Sailing Komodo National Park aboard Malca Voyages means flying into Labuan Bajo, a hotel or airport pick-up between 08:00 and 09:00, then a 3D2N loop on a 30 m teak-and-ironwood phinisi past Kelor, Padar, Pink Beach, Komodo Island, Manta Point and Taka Makassar. Komodo Luxury owns and runs the boat; park fees are billed separately.
Every vessel fact, time and price on this page comes from Komodo Luxury’s official Malca Voyages page, read on 15 September 2026 (Komodo Luxury notes its rates were checked on 11 September 2026). Treat all of it as correct as of September 2026 and subject to change.
How do you reach Labuan Bajo for a Malca departure?
Malca Voyages sails from Labuan Bajo (airport code LBJ), on the western tip of Flores. Komodo Luxury’s flight notes list three cities with direct services:
| Flying from | Direct airlines listed by Komodo Luxury |
|---|---|
| Bali (DPS) | Garuda Indonesia, AirAsia, Batik Air |
| Jakarta (CGK) | Garuda Indonesia, AirAsia, Citilink, Batik Air |
| Surabaya (SUB) | Batik Air, Super Air Jet |
Timetables shift by season, so confirm with the airline before you fix a sailing date.
One clause is worth reading twice. Komodo Luxury’s terms say late arrivals on private trips shorten the itinerary; the boat cannot extend the booked duration. Landing the afternoon before departure is the low-stress choice.
Where and when does the Malca pick-up happen?
For Malca bookings, Komodo Luxury arranges pick-up between 08:00 and 09:00. Transfers run from your hotel or the airport to the meeting point, but only within the Labuan Bajo mainland area near the harbour.
- Covered: hotels and the airport on the Labuan Bajo mainland close to the harbour.
- Not covered: accommodation on other islands, or in the Manjaga area.
Staying outside that zone? Ask the reservations desk how to reach the meeting point before your deposit goes in.
What does the ship actually carry?
Malca is a VIP-class traditional wooden phinisi built from iron wood and teak. Komodo Luxury owns and operates her, with in-house crew and maintenance.
| Specification | Malca Voyages |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 30 m x 5.1 m |
| Cabins / guests | 7 sea-view cabins, 21 guests |
| Cruising speed | 15-16 knots |
| Engine | Mitsubishi 8DC11, 340 HP |
| Electricity | 2 x 15 KVA generators |
| Fresh water | 6,000 L |
| Navigation | Radio, VHF, GPS (the page also mentions AIS mapping and dual radio) |
| Deck and lounge | Jacuzzi, sunroof, relax area, indoor lounge with panoramic windows |
All seven cabins are air-conditioned with a private bathroom. The Master Ocean View sleeps four and adds a private balcony.
Packed into the fare, according to Komodo Luxury:
- A bed on board for the whole trip, plus meals
- Mineral water, coffee and tea
- A guide
- Snorkelling gear and life vests
- Raw footage shot on drone, GoPro and mirrorless cameras
- Mainland pick-up and drop-off, as described above
Which stops does the Malca route cover?
This is Komodo Luxury’s published 3D2N plan for Malca.
| Day and time | Stop | Activity type |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1, late morning | Kelor Island | Trek, photo and video session, then lunch |
| Day 1, 13:40 | Manjarite Island | Snorkelling |
| Day 1, 16:30 | Kalong Island | Sunset, bats seen from the boat, dinner |
| Day 2, 06:00 | Padar Island | Dawn trek and photos |
| Day 2, 09:00 | Pink Beach | Beach time and photos, after 08:15 breakfast |
| Day 2, 11:30 | Komodo Island | Guided trek to see Komodo dragons |
| Day 2, 14:30 | Manta Point | Snorkelling at the manta site |
| Day 2, 16:30 | Taka Makassar | Sandbar photos and snorkelling; sunset 17:30, dinner 18:00 |
| Day 3, 06:00 | On board | Sunrise breakfast |
| Day 3, 08:00 | Sebayur Island | Snorkelling; lunch at 09:30, then back to Labuan Bajo |
Komodo Luxury does not publish day-by-day plans for 2D1N or 4D3N. Treat those as indicative routes you set with the reservations desk, which confirms the stops that fit your chosen duration. The itinerary page keeps the working versions side by side.
