SAILING THE KOMODO ISLANDS
SAILING THROUGH THE KOMODO ISLANDS
Imagine three days off the grid, sailing the open seas of Indonesia’s archipelago. No notifications and no concept of time. Think sunrise hikes on uninhabited islands, close encounters with prehistoric creatures, discovering life beneath the tides and watching the sun melt into the horizon. It’s the kind of trip that stays with you long after the tan fades.
A LITTLE CONTEXT
Duration: 3 days / 2 nights
Best Time To Visit: Dry season (April to October)
Cost: 3,750,000-6,000,000 IDR + tip
What’s Included: Two nights’ accommodation on the boat, all meals, snorkelling gear, tourist permits, a local guide to Komodo Island and transfers
Tour Company: Kahna Liveaboard
How To Get There: Fly to Labuan Bajo (LBJ)
WHAT ARE THE KOMODO ISLANDS & WHY VISIT THEM?
Between Sumbawa and Flores in Indonesia’s Lesser Sunda Islands lie the Komodo Islands — a cluster of three main islands (Komodo, Rinca, and Padar) and around twenty smaller ones.
Home to the famous Komodo dragons and a UNESCO World Heritage-listed national park, this region is a rare blend of volcanic terrain, pristine bays and one of the richest marine ecosystems found on Earth. It’s where the Indian and Pacific oceans collide, nurturing coral gardens that shelter turtles, manta rays, and schools of tropical fish. It’s one of the last wild corners of Indonesia, where untouched beauty meets natural wonder.
PHINISI: THE HEART OF INDONESIA’S OCEANS
A phinisi is a traditional Indonesian sailing vessel, originally built by the Bugis and Makassar people of South Sulawesi. These handcrafted ships have been the soul of Indonesia’s maritime heritage for centuries, used for spice trade, fishing and carrying goods across distant islands. With two masts and eight sails, they were designed to harness the wind, gliding through the open seas long before engines ever touched the water. Today, they’ve been reimagined as liveaboards, blending heritage and timeless craftsmanship with the spirit of exploration.
DAY 1: THE SOUL OF SEAFARING
KELOR ISLAND
Kelor is a tiny island full of charm, home to traditional fishing villages and a panoramic viewpoint. A short hike to the top reveals a backdrop of surrounding islands, framed by turquoise waters and lush green peaks in every direction. Just a 20-minute boat ride from Labuan Bajo, it’s a sweet taste of what’s to come.
SNORKELLING AT MANJARITE
The magic of the Komodo Islands lies beneath the surface — vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish in every colour, pattern, and texture imaginable. Snorkelling here feels like slipping into a kaleidoscope, a place to lose yourself in the ocean and deepen your appreciation for its beauty.
SUNSET WITH THE BATS FROM KAHLONG ISLAND
At dusk, the phinisi anchors in front of Kalong Island, home to thousands of flying foxes. As the sun slips below the horizon, the bats awaken and fill the sky, silhouetted against the fading light. It’s a surreal and cinematic moment, reminding you how wild nature truly is.
DAY 2: THE WILD HEART OF KOMODO
SUNRISE HIKE TO PADAR’S VIEWPOINT
Uninhabited and untouched, Padar Island is the icon of Komodo National Park. We arrived in the dark under thousands of stars to hike to the viewpoint. Rugged hills glow red in the early morning light as we climb the 1,000-step booty burner to the summit. From the top, the island reveals its unique shape and unfolds into three curved bays, each with sand of a different colour — white, black, and pink. Watching the sunrise from here feels otherworldly, a moment where I had to pinch myself and ask, is this real life?
PINK BEACH
One of Padar’s crescents is the surreal Pink Beach. Its soft rose hue comes from fragments of crushed red coral mixing with white sand. It’s almost hard to believe something so visually poetic exists. Although the colour has faded over time due to visitors taking coral, it’s a gentle reminder to admire without taking a piece home.
ENCOUNTERS WITH DRAGONS ON KOMODO ISLAND
Komodo Island is home to 1,800 people who share the land with the legendary Komodo dragons. Found only here and on neighbouring Rinca Island, these prehistoric creatures are the world’s largest lizards, growing up to three meters long. Guided by a ranger, we walked through dusty trails, spotting them up close in their natural habitat.
The island’s indigenous Ata Modo tribe believe the Komodo dragons are their siblings from the same spiritual mother. A belief that has preserved harmony between people and nature for generations.
TAKA MAKASSAR
We ended the afternoon at Taka Makassar, a tiny sandbank that appears and disappears with the tide. It’s the perfect spot to float in shallow turquoise waters, surrounded by nothing but sea and sky.
DAY 3: LAST DRIFT THROUGH ISLANDS
SNORKELLING SIABA ISLAND
Known as Turtle City, Siaba Island’s calm, shallow waters are perfect for drifting alongside green sea turtles as they graze on reefs. A quiet spot filled with vibrant coral gardens and schools of fish darting between reefs in crystal clear waters.
KANAWA ISLAND
The last experience of the trip and a small slice of paradise. Here, starfish, sea coins, and coral lie beneath the shallow waters. A perfect close to soak in the last three days of seafaring expedition in a place that feels slow, grounding and unhurried.
KAHNA LIVEABROAD
Before booking, I always do a ton of research — reading reviews, checking comments on cleanliness and the company’s ethos to ethical and authentic tourism. I found that Kahna Liveaboard checked every box.
The moment I stepped onboard, the boat felt like a floating oasis, with three decks for chilling, dining, and jumping straight into the ocean from the boat’s deck. The beds were comfy, the meals were nourishing (with plenty of options for dietary needs), and the crew made the experience unforgettable. Every detail felt intentional, soulful and grounding. It was exactly what slow travel should feel like.
Not a commission link but a genuine recommendation as I value supporting great, local businesses - a link to their website.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Sailing through the Komodo Islands felt like stepping into another world — raw, wild, and beautifully untouched. It remains as one of my most unforgettable experiences and a highlight of travelling through Indonesia. What stayed with me wasn’t just the landscapes or the wildlife, but the feeling of time slowing, drifting through turquoise waters and watching the day fade to night beneath a thousand stars. As each day unfolded to the rhythm of the ocean, I was reminded that the best experiences happen when the soul stays curious and open to wonder.
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Flight to Labuan Bajo (LBJ), Flores
From Bali - 1 hour 15 minutes
From Jakarta - 2 hours 25 minutes
Depature
The expedition wraps up at midday on the third day. I took a late afternoon flight back to Bali, which worked perfectly. The airport is small and check-in is quick. If you’re relaxed for time, stay another night and explore more of Labuan Bajo.
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Dry season (April to November)
Sunny days, calm seas, and perfect conditions for sailing and snorkeling.
Tours run year round into rainy season (November to March) where the islands turn lush and green, and everything feels more wild and alive. Keep in mind occasional heavy rains and rough seas can cause changes to the schedule and cancellations to occur.
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Bring enough cash (no ATMs or card payments on board).
Pack reef-safe sunscreen and a dry bag for your gear.
Drones may require local permission to fly within park zones.
Respect the islands — don’t take coral, shells, or sand home.
Cash required for the entrance fee for Komodo
National Park
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There are two ways to explore the Komodo Islands, depending on how much time you have and the pace you’d like to explore.
Liveaboard Tours (Most Popular)
Stay on a boat for 3 days, 2 nights
Preplanned itinerary from island hopping, snorkelling and hiking
Inclusive of all meals
Varies from budget to luxury boats (shared cabins or private suites).
Self Expedition
Stay in Labuan Bajo and do daily boat tours
Less immersive but good for those who prefer a land-based stay
