The Oracle is more than a luxury liveaboard, it’s a tribute to Indonesia’s remarkable seafaring history and generations of master builders, the Bugis people.
In 2017, on a trip to South Sulawesi, I arrived at a small village called Bira and came across a group of men building the hull for a new Pinisi (Phinisi), the traditional wooden sailing boats that this tribe has been making the same way for generations. I knew a little about the Bugis people and their rich history, just enough to spark my imagination and set in motion dreams of following in the footsteps of the early explorers.
I met a tiny man called Pak Hadji, a master boat builder, and the more I discovered about the fascinating story of how this group of seafaring people became master boat builders, I found myself dreaming of building my own. This is the story of how The Oracle was brought to life with a combination of traditional skills and my own, sometimes impractical, ideas of what a beautiful sailing vessel could be.
The Bugis people are one of the largest ethnic groups in Indonesia, with a population of around five million. They are known for their prowess as sailors, traders, and fishermen, and have a long and proud history of seafaring. The Bugis homeland is located in South Sulawesi, a province in eastern Indonesia, which is home to numerous traditional villages and historic sites that showcase their unique culture and history.
The Bugis people have been building boats for centuries, and their skills have been passed down from generation to generation. They are renowned for their mastery of the Pinisi, a traditional sailing vessel that was originally designed to transport goods and people across the Indonesian archipelago. The Pinisi is a beautiful and elegant vessel, with a distinctive shape that makes it instantly recognizable.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Bugis boat-building tradition is the fact that the boats are constructed entirely by hand, using traditional tools and techniques. The process begins with the selection of timber, which is chosen for its strength, durability, and resistance to decay. Once the timber has been selected, it is cut into planks and shaped using hand tools.
The planks are then assembled using traditional joinery techniques, which have been used for centuries to connect wooden beams and planks. The joinery is incredibly strong, and the boats are able to withstand the rigours of the sea for many years without needing significant repairs or maintenance.
The Bugis boat-building tradition has been recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity, and it is easy to see why. The boats are not only beautiful and elegant, but they are also incredibly functional and practical. They have played a key role in the development of trade and commerce across the Indonesian archipelago, and have helped to connect communities and cultures across the region.
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. This beautiful vessel links the past and the present and is inspired by the art of the Bugis boat builders who have played such a remarkable role in the development of this region.
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 the experience. 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 discover this vast archipelago aboard a luxurious sailing vessel that holds a special place in Indonesia’s seafaring history.
The commitment of the Bugis people to preserving their cultural heritage is truly inspiring, and I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to witness their incredible skills and craftsmanship firsthand. I would encourage anyone with an interest in history, culture, or sailing to visit South Sulawesi and discover the fascinating story of the Bugis people for themselves.
