GOLD - Cruise 3 days and 2 nights
Day 1: Labuan Bajo - Kanawa - Kelor - Menjerite - Kalong
Airport/hotel pickup to the Labuan Bajo harbour, hop on board, meet the crew, and set sail to the beautiful Kanawa Island
Kanawa Island in Komodo National Park is an authentic, tropical Indonesian experience. With a delightful beach fringed with colourful coral reefs seabed, Kanawa Island is an ideal destination for beachcombing and snorkelling from Labuan Bajo. Often described as a paradise island, Kanawa is the perfect place to unwind and is widely known as one of the most picturesque islands in Komodo National Park. We recommend combining Kanawa Island with a visit to nearby Kelor Island.
The first thing you will notice approaching Kanawa island is a beautiful white sandy beach surrounded by crystal clear water and a panoramic hilly background. Snorkelling enthusiasts flock to Kanawa from Labuan Bajo daily because of shallow waters and remarkably vibrant coral reefs easily accessible off the beach. Those who stay longer, note that sunsets on Kanawa Island are awe- inspiring because of the surrounding islands.
Kanawa Island has quickly gained its popularity, so do not expect complete solitude. When taking the Komodo Island tour, it is common to arrive on Kanawa Island early morning before the crowds come. The views are terrific as you anchor in a small pier near the island with schools of fish swimming clearly below you. The beach is painted with starfish, making it a fascinating playground for families with kids. Those who are into diving can also benefit from several dive sites around Kanawa Island.
The picturesque hill that stands proudly behind the beach on Kanawa Island is relatively easy to trek, with no steep hills. Just a short walk and you’re at the secret summit with the scenery of every photographer’s dream. Even the more advanced trekkers will find the hike worthwhile as they are greeted with the views at the top. A refreshing dip in shallow waters after a leisure trek will be a perfect ending to your Kanawa Island adventure. All in all, it is a charming island destination during your exploration of Komodo National Park
Sail to Kelor Island
Kelor Island is a tiny not-to-miss destination in Komodo National Park, located in front of the picturesque hills of Flores. After a short 15 minute hike, the panoramic view from the top towards Flores, Rinca Island, and other smaller islands of Komodo Park, is simply breathtaking. One can often spot honeymooners and young couples eager for that Instagram-perfect shot atop of Kelor Island.
Other highlights of Kelor Island include the two beautiful and tempting beaches, ideal for lazing around and snorkelling after the hike. Kelor Island also allows snorkelling directly from the beach. Local boats usually line along the east coast, and children can be seen playing and snorkelling joyfully in the water along the west side of Kelor Island. As everywhere in Komodo, Kelor’s underwater landscape is rich with marine life.
Menjerite Island, known for its crystal-clear waters and colour coral underwater. Blessed with a sublime view, the island is famous for its long wooden bridge over the waters overlooking a stunning view of the lush green trees of hills surrounding it.
Enjoy an afternoon coffee/tea while sailing to Kalong Island to watch the sunset and the stunning views of thousands of flying foxes
Kalong Island – or commonly known as Koaba Island by the locals, meaning big bats or flying foxes – is a beautiful island tucked away from the northern part of Rinca Island. The island is covered in mangrove plantations, hosting thousands of flying foxes that live in the trees during the daytime to protect them from the heat of Komodo’s sun. As the day passes, these creatures can be heard waking up and communicating at around six in the evening. And moments later, be ready to watch in awe as they take off, fanning out in an endless black line over the delicate sunsets of Komodo National Park.
This nightly occurrence as dusk approaches is where the bats take the skies to hunt on the nearby Flores Island, returning only in the early morning. Don’t expect a sudden burst of the bat. Instead, they appear in waves, making it possible to track these flying mammals individually across the orange-streaked sky. If you’re lucky, you also might glimpse dolphins frolicking in the waters while you’re waiting for the aerial show to start. Not surprisingly, Kalong Island became a popular tourist stop when going on a Rinca Island tour. It is common to anchor next to Kalong Island on the way back to Labuan Bajo. It makes for a spectacular sight to see bats flying above dense mangrove forests, in the backdrop of the sunlight
Day 2: Padar - Long Beach - Loh Liang (Komodo) - Taka Makassar
Undulating hills that mimic the surrounding waves are the most captivating element of Padar Island. This ‘Land of Dragons’ scenery is some of the most surreal and mysterious in Indonesia. Padar Island tour brings you to a primordial location between Komodo and Rinca islands in Komodo National Park. While Komodo Island attracts a more significant number of tourists, Padar Island makes the best destination to experience nature at its most raw state.
