Open trip Komodo 3d2n Pelita Arunika

High and low experience

We found this boat using AI for a 3D2N trip from Labuan Bajo. We were very disappointed by the communication from the organizer and our driver on the day of pickup. They told us to be ready at 9 and it was almost 11 when they got us. We tried reaching out several times to see if we could go to town and get supplies and breakfast but were fed false information or ignored. As for the actual boating, it was an overall good experience but the ship itself was subpar. We stayed in Cabin 1 below deck and there was an extremely strong diesel scent in our room. We are tall and also could not stand up straight in the cabin. If you plan to go on this boat- get a room on the top so you don't run the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. I would also suggest bringing your own snorkel if you have one, as myself and several others complained that theirs would leak and flood repeatedly. On the positive- the food was fulfilling and the cook accommodated dietary requests. The rooftop area was very nice for hanging out. Unfortunately Komodo island was closed due to dangerous currents, but we were able to see them on Rinca island. We did a lot ot snorkeling which was really lovely. We also stopped off at a couple islands and walked around. Seeing the flying foxes take off from the mangroves after sunset was also pretty special.

via Tripadvisor

Dirty boat, but even worse customer service

We just booked this boat and it was far from a luxury experience. Our bathroom was filthy, there was no blind on our door (which we struggled to even open) and the boat lights shone into our room all night. Our friends had a rat in their room as well as not being provided the room they had paid for (they were significantly downgraded). We provided photos to Gemma Mmb Komodo Tour post our trip. They just made excuses and said that they are unable to take complaints after the tour has concluded. The tour also left 3.5 hours after the advertised time and came back 2 hours early. No explanation or apology. They ran out of drinks to provide us on the second last day and we had to ask for more water to be put in the fridge as they just didn’t bother checking and restocking it. We were not after a refund, but we wanted acknowledgement that this standard was not acceptable. We did not get an adequate response. This can only leave us with the feeling that they do not care about the boat standard. It’s really not hard to clean things properly. We do not recommend this boat and consequently this company After I contacted the company and gave them all of the information and photos. They said that they don’t take on any feedback after a trip is over. However it seems they did take on some of our feedback and go and look at our room and remove a large wad of wet toilet paper from our ceiling. They then proceeded to message me with laughing emojis 😆 and a photo of the paper being removed and then accusing me of planting it there. My response was to show them the video of the main dining room that had the same thing stuck to the high ceiling. What an unprofessional company. I’m not sure why they would think I’m mature adult with stick paper to the roof when there was so many other issues. That was the least of their problems with the boat. I guess they now also think I planted the Large rat in another room as well as made the blinds look like they’ve never been cleaned and snuck onto the boat before the trip and made the bathroom dirty? This is not the Indonesian Customer Service experience that I am used to after a As a result I’m trying to get in contact with the owner because clearly the admin team and cleaning staff aren’t managing. When I complained we never asked for a cent back, we do want other travellers to be able to enjoy this trip in a clean luxury boat and lovely experience because the Komodo islands are beautiful. in my two decades of coming to Indonesia, this is the worst Customer Service experience I’ve ever had. Please don’t let this review put you off going, just book another boat that has excellent reviews and go through a different company.

Response from the operator: Dear Valued Guest, Thank you for choosing Pelita Arunika for your holiday in Komodo, Labuan Bajo. First and foremost, we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience you experienced while on board. However, we noticed that you have blocked us after it was revealed that the issue was fabricated (I have the proof). We would like to address your feedback to provide clearer context regarding your trip: 1. Regarding the late departure The departure time was clearly communicated to your agent before you confirmed and paid for the tour. Kindly reach out to your agent for further clarification. 2. Regarding Room Allocation: Room assignments are made strictly based on availability and official system records. According to our booking database, your friend made this reservation through a third-party agent. The agent promised the room you were occupying to another friend in your group. Please understand that this miscommunication was beyond our control. As the vessel operator, we are obligated to honor room assignments according to the initial confirmed bookings in our system to ensure fairness for all guests. 3. Regarding Rust on the Vessel: As our vessels operate continuously in a marine environment, metal and iron components are naturally susceptible to salt-induced corrosion. While we conduct regular maintenance, this remains an ongoing challenge inherent to maritime operations. 4. Regarding the Water Leak: According to our Captain, the leak originated from a water pipe joint. Our crew took immediate action on board to repair and resolve the issue right away. 5. Regarding the Water Condition in the Toilet: Regarding the water appearance in the toilet, fully pressing the flush button usually cycle-refreshes the system to resolve this issue promptly. 6. On-Board Reporting: We strongly encourage guests to report any facility concerns directly to our crew while on board. Direct communication allows our team to take immediate corrective measures and provide the best possible solution on the spot. 7. Post-Tour Policy: Please understand that to ensure proper verification and immediate resolution, we are unable to process complaints or claims submitted after the tour has concluded. Thank you for your understanding and for bringing these matters to our attention. Your feedback helps us continuously improve our services. Best regards, Pelita Arunika Team

via Tripadvisor

So sorry the boat was so precarious! The experience is good but it couldn’t be much better

The experience was nice but the boat was not what we contract. In the last minute , the night before they sent us an email telling us that for some problema we will be in a different boat . Very low category, old and low maintenance ( very low). The people in the boat adjust very well and we have had a good time after old but I was expecting a nice and clean boat specially after paying such an expensive price for two nights …

via Viator

Communication & organization could use some improvement

We had a mixed experience on the boat. We got to see incredible places and so much wild life so I certainly recommend going on a live aboard in this area! As for the boat we were on it was good ,but the communication and organisation needs some work. Rooms were nice, and the boat was really comfortable. The jacuzzi on board just has jets, not heated, and they didn't put new water in so it was dirty and no one used it. Communication was lacking. We sat around for 2.5 hours because the photographer and another couple were late causing us to miss one spot and snorkel near dark so it wasn't great. We were never told how long the rides would be between spots or when to be ready so there was a lot of idling and not relaxing. One couple made us late to everything but the crew didn't bother to hurry them along. We nearly missed sunrise on the hike, but made it because a group of us ran the stairs. Overall, if communication were improved it would have been great.

via Tripadvisor

Komodo

We had a tremendous experience of 2 nights and 3 days. At the end of this tour, which we attended with a group of 7 friends, everyone was saddened that the tour was not longer. It was great, I really recommend it to everyone. Thank you for everything.

Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We’re delighted to know that you and your group enjoyed the 2-night, 3-day tour and had such a memorable time together. It was a pleasure hosting you, and we hope to welcome you again for an even longer journey in the future.

via Tripadvisor