Ayana Komodo
Our choice of hotel in Labuan Bajo. Modern, well-appointed rooms, wonderful views from the reception and bar, and a jetty that provides a fantastic setting for sundowners.
OUR KOMODO
A beautiful place to stay. An extraordinary place to explore.
Komodo was one of our favourite trips. We based ourselves at Ayana Komodo in Labuan Bajo, a beautiful hotel overlooking the Flores Sea, before heading out for three days sailing between the islands aboard Samara.
The combination worked wonderfully. A comfortable and picturesque hotel on land, followed by the freedom of waking in a different bay each morning. It gave us the opportunity to experience both sides of Komodo.
From the spectacular views at Ayana to the extraordinary landscapes, marine life and wildlife further out in the national park, this is a destination that rewards taking your time.
THE STAY
Ayana Komodo Waecicu Beach.
A wonderful base from which to discover the islands, and somewhere we were genuinely pleased to return to after our time on the water.
OUR EXPERIENCE
A lovely place to come back to.
We really enjoyed our stay at Ayana. The rooms were modern, clean and very well appointed, providing exactly the sort of comfort we wanted before and after spending time exploring the islands.
The views from the main reception and bar area were particularly stunning. It is a beautiful setting, with the Flores Sea stretching out in front of you and the surrounding islands providing a wonderful backdrop.
One of our favourite features was the hotel's jetty. Stretching out into the water, it offered another fantastic location to enjoy a drink, watch the light change and settle in for an evening sundowner.
The jetty also made the practical side of our trip particularly easy. It was from here that Samara collected us for our three-day sailing adventure.
We also visited the Marriott during our time in Labuan Bajo, but found it a little too quiet for our tastes. We were very happy with our decision to stay at Ayana.
THE SETTING
Views, open water and a perfect sundowner spot.
Ayana's setting is a big part of its appeal. The open views across the sea, the relaxed atmosphere around the main bar and the jetty make it easy to slow down and enjoy the surroundings.
It is also a particularly convenient base for organising trips into Komodo National Park.
THE EXPERIENCE
Three days aboard Samara.
If Ayana was the perfect base, Samara was the experience that made the trip unforgettable.
LIFE ON THE WATER
A different bay every morning.
We spent three days sailing between the islands, exploring different parts of the national park and waking up somewhere new each morning.
Samara was fantastic. The staff were brilliant, the food was superb and everything was taken care of. We could spend our days exploring, swimming and enjoying the scenery, knowing that the boat was waiting to take us on to the next destination.
There is something particularly special about being out here. The remoteness, the changing landscapes and the feeling of having the islands almost to yourself make the journey as memorable as the places you visit.
For us, three days was a wonderful way to experience Komodo properly.
BEYOND THE HOTEL
Discovering Komodo.
THE ISLANDS
A landscape unlike anywhere else.
The islands have a character all of their own. Dry hills, dramatic coastlines and clear blue water create a landscape that changes around every corner.
BELOW THE SURFACE
An extraordinary underwater world.
Some of our favourite moments happened in the water. The reefs were extraordinary, with turtles, manta rays and smaller marine life all part of the experience.
At one stop, baby sharks were swimming between our feet.
PINK BEACH
A remarkable stretch of coastline.
Pink Beach is exactly the kind of place that makes Komodo feel almost unreal. The colour of the sand against the clear water and dry hills creates a landscape unlike anywhere else we've travelled.
PADAR ISLAND
The view is worth the climb.
Padar is one of those places that looks almost too perfect from above. The climb is worth the effort for the extraordinary view across its distinctive bays and the islands beyond.
WILDLIFE
Dragons and the natural world.
Seeing Komodo dragons in their natural environment was one of the experiences that made the trip genuinely extraordinary.
We also saw turtles in the water and flying foxes crossing the evening sky. The wildlife is an important part of what makes this destination so special.
BACK ON LAND
Labuan Bajo.
Labuan Bajo is the gateway to Komodo National Park. We enjoyed getting out to Le Bajo during our stay, which gave us a different feel for the town away from the hotel.
It is worth allowing a little time on land rather than treating the town simply as a place to arrive and depart.
THE JOURNEY CONTINUES
More moments from Komodo.
ON THE WATER
The best way to see the islands.
The boat gave us the freedom to explore at a different pace. Some of the most memorable moments were the simplest ones: watching the landscape pass by and enjoying the quiet stretches between destinations.
THE MEMORY
More than just the highlights.
Pink Beach, Padar, dragons and coral reefs are the obvious memories. But what stays with us most is the feeling of being completely away from everything, moving slowly between islands and waking somewhere new.
PLANNING YOUR VISIT
When to go and how to make the most of it.
Komodo is a destination where timing and a little planning make a real difference. Here are a few things worth considering before you book.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
April – October
The dry season is generally the best period for exploring Komodo, with April to June offering greener landscapes and September and October often providing a quieter alternative to the peak summer months.
July and August are popular, so expect more visitors and higher demand for accommodation and boats.
WEATHER & CONDITIONS
Warm and tropical
Expect warm temperatures throughout the year. The drier months generally bring sunnier days and more favourable conditions for exploring the islands.
The wetter period typically falls between November and March. Sea conditions can vary, so it is worth keeping some flexibility in your sailing plans.
HOW LONG TO STAY
Five to six days
We'd suggest allowing a couple of nights at Ayana and then three days out on the water aboard a liveaboard.
This gives you time to enjoy the hotel properly, explore the national park and return to Labuan Bajo without rushing the experience.
GETTING THERE
Via Labuan Bajo
Labuan Bajo is the main gateway to Komodo National Park. It has an airport with domestic connections, making it the natural starting point for your visit.
Ayana makes a convenient base once you arrive.
GETTING AROUND
By boat
The best way to experience the national park is by water. A multi-day sailing experience gives you the freedom to explore several islands and wake somewhere different each morning.
WHO WILL LOVE IT
Adventure and relaxation
Komodo works particularly well for couples and families who enjoy a mix of comfortable accommodation, wildlife, snorkelling and adventure.
It is a wonderful alternative to a conventional beach holiday.
OUR RECOMMENDATIONS
Places & experiences we loved.
Samara
Our three-day sailing experience. Fantastic staff, superb food and the opportunity to wake up in a different bay every morning. A real highlight of the trip.
Padar Island
The climb is worth the effort. The views across the distinctive bays and surrounding islands are among the most memorable sights in Komodo.
Pink Beach
A remarkable stretch of coastline. The pink sand against the clear water makes this one of the most distinctive places in the national park.
Komodo dragons
Seeing the dragons in their natural environment is an experience that makes a visit to the region particularly special. Always explore with an authorised park guide.
Le Bajo
A good reason to get out and enjoy another side of Labuan Bajo when you're back on land.
OUR EDIT
Stay on land. Explore by sea.
For us, the combination of Ayana and Samara was what made this trip so special. Having a comfortable and beautiful hotel as a base, before heading out for three days sailing between the islands, worked perfectly.
We'd recommend allowing enough time to enjoy both. Don't simply arrive in Labuan Bajo, head straight onto a boat and leave again. Ayana is a lovely place to spend time, and the national park deserves more than a quick visit.
If we were planning the trip again, we'd do exactly the same thing.
OUR MAP
Komodo.
The hotels, islands, beaches and experiences that made this one of our favourite trips. We'll continue building out our wider travel map as The Expat Edits grows.