Not everyone can afford a yacht. and the hassles of ownership scare away some who can. But it's getting easier to charter in the region, whether you're ready to spend US$500 or- if your pockets go deeper than ours-US$500,000 (him: team up with friends and split the cost).
Among the factors in your favor: more yacht owners. disenchanted with overcrowding in the Caribbean and Mediterranean. are docking and renting out their vessels in Southeast Asia. What's more, the region is blessed with some of the most- the most, many contend- stunning cruising areas in the world. from the turquoise seas and limestone karsts of the Andaman to the sand-fringed monsoon forests of Saleh Bay. in Indonesia.
Keep in mind that the possibilities arc nearly endless. with the craft, duration, destination and often even the broker- a s ingle yacht can deal with many- all up to you. Read on for some luxury chartering possibilities all with (captain and crew included (and in some cases optional).
Indonesia
Italian motor yachts with chic leather sofas? State-of-the-art marinas? While these have yet to arrive in Indonesia, the archipelago's stunning cruising waters, especially east of Bali, and rich cultural di versity are within reach thanks to some unusual yet delightful charter options.
The Arasira is chartered by Jakarta-based outfit SongLine Cruises (62-21/787-5021; songlinecruises.com; US$4.000 per day, 10 guests maximum), whose sister company SongLine Yachts built the yacht in 2007. Try a seven- night cruise starting from Serangan Island, accessible by road bridge off Bali's southeast coast. and head to Komodo National Park. where you can disembark and wander amid the namesake lizards in their natural habitat. Stops along the way include the up-and-coming Gili Islands, with their blindingly white beaches. and excellent diving and snorkeling. and. at the mouth of Saleh Bay. off Sumbawa, the still-under-the-radar Moyo Island- the setting for the luxurious Amanwana resort- blessedwith a monsoon forest and a three-tiered waterfall.
Singapore
The Linn City is the perfect place to stretch your sea legs. Not only is a yacht-filled marina never far away. but it doesn’t take long to reach destinations such as Malaysia's Pulau Tioman or Indonesia’s Riau Islands, which offer pristine beaches and great diving. But what’s especially fun about chartering in Singapore is how quick and convenient it can be. For some boats, you can even buy slots via Pay Pal- take the 11.6-meter Jobel (ON£15 Luxury Yachting; 65/ 6274-0 175; one15luxuryyachting.com: 5$2.688 for a six-hour weekday Slot, 10 guests maximum), docked at Sentosa Island's ONE 15 Marina Club. just a quick cab ride from downtown.
The fully air-conditioned motorboat has two cabins with double beds. ami an entertainment system with a 19-inch LCD TV. DVD player and interior speakers that stream music to the outdoor deck. Dining is alfresco, and while you can bring your own food and wine sails corkage, you can also order upscale fare in advance- think sautéed Alaskan king crab with linguine and chili- from the marina's Latitude Bistro. A typical jaunt heads first to the Southern Islands, where guests can swim. fish or explore on land. and then cruises past city-skyline highlight like the Singapore Flyer and Marina Bay Sands- the scene is especially beautiful at dusk. as the building's light up and the sun fades away.
Malaysia
The Langkawi Archipelago. a sprinkling of about a hundred islands in the Andaman Sea. has stunning bays and beaches as well as sublime luxury resorts. such as the waterfront Casa del Mar and the rainforest-nestled The Andaman. Both on Langkawi island. Take it all in from the Jojo. a 25 meter motor yacht with alfresco dining and an upper deck offering 360-degree views. Indoors. the master cabin has a walk-in wardrobe and Jacuzzi. while the saloon includes a 42-ineh TV complete with karaoke system. (Don’t worry about waking the neighbors- there arc none.)
Simpson Marine (60-4/966-8188; simpsonmarine.com; RM38.000 per night. eight guests maximum) offers overnight cruises on the charter. starting at Langkawi's Telaga Harbour Marina. Graced with a jet ski. a dinghy. Fishing equipment and snorkeling gear. you'll make the most of the area's stunning natural attractions: stop by the Kilim River to explore lush mangroves. emerald lagoons and feed eagles: splash around on Pul au Beras Basah. an undeveloped island with crystal1ine waters and secluded beaches; and discover the forest-covered Pulau Dayang Bunting. rich in wildlife and believed by locals to bestow fertility upon visitors- the hills behind a lake at its center take the shape of a pregnant woman lying on her back.
Thailand
Just off Thailand's west coast in the Andaman Sea, Phuket has a profusion of marinas and luxury villas matched by a dizzying array of chartering options. where to begin? For starters, check out an overnight cruise on the Andara (66 -76/338-777; andarayachts.com; US$9.000 from 3 p.m. to 11 a.m.; eight guests maximum), a 28-meter Italian yacht you'll find at the Yacht Haven Marina on the island's north side. The Four cabin cab in boat exudes Style. from the spacious earth-toned main lounge to the chic open-air flybridge. with oversize wooden tables and wide cushioned recliners for sipping cocktails. The comfy seating extends to the front exterior where about the only thi ng between you and water is the wind and a bit of sea spray.
Heading out into Phang Nga Bay. one of the world's most beautiful cruising areas. you’ll glide past giant limestone formations that rise from the calm waters like surreal. monumental artworks. But your main destination might be even better. Turning northwest. you'll find the Similan Islands. with sugar-sand beaches. dazzlingly clear water and world-class diving sites. The underwater sightseeing takes in massive schools of colorful tropical fish and vast stretches of even more colorful soft coral- don't miss Christmas Point. on Koh Bangru. where divers can swim through a series of dramatic archways. Non-divers can head to Koh Miang, home to the Similan Marine National Park office. for superb snorkeling just off the beach.
