a third cabin below deck for additional passengers, and some people prefer the intimacy of this beautifully designed space. It’s a little secret hidden away that has turned out to be very popular.
The Oracle journeys between Raja Ampat and Komodo for much of the year, following the seasons. On board, we have a full crew that includes our knowledgeable captain, a dive master, a chef and a wonderful team who ensure our guests are comfortable and happy.
We’re also flexible on our itineraries to cater for special interests which include yoga retreats, with space on deck for practice. Special menus and stops along the way can be arranged for those in search of catered adventures.
The Oracle has now hosted hundreds of memorable liveaboard experiences and each one is different. The whole idea of an adventure is that you don’t always know what you’ll encounter along the way. The one thing that is guaranteed is that this will be the trip of a lifetime; exploring foreign lands, discovering the unique species that live above and below the ocean and meeting local people who live and protect this incredible part of the world. The beautiful vessel links the past and the present and is inspired by the art of the Bugis boat builders who still make these boats the same way their ancestors did.
The stories of our trips are endless and can fill books, the memories created on this luxurious journey are often life-changing and each of our guests takes something very personal away from their time on board. Whether this is your first trip or one you have taken before, The Oracle has been designed to cater for those with a yearning to explore Indonesia’s vast archipelago aboard a luxurious sailing vessel that holds a special place in Indonesia’s seafaring history.
Contact me to find out more about our timetables and itineraries. I very much hope that you will also be able to experience one of the world’s most beautiful destinations with The Oracle.
Alexa.
