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Ecotourism

From Spice Routes to Phinisi Sails — A Journey Through Time

10/07/2025
From Spice Routes to Phinisi Sails — A Journey Through Time

Long before Instagram made Labuan Bajo famous, the waters around Flores were already alive with history. These seas once formed part of the ancient spice routes, connecting traders from Makassar to Malacca. The ships that carried cloves and nutmeg? The ancestors of today’s iconic Phinisi boats.

Built with age-old techniques, the Phinisi is more than a vessel — it’s a floating piece of heritage. Each curve of the wood tells a story of seafarers who trusted the stars and monsoon winds. Now, these boats have been reborn as luxurious yachts, carrying modern travelers on an ocean adventure that honors the past.

Sailing on a Phinisi feels like stepping into two timelines at once: the nostalgia of centuries-old craftsmanship and the excitement of discovering new Indonesia destinations. From quiet coves to coral reefs, every stop reflects a culture that thrives by the sea.

 

For visitors, it’s not just about beaches or diving. It’s about feeling the soul of the islands, carried by the same winds that guided sailors hundreds of years ago.

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Vinca Voyages