DMB Indonesia Tour FAQ
Welcome to the DMB Indonesia Tour FAQ page. We understand that planning a premium journey requires absolute clarity and certainty. Here, we have compiled answers to the most common questions regarding our services, destinations, and policies.
Our goal is to provide full transparency so you can make decisions with confidence. We believe trust begins with honest, straightforward information. If your question is not answered on this page, our team of travel specialists is ready to assist you directly.
General Questions & Booking
Consultation: Our specialists will respond to discuss your needs in detail. This is where we understand your preferences, travel style, and expectations.
Itinerary Proposal: We will design and send you a customized itinerary proposal along with a transparent cost breakdown.
Confirmation & Payment: Once you have approved the itinerary, we will request a deposit to secure your booking.
Finalization: After the payment is received, your booking is confirmed. We will send all relevant documents and remain in communication until your departure day.
Our payment policy is straightforward. We require a deposit (down payment) of 50% of the total tour cost to confirm your booking. The remaining 50% balance is due no later than 7 days (D-7) before the tour departure date. For bookings made less than 7 days before departure, full 100% payment is required at the time of confirmation.
As a standard, our prices cover nearly all your needs on the ground. This includes selected accommodations, private air-conditioned transportation (including Jeeps in Bromo or boats in Labuan Bajo), all entrance fees and donations, a professional English-speaking guide (or other languages upon request), bottled mineral water during the tour, and facilities specifically mentioned in your itinerary (like gas masks at Ijen or snorkeling gear).
For full transparency, our prices generally do not include:
- Domestic or international flights to the pick-up point.
- Personal travel insurance (we highly recommend it).
- Lunches and dinners, unless explicitly stated (e.g., full board on a liveaboard).
- Personal expenses (laundry, minibar, souvenirs).
- Tips for the guide and driver (discretionary but greatly appreciated).
Absolutely. In fact, we specialize in tailor-made journeys. Every itinerary on our website is an example and a starting point. Our team will work with you to adjust the duration, change accommodations, add destinations, or focus on special interests (like photography, culinary, or adventure).
Generally, the best time to visit all three destinations is during the dry season, which typically runs from April to October. The weather during this period is usually sunny, the seas are calmer (important for Labuan Bajo), and the sunrise views at Bromo are more often clear. However, traveling in the shoulder seasons can also offer a quieter experience.
Our package prices do not include personal travel insurance. We require all guests to have their own comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and evacuation. This is a crucial step to protect your travel investment and ensure peace of mind.
Destination: East java (Tumpak Sewu, Bromo & Ijen)
This is a very important question. The trek to Ijen Crater is considered moderately challenging. It is a 3-kilometer (approx. 90-120 minutes) hike up a steep, sandy path.
Regarding safety:
- Sulfuric Gas: Ijen is an active crater that emits sulfuric gases. We provide industry-standard gas masks for every guest, and our guides are trained to monitor wind direction and gas concentration.
- Volcanic Activity: We always monitor the official activity status from the vulcanology bureau. If there is a warning that prohibits hiking, we will not take the risk and will propose an alternative itinerary.
- Night Hike: The trek is done in the dark (to see the blue fire). Our guides will lead the way and ensure you step carefully. Proper trekking shoes are essential.
Tumpak Sewu is one of Indonesia’s most spectacular waterfalls, but it is also one of the most demanding.
- Difficulty Level: The trek to the base of the waterfall is difficult. This is not a casual walking path.
- Terrain: You must descend a steep cliff face via bamboo ladders and rocky paths. You will also be walking through and across swift, slippery rivers.
- Safety: A local guide is mandatory (this is included in our package). They are experts in navigating the terrain and will assist you at difficult points. You will get completely wet. We recommend sturdy trekking sandals or water shoes, not flip-flops.
- Conditions: This tour is highly weather-dependent. If it rains heavily, the water levels can become too dangerous, and we may have to cancel the trek to the base for your safety.
The temperature at Bromo can be extremely cold, especially before sunrise. It can drop to between 0 and 10 degrees Celsius (32-50°F). We strongly recommend you bring:
- A thick winter jacket (layering is key).
- Gloves and a beanie (head/ear covering).
- A scarf or neck gaiter.
- Comfortable, closed-toe shoes (sneakers or light hiking shoes are sufficient).
