Scuba Junkie Liveaboards

Rachel McNuttGoogle Reviewer

I cannot fault the Scuba Junkie experience, from the swift and detailed replies over booking the Liveaboard from Erin, to the warm welcome and efficient pre Boat boarding info from the SJ office team in Laban Bajo. Then there is the first rate, efficient and awesome SJ crew on the KLM Eliya. I have just had a the very best 5nights/ 6 days diving Komodo. The whole team seamlessly run the boat from docking and moorings, to refilling tanks and driving the two scorchie boats to chef Ecko producing some of the best food I’ve eaten from his small galley ( especially his lasagne) This is my third Liveaboard experience but my first on a traditional wooden dive boat and I must say that this SJ boat has been designed well with so many comfy places to chill between dives in shady spots as well as getting sun (if need to warm up/ dry off). All 4 dive guides (Luke/ Solomon/ Henkie and Amanda) guided their guests/ divers with care and professionalism to see all the top known sites and experiences which Komodo can offer from North sites such as at Cauldron, in Central at Batu Bolong and heading South’s to Manta alley. I must give a huge shout out to SJ for maintaining their policy of having a 1:4 (Dm : Diver) ratio on the liveaboard as that made this past 6 days of diving even more enjoyable with small groups and our groups dive experience could be directly targeted to our specific needs/ experiences and interests. The Cruise director and our guide Luke did a wonderful job over the full trip to adapt the itinerary to ensure we were all able to get to see and experience the best diving which Komodo had to offer. I was already and will always be a Loyal scuba junkie customer having been to dive at all 5 of their base locations on numerous occasions over the past 10 years. I was delighted to be able to now check off this 6th SJ experience on the KLM Eliya and rate it as highly 5stars+ as I do all their other bases in Malaysia and Indonesia. Looking forward very much to joining the boat in Raja Ampat in 2026 Thank you to the whole SJ team on KLM Eliya for an unforgettable dive trip.

Vong BengGoogle Reviewer

Affordable luxury!!! I'll start off with the boat. It's the best boat I've been on. KLM Eliya is a very new phinisi only started service around June 2024. We felt super comfortable during our entire 6D5N stay. The ship was very stable. Getting on the skiffs were very easy with the portside stairs. But my favourite part of this phinisi is the floorboards on the wet deck. The wood naturally dries super fast so you don't get that wet foot feeling. It was also very spacious and served as the main dining area too. Plenty of spots to charge your electronics. And more than plenty of places to relax. The Starlink internet was super reliable. We were always connected and the speed was always good. Up next, is the crew. They were amazing and always greeted us a big friendly hello when we got back to the boat from our dives. Food always on time and flavour always on point! The operation ran very smoothly and we never felt rushed on any dives. We are convinced our dive guide, Soleman, has miniaturised telescope in his mask. He can spot soooo many small things from far away. We were able to get tons of good macro shots. Apart from the marine life spotting, he knows the water well and we felt very safe diving with him. Given the well crafted & thoughtful features of the boat, the efficiency & professionalism of the crew, and the great diving Komodo has to offer, this was our favourite liveaboard so far. We will definitely be back for Raja Ampat.

GuillaumeGoogle Reviewer

Had an amazing time 6 days aboard KLM Eliya! It exceeded our already high expectations. The boat is beautiful and its layout very well thought out. Its crew is also amazing, always giving a helping hand and greeting us coming back from diving. The chef prepared delicious food every meal. Diving in Komodo is out of this world, best we've ever done so far! Guides are knowledgable and care about people's safety and enjoyment under water. We were so glad that we're already in the process of booking another trip with them in Raja Ampat!

Xiang LinGoogle Reviewer

We did the 8days 7nights trip with SJ and we would recommend diving with them 100% Amazing crew who were so knowledgeable about the conditions and sites in Komodo. Coupled with how safety is a clear priority for the crew and company, made it very reassuring especially with Komodo’s sometime unpredictable currents. （another boat had lost a diver when we were there so beware of companies who don’t prioritise safety!) The entire experience was so comfortable - food, service, cabins, ensuite shower, places to relax, coffee, snacks. On top of a world class dive site with macros and pelagics? Amazing

Paweł ZygarłowskiGoogle Reviewer

We had a week scuba experiance on KLM Elia and we were very satisfied. The boat is new, well designed for the needs of divers including photographers. It is also very well designed as far as the social life with other participants is concerned both with good and rainy weather. The crew was very competent and well organized. Our liveaboard was not that easy due to the fact that Komodo NP was closed for phinisi boats for 3 days. They were able to organize speed boats dives for us. Maybe less convienient but we did not missed underwater experiance. Komodo diving is a must ! We were also very satisfied with the food - fresh, tasty and diverse. Last but not least: our tour director Guillaume created AMAAAAAZING atmosphere. Thank you !