Earlier this year, our Asia Product Manager, Rachel Gleave, shared insights on visiting the islands of Komodo National Park in another blog. Since then, she’s returned with her family to explore the islands first-hand, experiencing the resorts and a live-aboard boat journey. Here’s her take on the best ways to discover these extraordinary islands.
The Komodo National Park is a cluster of 29 individual volcanic islands set just off the west of Flores, an island roughly 500 kilometers east of Bali. The easiest way to get there is on an hour’s flight from Bali to Labuan Bajo, making it an easy add on to a holiday to Bali. In fact, Komodo is a perfect contrast to the lush green jungle scenery of Bali, with its rugged landscapes, pristine secluded beaches and vibrant coral reefs. My family and I spent four nights in Komodo, combining our stay with time in Bali’s stunning Ubud and the beach resorts of Jimbaran and Seminyak. We enjoyed two nights at one of the beautiful retreats on the island of Flores and two nights aboard a traditional Indonesian Phinisi sailing boat.
Live aboard Komodo Cruises
Labuan Bajo couldn’t feel more different from the vibe of Bali. Here, it’s remote and wild—not lush and green. Forget busy beaches and nightlife; this is a place to immerse yourself in nature, and there are plenty of ways to do it. With Komodo National Park growing in popularity, luxury resorts are now popping up along the coast of Labuan Bajo, the port town from which most boats depart to explore the park. The bay is filled with larger live-aboard yachts and speedboats, ready to whisk travelers off to the islands for the day.
The islands aren’t far from Labuan Bajo, but on a larger, traditional Indonesian Phinisi boat, it takes about 3–4 hours to reach the first snorkeling or hiking spot. Meanwhile, day boats zip to popular spots like Komodo and Padar and may already be moving on to Pink Beach or Manta Point by the time you arrive. While a day excursion allows you to see the main highlights, the pace on a live-aboard is entirely different.
On a Phinisi live-aboard, often a private charter with two to five cabins, the experience is unrushed and deeply immersive. There’s no need to hurry to each stop, as you’ll be staying in the park for several days, giving you time to savour the journey. You’ll anchor at quieter islands off the Instagram “must-see” lists, where you may find yourself the only ones snorkelling a pristine reef or hiking to a hidden viewpoint. These yachts can also visit the busier islands after the day boats have departed, offering a more serene experience.
This is why we wholeheartedly recommend a live-aboard experience, ideally for at least three nights, to explore Komodo’s at a leisurely pace. And don’t feel the need to tick off every spot on the “insta must-see” list—those are where the crowds are. The park has so much more to offer beyond these hotspots. The whole experience is more relaxed with sundowners by a beach campfire under a canopy of stars, followed by delicious, home-cooked meals on the boat deck.
Ananda Cruise
This is exactly what my family and I experienced on the Ananda—a beautiful wooden Phinisi boat that became our home for three unforgettable days, hosted by the owner, Max, and his wife, Nanna. It had three cabins and a shaded lounge area on the upper deck, the Ananda offered us a perfect balance of comfort and adventure. When we weren’t out exploring the islands, snorkelling, or jumping off the back of the boat, we spent our time relaxing on the upper deck, soaking in the view.
Max created an itinerary that allowed us to see the best of the park in the time we had, giving us time to truly appreciate the beauty of both the land and sea. Each day started with a delicious breakfast of fresh fruit, eggs, homemade pastries, and bread, and what our boys called “the best waffles ever!”
Day one was all about the under-water world, followed by a hike for sunset, a fire on the beach and dinner on board. Day two brought us an incredible visit to a local village, where it seemed half the residents were Max’s friends. They welcomed us with open arms, allowing us a rare glimpse into their simple lives on these remote islands—a truly privileged experience. Later, we arrived at Rinca Island to see the famous Komodo dragons. The setup on Rinca (pronounced “Rincha”) was exceptionally well-organized, with knowledgeable guides who prioritise the dragons’ well-being. We walked amongst these remarkable creatures and learned about their behaviours. Our afternoon was filled with snorkelling, followed by the boys jumping off the boat and enjoying a fun doughnut ride behind the speedboat. That evening, we moored off Kalong Island, where, as the sun set, thousands of bats emerged from the mangroves, flying toward Flores in search of food. Watching this spectacle was truly unforgettable. A day to remember and in the boy’s words – “the best day ever!” For me, this experience belongs at the top of anyone’s bucket list and you can find out more about the Komodo cruises on our website. I would wholeheartedly recommend it as a memorable family adventure or a special holiday. Paired with Bali’s incredible beauty, this trip made for the best family holiday we’ve ever had.
Resort based experience in the Komodo Islands
Of course, living on a boat for three to four days is not everyone’s cup of tea and may not fit within every budget, with nightly rates starting from around £2000. This price includes all meals, crew, experiences, and accommodation, which makes it a good value for what you experience, but it’s still quite pricey. Fortunately, there are several lovely accommodations near Labuan Bajo that allow you to explore the park by speedboat. While I mentioned that the speedboats jet past, the beauty of this option is that you’ll see much more in the time you have. Many resorts offer speedboat trips that allow you to pay less by sharing with others. Alternatively, you can opt for a private speedboat, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace or even venture out for more than one day.
For those who enjoy luxury, the new Ta’Aktana Resort features beautiful rooms and villas, some with pools and others situated over the water. The food is exceptional, and the cocktails at their sundowner bar are even better!
If you prefer a more traditional style, the Plataran Resort offers a collection of authentic Indonesian residences, filled with beautiful antiques and local fabrics. It fronts a quiet cove and features a gorgeous beach club with a relaxed vibe.
A simpler option that captured my heart is Sudamala, located on the small nearby islands of Seraya and accessible only by boat. Here, you’re away from the busier areas, truly feeling like you’re in the national park. Sudamala Seraya offers 24 individual thatched bungalows along a pristine white sand beach, creating a true Robinson Crusoe hideaway. You can snorkel right off the beach, and they even have their own dive school that offers PADI dive courses. A three or four-night stay at one of these resorts is likely long enough, combined with one or two days to explore the national park. Whether you choose to go diving or just snorkelling, both experiences are outstanding here.
Get in touch if you’d like to learn more or for a tailor-made quote. Our team would love to help you create your own Komodo adventure – here is a suggestion of how to fit Komodo into a longer two-week itinerary in Indonesia.
