A Rumble in the Jungle: The Story Of Charter Yacht ‘Dunia Baru’

Rarely do charter yachts have a history as rich and as interesting as that of Dunia Baru

The build of Dunia Baru was put in the expert hands of the Konjo Boat Builders, a group of traditional Indonesian shipwrights who have been crafting boats by hand for centuries. Originally from Ara, these master shipwrights have had to become transient boat builders - moving from place to place following the wood's availability.

Dunia Baru began life on a river bank on the edge of the Sulawesi jungle in Kalimantan in Indonesian Borneo where the world's finest old growth Ulin trees can be found in abundance for the hull to be constructed. Keen to keep abreast of the build, the owner regularly carried out the two hour speedboat journey necessary for checking in on the build.

Sourcing teak and ironwood from the jungle, the hull took around three years to complete by hand, with the intricate sawn frame requiring extensive expertise to meet the exacting standard of the owner.

With the superstructure taking shape amidst these lush surroundings, it’s obvious from even the earliest images that the build is incredibly well-aligned with the iconic boat building traditions of Indonesia.

Indeed, everything from her transom up to her bow is reminiscent of the phinisis traditionally used for inter-insular transportation and trade in the region.

Ultimately, the carpenters and builders graced the yacht with sleek, bark-colored lines which have made the exterior of Dunia Baru amongst the most distinctive, not only in Indonesia, but the world over.

A story of industriousness and a meticulous eye for detail, the construction of charter yacht Dunia Baru is unlike any other

After assembling an international team to handle her rigging, marine systems, and interior, the build was eventually relocated to Bali for a further five years.

During this time, the owner gathered an abundance of interior stylings inspired by Indonesian culture as well as the kinds of flourishes found in premier luxury resorts across the world.

Specifically, the staterooms were provided with vibrant pieces of artwork whilst the corridors were furnished with engaging pieces of oriental sculpture.

Consistent with the painstaking construction of the hull, all of the window latches, carved cupboard doors and hinges were carefully handcrafted to ensure a wholly harmonious aesthetic.

Outfitted with sails made in Thailand, rigging from the United Kingdom, and with the engine meeting the standards of the American Boat and Yacht Council, Dunia Baru was finally ready to sail.

Taking the name of the yacht from the Indonesian phrase for ‘New World’, the owner's intention was that this ground-breaking yacht be means to explore and discover hidden paradises and new realms with his family.

The nameplate on the stern reads ‘Dunia Baru Adventures’ and adventure is exactly what charterers can expect once they're on board.

Now manned by a captain, cruise director, and crew all possessing an intimate local knowledge, charterers can be confident they’ll enjoy an authentic experience whilst island-hopping on board Dunia Baru.

What’s more, three of the shipwrights responsible for the vessel’s construction are currently employed as deckhands to maintain the yacht’s immaculate condition and provide guests with further information regarding the infinitely intriguing build process.