Malaillo

Location: Indonesia

Rating: 4.8/5 (27 reviews)

About Malaillo

The Malaillo navigates Indonesia's diverse marine environments, offering an intimate dive experience aboard a refurbished traditional Phinisi.

Indonesia is a nation forged by volcanic fire and oceanic force, an immense collection of islands that disrupts and channels major sea currents from the Pacific and Indian Oceans. This unique geography creates a mosaic of marine habitats, from current-swept pinnacles and deep-water channels to sheltered coral gardens and black-sand slopes. The region functions as the global center for marine biodiversity, supporting an extraordinary concentration of species. The Malaillo, a traditional Phinisi sailing vessel, is constructed to navigate these varied waters, offering a focused platform for exploring the remote ecosystems of Raja Ampat and Komodo with an intimate group of just 14 guests. All dive activities originate from a well-organized dive deck, designed for efficiency and guest comfort. Divers have individual stations for gear setup and storage, with ample space for equipment preparation. The crew assists with all logistical aspects, ensuring a smooth transition from the main vessel to the dive sites. Two dedicated tenders transport divers to the exact entry points, allowing for precise drops on specific underwater structures and maximizing time below the surface. With a maximum of 14 guests, dive groups remain small, which permits personalized attention from the guides and a less crowded experience on even the most popular sites. The dive team is experienced in the region's challenging conditions and excels at locating its signature marine life. Guest accommodation is distributed across three decks in seven private, air-conditioned cabins, each with its own en-suite bathroom. Cabin configurations include twin and double arrangements on the lower and main decks, as well as a spacious Master Cabin, providing flexible options for couples, friends, and solo travelers. Beyond the private quarters, life aboard extends into several common areas designed for both social interaction and personal solitude. An indoor, air-conditioned lounge and dining area serves as a central hub for meals and briefings. Outside, multiple open-air decks provide shaded seating and sun loungers, offering wide views of the passing volcanic islands and remote coastlines. The culinary program is a central part of the daily routine, planned to fuel active dive days and highlight local flavors. The onboard chef prepares a varied menu that combines international dishes with Indonesian specialties, ensuring a diverse offering throughout the trip. Meals are typically served family-style in the main dining salon, creating a communal atmosphere where guests can share stories from their underwater excursions. The kitchen uses fresh, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Special dietary requirements, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free, can be accommodated with advance notification. A selection of soft drinks, juices, and local beer is available. The Malaillo is a 45.57-meter traditional Indonesian Phinisi, a two-masted sailing vessel recognized for its seaworthiness and classic lines. Its robust wooden hull, with a beam of 8.5 meters, provides inherent stability in varied sea conditions. Originally built in 2017, the ship underwent a significant refurbishment in 2024 to update its systems and guest facilities. It is powered by a single Mitsubishi V10 520HP engine, maintaining a cruising speed of 6 knots for comfortable and efficient travel between distant dive regions. The traditional design, combined with modern navigation and safety equipment, makes it a capable vessel for extended voyages and open-water crossings. The vessel’s operational calendar is divided between Indonesia's most prominent dive destinations, following seasonal weather patterns. It typically explores Raja Ampat from October through April, departing from Sorong to access the area's rich coral fields and high-density fish populations. From May through September, the Malaillo relocates to navigate the strong currents and dramatic topography of the Komodo National Park, with departures from Labuan Bajo. This liveaboard is particularly well-suited for certified divers who appreciate a small-group atmosphere and are keen to explore a wide range of underwater environments, from current-swept channels to calm, biodiverse reefs.

Vessel Specifications

Length: 45.57m
Guest capacity: 14
Year built: 2017
Nitrox: Available
WiFi: Available

Cabins

Main Deck Twin Cabin (sleeps 2) — Twin — Found on the main deck, these twin cabins offer two comfortable single beds and are bathed in natural light. Each includes a private en-suite bathroom and individual air conditioning, providing a plea
Upper Deck Twin Cabin (sleeps 2) — Twin — Perched on the upper deck, these twin cabins feature two single beds and offer excellent sea views. Guests will appreciate the private en-suite bathroom and individually controlled air conditioning fo
Master Cabin (sleeps 2) — Double — The Master Cabin, located on the upper deck, boasts a spacious double bed and panoramic views of the ocean. This luxurious cabin includes a private en-suite bathroom and individually controlled air co
Lower Deck Double Cabin (sleeps 2) — Double — Situated on the lower deck, this comfortable double cabin provides a serene retreat with a spacious double bed. Guests will enjoy the convenience of a private en-suite bathroom and personalized air co
Lower Deck Twin Cabin (sleeps 2) — Twin — Located on the lower deck, these cozy twin cabins offer comfortable accommodation with two single beds. Each cabin features a private en-suite bathroom and individually controlled air conditioning for

Itineraries

Raja Ampat Central (Sorong — Sorong, 6-8N)

