Island Adventure: Hiking, Beach Relaxation, and Snorkeling Exploration Guide

I had previously shared some general tips for the three-day, two-night Komodo liveaboard. Today, I stumbled upon photos of the so-called “pink beaches” of Komodo, which left me speechless. The heavy editing in these images seems unnecessary and even counterproductive, as it makes the whole experience feel artificial. Despite this, Komodo remains a must-see destination.

The typical three-day, two-night itinerary usually includes several islands. While a day trip by boat offers a different experience, the liveaboard is the core of the adventure, with its limited onboard conditions. The company you share the journey with can significantly enhance or detract from the overall experience.

1️⃣ Kelor Island⭕️
Kelor Island is known for its small hill hike. In my previous post, I described the first day’s climb to enjoy the panoramic views. The scenery is beautiful, though not particularly unique.

2️⃣ Kalong Island⭕️
Kalong Island is primarily a spot for watching the sunset and witnessing the incredible sight of thousands of bats migrating at dusk. While it may not be breathtaking, it’s certainly a rare and memorable experience!

3️⃣ Padar Island⭕️
For hiking enthusiasts, Padar Island is a highlight. Only with a three-day liveaboard do you have the opportunity to climb Padar and catch the sunrise. You need to wake up at 4 AM and start the ascent around 5 AM. The hike takes about 30-40 minutes, and the early morning darkness reveals distant boats scattered across the sea.

The sun rises around 6:30 AM, and everyone captures the moment until about 7 AM. Afterward, the Phinisi boats collect their guests for breakfast. The iconic two-colored beach, even without editing, is less impressive up close. As for the deer on the beach, I’ll just say 🙂—judge for yourself. I wasn’t particularly interested in getting closer.

4️⃣ Pink Beach❌
The pink hue of this beach comes from coral debris washed ashore. However, the reality, often hyped by influencers, is that the color is now more white than pink, as our crew leader explained. The beach is also littered with coral fragments, making it both messy and difficult to walk on. This activity is mainly for sunbathing, and the onboard photographer will take aerial shots for everyone.

5️⃣ Taka Makassar⭕️
If you’re looking for a truly pinker beach, Taka Makassar (TK) has sand mixed with coral particles, giving it a more vibrant and finer texture. We were fortunate to see many turtles there, adding to the natural charm of the place. (Photos 12-13)

6️⃣ Komodo National Park❌
I’ll give it a 🙂… This was the most anticipated part of my trip, but it turned out to be quite a letdown. The experience felt more like an artificial attraction than a natural wonder. A few Komodo dragons were placed in a designated area where visitors could go, and then they “called numbers” for group photos, using forced perspective.

I found this setup rather silly and declined to take such a photo. The larger, more authentic Komodo dragons likely roam freely in the dense jungle on the backside of the mountain. My advice? Skip this tourist trap and save your 550K for something more worthwhile.

8️⃣ Kanawa Island⭕️
Dense snorkeling 🤿 awaits at Kanawa Island, where you’ll find a vibrant underwater world teeming with a huge variety of small fish and starfish. The crystal-clear waters offer a mesmerizing view of the colorful marine life, making it a must-visit spot for any snorkeling enthusiast.