Komodo 3-Day Pinisi Sailing Trip for Four Guests at Most

A pinisi is the traditional Indonesian sailing ship, and a three-day trip on one is a popular way to see Komodo National Park. This listing offers two nights on board in a small group, with four participants at most, and a programme that links the main islands of the park. GetYourGuide shows it from about US$339 per person, which is 295 euros on the page, and rates it 4.7 from 102 reviews.

The listing gives a clear route. Over the three days the ship visits the islands of Kelor, Manjarite, Kalong, Padar, Kanawa and Sebayur, as well as Pink Beach, Komodo Island, Taka Makassar and Manta Point. Meals are served on board: breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, so you do not need to organise food while you explore the park.

Snorkelling is a large part of the programme. The page promises swimming and snorkelling in the clear water of Kanawa Island, at Manta Point, at Taka Makassar, at Pink Beach and at other sites. Manta Point is known for manta rays, but sightings depend on nature and cannot be guaranteed, and the sea can be strong there, so listen carefully to the guide.

The dragons are the reason many people come. The listing sends you to Komodo Island to see the Komodo dragon in its natural habitat, and it adds Kelor and Kalong in the evening for the flying foxes. At dusk, thousands of these large bats leave the mangroves of Kalong, a sight that is best watched from the boat as the light fades.

The ship is a traditional pinisi, with a comfortable cabin that has air conditioning, and the page speaks of complete facilities. It does not describe the cabin type, the number of cabins or the bathrooms, so ask the operator whether the cabin is private or shared, and what the bathroom arrangements are. A group of four at most suggests a small boat, which is an advantage for privacy.

The crew is local, and the page says that a local team guides and photographs the group. The guide speaks English and Indonesian. Photographs taken by the crew can be a pleasant extra, so ask how and when you will receive them. Keep your own camera or phone in a waterproof pouch, since there is plenty of spray on the tender and on the beaches.

A day-by-day timetable is not given on the page, so confirm the details with the operator. In general, a trip like this sails during the day, anchors in sheltered bays for the night and starts early on the days with a hike or a sunrise viewpoint. Be ready for early mornings, and take a light layer for the evenings on deck.

Park fees are not mentioned on the page: the listing does not state whether they are included in the price. On many Komodo cruises the entrance fee, the ranger fee and the charges for snorkelling or for a drone are paid separately, and the amounts depend on nationality and on the day of the visit. Ask the operator exactly what the price includes before you pay, and keep some cash for the fees if they are separate.

Consider the group size. With four participants at most, the boat is likely to be small, so there is less room on deck and there are fewer cabins. Ask whether you share the boat with other bookings or have it to yourselves, since the price is per person and the listing does not say.

Weigh it against the larger cruises. A bigger boat offers more space and often more facilities, while a small boat offers a quieter atmosphere and more flexible stops. Choose according to your temperament and your budget.

Think about your arrival. Labuan Bajo has an airport, and the pick-up is included, so book your flight to arrive the day before the departure if you can. Plan an extra night after the trip as well, since the ship returns on the third day and flight times in the region can change.

The season matters. The dry months, from April to November, give the calmest seas and the clearest sky. The rainy months can bring rougher seas and some cancelled sailings, so check the forecast for your dates and keep a day of margin.

Bring a swimsuit, a rash guard, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a light jacket for the evening, insect repellent, a refillable bottle and a small dry bag. Closed shoes with grip are useful for the hikes on Padar and Komodo, and a headlamp helps on deck at night. Respect the rules of the park, and never approach a dragon.

Choose this trip if you want a small, comfortable boat and a programme that covers the whole of the park in three days. The group of four at most is its main strength, and the high rating from over a hundred reviews is a good sign. Ask the operator the few open questions about the cabin and the fees, and you will have a clear picture before you book.