The Story of Andro: The Tour Guide Behind Unforgettable Komodo Island Tours
Last Updated January 2026
If you’ve ever explored Komodo National Park with Komodo Luxury, there’s a good chance you’ve met the guide guests lovingly call “Kakak Komodo.” His real name is Rubio Meiliandro Stenleyfizer, but everyone knows him as Andro tour guide in Komodo, and his warm personality, deep knowledge of the islands, and strong connection to his homeland are exactly why the nickname stuck. Today, he’s known across Labuan Bajo, not only by travelers, but also by locals and even online audiences who follow his journey as a guide. But behind that familiar smile and confident presence on deck lies a long, inspiring story. This is how a boy from a small village, who once dreamed of becoming a civil servant, grew into one of the most trusted luxury tour guides in Komodo.
Key Takeaways
- Andro tour guide in Komodo, also known as “Kakak Komodo,” is a trusted local guide whose deep connection to Komodo National Park shapes every journey you experience with Komodo Luxury.
- His path into tourism began unexpectedly, but through hands-on experience and persistence, he grew alongside the rise of Labuan Bajo as a world-class luxury destination.
- By adapting to international guests and luxury standards, Andro learned how to balance informative guiding with giving you space to truly enjoy the islands.
- Beyond guiding, he developed skills in photography, drones, and storytelling, ensuring you return home with meaningful memories and visuals from Komodo.
- Through his journey, you don’t just explore Komodo’s landscapes, you experience them through the eyes of a guide whose life has been transformed by the islands he proudly calls home.
Growing Up With a Different Dream
Andro grew up in a small village where becoming a government employee was considered the only realistic definition of success. Long before he started guiding guests through Komodo National Park, his childhood was shaped by simple routines and limited exposure to the world beyond his community. In his environment, stable government work represented security, respect, and a predictable future.
“Back then, the only dream people talked about was becoming a government employee,” he says.
For families like his, farmers with limited access to information, a government job represented stability and security. Tourism wasn’t yet a part of the local imagination. Even Labuan Bajo, now known globally as a rising luxury destination, was still quiet and far from the international spotlight. Because of that, young Andro never questioned the narrative. He believed he would follow the same path many boys before him had taken. There were no travel influencers to look up to, no tour boats lining the harbor, and no constant flow of visitors. Everything changed when one of his uncles introduced him to a new possibility.
His uncle explained that there was a vocational high school (SMK) offering a tourism program, a path that Andro had never heard of.
“I didn’t even know that vocational high school (SMK) existed. My uncle told me that if I studied tourism, I could become a guide. That was the moment everything shifted for me.”
Curiosity turned into courage. Andro decided to take a path no one in his family had taken. That one decision, a simple suggestion from an uncle, quietly set the stage for a future he never expected.
Entering Tourism Just as Labuan Bajo Began to Rise
Andro entered the tourism industry at a time when Labuan Bajo was just beginning to gain national and international attention. When he graduated in 2017, visitor numbers were increasing rapidly, yet trained local tour guides were still very limited.
“Tour guides were very few, but guests were already coming in,” he recalls, describing how demand quickly outpaced the availability of experienced local guides.
His early days were far from the polished, luxury-level environment he now works in. After graduation, he didn’t immediately secure a stable job. Instead, he and his friends hung out near the harbor, hoping for freelance opportunities from the tour agent where he once interned. Whenever guests arrived, the agent would call them in to guide short trips.
It wasn’t about money then, it was about experience.
“We were happy with 200–300 thousand rupiah a day. It wasn’t about the money, it was about learning.”
He guided small private groups on wooden boats that were simple and modest. Sometimes there were only two or three guests. But those intimate experiences built the foundation for the communication style he is known for today: attentive, friendly, and deeply connected to the guests.
During these early years, Andro learned by doing, sharpening his English, understanding guest behavior, and exploring the islands repeatedly until every reef, every trail, and every viewpoint felt like home.
The Turning Point: Becoming Part of Indonesia Juara Trip and Komodo Luxury
The turning point in Andro’s career came when he was officially introduced to Indonesia Juara Trip and later Komodo Luxury through trusted industry connections. At the time, the tour agent he worked with had a close relationship with Indonesia Juara Trip’s founder, Agung Afif, which opened the door for Andro to be considered as a guide. As Indonesia Juara Trip, a sister company of Komodo Luxury, was expanding its team, Andro was recommended based on his experience and dedication. That introduction marked the beginning of his transition from a freelance local guide to becoming part of two of Labuan Bajo’s most respected travel brands.
He began working as a freelance guide for IndonesiaJuara Trip, mostly on weekends. At that time, the company catered mainly to local Indonesian travelers, so communication felt effortless for him. As the weeks passed, he gained more trips, more trust, and more confidence. By April 2018, Andro officially joined IndonesiaJuara Trip as a full-time guide. Two years later, in 2020, he took on an even bigger role by also guiding for Komodo Luxury, serving higher-end guests from around the world.
“It was a long journey, but everything happened step by step. I never expected I would join two of the biggest brands in Labuan Bajo.”
During his early years, the boats used were much smaller, only about 17 to 20 meters long, with three cabins and limited space. Everything was simpler. Luxury phinisi boats only became a major part of the operation after the pandemic, when both companies expanded and began sailing larger, premium vessels.
From wooden boats with shared single beds to today’s handcrafted phinisis with private ensuite cabins, Andro has witnessed and lived the evolution of Komodo tourism firsthand.
