Merdeka The Spa Boat
Merdeka The Spa Boat
4.5
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About
Merdeka the Spaboat offers overnight Private and Join In Cruises on 2 large Indonesian Phinisi style wooden boats, visiting Phi Phi, Krabi and Phang Nga Bay. We offer SCUBA Diving and Courses on some of our cruises - please inquire. We also do custom private Day, Sunset / Dinner and Overnight cruises in the islands east of Phuket, Thailand. We can manage up to 60 people on a Day or Sunset Dinner Cruise for that Special Occasion or Company Function! We would love to have you on board with us in this unique cruising opportunity visiting stunning beaches, lovely snorkeling spots, quiet anchorages. All inclusive with accommodation, meals, free massage, soft drinks, beverages, water and use of the boat facilities - SCUBA Diving is extra!
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Merdeka The Spa Boat
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
63 reviews
Excellent
55
Very good
2
Average
1
Poor
1
Terrible
4
Ryobi
Port Saint Lucie, FL149 contributions
Apr 2019 • Couples
To best describe our point for this excursion I would have to say our main focus was adventure and not necessarily luxury. We are used to large cruise ships with thousands of people and smaller luxury ships dedicated to smaller crowds as well but our focus was to be off the grid with views unparalleled. Our focus was totally met on this trip and exceeded our expectations in how accommodating the staff was.
First: Due to the whole coronavirus scare currently underway we were terrified our trip would be cancelled but the owner kept in touch with us regularly and made sure we even arrived to Thailand safely. Once onboard we realized we were the only ones who were able to make the sailing so we chose our cabin and settled in for our 3 day trip around the bay of Thailand.
Captain Addy and his team were very friendly and they were new friends by the end of the voyage! We all spent time playing dominoes as that was a common game we all shared a big interest in.
The trip itself was beautiful. Addy showed us lagoons, secluded beaches, quiet bays and island nightlife throughout the Phi Phi islands and Krabi. Bamboo and Chicken island were gorgeous!! He helped us figure out where the best places to snorkel were as we don’t really dive and the nice beaches and lagoons to visit. He also planned it well so these places wouldn’t be overrun by the tour crowds.
Sunsets on the boat were fantastic. Even better with the included massage!
The food was restaurant quality. We had 4 meals a day including breakfast, lunch, snack and dinner. All were cooked perfectly with local dishes, fresh caught seafood and fries and chicken nuggets/springrolls for snacktime!
The room was ample space with a decent enough shoilet. (Shower/toilet combo) The air never really cools off the room though so be aware of the heat. Beds are big and while not the most comfortable I’ve ever had its enough for the stay. Like i said we were not going for ‘luxury’. This was for adventure and fun and memories that would last. We got that in spades!
First: Due to the whole coronavirus scare currently underway we were terrified our trip would be cancelled but the owner kept in touch with us regularly and made sure we even arrived to Thailand safely. Once onboard we realized we were the only ones who were able to make the sailing so we chose our cabin and settled in for our 3 day trip around the bay of Thailand.
Captain Addy and his team were very friendly and they were new friends by the end of the voyage! We all spent time playing dominoes as that was a common game we all shared a big interest in.
The trip itself was beautiful. Addy showed us lagoons, secluded beaches, quiet bays and island nightlife throughout the Phi Phi islands and Krabi. Bamboo and Chicken island were gorgeous!! He helped us figure out where the best places to snorkel were as we don’t really dive and the nice beaches and lagoons to visit. He also planned it well so these places wouldn’t be overrun by the tour crowds.
Sunsets on the boat were fantastic. Even better with the included massage!
The food was restaurant quality. We had 4 meals a day including breakfast, lunch, snack and dinner. All were cooked perfectly with local dishes, fresh caught seafood and fries and chicken nuggets/springrolls for snacktime!
The room was ample space with a decent enough shoilet. (Shower/toilet combo) The air never really cools off the room though so be aware of the heat. Beds are big and while not the most comfortable I’ve ever had its enough for the stay. Like i said we were not going for ‘luxury’. This was for adventure and fun and memories that would last. We got that in spades!
Written March 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Raivadera
Singapore, Singapore3 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
Our experience with Spa Boat has been outstanding. Booking and arranging the trip with Neil was smooth and hassle free.
On board there was plenty of space for our two families to spread out and relax, including a whole relaxation deck with massages on demand ! Addy, our captain, was very accommodating in planning the itinerary; he took us to some very interesting places and was very sensitive to timing our visits so crowds were at a minimum.
Meal portions were very generous - the mid afternoon French fries and snack baskets were especially well-received by the kids! Addy and his crew provided for our every need and nothing was too much trouble for them.
A great experience for families with older children. Aged parents/grandparents may struggle to enjoy everything that this experience offers (eg getting on/off the boat to snorkel)
This has been an excellent few days spent in some of the most stunning scenery on the planet.
