Merdeka 1 Overview
Merdeka 1 is a very special boat that offers up to 12 guests a wonderful experience on board. The boat is 26 metres long and was built from Ironwood at the world-famous shipyard in Sulawesi, Indonesia. There are 6 guest cabins, which all have air conditioning, and the double cabins also have private bathrooms.
From 2025 Merdeka 1 is only offering private charter bookings. Join-in trips are available on its suster boat, Merdeka 3.
Merdeka avoids the crowds by diving early in the morning, before the day trip boats arrive, and then usually after the day trip boats have completed their first dives. You can also choose to dive in the afternoon on Merdeka, but guests often choose a massage, kayaking, snorkelling, beach or cave visit, which are all free of charge. And if you have never dived before, you can try scuba diving for free during the cruise.
The whole experience is very sociable, personal and unique. The maximum number of guests per trip is just twelve, but the boat often sails less than half full. The crew and dive team are professional, and the food is simply delicious.
This boat is very popular for full charters of families or friends. And in these cases, the itinerary can be adapted, within reason.
Merdeka 1 Pictures
Merdeka 1 Facilities, Layout & Specifications
| Merdeka 1 Layout |
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| Merdeka 1 Specifications | |
| Type: | Wood. |
| Length: | 25.9 Metres. |
| Beam: | 6 Metres. |
| Built: | 1997. |
| Refit: | 2018. |
| Engines: | 350hp Nissan. |
| Cruising speed: | 6 Knots. |
| Max Speed: | 8 Knots. |
| Instrumentation: | GPS Plotter, Depth Sounder, Cellular Phone and Radio VHF/DSC/SSB. |
| Fresh Water: | 5,000 Litres. |
| Fuel: | 3,000 Litres. |
| Guests: | Max. 12 Guests. |
| Cabins: | 6. |
| Safety: | Life Rafts, life jackets, first aid kit, Oxygen, fire extinguishers, fire alarms. |
| Refit: | 2012. |
Merdeka 1 Courses
A selection of scuba courses is offered on Merdeka 1, but they normally need to be booked in advance. If you have never dived before, there is the opportunity to try scuba diving for free during the cruise.
Merdeka 1 Itinerary
There are two itineraries on Merdeka 1.
During the low season the boat offers 3D/2N trips to Koh Racha Yai & Koh Racha Noi.
In the high season (October – May) Merdeka 1 goes to Koh Phi Phi & Koh Haa for 4D/3N.
The itineraries below are the most-common for each trip, but these can sometimes be changed for a number of reasons. Small changes are made due to weather & sea conditions, special marine life sightings, overcrowded dive sites, local-authorities' instructions, and the needs & requests of the paying guests. The safety & comfort of all guests is most important at all times.
Merdeka 1 Transfer Details
Guests are asked to arrive at the dive centre in Chalong, not far from the pier, before 10.00am on the Monday morning. The team will escort you to the pier.
If you require a private taxi to help you from your hotel to the boat, please let us know.
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Merdeka 1 Scheduled Transfers 3D / 2N Trips
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|---|---|
| 08:00 | Pick up from Phuket : Free |
| 10:00 | Departure ( Chalong Pier, Phuket ) |
| 16:00 | Return ( Chalong Pier, Phuket ) |
| 16:30 | Drop off to Phuket : Free |
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Merdeka 1 Scheduled Transfers 4D / 3N Trips
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|---|---|
| 08:00 | Pick up from Phuket : Free |
| 10:00 | Departure ( Chalong Pier, Phuket ) |
| 16:00 | Return ( Chalong Pier, Phuket ) |
| 16:30 | Drop off to Phuket : Free |
For customers who would like a private taxi please see below for details.
(Click below for a rough guide to the rates you can expect to pay ‘per vehicle,’ not ‘per person’.)
Merdeka 1 Schedule & Prices
| Destinations | Duration | Twin | Double |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, Krabi, Koh Hong, Phang Nga ( 7 dives) | 5D / 4N | Twin 40,320 THB | Double 44,160 THB |
| Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Haa ( 11 dives) | 4D / 3N | Twin 32,256 THB | Double 35,328 THB |
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Do you have a large group and want to charter the whole boat?
click below to find out more |
7 Reasons to Book with us:
- Best-price guarantee, AND get FREE gifts.
- We don’t ask for any payment or your card details until you are ready to confirm your booking.
- For safety reasons, it’s impossible to complete a booking instantly online , as some other websites claim to offer. We always check first as each boat has a different criteria regarding diver details & experience .
- We offer each boat’s booking & payment policy (below). Some other websites have standardised terms, asking for full payment but many boats’ payment terms are a 20-30% deposit, and the balance paid on arrival.
- Our Thailand-based staff are experts about logistics, the dive sites & all the boats . Take a look at the reviews on our site & tripadvisor.
- Our team are always online to answer your questions. We always respond the same day , usually within a few minutes
- Customer service is everything!
For example, if a trip is cancelled, we will ensure you can choose between an alternative similar trip or a full & unconditional refund .
To confirm your booking, we ask for a 30% deposit, then the balance is due one month before departure. Customer cancellations more than a month before departure are normally refunded in full. Customer cancellations less than one month before departure are decided case by case, but we can normally offer some kind of refund or postpone for a future trip.
Call us: (+66 89 136 3121)
or fill out the form below
Genuine Merdeka 1 Reviews
