wanua adventure komodo tour

Wanua Adventure

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WANUA ADVENTURE (Labuan Bajo) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

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• #Departure: Every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday (subject to weather conditions).
• #We travels with 9 big boats that have capacity for 15 to 45 people – all depending on the size of the boat.

Wanua Adventure 4D3N Komodo Sailing From Lombok to Labuan Bajo

Open Trip 4 Days 3 Nights

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Wanua Adventure 4D3N Komodo Sailing From Lombok to Labuan Bajo 4 Days 3 Nights

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Wanua Adventure establish since 1994 by Mr. Kaharudin. Before he builds Wanua Adventure, he is a Boat captain that has many experience and found many new tourist destinations in Flores Island. Now, Wanua Adventure is one of the best travel agent in Labuan Bajo that will help you to plan and bring you to many tourist destination arround Lombok and Labuan Bajo and we do have experience to bring you to the place that not many tourist visit, but still beauty and worth to visit.

The Komodo tour packages by Wanua Adventure will take you to another world, Heaven on Earth, from an island to another, from a paradise to another. Wanua Adventure aims to gather the most exciting things to do and the most beautiful places to explore in Flores island and the Komodo National Park, a UNESCO world heritage.

Wanua Adventure will help you make your trip your ultimate travel experience and the best Komodo Island tour you can find! Discover more about Flores, Komodo liveaboard and our Komodo Island trip from Lombok to Labuan Bajo, which offer unique Komodo tour packages and cruising experiences beyond expectations.

Departure : Every Monday & Thursday

Wanua Adventure's Itinerary Program

Day 1: meeting point bangsal harbour - kayangan - kenawa island.

We all gather between 08.30 - 09.30 at our meeting point close to Bangsal harbour, North Lombok. We welcome you with a drink and a little snack, waiting until every guest has arrived and checked in. After that we will drive to the port of East Lombok (Kayangan Harbour). Activities for this day will be snorkelling, swimming and enjoying the sunset. Optional : you can hike the mountain on Kenawa island for a breathtaking view. Then, sailing during night to Saleh Bay

Day 2: Whale Shark Point (Saleh Bay, Sumbawa)

Here will sailing to saleh bay to find schools of the great Whale shark and swim together with this majestic creature if we lucky we will find a lot of them swim close to the fisherman boat.

Day 3: Komodo Island - Long Beach (Pink Beach) - Padar Island

Start early in the morning, visiting the Komodo island to see the komodo dragons. After that, we will sail to Pink Beach (Long Beach) for relaxing, snorkeling or play some beach games. As it is aptly named, is one of seven pink beaches on the planet, and is just one of the many amazing features of Komodo Island that make it truly a Natural Wonder of Nature. At Padar island we will hike to watch the marvellous views offered. Don't forget your camera.

Day 4: Menjerite Point - Kelor Island - Labuan Bajo (Flores)

In this last day we are going to Menjerite Point for snorkeling activity, and then sail to Kelor Island for relaxing, snorkeling or play some beach games. The tour will finish around 03.00 – 5:00 PM, depending on the weather conditions.

Wanua Adventure's trip price

Our Price are non-negotiable. The full fee must be paid at check in :

• Cabin Class : TEMPORARY CLOSED
• Deck Class : TEMPORARY CLOSED

What's Included?

• Entrance Fees of Komodo National Park, Government & Snorkeling Fees
• Pick up Service from Mataram city, Senggigi and Bangsal Harbour Area.
• Shuttle bus transfer (from Meeting point to the harbour and boat)
• 3x Fresh meals a day (vegetarian options are available) with Indonesian food
• Unlimited coffee, tea and mineral water (Help the environment and use a refill bottle)
• English speaking guide

Wanua Adventure's Boat Facility

• Safety Equipment (Liferaft, Life Jacket, Ring lifebouy, and ect)
• Fresh Water and simple shower
• Snorkeling gear (a masker and a snorkel), no fins.
• Traditional simple fishing gear
• Charging points for electronic devices (We use sun energy)
• Small boat with engine for transfer to the beach
• Lockers to secure your valuables.
• Cool Box with ice for your extra drink
• For deck class we have a mattress, pillow and blanket per person on a shared deck.
• For Cabin class is a private cabin with a fan for two persons including a double mattress, a pillow and a blanket per person

Wanua Adventure Boat Spesifications and Capacity

Wanua travels with 9 big boats that have capacity for 15 to 45 people - all depending on the size of the boat. All our boats have a simple shower (fresh water), although a dip in the ocean is preferred by most guests. Unfortunately we can't always know beforehand which boat we will sail. This all depends on which boat is where and the number of guests. Sometimes we sail with two or more boats at the same time. All our boats are installed for your safety in the unlikely event of an emergency.

Wanua Adventure Boat Spesifications

• Length: 20m-25m
• Widths: 4m-4.5m
• Sail : The only to help the engine
• Engine: Yan Mar 20Hp – 30Hp
• Crews: 5 – 6 Crews
• Boat capacity: 25-45 passengers

Things have to carry:

• Swim clothes , Towel , sun block
• Extra energy drinks , soft drinks and snack

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Wanua Adventure

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Wanua Adventure - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Komodo Boat Tour – 4 Days from Lombok to Flores

The Komodo boat tour was the most amazing experience that I had during my two months backpacking trip through South East Asia. I booked the  4 days and 3 nights Komodo boat tour with Wanua Adventure . This tour departs from Lombok island and we went all the way to Labuan Bajo in Flores. 

Spending the days exploring islands, snorkeling and sunbathing on deck until the sun sets on the horizon was an unforgettable experience. At night you can watch the clear, starry sky until falling asleep to the slight swaying of the boat.

If you have enough time, I definitely recommend including this boat trip (or a similar one) on your trip to Bali.

Table of Contents

Things to know before you go

Here are a few things you should consider before booking a Komodo boat tour.

Which agency to book the Komodo boat tour with?

As I said above, I booked my Komodo boat tour with Wanua Adventure and I highly recommend them. Be aware that this is a back to basics boat tour: no phone reception, a very basic shower and sleeping on a mattress on deck (or in a private room if you pay a little extra). What I want to say is: Don’t expect luxury and comfort – it’s an adventure!

The crew of Wanua Adventure really did everything in their power to make this an amazing experience for every passenger. They kept the boat clean at all times, the food was amazing and they always made sure that everyone was okay and enjoying the adventure.

Besides Wanua Adventure, there are other agencies which offer similar trips to Komodo National Park. If you’re willing to pay more, you can even book a private tour and have a more luxurious experience.

Single day vs. multi-day boat tours

You can fully adapt the Komodo boat tour to your schedule and find a tour that fits your time frame. There’s even the option of doing a single day boat tour . However, for that you need to travel to Labuan Bajo first as those tours don’t depart from Lombok.

Personally, I recommend a multi-day boat tour to Komodo National Park. It’s an unforgettable adventure and the sunsets and the night sky from the boat are simply breathtaking. Plus, you obviously get to explore more amazing places on a multi-day tour.

If your time is limited and you can only do a one-day Komodo boat tour, then definitely make sure to include  Padar Island in your tour. This is the place with the most amazing view of Komodo National Park .

Where does the Komodo boat tour start and end?

The 4-day boat trip that I did departs in Lombok and ends in Labuan Bajo on Flores. There’s also the option to do the Komodo boat trip the other way around, starting from Labuan Bajo and arriving on Lombok.

Most other agencies offer their tours from Labuan Bajo and also bring you back there.

How much does a Komodo boat tour cost?

The 4 days and 3 nights trip with Wanua Adventure in deck class costs about 150€.  If you prefer to have some more privacy and comfort you can book a private room for 200€.

This includes an entrance fee to Komodo National Park, a government fee and a snorkelling fee.

What's included in a Komodo boat tour?

The Komodo boat tour is an all inclusive tour with  3 freshly prepared meals per day , unlimited coffee, tea and water. If you want to bring additional drinks you have the chance to buy them in advance and cool them on board. Also, I recommend bringing some snacks in case you have cravings in-between meals.

Snorkelling grear (mask and snorkel) is also provided, as well as basic fishing gear .

There are some charging points on board for your electric devices, but don’t rely on them. Sometimes they don’t work and there are also not enough for everyone to charge their devices.

What to bring on a Komodo boat tour

The Komodo boat tour is an all-inclusive adventure but there are some essentials that you should definitely pack for the trip.

• Power bank I love this one  because it has enough power to charge your device several times, which will be very useful on this multi-day boart trip-
• Towel These microfiber travel towels  are ideal because they’re lightweight, they dry fast and they don’t take much space.
• Sun screen & hat
• Extra drinks (beer, cider, soft drinks)
• Sweater for fresh nights
• Camera I use the Sony Alpha A6000 , which is a compact and lightweight camera, ideal for photography beginners.

Day 1: Lombok and Kenawa Island

Before the Komodo boat tour I had been staying in the beach town Kuta in Lombok. I was picked up from my hostel early in the morning and after a long drive we arrived in Bangsal. This was the meeting point of all passengers and the guides. Everyone checked in, was served traditional Indonesian breakfast and was assigned to their boat. Then we hopped onto another van and drove for 3 more hours to the harbor of Kayangan in East Lombok .

Full of excitement for the adventure ahead of me, I boarded the boat  together with the other passengers  and we headed out to the sea.

I had booked deck class which meant sleeping on a mattress next to the other passengers on deck. This was the most affordable option and I was stoked about the feeling of the light ocean breeze at night. Those who had booked a private room had a bit more comfort and privacy as they could close the door to their room.

While the space on deck was quite limited and the mattresses were close to each other, I was happy about my decision to sleep on deck. It was really comfortable and there was fresh air all the time.

Once everyone was settled, lunch was served. We ate together and started getting to know the other passengers. 

After lunch we made our first stop at Kenawa island . On the small uninhabited island there’s nothing but a snack vendor and small restaurant on the beach. A narrow path leads across the island up to the top of a hill. The sun was already low and shining a beautiful golden light on the grass-covered ground. We hiked up the little hill and watched the stunning view of the sunset from there.

When the sun had almost set we headed back to the boat and made our way to Bola island where we anchored and stayed the night. 

I was excited for the first night on board, wondering if I would sleep well. It took me a while to fall asleep but I loved the adventurous feeling of being out on the ocean. After a while I finally fell asleep to the soft swaying of the boat. At 2 am the howling of the starting engine woke me up. We had to get going to arrive to our next stop on time.

Day 2: Moyo Island

On the second day we had an early start as we woke up with the rising sun. Before breakfast we could already jump from the boat and have a morning swim. The fresh air paired with the tranquility of a remote bay and the morning sun kissing our skin was so calming. This is what pure happiness and joy feels like.

After breakfast and my first essential cup of coffee we explored Moyo Island and hiked to a picturesque waterfall. We spent about an hour there climbing the waterfall, jumping into the cool water, and taking photos. The remaining day was to our own disposal for sunbathing on the beach, snorkelling or simply chilling on the boat.

Time passed rapidly and suddenly the sun had started to set. The sunsets from the boat are amazing. Sitting on the deck, becoming friends with the other travelers and watching the sun go down out on the open sea is magical.

