Sailing Komodo by traditional phinisi sailing ship was something I had never planned on doing in my life as a traveller. But, as often happens with these unplanned travel adventures, our time on a cruise around Komodo National Park turned out to be the most memorable times I have spent travelling around Indonesia.
A traditional phinisi or Indonesian sailing ship is a beautiful way to explore Komodo National Park. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Sailing Komodo
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Our Komodo boat tour began the day prior with what was really a taster of what the group of islands has to offer. Komodo National Park is a playground for the adventurous, boasting natural treasures the likes of the world-class Komodo diving and snorkelling sites, pink, white and grey sand beaches, turquoise waters and dry savannas where the legendary Komodo Dragon hunts.
Related: Things to do in Canggu Bali
Silky white sand, shallow water and incredible snorkelling at Kanawa Island, Indonesia. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Choosing a Komodo Tour Package
You can book a Komodo tour from Bali. However, we spent some time in Labuan Bajo and Komodo Island before beginning or Komodo cruise. An overnight Komodo Island boat tour added another element of adventure that we embraced and ultimately loved during our Komodo tour.
Indonesia sailing tours can vary from the very budget, perfect for the backpacker to the luxury tours which will appeal to families and luxury travellers. When you book a Komodo tour package, transfers, meals, activities and your cabin are all generally included in the cost (tips aren’t of course), but make sure you confirm this before you go.
While we only experienced a one night Komodo cruise, we covered a lot of ground including Mesa Village, Kanawa Island, Padar Island and also got to spend time relaxing on the boat while snorkelling, meeting the locals and exploring the diverse and rugged scenery on foot.
We were sailing Komodo on the Raja Ampat Explorer. The largest of the Grand Komodo fleet. Thankfully, I shared a twin room on the upper deck (if you book a phinisi, I recommend you do the same) where the air was slightly fresher and the views were breathtaking.
The boat was clean and the crew were lovely. All meals were and activities were included. The boat itself isn’t a luxury yacht you would find in the Mediterranean. It would suit backpackers, divers and families on a budget.
We quickly made ourselves at home and settled in comfortably for the day and night ahead. The area where we spent most of our time on the ship was the upper deck where you could take in the scenery while relaxing on deck chairs and giggle with friends. One of my favourite memories from our trip was when our group was sprawled on bean bags across the deck in the darkness, looking at the stars in silence. Stargazing was something I hadn’t done in a long time and it was the ideal spot to do it to the rocking of the boat.
The sandy pathways and turquoise waters of Kanawa Island, Komodo National Park. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Kanawa Island
Kanawa Island is a paradise and an easily accessible site for the famed Komodo snorkelling, thanks to the Kanama Island Resort. Unfortunately, I didn’t work that out until we pulled into the wharf and I saw the underwater playground waiting below; the water was shallow and clear and the coral sat in wait. While others stepped straight in from the boat, I walked the boardwalk on to the island and made my way to the beach, relaxing on the sand, having left my snorkel and flippers behind.
Thankfully though I wasn’t disappointed either. The beach at the Kanawa Island resort was gorgeous and I had the stretch of white sand entirely to myself. The sun was strong, so I soon retreated to the beach bar to enjoy a Bintang, strangely soothed by the sounds of Brandy belting covers from the sound system. Labuan Bajo to Kanawa Island takes about an hour by boat.
Beautiful local kids who showed me around Mesa Island. Image © Skye Gilkeson
A friendly shop owner at Mesa Village, Flores. Image © Skye Gilkeson
The island of Kanawa, only some 15 km from the growing fishermen’s town ofLabuan Bajo on Flores, is fringed with a bed of coral reefs teeming with colorful fish all around. Its turquoise water is exceptionally calm and clear. Swimming and snorkeling are most poular family activities here. Dive down the sea from the jetty, and meet schools of fish that cloud the stilts. Hours would pass so quietly as you are busy with all of these beach activities.
The island of Kanawa has two bulging hills with fantastic panorama from its hilltop. Covering only 32-hectare or less than 80-acre land, the island is a hideout from the hidden, yet so close to the burgeoning harbor of Labuan Bajo. This could be the only resort class service that fits the budget of backpackers.
