- Vessel Class: Classic Phinisi
- Status: Available for Charter
- Destination: Komodo National Park
About Natural Cruise
Natural Cruise launched in 2021, one of the newer wooden phinisi working the waters of Komodo National
Park. The hull measures 21.4 metres in length and 4.5 metres at the beam, built to the classic
two-masted phinisi form that Bugis and Makassarese craftsmen have refined across centuries of
Indonesian shipbuilding. A Mitsubishi 6D16 diesel engine drives the vessel at a cruising pace of
7 to 10 knots, well suited to the short hops between Labuan Bajo and the islands of the national
park. Because the distances are modest, Natural Cruise loses no meaningful time to transit; what
the schedule gains is flexibility to linger at a reef, hold position at Manta Point, or pull into
a sandbar anchorage for a longer afternoon.
Five guest cabins occupy the vessel, all air-conditioned and fitted with private ensuite bathrooms
offering hot showers. The cabin complement runs from double-bed rooms to a sharing configuration
with bunk beds, giving mixed groups and families options at different price points without
splitting across separate vessels. Above the cabins, a generous sun deck carries an arrangement of
bean bags facing the open sky, the default gathering point when guests are not in the water or at
the table. The indoor lounge and dining area sits below, cooled by air conditioning, where three
full meals per day are served and the day’s route gets discussed over coffee before dawn.
The compact scale of Natural Cruise is a deliberate advantage in the Komodo archipelago. Smaller
vessels anchor closer to the beach at Pink Beach’s coral edge, navigate the channel approaches
to Gili Lawa Laba at angles a larger boat could not manage, and create a group dynamic where
19 guests share one crew and one table. Komodo Luxury curates Natural Cruise for private charters
and open trips, matching it to groups who want to move through the park with a dedicated
crew rather than as passengers on a resort boat.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Vessel Type | Classic Phinisi (Traditional Wooden Sailing Vessel) |
| Hull Material | Wood (construction material not separately specified by operator) |
| Length x Beam | 21.4 m x 4.5 m |
| Total Cabins | 5 (4 double-bed cabins + 1 sharing/bunk cabin) |
| Maximum Guests | 19 |
| Crew | Approx. 5–8 (crew count not published by operator) |
| Year Built | 2021 |
| Cruising Speed | 7–10 knots |
| Main Engine | Mitsubishi 6D16 |
| Generator / Electricity | Not disclosed by operator |
| Freshwater Capacity | Not disclosed by operator |
| Navigation Equipment | Standard navigation fit for Komodo National Park operations (details not published) |
| Wi-Fi | On board (included) |
| Charter Rate From |
Approx. USD 150–300 per person per night (shared); approx. USD 2,000–4,000 per day (full charter) — inferred from Komodo market; contact us for a confirmed quote. |
Cabins & Accommodation
All five cabins on Natural Cruise are air-conditioned and fitted with private ensuite bathrooms,
each equipped with a hot water shower. Cabins run in two configurations: a double-bed layout
(with space for an extra berth) and a sharing room with bunk beds for groups who want to
maximise capacity without a cost premium. Below is the full breakdown.
Master Cabin
- Cabins available: 2 (Cabins 1 and 2)
- Bed: Double bed 160 × 200 cm + 1 extra bed
- Maximum occupancy: 3 persons
- Bathroom: Private ensuite, hot shower
- Air conditioning: Yes
- Charging: In-cabin power outlet
The two Master Cabins offer the widest double bed on board, at 160 centimetres, with room
to add a third person on the extra berth. For a couple, the cabin provides enough floor
space to set luggage down and move around comfortably, with the private bathroom keeping
mornings efficient when the crew schedules an early Padar sunrise departure.
Deluxe Cabin
- Cabins available: 2 (Cabins 3 and 4)
- Bed: Double bed 140 × 200 cm + 1 extra bed
- Maximum occupancy: 3 persons
- Bathroom: Private ensuite, hot shower
- Air conditioning: Yes
- Charging: In-cabin power outlet
Deluxe Cabins match the Master Cabins in configuration, trading the bed width from
160 to 140 centimetres. For solo travellers or a pair travelling on a tighter budget,
these cabins offer the same private bathroom and AC without the price uplift of the
Master tier. A third person can be added when a family or small group books the cabin.
