Culture
Caci
Traditional Manggarai stick-fighting ceremony, performed at significant cultural events.
Destination glossary
Komodo terms,
plainly explained.
Places, boats, permits, culture and boatyard words you will meet when planning a phinisi trip — or a build in South Sulawesi.
- km² of national park
- 1,733
- Smaller islands in park
- 26
- Labuan Bajo airport code
- LBJ
- Sails, traditional rig
- 7
Geography
Places
on the map.
The names you will see on every itinerary.
Term
Meaning
Komodo National Park
MeaningUNESCO World Heritage reserve of land and sea: 1,733 km² across Komodo, Rinca, Padar and 26 smaller islands
Labuan Bajo
MeaningPort town on the western tip of Flores and the starting point for most Komodo trips
Flores
MeaningThe long, narrow island east of Komodo, home to Kelimutu volcano, Wae Rebo village and the Bajawa region
Komodo dragon
MeaningVaranus komodoensis, the world’s largest living lizard, native to Komodo, Rinca and nearby islands
LBJ
MeaningIATA code for Komodo International Airport at Labuan Bajo
Boats
Boats
and trip types.
Four words that decide what kind of trip you are booking.
Term
Meaning
Phinisi
MeaningTraditional Indonesian sailing vessel from the Bugis and Konjo people of South Sulawesi, recognised as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
Liveaboard
MeaningA multi-day boat trip where guests sleep on board — common for diving and remote islands
Open trip
MeaningA shared boat with mixed passengers and a fixed itinerary; budget-friendly
Private charter
MeaningExclusive hire of the whole boat for your group, with a flexible itinerary and premium pricing
Boatyard words
Words from
the boatyard.
Phinisi are still built in the Konjo villages of Tana Beru, Bira and Ara in South Sulawesi. These are the words you will hear there.
-
Punggawa
The master shipwright who leads the build, trained by apprenticeship and oral tradition.
-
Lunas
The keel — laid in a ceremony that marks the start of construction.
-
Gading
The ribs, traditionally cut from dense ironwood.
-
Papan & geladak
Hull planks and decking, usually teak, hand-planed and fitted one by one.
-
Ulin & jati
Ironwood, prized for resisting saltwater and borers, and teak, for strength and finish.
Traditional builders join timbers with mortise-and-tenon joints and wooden pegs rather than metal fasteners.
Naval architecture & stabilityPermits & fees
Permits
and park fees.
The line items that sit beside the boat fare.
Term
Meaning
SIORA
MeaningGovernment registration system for entry to Komodo National Park
Conservation contribution
MeaningAn additional fee supporting park management, on top of standard entry
Park ranger fee
MeaningMandatory ranger escort for dragon viewing on Rinca and Komodo
Marine park fee
MeaningA separate charge for snorkelling and diving in the protected marine zones
Mooring fee
MeaningOvernight anchorage charge collected by the park authorities
Fees and systems are set by the park authority and change over time — reconfirm at booking.
Culture & sustainability
Culture, and
travelling lightly.
Words for the traditions of Flores and Nusa Tenggara — and for the greener side of sailing.
FAQ
Glossary
questions.
The terms people ask us to explain most often.
What is a phinisi?
A traditional Indonesian sailing vessel from the Bugis and Konjo boatbuilding communities of South Sulawesi, recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.
What is the difference between an open trip and a private charter?
An open trip is a shared boat with mixed passengers and a fixed itinerary. A private charter is the whole boat for your group, with a flexible itinerary at premium pricing.
Which fees will I pay inside the park?
Park entry plus a conservation contribution, a ranger fee for dragon viewing on Rinca and Komodo, a marine park fee for snorkelling or diving, and mooring fees for overnight anchorage.
Where do Komodo trips start?
Most start in Labuan Bajo, on the western tip of Flores, served by Komodo International Airport (LBJ).
What does reef-safe mean?
Sunscreen and other products free of oxybenzone, octinoxate and other compounds that harm coral.
What wood is a phinisi built from?
Traditionally ironwood (ulin) for the keel and ribs, and teak (jati) for the hull planks and decking.
Guides
More in
Guides.
Put the vocabulary to work: tips, timing and the engineering behind the boats.
Still unsure?
Ask us
in plain words.
Send your question about places, boats, fees or the build itself — we answer in plain language.
WhatsApp +62 811-3941-4563 · bd@juaraholding.com
Operated by Komodo Luxury, part of Juara Holding Group — in Komodo marine tourism since 2015.