On board there was plenty of space for our two families to spread out and relax, including a whole relaxation deck with massages on demand ! Addy, our captain, was very accommodating in planning the itinerary; he took us to some very interesting places and was very sensitive to timing our visits so crowds were at a minimum.
Meal portions were very generous - the mid afternoon French fries and snack baskets were especially well-received by the kids! Addy and his crew provided for our every need and nothing was too much trouble for them.
A great experience for families with older children. Aged parents/grandparents may struggle to enjoy everything that this experience offers (eg getting on/off the boat to snorkel)
This has been an excellent few days spent in some of the most stunning scenery on the planet.
Written December 31, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robyn
Calgary, Canada44 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
Good diving (not similan quality, but solidly good). We did 11 dives during the 4-night trip, including one night dive. All the staff were good and eager to help with anything you need. Food was great, with tons of vegetables, curries, fish, chicken, etc. Eggs, toast and pancakes for breakfast. There was ample time to relax, take out a kayak, swim, visit a tiny island beach, or just read/nap on the giant deck. Rooms had a giant, good-quality bed, air con, fan, and private shower/toilet. I just wish the rooms had more hooks/bars for drying clothes. Massages were always available and the women did a really good, thorough job of them. Various alcohol and sodas were available all day/evening (though you of course can’t drink before diving). Coffee was terrible instant stuff. Overall a lovely, relaxing trip with nice diving. Highly recommend.
Written February 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matt O
4 contributions
Dec 2022 • Friends
Everything was a great and relaxing trip. No rushing. Everything just like advertised: 'chill.' The diving was beautiful. The air conditioning was frosty. Unlimited beers after finishing diving for the day. The food was a real highlight. More than enough food to go around for everyone and was delicious. We were supposed to be on the Merdeka 3, but the boat was switched out with the smaller Merdeka 1 a couple weeks before. Many of us booked through liveaboard dot com and was given an inaccurate description of the rooms and facilities, while overselling some rooms. The dive instructors (who also act as the in-between for guests and crew) got put on the spot with a tough situation due to this and expertly handled it to make sure we all had a great time. Book through their website, instead of with an outside company. The boat was very open, allowing a nice breeze to keep you cool while relaxing on the deck. Thanks for an unforgettable trip!
Written December 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patrick R
Sonoma, California, United States7 contributions
May 2022 • Solo
The crew was wonderful! Fine cuisine...thank you ladies. Capt. Addy was so proficient with diver pickups. Som-o is graceful in the water and sure to make a stellar Dive Master. Mai, our masseuse was terrific and always ready to ease our aching bodies.. Erik the Viking kept all of us amateurs safe on the dives and found the best fish for us to enjoy underwater. This was a fantastic experience. I felt like family!
Written May 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dani M
5 contributions
May 2023
My husband and I did the 5 day trip on Merdeka 3. Our dive master Conner, Captain Addy, Chet, Fah and Bah were all wonderful. The room was comfortable, food was delicious and crew very friendly. We would recommend them to anyone going diving in Thailand as they found us great spots to dive and planned the trips so we would run into as few other dive groups while exploring.
Written June 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rita N
5 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
First, they changed boats on us. We were told boat we booked had a hot tub. One we were on did not. The boat we were on, honestly I didn't feel welcomed. We when booked we asked for help lifting dive gear, only to be met with snide remarks when feeling like you needed help which kept me from wanting to dive. They have a step latter you have to go up down and if have dive gear on, it can challenging. The boat rocked big time, caused a lot of sea sickness too. I never had a massage, there wasn't anywhere private to get one. You get massaged where the staff sleep.
Nothing but soda, hard liquor or wine, water. No fruit juice or healthy options. Food was ok. Not great, just ok. The staff wasn't very friendly or service oriented, except the captain, he seemed pretty nice. The experience ovrrall was disappointing for me. Traveled a long way for nothing.
Nothing but soda, hard liquor or wine, water. No fruit juice or healthy options. Food was ok. Not great, just ok. The staff wasn't very friendly or service oriented, except the captain, he seemed pretty nice. The experience ovrrall was disappointing for me. Traveled a long way for nothing.
Written April 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hawbali
Bali/Singapore16 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
What an awesome 5 days on a well maintained old school wooden lady. Plenty of food, beer and sunshine for our family reunion. The sea was kind and the anchor spots amazing. Such a chilled atmosphere, we left the worries of the world at Phuket pier. Thanks Captain and crew for taking care of us and showing us a special place in the world.