Sharing Room
- Cabins available: 1 (Cabin 5)
- Bed: Double bunk bed (upper and lower), each 140 × 200 cm
- Maximum occupancy: 4 persons
- Bathroom: Private ensuite, hot shower
- Air conditioning: Yes
- Charging: In-cabin power outlet
The Sharing Room works for four friends or colleagues booking together on an open-trip
berth basis. Two double-size bunk levels mean each guest has meaningful sleeping width,
not the narrow single of a budget hostel bunk. With a private bathroom, the cabin
gives the sharing group independence from the rest of the vessel.
Deck Life & Dining
The upper sun deck defines the pace of a day on Natural Cruise. Bean bags scatter across the
wooden planking, angled toward open water and, after dark, toward a Komodo sky that carries the
Milky Way without interference from coastal light pollution. Groups spread out here between
snorkel stops, drying off in the afternoon wind while the captain steers toward the next
anchorage. By evening, once the drone of the engine drops and the anchor chain rattles down,
the deck becomes a place to eat dinner under stars if the crew sets the table outside.
Below deck, the air-conditioned lounge and dining area brings everyone together for meals.
The cook sources ingredients from Labuan Bajo’s morning market, building menus around reef
fish, tropical fruit, and the spice combinations of eastern Indonesian cooking. Three meals
daily come included, plus a morning coffee break before the first activity. Soft drinks,
juices, and mineral water are available throughout the day; alcoholic beverages are not
included but can be arranged for purchase on board. Wi-Fi connects the vessel to shore,
useful for sharing photographs but light enough not to pull guests away from the water.
Snorkelling gear comes aboard with the charter, including masks and fins for all guests.
The stern platform serves as the entry and exit point for snorkellers, with the crew
assisting gear donning before each stop. Certified divers on board can discuss dive
arrangements at booking; the vessel does not carry dive tanks as standard but Komodo
Luxury can organise diving support for qualified guests at additional cost.
Sample Komodo Route — 3 Days / 2 Nights
The route below represents a typical 3D2N private charter on Natural Cruise. Actual stop
sequence depends on weather, tidal windows at Manta Point, and park ranger schedules for
dragon trekking on Komodo and Rinca. The crew adjusts itineraries in real time to give
guests the best conditions at each site.
3D2N — Komodo Highlights (Private Charter)
Day 1 — Labuan Bajo to Kelor Island to Kalong
- 08:30 — Airport or hotel pickup in Labuan Bajo; transfer to Bajo marina.
- 09:00 — Embarkation on Natural Cruise. Safety briefing, welcome drinks, departure.
- 10:30 — Arrive Kelor Island. Short snorkel over the shallow reef shelf; optional hike to the hilltop for a wide view across Labuan Bajo Bay.
- 12:30 — Lunch on board. Sail toward the next anchorage.
- 15:00 — Manjarite Island — snorkelling in the coral gardens at the eastern tip.
- 16:30 — Sail toward Kalong Island at dusk. Watch hundreds of fruit bats depart the mangrove canopy at sunset, a spectacle particular to this area of Flores.
- 18:30 — Dinner on board. Anchor overnight at a protected bay.
Day 2 — Padar, Pink Beach, Komodo, Manta Point, Taka Makassar
- 05:00 — Depart for Padar Island.
- 06:00 — Trek Padar’s northern ridge for sunrise over three colour-contrast bays. One of the most photographed viewpoints in Indonesia.
- 08:30 — Breakfast on board. Sail to Pink Beach (Pantai Merah).
- 10:00 — Swimming and snorkelling at Pink Beach. The sand’s rose tone comes from crushed red coral fragments mixed with white sand — visible when dry.
- 11:00 — Depart for Komodo Island.
