Published on Apr, 2024
Me and my wife (USA) have been traveling for 4 months and this 3 day 2 night boat trip was the highlight for me. Bit of a splurge for a backpackers budget but well worth the money for all of the amazing experiences. We saw HUGE manta rays, turtles, Komodo dragons, flying fox bats, and all sorts of fish.
Our guide, Rian, was very helpful and helped cater the experience so that we avoided big crowds and got the most value for our money. The crew was also very accommodating despite language barriers. Food was fresh and tasty!
The boat itself wasn't anything too fancy, so if you go in expecting a luxury cruise ship you'll be disappointed. That being said, our bed was comfortable, the A/C worked, all necessities were present, and the experience still felt like a real treat! If you're not picky, you'll love it I promise!
Words of advice:
1. Entrance fees came out to around 750k IDR per person and are not included so factor that as you will.
2. On komodo island there are two accessible locations: the komodo national park & komodo village. Komodo village has a cheaper entrance fee, smaller crowds, dragons that actually move around (not sleepy), and a glimpse at a local community. I'd recommend asking your guide to skip the national park and only go to the komodo village. It's a much better experience in my opinion.
3. BYOB, they don't serve alcohol on board.