Similans Liveaboard The Junk

The Junk Similan Islands Liveaboard

The Junk Similans liveaboard, also known as the MV June Hong Chian Lee, was one of several traditional Chinese Junks built in Penang in Malaysia. Built in 1962, The Junk was originally designed to transport charcoal and she traded up and down the coast from Malaysia to Burma. In 1985 she was restored and redesigned to serve as a classic yacht. Then in 1997 her current owners acquired her and she was once again completely restored and redesigned to operate as a luxury liveaboard dive yacht. She has appeared in many big screen productions in addition to the aforementioned James Bond classic, The Man with the Golden Gun.

Reports from the Junk are constantly good. On their six-night trip, you’ll be treated to dive sites throughout the Similan Islands, the Surin Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, and also Richelieu Rock. Out of all the Similans liveaboards, The Junk, undoubtedly has the most character and old world charm. This is one of the few operators that schedules in an extra days diving in order to take in some of the sites around the Surin Islands. Although rare, small Tiger Sharks have been spotted in this area. There is also a slightly shorter four-night trip which also dives at the best spots in the Similan Islands, as well as Richelieu Rock, Koh Tachai, and Koh Bon.

The facilities although not as luxurious as some other yachts, are still excellent and the food and fare is tasty and mouthwatering. The crew are friendly and the dive staff have years of valuable experience working in the Similans so know all the treats and hidden gems to show their lucky guests. If you want to take a Similans Liveaboard which oozes ambiance and atmosphere, then the Junk could be the trip for you.