What I hadn’t expected at that point was that the most magical moment of the day was yet to come. Once it got dark I headed up to the deck again and I was absolutely overwhelmed by the view. The deep black sky was full of stars .

As we were in the middle of nowhere out on the ocean, there was no light pollution at all. I lied down on my back and looked up while feeling the movement of the boat. In moments like this, I realize how small I am.

I also realized that I’m on the other side of the world, out on the sea for 4 days with people I  didn’t  know before, all by myself. These are the kind of moments where I start thinking about life and being grateful for everything.

Day 3: Komodo Island and Pink Beach

On the third day it was time to visit the famous Komodo dragons on Komodo Island. The dragons only live in and around Komodo National Park and they can kill a human with only one bite when they attack.

Komodo Island

I was excited to see those deathly animals in their natural habitat. We got a guided tour by a ranger who would answer all our questions about the Komodo dragons. 

To be honest, I had expected Komodo Island to be more impressive a s I had heard a lot about it before. We didn’t see many Komodo dragons because they usually like to hide. The walk through the island wasn’t exceptional either. But anyways, it was nice to spot at least a few Komodo dragons and to learn more about them.

The second stop on day 3 of the Komodo boat tour was Pink Beach . It has this name because the sand has a pinkish tone. At first I didn’t see it at all – when I hear “Pink Beach” I imagine something different than this. But, when looking closely and from the right angle you can see some red shiny particles in the sand.

Pieces of broken coral reef are washed ashore and make the sand shimmer in pink.  What surprised me was that on the photos on Google the beach looks completely pink. I’m not quite sure if these photos are edited or if the color depends on factors like the weather or the season as well.

But anyways – pink or not pink – the beach is amazing. We went snorkelling in the warm turquoise waters and saw lots of marine life. Unfortunately, the coral reefs are devastated because too many visitors are careless and step on them.

There’s a small hill on one end of the beach – and of course I wanted to hike it. When there’s a hill with a beautiful view almost nothing keeps me from climbing it. And it was absolutely worth it. It took less than 10 minutes to get to the top and the view was stunning. There’s another beach on the other side, surrounded by greenish hills that look like they’re from a fantasy world.

After a couple of hours at Pink Beach we had to go back on board as we still had a far way ahead of us that day. We spent the afternoon sunbathing on the deck, reading and socializing while the boat was bringing us closer to our destination.

When we reached the place where we’d spend the night we threw a little boat party as it was our last evening on board. The sunset was stunning again, just like the days before. We enjoyed each other’s company, played games and had fun until everyone got too tired from that day’s adventures and went to bed.

Day 4: Padar island, Rinca island and Labuan Bajo

The last day was my personal highlight of the Komodo boat tour. Watching the s unrise on Padar Island  beat everything we had experienced so far.

Padar island

The alarm rang us out of bed at 5 am and the crew dropped us off at Padar Island right after. It was still pitch black and we didn’t see much of the island yet.

Together with travelers from other boats who had the same schedule we hiked up a hill from where we’d watch the sunrise. To secure us a good spot on the top we were almost running up and overtaking others.

The top of the hill on Padar island was quite crowded, but luckily we found a perfect spot to sit down and enjoy the view. As the sun was about to rise, the darkness disappeared and it revealed the spectacular view of our surroundings. Everything looked so surreal. The formation of the island is absolutely unique and the pink-ish light of the sunrise made it look even more impressive.

When there was enough light we took turns in taking photos of each other. Don’t be fooled by how empty it looks on the photos – we actually had to queue for 5-10 minutes to get a photo at this spot!

When we were done taking photos we made our way down again. Back on the boat, freshly prepared pancakes for breakfast awaited us. Everyone was still in awe from the experience on Padar island and we  couldn’t  believe how beautiful and unique this place was.

Rinca island

Then we continued the journey to Rinca island. There we could see some Komodo dragons again and we got a guided tour across the island. Personally, I enjoyed Rinca island more than Komodo island as the scenery was prettier.

Rinca island was the last official stop of the Komodo boat tour. At that point we had the option of either heading straight to the harbor of Labuan Bajo or stopping one last time for snorkeling and swimming. Everyone agreed on staying a little longer on the boat and adding another stop to jump into the crystal clear waters again.

After a couple of hours we made our way to Labuan Bajo, the final destination of the Komodo boat tour.

Labuan Bajo

When we arrived to Labuan Bajo we said our goodbyes to the crew and to the other passengers. I was so much looking forward to a shower and a proper bed like never before.

The first thing I did was to go for a delicious Italian pizza. I had been eating only traditional Indonesian food for the past days so it was amazing to have a European meal for a change.

Labuan Bajo is a lovely little village that is not very developed yet. Tourism has been growing in recent years because of the boat tours to Komodo National Park, but it’s still just a tiny fraction compared to a place like Bali.

I wrote a detailed guide on Labuan Bajo on where to stay, where to eat and things to do.

Komodo boat tour with Wanua Adventure - Yes or no?

If you’re into adventure and you’re okay with renouncing luxury and comfort for a few days, then the Komodo boat tour with Wanua Adventure is definitely the right choice for you.

I was traveling solo but I was lucky to meet these amazing people on board. We met as strangers and said goodbye as friends. Getting to know the other passengers and experiencing this adventure together makes it even more memorable. 

Coffee is the fuel that keeps me running. I put a lot of time and effort into creating blog posts to make travel planning easier for you. If you benefited from my blog, I would appreciate a cup of coffee! 🙂

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This was the most amazing experience during my 2 months trip through South East Asia and I definitely recommend it to every adventurer.

If you want to explore Komodo National Park without renouncing privacy and comfort, you can also book a private tour with a different operator. But be aware that this is considerably more expensive.

No matter which option and agency you choose, doing a boat tour to Komodo National Park should definitely be on your list for a trip to Indonesia!

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a world of destinations

December 3, 2020

Asia , Destinations , Indonesia

Indonesia , Komodo Boat tour , Komodo national park , Labuan Bajo , south east asia

16 Comments

December 5, 2020 at 8:26 pm

I want to jump into literally every picture in this post. What stunning views! I’m definitely adding this to my bucket list and will take your recommendations in the future!

December 11, 2020 at 5:42 pm

Hahah same here, I’d love to go back!

December 5, 2020 at 9:53 pm

This looks like a fantastic experience! I would love to do this tour one day.

December 11, 2020 at 5:41 pm

It really is a fantastic experience! Hope you get the chance to do the tour someday!

December 6, 2020 at 3:19 pm

This seems a fun tour. I thought I had read they had closed the National Park to save the natural habitat. I really want to visit but also feel scary looking at these creatures.

It really is a fun tour! They announced a closure from 2020 for a year, but then cancelled it again. Not quite sure why.. probably they’re dependent on the income generated by visitors

November 2, 2022 at 1:46 am

Hello, we are looking into this tour next summer and my only question was how did you get back? It seems at the end of the tour you are a long way from Bali which is where I would fly home from

November 17, 2022 at 9:47 am

Hi Leannie, I took a flight back to Bali 🙂

December 29, 2022 at 4:30 pm

Hello, where did you leave your big backpack at the time?

January 3, 2023 at 6:36 am

I took it with me and they store it in a room on the boat 🙂

January 7, 2023 at 10:18 am

Hi, I’m close to the Gili islands now, and would live to do this trip. However, I’m 56 and am likely to be a lot older than most of the other passengers. Honestly, do you think this will be a problem?

January 7, 2023 at 1:48 pm

I don’t think it will be a problem. You’ll have a great time for sure 🙂

July 7, 2023 at 10:45 am

ich bin Sven und ich bin jetzt auf deinen Blog gestoßen, da ich schon einige Anbieter zu der Tour durch hab. Wie war es denn bei dir mit der Buchung? Musstest du einen Betrag vorab bezahlen?

July 12, 2023 at 8:45 pm

Hi Sven, ich kann mich nicht mehr genau erinnern, aber ich glaube schon, dass ich vorab was bezahlen musste.

April 11, 2024 at 11:52 am

Thanks for the article, there’s not much information about these tours anywhere. How’s the condition of toilet / shower (is there even a shower?) on board?

April 12, 2024 at 7:28 pm

Hi Felix, that fully depends on the provider you book with. Them more you pay, the better the facilities. I booked a very basic low-budget tour. The toilet was ok and there was an outdoor shower on the deck.

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Hi!   I’m Maria, an outdoor-active traveler who seeks to go off the beaten track to discover hidden gems.   Most of the time you’ll find me exploring small beach towns or untouched places in the mountains to connect with nature. My goal is to inspire others to go out of their comfort zone and explore this beautiful planet.   During the creation of this blog, uncountable cups of coffee were consumed. If my blog is an inspiration for you in any way, I would appreciate your support by buying me a cup of coffee.   Happy traveling!

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Guide to Taking a 3-Day Komodo Islands Boat Tour from Flores

Taking a Komodo Island-Hopping Boat Tour is the best activity you can do on any trip to Indonesia. Typically visited on multi-day tours through the Komodo Islands Archipelago, Komodo Cruises do not set sail directly from Bali, but from the islands of Flores and Lombok. You need at least 3-days to visit the Komodos, and many travelers (including myself) consider it the highlight of their trip to Bali & Indonesia – Trust me, the Komodos are well worth visiting!

✔️ Essential Information

• 💵 Price: Around $550 per person private room / $250 pp dorm.
• 📍 Location: Boats sail to/from Lombok and Labuan Bajo, Flores
• ⏳ Duration: Most tours are 3 days / 2 nights.
• 👉 Note! Tours don’t run from January-March (Rainy Season)
• 🍺 All-inclusive , except for alcohol
• ✈️ Getting to Flores from Bali: 1-hour flight
• 🏆 Best tour company: I recommend Wanua Adventure
• 🚢 Different types of Komodo Boat Tours for any style of traveler or budget. → Read my guide to the different types of boat tours.

Please note that some links on my site are affiliate links, including Amazon Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases – These affiliate links help support my site at no additional cost to you. Read more about this on my privacy policy page.

The Best Komodo Boat Tour

If you’re looking for a tour recommendation, this open tour has both luxury & budget options.

All About Komodo National Park

Komodo National Park is a famous UNESCO world heritage site in Indonesia that became popular around 10 years ago with travelers looking to go beyond Bali to find pristine beaches and adventure. Komodo National Park is composed of almost  thirty separate islands,  some huge and some  super tiny. 

Each island in Komodo is incredibly distinct and worth a visit, and while you could just pick one island and stay as there are a few Resorts in Komodo National Park, most people choose to go “island hopping” and stay overnight on a boat instead. 

✔️ Quick Guide – Different Cruise Types

Is komodo national park closing.

🚨 UPDATE! 🚨 The Indonesian government has decided to scrap the idea to raise prices to Komodo Island! The entrance fee remains 550K ($35) for foreigners and 250K ($16) for Indonesians! 

There have been some issues in the past few years about the future of tourism in Komodo National Park. In 2019 Nine men were arrested for  stealing and trafficking Komodo Dragons  to sell overseas, which is both highly illegal and  terrible  for the natural Komodo Dragon population. The Indonesian government first planned to completely shut down Komodo Island as a response, and the locals who live off of the tourism generated by the park protested. The new plan is to raise the cost of entrance to Komodo National Park from what it is now, around 550K ($35) for foreigners, and 250K ($16) for Indonesians, to around 3.75 million Rupiah ($244). 

