Meet Our Team of Komodo Archipelago Specialists
The soul of Private Tour Labuan Bajo is our people. We are not just travel agents; we are a collective of seasoned hospitality professionals, marine conservationists, certified guides, and local experts who share a deep passion for the Flores sea. Our team’s combined experience and intimate knowledge of the region are the cornerstones of the unparalleled service we provide. Each member is handpicked by our parent, Juara Holding Group, for their expertise, professionalism, and commitment to creating extraordinary travel experiences.
Leadership & Curation
Budi Santoso
Founder & Managing Director
Credentials: MBA in Hospitality, Cornell University; Former GM, Aman Resorts; Board Member, ASITA (Association of The Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies) Nusa Tenggara Timur.
With over two decades of experience managing some of the world’s most exclusive properties, Budi brings a global standard of luxury to his native Indonesia. His vision for Private Tour Labuan Bajo is to create a service that rivals the best private concierges in St. Barts or the Amalfi Coast, but with a distinctly Indonesian soul. Budi oversees the company’s strategic direction and personally vets our top-tier phinisi partners, ensuring they meet the exacting standards of Juara Holding Group.
Dewi Lestari
Head of Operations & Concierge
Credentials: Certified Senior Tour Guide, HPI (Himpunan Pramuwisata Indonesia); PADI Advanced Open Water Diver; 15+ Years Experience in Flores Tourism Operations.
Born and raised in Ruteng, Flores, Dewi possesses an encyclopedic knowledge of the region. She is the logistical heart of our operation, the one who makes the impossible happen. Whether it’s arranging a last-minute helicopter transfer from Komodo Airport (LBJ) or sourcing a specific vintage of champagne for an onboard celebration, Dewi’s extensive local network and calm demeanor ensure every detail of your private tour is seamless. She speaks fluent English, Bahasa Indonesia, and the local Manggarai dialect.
Dr. Aris Wibowo
Marine Biologist & Sustainability Advisor
Credentials: Ph.D. in Marine Biology, Institut Pertanian Bogor (IPB); Former Field Researcher, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) Indonesia; Published author on Coral Triangle biodiversity.
Dr. Aris guides our environmental ethos, ensuring that our luxury experiences contribute positively to the delicate ecosystem of the Komodo National Park. He developed our proprietary ‘Low-Impact Marine Operations’ guidelines, which all our vessel partners must adhere to. Dr. Aris frequently joins our clients for private, onboard lectures on marine conservation, offering unique insights into the underwater world and our efforts to protect it. His work is central to our Sustainability commitments.
Marco Wijaya
Lead Experience Curator & Yacht Specialist
Credentials: IYT (International Yacht Training) Master of Yachts 200gt; Certified Vessel Appraiser; 10 Years as a Phinisi Captain.
Marco has saltwater in his veins. Having captained some of the most luxurious phinisis in Indonesia, he knows these vessels inside and out. He is responsible for our rigorous vessel audit program, inspecting everything from engine maintenance logs and SOLAS compliance to the quality of the onboard culinary team. Marco works directly with clients to match them with the perfect yacht for their needs, designing itineraries that optimize for weather, privacy, and unique experiences like swimming with manta rays or finding the most secluded coves.
Sofia Chen
Client Relations Director
Credentials: B.A. International Relations, Universitas Indonesia; Fluent in English, Mandarin, and Indonesian; Former Private Banker, HSBC Premier.
Sofia is the first point of contact for many of our clients. With a background in serving high-net-worth individuals, she excels at understanding the nuances of discerning travelers’ needs. She is an expert in managing complex family travel arrangements, ensuring absolute discretion, and anticipating requests before they are made. Sofia ensures that from the initial inquiry to the post-trip follow-up, every client feels understood, valued, and exceptionally cared for.
Continue exploring Private Tour Labuan Bajo:
Our Private Tour Labuan Bajo Service ·
Meet Our Team ·
Editorial Standards ·
Methodology ·
Sustainability ·
Safety & Compliance
Crafting bespoke journeys through the Komodo archipelago
Imagine the sun-drenched deck of a private phinisi, gliding silently past jade-green islands, the scent of sea salt mingling with exotic spices on a gentle breeze. While the allure of Komodo National Park, with its ancient dragons and vibrant underwater kingdoms, draws travelers from across the globe, our team elevates the journey from a mere visit to a profoundly personal odyssey. We understand that true luxury lies in the art of personalization. Every private tour Labuan Bajo experience we design begins with a detailed conversation, delving into your deepest travel aspirations, preferred pace, and specific interests. Whether you dream of