Lombok to Komodo: Swim with Whale Sharks, Walk with Dragons
If you’ve ever dreamed of snorkeling with whale sharks, walking among dragons, or standing atop islands that look like they were pulled from a fantasy film—this Lombok Komodo tour is for you. Unlike the usual Bali itinerary, this multi-day journey takes you across turquoise waters, past volcanoes, pink beaches, and islands where time seems to stand still. This is more than a simple Komodo Island trip—this is your chance to sail from Lombok to Komodo via the untamed wild of Sumbawa and the majestic Tambora Sea.
This route is ideal for adventurers, nature lovers, photographers, and anyone who wants to see the raw side of Indonesia away from the mainstream tourist trail. Get ready to travel with the waves, sleep under the stars, and wake up to new islands every day.
What Is the Lombok to Komodo Boat Trip?
The tour to Komodo Island via boat is a 4-day, 3-night island-hopping adventure starting from Lombok and ending in Labuan Bajo. The journey features scenic and culturally rich stops, providing an in-depth experience of Indonesia’s eastern archipelago.
Destinations Included:
- Pulau Kenawa – Small island with lush hills and snorkeling.
- Saleh Bay (Sumbawa) – Swim with whale sharks in their natural environment.
- Tambora Sea – A historical sea passage rich in volcanoes and marine life.
- Komodo Islands Pink Beach – Rare rose-colored beach.
- Komodo Island – Home of the world’s largest lizard: the Komodo dragon.
- Padar Island – Famous for its panoramic viewpoint.
- Manjarite Island – Calm waters ideal for snorkeling.
- Kelor Island – Small and scenic with great views and beaches.
These stops are carefully curated to offer a blend of wildlife, landscapes, and marine biodiversity. Each one adds a chapter to your travel story.
Kenawa Island: Lush Hills and Coral Gardens
Kenawa Island lies just off the coast of Lombok and feels like a place suspended in time. With grassy green hills and shallow coral reefs, it’s a dream for snorkelers and photographers. You can hike to the top of the island in just 10–15 minutes for panoramic views of the surrounding waters.
- Activity: Hiking, snorkeling
- Ideal for: Sunrise and sunset photography
- Tip: Bring a drone for aerial shots of the circular coral reefs
Saleh Bay: Swim With Whale Sharks in Sumbawa
Saleh Bay is a marine paradise in Sumbawa where local fishermen have developed a unique relationship with whale sharks. These gentle giants often approach the fishing platforms in the early morning, drawn by the scent of fish. With a trained local guide, you can jump in and swim beside them—a peaceful and humbling encounter.
- Best Time to See Them: May to September
- Safety Tip: Keep a respectful distance, no flash photography
- Experience Level: Great for beginners and confident swimmers alike
Tambora Sea: Crossroads of Fire and Water
The Tambora Sea lies between Sumbawa and Flores. As you sail across this waterway, you’ll pass volcanoes like Mount Tambora, which famously erupted in 1815, causing global climate anomalies. The sea is typically calm, making it perfect for long, uninterrupted stretches of sailing, stargazing at night, and spotting dolphins.
- Highlight: Views of volcanic islands
- Experience: Serene sailing and cultural storytelling by the crew
Komodo Islands Pink Beach: A Colorful Phenomenon
Pink Beach gets its unique hue from a microscopic organism called foraminifera, which leaves a reddish pigment on coral. When these tiny coral pieces wash up on shore and mix with white sand, it creates the pink beach effect.
- Activities: Snorkeling, relaxing, underwater photography
- Marine Life: Parrotfish, clownfish, moray eels
- Photography Tip: Shoot from higher ground or via drone for best pink contrast
Komodo Island: Home of the Dragons
This is the highlight of any Komodo Island trip. Komodo dragons, the largest living lizards on Earth, roam freely here. You’ll go on a ranger-guided trek through dry forest and open terrain to spot these creatures in the wild. It’s a thrilling experience to see them up close and learn about their behavior and diet.