Locals from Labuan Bajo and the Komodo Islands who depend on tourism have been actively protesting the price hike, as they see it as a direct attack on their economy – as of right now, we’ll just have to wait and see what happens! What does seem certain at this time is that even if they increase the admission price to Komodo National Park, the Indonesian government seems to have lost interest in closing the islands for tourism completely. 

Where Is Komodo Island Located?

Komodo Island is located in Komodo National Park, which is a cluster of islands off the coast of Flores. Flores is an island in the Indonesian Archipelago that belongs to the East Nusa Tenggara Province. You can see on the map that Komodo & Flores are far east of the island of Bali, where most travelers fly. The islands of Lombok and Sumbawa lie between Bali and Komodo National Park, making overland transport between the two islands difficult.

How To Get To Komodo From Bali

You cannot fly directly from Bali to Komodo, and all travelers need to arrange transportation to Labuan Bajo, Flores, first. Labuan Bajo is also called the “Gateway to the Komodos” because it’s the port city all the cruises embark from. The only way to get from Bali to Labuan Bajo is by taking a short flight from Bali’s Denpasar Airport. These flights run multiple times a day, take around 1-hour, and usually cost $30-50 each way. 👉 Read my more detailed guide on how to get to/from Bali to the Komodos

Best Time To Visit Komodo National Park

Indonesia doesn’t have winter, spring, summer, and fall – instead, they only have two seasons: the dry and the wet. You’ll want to visit Komodo National Park during the dry season which stretches from April – to October. I sailed in Komodo at the beginning of the wet season in November and didn’t have any problems with the weather personally, but the people who sailed the weekend before me in mid-November had it rain the whole weekend!  So it’s better to go in the dry season if you can. 

Do You Need A Tour To Visit Komodo?

YES – You 100% need a tour to enter Komodo National Park. It’s actually  illegal  to visit the Komodo Islands without a guide, plus they can only be accessed via boat. So, it’s not a DIY kind of tourist location and you need a tour. 

Is Komodo worth visiting from Bali?

Komodo National Park is not an  easy  place to visit from Bali, since you need multiple days to explore the Komodo Islands + you have to take a short flight to Flores. But, in my personal opinion, it’s one of the most worthwhile things you can do in Indonesia.

💰Prices & How To Book A Komodo Open Tour

You can book your Komodo boat tour online through  Klook , which is a popular tour provider in Indonesia that accepts foreign credit cards. These tours can be “Open Tours” which means you’re just booking a spot. Usually, the open tours have up to 12 passengers on a boat. Or, you can book a Private Boat  tour where you charter the entire boat and crew for larger groups or families. As a solo traveler, I just booked a spot on an Open Tour. You have the option to get a room with bunk beds, usually a room of four, or a private room for a higher fee.

💰 Price of a Komodo Cruise: Komodo boat tours aren’t fixed rates and vary in price by the type of boat and room you book. My Komodo Cruise was only around $250 per person, but it was for a bed in a bunk-bed room. For a private cabin expect prices to be around $400-500 per person. This is the cheapest tour I’ve found , it’s less than $200 for three days.

💡 Tip: You need to bring cash to pay the entrance fee to Komodo National Park – It’s currently 550K Indonesian Rupiah ($35) per person.

🚨 Note: Most of the tour companies related to Komodo Cruises are just travel agents that work with independent boat owners – So make sure you see photos of the actual boat you’ll be staying on before you book!

Explore The Different Komodo Boat Tours You Can Book Online ⤵ 👉 -> Click Here to Explore Komodo Sailing Trips! <- 👈

12 Things You Can Do on a Komodo Boat Tour

1. get up close with the komodo dragons.

I’m going to be completely honest, seeing the Komodo Dragons on the eponymous Komodo Island was the least impressive part of visiting Komodo National Park . The Komodo Dragons are amazing animals that are deadly hunters with venomous saliva lethal to humans. That being said, the reason the island is open for tourism despite these deadly animals is because the locals feed the Komodos. Since the dragons are reptiles, most of their energy is spent on digesting – If you’re lucky, you’ll see one walking on the beach. But more likely than not, the Komodos will be sleeping off their big meals while tourists get their photos taken by their guides in front of them.

2. Visit the Famous Pink-Sand Beach

Komodo’s Pink Beach gets its candy-hued sand from the ground-up coral. The pink color is made bolder when it’s wet, so you’ll find the most beautiful pink sand at the ocean’s edge. In addition to being pink, I found Pink Beach was all-around one of the nicest beaches I’ve visited in Indonesia. There’s great snorkeling off the coast of the beach, and the white/pink sand coupled with  impossibly blue  water made for the perfect setting. 

3. Go Kayaking At Pink Beach

Kayaking at Pink Beach was just perfect. There was no tide on the crystal-clear blue water, making it super easy for us to explore the whole bay. We kayaked around all the boats docked at Pink Beach and the photographer on our tour took some  gorgeous  drone shots of us while we were out having fun that I’ll treasure for the rest of my life <3. 

4. Swim With The Giant Manta Rays (!!!!) At Manta Point

When we set off to do this excursion on the second day, the guides were trying to prepare us from disappointment in case there weren’t any mantas around. They are wild animals after all, and while the tour operators know their migration patterns it’s not a 100% guarantee you will see them. I’m happy to report that this experience completely surpassed my expectations. I was swimming along with at least 10 giant manta rays in an ocean corridor where they flock. 

Have you ever seen Finding Nemo? That movie was one of my favorites as a kid – there’s one scene where the main character Nemo and his little friends are off to school, and the “school bus” is a giant Manta Ray where all the little fish hop on. One of the coolest things to see was that this scene from the movie was based on real life! There were a ton of tiny little fish swimming under the Giant Manta Rays in Komodo National Park – just like in the movie! (Although it was too far for me to see if any of them were Clown Fish, like Nemo). 

🚩 Ethical Issues  – The Manta Rays at Manta Point in Komodo National Park aren’t fed, and you’re observing them from a good 10-20 foot distance, so   swimming with the Manta Rays was an ethical animal encounter.

5. Climb to the Viewpoint at Padar Island for Sunrise/Sunset 

The viewpoint at Padar Island is quickly becoming one of the most iconic photo spots in Indonesia. You’ll need to complete a 20- to 30-minute staircase hike to reach the viewpoint. Most Komodo boat tour operators schedule a stop at Padar Island either for sunrise or sunset, ensuring you get the best views of the island.

6. Visit Taka Makassar Island 

Taka Makassar is technically a sandbar in the middle of the Komodo Sea, and it would be paradise – IF it weren’t for the 100 other people there when we went 😅. Our boat pulled up at the same time all the other tours did, so it was a bit too crowded to be enjoyable. But I’ve seen some photos from private tours to Taka Makassar that make it look like a deserted island.  

7. Watch The Bats Make Their Sunset Migration At Kalong Island 

Every day at sunset the bats fly out from Kalong Island, where they all nest as a herd, to go hunt for the night. It’s truly an  amazing  experience to watch the hoards of bats fly out into the sunset! 

Around 6 PM you see the cruise ships, tiny fishing boats, and luxury Phinisis all dock to watch the migration. At first, the migration just looks like a flock of birds, then when you look closely you see the distinct outlines of the bat wings. While that sounds kind of intense, our guide told us that there are two types of bats on Kalong Island. There are large bats and teeny tiny ones. The large bats look scarier, but these are just harmless fruit bats.  It’s the tiny breed of bats on Kalong Island that actually drink blood (creepy!), but they never attack people, just animals. 

💡  Note:  If you’re afraid of Bats, don’t worry! The boats are parked at a distance.

8. Spot Sea Turtles While Snorkeling <3 

This isn’t so much an activity as just something you’ll run into if you spend time swimming around the Komodo Islands. The wildlife in Komodo National Park is so vibrant. However, even though on our last day on the Backpackers’ Boat we stopped off at “Turtle Point”, I had way better luck spotting sea turtles at the snorkel spots the second boat tour took us to. Our guide was great about pointing out wild sea turtles to us, I think we saw  three  (!!!) while snorkeling from Manta Ray Point to Taka Makassar Island. 

9. Experience The Glowing Bioluminescence While Night Swimming

Again, this isn’t even a part of a Komodo Tour – it’s just another AMAZING thing you will experience in Komodo National Park! Some people on the tour asked if we could go night swimming since the boat was docked. The guide replied,  “Sure, but just so you know the water might glow”.  

THE WATER MIGHT GLOW?!?!? 

Our guide was  super  nonchalant about it but apparently, there’s a ton of bioluminescent algae in Komodo National Park that is very safe but makes the water and sand glow in the dark. I had experienced the bioluminescent algae in the  Gili Islands  a few years ago and didn’t even know it occurred outside the islands. If you’re lucky, you might be able to see it in Komodo!  

10. Take Photos With Your Private Photographer!

One of the super-cool things about taking a more high-end Komodo cruise was that it included a private photographer who would take pictures of us on the tour.

💡 Tip: If you’re taking a nicer Komodo Boat Tour make sure it includes a photography service! Most of them do.

11. Hike To The View Point At Kelor Island

Kelor Island is home to another iconic viewpoint hike in the Komodos. Shorter than the hike at Padar Island, it should only take you 10 minutes to climb the dirt and rock steps leading to the lookout spot. Also at Kelor Island are some wonderful warungs where you can take a break from the sun and enjoy a Bintang beer or two (or three), and a small coral reef lies off the coast of the island. While we were snorkeling off of Kelor I saw many Parrot Fish, as well as a Barracuda!

12. Eat Really Good Food!

The meals on the luxury Komodo Cruise I took from Labuan Bajo were all next-level. We had fresh fish, fruits, and vegetables, all presented and plated in a very high-end way. I was beyond impressed with the quality of food on the Luxury Komodo Cruise.

Quick Guide to Labuan Bajo 

Labuan Bajo is the gateway to Komodo National Park where you will be starting or finishing your trip before flying back to Bali. Full disclosure, I was supposed to stay in Labuan Bajo for two days after my first Komodo Boat Tour ended, but I wound up staying  a whole month  because I fell in love with the town and the island of Flores! Labuan Bajo is a sleepy port city, but it’s a great break from the hustle of larger cities in Bali – plus there’s a ton to do from sailing Komodo to exploring the island of Flores overland. 

🏨 Where to Stay In Labuan Bajo 

Labuan Bajo has become famous in recent years for having these  gorgeous  all-white Santorini-Inspired hotels. The best hotel in Labuan Bajo is Loccal Collection, but if you’re on a budget Seaesta Hotel & Hostel is also amazing! 

Where To Eat In Labuan Bajo 

After a lot of trial and error, my favorite cafe in Labuan Bajo (where I’m sitting and writing this post right now) is Bacarita Cafe. It’s in the center of town, kind of hidden above the Starbucks. They do great coffee, western, and Indonesian food, there’s wifi, and the prices are really good! I also loved the Labuan Bajo fish market come nightfall. Lots of fish vendors line up their stalls and you order whole fish, which they then grill or fry fresh to order and serve with rice and sambal. My favorite was the grilled squid! 

