Discover Our Story & Meet The Crew

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About Us

TRADITION MEETS the TIDE

Mutiara Laut was born from a lifelong love of the sea and the vision of Dutch captain Leo Van Oostenbrugge. After decades navigating the world’s oceans, he settled in Bali, yet the call of exploration never truly faded. Rather than simply journey through the Indonesian archipelago as a traveler, he set out to create a sailing yacht of his own — one capable of reaching the region’s most remote and remarkable waters.

Working alongside Indonesian craftsmen, Leo brought this vision to life by blending the elegance of an 18th-century North Atlantic schooner with the heritage of the legendary phinisi ships of Sulawesi. Built using traditional methods and extraordinary attention to detail, Mutiara Laut emerged as a rare union of cultures, craftsmanship, and seafaring tradition — a yacht created not only to sail, but to explore the Indonesian archipelago in timeless style

Creator of Mutiara Laut being stuck in the mud in the jungle of Borneo.

The skeleton of Mutiara Laut is being constructed by local artisans.

Mutiara Laut casco is being transported in a river.

Balinese and Sulawesi artisans work on the interior of the amazing Mutiara Laut.

Mutiara Laut luxury schooner is now alive and ready to sail.

Mutiara Laut goes for her first adventure on the Indonesian sea.

The first guest of Mutiara Laut history are having a private meal on the main deck.

Picture of Leo, the creator of the refined and luxury yacht Mutiara Laut.

Mutiara Laut trip into the Asmat Community.

Mutiara Laut sailing in the sea with her majestic sails out.

Mutiara Laut seen from the front with the crew sitting on the bow.

Roger Taylor of the Queen band in the 70's.

Picture of the American senator Mitt Romney.

The crew of Mutiara Laut is working on the main deck.

Mutiara Laut is sailing in the Banda Sea during a trip.

An Asmat elder is sitting in the corner and looking away.

Close up on the bow of Mutiara Laut highlighting it's beautiful sails

Majestic Mutiara Laut sailing in Indonesian seas with her 7 sails out.

Where the Dream Begins

Leo travels deep into the jungles of Borneo, handpicking ironwood for a ship he dreams of building — the moment that sparks the birth of Mutiara Laut

A Skeleton Rises from the Earth

In the remote town of Pagatan, local craftsmen begin shaping ulin ironwood into the keel and hull, working side-by-side with Leo as the ship slowly takes form

The First Crossing

The unfinished casco is rolled into the river and towed 350 nautical miles across the open sea to Bali — her very first journey

A Masterpiece Takes Shape

Balinese and Sulawesi artisans craft her interiors, while Dutch specialists refine her engineering. By May, two 40-meter masts rise, shaping the schooner Leo envisioned

Ready to Sail

Over 1,000 meters of rigging is tightened into place and 850m² of sails are raised for the very first time — the ship feels alive

Her First Breath

Mutiara Laut completes her maiden voyage under her own power, sailing from Bali to Surabaya and back. A dream is now a reality

Her First Guests

Leo takes family, friends, and builders on a 1,400-NM odyssey through Komodo, Banda, and Raja Ampat — the beginning of her life as a luxury yacht charter

A Legacy Lives On

After Leo’s passing, his ashes are scattered from the bow of Mutiara Laut as she sails the waters he loved; his trusted friend Kees carries the dream forward

Royal Footsteps

Mutiara Laut had the privilege of hosting HRH the King of Swaziland and his entourage for an exclusive private sailing from Bali

Into the Asmat

A rare expedition deep into Papua’s Asmat region — one of her most culturally significant journeys

Palau’s Blue Haven

She sails the turquoise waters of Palau, exploring one of the world’s most pristine marine sanctuaries

Six Nations, One Voyage

A 6-week odyssey across Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam — one of her most ambitious routes

Rock Royalty

Roger Taylor of Queen and Jim Beach chase a solar eclipse across Raja Ampat and Halmahera — a serene and unforgettable voyage on Mutiara Laut

Voyages With Purpose

Mitt Romney joined Mutiara Laut for a meaningful journey with Charity Vision International, blending the serenity of sailing with a mission-driven purpose

A New Chapter Begins

Mutiara Laut enters a new era with new ownership and a meticulous refit, completed in October 2025 — marking her rebirth as a refined luxury expedition sailing yacht

A 21-Day Return to the Spice Route

Under new ownership, Mutiara Laut sails from Bali to Sorong via Komodo, the Spice Islands and Raja Ampat — her first post-refit expedition

The Asmat Expedition

Mutiara Laut returns to Papua’s remote Asmat region, continuing her tradition of meaningful cultural expeditions into some of Indonesia’s most untouched territories

New Sails, New Horizons

She is fitted with brand-new sails from Europe — the first complete sail change since her inaugural voyages — readying her for a new decade of journeys across the archipelago

Completing Her Transformation

With her refit finalized, upgraded interiors, new sails, and renewed systems, Mutiara Laut stands fully restored — honoring her heritage while embracing the next chapter of her story

As Featured On

MEET THE CREW

THE HEART of the VOYAGE

At the heart of Mutiara Laut is a dedicated crew whose passion for the sea and genuine hospitality shape every journey. Many have been part of the yacht’s story since her earliest voyages, creating an atmosphere of warmth, trust, and timeless seamanship.

Among them is Cruise Director Arie Pagaka, who has been part of Mutiara Laut since her maiden voyage over two decades ago. His deep knowledge of the archipelago and welcoming spirit reflect the experience and camaraderie shared by the entire crew

d-176-e-484-a-6-f-10774-fc-7757-e-2530225502-b-6-c-4118 — Cruise Director
Arie Pagaka

The Crew of Mutiara Laut Saying Hi from the boat

ILLUSTRIOUS GUESTS

GUESTS of DISTINCTION

Through the years, Mutiara Laut has welcomed remarkable guests whose journeys have become part of the yacht’s living legacy

April 2017

Mutiara Laut welcomed Mitt Romney and his family aboard for a 10-day voyage from Bali to Labuan Bajo alongside CharityVision doctors

March 2016

Mutiara Laut hosted Roger Taylor of Queen and manager Jim Beach on a private charter to chase a solar eclipse across Indonesia’s far east

April 2015

In April 2015, Mutiara Laut had the privilege of hosting HRH the King of Swaziland and his entourage for an exclusive private sailing from Bali

Testimonials

WHAT our GUESTS SAY

Best experience ever! The boat and the team where amazing, we eat great food, we share very special moments with the friends we love and we where treated with lot of kindness by the team, a unforgettable travel in paradise!

Caroline Krueger

5/5

What can I say about this trip? Stars in my eyes, an experience I'll never forget. Landscapes, people, unforgettable moments on the other side of the world. And on the boat, what can I say: we ate so well, the staff was incredible, we made such wonderful connections! Thank you so much for this experience!

Lucien Michiels

5/5

One of my best experiences in Raja Ampat on Mutiara Laut! The crew was simply incredible, attentive and warm. A magnificent sailboat with perfect comfort and fantastic activities: diving, snorkeling, exploring and exceptional landscapes. I recommend it 1000x.

Noemie Kreitlow

5/5

An exceptional experience. Firstly, the landscapes, the islands, the seabed.. But above all, thanks to the incredible staff who bend over backwards for you. Every detail and every attention made us feel like we were in the finest 5-star hotels, but with the feeling of being at home.

You'll remember it for the rest of your life.

Christopher Wangen

5/5

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STORIES BORN from

the OCEAN

THE HEART of the VOYAGE

WHAT our GUESTS SAY