- Vessel Class: Luxury Phinisi
- Status: Available for Charter
- Destination: Komodo National Park
About Elbark Cruise
Elbark Cruise is a 37-metre luxury phinisi built in 2021 and launched in October 2022,
placing it among the youngest vessels operating in Komodo National Park. Most phinisi
working these waters were constructed five to ten years earlier; Elbark arrived with
fresh timber, modern electrical systems, and cabin appointments that reflect current
expectations rather than decade-old design conventions. The hull measures 6.8 metres at
the beam and displaces 167 gross tons, giving the vessel a stable, wide-body stance
that absorbs the Flores Sea’s afternoon chop without transferring it through to the
cabins. A Mitsubishi 8M20 engine provides primary propulsion, supported by a triple
generator bank — 30 kVA, 40 kVA, and an 8,000-watt emergency unit — that keeps
the air conditioning, galley equipment, and satellite systems running continuously.
Nine private cabins are distributed across three decks, each with its own air conditioning
and ensuite bathroom. The cabin count is deliberate: at a maximum of 21 guests, Elbark
operates at a scale where the crew of 12-plus (per Komodo Luxury’s operator data) can
give attentive, personal service rather than the anonymous hospitality of a larger vessel.
The Misool Suite sits at the top of the accommodation hierarchy as the sole master cabin,
furnished with panoramic windows, a private balcony, and a personal jacuzzi. Below it,
four cabins with panoramic or regular windows occupy the mid-tier, and four porthole cabins
complete the lower deck, each comfortable and fully private. Communal spaces include a sky
deck for open-air yoga and evening stargazing, a 360-degree outdoor dining and lounge
area, and a fully air-conditioned indoor dining room where the chef prepares
Indonesian-Western fusion meals three times daily.
For a liveaboard voyage in Komodo National Park, the question of vessel age is not
cosmetic. Newer wood — whether Indonesian ironwood or Borneo ulinwood — retains its
structural tension, the teak trim stays tight, and the plumbing and electrical runs
are not patched from years of salt-water service. Elbark Cruise has logged three
seasons in these waters since its 2022 launch; the mechanical reliability record
and guest satisfaction scores have made it a consistently recommended option by
Komodo Luxury’s curation team. Groups that want a boutique, intimate liveaboard
without the age-related wear of older phinisi will find Elbark the cleaner choice
for a Komodo liveaboard cruise
departing from Labuan Bajo.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Vessel Type | Luxury Phinisi (Traditional Indonesian Sailing Vessel) |
| Hull Material | Locally sourced hardwood, traditional Indonesian boatbuilding construction |
| Length × Beam | 37 m × 6.8 m |
| Gross Tonnage | 167 GT |
| Total Cabins | 9 (Misool × 1 · Weh/Mentawai × 2 · Rote/Selayar × 2 · Toraja/Alor × 2 · Banda Neira/Savu × 2) |
| Maximum Guests | 21 |
| Crew | 12+ (approx.; source: Komodo Luxury operator page) |
| Year Built / Launched | Built 2021 / Launched October 2022 |
| Cruising Speed | 7–10 knots |
| Main Engine | Mitsubishi 8M20 |
| Generators | 30 kVA + 40 kVA + 8,000 W emergency |
| Fresh Water Capacity | 9,000 litres |
| Fuel Capacity | 5,500 litres |
| Navigation Equipment | Compass, GPS, Map, AIS |
| Radio / Communications | SSB Radio, VHF Radio, Handy Talky |
| Safety Equipment | Life raft (capacity 25 persons), life buoys, fire extinguisher, flare gun |
| Tender Boat | Aluminium speedboat — Yamaha 40 HP |
| Charter Rate From |
USD 8,400 approx. per charter (2D1N, up to 10 guests) |
Cabins and Accommodation
Every cabin on Elbark Cruise is air-conditioned and fitted with a private ensuite
bathroom that includes hot and cold running water. The cabin hierarchy runs from the
single master Misool Suite at the top of the vessel down to the four porthole cabins
on the lower deck, all named after Indonesian island destinations. Each configuration
below reflects confirmed details from operator and booking-platform sources.
Misool Suite
- Cabins available: 1
- Bed: Double bed
- Windows: Panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows
- Balcony: Private balcony with personal jacuzzi
- Bathroom: Private ensuite (ocean view from bathroom)
- Air conditioning: Yes
The Misool Suite occupies the most prominent position on Elbark Cruise. Its private
balcony jacuzzi is the only one of its kind on board — a feature that transforms
early mornings in Komodo National Park into something altogether different: the
outline of Padar’s ridgeline visible across open water while the rest of the group
is still at breakfast. Named for the Raja Ampat island chain, the suite works equally
well for a honeymoon voyage as for a solo traveller who simply wants the best address
on the water.
