Komodo followed by...?

[Hydra1995]

Hi guys,

Im thinking of staying 2-3 weeks in September in Indonesia. First we are thinking of staying at SJ in Komodo for around 1 week. After that we would like to add another diving week somewhere else. Or is Komodo good enough to keep us entertained for 2 weeks? Where should we go or is there any decent combination one can do consindering flights?

Would really like to go to SJ Sangalaki but I think the trip to get there is too exhausting.

Thanks a lot for your help

 

[keeperguy64]

Komodo is definitely amazing enough that you could enjoy 2 weeks there. I don't think there are easy connections from Labuan Bajo to other parts of Indonesia, but if you're willing to connect, some awesome places to consider: Raja Ampat (likely via Sorong), or Sulawesi (via Manado). I'm headed to both places this Fall so I don't have a first hand account yet, but I've only heard good things at that time of year.

 

[Luko]

Easiest to connect from Komodo : Kalimaya/eastern Sumbawa (ferry ride from Labuan Bajo) gives access to Sangeang and West Komodo which you will not dive unless you're on a LoB & Bali (Best macro in Indonesia, and also Mola mola if in season (Aug to Oct).

 

[Centrals]

@Hydra1995
Scubajunkie Sangalaki is NOT that easy to get there. However, diving there is very good.

Padangbai in Bali for Mola Mola.

 

[Scared Silly]

We did three weeks Bali - Komodo (live-a-board out of Bima) - Lombok (Gili Islands).

We flew into and out of Bima we did not stay there.

 

[outofofficebrb]

Alor or Bali.

 

[Hydra1995]

thanks a lot for your help guys. Will take a look at them all.

Alor would be great but I think it is not that easy to get to from komodo?

 

[outofofficebrb]

thanks a lot for your help guys. Will take a look at them all.

Alor would be great but I think it is not that easy to get to from komodo?

If through Bali, you go to Kupang to Alor with a forced overnight in Kupang since they sell the afternoon flight but it’s always canceled so you are rebooked on the morning flight. Or fly Komodo to Jakarta direct and catch the red eye Jakarta to Kupang to Alor with no overnight since you’d be catching the Kupang to Alor morning flight. The reef diving is great and much better than reef diving in Bali so it is worth the effort to me. Not many divers in the area since liveaboards and resorts all coordinate when and where they dive so I have never shared a dive site with anyone there for the 25-26 days I’ve spent there over 2 trips. The macro in Kalabahi Bay has weirder and rarer nudis and even rhinopias than what you can find around Bali and Komodo.

The flight schedules in Indo are always a tax to good diving so easy is relative and contextual. When access is easy, it tends to attract a lot more people. When access is difficult, it tends to keep the crowds at bay.

 

[Darnold9999]

I do not know how reliable the flights are but there are two flights a day Wings Air from Komodo(LBJ) - Kupang(KOE) with a short stop in ENE. A two and a half hour flight total. Overnight in Kupang and on to Alor in the AM. As someone said DO NOT book the afternoon flight Kupang to Alor. It never flies and Lion Air will reroute you at their convenience.

I would do some research to make sure the LBJ - KOE flight actually flies every day, but it looks like it might be a good option.