Read more: Komodo Boat Tour: Complete Guide to Komodo National Park with KomodoLuxury
Adapting to International Guests and Luxury Standards
Andro adapts to international guests by adjusting his guiding style to meet luxury travel expectations, prioritizing privacy, comfort, and seamless service. As Komodo Luxury grew and began welcoming a more global audience, he shifted from guiding mostly local travelers to hosting couples and families from around the world. Because international guests often seek a quieter, more personal experience, Andro learned to read the atmosphere on board and respond accordingly.
“International guests need more personal space and value quiet time,” he explains. Therefore, instead of constant explanations, he shares information only when it’s truly needed, allowing you to relax and enjoy the journey at your own pace.
He became gifted at reading the room, knowing when to joke, when to explain, when to give guests their moment, and when to step back. Handling complaints also required a new level of patience, diplomacy, and professionalism. Because of this, guests consistently comment on his calm demeanor and thoughtful service. For many, Andro becomes one of the highlights of their Komodo Luxury experience.
From Tour Guide to Content Creator: The Birth of “Kakak Komodo”
The name “Kakak Komodo” was born from Andro’s journey as a content creator, long before it became widely recognized on Komodo tour boats. It first emerged online, when YouTube was gaining momentum and Andro began sharing his daily life, guiding experiences, and stories from Komodo National Park. By choosing the name “Kakak Komodo,” he wanted people to instantly associate him with Labuan Bajo and the islands he calls home. Over time, this online identity grew alongside his guiding career, making “Kakak Komodo” not just a nickname, but a personal brand that connects his role as a guide and a storyteller.
“I used the name ‘Kakak Komodo’ so people could easily remember that I’m from Labuan Bajo,” he says.
He posted videos about the Komodo National Park, the wildlife, and his experiences as a guide. Later, he expanded to TikTok and Instagram, capturing moments of his daily trips like sunrises on deck, drone shots of turquoise bays, and even behind-the-scenes moments when traveling with celebrities.
“I used to only see them on TV. Suddenly, I was guiding them in person.”
His follower base grew rapidly, especially after he introduced a series of interview-style videos with guests in 2024. Many travelers now recognize him before meeting him, walking up with a smile and saying, “Are you the Kakak Komodo?” What began as a hobby has become part of his identity, blending his passion for storytelling with the reality of his everyday life on the islands.
Building Skills Beyond Guiding: Cameras, Drones, and Storytelling
Beyond guiding guests, Andro also developed strong skills in photography, videography, and visual storytelling to support Komodo liveaboard experiences. Because documentation is an essential part of Komodo Luxury’s and Indonesia Juara Trip’s packages, he learned to handle GoPros, DSLRs, and eventually drones, even without any prior background. Among all the equipment, flying drones was the most challenging part of the process.
“The drone was the hardest. But because every trip required documentation, I learned little by little. Now I can operate it confidently.”
Today, guests often go home with stunning drone footage shot by Andro himself, footage that becomes a core memory of their Komodo adventure.
Read more: Private Yacht Charter Komodo 2026: Explore Komodo National Park in Complete Comfort and Luxury
A Life Transformed Through Tourism
Beyond the skills and career growth, tourism changed Andro’s personal life in profound ways. He met people he never imagined meeting, including public figures and professionals from around the world who shared insights, stories, and inspiration.
“If I wasn’t a guide, I don’t think I would have met so many amazing people.”
Tourism also brought financial stability. It enabled him to marry his long-time partner, an important milestone, especially in his culture, where the wedding process carries significant traditional expenses. It also allowed him to build a home.
“It may not be luxurious, but it’s a comfortable place for my family. That’s what matters.”
These milestones, once far away, became achievable through the opportunities he embraced as a guide.
Going Back to Study at College
Although Andro wanted to pursue higher education after high school, life took him straight into work. Years later, during a quiet conversation with his parents, he learned about their unspoken wish.
“They said they wouldn’t feel complete unless they saw their son graduate.”
Hearing that changed everything. He feared that waiting too long would become a regret. But pursuing college meant stepping back from work, something difficult for someone already deeply entrenched in guiding. He discussed his dilemma with Komodo Luxury’s CEO, who responded with warmth and understanding.
“I’m very lucky. My workplace supports me completely.”
With flexible scheduling, Andro now attends classes while continuing to guide trips. Currently in his internship phase and preparing for his thesis, he hopes to complete his degree soon, fulfilling one of the most important promises he’s ever made.
Read more: How Komodo Luxury Ensures Safe Sailing in Komodo National Park
Let’s Experience Komodo Island with Komodo Luxury & Meet Andro as Your Guide!
Today, Andro stands as one of the most recognized and trusted guides in Komodo. His journey, from a village boy who never knew what a travel career could look like, to a respected guide and beloved online figure, reflects the spirit of Komodo Luxury that authentic, evolving, and grounded in heartfelt service. Guests leave Komodo with photos, memories, and stories, but they also leave with something harder to describe that a sense of connection. Andro is often at the center of that connection.
“I never planned any of this. But I’m grateful. This job changed my life.”
And through his work, he continues changing the experience of thousands of travelers who step onto Komodo Luxury’s luxury phinisi boats, guiding them, inspiring them, and showing them the magic of Komodo as only a true Kakak Komodo can.
And if you want to explore Komodo and meet Andro in person as your guide, you can join one of Komodo Luxury’s Komodo Island tours, where every trip is crafted to feel intimate, seamless, and deeply memorable. With Andro leading the way, you’re not just visiting iconic spots, you’re experiencing Komodo through the eyes of someone who grew up with these islands, who understands their rhythm, and who makes every guest feel like family.
Book your Komodo Island tour adventure with Komodo Luxury and let Andro guide you through the heart of Komodo the way only he can!