Weh and Mentawai Cabin
- Cabins available: 2
- Bed: Double bed
- Windows: Panoramic windows
- Bathroom: Private ensuite
- Air conditioning: Yes
The Weh and Mentawai cabins share the panoramic window specification of the Misool
Suite without the private balcony or jacuzzi. Wide-angle views of passing sea and
coastline fill the cabin from morning light onward. Both are named for western
Indonesian island groups, each with two beds and full private bathroom.
Rote and Selayar Cabin
- Cabins available: 2
- Bed: Double bed
- Windows: Standard windows
- Bathroom: Private ensuite
- Air conditioning: Yes
Rote and Selayar cabins sit in the mid-deck tier with standard-size windows rather
than the panoramic spans of the upper cabins. The view frames sea or coastline
depending on the vessel’s heading. Well-proportioned, quiet, and fully private, these
are a solid choice for couples or solo guests whose priority is the water, not the
in-cabin view.
Toraja and Alor Cabin
- Cabins available: 2
- Bed: Double bed
- Windows: Porthole
- Bathroom: Private ensuite
- Air conditioning: Yes
The Toraja and Alor cabins occupy the lower deck and look out through round portholes
that sit close to the waterline. The light that enters is different from the upper
decks — directional, shifting with the sea, and occasionally lit by the blue of a
reef shelf as the vessel anchors over shallow water. Both cabins are fully ensuite
and air-conditioned.
Banda Neira and Savu Cabin
- Cabins available: 2
- Bed: Double bed
- Windows: Porthole
- Bathroom: Private ensuite
- Air conditioning: Yes
Banda Neira and Savu are the entry-tier cabins on Elbark and are also the most
competitively priced on shared open trips — from approximately USD 400 per person
for a 3-day/2-night voyage. Named for the Banda Sea spice islands and the Savu Sea,
both cabins are private, ensuite, and fully air-conditioned. Guests who want Elbark’s
service quality and food at a lower cabin tier find these a well-balanced option.
Deck Life and Dining
The sky deck is the highest point on Elbark Cruise and the one most guests eventually
treat as their personal space. At dawn it becomes a yoga or stretching platform, with
a 360-degree horizon unobstructed by mast or rigging. Through the morning and afternoon
it draws sunbathers who want direct light rather than the shade of the lounge awning.
After dinner, when the vessel is at anchor in the national park’s protected waters,
Komodo’s distance from city light means the Milky Way is visible on clear nights without
optical aid. The sky deck is where that observation happens best. Capacity is not
disclosed formally, but the full group of 21 guests fits comfortably along the
deck rails for a sunset viewing without crowding.
The outdoor dining and lounge area on the main deck runs a full 360-degree panoramic
arrangement, open to sea air on all sides under a canvas roof. This is where most
groups take lunch and where curated cocktails are served in the late afternoon. The
indoor air-conditioned dining room is the alternative for guests who prefer cool air
during long meals or who want to use the TV and entertainment system. The chef works
a full-board menu of Indonesian-Western fusion cuisine, with breakfast, lunch, and
dinner served daily along with a mid-morning coffee break. Free-flow mineral water,
tea, and coffee are available throughout the day. The galley sources fresh produce
from Labuan Bajo’s market before each departure, and dietary requirements communicated
at booking are accommodated.
Onboard recreation runs beyond meals. The Elbark carries a paddleboard and kayak or
canoe for guests who want to explore calm anchorage areas at their own pace. Snorkeling
gear is provided for all guests included in the charter rate. The entertainment setup
in the indoor lounge includes a movie library and karaoke, which tends to appear
on the final evening of multi-night charters. Island transfers and snorkeling drop-offs
use the aluminium speedboat tender powered by a Yamaha 40 HP outboard, which moves
the group quickly between the vessel and shore without requiring the full phinisi
to reposition at each stop. The vessel also maintains satellite Wi-Fi, available
in all areas, though coverage is intermittent in remote anchorage zones deeper
inside the Komodo National Park boundary.
Sample Komodo Route
The route below is representative of a standard 3-day/2-night Komodo itinerary
aboard Elbark Cruise. Exact stops and timing depend on sea state, tidal windows
at Manta Point, and park ranger availability on Komodo and Rinca islands. The
captain may substitute equivalent destinations for guest safety and comfort. Longer
private charters of 4 to 6 nights extend the route to include Rinca Island dragon
trekking, Batu Bolong reef diving, Gili Lawa Darat viewpoint, and overnight anchoring
further into the park.
