I’d like to tell you about a trip to two of the most iconic Indonesian snorkeling destinations: Alor and Komodo. Both delivered unforgettable ocean encounters, sparkling, jaw-dropping reefs, and unmatched relaxation. As with many of our trips, we started off in Jakarta, in my home away from home, the FM7 Hotel (which I recently found out stands for “Fond Memories”!). I met my group for our welcome dinner in the hotel’s restaurant and instantly felt at ease as we all bonded over tales of snorkeling. A sense of shared excitement and anticipation for what was to come filled the room. That night/morning, we flew across the chain of islands that borders the southern end of the Indonesian archipelago and finally made it to our first resort of the two-week trip, Alami Alor. Alami Alor As we pulled into Alami Resort, we were greeted by the wonderful Alami staff, who showed us around and made us feel at home. Alami is a small resort, nestled in a remote Indonesian village. At Alami, you really feel like you have arrived somewhere special! Meandering garden paths, shaded by palm trees, lead each of us to our beautiful bungalows with stunning waterfront views. From here, it is not rare to spot baby reef sharks cruising over shallow coral and dolphins flipping in the distance before even leaving your room. That first afternoon, we wasted no time jumping into Alami’s house reef, home to moray eels, octopus, baby batfish, and thriving coral, to name a few. That evening, we all met in the lounge to watch the sunset with a cocktail in hand, feast on our first delicious dinner, and settle into what was already proving to be snorkeling bliss. Alor is definitely one of my absolute favorite places to explore. The variety of sites
I’d like to tell you about a trip to two of the most iconic Indonesian snorkeling destinations: Alor and Komodo. Both delivered unforgettable ocean encounters, sparkling, jaw-dropping reefs, and unmatched relaxation. As with many of our trips, we started off in Jakarta, in my home away from home, the FM7 Hotel (which I recently found
Recently I was lucky enough to lead our first West side Komodo trip. Having worked in Komodo for some years, I spent nearly all my time in the main park area. It goes without saying I was excited to go and see the west side and what it had to offer. That side of Komodo is very remote and untouched. No day boats from the busy town of Labuan Bajo are able to cover that distance. Making this area very quiet with only a handful of liveaboards stopping there. So having mind blowing reefs to ourselves became normal. Staying on the island of Sumbawa at the resort Kalimaya. A beautiful small boutique resort situated on the seafront facing Komodo. Surrounded by beautiful scenery and local villages dotted on the coast. With a 1.5 hour car journey over the mountains to reach here, you really get the feel of being remote and in the wild. Arriving at the resort we were greeted by such smiling faces and showed to our beachfront bungalows. With A\C, hot water and a ridiculously comfortable bed overlooking the ocean. What more could you want?? Great food and great snorkeling? That's exactly what was delivered. With a wide variety of snorkeling sites available all over the Sumbawa, Komodo channel we were ready to go and explore. Setting off from the resort after a tasty breakfast in our private speedboat. We started to explore as much as we could. With a big highlight being the island of Gilli Banta. Full of beautiful pristine reefs inside stunning white sand bays. Was a real picture of a tropical paradise. Not forgetting a very active manta cleaning station. With great guidance from our guides we were dropped on the money every time. We could observe and watch the Mantas go about
Recently I was lucky enough to lead our first West side Komodo trip. Having worked in Komodo for some years, I spent nearly all my time in the main park area. It goes without saying I was excited to go and see the west side and what it had to offer. That side of Komodo
Traveling to east Indonesia’s Komodo Islands is one of the best places on the planet to snorkel. It’s not only the quality of the reefs – pristine in nature with a huge variety and explosion of colour – or for the countless number of marine species that can be found at every turn. Komodo dragons inhabit the biggest island in the National Park and on top of that high quality and very comfortable accommodation can be found at the most idyllic of spots. Snorkelling Komodo is a dream. You can visit Komodo Island at most times of the year, however, we think September to November is perfect when Manta Rays (as many as 30) can be spotted at some of the snorkel sites, there a fewer tourists and the weather is warm (25degrees C on average), rare chances of rainfall and calm water conditions. There are too many snorkel sites to know where to begin. House reefs from our favourite resorts are the perfect start, but moving onto an incredibly diverse range of sites which are all made by boat. After your days snorkelling Komodo there is plenty to keep you occupied, from hiking to the summit of Padar Island (which is Komodo’s most iconic view), island hopping and day trips to trek with the Komodo dragons. This part of Indonesia also has a mirror cave which makes a great side excursion prior to your flight home. The combination of quality accommodation, extraordinary marine viewing opportunities, stunning landscapes and topside excursions make snorkelling Komodo one of our absolute favourites on the planet.
Traveling to east Indonesia’s Komodo Islands is one of the best places on the planet to snorkel. It’s not only the quality of the reefs – pristine in nature with a huge variety and explosion of colour – or for the countless number of marine species that can be found at every turn. Komodo dragons
I have been very lucky to explore a huge variety of snorkel spots in asia – ranging from sparkling reef systems of all colors of the rainbow, to mangroves and drop offs into the deep blue. Snorkeling in Asia has so many remarkable options it is a real challenge knowing where to go and making sure you get the most out of your holiday abroad, so I have decided to list my top three favorite destinations to help you make the right decision on where to go next with Snorkel Venture: Komodo – Indonesia In a tiny corner of east Indonesia, cutting through the glassy waters of the Flores Sea the Komodo resorts is a hidden island gem, a well-kept secret that offers some of the best quality snorkel spots in asia. Everything can be found here – Manta Rays, reef sharks, schooling pelagics and weird and wonderful critters. The local islands are curious and home to the legendary Komodo Dragon. The Komodo Resort is a sensational place to relax and drink a cold beer after a day in the water. Our 9-day group snorkeling tour takes in the absolute best of what the Komodo Resort has to offer. 2.Wakatobi - Indonesia Wakatobi is slap bang in the middle of the coral triangle – an area famed for having some of the highest numbers of coral and fish species found anywhere else on the planet. Wakatobi is located on Sulawesi, an island in Indonesia’s tropical north and is an easy one-hour charter flight from Jakarta, the capital of the country. The countless number of snorkeling sites is mouthwatering; you are able to flexibly explore and snorkel all day (and even at night) until your heart is content. Combining the experience with the comfort and luxuries of an outstanding resort makes
I have been very lucky to explore a huge variety of snorkel spots in asia – ranging from sparkling reef systems of all colors of the rainbow, to mangroves and drop offs into the deep blue. Snorkeling in Asia has so many remarkable options it is a real challenge knowing where to go and making
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