My sensational Komodo Islands cruise with SeaTrek

I had never been on a small-ship cruise before, and I have to say that this totally changed my perspective on what boutique cruising can offer. It was an incredible journey packed with fascinating wildlife, exceptional snorkelling, scenic volcano hikes, and visits to remote indigenous communities. 

Between the thoughtfully planned daily activities, there was plenty of time to relax on deck, soak up the sun, take in the scenery, and enjoy the delicious food. I couldn’t have asked for more.

Getting to Komodo National Park 

After flying into Bali, I chose to spend two nights at Jimbaran Beach before the cruise began. Not only is it a relaxing daytime spot with an excellent selection of seafront restaurants, but it’s also very well located for the airport. 

From there, I took an early flight from Denpasar to Labuan Bajo, a journey of around an hour. When I landed, I was greeted by the warm and welcoming SeaTrek crew, and we had a short transfer to Labuan Bajo Port to board the ship.

When to visit Indonesia’s 'Ring of Fire'

This region of Indonesia is home to an astounding variety of wildlife, from the iconic Komodo dragons to monkeys and water buffalo. Beneath the surface lies an extraordinary abundance of marine life, including turtles, dolphins, and gigantic whale sharks. 

For wildlife spotting, it’s best to visit during the dry season, which runs from April to December. This gives you the best chance of sunny hiking weather, together with calm seas and great water visibility.

Sailing with SeaTrek 

With SeaTrek, I sailed aboard a traditional Indonesian pinisi wooden ship, complete with just 6 cabins. It was a wonderful way to experience this unique part of the world. The ensuite cabins feature hot showers and comfortable double beds, with an additional bunk option that’s perfect for families.

At the heart of the ship sits a large communal dining table where the chef serves up incredible meals ranging from fresh lobster and prawns to classic Indonesian dishes. There’s also ample deck space with inviting sun loungers and daybeds, plus a cosy saloon stocked with refreshments and snacks throughout the day.

What sets SeaTrek apart 

Being a small ship meant I felt exceptionally well cared for, with the attentive crew always available to help with any questions. SeaTrek is dedicated to supporting local communities and preserving the traditional way of life, so the fantastic Indonesian crew works tirelessly to educate travellers about conservation efforts both in the ocean and across the remote islands. It’s a truly inspiring company offering genuinely unique experiences.

The SeaTrek team goes above and beyond to take guests off the usual tourist routes, leading hikes to hidden locations and guiding snorkelling trips to secluded spots. We rarely saw other tourists on our journey. With one to two snorkelling opportunities each day, and hikes to remote villages and beautiful waterfalls on Moyo Island, the entire adventure felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Sensational snorkelling spots 

My cruise kicked off with an amazing snorkelling trip on the way to the first stop – Rinca Island. The underwater scenery blew me away, with huge shoals of tropical fish, dozens of sea turtles, black-tip sharks, clownfish and pufferfish, and brightly coloured coral. The expert dive crew ensured that we made the most of every moment and supported us every step of the way.

Close encounters with Komodo Dragons 

Rinca is the quieter, less touristy neighbour to Komodo Island, and it’s a great place to see the formidable Komodo dragons up close (with the rangers close by!), without the usual crowds. Seeing them in their natural habitat was unforgettable, and I learned so much from the knowledgeable guides.

Growing to lengths of up to three metres, these prehistoric-looking creatures are the largest lizards in the world and can only be found on Komodo, Rinca, Flores, Gili Matong, and Gili Dasami. Often said to be the closest living relative of dinosaurs, it's believed that there are now fewer than 1,400 Komodo Dragons in the world.

Buffalo racing on Rinca Island 

While on Rinca Island, we were lucky enough to watch a traditional buffalo race at a local village, where the whole community gathers for this lively event. Villagers of all ages take part, riding on a wooden plank usually used for farming. The races are taken very seriously, and bets are placed on all the races. The winning buffalo can be worth as much as 5,000 USD!

Swimming with whale sharks 

The following morning, we were up bright and early for one of our most highly anticipated excursions - swimming with whale sharks. SeaTrek operates this activity responsibly in collaboration with the local fishing community, ensuring a mutually beneficial and respectful experience. Only a few swimmers are allowed in the water at a time, keeping the environment calm and uncrowded.

First, we headed to one of the floating fishing platforms run by the local fishermen, who attracted whale sharks with small amounts of fish. Although sightings are not guaranteed, we were lucky enough to see two gentle giants, and they stayed long enough for us to swim nearby. One of them was as large as a bus – I couldn’t believe my eyes! It was an indescribable moment that will stay with me forever.

Exploring Satonda Island 

Another highlight of the cruise was a visit to Satonda, an extraordinary crater island with a turquoise lake in its centre. Here, we spent a leisurely afternoon paddleboarding and kayaking before hiking to the peak for some magnificent views. We then headed back to the ship to watch the sunset with a cocktail in hand and see the island’s giant fruit bats take flight.

Visiting Sangiang Village 

On our final day, we visited a remote village called Sangiang, where the locals build traditional pinisi ships and weave blankets by hand. Together, these crafts form the community's main source of income. The pinisi ships built here are used by SeaTrek on their cruises, which added an extra layer of meaning to the experience. It was inspiring to see local communities and businesses supporting each other so beautifully.

Learning about coral restoration

In the afternoon, we learned about the ongoing coral restoration programme in Komodo National Park. We even got to give it a go ourselves and see the work in action. Initiated in 2015, the programme has already achieved impressive results, with coral and fish populations steadily increasing year after year.

Cocktails and sunshine on Pink Beach 

Later in the afternoon, we enjoyed some time to unwind with swimming and snorkelling, before sipping cocktails on breathtaking ‘Pink Beach’, with parasols and loungers to boot. The sand’s rosy tint comes from white sand mixing with powdered red coral, creating a stunning blush coloured shoreline. It was spectacular.

Our beach BBQ under the stars 

On our final evening, we said goodbye to our shipmates and crew in style, with a fantastic beach BBQ surrounded by twinkling fairy lights and a sky full of stars. We danced to local music performed by the crew and enjoyed a delicious feast. It was a wonderfully atmospheric end to the trip.

Meeting the strongmen of Melo Village 

The next morning, we returned to Labuan Bajo and made one last trip to Melo Village before departing. Here we met the village chief, sampled home-brewed whiskey and tried betelnut, which is popular throughout Indonesia. Next, we were treated to a Caci dance performance and a ritual whip fight between the local strongmen. It was an extraordinary cultural experience.

My thoughts about sailing with SeaTrek 

A SeaTrek cruise is a remarkable way to explore the hidden pockets of Indonesia, from world-class snorkelling and secluded beaches to fantastic scenery, amazing wildlife and rich cultural encounters. Despite the variety of activities, the pace feels relaxed and never overwhelming.

Everything is taken care of, and you have the opportunity for some incredible local experiences without having to arrange a thing! It’s perfect for travellers of all ages, from families to honeymooners and solo travellers. If you’re reasonably fit and comfortable in the water, you’ll be able to enjoy every activity. 

If you’re seeking an Indonesian adventure that blends exploration, relaxation, and authentic cultural connection, SeaTrek is the perfect choice. It truly felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I know the memories will stay with me forever.

Ready to plan a trip to Indonesia? 

We're experts at creating tailor-made holidays to Indonesia, packed with unique experiences. We can create a wonderful holiday itinerary that includes a SeaTrek cruise, taking care of everything from flights to transfers and extra accommodation. To get started, simply give us a call on 1273 320 580 or send us a quote request by email. 

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