3D2N Komodo Highlights
Day 1
- 09:00 — Airport or hotel pick-up in Labuan Bajo. Transfer to the marina.
- 10:00 — Embarkation. Safety briefing, introductions, and welcome drinks on the outdoor lounge deck.
- 11:00 — Depart Labuan Bajo marina. Sail toward Kelor Island.
- 12:00 — Arrive Kelor Island. Swimming and snorkeling over the reef shelf. Short trek up the Kelor hilltop gives a wide-angle view of Labuan Bajo Bay.
- 13:30 — Lunch on board. Sail to Manjarite Island.
- 14:30 — Snorkeling at Manjarite’s coral garden, known for colourful reef fish and moderate depth.
- 16:00 — Sail toward Kalong Island for sunset.
- 17:30 — Sunset from the sky deck. Fruit bats leave Kalong’s mangrove forest in large numbers at dusk, one of the more unexpected natural spectacles near Labuan Bajo.
- 19:00 — Dinner on board. Overnight anchor.
Day 2
- 05:30 — Early departure for Padar Island.
- 06:00 — Trek Padar’s northern ridge for sunrise over three-colour bays. The viewpoint is one of Indonesia’s most photographed.
- 08:15 — Return to vessel. Breakfast served.
- 09:30 — Sail to Pink Beach (Pantai Merah). Swimming and snorkeling over the coral and sea grass that give the sand its distinctive rose colour.
- 11:00 — Depart for Komodo Island.
- 12:00 — Lunch on board while underway.
- 13:00 — Trek with a licensed ranger on Komodo Island to observe Komodo dragons (Varanus komodoensis) in their natural habitat.
- 14:30 — Sail to Manta Point. Snorkeling with oceanic manta rays. March to October is peak season; sightings are subject to conditions.
- 16:00 — Move to Taka Makassar sandbar. The white sand bar sits in vivid turquoise water at low tide, with good snorkeling on the surrounding reef.
- 18:00 — Sunset. Cocktails on the outdoor lounge. Dinner at anchor.
Day 3
- 06:30 — Sunrise on the sky deck. Light breakfast.
- 07:30 — Final snorkeling session at Siaba Besar or Sebayur Island, both known for strong sea turtle sightings.
- 09:30 — Full breakfast. Pack personal gear.
- 10:30 — Return sail to Labuan Bajo marina. Arrival approximately 12:00.
- 12:00 — Disembarkation. Airport or hotel transfer on request.
Note: All destinations above are subject to change based on weather,
sea conditions, and park ranger guidance. In the event of any substitution, the captain
and crew will offer an equivalent or superior experience. Force majeure events — including
swell above safe threshold and official park closures — take precedence over the
published schedule.
What Is Included in Your Charter
Included
- Full use of all vessel facilities and crew service for the charter duration
- All meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily
- Mid-morning coffee break and snacks
- Free-flow mineral water, tea, and coffee throughout
- Curated cocktails (non-alcoholic)
- Port fees and local retribution charges
- Airport or hotel transfer in Labuan Bajo at embarkation and disembarkation
- Licensed English-speaking guide and trip documentation (photo and video)
- Jasa Rahardja passenger insurance
- Snorkeling equipment for all guests
- Paddleboard and kayak/canoe
- Satellite Wi-Fi (signal varies in remote anchorage areas)
Not Included
- Komodo National Park entry tickets:
- Foreign nationals (WNA): Komodo Island + Padar Island approx. USD 100 per person
- Indonesian nationals (WNI): approx. IDR 200,000 per 5 persons for Komodo + Padar
- Flights to and from Labuan Bajo (IATA: LBJ)
- Hotel accommodation before or after the charter
- Personal and travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Scuba diving sessions (Elbark is positioned as a cruising and snorkeling liveaboard; no onboard dive compressor or tank setup is mentioned in operator sources)
- National park diving permits
- Personal diving equipment
Charter Rates and Open Trip Pricing
Elbark Cruise is available in two booking formats. Private charter reserves the entire
vessel for your group, with a tailor-made itinerary and departure date. Shared open
trips follow a weekly 3-day/2-night schedule — typically departing Fridays — where
individual cabin berths are sold to separate travellers. All private charter rates
below are quoted per charter (the full vessel), not per person. Rates are approximate
and subject to annual revision; confirm current pricing directly with the Komodo Luxury
team. A 50% deposit secures the booking date; the balance is due 30 days before departure.
| Duration | Up to 10 Guests (approx.) |
|---|---|
| 2 Days / 1 Night | From USD 8,400 |
| 3 Days / 2 Nights | From USD 10,200 |
| 4 Days / 3 Nights | From USD 12,000 |
| 5 Days / 4 Nights | From USD 13,800 |
| 6 Days / 5 Nights | From USD 15,400 |
Additional guests beyond 10 are charged a surcharge of approximately USD 300 to 400 per
person per trip; the vessel accommodates up to 21 guests. Shared open trip rates for
a 3-day/2-night voyage start from approximately USD 400 per person for a Banda Neira or
Savu porthole cabin and run up to USD 700 per person for the Misool Suite master cabin.