- 12:30 — Ranger-guided trek on Komodo Island to encounter Komodo dragons (Varanus komodoensis) in their natural habitat. Lunch on board after.
- 14:30 — Sail to Manta Point. Snorkelling with oceanic manta rays (April to November peak season; subject to conditions on the day).
- 16:00 — Taka Makassar sandbar. The turquoise shallows around the bar run particularly clear at low tide — good conditions for photographs and a final swim.
- 18:00 — Dinner at anchor. Sundeck for stargazing.
Day 3 — Gili Lawa, Return to Labuan Bajo
- 06:00 — Morning coffee on the sun deck. Sail toward Gili Lawa Darat.
- 07:30 — Gili Lawa viewpoint hike: an elevated panorama across the island chain toward Sape Strait.
- 09:00 — Breakfast. Final snorkel stop at Sebayur Island coral garden.
- 10:30 — Return sail to Labuan Bajo marina. Arrival approx. 12:00.
- 12:00 — Disembarkation. Airport or hotel transfer arranged on request.
Note: All destinations are subject to change based on weather, sea state,
park ranger schedules, and force majeure. The captain substitutes an equivalent or improved
experience whenever conditions require a route change.
What’s Included in Your Charter
Included
- Full use of all vessel facilities and crew service for the charter duration
- All meals on board: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Morning coffee break and daily snack service
- Soft drinks, juices, and mineral water throughout the voyage
- Port fees and local retribution charges
- Return 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
- Snorkelling equipment (mask, fins, snorkel) for all guests
- Beach towels and cabin towels
- Complimentary toiletries in each cabin
- On-board Wi-Fi
Not Included
- Komodo National Park entry tickets:
- Foreign nationals: Komodo Island + Padar USD 100/person; Rinca USD 40/person; Gili Lawa USD 25/person
- Indonesian nationals: Komodo + Padar IDR 200,000/group (up to 5 persons); Rinca IDR 100,000/person
- 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 (available at additional cost — contact us to arrange)
- National park diving permits
- Personal diving equipment (BCD, regulator, wetsuit, mask, computer)
Pricing Guidance
Natural Cruise rates are not published by the operator and vary by group size, trip duration,
and season. Based on the current Komodo charter market, guests on a shared open-trip berth can
expect rates of approximately USD 150 to 300 per person per night. A full private charter of
the vessel runs approximately USD 2,000 to 4,000 per day (these figures are market-inferred
for vessels of this class and size, not confirmed figures for Natural Cruise specifically).
Full charter pricing divides more favourably across larger groups. A group of 12 sharing a
full-charter day rate pays significantly less per person than a pair on the same boat. Komodo
Luxury will provide a confirmed quote based on your exact group size, preferred duration, and
chosen itinerary. Contact us via WhatsApp or email and our team will respond with current
availability and a tailored rate.
Standard booking terms: a 50% deposit confirms the charter dates; the balance falls due
30 days before departure. For bookings made more than 90 days in advance, a 30% initial
deposit secures the date, with the full balance due at 30 days. Cancellations within 30 days
of departure forfeit the full payment; a replacement guest may be nominated as an alternative
to forfeiture.
Charter Natural Cruise — Private Komodo Voyage
Natural Cruise carries 19 guests on a vessel 21.4 metres long. That ratio keeps the group
close together at the dinner table and on the sun deck, in the way that a sailing trip is
supposed to work: one cook, one crew, one shared itinerary. Groups who book peak-season
Komodo charters — April through October, when mantas concentrate at Manta Point and morning
visibility runs deepest — typically secure their dates three to six months in advance. Our
concierge team confirms availability, aligns the route to your group’s priorities (diving,
trekking, photography, pure relaxation), and handles Labuan Bajo logistics from pickup to
disembarkation.
Contact us to check availability and receive a personalised quote:
Booking: 50% deposit secures your dates. Balance due 30 days before departure.
Frequently Asked Questions — Natural Cruise
-
How many guests can Natural Cruise accommodate?