This itinerary explores the heart of Raja Ampat, a region renowned for its exceptional marine biodiversity and vibrant coral reefs. Divers can anticipate encounters with majestic manta rays, schooling fish, and an incredible array of macro life across sites like the Dampier Strait, Fam Islands, and Penemu. The trip balances iconic dive locations with opportunities to explore a mix of sloping reefs, dramatic pinnacles, and rich shallow waters. This route is suitable for divers seeking a comprehen

Banda Neira & Misool (Ambon — Sorong, 10-12N)

This expedition traverses the historical Spice Islands, offering a rich dive experience from Ambon to Sorong. Divers can expect to explore vibrant reefs and historical sites around Banda Neira, a region known for its schooling fish and occasional pelagic encounters. The journey continues through the open Banda Sea, leading to the limestone karst formations and stunning soft coral gardens of Misool in Raja Ampat. This route balances critter spotting with expansive reef diving, suitable for experi

Raja Ampat Central & Misool (Sorong — Sorong, 10-12N)

This Indonesian itinerary explores the rich marine biodiversity of Raja Ampat, focusing on the vibrant reefs and diverse ecosystems of both the Dampier Strait and Misool. Divers can anticipate encounters with schooling fish, reef sharks, and a variety of macro life in the Dampier Strait, known for its dynamic currents and nutrient-rich waters. The journey then transitions south to Misool, where kaleidoscopic soft coral gardens, hidden lagoons, and unique karst formations dominate the underwater

Raja Ampat Central & Wayag (Sorong — Sorong, 10-12N)

This Raja Ampat expedition delves into the vibrant Dampier Strait, known for powerful currents that nourish abundant soft corals and attract pelagic species, alongside the iconic Wayag lagoons and Mushroom Islands, a truly remote landscape. Expect consistent encounters with schooling fish and reef sharks, with opportunities to observe manta rays at cleaning stations, before venturing north into Wayag's dramatic karst scenery for unique photo opportunities and tranquil dives. The itinerary balanc

North Halmahera & Morotai (Ternate — Ternate, 10N)

This journey explores the remote waters of North Halmahera and Morotai, a region characterized by its pristine coral reefs and dramatic volcanic landscapes. Expect diverse diving, from vibrant shallow gardens teeming with reef fish to deeper slopes and pinnacles frequented by pelagic species. The itinerary encompasses the rarely dived northern coast of Halmahera before heading to the historical battlefields and submerged wrecks of Morotai. This expedition offers a blend of exploratory diving and

Raja Ampat, Morotai & North Halmahera (Sorong — Ternate, 10-12N)

Journey through a kaleidoscope of marine diversity as you explore the renowned coral gardens and rich pelagic waters of Raja Ampat, transitioning to the more remote and historically significant dive sites of Morotai and North Halmahera. This expedition offers a blend of vibrant reef diving, with chances to spot mantas and reef sharks, and exploratory wrecks and dramatic underwater topography further west. Expect a captivating mix of pristine shallow reefs, swift currents in the straits, and deep

Wakatobi - Takabonerate - Komodo (Baubau [BUW] - Labuan Bajo [LBJ])

Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights

Embarkation: Baubau Harbor

This 10-day expedition offers a unique journey across three of Indonesia's premier diving areas: Wakatobi, Takabonerate, and Komodo. Starting in Baubau, the trip explores Wakatobi's rich coral gardens before crossing to the remote Takabonerate atoll. The adventure culminates in Komodo National Park, renowned for its strong currents, pelagic life, and famous manta ray cleaning stations. The itinerary also features land excursions to see Komodo dragons and hike to the stunning Padar Viewpoint, pro

Komodo Trip (Labuan Bajo [LBJ] - Labuan Bajo [LBJ])

Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights

Embarkation: Labuan Bajo

Embark on a voyage through Komodo National Park, a destination known for its incredible biodiversity and varied diving conditions. This trip offers a mix of adrenaline-pumping drift dives in strong currents and tranquil explorations of vibrant coral gardens. Divers can expect encounters with large marine life such as manta rays and reef sharks, as well as opportunities to find rare macro subjects. The itinerary also includes memorable land-based activities, including a hike to the famous viewpoi

Komodo Trip (Labuan Bajo [LBJ] - Labuan Bajo [LBJ])

Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights

Embarkation: Labuan Bajo, Indonesia

Embark on an exploration of Komodo National Park, a world-renowned diving destination offering a blend of high-adrenaline currents and tranquil coral reefs. This journey provides opportunities to see majestic manta rays at cleaning stations, various shark species, and dense schools of fish. The itinerary also includes searches for rare macro critters during night dives and features memorable land excursions, such as hiking to the iconic viewpoint on Padar Island. Max guests on this trip: 14.

Alor Trip (Kalabahi - Kalabahi)

Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights

Embarkation: Kalabahi, Indonesia

Embark on a diving journey through Indonesia's Alor Archipelago, a region celebrated for its volcanic scenery and rich marine ecosystems. This itinerary offers a diverse mix of diving experiences, from the vibrant coral gardens of Komba and Lembata to the unique muck diving opportunities in Beangabang, home to mimic octopus and seahorses. The trip also explores the waters around Alor, Reta, Pantar, and Pura islands, with chances to see reef sharks, dugongs, and potentially hammerheads. Concludin