Once home to legendary Komodo dragons, none are left on Padar Island today. Witness savannah-covered, surreal landscape fringed by bright green-capped (or yellow during dry season) mountains of fairy-tale shapes. Completely uninhabited, the island stands proudly in its ruggedness and lets its beauty and stunning atmosphere speak for themselves. The main highlight on the Padar island tour is trekking to the viewpoint.
Padar Island tour offers trekking several viewpoints, but you should always aim for the highest. The trek is spectacular from any angle. And while it may take up to 2 hours to reach the top for some – it is worth it. The jaw-dropping panorama from Padar’s summit is the epitome of the Komodo National Park. From the top, you can see rugged brown peaks of the dry savannah contrasting with natural blends of the breathtaking tri-coloured beaches of grey, white, and pink. As sworn by most tourists, nothing beats this Jurassic Park scenery that awaits at the summit.
Unravel the beauty of the three different coloured sandy coves, exhibiting hues of volcanic black, coral pink, and powdery white. These three Padar beaches with different sands are squeezing a central hillock covered in multi-shaded, green (or yellow) grasses, depending on the season. Padar island tour promises heaven for nature photographers – one rare, quirky, and unique island.
The pink-coloured beach on Padar Island, being only one of the few in the world, gets its colour from a mixture of pulverized red coral and white sand. The pink hues that make up the whole beach may not be seen throughout the day, but when it does, the view is spectacular beyond words. At the same time, the black-sanded beach is due to its volcanic origin, primarily made up of a variety of dark minerals. Finally, although found in most places in the country, the powder white-coloured beach promises a magical final touch during your Padar Island tour.
Komodo is one of the largest and most famous islands of Komodo National Park. Soaring palmyra trees punctuate its open landscape of rocky outcrop, auburn paths, dry forests, and glassy sky. As the name speaks for itself, the island is well-known for the prehistoric monitor lizards, commonly known as the Komodo dragons. Witnessing the last survivor of the ancient, gigantic lizards stalking the terrain, the Komodo island tour is your official entrance to the Lost World.
There is an estimated population of 1,000 Komodo dragons on Komodo Island, making Komodo tour an ideal place for sightings of the creature as compared to the other islands. Visitors can go on a ranger-led trek upon reaching the ranger station in the small fishermen village in Loh Liang, the largest settlement on Komodo Island. Legend has it that the Komodo dragons that live on the island are descendants of Orah, the dragon borne to the Dragon Princess. It is believed that throughout the century of sharing the same land and honouring the legend, Komodo villagers can communicate with the dragons.
Be prepared to witness ancient creatures at their most natural habitat. While the Komodo dragons may seem docile at first sight, your guide will always remind you to be extra cautious and keep a safe distance. Komodo dragons have an excellent sense of smell, so be sure that all wounds are clean and nothing forbidden is in your bag as they can smell blood even from a far distance. Although the dragons are the main highlight of the Komodo Island tour, those who wish to see more wildlife can go on a longer trek.
Pink beach
Pink Beach on Komodo Island is one of the only seven places on the planet where sand produces remarkable pink hues. The origin of Komodo’s Pink Beach is due to many red corals crushed by the waves, mixed with brilliant white grains of sand. The sight of bright pink sand and crystal clear blue waters is surreal – the true definition of paradise found only during the Komodo Island tour. The fairytale beach faces a reef full of exotic fish and colourful corals, making it a perfect location for wide-angle drone footage, not just photos. Some say it resembles cotton candy and is terrific during sunset.
Interestingly, the Pink Beach on Komodo Island is one of the four pink beaches found in Indonesia. The other one is on nearby Padar Island, while Lombok Island boasts a few more. There are a total of seven notable beaches in the world, formed from millions of coral fragments mixed with shells and calcium carbonate left behind by the red microscopic creature, Foraminifera. Come early to enjoy serenity free of human interference, glowing waters, and spectacular raw and natural surroundings around Komodo’s Pink Beach.
Despite pink beaches present on Padar Island, the Pink Beach in Komodo Island offers a unique experience. Perhaps, the highest point on Komodo Island – Mount Satalino, which stands at 730 meters high above – adds that special touch. Locals will tell you of rare orchids that bloom only once a year on top of Mount Satalino. You will likely see the Pink Beach among every itinerary across Komodo National Park. Coupled with a visit to Komodo village and trekking for Komodo dragons, Pink Beach is an iconic highlight of the Komodo Island tour.