The Rp 250,000 per night bungalows on Kanawa may just be the perfect base for you to start exploring the entire, or part of the Komodo National Park. There is nothing you can do on the island, except everything that the water and the land of the national park around it have to offer. The observation of the Komodo dragon, the water buffalos of Rinca, the male and female palm trees, the savanna of Monkey Mountain in Rinca, and the scenic landscape of the national park are equally astonishing. Moreover, diving and snorkeling in crystal clear waters are just a short walk away when you stay on Kanawa instead of Labuan Bajo.
Amongst sparse beach vegetation that grows between a rocky hill and turquoise water, the eco-friendly property is a delightful ambush. People do not wish to leave too soon. It’s a seamless haven. There are also diving enthusiasts who love to share their latest engagement with the mantas, the wobbegongs, the whale sharks, or the pigmy seahorse found in the diving spots around the island. The music usually turns to become lively during the evening after a time-lapsing moment passing the unworldly episode of a golden sunset.
The island of Kanawa, only some 15 km from the growing fishermen’s town ofLabuan Bajo on Flores, is fringed with a bed of coral reefs teeming with colorful fish all around. Its turquoise water is exceptionally calm and clear. Swimming and snorkeling are most poular family activities here. Dive down the sea from the jetty, and meet schools of fish that cloud the stilts. Hours would pass so quietly as you are busy with all of these beach activities.
The island of Kanawa has two bulging hills with fantastic panorama from its hilltop. Covering only 32-hectare or less than 80-acre land, the island is a hideout from the hidden, yet so close to the burgeoning harbor of Labuan Bajo. This could be the only resort class service that fits the budget of backpackers.
The Rp 250,000 per night bungalows on Kanawa may just be the perfect base for you to start exploring the entire, or part of the Komodo National Park. There is nothing you can do on the island, except everything that the water and the land of the national park around it have to offer. The observation of the Komodo dragon, the water buffalos of Rinca, the male and female palm trees, the savanna of Monkey Mountain in Rinca, and the scenic landscape of the national park are equally astonishing. Moreover, diving and snorkeling in crystal clear waters are just a short walk away when you stay on Kanawa instead of Labuan Bajo.
Amongst sparse beach vegetation that grows between a rocky hill and turquoise water, the eco-friendly property is a delightful ambush. People do not wish to leave too soon. It’s a seamless haven. There are also diving enthusiasts who love to share their latest engagement with the mantas, the wobbegongs, the whale sharks, or the pigmy seahorse found in the diving spots around the island. The music usually turns to become lively during the evening after a time-lapsing moment passing the unworldly episode of a golden sunset.
The island of Kanawa, only some 15 km from the growing fishermen’s town ofLabuan Bajo on Flores, is fringed with a bed of coral reefs teeming with colorful fish all around. Its turquoise water is exceptionally calm and clear. Swimming and snorkeling are most poular family activities here. Dive down the sea from the jetty, and meet schools of fish that cloud the stilts. Hours would pass so quietly as you are busy with all of these beach activities.
The island of Kanawa has two bulging hills with fantastic panorama from its hilltop. Covering only 32-hectare or less than 80-acre land, the island is a hideout from the hidden, yet so close to the burgeoning harbor of Labuan Bajo. This could be the only resort class service that fits the budget of backpackers.
The Rp 250,000 per night bungalows on Kanawa may just be the perfect base for you to start exploring the entire, or part of the Komodo National Park. There is nothing you can do on the island, except everything that the water and the land of the national park around it have to offer. The observation of the Komodo dragon, the water buffalos of Rinca, the male and female palm trees, the savanna of Monkey Mountain in Rinca, and the scenic landscape of the national park are equally astonishing. Moreover, diving and snorkeling in crystal clear waters are just a short walk away when you stay on Kanawa instead of Labuan Bajo.
Amongst sparse beach vegetation that grows between a rocky hill and turquoise water, the eco-friendly property is a delightful ambush. People do not wish to leave too soon. It’s a seamless haven. There are also diving enthusiasts who love to share their latest engagement with the mantas, the wobbegongs, the whale sharks, or the pigmy seahorse found in the diving spots around the island. The music usually turns to become lively during the evening after a time-lapsing moment passing the unworldly episode of a golden sunset.
The island of Kanawa, only some 15 km from the growing fishermen’s town ofLabuan Bajo on Fl