Wonderful Komodo Cruise

After arriving at Labuan Bajo Airport, travel by private bus into the interior of the island, taking a winding road uphill to the village of Melo. Here, local ‘strongmen’ will perform the ‘Caci,’ a ritual whip-fight between two rivals in which the players, each armed with a rattan shield and a whip, will try to hit each other while dancing to the rhythm of traditional acoustic instruments. The men of Western Flores are famous for this test of daring and skill, requiring lightning quick moves to dodge the infliction of a wound. The winner is loudly applauded and cheered by the village. Besides this, the cultural group will also showcase other traditional dances. After your visit to Melo, return to Labuan Bajo where you will get the first glimpse of your beautiful boat, Katharina and you will head off out into the beautiful waters of the Komodo National Park, stopping along the way for some snorkeling at a small island of Pulau Pempe, before settling in for sunset with a cocktail as thousands of flying foxes head out from their mangrove forest homes to head to the mainland to feed. Then head off to Rinca Island for a quiet night at anchor.

Today, wake up before dawn and visit the ranger station of Loh Buaya on Rinca Island from where you will head off on a ranger-led nature trek in search of Komodo dragons, which are indigenous to this small group of islands. Hopefully, the ranger will be able to show you the dens and nests of the dragons. Rinca is also well known for its diverse wildlife, so you may spot monkeys, wild buffaloes and deer as well. From the top of the hills, the scenery is breathtaking. After your trek, move on to a fantastic snorkeling spot at Turtle Point at Siaba Besar Island – with over 1,000 species of fish in the waters of the national park, there is much more to this wildlife reserve than just dragons. Head to the famous Pink beach for more snorkeling, and after dinner head to Loh Liang, where you will spend the night at anchor, floating beneath the Milky Way.

Today visit the famous Komodo Island, one of approximately 80 islands that make up the Komodo National Park. Go ashore at the ranger station in Loh Liang for another early morning ranger-led trek through the park searching for yet more Komodo dragons. In this savannah-like setting of dry, rugged landscape, you will encounter, at a safe distance, these awe-inspiring dragons – Indonesia’s living dinosaurs and the largest species of lizard on Earth – in their natural habitat. You may also spot deer, wild boar, sulphur-crested cockatoos, butterflies, rare orchids and jungle chickens among the strangler-fig trees and the distinctive lontar palms. Back aboard Katharina cross over to Makassar reef where you might find a school of manta rays and go snorkeling with these mighty beasts. Back on Katharina have lunch as you head to the island of Gili Lawa Darat for an afternoon of snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, and at sunset, you can climb to the top of the island to enjoy the day’s end. Then move to Mesa Island.

This morning visit the island of Mesa to meet a settlement of ‘sea-gypsies,’ the Bajao people. Originally from Sulawesi and formerly fully nomadic, living on their boats, the Bajao nowadays often occupy more permanent settlements, building their homes on stilts over the sea. At Mesa you will get a glimpse of how the Bajao have adapted to life in a static village. Nevertheless, still being so close to the water, the tribe’s dependence on the sea is not lost. Their children are introduced to the sea at a young age and grow accustomed to living and playing within the ocean environment. After a stroll through the village cruise onwards to the island of Sabalon, where you will be treated to a quintessential experience and a highlight for many guests - on this deserted island with your feet in the sand, under the breathtaking expanse of an Indonesian star-studded night sky, the crew will build a bonfire and prepare a beach barbecue as a final celebration of our memorable voyage. Late in the evening Katharina will cruise back towards Labuan Bajo and anchor off Biddadari Island.

After a final early morning dip off Biddadari Island, bid your sad farewells to the crew of The Katharina, disembarking the boat at the end of your wonderful waterborne experience. Time permitting visit the market or wander around the center of Labuan Bajo before seeing everyone off to their next destination. It will be hard to believe that it’s all over but please rest assured, the gentle sway of the ocean currents may stay with you for quite a while yet.