Written January 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hanna R
Buenos Aires, Argentina7 contributions
Apr 2019 • Friends
A group of friends and I were on the 4 day dive n chill cruise and it was the trip of a lifetime. From seeing monkeys on the beach, waking up to see the sunrise each morning on the water, snorkeling as many times as you wanted each day, kayaking, and massages, it was an unforgettable, extremely relaxing trip. For anyone interested in a way to see the most beautiful islands off the coast of Thailand, this is the way to do it! The food is traditional thai and amazing; the entire boat staff is kind, responsive and truly know the best places, far from all the other touristy spots, which offers you a unique view of some of the most scenic islands and waters in the world.
Written May 7, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adventure479261
Hi Hanna,
Thank you so much for the great review! We really do pride ourselves in trying to give an outstanding experience! It is a lovely trip!
Thank you
Written May 22, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jo D
Brisbane, Australia1 contribution
Jan 2019 • Family
I have to say tha tI enjoyed this experience so much that I'm super keen to do it again with my husband! My two teenage daughters and I had such a wonderful time on board the Merdeka. We were lucky enough to meet Neil, the boat's owner, and his lovely daughter and her boyfriend who were travelling with us on a visit. Such genuine, friendly people. Our captain, Addy, also made our trip so special. Such a capable and amazing all rounder when it comes to the ocean! Whilst on board we had the opportunity to learn to dive. On meeting Gunther, the super experienced and most calming diving instructor, how could we say no! He was such an inspirational guy who made our diving so amazing...super patient and friendly. We travelled from stunning island to island avoiding peak tourist times so we would often be the only ones there! Lucky us! So much beautiful snorkelling, food on board and relaxing massages! A heavenly experience. If you're looking for an opportunity to escape your busy life and just relax in and around the ocean,then this is for you! Just need to save up so hubby and I can do it together! We travelled in mid January, and the weather was perfect!
Written February 18, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adventure479261
Thank you Jo for the detailed review! It really is a great trip and we enjoy providing it. We visit some of the best islands in Thailand without the crowds and this makes the trip truly memorable! It is as much fun for us as it is our customers!
Many thanks - Neil
Written May 22, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
love2travel2
Copenhagen, Denmark3,039 contributions
Tipping -
Hello to those that have been on this boat. We have not been to Thailand before and is going next month on the 4 day cruise, so what about tipping on a boat like this? Did you did it during - or at the end, and how much is it customary to tip?
MerdekaNeil
Singapore, Singapore
Hi - This is Neil (Merdeka owner).
Tipping is welcomed for a job well done - I shan't comment on how much to tip as that is up to you. People will normally tip on the last night or the next morning before the boat reaches the pier. The tips are shared equally with the boat and diving staff, but feel free to tip someone personally if that's how you like to to do it.
Looking forward to having you on board!
Ryobi
Port Saint Lucie, FL149 contributions
When do you plan to release 2020 itineraries and pricing?
Ryobi
Port Saint Lucie, FL149 contributions
Can we pay extra to arrange for transport back to our hotel at the end of the cruise and what is the shower/bathroom situation on board ?
MerdekaNeil
Singapore, Singapore
Yes. Transport can be arranged to your hotel or the airport after the cruise. All the cabins have en-suite private bathrooms.
outmodedtrash
Perth, Australia6 contributions
Hi there I am booked with a friend on the 25th of feb to go on the Dive and Cruise. Can the beds be split into 2 seperate beds please ?
outmodedtrash
Perth, Australia6 contributions
Hi there I am booked with a friend on the 25th of feb to go on the Dive and Cruise. Can the beds be split into 2 seperate beds please ?
MerdekaNeil
Singapore, Singapore
Yes we can provide separate beds if required
hello, we are interested for the "Dive n' Explorer Cruise - 4 Days / 3 Nights" on the 8th Jan-19.
Do you provide the complete dive gear (nitrox, suits, regulators, etc) on the boat? thank you
MerdekaNeil
Singapore, Singapore
Hi, we have all the gear except nitrox. Hope we can have you on board
love2travel2
Copenhagen, Denmark3,039 contributions
We have booked the dive and chill trip departing July 15-19. I am wondering how does the dive part function? Do they have a tender for diving? or is there a part allocated to setting up and equipment storage?
Thanks in advance. We are so much looking forward to our time aboard the Merdeka
MerdekaNeil
Singapore, Singapore
There is a dive tender used and also diving can be done directly from the boat as the boat moors on bouys directly over the dive site. There is dedicated storage and set up facilities on the bow area of the boat for the dive gear.
ashslpl
Chicago, IL29 contributions
Is there wifi on the boat?
Neil D
Phuket, Thailand
We do not provide WiFi connectivity on the boat as this is an opportunity to get off the grid and relax completely. If however you do really need to get connected, then we suggest picking up a prepaid SIM card as you come through the airport when you land in Phuket. They are quite reasonable and we are able to get cellular connectivity in most parts of the cruising area!
Merdeka The Spa Boat - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Merdeka The Spa Boat Information
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