- Fun Fact: Komodo dragons can smell blood from miles away
- Safety: Always walk with a ranger; stay at a safe distance
- Duration of Trek: 1 to 2 hours
Padar Island: Sunrise Views From Another World
With its iconic three-colored beaches and rugged hills, Padar Island offers arguably the best view in Indonesia. Reaching the top requires a moderate 30-minute hike, but the view is worth every drop of sweat.
- Best Time to Hike: 5:30 AM to catch the sunrise
- View: Overlooks green, black, and pink beaches
- Gear: Hiking shoes, water bottle, flashlight for early hikes
Manjarite Island: The Hidden Snorkeling Gem
Known for its long wooden jetty and shallow waters, Manjarite Island is a peaceful snorkeling spot where you’ll likely see schools of colorful fish, vibrant soft corals, and even baby sharks. The calm, crystal-clear water makes it ideal for beginners and underwater photographers.
- Tip: Bring an underwater camera or waterproof phone case
- Best Time: Midday when the sun is directly overhead
Kelor Island: Final Island, Final Memories
Kelor Island is the last stop before reaching Labuan Bajo. Despite its small size, it packs a punch with panoramic views, soft sand beaches, and snorkeling spots. Hike to the top of the hill in under 10 minutes for one last breathtaking look over the Flores Sea.
- Activities: Hiking, swimming, sunbathing
- Vibe: Calm, quiet, and great for reflecting on your journey
Packing List for the Lombok Komodo Tour
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Snorkeling mask (optional but useful)
- Light trekking shoes
- Flip flops or water sandals
- Dry bag and reusable water bottle
- Motion sickness pills
- Light jacket for cool nights
- Power bank
Best Time to Visit
- Dry Season: April to November (best for visibility, wildlife)
- Wet Season: December to March (rougher seas, some trips canceled)
Plan your tour between June and September to increase your chances of seeing whale sharks and getting clear skies for Padar Island.
Pricing Overview
Prices vary based on comfort level and group size:
- Backpacker Boat (Shared deck): $250–$350 USD
- Mid-range Cabin Boat: $400–$600 USD
- Luxury Private Cruise: $900–$1,200 USD
All packages usually include:
- Meals (3x/day)
- Entrance fees
- Ranger and guide services
- Snorkeling equipment
- Drinking water and coffee
Life on Board: What It’s Like
- Meals: Freshly cooked Indonesian cuisine (nasi goreng, grilled fish, tempeh, tropical fruits)
- Cabins: Choose between shared deck mattresses, private fan rooms, or AC cabins
- Atmosphere: Laid-back, adventurous, and often very social
- Activities: Storytelling, stargazing, fishing, board games
Eco-Conscious Travel Tips
- Bring a refillable water bottle
- Don’t use single-use plastics
- Support local businesses and guides
- Follow ranger instructions
- Never touch coral or disturb marine life
Conclusion
This Lombok to Komodo boat journey is a story you’ll tell forever. From swimming with whale sharks in Saleh Bay, to trekking with Komodo dragons, and watching the sun rise from Padar Island, this trip is nothing short of magical.
If you crave something wilder, rawer, and more unforgettable than the typical island vacation, then this is your call to adventure.
👉 Ready to go? Book your tour now
FAQs
Q1: How many days is the tour from Lombok to Komodo?
Usually 4 days and 3 nights, ending in Labuan Bajo.
Q2: Is the whale shark experience safe?
Yes, if done respectfully and under the guidance of trained locals.
Q3: Can I charge my devices on board?
Most boats have charging stations or generators, but bring a power bank.
Q4: What if I get seasick?
Bring motion sickness tablets; the boat usually sails at night when it’s calmer.
Q5: Do I need travel insurance?
Highly recommended for emergencies, especially for activities like snorkeling and hiking
Start From
3.600K
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