Other Activities In Labuan Bajo & Flores 

Visit Rangko Cave:  Rangko Cave is a half hour outside of the town of Labuan Bajo and a very memorable experience. It’s a salt-water cave so you can float without effort – Rangko Cave has  crystal-clear  blue water you can swim in, and the only way to get there is by taking a tiny boat from mainland Flores so you do need a tour to visit.

💡Tip:  In the afternoon, the sun aligns with Rangko Cave to light it up naturally from within. Amazing, right? Well , that’s what everyone else thinks too! We got there at 10 AM and even though it was kinda dark we had the cave  all to ourselves  until 11 AM when the other tourists started flooding in and the small cave quickly felt crowded. 

Trek To Wae Rebo Traditional Village:   Wae Rebo is most usually visited on 2-day overnight trips since it’s a difficult location to reach. You need to drive 4 hours outside of Labuan Bajo (over super bumpy roads), and then hike 1.5-3 hours uphill to reach the traditional village. Once you get there, you can experience one of the most picturesque traditional villages in Indonesia. ▶  Click Here to Book a Tour of Wae Rebo!

Visit Cunca Wulang Waterfall:  Full disclosure –  Cunca Wulang  is the most unhinged waterfall I’ve visited in Indonesia. I think Cunca Wulang’s infrastructure suffered during the pandemic, and it wasn’t really kept up with – but if you’re into an  adventure , the reward at the end of the path is a pretty cool waterfall that not many other tourists visit!

Katie Caf, founder of Katie Caf Travel, is a seasoned travel expert who has explored over 30 countries and lived abroad in places like Egypt, Morocco, Mexico, India, Indonesia Thailand, Europe, and the USA. Her goal is to help other traveler see the world by providing first-hand accounts of what to expect on the road.

Lombok to Flores - 4 days and 3 nights on a Boat

Lombok – kenawa island - whale shark point - komodo island - pink beach - padar island - labuan bajo.

The Komodo boat tour was the most amazing experience that I had during my holiday in Indonesia. We booked the 4 days and 3 nights Komodo boat tour with Wanua Adventure. This tour departs from Lombok island and we went all the way to Labuan Bajo in Flores.

The Komodo tour packages by Wanua Adventure will take you to another world. You’ll explore the most beautiful places in Flores island and the Komodo National Park, a UNESCO world heritage.

Heatmap Of Geo-Tagged Photos

Related Reading:

Damn! I Love Bali (Book)

Ubud - Nusa Penida - Gili - Komodo National Park

• Kenawa island - Day 1
• Snorkelling with Whale Sharks - Day 2
• Komodo National Park - Day 3
• Pink Beach - Day 3
• Padar island - Day 3
• Pulau Bangkau - Day 4
• Labuan Bajo - Day 4
• Deck Class: IDR 2.800.000 PP
• Cabin Class: IDR 3.300.000 PP

Inclusions:

• Pick up Service from Mataram city, Senggigi and Bangsal Harbour.
• Shuttle bus transfer to the boat.
• 3x Fresh meals a day (vegetarian options are available) with Indonesian food.
• Unlimited coffee, tea and mineral water (help the environment and use a refill bottle).

Boat Facilities:

• Safety Equipment (Liferaft, Life Jacket, Lifebouy).
• Fresh Water and simple shower.Snorkeling gear (a masker and a snorkel), no fins.
• Traditional simple fishing gear.
• Charging points for electronic devices.
• Small boat with engine for transfer to the beach.
• Lockers to secure your valuables.
• Cool Box with ice for your extra drink.
• For deck class we have a mattress, pillow and blanket per person on a shared deck.
• For Cabin class is a private cabin with a fan for two persons including a double mattress, a pillow and a blanket per person.

Things to Carry:

• Camera for the extra ordinary landscapes.
• Swimmers, Towel, Sun block cuz you’ll be snorkelling everyday.
• Snacks to kill hours of sailing.

Two Weeks in Indonesia

Top 10 things to Do in Bali - Ubud - Nusa Penida - Gili - Komodo National Park

Day 1: Bangsal, North Lombok – Lombok Kayangan – Kenawa Island – Sleep next to Bola Island

We took the morning ferry from Gili Air to Lombok and then recieved by the tour staff. We went to their office for the checkin processes, safety breifing etc. Then we hopped onto another van and drove for 3 more hours to the harbor of Kayangan in East Lombok.

Kenawa island:

On the small uninhabited island there’s nothing but a snack vendor and small restaurant on the beach. A narrow path leads across the island up to the top of a hill. The sun was already low and shining a beautiful golden light on the grass-covered ground. We hiked up the little hill and watched the stunning view of the sunset from there.

Kenawa Island

Day 2: Whale Shark Point

Snorkelling with Whale Sharks

We woke up to the most exciting morning of all our lives. After a whole night worth of sail, we reached Saleh bay where the Whale sharks come to surface. The most beautiful sight you could have at 5:30 AM and it gets even better when you jump in the ocean to swim alongside them.

Day 3: Komodo Island - Pink Beach - Padar Island

After almost a continuous day and night sail, we reached the most anticipated part of the tour.

Komodo National Park

Komodo National Park is truly one of the most breathtaking places we have been. The islands are characterized by tall hills, white, black and pink sand beaches, and the waters sparkle in gem-tone blues.

Komodo Dragon

Komodo Island is home to the Komodo Dragon, the largest living lizard on Earth. A bite from these endangered species can be deathly due to its venom. Nevertheless, tourists flock to Komodo Island in hopes to see the creature in its natural habitat.

Komodo Dragon (Close up)

Pieces of broken coral reef are washed ashore and make the sand shimmer in pink. It’s not hard to show in photos unlike some pink beaches unless you edit them so much but this one, it’s pink.

Padar island

Search for Komodo National Park and a photo of Padar Island’s iconic views are sure to appear. Hiking up to the lookout point only takes about 30-40 minutes depending on your fitness level. The views in person are even better than photos. It was definitely worth the hike.

The Iconic Padar Island

We were taken to another Pink beach on Padar Island but people started flocking in by the time went and the beach started getting crowdy.

Pulau Bangkau

So the crew decided to sail towards Labuan Bajo to find a deserted island just for ourselves. After a 3 hour sail, we found one small island with just one beach.

Pulau Bangkau Island

Labuan Bajo

We reached the Port of Labuan Bajo around 4 PM. After bidding good-byes to our fellow travellers, we walked to our AirBnB, freshed-up and wandered on the streets of the beautiful and quite an interesting town.

Labuan Bajo is a small fishing town located in the western part of the island Flores in Indonesia. Although a part of Indonesia, it’s quite different from all the places that we’ve been to, for the past 2 weeks.

Places of Interest:

Labuan Bajo Harbour

• Sewa Motor (Rental Scooter)

We flew back to Bali, the next day, to catch our flight to Sydney.

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Departure Days at Labuan Bajo:

Every Monday and Friday at 07.30 AM

Meeting point at Wanua Adventure office at 07.15 AM Location : https://goo.gl/maps/WcaCM1tVK6Kg5pkM9

Trip Itinerary : DAY 1: LABUAN BAJO – RINCA VILLAGE – STRAWBERRY POINT – Arround KALONG ISLAND

– RINCA VILLAGE and GOA KALONG (mean: Bat Cave) we will do trekking around the village and head to the bat cave on a small hill at the end of rinca village

– DANCE PERFORMANCE by Rinca’s Village people Manca Bajo Dance and Animap Pop Komodo Dance

– STRAWBERRY POINT Best snorkeling point and you can do trekking to small hill with pink color

– SUNSET MOMENT around Kalong Island Best moment for enjoying sunset time, when the big bats come out of the nest to find food at night. Kalong Island is one of the islands which is a large bat nest in the Komodo National Park area

DAY 2: PADAR ISLAND – LONG PINK BEACH – KOMODO ISLAND

– PADAR ISLAND, at morning (sunrise time) we will do Trekking best view in there. we will hike to watch the marvellous views.

– LONG PINK BEACH, for relaxing and snorkelling.

– KOMODO ISLAND, Visiting the Komodo Island to Hunting Komodo by Camera

During the night you sailing to Moyo Island (14 – 17 hours)

DAY 3: MOYO ISLAND

– MOYO ISLAND, for snorkeling and visit the waterfall

DAY 4: KANAWA ISLAND – ARRIVAL

– KANAWA ISLAND, at morning (sunrise time) you can do Trekking best view in there (small Hill in a small island).

– KAYANGAN HARBOUR (East of Lombok Harbour) arrival apprx.8 or 9 am

– Kuta Lombok or Bangsal Harbour (via Mataram City and Senggigi) by bus

T R A N S F E R A G R E E M E N T

from Kayangan Harbour (by Bus):

+EAST LOMBOK TO KUTA LOMBOK vWe are able to drop you off at our drop off point in Kuta Lombok. Due to local rules and agreements we can only drop you off here.

+EAST LOMBOK TO BANGSAL HARBOUR (North Lombok) via MATARAM and SENGGIGI v For Senggigi or Mataram we can offer a drop-off at the nearest point of your accommodation, Unfortunately our bus can not go through Mataram due to the the amount of traffic which will delay our arrival time to Bangsal harbour. We suggest to take a taxi from the point the driver drops you off.

Bangsal Harbour is our last stop Arriving at the Bangsal harbor you can arrange where you are going (Gili Trawangan, Gili Air or Gili Meno), the crossing ticket is not included in our tour package. So, if you want to go to one of the Gili islands, please arrange it yourself at the Bangsal Harbor

W H A T ‘ S I N C L U D E D : – Komodo National Park Fee – Government tax, Snorkeling fee – Shuttle bus transfer to Mataram, Senggigi, Bangsal Harbour and Kuta (optional) – 3x Fresh meals a day (vegetarian options are available) with Indonesian food| – Unlimited coffee, tea and mineral water (help the environment and use a refill bottle).

B O A T F A C I L I T Y: – Safety Equipment (Liferaft, Life Jacket, Ring lifebouy, and etc) – Fresh Water and simple shower – Snorkeling gear (a masker and a snorkel), no fins – Charging points for electronic devices – Small boat with engine for transfer to the beach – Lockers to secure your valuables. – Cool Box with ice for your extra drink – For deck class we have a mattress, pillow and blanket per person on a shared deck. – For Cabin class is a private cabin with a fan for two persons including a double mattress, a pillow and a blanket per person

Boat Condition and Specification :

– Length : 20M – 25M – Wide : 4M – 4,5M – Engine : Yan Mar 20Hp – 30Hp – Sail : Only to help the engine – Crews : 5 – 6 Crews – Boat capacity : 25 – 45 Persons

Things to bring :

– Swim cloth , Towel , sun block . – Extra energy drinks , soft drinks, alcohol and snack – Camera.

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4D3N SAILING THE KOMODO ISLANDS WITH WANUA ADVENTURE – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

• Travel Guides
• June 1, 2023 June 20, 2023
• by wini.henson

One of the greatest expeditions we did in Indonesia was the Wanua Adventures boat trip from Lombok to Labuan Bajo. This unforgettable journey took us through the the pristine waters of Indonesia, allowing us to swim with whale sharks, visit the famous Komodo Island, and go on some breathtaking hikes. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of this incredible adventure:

WHAT IS WANUA ADVENTURES?

