Overview
The itinerary at a glance
We board a traditional Indonesian boat in Lombok and sail for 4 days to Labuan Bajo on the island of Flores, stopping at the most beautiful spots in Komodo National Park. Click the markers to see each stage.
The journey
The programme day by day
Departure Lombok · Kenawa Island
Meeting at the port · Snorkelling · Sunset · Night sailing
Morning meeting near Bangsal harbour in the north of Lombok. We meet the group, make introductions, and head to Labuhan Lombok port by shuttle to board.
First stop: Kenawa Island. Snorkelling, swimming, and a sunset from a tiny paradise island. If you have the energy, the hike to the summit offers an incredible view of Rinjani in the distance. Then we set off for night sailing towards Saleh Bay, first night on the boat.
Tip: buy your drinks and snacks before boarding at Bangsal, they're much cheaper than on the boat.
Whale sharks · Saleh Bay
The most powerful moment of the cruise
Morning, wake up at sea. And then the trip's headline activity: swimming with whale sharks. The fishing boats of Saleh Bay attract them to the surface, and if we're lucky, and we were, we find ourselves in the water with these harmless giants. It's completely mind-blowing. Clearly the most powerful moment of the entire cruise.
The rest of the day is spent sailing towards Komodo. A long crossing, the perfect chance to read, relax on deck, and soak up the sun.
Ethical note: the whale sharks of Saleh Bay are artificially attracted near the fishing boats for tourism. We swim very close to them, in a somewhat chaotic environment. It's magical, but clearly not without impact on the animals. Something worth bearing in mind before you jump in.
Komodo Dragons · Pink Beach · Padar Island
The busiest day, and the most spectacular
Komodo Island : guided visit with a ranger to observe Komodo dragons in their natural habitat. Impressive, prehistoric, a little unsettling.
Long Pink Beach : a beach whose pinkish sand comes from coral fragments. Snorkelling, relaxing, a few beach games.
Padar Island : hike to the summit for the iconic view over three bays with different colours. One of the most beautiful views in Indonesia, and that's saying something.
Ethical note: the Komodo dragons, honestly, on the ground I found the animals a bit listless. Not very active, clustered near the visitor areas. Mass tourism on the island clearly has an impact. It's still a unique experience to see them in the wild, but temper your expectations.
Menjerite · Kelor Island · Labuan Bajo
Last morning of snorkelling · Arrival at Flores
Last morning of snorkelling at Menjerite Point and a stop on Kelor Island before arriving in Labuan Bajo in the late afternoon, between 3pm and 5pm depending on the weather.
From Labuan Bajo, you can take a small plane back to Bali or head elsewhere, it's the perfect ending to a Lombok → Flores itinerary without backtracking.
Solo traveller
The best place to make friends
I boarded that boat without knowing anyone. And honestly it's one of the best solo travel contexts I've found in Indonesia.
4 days in a confined space, shared activities, meals together, sunsets on the deck, bonds form naturally and quickly. I met incredible people from all over the world, some of whom I'm still in touch with today. No need to force it, no need to seek anyone out, the group just comes together.
If you're travelling solo and hesitating: just go, seriously. It's the ideal format for never feeling alone.
Honest review
My verdict
✅ Highlights
- Swimming with whale sharks, unreal
- The landscapes, Padar Island, Pink Beach
- The group atmosphere, perfect for solo travellers
- Sunsets on the deck
- Value for money
⚠️ Things to be aware of
- A lot of sailing : you need to enjoy chilling, reading, watching the sea
- Rough nights in deck class if there's a storm or swell
- The best spots are near Flores : the first days are mostly crossing
🌿 A word on animal ethics
Two things to keep in mind. The whale sharks are artificially attracted by fishermen, it's magical but not without consequence for them. The Komodo dragons seem listless in the visitor zones, mass tourism clearly has an impact. These are unique experiences, but go in with your eyes open.
My tip on direction: if you depart from Lombok, you sail a lot in the first days before reaching the best spots. The Flores → Lombok direction can be more interesting, you hit the highlights straight away. Another option: day trips from Labuan Bajo if you want to maximise activities and minimise time at sea.
Practical information
Everything you need to know
Prices
- Deck class (on deck), ~€210
- Cabin class (private cabin), ~€240
- Included: Komodo park entry, 3 meals/day, water, coffee/tea, snorkelling gear, port shuttle
Deck or cabin?
Deck: you sleep on deck under the stars, on a mattress with a blanket. It's the adventure vibe, you're in the heart of the group, but if the sea is rough, you really feel it.
Cabin: private double cabin with a fan. More comfortable, but warmer at night.
What to bring
- Biodegradable sunscreen
- Sea-sickness tablets if you're prone
- Snacks and drinks, buy before boarding
- Reusable water bottle (free water on board)
- A windbreaker for night sailing
The company
I'd rather share my thoughts directly than just a name, there are plenty of options and it all depends on your budget and what you're after. Write to me and I'll tell you everything.
Departures
- Several times a week from Lombok
- Meeting point near Bangsal Harbour, North Lombok
- Book in advance during high season
Planning your Komodo cruise?
Write to me for the company name, booking tips and everything you need to know.
