You can check whether a phinisi boat is legitimate before you transfer any money. There are three main things to verify: a clearly identified operating company, a clear answer on the sailing permit (SPB, Surat Persetujuan Berlayar), and basic safety equipment on board. You can do all of this over chat, without flying to Labuan Bajo first.
Because open trips are paid in full up front and your seat is locked straight away, it pays to finish these checks early so there are no regrets after the money is sent.
Check the Operator and the Payment Channel
The most basic step is to ask for the legal identity of the company that runs the boat. Make sure there is a clearly named company behind it, not just an anonymous social media account or an individual claiming to own the boat. Ask for written details covering the boat name, departure date, final price, and what is and is not included.
On payment, be wary of any request to transfer to a personal account. At Open Trip Komodo, our terms and conditions state clearly that payment is only valid when sent to the company's official account or through the DOKU payment gateway (QRIS, virtual account, credit card and PayPal). We accept no money outside those official channels.
You also need to be clear on costs that are not part of the boat package. For example, the Komodo National Park entrance ticket is not included in the trip price, and the rate differs for Indonesian citizens and foreign visitors, as explained on the Gandiva boat page. If an operator refuses to give you written details like these up front, that is a red flag to look for another boat.
How You Will Be Contacted Before Departure
Once your booking is complete, the operator will contact you to coordinate pickup times and the meeting point. How this works differs from boat to boat.
Some boats set up a WhatsApp group that brings together everyone on that departure. Not every boat does this, though; many crews prefer to coordinate by messaging each guest privately. Whichever method is used, make sure the instructions come from the official number of the operator handling your trip.
Make Sure the Boat Is Cleared to Sail (SPB)
The SPB, or Surat Persetujuan Berlayar, is the sailing permit issued by KSOP, the harbourmaster and port authority office in Labuan Bajo. Without it, a boat is not allowed to raise anchor.
KSOP bases its decision to issue the SPB directly on BMKG's marine weather forecast. If high waves or bad weather hit, KSOP holds back the SPB for passenger safety. So ask the operator what their policy is if the boat is barred from sailing.
If a trip is cancelled because KSOP withheld the permit, it counts as circumstances beyond anyone's control (force majeure). Under our cancellation policy, you are entitled to a 100% refund or a change of date.
Check the Safety Equipment When You Arrive
Some things can only be checked in person once you step on deck. Before the boat sets off, look at these four things:
- Life jackets: Make sure there are enough for every guest and crew member, stored somewhere open and easy to reach.
- Marine radio: Check that the boat has a VHF radio to contact the authorities on land if the weather turns at sea.
- Local guide: The guide must be dedicated to one boat and not swapped out partway through the trip.
- Captain's authority: The captain has the final say on whether a route or water activity is safe that day, a strict safety standard applied on boats such as Ayla.
If the crew cannot give you a clear answer on these four points, you have every right to hold off before the boat casts off from the pier.
What If a Different Boat Shows Up?
If the boat at the pier has a different name, is smaller, or is in far worse condition than the photos you were shown when booking, do not board straight away. Contact the official contact who sent your booking confirmation and ask for a written explanation on the spot.
If the fault lies with the operator and cannot be resolved, you are entitled to demand cancellation. Keep in mind, though, that if you cancel suddenly less than 7 days before departure for personal reasons, your money will not be returned, unless you find someone to take your seat, as set out in the cancellation policy.
Still unsure how to check the boat you have in mind, or want to know which boats are most disciplined about their permits? Our team, based right in Labuan Bajo, can help you choose. Chat with us on WhatsApp for advice and a safe booking.
Find your boat: 3-day 2-night open trip or all trips and phinisi boats.
FAQ
How do I make sure a phinisi boat is legitimate before paying?
Check three things: a clearly identified company, a clear answer on the SPB (sailing permit) procedure, and that money only goes to the company's official account or a payment gateway, never to an individual's personal account.
What is the SPB and why does it matter for sailing in Komodo?
The SPB (Surat Persetujuan Berlayar) is the official sailing permit from KSOP Labuan Bajo. It matters because KSOP withholds it when BMKG judges the weather dangerous, which automatically stops boats from leaving.
Does every boat have a WhatsApp group for guests?
No. It depends on how each boat is managed. Some operators create a guest WhatsApp group, while others prefer to contact guests individually by private message.
Where should I send payment for the trip?
Valid payments are only processed through an official payment link offering QRIS, virtual account or credit card, or to a bank account in the company's name. Never send money to a personal account.
Can a trip be cancelled suddenly because too few people booked?
No. We make sure the boat departs on the confirmed schedule, however few passengers are on board.
