Updated: May 2026
Meet Our Team of Komodo Specialists
The heart of Komodo Divingtour Travel is our people. We have assembled a dedicated team of professionals whose collective experience in luxury hospitality, marine biology, Indonesian maritime operations, and bespoke travel planning is unmatched. Each member is not just an employee but a custodian of our brand’s promise, ensuring every voyage is safe, enriching, and unforgettable. Our team’s credentials and deep knowledge form the bedrock of our Editorial Standards and curation process.
Leadership & Operations
Budi Santoso
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Credentials: PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer, ASITA Certified Tour Professional, B.A. in Hospitality & Tourism from Universitas Pelita Harapan.
Bio: With over 20 years of experience shaping luxury travel in Indonesia, Budi is the visionary behind Komodo Divingtour Travel. Having managed operations for some of the most exclusive resorts and liveaboards in the archipelago, he founded the company under the Juara Holding Group to fill a gap for a truly concierge-driven diving experience. Budi’s deep network within Indonesia’s tourism and regulatory bodies, including the Ministry of Tourism (Kementerian Pariwisata), ensures our operations are always seamless and compliant.
Dewi Lestari
Head of Operations & Client Relations
Credentials: Certified Hospitality Supervisor (CHS), Ex-Four Seasons Management, M.A. in International Business.
Bio: Dewi is the logistical mastermind who ensures every aspect of our voyages runs with flawless precision. Her background in management at world-class luxury hotel brands gives her a unique understanding of the standards our clients expect. From coordinating private jet arrivals at Komodo Airport (LBJ) to sourcing specific fine wines for a charter, Dewi and her team are the architects of our clients’ perfect journeys. She personally oversees our partner audit process, ensuring every vessel and service provider meets our exacting criteria.
On-Water Expertise
I Gede Wirawan
Lead Marine Biologist & Expedition Guide
Credentials: PADI Course Director, M.Sc. in Marine Biology from Institut Pertanian Bogor (IPB), Komodo National Park Certified Guide.
Bio: Gede is our resident expert on the incredible biodiversity of the Coral Triangle. His academic background, combined with over 5,000 dives in Komodo alone, makes him an invaluable resource. He not only leads our most exclusive diving voyages but also trains our entire guide team. Gede is passionate about conservation and works closely with partners like the Komodo Survival Program and Manta Trust, often incorporating citizen science opportunities into our trips.
Kapten Ahmad Subagja
Fleet Captain & Maritime Safety Officer
Credentials: Master Mariner (ANT I – Ahli Nautika Tingkat I), Certified in Advanced Fire Fighting and Medical First Aid, 30+ years of experience in Indonesian waters.
Bio: The safety of our guests and crew is paramount, and Kapten Ahmad is the embodiment of that commitment. A highly respected captain with an encyclopedic knowledge of the currents, tides, and hidden anchorages of the Komodo archipelago, he oversees the technical and safety standards of our entire fleet. His rigorous training protocols and maintenance schedules ensure that every vessel not only meets but exceeds the regulations set by the Indonesian Directorate General of Sea Transportation (Direktorat Jenderal Perhubungan Laut).
Sofia Chen
Senior Voyage Concierge
Credentials: Multilingual (English, Mandarin, Indonesian), Certified Butler from a Swiss academy, WSET Level 2 Award in Wines.
Bio: Sofia is the personal touchpoint for our clients, dedicated to crafting and executing a truly bespoke onboard experience. She works with guests before their trip to understand their preferences, from dietary requirements and activity levels to special celebrations. Onboard, she orchestrates everything from private beach dinners to arranging a surprise birthday cake. Her meticulous attention to detail and passion for hospitality transform a great trip into a journey of a lifetime.