Wanua Adventures Indonesia is a travel company that offers various adventure tours and expeditions in Indonesia. They specialise in organising trips to explore the diverse landscapes, cultures, and natural beauty of the Indonesian archipelago.

Wanua Adventures offers 4 day 3 night boat trips from Lombok, an island in the West Nusa Tenggara province of Indonesia, to Labuan Bajo, a town located in Flores Island. They also offer 4 day 3 night trips from Labuan Baja to Lombok, so you can choose which direction works best for your schedule. This multi-day expedition allows you to explore the stunning landscapes, vibrant marine life, and the famous Komodo dragons that inhabit the area.

ITINERARY – LOMBOK TO LABUAN BAJO

The trip typically spans several days, with various stops and activities along the way. The cost of the trip includes full board, with 3 meals a day and a bunk to sleep in overnight. While specific itineraries may vary based on weather or other factors, you can expect to visit beautiful islands, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, hike to scenic viewpoints, swim with whale sharks, and have the opportunity to encounter the Komodo dragons up close on Rinca or Komodo Island.

Day 1: Departure from Lombok & Kenawa Island

The boat trip typically begins in the morning from Lombok. The group is expected at the meeting point in Lombok, close to the Bangsal Harbour, at 9 am. Here, you will sign in, meet your fellow boat mates, and buy any last minute beer/snacks you may want for the expedition. One the check in process is completed, you will board a van that will shuttle you across Lombok to Kayagan Port. The drive is around 3-4 hours on the windy and narrow Lombok roads, so make sure you pack carsickness medication if you’re prone to motion sickness.

After arriving in Kayagan Port around 2 pm, you’ll board your liveaboard vessel/home for the next few days. On this boat there are two options for accomodation – cabin class and deck class.

Cabin class is a private cabin for 2, and deck class is a mattress on the open air top deck of the boat with 30+ other people. The cabin class is nice for privacy, but the cabins are right above the engine room so they can be loud and hot. The deck class is less privacy, but open air so it is very pleasant in the evenings.

As you set sail, enjoy the scenic views of Lombok’s coastline and the surrounding islands. The boat will navigate through the crystalline waters towards the first destination – Kenawa Island.

As you approach Kenawa Island, you’ll see the beautiful white sand beaches and a big hill in the centre of the island. The boat will always anchor a bit off shore, where the staff will ferry passengers to shore in the tender.

As you arrive on shore, you can purchase a few beers or drinks/snacks from the local stalls. You can jump in the water or just sip beers and make friends with your fellow boat mates.

After about an hour, the group will begin the approx. 20 minute hike up the little mountain to the sunset viewpoint. We strongly advise you to wear sneakers instead of flip flops for this hike, because there are lots of loose rocks and uneven surfaces.

As you hike up the hill, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding ocean and neighboring islands, making it an ideal vantage point to capture stunning sunset photographs.

To make the most of your sunset experience on Kenawa Island, it’s advisable to arrive early and find a good spot to settle in. Bring a picnic blanket or beach chair, and perhaps even some snacks or drinks to enjoy while you immerse yourself in the beauty of nature’s daily spectacle.

The sunset on Kenawa Island is truly a sight to behold. As the sun descends towards the horizon, it paints the sky with vibrant hues of orange, pink, and purple, creating a breathtaking display of natural beauty. You can watch the sun set over the iconic Mount Rinjani, an active volcano located on the island of Lombok.

After the sun fully sets, the group will hike back down and re-board the boat. Dinner will be served on board, and you can settle in for a night of sailing!

Day 2: Whale Shark Snorkelling & A Day at Sea!

One of the biggest draws to the Wanua Adventures trip is the prospect of getting to snorkel with a whale shark! These magnificent creatures, despite their massive size, are gentle filter feeders and pose no threat to humans. Unfortunately, swimming with the whale sharks on the trip cannot be 100% guaranteed as they are wild animals.

We got really lucky on our adventure, and we were woken up at 5 am by the crew yelling “WHALE SHARK!”. We immediately jumped into the water with our snorkel and fins, and were able to snorkel with the whale shark for over an hour!

After the exhilarating morning swimming with the gentle giant, be mentally prepared for a LONG day at sea. The 2nd day of the itinerary is an 18 hour straight sail to Komodo Island. There are no other activities planned on day 2 other than the whale sharks at 5 am, so it’s a lot of time to kill on the boat.

Bring a kindle, download some shows, or pack a board game to kill time. The crew did anchor for about 45 minutes halfway through the day to let us jump in the water for a swim, but other than that you’re on the boat for 18 hours straight.

The sea conditions can be bad, so make sure you bring sea sickness tablets for day 2. Many people on our tour got very sick, and the boat quickly ran out of seasickness tablets.

Day 3: Komodo National Park, Pink Beach, and Padar Island

Early on day 3, you’ll reach the famous Komodo National Park on Rinca Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After a quick briefing, the park rangers will take you on a guided trek in search of the Komodo dragons, the largest lizards on Earth. Again, this cannot be 100% guaranteed as these are wild animals, but our group saw over 10 Komodo’s during our trek. You’ll be able to observe these massive lizards in their natural habitat, and ask any questions you may have to the experienced park rangers. Rinca Island also has other wildlife, such as wild boars, deer, and various bird species.

After spending the morning seeing the Komodo Dragons, the next stop is Pink Beach, named for its stunning pink-hued sands caused by microscopic coral particles. The water here is stunning, extra blue contrasted with the pink sand. There is also amazing snorkelling in the crystal clear waters. There are a few stalls on the beach that sell beers and snacks, so relax on the beach, and enjoy a cold beer!

What makes the sand pink are small organisms called Foraminifera. They produce a red pigment on the coral reefs and leave small red particles behind that blend with the white sand, forming a soft pink tint that glows beautifully. 

After a few hours frolicking on the incredible Pink Beach, the last stop of the day is debatably the most famous viewpoint in the Komodo Islands – Padar Island. Padar Island has a stunning vista and is located in the Komodo National Park, Indonesia. Known for its breathtaking landscapes and crystal-clear waters, and the panoramic view of the 3 beaches below – where each of the beaches has a unique colour. There is a black sand beach, a pink sand beach, and a white sand beach below! 

The hike to the Padar summit is a quick 25 minute hike on a path. It requires a moderate fitness level, and definitely wear good shoes as the path can be uneven at times. The hiking trail to the summit is well-marked and easy to follow, with viewpoints scattered along the ascent.

Watching the sunset from atop of the Padar Island summit is an incredibly magical experience. The sky lights up with beautiful colours over a stunningly gorgeous island and beach below. Soak in the views for your last night on this amazing boat adventure.

Quick note about drones – you are not allowed to fly a drone in Komodo National Park without a permit which costs 1,000,000 IDR. However, when I tried to inquire about a permit, a ranger told me he’d let me fly it if I paid him 50% of the cost in cash under the table. 

After the sun sets completely behind the faraway mountains, the group will hike back down to the dock and board the boat.

Day 4: Sharks, Snorkelling, and Kelor Island

The 4th and final day begins with a morning snorkel at Kelor Island. This island has a gorgeous white sand beach, with little stalls selling snacks and drinks. However – the real draw of the island is the snorkelling. The reefs surrounding the island are absolutely teeming with life! One of the most amazing sights is the swarm of black tip reef sharks. At one point, we saw over 10!

The entire morning is spent relaxing at Kelor Island, soaking up the last hours of the expedition! Around noon, the boat loads back up and drives towards the final destination – Labuan Bajo.

Around 2 pm, you will pull up into the Labuan Bajo port and slowly be ferried to the dock on the tender. There are plenty of taxi drivers waiting at the port to give you a ride to the airport or your hotel.

Day 4 Part 2: Party in Labuan Bajo!

If you’re not ready to say goodbye to your boat mates, don’t worry! Wanua Adventures hosts a party that everyone is invited to that evening in Labuan Bajo. You have the afternoon to have a real shower (for the first time in 4 days), get some food, and siesta. The party starts around 10 pm, and Wanua Adventures provides a shuttle from their office in the main town to the bar. This party is 100% optional, so there is no pressure to go if you’re too tired.

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

Itinerary : Please note that the itinerary may vary depending on weather conditions, park regulations, and special holidays. The above itinerary provides a general outline of the Wanua Adventures boat trip from Lombok to Labuan Bajo, showcasing the highlights and activities you can expect during the journey.

Food & Drinks: To be completely candid, the food on the tour was subpar. A majority of the meals, we were only provided rice and vegetables, with no protein dish. Even if there was a protein dish, the quantity was pretty limited. By the end of the 4th day, many of us were feeling sluggish and low energy. Especially if you’re a picky eater, the limited options can be challenging. Bring your own healthy snacks, because there are not many places on the tour where you can stock up on snacks other than junk food.

Free water was provided for the entire tour, and Wanua Adventures also provides you with a reusable water bottle at the start of the trip.

Alcohol is not included in the booking prices, so if you want to booze you need to bring your own beers/drinks.

Shower & Toilets: There is a shower on board, but it is on the public front deck of the boat. There is no privacy, and the best shower you’re going to get is a quick post swim 1-2 minute rinse. Prepare to be a little gremlin by the time the 4 days in up!

There are 2 toilets on board that are bucket flush style. Despite our boat having over 40 people and only 2 bathrooms, the line for the bathrooms was surprisingly never an issue!

Power: There are solar powered outlets provided for all the guests on board. If you have multiple devices to charge, make sure you bring your own extension cord so that you don’t take up too many of the outlets. The power is generally on overnight, and off during the day. Bring a power bank if you think you’ll need extra juice! Also remember to bring a travel converter for the Indonesian outlet.

Communication : Although the trip was incredible, the communication could be improved. A lot of times, we were left in the dark about what the itinerary for the day would be. Other times, they would only tell 1 or 2 people and not announce it to the whole boat. If you want any information, you need to be VERY proactive in asking the crew, as well as announcing it to your following boat mates. For example, on the morning of our whale shark swim, the deck class people were woken up by the crew to alert them of the whale sharks, but the cabin class people weren’t. Take matters into your own hands by asking questions, and informing your boat mates!

To see our full Lombok to Flores boat tour gallery, click here ! 

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• KOMODO ISLAND

by [email protected] | Sep 27, 2022 | Uncategorized | 0 comments

Komodo (Indonesian: Pulau Komodo) is one of the 17,508 islands that comprise the Republic of Indonesia. The island is particularly notable as the habitat of the Komodo dragon, the largest lizard on Earth, which is named after the island. Komodo Island has a surface area of 390 square kilometres and a human population of over two thousand. The people of the island are descendants of former convicts who were exiled to the island and who have mixed with Bugis from Sulawesi. The people are primarily adherents of Islam but there are also Christian and Hindu congregations.

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Komodo Island Trip Review: Sailing from Lombok to Flores

You know the saying, “third time’s the charm”…?  Well, that’s how many times it took me to come to Indonesia and finally hop on one of the Komodo Island tours.   I’m actually kinda mad at myself it took me this long, because the entire experience was absolutely incredible!  This Komodo Island Trip review will go over all your questions, the itinerary, and help you plan your trip to this amazing corner of the world.  After researching different Komodo tours, I decided to go with one of the higher recommended companies — Wanua Adventures .

