Meet Our Team of Komodo Experts
The heart of Komodo Yacht Tour is our people. We are a collective of seasoned hospitality professionals, expert maritime navigators, certified nature guides, and passionate locals dedicated to crafting and delivering the ultimate luxury Komodo experience. Each member of our team brings a unique set of skills and a shared commitment to safety, sustainability, and unparalleled service. We believe that the best journeys are guided by those with deep, authentic knowledge and a genuine love for the destination. Get to know the leaders guiding your adventure.
Banyu Wirawan
Founder & Chief Experience Officer
Credentials: B.Sc. in Hospitality Management (STP Bandung), Certified Divemaster (PADI), 15+ years in Indonesian luxury hospitality (ex-Aman Resorts, Four Seasons).
Born and raised in Flores, Banyu’s connection to the Komodo archipelago is lifelong. After a distinguished career managing some of Indonesia’s most iconic luxury resorts, he returned to his roots to found Komodo Yacht Tour under the Juara Holding Group. His vision was to blend five-star service standards with authentic, local-led adventures. Banyu personally scouts every route, vets every partner, and oversees the training curriculum for all our crew. He believes that luxury is found in the seamless execution of details and the creation of genuine moments of wonder. His deep network within the local community and government bodies, including the Labuan Bajo Port Authority (KSOP) and the Ministry of Tourism, ensures our operations are smooth, compliant, and respected.
Captain Ismail Saleh
Head of Marine Operations & Safety
Credentials: Ahli Nautika Tingkat III (ANT III) Marine License, STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) Certified, 20+ years as Captain in Indonesian waters.
A true man of the sea, Captain Ismail is the steady hand at the helm of our fleet. With over two decades of experience navigating the challenging currents and dynamic weather of the Komodo National Park, his knowledge of these waters is unparalleled. He is responsible for the rigorous maintenance schedules of our yachts, the implementation of our comprehensive Safety Management System (SMS), and the continuous training of our boat crews. Captain Ismail ensures that every vessel not only meets but exceeds the safety standards set by the Indonesian Directorate General of Sea Transportation (Direktorat Jenderal Perhubungan Laut). His calm demeanor and unwavering focus on safety provide absolute peace of mind for our guests and crew.
Dewi Lestari
Lead Guide & Conservation Liaison
Credentials: Certified Tour Guide (Himpunan Pramuwisata Indonesia – HPI), B.Sc. in Marine Biology (Universitas Udayana), Komodo National Park Ranger Training Program Graduate.
Dewi is our window into the soul of Komodo. Her academic background in marine biology combined with her HPI certification makes her an invaluable resource for our guests. She can identify hundreds of species of fish and coral, explain the complex behaviors of the Komodo dragon, and share the rich folklore of the local communities. Dewi leads our team of guides, ensuring they are all equipped with the most up-to-date information on park regulations and conservation best practices. She also serves as our liaison with organizations like the Komodo Survival Program and The Nature Conservancy, ensuring our tours actively contribute to the scientific and conservation efforts in the region. Her passion is infectious, turning every excursion into an educational and inspiring experience.
Putu Wijaya
Client Relations & Itinerary Design Manager
Credentials: Certified Travel Consultant (ASITA), 10+ years in luxury travel planning for Southeast Asia.
Putu is the architect of your dream journey. With a decade of experience crafting bespoke itineraries for discerning travelers, he has a masterful ability to translate your desires into a perfectly paced and flawlessly executed adventure. From the initial consultation to the final farewell, Putu is your dedicated point of contact. He coordinates all the moving parts—yacht provisioning, flight arrangements with partners like Garuda Indonesia, private land transfers, and special requests. His meticulous attention to detail and proactive communication ensure a stress-free experience from start to finish. Putu’s expertise lies in understanding the nuances of family travel, honeymoon requests, and special interest groups, ensuring every Komodo yacht tour is perfectly tailored to our guests.
Chef Komang Adi
Head of Culinary Experiences
Credentials: Culinary Arts Diploma (Bali Culinary Pastry School), 12+ years experience in 5-star hotel and private villa kitchens.
