An Open Trip (also known as a Shared Tour) is a social travel format where solo travelers, couples, or small groups join together to fill a single vessel or vehicle. This is the most popular way to explore regions like Komodo National Park because it makes premium experiences accessible at a fraction of the cost of a private charter.
An Open Trip (also known as a Shared Tour) is a social travel format where solo travelers, couples, or small groups join together to fill a single vessel or vehicle. This is the most popular way to explore regions like Komodo National Park because it makes premium experiences accessible at a fraction of the cost of a private charter.
1. Cost Efficiency
The primary advantage of an open trip is the price. Since the total cost of the boat, crew, and fuel is split among all participants, you get to enjoy the same luxury Phinisi boats or speedboats for a budget-friendly rate.
2. Social Environment
Open trips are designed for those who enjoy meeting new people.
- Global Community: You’ll likely share your journey with travelers from all over the world.
- Solo-Friendly: It is the perfect option for solo travelers who want to avoid the high cost of booking a whole boat alone while ensuring they have a group to hike and snorkel with.
3. Fixed Itinerary and Schedule
Unlike a private tour, an open trip follows a set schedule:
- Fixed Dates: These tours usually depart on specific days (e.g., every Friday to Sunday for a 3D2N trip).
- Set Routes: The boat follows a pre-planned route to the most famous “bucket list” spots (like Padar Island and Pink Beach) to ensure everyone sees the highlights.
4. Accommodation Styles
On an open trip boat, you typically have two choices for sleeping arrangements:
- Private Cabin: A private room with a bed for 2 people (often with an ensuite bathroom).
- Shared Cabin / Bunk: A room with multiple bunk beds, similar to a hostel, which is the most economical choice.
An Open Trip (also known as a Shared Tour) is a social travel format where solo travelers, couples, or small groups join together to fill a single vessel or vehicle. This is the most popular way to explore regions like Komodo National Park because it makes premium experiences accessible at a fraction of the cost of a private charter.
1. Cost Efficiency
The primary advantage of an open trip is the price. Since the total cost of the boat, crew, and fuel is split among all participants, you get to enjoy the same luxury Phinisi boats or speedboats for a budget-friendly rate.
2. Social Environment
Open trips are designed for those who enjoy meeting new people.
- Global Community: You’ll likely share your journey with travelers from all over the world.
- Solo-Friendly: It is the perfect option for solo travelers who want to avoid the high cost of booking a whole boat alone while ensuring they have a group to hike and snorkel with.
3. Fixed Itinerary and Schedule
Unlike a private tour, an open trip follows a set schedule:
- Fixed Dates: These tours usually depart on specific days (e.g., every Friday to Sunday for a 3D2N trip).
- Set Routes: The boat follows a pre-planned route to the most famous “bucket list” spots (like Padar Island and Pink Beach) to ensure everyone sees the highlights.
4. Accommodation Styles
On an open trip boat, you typically have two choices for sleeping arrangements:
- Private Cabin: A private room with a bed for 2 people (often with an ensuite bathroom).
- Shared Cabin / Bunk: A room with multiple bunk beds, similar to a hostel, which is the most economical choice.
Comparison: Open Trip vs. Private Tour
| Feature | Open Trip (Shared) | Private Tour |
| Price | Affordable / Budget-friendly | Flexible / On-demand |
| Participants | You + Strangers | Only your group |
| Schedule | Fixed Departure & Timing | Flexible / On-demand |
| Privacy | Shared common areas | Complete exclusivity |
| Best For | Solo travelers & Socialites, Family group , small group | Families & Honeymooners or Small Groups |
What to Expect on an Open Trip
- Meeting Points: You will usually be asked to meet at a specific harbor or office at a set time (e.g., 09:00 AM) to begin the journey.
- Shared Meals: Meals are typically served “buffet style” on the deck, where everyone eats together, fostering a sense of community.
- Fixed Stops: The guide will manage the time at each island (e.g., “1 hour for snorkeling”) to ensure the boat reaches the next destination on time.
Why Choose an Open Trip?
- Value for Money: You get a high-end experience (including food and guide) without the high-end price tag.
- Photography: Most open trips include a professional photographer or “documentation” team who takes photos and drone footage of the whole group.
- Safety: Traveling in a larger group with an experienced crew provides peace of mind for first-time visitors to remote areas.
