Four days. One phinisi. Countless memories of sailing Komodo.
I recently spent four days aboard a phinisi, a traditional Indonesian sailboat, exploring the Komodo Islands. Believe me when I tell you, it was one of the most surreal, soul-filling experiences I’ve ever had. Here’s what it was like and why you should absolutely add this to your bucket list.
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Sailing through Komodo Islands
Sailing through Komodo National Park on a liveaboard was unlike any trip I’ve taken… raw, wild, and impossibly beautiful. From hiking with dragons to swimming in vibrant coral reef, chasing sunrises, and watching the sunset sky fill with intriguing bats, this was the epic journey I didn’t know I needed.
Day 1: Kelor and Rinca Islands + Face-to-Face With Dragons
We started strong sailing through Komodo. We were hiking through Rinca Island with a local guide who practically grew up with dragons in his backyard. After snapping photos of the giant Komodo statue at the park entrance, we wandered into savannahs where Komodo Dragons lurked like prehistoric sentinels. I even picked up a hand-carved wooden dragon from a local artisan, a perfect memento.
Day 2: Bats at Dusk on Kalong Island
We spent the evening anchored off Kalong Island, lying on the phinisi’s deck as thousands of flying foxes streamed overhead against a lavender sky. No music. No phone. Just the sound of wings and waves.
Day 3: Sunrise on Padar Island + Pink Beach
We woke at 4 a.m. and climbed Padar’s steep trail by headlamp. We arriving at the top just as the sun lit up its three different colored beaches: one pink, one black, and one white. The Padar Island sunrise is every bit as magical as it looks on Pinterest, and so, so worth the early start.
Later that day, we swam at Pink Beach, where the sand is actually pink and coral reefs bloom just steps from shore.
Day 4: Triggerfish Drama at Taka Makasar
Our final stop was Taka Makasar, a powder-white sandbar floating in shallow turquoise water. I was blissfully snorkeling when a triggerfish bit me on the knee (rude). Battle scar aside, it was one of the most stunning places I’ve ever seen.
What It’s Like on the Boat
We sailed on a traditional wooden phinisi, with cozy cabins, breezy decks, and meals cooked fresh daily. Nights were quiet and starlit. Days were packed with hikes, swims, and enough sun to fuel a dozen golden-hour selfies. Here’s what to expect on a Komodo liveaboard if you’re new to the experience.
Plan Your Own Komodo Trip
Download my FREE Komodo Liveaboard Travel Guide!
- International Travel Checklist
- Komodo Packing List
- 5-day Komodo Liveaboard Itinerary
- Clickable Links
Whether you’re planning your own trip or just here to daydream, here’s a peek into my full Komodo itinerary. Plus, you’ll find insider tips, wild stories (yes, a fish bit me), and links to help you build your own epic journey.