Chef Komang believes that a journey through Komodo should be a feast for the palate as well as the eyes. He designs our onboard menus, blending international gourmet cuisine with the vibrant flavors of Indonesia. Sourcing fresh, local ingredients from the markets of Labuan Bajo and coastal fishing villages is his passion. He trains our onboard chefs to cater to a wide range of dietary requirements—from vegan and gluten-free to specific allergies—without ever compromising on taste or presentation. Whether it’s a fresh sashimi platter after a snorkel, a traditional ‘Ikan Bakar’ (grilled fish) barbecue on a private beach, or a multi-course dinner under the stars, Chef Komang’s culinary creations are a highlight of every voyage.
Our entire team, from the leadership to our dedicated boat crew and support staff in Labuan Bajo, is united by a single purpose: to provide you with an unforgettable, safe, and responsible journey through the Komodo National Park. Our commitment to accuracy and transparency is further detailed in our Editorial Standards.
Continue exploring Komodo Yacht Tour:
Our Komodo Yacht Tour Service ·
Meet Our Team ·
Editorial Standards ·
Methodology ·
Sustainability ·
Safety & Compliance
The Expertise Behind Your Unparalleled Journey
Beyond the glistening teak decks and gourmet meals, the true luxury of a Komodo yacht tour lies in the hands that guide it. Our team’s collective expertise creates an invisible safety net and an open door to discovery. Maritime navigators, with an intimate knowledge of the Flores Sea’s intricate currents and prevailing winds, ensure smooth, secure passage between islands. Our PADI-certified divemasters and snorkel guides don’t just lead you to vibrant coral gardens; they share insights into the delicate marine ecosystems, pointing out elusive pygmy seahorses, majestic manta rays, and playful dolphins that call these waters home.
This isn’t merely a collection of individual skills; it’s a symphony of specialized knowledge. From the chief engineer meticulously maintaining the yacht to the naturalist who can identify every exotic bird call, each member contributes to an ecosystem of service. Their combined experience, totaling over a century across the Indonesian archipelago, means every contingency is anticipated, every question answered, and every moment optimized for your enjoyment and safety.
Stewards of Komodo’s Pristine Beauty
Our commitment to luxury extends beyond the guest experience to the very environment we are privileged to explore. The team acts as dedicated stewards of Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1991. We adhere to the strictest eco-tourism principles, from meticulously managing waste on board to employing sustainable practices that minimize our footprint on the delicate marine and terrestrial habitats. Our guides educate guests on responsible wildlife interaction, ensuring that encounters with the iconic Komodo dragons and other endemic species are respectful and non-disruptive.
Every journey with us supports local conservation efforts and community development initiatives within the Komodo region. Our team members, many of whom are local to the Flores area, possess a profound, inherent respect for the approximately 29 volcanic islands and the surrounding waters that form this unique ecosystem. This deep connection translates into a passionate advocacy for the park’s preservation, ensuring its breathtaking beauty endures for generations to come. Learn more about Indonesia’s commitment to sustainable tourism at Indonesia.travel.
Crafting Seamless Luxury, Every Detail Considered
The hallmark of a truly luxurious experience is effortlessness, and our team excels at delivering just that. From the moment you step aboard, every detail is anticipated and handled with discreet efficiency. Our hospitality professionals, many with backgrounds in world-renowned resorts, anticipate your preferences before they are even voiced, ensuring personalized service that transforms a mere vacation into a bespoke journey. Whether it’s arranging a private beach picnic on a secluded cove or customizing a dive itinerary to explore a specific reef, their dedication ensures your desires are met with grace and precision.
This meticulous attention to detail is woven into the fabric of every Komodo yacht tour. Our team seamlessly navigates the logistical complexities of exploring a remote archipelago, covering approximately 150 nautical miles across a typical 4-day itinerary. This allows you to simply immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring landscapes and vibrant culture of Eastern Indonesia, knowing that your comfort, safety, and enjoyment are in the hands of the most capable and passionate specialists in the region.