Located to the east of Bali and Lombok, Komodo National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site, home to the legendary endemic Komodo dragon and one of the most sought-after cruising grounds in Indonesia. Jurassic island peaks coated in savannah grasses and lontar palms meet scintillating blue seas, and there are countless beautiful underwater sites to be found just footsteps from the beach.
Cruises in this region can include Bali, Lombok, Sumbawa, Flores, Sumba and the Alor archipelago.
ON LAND
On an expeditionary voyage in Indonesia in 1854, naturalist Alfred Wallace observed that between the islands of Bali and Lombok, which are separated by a short stretch of water, there is a significant change in flora and fauna. This channel is now known as the Wallace Line and marks a zone where Asian wildlife meets Australasian wildlife.
Stretching east from Bali lies Lombok, Sumbawa, Moyo and Flores – these isles host a wealth of interesting sights above land. The famed islands of Komodo National Park are known for the endemic Komodo dragons, respected by locals who believe they descend from one born to a dragon princess, centuries ago.
Rolling hills and mangroves in the north give way to craggy mountainous terrain in the central region, while in the south, Horseshoe Bay is about as close as you can get to Jurassic Park with cliffs shrouded in cloud and the force of the Pacific Ocean pounding the coast outside the cove.
AT SEA
With an official count of more than 1,000 types of fish and 260 types of corals, the warm tropical waters of Komodo National Park are one of the most species-rich underwater environments on earth.
One of the wonderful things about this underwater playground is that around 60% of its dive sites are also suitable for snorkelling with their shallow, fringing reefs. Surfers can explore the surrounding islands of Lombok, Sumbawa, Sumba and Rote for perfect waves.
Strong currents mean schooling fish in large numbers, while pinnacles, walls and gardens are heaven for drift-dive enthusiasts. Some of the most famous sites here include Batu Bolong, The Cauldron, Three Sisters and Cannibal Rock – all of which offer incredibly different topographies and magnificent marine encounters.
SEASONS & GETTING THERE
Komodo National Park and the surrounding islands are best visited between May and September during the dry season. The islands turn from lush green to arid sable throughout summer, contrasting against the vivid blue of the sea.
Komodo National Park is accessed through Labuan Bajo airport with direct daily flights from Bali and Jakarta. Upon arrival at Labuan Bajo airport, your yacht’s crew will collect you for a short 10-minute drive to the harbour.
For one-way itineraries, you may start or finish your trip in other destinations, such as Bali (Denpasar airport), Lombok (Praya airport), Sumbawa (Bima), Moyo (Sumbawa Besar airport) or Sumba (Tambolaka airport).
SAMPLE ITINERARIES IN & AROUND KOMODO
