Published in Expat Magazine February 2010

KAYU MANIS, this wonderful Bugis schooner is based at the moment mainly on Langkawi, a very interesting collection of tropical islands off the north western coast of Malaysia, almost parallel to the Thai border. So for cruises one can be taken around a wonderful variety of locations, in the Andaman Sea and the Malacca Straits.

For Private Charter there are four double size cabins, with en suite shower-toilet so that a family group, or families, can be taken on wonderful trips to a variety of islands. There they can enjoy their fine, and very beautiful beaches, and fishing, and coral diving, or general relaxation on a beautiful sailing boat.

There is, due to her great length, plenty of space for guests. On the upper rear deck there are sun beds, on which one can sunbathe, or sometimes just relax to the sound of the wind through the sail as you move from one island to another. Below, if too hot, there are shaded seating areas, and dining space. One can dine out in the open under the stars. A small crew and chef will attend to all your requirements.

On the more business side, for conferences and large business meetings here on the island, trips have been arranged as day outings for up to 70 guests at a time. They are  taken out by this exquisite ship on short trips. More staff and luxury catering can be arranged, so that the outing is extremely enjoyable, interesting and productive.

Beautiful Bugis schooners, almost exactly the same as the KAYU MANIS, have been sailing these waters of the East for nearly 1,000 years, and in many parts they are seen as traders, and are sometimes blamed for being the famous pirates of the area.

A wide variety of spices, and ivories, and precious woods and great gems, were traded with the Chinese and the Arabs. They even found their way to Australia and traded the first iron with the aborigines long before we even knew they existed. Of course the Bugis also came and populated
many parts of the then Malay Peninsula, and were one of the original traders with what became Singapore. Surely everybody has heard of ‘Bugis Street’.

This ship was recently built, under the owner’s instruction, in the Celebes out of the finest timber. The hull is made of what we call ‘belian’, or ironwood, and is quite without exception the finest wood. The hull is put together in the traditional way, with wood pegs and caulked with wood sap. The upper deck of course is of fine teak, all that and the interior is elegantly furnished, and very comfortable, as you may see from some of the pictures.

It must be pointed out that this is a very fine real sailing ship, and not like the usual modern plastic and chromium plated yachts, and it will be an exclusive and romantic, adventure. Under full sail in the strong sunlight over bright blue and green seas, this will be an amazing experience for anybody.

A number of world class tour-agents have the booked KAYU MANIS and the world class five-star hotels here on the island have on occasions called for her service for their guests.

MAKE YOUR BOOKING REQUEST HERE