First, let’s talk about whether it’s worth it. Personally, I think it’s very worthwhile, especially for those who love natural scenery and animals.
Price:
If you have time, come to the local area and ask; you can bargain down to 1100k + 400k for the island entrance fee, which includes lunch and snorkeling equipment.
If you don’t have time and want peace of mind, book through a domestic platform, but it will be more expensive.
Itinerary:
Stay in Labuan Bajo. At 6:00 AM, there will be a car to pick you up from your hotel and take you to the pier. Pack a breakfast from the hotel if available, or buy some snacks in advance, as climbing requires energy.
There is free bottled water on the boat, with no limit. It’s best to bring a pair of sports shoes for hiking and searching for Komodo dragons, which involves a lot of walking. Gather at the pier and check-in, remember the name of your boat and the guide, as sometimes several similar boats may depart at the same time.
The first stop is Padar Island. The guide will set a meeting time, and then you start climbing. It can be quite tiring, but the view from the top is really beautiful (see photos 2 and 3). Any photo taken here can be used as a wallpaper, and it’s also great for taking pictures of people. It’s very sunny and hot, so make sure to protect yourself from the sun and stay hydrated.
The second stop is the famous pink beach. Don’t set your expectations too high; it is a bit pink, but most of the photos are edited. You’ll stay for about an hour, and you can snorkel here or take some photos and buy drinks in the shade nearby (see photos 4 and 5).
The third stop is the well-known Komodo dragon.
You’ll stay for about one and a half hours, and the entire walk is approximately 2.5 km. If you’re good at English, listen carefully to the guide; if not, read what I’ve written carefully. All Komodo dragons are in their wild state. There are staff members leading the way, and you must not leave the group.
Always stay behind the staff member, and do not approach the Komodo dragons on your own, as they are aggressive and their bite is venomous, posing a risk of amputation. You may randomly encounter various animals on the island, such as deer and wild boars (the food of the dragons). When encountering a docile dragon, the staff will direct everyone to take turns for photos.
The photos turn out well, so make sure to follow instructions and do not intrude when others are taking photos. There is a chance that you might not see any dragons, as they are wild and cannot be arranged. After seeing the dragons, you’ll have lunch on the boat (see photos 6, 7, 8, and 9).
The fourth stop is Kanawa Island for snorkeling, playing in the water, and taking photos (see photo 10).
The fifth stop is Manta Point for snorkeling with manta rays. Mantas are hard to see in other places! They are large and gentle, with no aggression. You can see many mantas from the boat, and you can get very close to them in the water.
They are remarkably unafraid of people. Despite my love for deep diving, I didn’t want to get wet this time, so I stayed out of the water. However, I have some fantastic scuba diving photos to share with you. The snorkeling experience was incredibly clear and memorable [doge] (see photos 11 and 12).
The final stop on our adventure is the turtle point, a spot that’s just as captivating as the manta point. Here, you’ll find an abundance of turtles that are equally unafraid and non-aggressive. Just remember, it’s important not to try to catch or touch them.
You can expect to return to the pier around 4:00 PM.
**Important Notes:**
– Avoid using sunscreen one hour before snorkeling, as it can be harmful to the coral. Alternatively, opt for a reef-safe sunscreen.
– While snorkeling and playing in the water, keep a safe distance from the coral. This is crucial both for your safety and the protection of the delicate marine ecosystem.
Some corals grow very slowly, and even a small piece broken off can take years to regrow. Additionally, many corals have stinging cells that can cause immediate and severe pain upon contact, followed by days of redness, blisters, and itching.
