The Indonesian archipelago widens its horizons for discerning solo travellers as Silolona Sojourns debuts individual cabin bookings across five expertly curated itineraries. Aboard the hand-crafted phinisi yachts Silolona and Si Datu Bua, guests can now join themed journeys that span cultural immersion, marine conservation, and remote-island exploration, experiences previously available only through full-charter expeditions.
Each itinerary is crafted with intention, tracing volcanic arcs, coral-bright marine realms and communities where traditions still anchor daily life. Designed to balance discovery with downtime, the seven- to fourteen-day sailings blend guided exploration with long, languid stretches aboard these beautifully built wooden vessels. The Indonesian crew are deeply familiar with local customs, landscapes and sea conditions, and guide each day with a light, assured touch, while regionally sourced menus and smart seasonal routes keep the experience both grounded and deeply refined.
Ancient Traditions and Sacred Spaces
The Savu Sea & Sumba Connection unfolds over ten days from Kupang to Komodo during the serene transitions of March–April and October–November. Guests are welcomed into Sumba’s highland villages, where ancestral ceremonies continue with quiet reverence, and explore the centuries-old stone tombs scattered across Savu. Encounters with master ikat weavers offer a rare glimpse into textiles preserved through generations that seem untouched by time.
The voyage then turns toward Komodo, where the island’s legendary dragons are observed in their natural domain. Days are spent snorkelling in crystalline waters, wandering deserted beaches, and diving over vibrant coral gardens, before evenings gather passengers around intimate beach barbecues beneath a tropical sky.
For those seeking deeper immersion, a fourteen-day West Papua expedition reveals the cultural and ecological wonders of Cenderawasih Bay and Raja Ampat. Travellers visit semi-nomadic forest communities to witness the delicate craft of bark-cloth making, swim alongside gentle whale sharks in their feeding grounds, and dive over the haunting remnants of wartime aircraft beneath clear waters. The journey concludes amid the dramatic limestone towers of the Wayag Archipelago, a fitting finale to a voyage that celebrates both human heritage and untamed nature.
Journeys Sculpted by Landscape
Designed for travellers seeking a more active rhythm, the Komodo Trek Expedition dedicates seven days to Komodo National Park from May to September. Guided hikes on Rinca Island bring guests within safe observing distance of the region’s endemic monitor lizards, while Padar Island’s ridgelines deliver sweeping, cinematic views of its tri-coloured bays. Water pursuits unfold against the rose-tinted sands of Pantai Merah, complemented by paddling, snorkelling and guided drift dives. Evenings often conclude with private beachfront dinners under the open sky.
The nine-day Alor Archipelago Adventure navigates a region defined by volcanic drama and quiet coastal life. Ile Ape volcano rises above a necklace of coral-rich bays, including Beang Abang, where dugongs occasionally graze in the shallows. Visits to remote weaving communities and kayaking through mangrove channels reveal an archipelago abundant in natural variety yet still relatively untouched.
Worlds Beneath the Water
Cenderawasih Bay offers a seven-day marine-focused expedition, centring on intimate encounters with whale sharks in one of the world’s most protected marine environments. Divers explore pristine coral walls and accessible wartime wrecks, while remote island visits alternate with beach dinners under tropical night skies. All activities strictly follow conservation protocols, ensuring the delicate marine ecosystem remains undisturbed.
Built according to centuries-old phinisi shipbuilding traditions, Silolona and Si Datu Bua blend Indonesian craftsmanship with the comforts expected by an executive-level guest. Constructed from ironwood and teak, Silolona accommodates twelve guests in six suites, while the more intimate Si Datu Bua hosts six guests across three. Private charters remain available at £14,000 per night for Silolona and £8,500 for Si Datu Bua.
The newly introduced cabin-booking model offers a single rate of £2,300 per night for two guests, inclusive of all meals, beverages, diving equipment, scheduled excursions and accommodation. The rate applies uniformly across all five itineraries.
Founded in 2002 by Patti Seery, Silolona Sojourns is recognised with CYBA’s Green Practice designation and holds accredited safety and environmental credentials from leading travel bodies. While Indonesia remains its spiritual home, the fleet also undertakes seasonal passages through Thailand and Langkawi, offering further opportunities for refined exploration.