Flying over the Indonesian islands was an absolute delight, as we caught glimpses of Lombok's southern beaches and the volcanic landscapes of Sumbawa. Unfortunately, the Nam Air plane windows were quite dirty, making it hard to capture decent photos. The view over Komodo National Park was especially breathtaking, with lush green hills scattered over shimmering turquoise waters.

Labuan Bajo serves as the gateway for island hopping in Komodo, and that’s where we landed. After taking a taxi to town, we found our hotel, Le Pirate, which felt like an oasis amidst the chaos of an otherwise unremarkable town. To be honest, we weren’t particularly impressed with Labuan Bajo. The streets were dirty, the locals seemed a bit peculiar, and we didn’t feel very welcome. While the food was decent, it was on the pricier side. To top it off, the incessant loudspeaker prayers didn't exactly enhance the atmosphere. Fortunately, we didn’t plan on spending much time in the town, so it wasn't a big deal.

Le Pirate, however, exceeded our expectations. We had a clean, cozy room with a harbor view and air conditioning, which made for a comfortable stay. The hotel features a lovely restaurant and a rooftop bar, offering a more Western vibe, though prices are on the higher side. We also explored other dining options in the area and consistently enjoyed great food, especially at Bajo Bay Fisherman's Club.

Before embarking on our 3-day, 2-night boat trip with Le Pirate, we had one free day to explore. I was eager to visit Padar Island, so I inquired about available boat tours and ended up booking a trip with some teenagers from a nearby shop. The tour promised an exciting day, taking us to Padar Island, Komodo Island, Pink Beach for snorkeling, and Manta Point.

Komodo Boat trip

We woke up at 4:30 AM, excited for the day ahead, but ended up waiting for the boat until 6:00 AM due to the captain having a bit too much fun the night before. After a lengthy three-hour journey, we finally reached Padar Island, and it was absolutely stunning. The short hike to the viewpoint rewarded us with breathtaking views of the island and its three distinctive beaches: black, white, and pink. This was undoubtedly one of my favorite moments of our trip.

However, the next part of our journey wasn’t as enjoyable. We continued on to Komodo Island for another hike, hoping to catch a glimpse of the famous Komodo dragons. The process started off strangely with an old-fashioned ticket stamping at the ranger's office, which took an additional 30 minutes and involved a lot of money being spent. Due to the disorganization of the trip, we ended up starting our hike quite late. We could only manage a quick 15-minute walk along a marked path, accompanied by guides wielding sticks, but unfortunately, we didn’t see any dragons in the wild.

Instead, we finished our stroll near the kitchen area, where four lazy dragons were dozing in the shade. It seemed they were being fed by the guides, who roused them for some tourist photos. It felt like a contrived and overpriced experience—a total rip-off.

As expected, our schedule was thrown off, forcing us to skip the snorkeling at Pink Beach and head straight to Manta Point. Unfortunately, it was getting dark, and we didn’t spot any mantas. After making a few circles without success, we reluctantly turned back towards Labuan Bajo. We returned about four hours later than originally scheduled.

While Padar Island was absolutely worth the trip, the rest of the day left much to be desired.

Le Pirate Explorer

We embarked on another three days of sailing, this time on a proper boat with Le Pirate. We had booked this trip well in advance, as the boat only accommodates eight passengers, and spots fill up quickly. Le Pirate now operates three Explorers and a larger sailboat called Nataraja.

From the moment we set sail, we couldn’t have been happier with our choice. The trip struck the perfect balance between relaxation and exploration. The serene waters and stunning landscapes made for a captivating experience, and the laid-back atmosphere allowed us to truly unwind while discovering the beauty of the Komodo National Park.

We kicked off our adventure at Kanawa Island, where we snorkeled around the stunning coral reef and soaked up the sun on the beach. Our second snorkeling spot, Sebayur Island, was even better, featuring incredible visibility and a vibrant array of marine life.

To wrap up our first day, we anchored at Gili Lawar and hiked up to a viewpoint to watch the sunset. It was absolutely breathtaking—the light was spectacular, and I must have taken over 500 photos!

Another highlight was Gunung Sangeang, with its two volcanic cones near Sumbawa, billowing smoke and adding to the dramatic scenery.

The waters in Komodo National Park are incredibly rich in nutrients, thanks to the strong currents that often make it seem like a river is flowing on the surface of the sea. For most of our snorkeling adventures, the crew would simply drop us off and let the current carry us away, revealing a thriving underwater ecosystem. It wasn’t uncommon to spot turtles and dolphins, and during the right season, even whales could be seen.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t feeling my best the next day, so I had to skip some activities. However, our route included several incredible spots: Crystal Rock, Batu Bolong, Manta Point, Take Makassar, Mauwang Island, and Siaba Island. The first two are just rocky outcrops in the sea, but they conceal true treasures beneath the waves. The reefs around Batu Bolong offered the best snorkeling I’ve ever experienced—filled with turtles, massive tuna, countless colorful fish, and pristine corals that remain untouched.

Next, we headed to Manta Point, where we were lucky enough to spot a giant manta ray. We jumped in and swam alongside her for half an hour, and a smaller manta soon joined us. Though I didn’t capture any underwater footage this time, it would have been incredible to have.

Take Makassar epitomized tropical paradise—think bright blue waters straight from a postcard, tiny white sand islands, and full sunshine. We made a stop at Mauwang Island to access its beautiful beach, but the waves were too high, so we sailed on to Siaba for a restful night.

The nature of Komodo National Park is sublime, and the waters are incredibly clear. However, I did notice some litter on a few of the beaches, which was surprising given that this is a national park. I expected better maintenance in terms of cleanliness.

On our third and final day, we kicked things off with snorkeling at Penga Island and visited Mangiatan Beach. Our last stop before returning to Labuan Bajo was Kelor Island, where we enjoyed the stunning surroundings one last time. It was the perfect way to conclude our unforgettable trip.