-
Natural Cruise takes up to 19 guests across 5 cabins. Cabins 1 to 4 each hold a double
bed plus an extra berth, suitable for up to 3 per room. Cabin 5 is a sharing room with a
double bunk bed (upper and lower), suited to 4 guests. All cabins are air-conditioned
with private ensuite bathrooms. -
Does Natural Cruise have a jacuzzi or pool?
-
No. Natural Cruise has a large open sun deck with bean bags, the focal point for
relaxing between destinations. A jacuzzi features on larger vessels in the fleet,
such as the Mutiara Phinisi. If a jacuzzi on board is a requirement, contact us and
we will match your group to an appropriate vessel. -
Is scuba diving included in the Natural Cruise package?
-
Snorkelling equipment is included as standard. Scuba diving is not part of the base
charter. Certified divers can arrange dive sessions at additional cost through
Komodo Luxury, covering tanks, weights, and a certified guide. Personal equipment
(BCD, regulator, wetsuit, mask, dive computer) is not included and should be brought
from home or rented from a dive shop in Labuan Bajo before embarkation. National
park diving permits are an additional charge. -
When is the best season to sail Komodo on Natural Cruise?
-
April through October brings the calmest seas on the Flores side of the national park
and the strongest underwater visibility at sites such as Manta Point, Batu Bolong, and
Pink Beach. Manta ray encounters are most reliable from April through November, with
sightings subject to conditions on the day. Komodo dragon treks run year-round on
Komodo and Rinca islands. The northwest monsoon from January through February can
raise swell; charters continue during this period with itinerary adjustments as needed. -
How do I get to Labuan Bajo to board Natural Cruise?
-
Fly into Komodo Labuan Bajo Airport (IATA: LBJ). Direct flights connect Labuan Bajo
with Bali (DPS) on Garuda Indonesia, Air Asia, and Batik Air, with a flight time of
roughly one hour. Direct services also run from Jakarta (CGK) and Surabaya (SUB).
Return airport and hotel transfer within Labuan Bajo is included in the charter
package. Share your flight details with us at booking confirmation.
Komodo Destinations on This Route
Padar Island
The northern ridge of Padar gives a 270-degree view across three bays of different colour — grey-black sand, white sand, and the pink-tinged Pantai Merah — best seen at first light when the air is still.
Pink Beach
One of five pink-sand beaches in the world, Pantai Merah gets its colour from crushed red coral mixed into the sand. The reef directly offshore hosts an active fish community worth at least one session with a mask.
Manta Point
A cleaning station between Komodo and Rinca where oceanic manta rays move slowly through the current while wrasse work their backs. Snorkellers and divers enter the water here from April to November at peak reliability.
Komodo Island
Home to Varanus komodoensis, the largest living lizard, in a dry savannah landscape that feels nothing like tropical Indonesia. Licensed rangers lead treks from the Loh Liang station to active feeding areas.
Taka Makassar
A low white sandbar in the middle of open water, surrounded by turquoise shallows that extend shoreward over reef. At low tide the bar is exposed and walkable; the water temperature here runs warm year-round.
Gili Lawa
Two islets — Gili Lawa Darat and Gili Lawa Laba — at the northern edge of the park. The Darat hilltop walk takes 30 minutes and delivers a sight line across the island chain toward the Sape Strait.
Why Book with Komodo Luxury
-
Since 2015 — 10,000+ Guests Served
A decade of Komodo liveaboard bookings gives our team knowledge of every vessel, anchorage, and seasonal variable in the national park. -
Curated Private Fleet
We select vessels based on safety record, crew quality, and guest feedback, not inventory size. Natural Cruise is in the fleet because it delivers a consistent experience for its guest count. -
Expert Local Captains
Captains and crew who grew up on these waters read conditions that do not appear on charts — currents at Manta Point, swell timing at Pink Beach, mooring protocols at busy park anchorages. -
Full Concierge Service
From the first WhatsApp message through airport pickup, daily itinerary calls, dietary requests, and post-trip photo documentation, our team handles every logistical detail.
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.