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Convert a safety standby vessel into a luxury exploration yacht

Remi Epstein, founder of the Kudanil Explorer, is an adventurer at heart. Remi has made many voyages across Indonesian waters, falling more in love each day with the islands and the seas surrounding them. He has always dreamt of offering a way for others to comfortably experience the natural beauty of Indonesia. Subsequently, he came up with the idea to convert a safety standby vessel into a luxury exploration yacht: the Kudanil Explorer.

The ship embarks on expeditions throughout Indonesia to experience the rich culture and breathtaking scenery of the area. One of the main beauties of stepping on board is the unrivalled safety provided by the Kudanil Explorer. However, real beauty is the adventure that awaits. 

The Early Days of the Kudanil Explorer

Before its transformation into a luxury expedition yacht, the Kudanil Explorer served as an oil-supply vessel. She was built in Japan for seafaring against the toughest weather conditions and the roughest waters. The fact that Kudanil was built as a heavy-duty offshore vessel means that she is capable of safely travelling to the furthest reaches of the world.

“I knew it could offer the perfect base from which to explore and discover the most remote areas of this fascinating country. Combining the luxury of an expedition yacht coupled with the built-in safety of a true offshore vessel,” says Remi. After 15 years of operating the boat in her original configuration, she underwent a dramatic transformation.

The Ship’s Transformation into a Luxury Yacht

After a two-year conversion period, the expedition yacht where safety meets luxury was born. With extensive renovations made to the Kudanil Explorer, it now features much more than just safe sea transport. The ship still offers the same safety features but within its industrial shell it features the comfort of a luxury boutique hotel.

The new-and-improved Kudanil Explorer has space for up to 16 guests per expedition. They have access to an impressive 11,000 square feet of space while cruising through the clear Indonesian waters. Guests can rest easy in their luxurious onboard accommodations knowing that the Kudanil Explorer will bring them safely to the next, exciting corner of Indonesia.

Watch the conversion of Kudanil Explorer in fast-forward below on our YouTube channel. To travel Indonesia on board our expedition yacht soon, please fill out our contact form.

Kudanil Explorer crossed the Banda Sea

In September 2018, we welcomed our returning guests on a unique journey deep in the Eastern Indonesian archipelago. After disembarkation from Maumere / Flores, we cruised for over 800 nautical miles. The route led us via Alor and many tiny, remote islands. The Kudanil Explorer crossed the Banda Sea all the way to the colonial city of Ambon, rich in history and culture.

As we sailed North-east, landscsape changed drastically from the more arid and volcanic Flores, to the islands around Alor

Along the way, we enjoyed world-class dives and absolutely forgotten islands with villages where time stands still. We stopped at an island full of sea snakes. While these encounters are not dangerous, they are certainly not for the faint of the heart. We seeked and found Hammerhead sharks, Manta rays and plenty of rare underwater species. In-between dives, we tried our luck fly fishing and kissed the days goodbye with sunset drinks on the beach.

The Spice Islands

The last of our twelve magnificent days on board, we spent around the Banda Islands, ie. Pulau Rhun, Hatta and Banda Neira. We dived, visited nutmeg plantations, enjoyed sunset drinks at the Fort Belgica. The fort was built by the Dutch in the 17th century for the islands of Banda which, during the period, were the only place in the world where nutmeg was produced.

Banda Neira is the capital of the Spice Islands (also called Banda Islands) which are famous for not only its richesse in Nutmeg but also a famous trade centuries ago. It is the land the Dutch colonists once traded with the British for a now famous place called Manhattan.

Please have a look at the video and get in touch with us for your tailor-made trip on board our luxury expedition yacht.

For all our other videos, please have a look at our other journal posts or go straight to our Kudanil Explorer YouTube channel

Secret surf mission with Kudanil Explorer in Papua

Earlier this year, we set out to a secret surf mission on Kudanil Explorer in Papua with Harrison Roach, one of the world’s finest free surfers. Conditions weren’t blue skies and calm seas but our surf guide was spot on and we scored. Just us, for days.

The ideal platform for an expedition

Not even a handful of surfers, among them DEUS teamrider Harrison Roach, teamed up on Kudanil Explorer to find some hidden waves somewhere in Indonesia. Being an ex-oil supply ship, it made for the perfect expedition vessel to explore remote surf breaks far away from civilization. And a little bit of comfort and space certainly never hurt nobody. Be it the massage therapist, the en-suite bathrooms, the private balconies or the delicious food – we had the guys covered.

On the road with Andy Gough, Woody Gooch and Harrison Roach

We were excited to be accompanied by Andy Gough and Woody Gooch. Andy and Woody are some of the most featured and renowned photo- and videographers in the surfing world. Now it was time to rock and roll!

We left the harbor and ventured out. The forecast was tricky but our guide was confident. We weren’t sure what exactly to expect but this is what this trip was all about. Tap the unknown, explore the uncharted. And see below for yourself how we scored. As they say, pictures (and videos) are worth a 1000 words.

Come surfing with us!

Watch the video and send us a message for your very own surf trip now! Whether you want to explore with us for further waves never ridden before or just benefit from our already done research – it’s up to you.

If you’d like to see some of our other adventures, find all our other surf and non-surf videos on our YouTube Channel.

Kudanil Explorer Robb Report’s favorite

We are proud to inform that – just months after our launch – Robb Report has ranked us among its top 5 yachts to explore Southeast Asia.

Robb Report is an American lifestyle magazine synonymous around the world with affluence and luxury. It is widely regarded as the single most influential journal of living life to the fullest. What is more, besides it’s US-edition, Robb Report publishes in 18 other countries across the globe. Therefore, we are very excited about Robb Report including us into their exclusive list.

Chosen for two main reasons

Precisely, we convinced the Robb Report editors for two main aspects. On the one hand, our on-board comfort with 1000m2 of space for guests to use and our 8 en-suite cabins with private balconies. On the other, our history as an oil supply vessel and it’s robustness. In other words, the ship’s structure and original purpose makes for unrivalled safety and the Kudanil Explorer Robb Report’s favorite ultimate luxury exploration yacht.

Less rocking, more well-being

Luxury is often measured in design, amenities or space. On yachts, especially first time yacht guests often overlook another dimension to luxury aboard. While we certainly score on design, amenities and space, too, there is another element that really sets us apart. Due to the ship’s hull and original purpose, the boat rocks and moves a lot less than your usual charter yacht. This is especially important for guests getting sea sick easily or, for any guest, if the ocean conditions get a bit rougher during a crossing or at anchorage. The Kudanil Explorer will still sail through the Indo-Pacific ocean with ease. Rest, assured, and wake up at a new destination in the morning.

Safety, space and comfort – welcome to Kudanil Explorer. Enquire now for your private journey.

Check it out: Robb Report’s Top 5 Most Luxurious Yachts for Exploring Southeast Asia