The Junk

The June Hong Chian Lee, better known as The Junk, was built in Penang, Malaysia, and is a 30 meters, 140-ton three mast junk with 330 square meters of sails Built in 1962 for charcoal transportation the June Hong Chian Lee was part of a small merchant fleet that traded up and down the coastline from Burma to Malaysia. In 1985 then she was restored and redesigned for the first time to serve as a classic yacht and in 1997 she changed owners and was completely restored and set up as a liveaboard vessel.

The Junk is constructed mainly from a hard teak wood called Takien Tong. Onboard there is over 300 square meters of relaxation space with cushioned sun beds and a huge saloon with TV, a good library, sound system and DVD. At the bar you will find a selection of fine wines and lots of ice for mixed drinks. The boat is air-conditioned throughout and takes up to 18 passengers.

Keeping with tradition the crew of June Hong Chian Lee make a daily ritual of offering fruit, tea and incense before a small Chinese temple in the Captain’s quarters. According to Chinese tradition, the goddess of the shrine, if honored, will protect the ship. A second altar is on the junk’s bow, a sacred part of the junk. Fresh flowers are placed there each week and sitting or standing there is frowned upon, as below the bow are the eyes of the ship.

The Junk offers 2 deluxe double cabins, 2 deluxe twin cabins (3 single berths in each) and 2 quad cabins. All cabins have air-conditioning and ensuite baths with hot and cold water. Each cabin is stocked with hair shampoo, shower cream, soap and tissues.

The Junk cruises two 6-night itineraries in the Andaman Sea. The northern itinerary covers the Similan Islands, Koh Bon and Koh Tachai, and Richelieu Rock. The southern itinerary covers Koh Phi Phi, Hin Dang and Him Muang and the Racha Islands with more stops along the way.

Both itineraries offer a good selection of dive sites ranging from colorful reef to pelagic action and possible manta sightings. Diving is from 2 large tenders with 3-4 dives scheduled daily.

Photographers will enjoy separate rinse tanks for cameras and CD and DVD burning available onboard.