If you're hanging out in Bali or the Gili Islands and looking for the next huge move, booking a komodo island tour from lombok is easily among the coolest things a person can do in Indonesia. Instead associated with just hopping on a quick air travel to Labuan Perdio, this boat vacation turns the journey into a four-day expedition across the Flores Sea. It's become a bit of a ceremony of passage with regard to travelers, and honestly, it's one associated with those experiences you'll still be speaking about years later on.
Why start from Lombok instead of flying?
You might wonder why anyone would choose to spend four days on the boat once you can just fly. The real reason people choose a komodo island tour from lombok is the stuff you see along the way. Once you travel, you miss out on the particular hidden gems in between Lombok and Flores. You'd miss the uninhabited islands, the particular secret waterfalls, and the chance to rest within sky full of stars with no city lighting for hundreds of miles.
It's also a massive money-saver if you're upon a budget. By the time you pay with regard to a flight, lodging in Labuan Perdio, and separate time trips to the particular park, you've most likely spent way more than the cost of the all-inclusive boat trip. Plus, there's a social aspect that you just don't get elsewhere. You're residing on a boat with twenty or thirty others from all over the globe. By day 2, you're all fundamentally family, sharing stories over Bintang beers as the sun sets.
What in order to expect from life on the ship
Let's end up being real for a second: these aren't luxury cruise ships. Unless you've shelled out a lot of money for a private charter, you're likely taking a look at a standard wooden phinisi-style boat. Most tourists opt for the "deck" class, which usually basically means you're sleeping on a thin mattress on the covered deck along with everyone else. It's communal, it's the bit cramped, and yes, people may snore.
If you value your privacy, almost all companies offer a several private cabins. They're small and may get pretty hot since there's rarely AC, but possessing a doorway you can close up is a get for a few. The restrooms are often pretty basic—think manual flush lavatories plus a cold water shower (if there's a shower at all). It's "glamping" at sea, so if you go in with the correct mindset, it's all area of the fun.
The meals is surprisingly great, though. The vessel crews are wizards at whipping upward massive Indonesian feasts in tiny galleons. You'll usually get plenty of rice, veggies, tempeh, ovum, and fresh fruits. Even if you're a vegetarian, you'll be well-fed. Simply don't expect the five-course meal; it's hearty, fueling foods designed for lengthy days of swimming and hiking.
The highlights of the particular itinerary
Whilst every company will things slightly in different ways, a typical komodo island tour from lombok comes after a fairly regular route that strikes all of the big spots.
Moyo Island and Satonda
Usually, the first big stop is Moyo Island. You'll trek through the rainforest for a bit to achieve a stunning waterfall. There's a rope swing generally there that's basically required for any traveler's Instagram feed, however the water itself will be the real draw—it's relaxing and crystal very clear. From then on, most motorboats head to Satonda Island, with a massive saltwater lake right in the middle associated with it. It's a weirdly calm, eerie place that feels like it's direct out of a show.
The long term across the ocean
There's generally one long stretch of sailing where you're out in the open drinking water for about 15 to eighteen hours. This is the time to catch up on sleep, go through a book, or simply watch the horizon. This part associated with the trip can get a bit "rolly" if the sea is choppy, so if you get seasick, make sure you've obtained some ginger capsules or those small motion sickness supplements. Most people deal with it fine, but it's always great to be ready.
Padar Island and Pink Beach
Once you hit the particular Komodo National Park, the particular scenery turns up in order to eleven. You'll wake up early to hike to the top of Padar Island for sunrise. It's a large climb, but as soon as you be able to the particular top and notice the three different colored beaches (white, black, and pink) curving round the hills, you'll ignore your burning calves.
Speaking of pink seashores, the park in fact has several associated with them. The sand gets its colour from tiny red organisms called Foraminifera that live on the coral reefs. Once the red coral stops working and blends using the white sand, it creates this incredible pastel pink color that looks nearly fake against the particular turquoise water.
Meeting the dragons
Obviously, the main event associated with any komodo island tour from lombok is actually seeing the Komodo dragons. You'll generally visit either Komodo Island or Rinca Island (sometimes both). These things are massive, prehistoric, and slightly frightening. You'll be assigned a ranger having a big forked stick—don't wander off without them.
The dragons are remarkably stealthy for their size. Most associated with the time, they're just lounging within the shade, but don't let that will fool you; they can move incredibly fast when these people want to. Seeing them in their natural an environment is really a totally different vibe than seeing an animal within a zoo. You really feel as if you've moved back to the Jurassic era.
Snorkeling with Mantas
Another highlight that people often overlook is Manta Point. The currents here can be pretty strong, so you'll usually jump from the boat and let the current go you along whilst the boat comes after. If you're lucky, you'll see huge Manta Rays sliding beneath you. They're huge—some have a wingspan of more than 10 feet—but they're incredibly graceful and completely harmless. Going swimming alongside them is definitely a pretty humbling experience.
The few tips regarding the trip
Before you decide to run away from and book your komodo island tour from lombok , presently there are a several things you ought to know to make your own life easier:
- Pack a dry bag: You'll end up being hopping on plus off small dinghies to get to the beaches. A dry bag will be essential to help keep your own phone and digital camera safe from splashes.
- Energy banks are living: Most boats only change on the generator at night, and you can find never sufficient outlets for everybody. Bring a high-capacity power bank so you don't need to fight over a plug.
- Cash is full: There aren't any ATMs in the center of the ocean. Bring enough cash for snacks, extra beer on the boat, and the particular national park entrance fees (which are often paid individually at the end).
- Sunlight protection: The sun strikes differently out on the water. Provide reef-safe sunscreen, the hat, and maybe a long-sleeve go swimming shirt if a person burn easily.
- Choose a reputable company: Don't just go with the cheapest guy on the street in Senggigi. Do a bit of research, read current reviews, and make sure the motorboat looks well-maintained. Protection at sea will be no joke.
Is it worth it?
When you're the type of person who needs the fluffy pillow plus a hot shower every night, this particular trip might become a challenge for you. When you're down for a bit of adventure and don't mind obtaining a little bit of salty and sandy, then a komodo island tour from lombok is absolutely worth it.
It's one of the few places left where you can really disconnect. You won't have much cell service, and you'll spend your days focused on the particular next snorkeling place or the following sunset. By the particular time you finally pull to the harbor at Labuan Bajo on day 4, you'll be fatigued, sun-kissed, and most likely ready for a true bed—but you'll also be incredibly glad a person did it. It's a wild, gorgeous ride through several of the most stunning landscapes on the planet.