Komodo, Raja Ampat or both??

[cjhorn85]

Hey all,

I'm currently in the process of trying to plan a diving trip to Indonesia in Feb next year. I'm looking to have 2 weeks away, and I'm trying to decide if I can dive Komodo and Raja Ampat, or just do one.

I have looked at logistics and I can do a 3 day Komodo liveaboard and 5 days of diving in Raja Ampat (Looking at either a resort or homestay style accommodation). I'm only looking to do maybe 20-25 dives in this time. What I was wondering, is this enough time to sample both? Or would I be better spending more time in one place? I know Raja Ampat is a large area, but if possible I'd like to hit the best sites in this time.

I'm not looking for anything specific (like big fish or macro photography), but a mix would be good.

I have flights to and from Bali booked, but trying to decide where to go from there.

I appreciate this question has been asked before, but I'm looking specifically whether I should do both locations, or concentrate on one.

Thanks for the help!!!

 

[Darnold9999]

Personally I would do one or the other and do some diving and sightseeing around Bali as well. This would reduce the amount of travel you have to do, maximize the number of dives you are able to do and give you time to look around Bali. I like to spend a day or two in Bali after getting there to recover from the flights and get used to the time change. A day or two of easy diving then a day to sightsee before going on to RA or Komodo. Of all the places I have been in Indonesia I like Bali topside. You need to get out of the city and the major tourist area, but once you do the scenery and the people are worth spending time to get to know.

 

[mattia_v]

Stick with one - we did 7 days in RA and 3 days in Komodo with three weeks of travel time - if I were to do it again I would spend extra days in RA and do Komodo on its own trip.

 

[cjhorn85]

I should have mentioned I have been to Bali before, diving and traveling so I don't plan on sending any time there. I'm actually in Asia already, so I'm ok with flights as well.

I'm leaning towards RA but I really wanna do Komodo. Maybe I'm just being greedy!

 

[Darnold9999]

Don't forget that a flight means a non diving day before the flight - that is why I would minimise flights. If I had to choose I would do RA, but Komodo is great too and both is certainly possible. They are pretty similar so I would be more inclined to do Lembeh or Ambon and one of RA or Komodo. Two totally different kinds of diving.

 

[Mike Veitch]

Getting to and from the two of them is what the issue would be if you ask me. To get to Raja Ampat from Komodo takes time (3 flights) better spent diving. Feb is not a great time of year for Komodo either, rainy season in the north of the Park so not the best time to be there. I think a better option would be to combine Raja with Ambon, there is a direct flight from Ambon to Sorong so minimal time out on flights and Feb is a good time to be in Ambon and Raja

 

[CarcharodonCarcharias]

I'd stick with one and just do a thorough trip. 3 days and 5 days with travel time accounted for, you are not going to be able to enjoy each location and will be in a bit of a rush.

 

[Cali_diver]

I agree with Mike... Both Lembeh and Ambon are great and easy add- ons to RA if you want to do 2 places. It gives you a great mix of Indonesia diving. The logistics of getting to both places makes it problematic.

 

[Mike Veitch]

I agree with Mike...

Key to success in life to be honest

 

[outofofficebrb]

I think you only have time for one but my answer is pick one, then go back for more and do the other. I hear both are amazing but I have heard Raja is better than Komodo but are both VERY good. With the way the flights work to/from Sorong for Raja and the no flys you have to abide by, this is why I suggest one.

Komodo would be easier for you to get to from Bali - you can fly to Labuan Bajo. You can do land based or you can do liveaboard with the latter easier but the former fine. Also, I was in Komodo for a 4 day short LOB and that was too short - you'll want at least a week. Ditto Raja because I hear it's better (I'll let you know how it goes, I go for 8 days LOB in Oct!).

Since you have 2 weeks, maybe you can go out to Komodo, then either hit up Lembeh or Ambon as others have suggested.