What is not included in the price?
Budget for these on top of the fare:
- Komodo National Park fees. Komodo Luxury says ticket prices follow the government regulations in force at the time of the trip. Ask the desk for an itemised quote for your dates.
- Park drone permit. Optional, and it must be requested 7 days before departure.
- Crew gratuities.
- Flights to and from Labuan Bajo.
- Alcoholic and soft drinks, plus personal snacks.
- Personal expenses.
Hotel nights before or after the trip are also on you.
What should you pack?
Komodo Luxury’s own list, grouped for a soft bag:
- Sun: sunblock, sunglasses, beach hat
- Water and trails: swimsuit, hiking sandals, dry bag
- Island days: power bank, snacks and supplements
- Health: personal medicine, toiletries, wet wipes
- Staying connected: a Telkomsel SIM card
- Clothes for three days
One practical note from the terms. Guests pay full replacement value for lost or damaged life jackets, snorkels and masks.
What happens if weather changes the route?
Komodo Luxury writes this into every day of the itinerary: destinations may change with weather and field conditions, and guests follow the guide’s instructions throughout.
The force majeure clause goes further. Natural disasters, bad weather, civil unrest, disease outbreaks, government rules or flight cancellations can change or cancel a trip with no refund. Travel insurance that covers disruption is worth pricing before you book.
Shared, private or longer: which Malca trip fits?
| Option | How it is priced | From (as of September 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Shared 3D2N open trip | Per person, by cabin | USD 300 (Triple Room) |
| Private 2D1N | Whole boat, per package | USD 5,300 (1-12 guests) |
| Private 3D2N | Whole boat, per package | USD 6,000 (1-12 guests) |
| Private 4D3N to 7D6N | Whole boat, per package | USD 9,000 for 4D3N (1-12 guests) |
- Shared suits solo travellers and couples. Departures run twice a week, Friday to Sunday and Monday to Wednesday. Komodo Luxury has published both the 2026 and 2027 calendars.
- Private 2D1N or 3D2N suits groups who want the whole boat for the classic loop.
- Private 4D3N and longer suits guests who would rather slow down than rush.
Full cabin prices and guest bands are on the rates page.
Check dates with Komodo Luxury
Booking runs in three steps:
- Send your brief. Give your date, cabin or charter type and guest count on WhatsApp +62 811 3823 875 or at sales@komodoluxury.com. Komodo Luxury says the desk replies within 24 hours.
- Pay the deposit. A 50% deposit secures the booking, with the balance due 30 days before departure. If you book a year ahead, the split is 30% up front, 20% at 120 days out and the rest at 30 days. Deposits are non-refundable, but you can nominate a replacement guest.
- Confirm pick-up. Share your mainland hotel or flight so the 08:00-09:00 transfer can be set.
Check dates with Komodo Luxury on the official Malca Voyages page or message the desk directly on WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Komodo National Park entry included in a Malca Voyages trip?
No. Komodo Luxury lists park fees as excluded from both the shared and private Malca prices. The amount follows the government regulation in force when you travel, so no fixed figure is published here. Ask the reservations desk for an itemised breakdown for your dates before paying the deposit.
Can I join Malca’s pick-up if I am staying on another island?
Not through the included transfer. Komodo Luxury only covers hotel or airport pick-ups within the Labuan Bajo mainland area near the harbour, arranged between 08:00 and 09:00 for Malca. Stays on other islands or in Manjaga are excluded, so agree on how you will reach the meeting point with the desk before booking.
Is every Komodo National Park stop guaranteed on a Malca voyage?
No. Komodo Luxury states that destinations can change with weather and field conditions, and the force majeure clause allows changes or cancellation without a refund. The published 3D2N plan includes Padar, Komodo Island and Manta Point, but routing can change on the day for safety. Guests are required to follow the guide’s instructions.
Can I fly my own drone in Komodo National Park from Malca?
Only with a park drone permit. Komodo Luxury lists it as an optional extra that must be requested 7 days before departure, and it is not included in the fare. Remember that raw drone, GoPro and mirrorless footage shot during the trip already comes with the package.