There are a few of other options, but the most important factor of these types of tours is the boat.  ALL of the companies have the exact same trip itinerary,  so you want to get on a tour with a decent boat — which is why I chose Wanua Adventures.  They have departures from the Gili Islands / Lombok every Wednesday & Friday.  They also do the same trip in reverse from Flores – Lombok.

Compared to the other companies boats I saw, the Wanua Adventures boat was much larger, and seemed much more comfortable.  There was plenty of room in the main deck / eating area, and a nice spot at the front of the boat to enjoy some sun while sailing.  I’d say one of the biggest differences I noticed was that our boat had a great balcony at the back of the boat that was prime for sunset watching.  It also allowed for people to get into the deck (sleeping area) at two different spots.  Which really comes in handy if there’s a full boat.  It was also a great area to hang up your wet clothes and towels after swimming.

DAY 1 – TRIP DEPARTURE AND SAIL TO SUGIAN ISLAND

I’ll be honest when I say that this trip got off to a very ROUGH START.  The weather conditions were poor for sailing, and for hours the boat was making everyone a little queasy.  I do not get sea sickness, but even my stomach was a little upset.  After a few hours, the water smoothed out, and we made it to our location.  Even though the waters were a little choppy, the views of cruising alongside the coast of Lombok were stunning!   We ate dinner, enjoyed the sunset, drank a few beers, went for a swim, and had a little group bonding with our fellow travelers.

DAY 2 — MOYO ISLAND WATERFALL TREK & STUNNING SATONDIA ISLAND SNORKELING

We woke up bright and early around 7 A.M, enjoyed some breakfast and coffee, and prepared for the day’s activities.  The first was a mini-trek through Moyo Island to a nice waterfall.  Now, I’m not a morning person, and the idea of trekking that early was not my ideal way to wake-up, but it actually wasn’t bad at all.  It was a short 20 minute walk through the jungle to a tucked away waterfall.  Compared to other waterfalls in South-East Asia, it was nothing special, but still great to look at and take a quick swim in.  We then hopped back on the on the boat and made our way to Satonda island, which had some of the most amazing snorkeling of my entire life!

For more information on incredible diving and places around the world, check out my friends over at Dive.In .  You can get lost in their website for hours!

DAY 3 — GILI LABA VIEWS — MANTA POINT  — RED BEACH

This was by far my favorite day of the trip.  It was another early start of the day for a quick 20-30 minute hike to the top of the Laba Island View Point.  It was not until this moment that I realized how incredible Komodo and the surrounding islands are.  The landscape of the islands rising out the sea was incredible.  The hike was not bad at all, and was worth every drop of sweat for the pictures.

After the spectacular Laba View Point, we head back down to our boat, and set sail for what I was hoping to be one of the highlights of the trip — MANTA POINT .  Unfortunately, the water conditions were so rough that we barely got out to swim for a brief 15 minutes.  There was no chance of us seeing a Manta.  I had heard that on this trip they market that it is a possibility, but it is not guaranteed.   We then decided to swim to an amazing beach located near Manta point.  It is honestly postcard perfect.  The swim was actually pretty difficult because of the strong currents, but it made for some good exercise and even better pictures.  We got to do a bit of decent snorkeling, and then made our way to the famous Red Beach.  (Which too be honest, was a beautiful beach, but typical pictures make it look ALOT more red).

DAY 4– KOMODO NATIONAL PARK & RINCA ISLAND

The fourth and final day of the trip.  The day the trip is named after.  It’s time to visit Komodo National park and see these beasts in person.  We got off the boat and made the short walk to the entrance of the national park.  We were told that since it was mating seasons for the komodo dragons, it was actually pretty rare to see them on the island.  I could tell everyone in the group was saddened to hear that, especially after we hadn’t seen the manta the previous.  We began our tour through the jungle, in hopes to see what the famous Komodo Dragon.

Then we soon found out, that lady luck was on our side.  I turned a corner and saw our group taking pictures at a smaller Komodo dragon.  Our guide told us it about 3 years old or so.  It was awesome!  We continued taking our pictures until everyone was satisfied, and continued down the trail.  We thought our tour was over, and at least we saw a young Komodo dragon.  Then out of nowhere some yells “DRAGON, DRAGON”, as if it were a scene of Game of Thrones .  We rushed out, and saw this big beast just strolling along the beach.  We followed it for 10-15 minutes, all trying to get the perfect picture, and I’m happy with mine.

After the excitement of seeing two different Komodo dragons when the expectation was rather low, we got back on our boat and made our way to the last stop; Rinca island.  I wasn’t feeling very well, and wasn’t up for an hour & a half trek, so I just journeyed into the main area.  But still enjoyed checking out the visitor area.

After the group returning from the trek through Rinca Island, we set sail for our final destination — Labuan Bajo.  We did however make a pitstop for a quick swim and snorkel session at an island really close to LB.  The way back was full of beautiful views, and it was really hard to put the camera away.  It was a nice time to really think about the past few days, and how amazing this part of Indonesia is.

FOOD & DRINK

I’m a big guy, and I eat pretty often — so I was actually pretty happy with the food served on board.  You get three meals each day, and there’s pretty much always enough for seconds.  Most of the meals are served with some soy based dish like Tofu or Tempe, a vegetable dish, plain rice (and noodles occasionally), and a fruit platter.  They have tons of cases of bottled drinking water.  You grab a bottle, and write your name on it so you don’t confuse them with others.  There’s also unlimited coffee and tea.  Also — before you get on board you have the option of buying beer and soda from a vendor who will run to the store and grab them for you.  I brought 12 large Bintangs on board, as well as a bottle of Vodka.  (What can I say?  I like to party).  There were actually a couple nights where we had a decent party going on.  Music playing, drinks flowing, and good vibes.

USEFUL TIPS & INFORMATION

• Bring Snacks —  They do serve food often, but it definitely will come in handy after snorkeling or swimming to have something small to snack on.  Pringles, oreos, peanuts, and the ever so popular kit-kat.
• Bring a Book —  There were a couple times I found myself thinking I should have brought a book.  There are long days where you sail for hours, and it’s nice to have something to read.
• Sunscreen is your friend —  A lot of this trip is spent in the sun, and if you don’t want to look like a burnt lobster, then definitely plan on bringing plenty of sunscreen.
• Underwater Camera —  Whether it’s a GoPro or just a waterproof camera, you’re going to want to take some photos while snorkeling.  There is some amazing snorkeling, especially at Satonda Island!
• Plan Ahead —  I’m talking about your plans after getting to Labuan Bajo.  If you plan on exploring Flores, that’s great!  But if you have a plan on getting a flight back to Bali or Jakarta, book in advance, because flight prices can be ridiculous.  And I can almost guarantee you won’t want to spend another 3 days on a boat journeying back to Lombok.

If you have the time, than I couldn’t recommend this trip enough to anyone traveling Indonesia!  You’re comfort levels are tested at times, but it is absolutely worth it.  You’re guaranteed to see some incredible sights, meet awesome people, and have the trip of a lifetime.  Check out the Wanua Adventures website for more information.  I would definitely recommend traveling with them.  The staff were all really friendly, the boat was decent, and they showed us an amazing time.  I also have to give a shoutout to everyone on board our trip.  It was a pleasure meeting all of you, and I hope to see you around the world  again soon!

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SHARE THIS ARTICLE ! !

Hey Wilfred! Thanks for the comment. Glad you found it useful! Definitely get out to Komodo someday, it was such an incredible experience !

Thank you for this review! I will leave in ten days for Indonesia and I’m planning the same trip, but the way back, from Lauan Bajo to Lombok. I’m really getting mad trying to decide among Perama, Kencana Aventure and just yesterday I discovered Wanua Adventures. So do you think the last one is the best one? And can you tell me please the price?? I’ve heard that if you book directly there you can maybe get a discount, anyway I prefere to plan my trip to book other things, so I need to book it now.

Last question: on the boat can I charge the battery of my photocamera?

Thank you very much for the help and have good travel around the wordl!!

On the Wanua Adventures boat, there was a charging area behind the captains area that I used often to charge my camera, GoPro, and phone! There were a couple other ones, but I heard they didn’t work most of the time, but I never had a problem charging my stuff.

As far as the competition, they really are quite similar. I’ve heard great things about Kencanca, and Perama is definitely one of the more expensive companies. From my experience in South-East Asia, you get what you pay for.

I was on a tighter budget, so I chose Wanua — and loved my time. I thought the staff were great, the food was decent, and we got lucky with a great group of people.

For price, most people on the boat paid around 1.3 -1.4 Million. You can definitely bargain them down! It really just depends on what fits your itinerary best, and which companies depart on certain days.

Hope all is well man! Enjoy the trip! It really is awesome!

Dear Jonas,

thank you very much, you’ve been very kind and helpful to me!

Now the problem is I can’t get in touch with them! :-( I completed the form on their website 3 days ago (before sending you the email) but I didn’t receive any reply, then I wrote a private massage at the Facebook Page Wanua Adventure, they saw the message but didn’t reply and in the end I wrote an email to [email protected] … but no reply.

About the price, it could be defenetly the one that fits for us, anyway I was wondering if it is recent, because I was searching for a date, maybe you wrote it but I coulnd’t find it. Reading the first comment by Wilfred on 5th July 2015, I supposed you did this trip just the past month.

Thanks again very much, also for the quick reply, and I wanted to say that the review about Gili TRawangan was great and also the pictures!!

Hi Jones, Thanks a lot for the post.This was exactly the info that i was searching for. I am planning a trip end of Aug to see the dragons but starting from Labuan bajo to Lombok. Would you by chance know what days they start the trip from labuan Bajo? we are planing to buy the tickets once we get there , would you know where to get the tickets from? and how can i contact them?

Hey Ann! So glad you found my post useful! :-) I’m not entirely sure if they offer the trip in reverse, but you can check their website for contact and info: You can negotiate prices with them, talk dates, and figure out the ebst deals. If this company doesn’t offer the tour, I’ve heard Kencana tours are okay as well, but I wouldn’t know firsthand!

This was a very insightful post. I have two questions: 1. Which travel company did you use to book your trip with Wanua adventures? I have been writing to Wanua directly but they don’t respond. 2. Which camera did you use for the pictures you have posted above? Did you use the same camera for under water pictures as well?

I booked with them directly, but you can book this trip through them with any of the travel agents on the Gili Islands. Just shop around and try to bargain them down. I think the standard price was around 1.4 mill? But I can’t qutie remember exactly.

For these pictures, I was using my Nikon D3300, and I also used a GoPro Hero 3+ black. So different camera for the underwater shots.

Thanks for the reply Dave.

Hi Dave We are a family of 5 there are planing that trip. Were there families on the boat or was it only young people on your tour and what about your cabin. How was the quality and how big are the cabins

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[…] had just finished my incredible 4-day / 4-night Komodo Island trip, and I had experienced the best snorkeling of my entire life…but the time had come for me to […]

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• The Silk Road with Art Tours with Amy Osaki | Willamette International Travel on Silk Road of China: Art, History & Archaeology

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THIS TRIP IS NOT CURRENTLY SCHEDULED Over the years, Amy has developed and operated trips to a variety of destinations including this one, but not all trips are offered every year. If you are interested in joining a scheduled departure of this trip in the future, please send us an email and let us know. Click to send us an email or use the form at the bottom of this page.

