Meet Our Team of Flores Nusa Tenggara Specialists
At Flores Nusa Tenggara, our greatest asset is our people. Our team is a unique blend of seasoned Indonesian tourism professionals, passionate local experts, and dedicated conservationists. Each member brings a deep, personal connection to East Nusa Tenggara and an unwavering commitment to creating exceptional travel experiences. We don’t just know Flores; we live and breathe it. Our credibility is built on years of on-the-ground experience, formal certifications, and a shared passion for showcasing the best of this incredible island. Our rigorous editorial standards are a direct reflection of our team’s collective expertise.
Budi Santoso
Founder & Chief Strategist
Credentials: Certified Tourism Professional (LSP Pariwisata), Board Member of ASITA (Association of the Indonesian Tours & Travel Agencies) NTT Chapter, 25+ years in Indonesian luxury hospitality.
Bio: Budi is the visionary behind Flores Nusa Tenggara. After a distinguished career managing some of Indonesia’s most iconic luxury resorts, he returned to his roots with a mission to establish a new standard for travel in his native Eastern Indonesia. Budi’s extensive network, from government officials at the Kementerian Pariwisata to village leaders in remote Flores, ensures our guests receive unparalleled access and insight. He personally vets our key partners and guides our long-term strategy for sustainable growth, with a keen eye on developments for 2026.
Maria da Costa
Head of Flores Operations & Cultural Liaison
Credentials: Certified Expert Guide, Himpunan Pramuwisata Indonesia (HPI), Native of Ende, Flores.
Bio: Maria is the heart and soul of our on-the-ground operations. Born and raised in the shadow of Mount Iya in Ende, she possesses an encyclopedic knowledge of the Trans-Flores route. With over 20 years of experience guiding overland journeys, Maria’s relationships with communities in Bena, Wae Rebo, and the villages around Kelimutu are built on generations of trust. She is our cultural compass, ensuring every interaction is respectful and authentic. Maria personally trains our local guides and is responsible for the logistical perfection of every overland itinerary.
Dr. Ardiansyah Putra
Marine Biologist & Komodo Conservation Lead
Credentials: Ph.D. in Marine Biology (Universitas Indonesia), PADI Divemaster, Published Researcher on Manta Ray Conservation.
Bio: Dr. Ardi leads our marine experiences and conservation initiatives within Komodo National Park. He works closely with the Balai Taman Nasional Komodo and NGOs like the Komodo Survival Program to ensure our operations not only meet but exceed environmental standards. He designed our guest briefing protocols on responsible marine wildlife interaction and often joins our private charters to provide expert lectures on the park’s unique ecology. His scientific rigor ensures our promise of sustainable tourism is backed by credible action.
Sofia Wijaya
Lead Experience Curator
Credentials: Master’s in Sustainable Tourism Management (Monash University), Specialist in Community-Based Tourism.
Bio: Sofia is the architect of our unique itineraries. She travels tirelessly throughout Flores, seeking out hidden gems and building relationships with local artisans, chefs, and storytellers. Sofia is the creative force behind our signature experiences, such as private masterclasses in Manggarai ikat weaving and culinary tours through Bajawa’s coffee plantations. She ensures that every journey we offer is not just a trip, but a rich, multi-layered narrative that connects our guests to the essence of Flores.
David Chen
Director of Safety & Logistics
Credentials: Certified Safety Management Systems (SMS) Auditor, former Aviation Logistics Manager.
Bio: David brings a career’s worth of experience in high-stakes logistics and safety management to our operations. He is responsible for auditing our entire supply chain, from the maintenance records of our Trans-Flores vehicles to the emergency protocols of our partner liveaboards in Labuan Bajo. David implemented our GPS tracking system for all land transport and oversees our compliance with all maritime and land transport regulations, ensuring every aspect of our guests’ journey is secure. His meticulous attention to detail provides the foundation of safety upon which our incredible experiences are built.
Continue exploring Flores Nusa Tenggara:
Our Flores Nusa Tenggara Service ·
Meet Our Team ·
Editorial Standards ·
Methodology ·
Sustainability ·
Safety & Compliance