Meet Our Team of Misool Specialists
The soul of Misool Liveaboard is our people. We are a collective of passionate explorers, seasoned hospitality professionals, marine conservationists, and logistical experts, united by a shared devotion to Raja Ampat. Each member of our team brings a unique set of skills and a deep, personal connection to Indonesia, ensuring that every journey we craft is infused with genuine expertise and care. Our collective experience is the foundation of our Editorial Standards and the guarantee of your extraordinary adventure.
Budi Santoso
Founder & Managing Director
Credentials: Certified PADI Divemaster, Cornell University School of Hotel Administration Alumnus, 20+ years in Indonesian Luxury Hospitality.
The visionary behind the Juara Holding Group, Budi’s passion for diving led him to Misool over 15 years ago. After a successful career managing some of Indonesia’s most iconic five-star resorts, he saw an opportunity to bring a new level of professionalism and luxury to the liveaboard industry. Budi’s extensive network within Indonesia’s tourism sector, including connections with ASITA and the Ministry of Tourism, and his uncompromising standards for service excellence are the driving forces behind Misool Liveaboard. He personally oversees our partner selection process, ensuring every vessel and crew meets the ‘Juara Standard’.
Isabelle Dubois
Head of Client Experience & Concierge
Credentials: IATA Certified Travel Professional, Diploma in International Hospitality Management (Glion Institute), Fluent in English, French, and Bahasa Indonesia.
Originally from France, Isabelle has spent the last decade curating bespoke travel experiences across Southeast Asia. Her meticulous attention to detail and proactive approach make her the master of our complex logistics. From arranging seamless private jet transfers to Sorong (SOQ) to sourcing a specific vintage of wine for an onboard celebration, Isabelle ensures every aspect of a client’s journey is flawless. She manages our relationships with airline partners like Garuda Indonesia and works tirelessly to anticipate the needs of our discerning clientele.
Dr. Rina Wulandari
Lead Marine Biologist & Sustainability Advisor
Credentials: Ph.D. in Marine Biology (Institut Pertanian Bogor), Published Researcher on Coral Reef Resilience, PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer.
Dr. Rina is our in-house expert on the incredible ecosystem of Raja Ampat. Her academic research focused specifically on the unique coral communities of the Misool region. She is not only an invaluable guide who can transform a dive into a fascinating educational experience, but she also spearheads our sustainability initiatives. Dr. Rina vets the environmental practices of our partner vessels, develops our conservation-focused itineraries, and manages our partnerships with organizations like The Nature Conservancy (TNC) Indonesia and the Misool Foundation. Her expertise is central to our content verification process, as outlined in our Methodology.
Captain Iwan Setiawan
Fleet & Safety Compliance Manager
Credentials: Ahli Nautika Tingkat I (ANT I) Master Mariner Certificate, 25+ years as Phinisi Captain, STCW Certified.
A native of Sulawesi, Captain Iwan comes from a long line of Bugis seafarers. He has commanded some of the most respected Phinisi schooners in the archipelago and possesses an unparalleled understanding of Indonesia’s waters. In his role, Captain Iwan is responsible for the rigorous safety and maintenance audits of our entire partner fleet. He ensures every vessel not only meets but exceeds the safety regulations set by the Indonesian Directorate General of Sea Transportation (Direktorat Jenderal Perhubungan Laut) and the local KSOP (Port Authority). His hands-on approach guarantees that our clients are in the safest possible hands.
Ayu Lestari
Head of Local Partnerships & Community Engagement
Credentials: B.A. in Cultural Anthropology (Universitas Gadjah Mada), Certified Tour Guide (HPI – Himpunan Pramuwisata Indonesia).
Ayu is our bridge to the local communities of Raja Ampat. She was born in Sorong and has deep family ties throughout the islands. Her role is to ensure our operations are culturally sensitive and create tangible benefits for the local Papuan people. Ayu develops our authentic cultural experiences, manages our program for sourcing provisions from local villages, and oversees our community investment projects. Her work ensures that a journey with Misool Liveaboard is not only a spectacular vacation but also a positive force for the region’s inhabitants.
