One hundred questions about phinisi cruising in Komodo, answered with real numbers — rates, cabins, season, heritage and safety.
Whole-boat charter from USD 1,800 a night; cabins from USD 300 per person on shared departures.
The published fleet runs 22m to 65.2m with 2 to 14 cabins carrying 5 to 30 guests.
UNESCO-listed boatbuilding from Bulukumba, South Sulawesi — ironwood keels and hand-fitted teak planking.
The standard 3D2N route, and why April–June and September–November give the calmest seas.
From beginner-friendly Siaba Besar to advanced drift dives at Castle Rock and Crystal Rock.
Flights into Labuan Bajo, park fees under PP 36/2024, and what to bring in cash.
| Charter Tier | From / Night | Length | Cabins |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boutique (e.g. Jinggo Janggo) | USD 1,800 | 22 m | 2 cabins · 5 guests |
| Classic tier | USD 3,800 | ~30 m | typically 5–9 cabins |
| Premium tier | USD 5,700 | 35–42 m | typically 5–9 cabins |
| Superyacht-class | USD 10,000+ (+11% VAT) | 45–52 m | up to 10 cabins |
| Heritage flagship (e.g. Lamima) | USD 17,000–27,000 (+11% VAT) | 50–65.2 m | up to 14 cabins |
A phinisi is planked hardwood over sawn frames on a heavy keel, fastened with wooden treenails rather than steel nails, with seams packed in natural fibre. The craft is UNESCO-listed as "Pinisi, art of boatbuilding in South Sulawesi" (2017, file 01197), built by hand in Bulukumba — chiefly Tana Beru, Bira and Ara.
Published whole-boat rates run from USD 1,800 for a 22 m five-berth phinisi up to USD 27,000 plus 11% VAT for the 65.2 m Lamima.
USD 300 to USD 800 per person on a scheduled departure, depending on cabin class.
No. Under PP 36/2024 the entrance fee is IDR 250,000 per foreign visitor per visit, collected separately from the charter rate.
Six to twelve months for July–August or for a specific named boat. Three to six months is usually enough outside peak season.
The published charter fleet runs from 22 m to 65.2 m. 30 to 40 m is the commonest working size, balancing deck space against shallow-bay draft.
Between two and fourteen. Five to nine cabins carrying ten to twenty-five guests covers most of the fleet.
A main-deck cabin as far forward of the engine room as the plan allows is quietest. Lower deck, midships, has the least motion.
April to June and September to November give the calmest seas and best visibility. July–August is the commercial peak with more wind in the open straits.
Day one Kelor, Manjarite and Kalong. Day two Padar at sunrise, Pink Beach, a ranger trek, then Manta Point and Taka Makassar. Day three Siaba or Kanawa, then back to Labuan Bajo.
No. Snorkelling covers the headline experiences — Manta Point, Pink Beach, Siaba and Kanawa. Most guests on a phinisi cruise never put on a tank.
Karang Makassar (Manta Point), 8–18 m, suitable for all levels; and Manta Alley in the south, 5–25 m, stronger current, for intermediate to advanced.
It scales with the boat — a twelve-guest phinisi typically carries eight to twelve crew, including captain, engineer, chef and guides.
Fly into Komodo Airport (LBJ) — roughly one to one and a half hours from Denpasar, about two to two and a half hours from Jakarta.
IDR 250,000 per foreign visitor per visit under PP 36/2024, or IDR 50,000–75,000 for Indonesian visitors, paid separately and usually in cash.
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