Nothing is more important than booking a Komodo boat charter as soon as you’ve planned a trip to Komodo. After all, how can you explore the archipelago without a boat? Komodo boat is by no doubt the most sought among travelers and backpackers alike. The only vessel to take them to the last dragons in earth, the mazing sights from the top of the island, and the insane diving underwater.
Booking the right boat should be your priority, especially if you want to get a comfortable and memorable holiday. Nothing can be worst than a bad boat to ruin a beautiful voyage. Here’s a handful tips of booking your Komodo boat charter—particularly for the first timer!
Scrutinise These Komodo Boat Charter Tips
1. Most Are Labuan Bajo and Bali Based
Know that Komodo boat providers mainly operates on Labuan Bajo, the main port town in Flores. This little backpacker town is where you will land from Jakarta/ Bali and launch to the Komodo National Park. The main streets are jam-packed with Komodo boat charter offices, so do be selective. You might find some larger companies open their services in Bali to accommodate the needs in the island. Many travelers find it easier to prepare every Komodo trip details while spending some leisure time in Bali.
2. Wooden Boat Are the Majority
Unlike Bali’s common fast boat to Nusa Penida or Lembongan, almost all Komodo boat charter in Labuan Bajo are entirely made of wood—but not less modern. Lots of them are even more stylish and modern than the typical fast boat. Made for sailing, these wooden boat are adopting Indonesian traditional voyagers, the phinisi. They are a perfect fit to Flores’s wild and raw landscape.
3. Varied Type of Boat
While all boat in Labuan Bajo might proclaim themselves as wooden boat, these statement can be very misleading. Know that there are several types of wooden boat in the port town. Some are just straight and simple fishing boat with a throw of color—without any sleeping pads. Don’t even expect a cabin at this level.
Next, you have kind of backpacker boat which sleeps 25-35 people in a boat as tiny as 20-25m. Yes, it can be quite cramped. Everyone sleeps in upstair deck with thin mattress with no privacy. You can upgrade to a private cabin—but expect no luxury. Aside of few square metres of privacy, all you got is just a squashed double bed and hot room.
Some of the boat are just the right blend of backpacker boat and yacht with reasonable price. Needless to say, these type of boat quickly become traveler’s favorite—particularly those who valued experience more than frugal budgeting. These Komodo boat charter are typically well designed with complete facilities and hospitality-oriented crews.
In the epitome of Komodo boat, we have those luxurious and honeymooners wooden boat. They are the cream on top. The kings and queens of all Komodo boat. These boats are the most expensive among all—you can easily spend thousands of dollars for just three days journey. In the return, you have all the boat for yourself (and your parents) and a 5-star services from the crew.
4. With Types Comes Facilities
All type of Komodo boat should include three day meals in their package—that’s obvious. However, if you choose to charter the first type of Komodo boat, you are free to leave your expectations elsewhere. You will got nothing than a vessel. Well, at least you have a tiny sleeping quarters in the backpacker style. On the first two type of boats, however, you might have to share a little room of shower for everyone. Dining often take place in the floor of communal decks. Plates and dining menus are arranged lengthwise and you’ll sit cross-legged in the floor with everyone else. Fanciness is not listed in the facilities—but you get the cheap price.
Comfort is the main menu on the third and fourth type of Komodo boat charter. Everyone is assigned to a hotel-standard cabins. Each cabins sleeps 2—3 people inside, varied from a combo of double and single beds or three single bunkbeds. Well, unless you book the luxury honeymooners type which firmly accommodate only a couple inside. All rooms are cooled with air conditioner and have their own bathroom with real shower. No need to compete with other passengers. They usually have separate decks for dining (with tables and cushioned chairs) and leisure.
5. Look for Company Profile
Though Komodo boat charters used to mainly operates via direct meetings, many of them are now available online. Granted, it can be hard to splurge some amount of money (Komodo boat can be quite costly) for a shady company. That’s why you need to pay real close attention to the company profile. Some signs of a good Komodo boat charter operators are; neat website, clearly stated price, and available contact form. Further informations about destinations in Komodo National Park is a plus!