PT. FAMILIEN KOMODO TOUR offers your 2 Amazing Private Tours. Each of Tours provide you with best and Memorable Activities. Here are the tours :
1. KOMODO OPEN TRIP
An Open Trip to Komodo is the most popular and budget-friendly way to experience the wonders of the Komodo National Park. It is a shared tour where you join other travelers on a set schedule, making it perfect for solo adventurers, couples, or small groups of friends who want a premium “Phinisi” experience without the cost of a private charter.
🚢 Accommodation/ Cabin Options
When booking an open trip, your price is usually determined by the type of cabin you choose:
- Master Cabin: The best room on the boat, often with a private balcony and ensuite bathroom.
- Private Cabin: A room for two people (ideal for couples) with a private or shared bathroom.
- Shared/Bunk Cabin: A room with 4–6 bunk beds. This is the most affordable “backpacker” option.
💰 What’s Usually Included vs. Excluded?
- Included: Airport/hotel transfers, meals, mineral water/coffee/tea, snorkeling gear, life jackets, tour guide, and documentation.
- Excluded: National Park Entrance Fees (approx. IDR 300,000–600,000 for foreigners, significantly less for Indonesians), flight tickets, and crew tipping.
💡 Pro-Tips for Your Trip
- Book in Advance: Friday departures fill up quickly, especially during the high season (April to September).
- Seasickness: If you get motion sickness, bring medication; though the waters are generally calm, some crossings can be wavy.
- Cash is King: Bring enough Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) to pay for park entrance fees and souvenirs on the islands, as there are no ATMs at sea.
2. KOMODO & WHALESHARK TRIPS
Komodo and Whale Shark Trip is a specialized expedition that combines the dragons of Komodo National Park with the gentle giants of Saleh Bay (Sumbawa). Because Saleh Bay is located about 15–20 hours of sailing time west of Labuan Bajo, these trips are typically longer than standard park tours—usually 4 Days and 3 Nights (4D3N) or 5 Days and 4 Nights (5D4N).
🦈 Highlight: The Whale Shark Encounter
The whale sharks are found in Saleh Bay, near the village of Labuan Jambu.
- The Experience: You wake up before sunrise to board a small boat that takes you to a bagan (a traditional floating fishing platform). The whale sharks gather here to eat the small baitfish (ikan puri) tossed back into the water by fishermen.
- Ethical Guidelines: Swimmers are required to maintain a distance of at least 3 meters, avoid using flash photography, and never touch the sharks.
- Best Time: While whale sharks are present year-round, the best sightings occur during the New Moon (when the nights are darkest and the bagan lights attract the most baitfish) and between April and November.
🗺️ Popular Tour Routes
1. Labuan Bajo to Lombok (or vice-versa)
This is the most common way to see both. Instead of a circular trip, you travel one-way between Flores and Lombok.
- Destinations: Komodo Island, Padar Island, Pink Beach, Manta Point, Saleh Bay (Whale Sharks), and Moyo Island (Waterfalls).
- Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights.
- Format: Available as both high-end private charters and budget-friendly open trips.
2. Labuan Bajo Round-Trip (Private Charter)
If you prefer to start and finish in Labuan Bajo, you can book a private boat specifically for a “Saleh Bay Extension.”
- Custom Itinerary: Spend 2 days in Komodo National Park, then sail overnight to Saleh Bay for the whale sharks, before returning to Labuan Bajo.
- Benefit: You keep the same boat and crew for the entire journey, which is ideal for groups or families seeking privacy.
🚢 Life on a Whale Shark Expedition
Because this trip involves crossing the open sea between Flores and Sumbawa:
- Overnight Sailing: Be prepared for long stretches of sailing at night. The sound of the engine is constant, so light sleepers should choose a cabin in the middle or front of the boat.
- Remote Adventure: You will be far from any hospitals or major towns once you enter the waters of Sumbawa. Professional boats will carry satellite communication and basic first aid.
- Limited Signal: Expect to have no phone signal for at least 24–48 hours of the journey.
📋 Essential Planning Tips
- Park Fees: Keep in mind that you may need to pay separate fees for Komodo National Park (rangers/entry) and a Whale Shark Donation/Entrance Fee at Saleh Bay (approx. IDR 300,000–600,000 for foreigners).
- Flight Logistics: If doing the one-way trip to Lombok, book your arrival flight to Labuan Bajo (LBJ) and your departure flight from Lombok (LOP).
- Seasickness: The Sape Strait (between Flores and Sumbawa) can have strong currents and waves. Always pack motion sickness medication.