I brought the Airasia sales fair last time around to Bali.
Never been there before, not very interested in it but I want to go to Komodo island to see the lizard.
has anyone been and can recommend me a good tour company.. my main concern is unsafe boats that take you to Komodo
Thanks in advance
I went 2 years ago, booked our own flights online Bali-Labuan Bajo in Flores. Then booked a Komodo boat tour through Golo Hilltop Hotel, its a great little hotel.
We were time poor, didnt want to pay the high prices for a tour from Bali so booked our own flights to Flores.
All the boats we saw were dodgy, seriously, if thats a concern then either dont go or go there on a cruise ship. The backpacker boats with 10-20 passengers look better but theyre the ones that you read about sinking.
It was just my wife and I, with a guide and 3 young crew, who also prepared the meals. We slept on a mattress in a room at the back of the boat, there was a western toilet seat that drained into the ocean. No air con, only the hose in the toilet to wash. I think it was bout $500 total including airport pickup and drop off, one nights accommodation before and one night after boat trip, 2 full days on boat with meals and drinks.
The boat was basic and it was really roughing it but the guide organised a ranger to walk with us on the islands, we didnt have to go with any other people so it really was a private tour. We saw dragons really close up on Komodo island, 2 of them lying on top of each other blocking the walking track first thing in the morning. Got some amazing photos. Thats the advantage of a small boat, you get on the island before the crowds. On Rinca Island saw them mainly near the ranger station. Theres lots of good snorkelling on the way, snorkelled with manta rays. The cheapest way is booking a shared tour from the many travel agents in Lubian Bajo, Im sure you can ask to inspect the boat before you commit.
Thanks. I might send Golo Hotel an email then
Tried asking some Bali based on tour prices and it was daylight robbery for Komodo/Kelimutu, they were asking almost 2000 aud for 4 nights/5 days for a single person
I went a number of years ago. However, I went with a mate who is a local so he organised a fishing boat to take us out there. Going on an unsafe boat, powered by a datsun 120y engine with a broom stick as a throttle control is half the fun! Try to leave just before dawn so you can watch the sun rise over all of the little islands.
There was not much in the way of food on the island so pick up a couple Nasi Lemak's or something wrapped up in a banana leaf to take with you.
Flores is an awesome place to check out whilst you are there. Kelimutu is spectacular and Bajawa and the Ngada villages are really interesting.
Feel free to PM me if you want any more info.