Discover Komodo: Indonesia’s Most Breathtaking and Worthwhile Travel Destination
Amidst the azure seas and skies of Indonesia, a hidden gem awaits—Komodo Island, a surprisingly delightful destination that promises unforgettable adventures.
Your journey begins at Labuan Bajo (airport code LBJ), a quaint town with just one main road. For getting around, you can call a Grab, but only motorcycles are available; no cars. Alternatively, you can find a driver on the roadside. The hotels along the main road can be a bit noisy due to the nearby mosque 🕌️, which starts its prayers before dawn.
If you prefer a peaceful night’s sleep, consider staying in the mountains, though it will be farther from the harbor. The main road is also home to a vibrant seafood street and numerous tour booking shops. After checking into your hotel, take a stroll and find the perfect tour [PartyR] for your adventure.
Common ways to explore the area include a one-day sea trip, a half-day bat sunset tour, or a liveaboard experience. I highly recommend the one-day tour, which takes you through six breathtaking attractions, each more surprising than the last!
1️⃣ First stop: PADAR ISLAND, a real-life Zelda. You’ll need to climb, but well-maintained steps make it manageable. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen on a sunny day. The 30-minute ascent to the top rewards you with a stunning view of four bays, and you might even join a queue for the perfect photo opportunity.
2️⃣ Second stop: PINK BEACH, a truly pink shoreline that captivates the eye. Enjoy playing in the water, collecting shells, sipping a refreshing drink in the small pavilion, and watching the deer roam freely.
3️⃣ Third stop: KOMODO ISLAND, part of Komodo National Park, where you can search for the legendary Komodo dragons. The park entrance fee, not included in the overall tour cost, is an additional 400k per person. After a brief orientation, the guide will lead the group with a deterrent stick. Walking into the jungle, surrounded by mysterious animal sounds, adds to the thrill. If luck is on your side, you might spot seven or eight dragons of various sizes and snap some incredible photos.
4️⃣ Fourth stop: TAKA MAKASAR, a picturesque sandbar with very fine, light pink sand and crystal-clear waters. You can see baby sharks swimming in the shallow bay, and snorkeling reveals schools of fully transparent small fish, creating a magical underwater scene.
5️⃣ Fifth stop: MANTA POINT, a deep-sea spot far from the shore, where the guide leads everyone to find the graceful and massive manta rays. With a bit of luck, you can encounter five or six of these gentle giants swimming leisurely, quite close by, and even spot a huge turtle 🐢. The water isn’t very calm, so be cautious!
6️⃣ Sixth stop: SIABA ISLAND, the final snorkeling spot to explore vibrant corals 🪸 and turtles in the deep sea. Visibility is excellent, allowing you to swim around and discover the underwater wonders.
The entire trip lasts about nine hours and is not too tiring. After returning to the dock, they will take you back to your hotel, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime. I highly recommend the one-day tour, which is flawless throughout! Of course, good weather is also essential [SneakyLaughR].
Stay tuned for my next post, where I’ll dive into the enchanting half-day bat sunset tour [ShyR].
