2014 AVAILABILITY (updated)

Guest Feedback – Mar 2014

Guest Feedback – STORY:

“I don’t think any tale of our cruise would be complete without talking about the curious 8 foot saltwater crocodile. Near the end of our dive we heard the recall signal from the tenders hovering above us on the surface. Upon surfacing we were warned of a croc in the area and quickly brought into the tender. Thanks to the boat crew that watched for things like this and responded perfectly. It made for a great dive trip story and we had fun spotting and following the croc after we were all safely onboard.” 2 Mar 2014: Doug, USA

And from another guest:

“Here are a few memorable moments: Day 1, Dive 1 = 40 plus mobula rays and bait ball of anchovies. WOW! … Making animal noises (monkey, elephant, chicken) for the crew when we returned to the boat after a dive to let them know we were back. Never got old! … Enjoying the beauty of the islands and all the stars, planets and Milky Way in the night sky. … Playing hangman with Wawan during safety stops or waiting for the mantas to show up.”2 Mar 2014: Sue, USA

And here are a few more general comments from the last cruise too:

“Edu and Nic are the absolute bomb! Love love love their attitude, patience, helpfulness, skills, etc. Can’t say enough. I wish I could pack Anto and Tony and the kitchen crew up to take them home. They were SO on top of every request that they seemed to know ahead and were at the ready at all times.” 2 Mar 2014: Robyn, USA

“We felt so happy to have Wawan as our DM. Talented, charming, encouraging and totally sweet. He took a lot of time to help me be a better diver. I had some dive issues, was discouraged and Nicole went out of her way to support me with her presence and to take me on a solo dive. She saved my vacation! The boat: I was thrilled to find that our cabin actually lived up to the website pictures. (Shinta). ” 2 Mar 2014: Holly, USA

“I would go anywhere with you people! You need to come up with a higher rating system. “Excellent” doesn’t begin to describe how wonderful everything was! Thank you for the gift bag and goodies. Again, attention to detail impeccable. Well done! Everyday was a new adventure filled with wonders of the sea, the warm hospitality of the crew and hanging out with old and new friends. The boat: Love how the culture is brought out throughout the entire boat, ie room names, carvings, batiks. The attention to detail is impeccable and absolutely beautiful. Environmental awareness is top notch. Boat design and layout superb! The diving: WOW! The crew: Entire crew is amazing!!!! Knowledgeable, helpful, happy, courteous, super cute, funny, witty, nice, thoughtful, eager to please, warm and gracious and kind. They all worked together as one solid team. A complete joy to be around all of them. Wawan (homosapien) is a brainiac! The food: Magnificent! My tummy was extremely happy and satisfied! Loved the choices!” 2 Mar 2014: Sue, USA

Oh and quick comment from Nancy on same trip:

“Great job on gluten free diet :-)” … glad to help!!!

Read more from our recent guests on our website page: www.thearenui.com/liveaboard-feedback.html

Floating Work of Art!

The Making of a Floating Work of Art!

Arenui – the Boutique Liveaboard is not just a dive vessel; it’s a floating work of art and your introduction to the beauty of Indonesian culture and handicrafts!

The Arenui began life in July 2007.

The main hull was crafted from ironwood by 50+ local craftsmen in South Sulawesi. The structure of the boat was completed in Java and Bali.

70% of the wood used to build the Arenui is recycled wood. Many parts of the boat are made from recycled teak wood from Javanese houses. 12 different types of wood have been used in the crafting of the Arenui. The hull is made up of 7 types of wood and the interior 5 types of wood. 17 different types of finishing techniques have been used. All wood finishing has been by hand using traditional materials and techniques.

We have taken some traditional elements of Javanese houses and recreated them on the Arenui. The bronze, brass and copper features, such as the unique hinges and handles are all handmade. Most of the lamps are made from copper or brass and were handcrafted in Java.

The final touches – such as intricate carvings, wooden statues and figurines, ceremonial banners, and wall-hanging batiks – are all local handicrafts gathered from trips around the archipelago. It’s our gift to you, so that our guests can really explore and appreciate the beauty of Indonesian culture during their trip to this fascinating country.