Indonesian rupiah equivalent: IDR 6 to 11 million per person for open trips; IDR 120 to
230 million per trip for private charters. Contact our team for a current quote in
either currency.
Charter Elbark Cruise — Private Komodo Voyage
With nine cabins and a maximum of 21 guests, Elbark Cruise is one of the most
intimate luxury liveaboards operating Komodo National Park. The scale works in
the favour of couples on a honeymoon, small families travelling together, and
close-knit groups of friends who want a vessel where everyone on board is someone
they know. It also draws photographers and naturalists who want the crew’s undivided
attention for specific locations and light conditions rather than a fixed group
schedule. Komodo’s peak charter season runs April through October, and weekly
open-trip departures on Elbark fill consistently through those months. Private
charter windows are booked out weeks to months ahead during peak season; if you
are considering a specific date, the earlier the enquiry, the wider the choice.
Contact us to check availability and receive a personalised quote:
Booking: A 50% deposit secures your charter dates. The remaining balance
is due 30 days before departure. Cancellations within 30 days of departure forfeit the
full payment; a replacement guest may be nominated in lieu of a cash refund.
Frequently Asked Questions About Elbark Cruise
-
How many guests can Elbark Cruise accommodate?
-
Elbark Cruise accommodates up to 21 guests across nine private cabins distributed
over three decks. All cabins are air-conditioned with private ensuite bathrooms.
The Misool Suite is the single master cabin; the remaining eight cabins each sleep
two guests. The vessel’s crew count is 12-plus (per Komodo Luxury operator data),
giving a favourable crew-to-guest ratio for attentive personal service. -
What makes the Misool Suite different from the other cabins on Elbark Cruise?
-
The Misool Suite is the only master cabin on Elbark Cruise and the only cabin
with a private outdoor balcony and personal jacuzzi. It sits in the highest
position on the vessel, with floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows and an ocean
view from the ensuite bathroom. On the shared open trip schedule, the Misool
Suite commands the highest per-person rate (approx. USD 700 for a 3D2N voyage)
and is the most limited cabin on board. For private charters, the suite is
typically reserved for the charter’s lead couple or group leader. -
Can I book a shared open trip on Elbark Cruise?
-
Yes. Elbark Cruise runs weekly shared open trips on a 3-day/2-night schedule,
typically departing Fridays from Labuan Bajo. Individual cabin berths are sold
to separate travellers who join a mixed group on the same vessel. Rates range
from approximately USD 400 per person (Banda Neira or Savu porthole cabin) to
USD 700 per person (Misool Suite master cabin). Contact the Komodo Luxury team
via WhatsApp at 628113823875 or email sales@komodoluxury.com for the current
departure calendar and cabin availability. -
When is the best season to charter Elbark Cruise in Komodo?
-
The recommended charter window is March through December. April to October brings
the calmest seas and the best underwater visibility across Komodo National Park.
Manta ray sightings at Manta Point are most reliable from May to October, when
plankton concentrations in the channel peak. Komodo dragon treks on Komodo and
Rinca islands are available year-round. The northwest monsoon season from January
through February raises swell in the Flores Sea; charters remain available but the
captain may adjust itineraries for safety during this period. -
How do I get to Labuan Bajo to board Elbark Cruise?
-
Komodo Labuan Bajo Airport (IATA: LBJ) serves direct flights from Bali (DPS)
operated by Garuda Indonesia, AirAsia, and Batik Air, with a flight time of
approximately 55 minutes. Direct connections also run from Jakarta (CGK) and
Surabaya (SUB). Airport transfer to the marina in Labuan Bajo is included in
the Elbark Cruise charter package. Share your flight details when you confirm
the booking so the team can coordinate pick-up timing.
Charter availability is subject to seasonal schedule and operator confirmation. Vessel specifications are sourced from operator data; minor variances may apply. Komodo Liveaboard Cruises curates and books this vessel as part of Komodo Luxury.