Reported by Bali Today
Labuan Bajo’s turquoise waters and Komodo dragons draw adventurers worldwide, but a recent scam involving two tourists has exposed the risks of unregulated tour operators. British national Matthew Daniel Lambden (35) and his Filipino companion found themselves stranded on a flimsy styrofoam raft after paying for what was promised to be a premium snorkeling trip – a stark warning for all visitors to Indonesia’s premier marine destination.
The Bait-and-Switch Snorkeling Nightmare
On July 20, 2025, the travelers – who had initially booked a Komodo National Park tour – were lured by a Facebook post offering “exclusive” snorkeling at Nuca Molas. Driver YP (29) convinced them this remote location surpassed popular spots like Kanawa Island.
The Deception Unfolded:
4-hour detour: Instead of the 20-minute trip to Kanawa, they were driven to a distant departure point
Improvised “boat”: Crossed choppy waters on a 1x2m foam raft paddled manually
Broken promises: Arrived to find zero snorkeling facilities at the isolated site
$130 lost: Paid 2 million IDR for the fraudulent trip
Threats After Exposure
When Matthew shared his experience on Facebook:
- YP demanded post deletion
- Threatened to storm their homestay
- Prompted late-night police intervention
“At 11:30 PM, I fled to the police station in a local’s pickup truck,” Matthew recounted. The case was settled “peacefully” on July 23 after forced apologies from the drivers – a resolution that worries tourism watchdogs.
Labuan Bajo’s Tourism Board Responds
Aloysius Suhartim Karya of the Indonesian Tour Guides Association (HPI) issued an unprecedented apology while urging reforms:
Critical Advice for Visitors:
- Verify licenses: Legitimate guides carry official ID cards
- Book through authorized agents: Avoid social media deals
- Check vessel safety: Proper boats have permits displayed
- Insist on contracts: Verbal promises are unenforceable
“One bad experience can destroy our reputation built over decades,” Aloysius stressed, referencing Labuan Bajo’s UNESCO-supported sustainable tourism push.
Global Travelers Beware: How to Stay Safe
This incident reflects a wider issue in emerging destinations. Red flags to watch for:
- Too-good-to-be-true pricing (Komodo trips under $50 are suspect)
- Last-minute location changes
- Cash-only demands
- Unmarked vehicles/vessels
Pro Tip: Cross-reference operators with the Labuan Bajo Tourism Office’s certified list before booking.
A Warning Beyond Labuan Bajo
While Indonesia offers unparalleled adventures, the lack of standardized tourism enforcement outside Bali means travelers must:
🔍 Research operators extensively
📸 Photograph license plates and boat registration numbers
📱 Save local emergency contacts (+62 385 2443688 – Labuan Bajo Police)
Remember: Your safety matters more than a cheap deal. When drivers offer “secret spots,” ask yourself: Why isn’t this in the brochure?
Bali Today reminds all travelers: Indonesia’s beauty comes with responsibilities. Stay vigilant, stay legal, and help preserve these wonders for generations.
Giostanovlatto – Bali Today