We can organize and operate this trip as a private group departure with a minimum group size of 8 persons. Start organizing your private Russia art adventure here .

Best time to travel: June for the “White Nights” Best gateway city: Moscow and St. Petersburg, Russia Moscow and St. Petersburg Slide Show

Experience the art treasures of Moscow and St. Petersburg with guide, Amy Osaki. Begin in Moscow, continental Europe’s largest city, the seat of the government of Russia, and now home to over twenty billionaires! View iconic sites such as the Kremlin (which began as a fortress in the eleventh century), Red Square, and the sixteenth century St. Basil’s Cathedral. Then explore the art masterpieces at the Tretyakov Gallery, the National Museum of Russian Fine Art encompassing works from the eleventh to the twentieth century. Visit the Armory at the Kremlin filled with Imperial treasures including Faberge eggs once exchanged by the tsar and tsarina at Easter. Conclude your Moscow experience at the quiet seventeenth century Novodevichy Convent, one of many World Heritage sites included in the trip.

After a short flight, continue the trip with five days in St. Petersburg where you’ll be immersed in the opulence of Imperial Russia. Established by Tsar Peter I in 1703, St. Petersburg (known as Petrograd and Leningrad for most of the twentieth century) was the capital of the Russian empire for over two hundred years until the Russian Revolution of 1917. The Hermitage—said to be the largest art museum in the world with a collection of over three million objects housed in four main buildings—rivals the Louvre in Paris for both the quantity and quality of its treasures. Founded in 1764 by Catherine the Great, and open to the pubic for over two hundred years the museum is so vast that we’ll spread our visit out over several days and organize it by different themes. Also on the schedule is a visit to the Peter and Paul Fortress—the original citadel above the river founded in 1703—as well as some of the Imperial palaces in and around St. Petersburg such as Peterhof, a World Heritage Site. Peter I hired French architects to work on his many palaces, including Jean Baptiste Le Blond who worked with Andre Le Notre at Versailles. Consider enhancing your Russian experience by purchasing tickets to a performance—perhaps a ballet at St. Petersburg’s Mariinsky Theatre (also known as the Kirov).

Day 1 Overnight in Moscow Arrive in Moscow and transfer to your centrally-located hotel, your base for the next two nights. Enjoy an afternoon and early evening walk through Red Square (Krasnaya Ploshchad) past St. Basil’s Cathedral, and GUM department store all of which are back-dropped by the walls of the Kremlin fortress. Remember that we are here during the fabled “White Nights” when the summer days linger with light-filled evenings.

Day 2 Overnight in Moscow Within the walls of the Kremlin fortress, visit the Armoury Museum, one of Moscow’s oldest museums established at the start of the nineteenth century. The Kremlin Armoury was the royal arsenal; it produced and stored the weapons, jewelry and other regalia of the tsars. The museum’s collection encompasses four thousand items of applied art from Russia and elsewhere dating from the early fourth century to the twentieth century. Later in the day, visit the collection of masterpieces of the renowned Tretyakov Gallery. The Tretyakov collections were begun by the philanthropist Tretyakov brothers in the early nineteenth century. The gallery is recognized by many as a key repository of Russian art spanning the nation’s artistic tradition from early Orthodox icons to art nouveau, impressionist, and avant-garde works.

Day 3 Overnight in St Petersburg Enjoy a morning visit to the sixteenth century Novodevichy Convent named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2004. The convent’s name is sometimes translated as “New Maidens’ Monastery” to differentiate is from the convent within the walls of the Moscow Kremlin. Surrounded by white crenellated walls, this complex of churches has remained essentially intact since the seventeenth century. Here you’ll find the five-domed Cathedral of Our Lady of Smolensk with its spectacular iconostasis and the tall, red and white Gate Church of the Transfiguration which is often cited as a fine example of “Moscow Baroque” architecture. The neighboring Novodevichy Cemetery is the final resting place of the likes of Anton Chekhov, Sergei Prokofiev, Dmitri Shostakovich, and Boris Yeltsin. This afternoon fly to St. Petersburg, Russia’s second largest city situated on the banks of the Neva River where it empties into the Gulf of Finland.

Day 4 Overnight in St Petersburg Start of your exploration of St. Petersburg with a visit to the Peter and Paul Fortress, the original citadel of St. Petersburg. The fortress was built to the designs of the Swiss Italian architect Domenico Trezzini in the early eighteenth century. Trezzini’s Peter and Paul Cathedral dominates the fortress grounds and its iconic golden spire punctuates into the Baltic sky. Later visit the Yusupov Palace on the Moika, acclaimed as an “encyclopedia of St. Petersburg aristocratic interior design.” The palace was the home of the Yusupov family from 1830 and 1917 and was the place where Grigori Rasputin, a spiritual mentor to Tsar Nicholas II and the Royal Family in the early 20th century, was assassinated. A visit to the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood built between 1883 and 1907 rounds out the day. The church was built in “Russian Revivalist” architectural style by Tsar Alexander III in commemoration of his father, Alexander II. The church occupies a conspicuous location on St. Petersburg’s Griboedov Canal and contains 7,500 square meters of mosaics; the interior walls and ceilings are completely covered by mosaics.

Day 5 Overnight in St Petersburg Seeing St. Petersburg’s Hermitage Museum in a day would be like trying to see the Smithsonian in a day! Rather than a forced march through the galleries at a rapid pace, we will slow down and savor the masterpieces. Remember, there are nearly seven miles worth of exhibitions! Today we focus on “Imperial Russia,” touring the rooms decorated for members of the Russian Imperial Family and viewing the art they commissioned and collected. This is the art that influenced the style of the grand palaces of the era. View the Grand Suite of rooms, Peter I’s collection of gold, and the jewelers art owned by the Russian Imperial Family (including Fabergé eggs, gold and diamonds). Here, too, are the rooms of Catherine II and her son Paul I with their fifteenth to eighteenth century French paintings and sculpture (Poussin, Watteau, Fragonard, Chardin, and Houdon).

Day 6 Overnight in St Petersburg Return for a second dose of the Hermitage! Today is dedicated to the famous European masterpieces exhibited at the Hermitage. Feast your eyes on memorable works by Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, Tintoretto, Tiepolo, Velazquez, and El Greco. At the Hermitage, you can revel in Rembrandt; there are twenty of his works in the museum’s collection. After lunch, enjoy the eighteenth to twentieth century masterpieces of Monet, van Gogh, Gauguin, Rodin, Picasso, Matisse and Kandinsky. Digest the art and reflect on this unique collection of human creations. Consider an evening performance, possibly at the Mariinsky Theatre.

Day 7 Overnight in St Petersburg Journey by hydrofoil across the Gulf of Finland to experience Peter I’s palace at Peterhof, a series of palaces and gardens that evoke comparisons with Versailles which Peter visited in 1715. Begun in 1714 with the construction of the Monplaisir palace and expanded by later Imperial generations who added Rococo and Neo-classical elements, Peterhof is now a World Heritage Site. The creative mastery of architects, engineers, artists and craftsmen from throughout Europe is on display here and all is choreographed to celebrate water in homage to Peter, the maritime emperor.

Day 8 Overnight in St Petersburg Go behind the scenes with an excursion to the Hermitage Museum’s Staraya Derevnya Restoration and Storage Center on the right back of the Neva River north of Kamenny Island. This vast treasure house is only accessible by private tour. Later, travel to Vasilvesky Island across the river from the Hermitage to visit Menishkov Palace completed in 1721 and now the oldest stone building in St. Petersburg. Enjoy a farewell dinner this evening.

About your guide : Amy Osaki holds a master’s degree from the Winterthur Museum. She studied art at the Louvre Museum in Paris and worked as a museum curator for over a decade including six years at the Portland Art Museum. She is an award-winning art educator who has led art trips around the world for the last fifteen years with Walking Softly Adventures. Many of these trips were offered for graduate credit from Portland State University where she is an Adjunct Professor.

Resources for Further Learning

• Preview part of the collection of the State Tretyakov Gallery at its website.
• Learn more about the Moscow Kremlin .
• Prepare yourself to experience the Hermitage . You can even shop on-line at the museum’s on-line museum store!

We're looking forward to hearing from you! You may contact us by telephone at 503-788-9017, by e-mail ([email protected]) or by completing and submitting the form below. Please enter any questions or comments in the "Message" box. PLEASE BE SURE TO MENTION THE TRIP IN WHICH YOU'RE INTERESTED. You must enter a valid email address in order to submit this form successfully. When you're finished entering information, enter the CAPTCHA code where indicated and click the "Submit" button at the bottom of this page. Art Tours by Amy does not release any of the information you provide us to any third party without your express permission.

4-Day Tour in Moscow

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This 7 Realms Ultimate tour of Moscow can be 3-Day tour, with 7 hours each day, or 4-Day tour, with 5 hours each day. 

This bespoke history-culture-art itinerary is the ultimate guide of Moscow with authentic Russian, Ukranian and Georgian cuisines along the way. 

Ready for adventure?

Highlights of  7 Realms tour of Moscow

• Explore Kremlin , the oldest and the largest fortress in Russia, a UNESCO World Natural and Cultural Heritage;
• Learn the stories of two Russian paradoxes –  Tsar Bell and Tsar Cannon , both the largest in the world;
• Walk the oldest streets in Moscow  and observe the ancient architecture of Moskovy;
• Discover Kitay Gorod , which used to be home to the first skyscraper and the first typography in Moscow, as well as the biggest pharmacy in Europe;
• Dive into off the beaten path of Moscow – Zamoskvorechye  and get impressed with a dazzling mix of hidden architectural gems and art masterpieces of Russia;
• Visit Tretyakov gallery  that reflects 1000 year-old history, art and culture of Russia;
• Explore the iconic sights of legendary Kolomenskoe  including the Palace of Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich, which is considered the eighth wonder of the world;
• Get scenic panoramic views of Tsaritsino park , the most romantic park of Moscow;
• Admire “Russian Gothic” of the Grand Palace in Tsaritsino , and enjoy the picturesque landscape with fairy-tale bridges;
• Have fun in Gorky Park , which is even the #1 park of Russia;
• Meet locals and catch up with local art trends in Winzavod Art Center , the oldest and most respectable art gallery in Moscow;
• And, of course,  try Russian pelemeni, Soviet vareniki or bliny, Ukranian borsch, Georgian Khachapuri , as well traditional hospitality, coziest and amazingly beautiful interior of the best local restaurants.

12-14 th  centuries

Red Square, the Kremlin, Kitay Gorod + Russian traditional lunch

We are going to see the cradle of Russian history and track the development of Moscow.

The residence of Dukes, Tsars, Emperors, Supreme rulers, Presidents will surprise you with its cathedrals, largest in the world Tsar Cannon and Tsar Bell, as long as the Armory with personal belongings of Great Tsars.

Highlights:

Red square tour.

