Mein Name ist Willi Benkovics, ich habe schon einiges erlebt und viel in der Welt gesehen. Eines meiner Erlebnis-Höhepunkte war die Kreuzfahrt mit der Ananda. Ich habe die herrliche Natur genossen, die mir Max mit seinem Schiff näher gebracht hatte, das herrliche glasklare Wasser mit seiner Unterwasserfauna, die grimmigen Komodovarane, die träge im Schatten der vereinzelte Inseln liegen. Nicht zu vergessen die Weißkopfseeadler die die Ananda umkreisten… es war eine andere Welt. Auch das vorzügliche Essen an Bord war ein Traum…Bei nächster Gelegenheit werde ich wieder an Bord gehen…

This is a brief review…..

we had to eat too much food including
Fresh bread every day
Fresh fish every day except for the 2 days we had to eat fresh crayfish/lobster
There was always beer in the fridge
Pitchers of margarita and hot pizza delivered to the empty white sandy beach , with a multicolored sunset and moonlight….
Lounging on the upper deck with more food and drinks forced upon us while watching dolphins and whales…
Max and Nana were spoiling us rotten….
We were contemplating on having a mutiny on our last day so we would not have go back to reality and work…

What more do i need to say?
🙂 🙂 🙂

The Ananda deserves a 6 star review. The Ananda is truly in a class by itself among boats exploring Komodo National Park (Komodo, Rinca and Padar). It has no competitors for beauty, comfort, guides, crew, cuisine and quality of activities. Owner Max has built a boat that combines the warmth of Indonesian style with classic European sophistication, comfort and charm. You come as guests and leave as family. Chef Nana is extraordinary. Pablo, our guide who happens to be a dive master (we only snorkeled but felt like we saw what many divers spot due to Pablo’s incredible eye), is a wonderful man. Crew member Freddie was delightful. My wife and I spent 5 glorious nights aboard this magical boat exploring breathtaking scenery, the prehistoric looking Komodo dragons and underwater wonders in the Pacific and Indian Ocean. The Ananda must be experienced to be believed. It will exceed the most well-traveled guest’s expectations. Thank you to Max, Nana, Pablo, Freddie and the crew. You represent the heart and soul of Indonesia, a country that should not be missed by anyone who fancies themselves a world traveler.

Best regards,
Richard and Florence

June 2023

If I had a dollar for every time my kids ask me when we will be back at ANANDA I’d be rich by now!

Dear Max and Nana

Apologies for our delay in emailing following our special trip with you last weekend.

We all really enjoyed the experience aboard Ananda. Ian just loved living aboard, Lizzie enjoyed the diving opportunities and I appreciated the opportunity to completely relax.

Nana was so kind and thoughtful with her food prep for Lizzie which made it so much more enjoyable for us all. She really worked so hard to make sure we could all enjoy our food.

The highlight for Lizzie was definitely the Manta Rays and I think had she realised there could have been the chance to do a second dive with them she most certainly would have taken it. She did however enjoy the overall diving experience with Fandi.

We all enjoyed learning about the Komodo’s and the people of the islands but thought on reflection if you were to only do two walks with them we all would have missed the first one. The village walk was very thought provoking and the one from the Ranger station was interesting and museum helped enhance our learning.

Please do pass on our sincere thanks to all your crew for their friendly and efficient help on board.

Best regards

Julie Ian and Lizzie Barker

March/April 2024