- Sunglasses, as the volcanic sand and morning sun can be very bright.
Yes, the physical requirements differ:
- Tumpak Sewu: Requires a good level of fitness and agility. You must be comfortable with heights (descending the cliff) and have good balance for walking on river rocks. It is not recommended if you have an extreme fear of heights or significant knee/ankle problems.
- Ijen: Requires a reasonable level of fitness. You should be able to walk uphill for about 1.5 to 2 hours without stopping. This trek is not recommended for those with serious respiratory issues (like severe asthma) or heart problems.
- Bromo: The physical requirement is much lighter. The 4×4 Jeep takes you across the sea of sand and close to the crater. You only need to climb approximately 250 stairs to reach the crater rim, which can be done at a slow pace.
We prioritize comfort and safety. For inter-city travel (e.g., Surabaya to Tumpak Sewu, then to Bromo and Ijen), we use comfortable, private air-conditioned vehicles like a Toyota Innova Reborn, Hiace, or Elf Long (depending on group size). Specifically for exploring the Bromo area (sea of sand and sunrise point), we use the iconic local 4×4 Hardtop Jeeps, as these are the only vehicles permitted and capable of handling the terrain.
Destination: LABUAN BAJO & KOMODO NATIONAL PARK
Facilities vary by boat category (Superior, Deluxe, or Luxury). However, all Phinisi boats we partner with meet at least the following premium standards:
- Private cabins with air conditioning (AC).
- Private en-suite bathrooms with a toilet and shower.
- Hot water availability (on most Deluxe category boats and above).
- 24-hour electricity powered by a generator.
- Complete safety equipment (life jackets, life rafts, radio, GPS).
- Common areas such as a sun deck and an indoor or semi-outdoor dining room.
In Labuan Bajo town itself, 4G signal and Wi-Fi at hotels/restaurants are generally strong and reliable. However, once you begin sailing into the Komodo National Park area, the signal will be very limited or often non-existent. Some spots (like around Padar Island or Komodo Island) might catch a weak signal intermittently, but do not rely on it. Consider this an opportunity to truly disconnect and enjoy nature.
No. Water activities (swimming, snorkeling, or diving) are never conducted on the islands where Komodo dragons roam freely, such as Rinca or Komodo Island. Komodos are capable swimmers and apex predators.
All your water activities will take place at safe, renowned snorkeling spots (like Pink Beach, Manta Point, or Kanawa Island) which are separate from the dragons’ main habitat. When you are on land on Komodo or Rinca Island, you will always be accompanied by a certified local ranger carrying a forked stick for protection.
Liveaboard (LOB) means you live, eat, and sleep on the boat (in this case, a Phinisi) for the duration of your tour, typically 3 days/2 nights or more. The boat becomes your floating hotel that moves from one island to the next. It is the most efficient and immersive way to explore the remote islands of the Komodo National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Other DMB Indonesia Tour FAQ
Absolutely. We can accommodate most dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or food allergies. It is essential that you inform us of these requirements in detail at the time of booking. We will coordinate with the hotels, restaurants, and on-board chefs (for liveaboards) to ensure your meals are prepared separately and safely.
Your safety is our top priority. Our guides are trained in First Aid and carry a standard First Aid kit. For minor incidents, they can handle them on-site. In the event of a serious medical emergency, we will immediately evacuate you to the nearest medical facility (clinic or hospital) in the closest town. In Labuan Bajo, there are adequate medical facilities for stabilization before further evacuation if needed.
Yes. DMB Indonesia Tour is an officially and legally registered travel bureau in Indonesia. We hold all necessary business licenses to operate as a tour provider. Choosing a legal, licensed operator gives you a layer of protection and assurance that we adhere to industry standards and government regulations.
We prioritize transparency in our policies. As mentioned, a 50% deposit is needed for confirmation, with the balance due D-7. Regarding cancellations, our policy varies depending on how close to the departure date the cancellation is made. We have a clear, tiered cancellation fee structure. For complete details and terms, please read our Cancellation Policy Page.
Still Have Questions?
We want you to feel 100% confident before you book. If there is anything else you need to know, no matter how small, please do not hesitate to ask.
Our team of travel specialists is standing by to provide clear, helpful answers. Contact us directly on WhatsApp for the fastest response. You can also send us a structured inquiry via our Contact Page.