Continue exploring Komodo Divingtour Travel:
Our Komodo Divingtour Travel Service ·
Meet Our Team ·
Editorial Standards ·
Methodology ·
Sustainability ·
Safety & Compliance
Our expert dive guides and marine biologists
Beneath the cerulean surface of the Komodo archipelago, where ancient dragons roam rugged islands, lies an underwater kingdom teeming with vibrant life, a spectacle our team is uniquely poised to reveal. Our dive guides are not merely instructors; they are seasoned navigators of these intricate reefs, holding advanced PADI certifications and boasting an intimate, generational knowledge of local currents, hidden coves, and the precise spots where elusive creatures thrive. They possess an uncanny ability to spot pygmy seahorses camouflaged on gorgonian fans or guide you through exhilarating drifts alongside manta rays gracefully gliding through nutrient-rich waters. Safety is paramount, and their meticulous pre-dive briefings, equipment checks, and in-water supervision ensure every descent is both thrilling and secure, allowing you to fully immerse in the magic of Komodo’s underwater world.
Complementing our dive guides are our resident marine biologists, whose passion for the ocean’s wonders is infectious. They transform each dive into an educational journey, offering profound insights into the delicate balance of the Komodo ecosystem. From identifying rare nudibranchs to explaining the complex coral structures, their expertise enriches your understanding of the marine life you encounter. They lead engaging discussions on board, sharing fascinating facts about the over 1,000 species of fish and hundreds of coral varieties that call Komodo National Park home. This scientific depth, combined with unparalleled local guidance, elevates your Komodo diving tour from a simple excursion to an enlightening exploration.
The architects of seamless luxury voyages
While the underwater realm captivates, our dedicated concierge and logistics team ensures every moment above the waves is equally refined and effortless. From the instant you arrive in Indonesia, our specialists orchestrate a seamless tapestry of experiences tailored to your desires. They meticulously handle all transfers, ensure your luxury liveaboard is provisioned with gourmet cuisine reflecting both international tastes and local Indonesian flavors, and pre-arrange any bespoke activities, from island hikes to tranquil beach picnics. This proactive approach means you are free to simply relax and savor the journey, knowing every detail, however small, has been anticipated and perfected by experts committed to delivering an unparalleled luxury Komodo diving tour.
The operational backbone of our voyages is comprised of seasoned professionals in maritime management and hospitality. Our captains possess decades of experience navigating the challenging yet rewarding waters of the Lesser Sunda Islands, prioritizing safety and smooth sailing. The onboard crew, often boasting an impressive crew-to-guest ratio of 1:2 or better on our most exclusive vessels, anticipates your needs with discreet attentiveness, providing personalized service that defines true luxury. They manage everything from state-of-the-art dive equipment maintenance to ensuring your cabin is a sanctuary of comfort and elegance, making certain that the only thing you need to worry about is which breathtaking vista to admire next.
A steadfast commitment to conservation and community
Our dedication extends far beyond delivering exceptional luxury Komodo diving tours; it encompasses a profound responsibility to protect the pristine environment and support the vibrant communities of the Komodo archipelago. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991, Komodo National Park is a global treasure, and our team is at the forefront of sustainable tourism practices. We adhere strictly to “leave no trace” principles, implementing robust waste management protocols on all our vessels and promoting responsible diving etiquette to safeguard the delicate coral reefs and marine life. Our guides educate guests on ethical wildlife interaction, ensuring that encounters with Komodo dragons and other iconic species are respectful and non-intrusive.
We believe that true luxury travel should also benefit the destinations it embraces. Therefore, a significant part of our operational philosophy involves fostering positive relationships with local communities. We prioritize sourcing fresh produce and artisanal goods from local farmers and craftspeople, directly contributing to the regional economy. Our team actively participates in and supports local conservation initiatives and community development projects, understanding that the long-term health of Komodo’s ecosystems is intrinsically linked to the well-being of its people. By choosing a Komodo Divingtour Travel voyage, you are not only embarking on the journey of a lifetime but also contributing to the preservation of this extraordinary corner of Indonesia for future generations to cherish.
