Beyond Bali: Discovering Flores, Komodo & Life on a Liveaboard

There are some places that stay with you long after you've unpacked your suitcase, and for us, Flores and the Komodo National Park are definitely one of them.

Our journey began in the small fishing town of Labuan Bajo on Flores Island, the gateway to Komodo National Park. We stayed at the beautiful AYANA Komodo, set on the tranquil shores of Waecicu Beach and overlooking the crystal-clear waters of the Flores Sea. Surrounded by lush tropical gardens, spacious rooms, an infinity pool overlooking the bay, exceptional dining and breathtaking sunsets, it was the perfect place to begin our adventure.

The real highlight, though, was leaving Labuan Bajo behind and setting off on a liveaboard adventure through Komodo National Park. 

Our home for the next three days was the beautiful Angelica Phinisi, a traditional Indonesian liveaboard that perfectly blends handcrafted heritage with modern comfort. Built in 2024 from ironwood, the boat felt both elegant and authentic. Between island adventures, we found ourselves relaxing on the sun deck, enjoying meals overlooking the ocean and falling asleep each night to the gentle movement of the water. It wasn't just our way of exploring Komodo National Park; it became an unforgettable part of the journey itself.

One of our favourite stops was Pink Beach. It's one of the few naturally pink sand beaches in the world, created by tiny fragments of red coral that have mixed with the white sand over thousands of years. The soft blush coloured shoreline against the brilliant blue water almost doesn't look real, and it was the perfect place to stop for a swim before heading back to the boat.

Another unforgettable experience was snorkelling at Manta Point, one of the best places in the world to see oceanic manta rays in the wild. We slipped into the water not knowing what to expect, and within minutes, they were gliding beneath us. At one point, we had six giant manta rays circling below as they fed on the plankton carried in by the currents. Some had wingspans of up to seven metres, yet they moved so effortlessly and gracefully that it almost looked like they were flying through the water. It was impossible not to stop and simply watch in complete awe. Without a doubt, it was one of the most incredible experiences of my life and something I'll never forget.

No trip to the area would be complete without visiting Komodo Island, part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Komodo National Park. Accompanied by local park rangers, we trekked through the island to see the famous Komodo dragons in their natural habitat. The Komodo dragon exists naturally on just a handful of islands in Indonesia and nowhere else in the world, making this one of the few places where you can see these incredible creatures in the wild. Komodo Island is home to the largest remaining population, with around 1,700 dragons roaming freely. What makes the experience so memorable is seeing them in their natural environment, sharing the landscape with local communities rather than behind fences or glass. It reminded us just how wild and untouched this part of Indonesia still is.

A late afternoon hike up Padar Island was another standout. It was definitely one of the toughest hikes of the trip, with a long, steep climb and very little shade, but every bit of the effort was worth it. From the top, you're rewarded with one of the most breathtaking views in Indonesia, looking out over three sweeping bays, each with its own distinctive beach of white, black and pink sand. It's easy to see why Padar Island has become one of the most photographed spots in the country. We spent a while taking it all in before making our way back down to the boat.

We then anchored beside Kalong Island just before sunset, a small, protected island covered entirely in dense mangrove forest. With no permanent residents or visitor access, it provides an important habitat for one of the largest colonies of flying foxes in the region. As the sun began to disappear, thousands of bats emerged from the mangroves and flew overhead on their journey to Flores to feed for the night. They play an important role in the ecosystem, helping to pollinate plants and disperse seeds throughout the surrounding islands. Sitting on the boat's deck, watching the sunset while thousands of flying foxes filled the evening sky, was the perfect way to end an unforgettable day.

What surprised us most about this trip wasn't just the incredible scenery, but how peaceful it felt. Away from busy tourist spots, life moves at a slower pace. Days are spent outdoors, disconnected from the usual routine and completely immersed in nature.

If you've been to Bali a few times and are looking for somewhere that feels a little more adventurous while still being incredibly beautiful, Flores and the Komodo Islands are well worth adding to your list. It's a side of Indonesia that feels wild, authentic and unforgettable. One we'll return to.

- Louisa