Laut India - the 'Indies Explorer'

The 'Laut India' (meaning 'Indian Ocean'), more commonly known as 'Indies Explorer, is a legendary Sulawesi built Phinisi Schooner 115 feet in length and built from solid Indonesian iron wood. Indies Explorer was built in South Sulawesi specifically for long-range surf exploration, traveling at a speed of 9 knots. Three split air-conditioners in the downstairs hallway cool the cabins, or open the brass port holes to let in some breeze while you sleep.

Photo Above: The Indies Explorer; recently renovated inside and out and based at Macaronis in 2008, offering surf charters to resort guests, 'the best of both worlds'.

Macaronis Resort offers optional surf excursions on the Laut India costing US$80 per person per day / night, or US$480 for a smaller group of less than 6 people (head north to Lances or South to Thunders). *Management may occasionally offer complimentary surf charters on Indies Explorer to Thunders at the beginning or end of each trip, depending on conditions, guest numbers and preferences (eg. a trip to Thunders after being picked up or prior to being dropped off in Sikakap).

The Interior...

The main hub of the Indies Explorer is a modern open-plan galley which leads onto a spacious aft deck. There is a private saloon with TV and DVD / CD player and an extensive book library.13 private cabins (4 double / 5 twin and 4 triple) each with a brass opening port hole and skylight with two showers and two toilets means that the spacious Indies Explorer is the perfect boat for large groups and can accommodate couples. The boat also has an aluminum tender, game fishing tackle, snorkelling gear and spear fishing gear.

Photo Above: The galley on Indies Explorer, leading up stairs to the helm, downstairs to the cabins or out back to the spacious rear deck.

Photo Above: The rear deck, can seat 16 people for dinner and is great for checking out the surf from an elevation of 4 meters above sea level.

Photo Above: One of 13 cabins on Indies Explorer, this one is a triple, but we have doubles and twins also available.

Photos Above: The helm and action on deck - Andy one of our legendary crew gaffing a nice Spanish Mackeral....

Photo Above: Sony - surf guide, chef and Marine Op's Manager.... a jack of all trades really. Also a great fan of Sashimi - but most importantly, 'you must bleed the fish first', he says.

Speed boats

Macaronis Resort speedboats include two 12 meter longboats powered by 40 hp engines that are available for surf transfers to nearby breaks such as Macaronis Left, Macaronis Right, Silabu Left, Green Bush and Bat Cave.

Traditionally carved longboats travel at speeds of 15 - 25 knots (with one or two 40hp engines). These traditional heavy duty dug-outs have proven to perform exceptionally well in local conditions, and are set up with a sun cannopy and comfortable seating arrangements. Also ideal for visiting remote villages up winding rivers and trawling to catch Mahi Mahi, Spanish Mackeral, Coral Trout, Groper and Great Trevally (the GT).

A 5m aluminum dinghy powered by a 15 Hp yamaha engine and several rubber duckies are also used for transfering guests to and from the surrounding breaks and for fishing at nearby Silabu Island....

Photo Above: Sony on to a ripper at Silabu....

Photo Above: Sony and Alex, not a bad catch - time for sushi and BBQ !!