The famous Taka Makassar is known as the longest reef in the Komodo National Park. It is also one of the best sanctuaries in Indonesia to encounter the manta rays in large numbers year-round, as confirmed by marine biologists. This natural phenomenon led to various laws in the hopes of protecting manta rays species. As a result, protected Taka Makassar Point has become the most sought-after diving and snorkelling destination in Komodo National Park.
Another highlight of Komodo’s Taka Makassar is a crescent-shaped island with a pink beach in the middle of the sea, a supreme spot for relaxing and snorkelling in shallow waters. The experience may remind you of swimming in a private pool, although a more beautiful and majestic one with all the captivating Komodo Islands scenery around. Due to its small size, Taka Makassar Island is limited when it comes to exploration. Nevertheless, with its distinctive island shape and pinkish sands, you are guaranteed an Instagram-worthy shot, especially from a drone. The best time to visit Taka Makassar Island is during low tides.
While the manta rays are considered the focus of the Taka Makassar tour, there are many other residents in its nutrient-rich waters. In Taka Makassar, you can also encounter turtles, sharks, eagle rays, giant trevallies, huge clams, various sponges, and cuttlefish. Taka Makassar is so famous that you will certainly visit it during the Komodo Island tour or any liveaboard cruise across Komodo National Park from Labuan Bajo. As a stand-alone destination, Taka Makassar is within an hour’s reach from Labuan Bajo on a speedboat. Whether you are after an epic photo of the Taka Makassar Island or swimming alongside dozens of manta rays at Manta Point – Taka Makassar in Komodo will not disappoint.
Day 3: Manta Point - Siaba Besar - Labuan Bajo
This diving haven holds strong currents that attract mysterious manta rays in large numbers. Thousands flock to Taka Makassar’s surrounding reef year long to experience an intimate encounter with gentle manta rays. Thus, making Taka Makassar a real diving paradise for manta lovers. You do not have to go deep to take in the beauty of the underwater world here.
Ten meters is all it takes for you to reach the sandy bottom of Manta Point. At all times, be ready to meet the gentle creatures in their natural habitat. The base of Taka Makassar Manta Point is filled with plankton, attracting the manta rays to come for feeding and cleaning. Not surprisingly, the trip to Taka Makassar will not be complete until you encounter the only real star of the area – the manta rays. These gentle creatures are known to be harmless and pretty intelligent. Give them some time, and you will find that soon enough, many curious creatures will start to swim closer to you. It is a fascinating experience when you come across a group of 30 or more manta rays simultaneously. The more commonly sighted species in the waters of Taka Makassar is the Reef Manta.
Admire the underwater beauty of Siaba Island, our last destination of the day.
Siaba Islands is home to fascinating snorkelling spots spread among two main islands known as Siaba Besar and Siaba Kecil in the local language. Both Siaba Islands guarantee superlative snorkelling among sea turtles, which gave it a nickname – Turtle City. Besides vibrant marine life and coral reefs, the Siaba Islands duo is a pretty stop among dozens of nearby islands within Komodo National Park. You will admire idyllic, sheltered bays with calm waters along the coastal reefs. The reef around Siaba Island is 4-6 meters deep with healthy corals and sand patches around. Siaba is one of the best places to start diving in Komodo Park and will suit everyone. You’ll witness a ton of colourful fish schooling around corals, including the captivating sea turtles.
Siaba Besar is a snorkelling haven for beginner snorkelers. A great place to start is on the north-west side of Siaba Besar, where snorkelers can experience the beauty of a magnificent lettuce coral garden. Residents include harmless whitetip sharks, eagle rays, and blue-spotted stingrays. Further down, another attraction known as the Turtle City emerges where a large population of green turtles can be found. Snorkelers will be left amused by the gentle creatures going about their daily lives in this spot. Away from the Turtle City, there is a vast sandy area, promising terrific muck dives. Some of the rarest creatures are residents, including the leafy scorpionfish, spiny devilfish, and the less-sighted flamboyant cuttlefish.
Siaba Kecil, on the contrary, is where currents can prove to be stronger, but its topography is sure to amaze with sloping reefs rich in corals and sponges make up the tiny island. The focal part of the exploration of Siaba Kecil is encountering small invertebrates and nudibranchs alongside bigger fish such as sharks and huge schools of trevallies and snappers. Sea turtles are in abundance there, too. The end of the drift full of beautiful coral gardens – both snorkelers and macro divers alike will be equally happy on Siaba Islands