Inside an Indonesian Yacht Charter with Fleur
Join HELM Broker Fleur on an extraordinary trip. Yachting holidays anywhere are different to normal holidays, but in a destination as rich in culture as Indonesia, they are truly incredible.
Updated April 29, 2026
When you consider a luxury yachting vacation, you think of the Caribbean or Mediterranean, and both are wonderful in their own ways. But what if you’ve been to these areas before, or are looking for something unique, different, and just as luxurious? What’s the best alternative? At the end of 2025, HELM yacht charter broker Fleur Hunt had what she calls ‘the trip of a lifetime’ onboard the Maj Oceanic in Indonesia.
Indonesia is home to the world’s largest archipelago, with over 17,000 islands to explore. Read on to hear Fleur’s take on this magical experience, in her own words.
What Was Life Like Onboard?
Fleur: On The Maj Oceanic, there is a tonne of space and so many areas to relax in. The boat is a traditional 47-metre Phinisi, and it’s both beautiful and comfortable, a sort of blend of classic craft and modern design.
The 16 crew members were all local Indonesians, and all so friendly and helpful. They really made the trip for us, from helping us with local knowledge, to pre-empting what we’d enjoy based on our habits.
The food was incredible (especially the fruit and vegetables), with locally sourced ingredients that were so ripe and bursting with flavour, thanks to the climate.
How Does This Differ From A Traditional Holiday?
Fleur: Indonesia’s natural beauty genuinely took away my breath. I have travelled a decent amount (recently relocating to Australia), and Indonesia really felt like a unique, bucket list trip.
It has something for everyone; if you want to just relax on board with a cocktail, you can, but I loved getting on to the beaches, hiking the mountains, seeing all the wildlife, and just enjoying the experience of sailing around.
What Activities Defined The Trip For You?
Fleur: Komodo National Park was a massive standout for me. I grew up in the UK, and Indonesia has so much wildlife that I’ve never seen before, but being able to be up close with some of the native animals was incredible.
When we snorkelled and scuba dived, it opened up this whole world of underwater life too, including manta rays. That was very cool.
The crew organised two beach set-ups, and both were incredible. We were took the tender out to the beach and had unbelievable food with just mountains and beach as our backdrop. The dinner even included a live performance, which created such a nice atmosphere.
I learnt how to wakeboard while on the trip, which was amazing and not something that you always get the opportunity to do, so I was thrilled to have a go and learn something new!
Did Having A Crew Change The Way You Experienced The Destination?
Fleur: Yes, the crew were fantastic. Local laws dictate that only Indonesian citizens can work on the Phinisis, which means all of the crew know the local language and the area because they live and breathe it.
They know the safest anchorages, the best places to snorkel and enjoy the water toys.
They all perform their roles on board, they’re excellent guides, and they make you feel safe and relaxed without having to think of anything.
Who Do You Think This Kind Of Crewed Charter Is Perfect For, And Why?
Fleur: Indonesia is the perfect destination for friends, families, and couples seeking adventure and a unique experience.
It is unlike anything that you would experience in the Mediterranean or the Caribbean, which is exciting and perfect for anyone looking for something different.
The boats are all traditional and the crew are all local, which really helps you to immerse yourself into the culture.
If You Had To Convince Someone To Choose A Crewed Phinisi In Indonesia Over A Traditional Resort Holiday What Would You Tell Them?
Fleur: Waking up to a new view every morning, not having to pack your bags to see more of the country, will always beat traditional resort holidays, especially in countries as diverse as Indonesia.
You could stay in a resort and have to work out the logistics of getting to different areas, or move your things every single day, but waking up to breakfast already cooked with new perspective every day is truly unbeatable for me.
To find out more about Indonesia or plan your next sailing holiday, reach out to the HELM team today and we can help advise you on where to go next.
Need some help?
If you are unsure about charter or boat selection, contact us at HELM to help you decide.
We only choose boats that are in excellent condition, and we are here to help you every step of the way and to make sure the whole process is as easy as possible.