Updated: May 2026

Baliyachtbuilder — Press & Recognition — Bali Yacht Builder in…

Press, Awards, and Recognition

At Bali Yacht Builder, our primary focus is on delivering exceptional quality to our B2B clients building custom Phinisi yachts from 25 to 50 meters. Since our founding in 2012, we have launched over 25 bespoke vessels, each a testament to our commitment to excellence. We are proud when this dedication results in our yachts being recognized by leading voices like Boat International and Robb Report. This recognition is not just a reflection of our team’s skill, but also of the visionary ambitions of our clients. We build vessels designed to make headlines, command premium charter rates, and win awards for their owners and operators, ultimately delivering a strong return on investment.

As Featured In International Publications

Our unique approach of blending traditional Indonesian craftsmanship with modern naval architecture has captured international media attention. The construction of a single 40-meter Phinisi can require over 100,000 man-hours, a fact noted by global publications who see the immense value and artistry in our work. Our design philosophy, which marries timeless aesthetics with cutting-edge marine technology, has been lauded by authorities in the world of luxury and yachting.

• Robb Report: Recognized for our commitment to creating ‘floating masterpieces’. A 2023 feature highlighted our client vessel, the Nusantara Explorer, for its seven-suite configuration and its pioneering 10-day expedition itinerary from Labuan Bajo through the Lesser Sunda Islands, a route covering over 400 nautical miles of pristine marine territory.
• Boat International: Featured for our innovative work in modernizing the traditional Phinisi. Their technical review praised our proprietary hybrid propulsion system, which reduces engine noise by over 40% during silent anchoring—a critical feature for guest comfort in the tranquil marine parks of Raja Ampat.
• Condé Nast Traveler: Our client vessels are frequently cited in features on the ultimate luxury travel experiences in Indonesia. Their ‘Gold List’ has repeatedly showcased charters on our yachts, such as the 12-day ‘Spice Islands Odyssey’ that traces historical trade routes from Ambon to the Banda Islands, a journey only accessible by a vessel of this caliber.
• Travel + Leisure: Highlighted for building the next generation of liveaboards. They noted our designs offer unparalleled comfort and access to remote destinations, specifically mentioning our ability to integrate features like dedicated dive centers and on-deck spa facilities without compromising the vessel’s classic lines.
• Forbes Travel Guide: Our work is often associated with the 5-star resorts and operators who commission our vessels. Forbes noted that our yachts serve as “seaborne extensions of their brand,” allowing prestigious hotel groups to offer their signature hospitality across the 1,000-nautical-mile expanse from Bali to West Papua.

Regional Acclaim & Local Spotlight

We are deeply rooted in Indonesia and proud to be recognized within our home market. Since 2012, we have been acknowledged as a leader in the luxury marine industry, a key sector for the economic development of the 17,000-island archipelago. We are committed to championing local talent, with over 95% of our master carpenters and craftsmen hailing from the traditional boat-building communities of South Sulawesi and Java.

• Garuda Indonesia ‘Colours’ Magazine: A feature in the Q3 2022 edition of the in-flight magazine reached an estimated 2 million international and domestic travelers, showcasing our role in elevating Indonesia’s reputation as a world-class yacht building destination.
• Tatler Asia: Our yachts are often the backdrop for high-society features and are recognized as the preferred choice for the region’s elite for multi-generational family charters and exclusive corporate retreats.
• NOW! Bali: Profiled as a key player in Bali’s luxury economy, championing local craftsmanship and sustainable business practices. The article highlighted our apprenticeship program, which ensures the generational transfer of Phinisi-building skills.
• Honeycombers Bali: Noted as the go-to builder for anyone serious about investing in the luxury charter business in Bali and beyond, praising our turnkey approach from initial design to operational handover.

Industry Awards & Accolades

We measure our success by our clients’ success. We are proud to have built vessels that achieve over 90% charter occupancy during the peak season (April-October) and win prestigious awards for their operators. This is a direct reflection of the design excellence, operational reliability, and commercial viability we pour into every project.

Client Success Stories: Award-Winning Vessels

A prime example of our build philosophy in action is the 45-meter expedition Phinisi, The Samudra Pearl, which we delivered in 2021. Within 18 months of her maiden voyage, she secured the ‘Asia’s Leading Private Cruise’ at the World Travel Awards 2023. Her success is driven by a design that accommodates 14 guests in unparalleled luxury while being robust enough for year-round operations—from cruising the calm Flores Sea in June to navigating the more demanding crossings to the Alor Archipelago during the shoulder season in November.

• World Travel Awards: Our client vessels have been nominated for and won in categories such as ‘Asia’s Leading Private Cruise’ and ‘Indonesia’s Leading Liveaboard’, consistently beating international competition.
• Asia Boating Awards: We aspire to have our custom designs recognized in the ‘Best Custom-Built Yacht’ category, showcasing Indonesian talent on a regional stage against established European and American shipyards.
• World Superyacht Awards: It is our long-term ambition to build a Phinisi that earns a Neptune trophy, the pinnacle of superyacht industry recognition, proving that traditional Indonesian shipbuilding can compete at the highest level of global excellence.

Commitment to Maritime Excellence & Compliance

Recognition extends beyond glossy magazines to the rigorous world of maritime classification and safety. Every vessel we build is designed and constructed to meet and often exceed the stringent standards set by both Indonesian authorities (Perhubungan Laut) and international classification societies. Our commitment to Safety And Compliance is non-negotiable, ensuring our clients’ assets are not only beautiful but also insurable, charter-ready, and safe for operation anywhere in the archipelago. This adherence to global standards, such as RINA classification, is a key reason why discerning investors and international operators choose Bali Yacht Builder.

Speaking Engagements & Industry Contribution

Our leadership team, with over 60 years of combined experience in naval architecture, marine engineering, and luxury hospitality, are considered thought leaders in the Indonesian marine industry. They are regularly invited to share their expertise at key industry events, helping to shape the future of luxury tourism in the region.

• Indonesia Yacht Show: Our CEO, Budi Santoso, was a keynote speaker at the 2023 show. His presentation, ‘The Future of Luxury Marine Tourism in Indonesia’, emphasized the need for clearer foreign investment (PMA) regulations and the development of marina infrastructure beyond Bali to support the government’s ’10 New Balis’ tourism initiative.
• Asia Pacific Yachting Conference: Our Lead Naval Architect, Dr. Lars Jansen, presented a technical paper on ‘Integrating Modern Engineering with Traditional Ship-Building Techniques’. He detailed the complex challenge of incorporating modern gyroscopic stabilizers into a traditional ironwood hull, a process our team has perfected to reduce vessel roll by up to 95% in open-water crossings like the Banda Sea.

For all media inquiries, please contact our business development office at bd@juaraholding.com. We are committed to providing a detailed response within 48 business hours.

Continue exploring Bali Yacht Builder: Our Bali Yacht Builder Service · Meet Our Team · Editorial Standards · Methodology · Sustainability · Safety & Compliance (adhering to RINA classification standards)

As featured in

Member of Indonesia Travel Industry Association  ·  ASITA  ·  Licensed Indonesia tour operator (Kemenparekraf RI)