Tourist Catamaran Boats: Choosing Between Kelimutu, Sentani, and Toba

Queues of visitors at a tourist lake's dock often signal two things at once: strong demand and a fleet that does not yet match it. How many people should ideally be carried per trip, and how large can a boat be while still manoeuvring comfortably in local waters? Tourist catamarans are widely considered for this need because their decks are wide and comfortable for relaxed seating.

Even so, the right size still depends on the character of the destination. This article compares three Bajau Indo catamaran types—Kelimutu, Sentani, and Toba—based on their official specifications, and then matches them to destination types.

Why Catamarans Suit Calm-Water Tourism

In general, a catamaran is a boat with two parallel hulls. The spacing between the hulls makes the deck wider than a single-hull boat of similar length, giving more seating space and side-to-side rocking that tends to be easier to control in calm water. That is why tourist catamarans are often used on lakes, reservoirs, ponds in botanical gardens, or slow-flowing rivers.

On Bajau Indo tourist catamarans, both hulls are pontoons with an LLDPE shell and a polyurethane (PU) core. The LLDPE shell is flexible, crack-resistant, and UV-resistant, while the PU core helps maintain buoyancy if the outer shell is scratched or damaged. To learn more about the material's characteristics, read our comparison of LLDPE and HDPE for floating cubes.

Official Specifications of the Three Catamaran Types

These three tourist catamaran types differ mainly in size and passenger capacity. The last column in the following table is our general guidance, not a technical limit.

• Kelimutu — Size (L × W): 4.6 × 3 m; Capacity: 7–10 people; Destination profile: Small ponds, botanical gardens, artificial lakes at resorts

• Sentani — Size (L × W): 5.6 × 4 m; Capacity: 10–15 people; Destination profile: Tourist lakes and reservoirs with moderate visitor numbers

• Toba — Size (L × W): 7 × 5 m; Capacity: 15–20 people; Destination profile: Large lakes with group tour routes

Apart from size, all three share the same features:

• LLDPE pontoons with polyurethane insulation

• Marine-grade aluminium frame

• Synthetic rattan seats with waterproof cushions

• Shade roof to protect passengers from heat and rain

Matching Tourist Boat Capacity to the Destination

Tourist boat capacity should be calculated from visitor patterns, not simply by choosing the largest unit. A boat that is too large for narrow waters makes manoeuvring difficult, while a boat that is too small leads to long queues at weekends.

Small destinations and conservation areas

The Kelimutu-type catamaran measures 4.6 × 3 m and carries 7–10 people. This compact size suits ponds, artificial lakes, or areas that call for a calm atmosphere and short routes.

Lakes and reservoirs with moderate visitor numbers

The Sentani type measures 5.6 × 4 m and carries 10–15 people. It can be a middle ground for reservoir or tourist lake operators who want to serve more people per trip without needing a very wide channel.

Large lakes and group tours

The Toba type measures 7 × 5 m and carries 15–20 people, the largest of the three types. Its spacious deck suits group tours or educational tourism, provided the dock and waterway are adequate.

Product illustration of the Toba-type catamaran. Source: Bajau Indo product illustration

Example Application at Bogor Botanical Gardens

Bogor Botanical Gardens (Kebun Raya Bogor) has operated an electric-powered lake tourist boat called "Perahu Tutur Danau" on Danau Gunting since December 2024. According to project records, the boat measures 3 × 4.5 m and can carry up to 10 passengers. In the documentation, the unit appears as a Kelimutu-type catamaran.

This example shows the role of a compact boat in an area that prioritises tranquillity. The full story can be read in the article Bajau Indo catamaran at Bogor Botanical Gardens.

Other Things Operators Need to Prepare

Choosing a tourist catamaran type is only one part of planning. Before ordering, it is a good idea to prepare the following:

1. Passenger boarding and alighting point. A stable dock that follows the water level makes it easier for passengers to board and disembark safely.

2. Waterbody data. Estimated depth, area size, and seasonal changes in water level help determine the boat size.

3. Visitor patterns. Visitor numbers on weekdays and weekends determine whether one large unit or several smaller units is more efficient.

4. Safety procedures. Life jackets, passenger limits, and trained operators should be prepared from the start.

5. Maintenance plan. Routine inspection of the pontoons, frame, and seats keeps the boat fit for operation.

The propulsion type and additional equipment are discussed with the team according to site needs. Pricing depends on specifications, volume, and delivery location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which tourist catamaran type is suitable for a small lake?

For small lakes, ponds, or artificial lakes, the Kelimutu type measuring 4.6 × 3 m with a capacity of 7–10 people is generally sufficient. Its compact size allows easier manoeuvring in narrow waters. The final decision is still based on site data and visitor patterns.

Can tourist catamarans be used on rivers?

In general, catamarans are more comfortable to operate in calm waters. For rivers, current speed, depth, channel width, and obstacles such as bridges need to be reviewed first. The Bajau Indo team can help assess suitability based on the data you send.

How much does a Bajau Indo tourist catamaran cost?

Pricing depends on specifications, volume, and delivery location, so there is no single figure that applies to every project. Prepare information on the type you are interested in, the number of units, and the destination location so the team can put together a suitable quotation.

Weighing up which catamaran type is right for your destination? Tell the Bajau Indo team about your waters and target visitors via WhatsApp 0878-5931-4314 or email marketing@bajauindo.com. We will help match the type to your operational needs.