• Walk-through  the Resurrection Gate  and don’t forget to flip a coin so you’ll be sure to come back one day!
• Visit the world’s famous  Kazan Cathedral ;
• See the  State Department Store  (GUM), once the Upper Trading Stalls, which were built over a century ago and still operating!
• Admire the lovely  St. Basil’s Cathedral , built to commemorate the capture of the cities Kazan and Astrakhan. After construction of the cathedral, the poor architect, Postnik Yakovlev, was blinded by Ivan the Terrible, forbidding him from replicating such a beauty ever again;
• Walk by  Lobnoye Mesto  (literally meaning the “forehead place”, or “Place of the Skulls”), once Ivan the Terrible’s stage for religious ceremonies, speeches, and important events;
• As well as  Lenin’s Mausoleum, GUM,  Manege Square, the Monument after Marshal Zhukov, Alexander Garden, Grotto monument, The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Obelisk to Romanov royal dynasty.

Kremlin Tour

• The Cathedral of Twelve Apostles  forms the grand entrance to the luxurious Grand Kremlin Palace.
• The Tsar Bell , the largest bell in the world, and  Cannon , the largest bombard by caliber in the world.
• The Ivan the Great Bell Tower  marks the exact centre of Moscow and resembles a burning candle.
• The Cathedral of the Assumption , place of coronation of the grand princes and tsars as well as the burial place of metropolitans and patriarchs.
• The Cathedral of the Annunciation , the private church of Russian grand princes and tsars for domestic and family ceremonies.
• The Cathedral of the Archangel , the necropolis of the Moscow dynasty of Ruriks and first Romanov tsars. The history of the necropolis started in 1340 with Ivan I, the great grandfather of Ivan the Terrible.
• The Armory  originated as the royal arsenal in 1508 and boasting the richest collection of the works of Russian and foreign decorative and applied art of 4th-20th centuries.
• +  The procession of the equestrian and pedestrian guards of the President’s regiment  (April to October).

Kitay Gorod Tour

Kitay Gorod is the oldest part of Moscow after the Kremlin, emerged in the 14th century due to the expansion of the boundaries of the Kremlin.:

Experience Kitay Gorod with its it’s charming one-of-a-kind places, many with great historical significance.

There are 4 monasteries, 24 churches, cathedrals, and 8 chapels in the area of Kitay gorod. We’ll see some of them.

You will also see:

• First typography in Russia , founded in 1553;
• First “skyscraper” of Moscow , 5-storeyed building built in 1876;
• English Old Court on Varvarka street , the former home of the first foreign representation in Moscow (1553);

The Trinity monastery on Ilyinka  – Apartment house-monastery of the Holy Trinity St. Sergius Lavra (“Trinity Compound”) which is nowadays an object of cultural heritage of regional significance (1630s).

+ Traditional Russian food with a great buffet bar. 

Eat as much as you like! :) Hearty lunch in Russian traditional restaurant, with old Russian traditions, bright decor and amazing authentic food in historical Tverskaya street, the main street of Moscow.

14 th -17 th  centuries

Zamoskvorechye & Kolomenskoe Museum-Reserve

Highlights :, zamoskvorechye tour.

• Explore vibrant Zamoskvorechye neighborhood full of life and character, which locals consider an epicenter of architectural masterpieces and ancient cathedrals, modern street art and best coffee in the town – Ultimate Russian Culture Experience!
• Soak in the beauty of the  greatest Russian masterpieces;
• Explore the  treasures of Russian art and architecture , ancient and modern;
• Get immersed into  Russian history ;
• Track the  origins of Moscow ;
• Experience Moscow’s premier art gallery –  Tretyakov Gallery;
• Admire the impressive architectural styles of  Russian cathedrals and temples.

Kolomenskoe Tour

Discover the oldest settlement of Moscow belonging to the Stone Age!

Kolomenskoye is a Natural Landscape Museum-Reserve in the open air: Ethnographic art, historical and architectural complex with the existing facilities of the medieval farm, stables, a forge, an apiary, a watermill.

You will see:

• Palace of Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich , initially built in 17th century and consisted of 270 rooms Nowadays considered the 8th wonder of the world by Russians;
• The Church of the Ascension  – a UNESCO monument and a masterpiece of Russian and world architecture.
• Palace Pavillion  that served as a tea house or home theater, the main façade is decorated with Doric portico and two lioness sculptures;
• Front Gate Complex  that was the main entrance to the summer residence of the Tsar for distinguished guests;
• Church of Beheading of St. John the Forerunner  that Ivan the Terrible for holiday worships and his birthday feasts;
• As well as royal  Food Yard, Peter I’s House, Household structure (Mead Brewery), The Streltsy Guard-houses, Moss Tower and the Memorial Pole.

+  Lunch in Korchma, Ukranian traditional restaurant.  

Dynamic interior with authentic decorations and festive ethnic Russian & Ukranian traditions in one place! Your lunch will include:

• Lean sorrel borsch
• Podolsky Salad,  incredibly juicy and crispy salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, radishes, cauliflower, carrots and greens;
• Zrazy with mushrooms and spinach
• Chicken soup with noodles
• Spring salad with cucumbers, radish, eggs, green onions, lettuce and mayonnaise
• Chicken schnitzel with stewed cabbage

18 th -21 st  centuries

Tsaritsino, Gorky Park, Winzavod Art Center

Tsaritsino tour.

Tsaritsyno is the monument of the so-called “Russian Gothic”, unique in its style.

Enjoy the picturesque nature of the architectural ensemble, fairy bridges and castle, vintage terraces, statues, ponds and historical atmosphere! You will see:

• Palace of Catherine II , full of mysteries, gossips, intrigues and scandals;
• Famous Bazhenov’s  Bridges  that are distinguished by unique artistic features that fully represented the architect’s “theater architecture”;
• The cascade of  Tsaritsynsky ponds  formed during 16th-18th centuries;
• Magic  Slopes  with beautiful landscapes that became a natural backdrop for open-air theater during Catherine II reign;
• The Ruined Tower of Tsaritsyno  offers amazing panoramic views from its observation deck;
• Temple of Ceres  where the Empress rested and watched holiday hay celebrations;
• Tsaritsyno Fountain  with 3000 lights dancing polonaises and minuets in the evenings.

Gorky Park Tour

Gorky Park is Russia’s most popular park. It also features Europe’s largest skating rink with artificial ice in winter.

Discover Gorky Park from its early Soviet Communist history and hear the stories behind how it evolved to become the trendiest and hottest spot of Moscow.

Founded in 1923, the park has a lot to impress with:

• Rich Soviet past;
• Authentic local vibe;
• Garage Art Center,  founded by Dasha Zhukova, the wife of Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich;
• Gorgeous nature landscape; 
• Yoga and dance classes;
• A myriad of local cozy cafes , street food kiosks, posh restaurants and coffee places with hot pastry.

What you get:

• + A friend in Moscow.
• + Private & customized Moscow tour.
• + An exciting pastime, not just boring history lessons.
• + An authentic experience of local life.
• + Flexibility during the walking tour: changes can be made at any time to suit individual preferences.
• + Amazing deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the very best cafes & restaurants. Discounts on weekdays (Mon-Fri).
• + A photo session amongst spectacular Moscow scenery that can be treasured for a lifetime.
• + Good value for souvenirs, taxis, and hotels.
• + Expert advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Moscow.

Write your review

Most Beautiful Metro Stations in Moscow

Visiting Moscow? Get yourself a metro card and explore Moscow’s beautiful metro stations. Moscow’s world-famous metro system is efficient and a great way to get from A to B. But there is more to it; Soviet mosaic decorations, exuberant halls with chandeliers, colourful paintings and immense statues. Moscow’s metro is an attraction itself, so take half a day and dive into Moscow’s underground!

The best thing to do is to get on the brown circle (number 5) line since the most beautiful metro stations are situated on this line. The only exception is the metro stop Mayakovskaya one the green line (number 2). My suggestion is to get a map, mark these metro stops on there and hop on the metro. It helps to get an English > Russian map to better understand the names of the stops. At some of the metro stops, the microphone voice speaks Russian and English so it’s not difficult at all.

Another thing we found out, is that it’s worth taking the escalator and explore the other corridors to discover how beautiful the full station is.

Quick hotel suggestion for Moscow is the amazing Brick Design Hotel .

These are my favourite metro stations in Moscow, in order of my personal preference:

1. Mayakovskaya Station

The metro station of Mayakovskaya looks like a ballroom! Wide arches, huge domes with lamps and mosaic works make your exit of the metro overwhelming. Look up and you will see the many colourful mosaics with typical Soviet pictures. Mayakovskaya is my personal favourite and is the only stop not on the brown line but on the green line.

2. Komsomolskaya Station

Komsomolskaya metro station is famous for its yellow ceiling. An average museum is nothing compared to this stop. Splendour all over the place, black and gold, mosaic – again – and enormous chandeliers that made my lamp at home look like a toy.

3. Novoslobodskaya Station

The pillars in the main hall of Novoslobodskaya metro station have the most colourful stained glass decorations. The golden arches and the golden mosaic with a naked lady holding a baby in front of the Soviet hammer and sickle, make the drama complete.

4. Prospect Mira Station

The beautiful chandeliers and the lines in the ceiling, make Prospekt Mira an architectural masterpiece.

5. Belorusskaya Station

Prestigious arches, octagonal shapes of Socialistic Soviet Republic mosaics. The eyecatcher of Belorusskaya metro station, however, is the enormous statue of three men with long coats, holding guns and a flag.

6. Kiyevskaya Station

The metro station of Kiyevskaya is a bit more romantic than Belorusskaya and Prospect Mira. Beautiful paintings with classical decorations.

7. Taganskaya Station

At the main hall Taganskaya metro station you will find triangle light blue and white decorations that are an ode to various Russians that – I assume – are important for Russian history and victory. There is no need to explore others halls of Taganskaya, this is it.

8. Paveletskaya Station

Another and most definitely the less beautiful outrageous huge golden mosaic covers one of the walls of Paveletskaya. I would recommend taking the escalator to the exit upstairs to admire the turquoise dome and a painting of the St Basil’s Cathedral in a wooden frame.

Travelling with Moscow’s metro is inexpensive. You can have a lot of joy for just a few Rubbles.

• 1 single journey: RMB 50 – € 0,70
• 1 day ticket: RMB 210 – € 2,95

Like to know about Moscow, travelling in Russia or the Transsiberian Train journey ? Read my other articles about Russia .

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Wow! It is beautiful. I am still dreaming of Moscow one day.

It’s absolutely beautiful! Moscow is a great city trip destination and really surprised me in many ways.

My partner and I did a self guided Moscow Metro tour when we were there 2 years ago. So many breathtaking platforms…I highly recommend it! Most of my favorites were along the Brown 5 line, as well. I also loved Mayakovskaya, Arbatskaya, Aleksandrovski Sad and Ploshchad Revolyutsii. We’re heading back in a few weeks and plan to do Metro Tour-Part 2. We hope to see the #5 stations we missed before, as well as explore some of the Dark Blue #3 (Park Pobedy and Slavyansky Bul’var, for sure), Yellow #8 and Olive #10 platforms.

That’s exciting Julia! Curious to see your Metro Tour-Part 2 experience and the stations you discovered.

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