La Galigo Itinerary

Beyond Komodo Whale Shark Special (LBJ - SWQ)

Day 1: Sumbawa Besar
Upon arrival in Sumbawa Besar, our crew will greet you and escort you on a short drive to the harbour. Once on board, you’ll be welcomed with a refreshing drink. After a safety and boat orientation, we set course toward the calm waters around Tanjung Menangis. This check dive offers a gentle introduction to the region’s vibrant reefs, where you can familiarize yourself with your equipment and the boat’s diving procedures while enjoying colourful corals, schooling fish, and the occasional Turtle gliding by. La Galigo anchors for the evening. Enjoy your first dinner on board, relax on deck, and take in the peaceful rhythm of life at sea.

Day 2: Moyo Island
We will explore Little Angel, Angel Reef, and Panjang Reef, where fields of coral and schooling fish sway with the current, and Reef Sharks may cruise the drop-off. After a morning of diving, we go ashore to visit Mata Jitu Waterfall for a short jungle walk and a cooling freshwater swim beneath the trees. As the sun sets, we make a calm night dive along the village shallows, where the reef transforms into a hidden kingdom of tiny wonders for a slow-motion treasure hunt beneath the stars.

Day 3: Saleh Bay and Satonda
Today marks one of the most unforgettable moments of the journey, a chance to meet the gentle giants of the sea. In the calm waters of Saleh Bay, traditional Indonesian fishing platforms known as Bagans attract Whale Sharks.

We spend the morning snorkeling or diving alongside the Whale Sharks, observing their peaceful movements and immense beauty up close. After our second encounter, we gently leave the area to let these giants continue their calm routine.

In the afternoon, we visit Satonda’s crater lake for a short trek and stay for sunset, where Flying Foxes lift into the dusk as we begin our overnight cruise toward Sangeang.

Day 4: Sangeang Island
We arrive at Sangeang Island, where geothermal energy meets thriving marine life. Our morning begins with dives at Hot Rocks, Lighthouse, or Deep Purple. Before lunch, we move to Tekno Reef, a stunning site with colourful coral gardens, Batfish, and dense schools of Anthias swirling through the warm current.

In the afternoon, we visit Kampung Bontoh to witness the centuries-old Phinisi boatbuilding tradition before returning for a night dive where Spanish Dancers, Pleurobranchs, Bobtail Squid, and other small nocturnal creatures emerge.

Day 5: North Komodo
We head to the northern waters of Komodo. Depending on the currents, we may explore Castle Rock, Crystal Rock, Shotgun, Lighthouse, or Golden Passage. Each offers its own spectacle of life, from swirling schools of Trevallies and Fusiliers to Reef Sharks patrolling the blue and the occasional manta gliding gracefully overhead. As night falls, we settle near Batu Monco for a night dive. The calm bay transforms into a living aquarium, where countless critters and tiny reef fish emerge under the glow of our lights.

Day 6: Central Komodo to Padar Island
Depending on the sea conditions, we may explore sites such as Siaba Kecil, Pengah Kecil, Mawan Island, or Police Corner, each offering a vibrant mix of coral gardens, schooling fish, and thrilling drift experiences. Encounters with Reef Mantas are also possible at Mawan.

After a morning of diving, La Galigo sets course toward the southern part of the park. In the afternoon, we arrive around Padar Island, where the site known as Secret Garden reveals its lush coral slopes and calm beauty. Afterward, we step ashore for Padar trekking, a viewpoint that rewards every effort with iconic panoramas.

At night, we dive Padar Kecil, where Crocodilefish and Flying Gurnards patrol the sandy bottom.

Day 7: Manta Alley and Komodo Island
We journey to the south; the highlight is Manta Alley, where Reef Mantas gather in mesmerizing numbers to feed and be cleaned, gliding effortlessly through the channels. Depending on the sea conditions, we may explore nearby reefs alive with soft corals, Reef Sharks, and bursts of colourful Anthias.

In the afternoon, we visit Komodo Island with the park rangers to encounter the legendary Komodo Dragons. Afterward, we stop at the famous Pink Beach, where crushed red coral gives the sand its soft rose hue, perfect for a swim or a bit of relaxation.

We move to Loh Liang for the night dive, where the southern reefs reveal Ghost Pipefish, Decorator Crabs, and vivid soft corals fill the darkness.

Day 8: Central Komodo
We will explore Tatawa Besar, where fields of orange soft corals sway with the current. Glide through Karang Makassar (Manta Point), where graceful Reef Mantas circle above the lunar-like seabed. No day in Komodo is complete without diving Batu Bolong, a majestic pinnacle rising from deep blue water, bursting with color and life on every inch of its coral-covered surface. As the sun sets, we move to Wainilu for the night dive. Here, the reef transforms into a hidden kingdom of tiny wonders, where Frogfish, Nudibranchs, and Seahorses emerge from their shelters for a slow-motion treasure hunt beneath the stars.

 
Day 9:  Labuan Bajo
A gentler rhythm returns in the calm waters around Sabolan Kecil, Sebayur Kecil, or Bidadari Island, with bright coral gardens, Turtles, and clear water to savour your final dives.

The afternoon is for rinsing gear, relaxing on deck, and sharing stories. As the sun sets at Pulau Kalong, thousands of Flying Foxes take to the sky, filling the dusk with their silhouettes. The crew prepares a beach barbecue, with music, laughter, and the glow of the fire reflecting on the water.

Day 10: Disembark in Komodo
As dawn breaks, La Galigo makes her final approach to Labuan Bajo, where our journey gently comes to an end. After breakfast, it is time to say goodbye to the crew, who have become like family over the past days. Their warm smiles and easy laughter make every farewell a little harder. Though the adventure ends here, the spirit of the voyage sails on with you, carried home in stories, friendships, and the rhythm of the ocean that will always call you back.

Sample itineraries are for guidance only. Actual itineraries may differ slightly due to factors such as weather, wildlife, logistics, and local regulations.