Continue exploring Misool Liveaboard:
Our Misool Liveaboard Service ·
Meet Our Team ·
Editorial Standards ·
Methodology ·
Sustainability ·
Safety & Compliance
The deep expertise navigating Misool’s underwater wonders
Imagine the vibrant kaleidoscope beneath the surface of Misool, where schools of barracuda swirl in unison and pygmy seahorses cling to gorgonian fans. This is the world our team not only navigates but passionately preserves, ensuring your encounter with its majesty is both profound and perfectly curated. Our dive guides are more than just certified professionals; they are local legends, possessing an intimate knowledge of Misool’s intricate reef systems and current patterns that only decades of exploration can cultivate. They know precisely where to find the elusive wobbegong shark, the majestic manta rays gliding through cleaning stations, or the smallest macro wonders hidden within a coral garden. Their eyes are trained to spot the extraordinary, transforming every dive into a personal discovery.
Beyond the breathtaking underwater realm, our onboard hospitality team anticipates your every desire. From the moment you step aboard, you are enveloped in an atmosphere of understated luxury and genuine warmth. Our cruise directors, often seasoned explorers themselves, orchestrate every detail of your journey with seamless precision, ensuring that the flow between exhilarating dives and relaxing moments is effortless. Meanwhile, our executive chefs, drawing on Indonesia’s rich culinary traditions and the freshest local ingredients, craft bespoke menus that tantalize the palate, from gourmet breakfasts enjoyed with ocean views to exquisite multi-course dinners under a canopy of stars. Every member, from the deckhands who meticulously maintain our vessels to the naturalists who illuminate Misool’s unique terrestrial and avian life, shares a singular goal: to elevate your liveaboard experience to an art form.
Crafting your bespoke Misool liveaboard journey
The true essence of luxury lies in personalization, and our team excels in tailoring every aspect of your Misool liveaboard adventure. Before your journey even begins, our dedicated travel designers engage in detailed consultations, understanding your diving proficiency, personal interests, dietary preferences, and any special requests. Whether you dream of capturing stunning underwater photography, exploring hidden lagoons by kayak, or simply unwinding with a book on a sun-drenched deck, your itinerary is meticulously crafted to reflect your unique vision. This bespoke approach ensures that your time in this remote paradise is spent exactly as you envision it, free from the constraints of a one-size-fits-all schedule.
Once aboard, the magic of Misool unfolds with an elegance born from meticulous planning and passionate execution. Each day presents new opportunities for exploration, carefully selected from the over 200 identified dive sites within Misool’s marine protected area. Our team navigates the approximately 100 nautical miles from Sorong with expert precision, guiding you to vibrant coral bommies, dramatic walls, and exhilarating drift dives. After an invigorating dive, you might find yourself exploring a secluded white-sand beach, hiking to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the iconic mushroom islands, or simply relaxing in the comfort of your luxurious cabin. Every moment is designed to immerse you fully in the beauty and tranquility of Raja Ampat, while our discreet staff attends to your every comfort.
Stewarding Misool’s pristine future
Our deep connection to Misool extends far beyond providing unparalleled luxury experiences; it encompasses a profound responsibility to protect this irreplaceable ecosystem. The team at Misool Liveaboard is not merely operating in this region; we are active participants in its preservation. We adhere to the strictest environmental protocols, from responsible waste management and sustainable sourcing of provisions to minimizing our carbon footprint. Our vessels are equipped with advanced technologies to ensure minimal impact on the delicate marine environment, and our operations are designed to educate and inspire our guests about the importance of conservation.
We believe that true luxury travel must be synonymous with sustainability. This commitment manifests in our active support for local conservation initiatives and community development projects. We work hand-in-hand with local communities and organizations to foster a culture of stewardship, ensuring that the economic benefits of tourism directly contribute to the well-being of the people and the protection of the environment. Our efforts contribute to the remarkable success stories in Misool, where fish biomass has reportedly increased by over 250% in protected zones since the establishment of no-take areas. By choosing a Misool liveaboard experience with us, you become a part of this vital mission, directly contributing to the safeguarding of the Coral Triangle, a global epicenter of marine biodiversity where Misool stands as a critical stronghold for future generations to explore and cherish.