Today we are taking you on a trip to Komodo National Park, Indonesia. Whether on board the Phinisi yacht Sequoia or the luxurious Dewata from Pacific High Cruises - both yachts will whisk us away to this remote island world full of breathtaking landscapes, wildly overgrown coastlines and glittering seas.
As we explore the underwater world on dives, we marvel at colorful coral reefs and an abundance of exotic fish. On land, we hike through pristine nature and keep an eye out for Timor deer, monkeys and the iconic Komodo dragons.
The national park is located in a remote archipelago and can only be reached by water. The Sequoia and the Dewata are our faithful companions during our stay, taking us to distant worlds and giving us unforgettable hours.
The 33-metre Dewata from Pacific High Cruises is the perfect choice for families or groups of friends who want a spacious yet luxurious sailing experience. Two ocean-view master cabins and a spacious guest cabin offer space for 2-6 guests. The yacht impresses with private terraces, a spacious sun deck, luxurious bathrooms and exclusive wellness facilities. An experienced crew of 11 takes care of every wish, organizing activities such as diving, snorkeling, paddling or tailor-made fine dining experiences. On the Dewata, we experience exclusive peace and comfort as we glide through the pristine waters and dramatic landscapes of Komodo National Park.
The 26-meter Phisini yacht is a true masterpiece of traditional Indonesian craftsmanship combined with modern comfort. Up to six guests enjoy three handcrafted suites furnished with great attention to detail.
Spacious indoor and outdoor areas, an elegant sun deck and cozy lounges invite you to unwind. The crew of up to 10 people ensures that everything runs smoothly, spoils us with delicious meals and organizes varied leisure programs.
On the Sequoia, luxury, adventure and seclusion merge into an incomparable sailing experience, where we always enjoy breathtaking sunrises and sunsets in the front row.
We spend our days on board with massages and wellness treatments, sunbathing, reading and gazing into the distance. Every now and then we jump into the water to cool off. We greet the sun in the morning with a yoga session with asanas such as the warrior and say goodbye to it in the evening with delicious cocktails for us adults and lemonade for the children. In between, the crew serves exquisite meals on deck. The food tastes twice as good in this impressive setting.
The adventurer in us comes into its own on shore excursions: our to-do list includes hikes through wild landscapes with breathtaking views of the surrounding islands, visits to traditional villages and encounters with the local wildlife. First on the list is the iconic Komodo dragon, which only lives on a few of the Lesser Sunda Islands.
The Komodo dragon is an endemic species, which means that it only lives on the five eastern Indonesian islands of Komodo, Rinca, Gili Dasami, Gili Motang and Flores. With a size of up to three meters and a weight of over 70 kilograms, it is the largest lizard in the world. The "dinosaurs of our time" can be observed particularly well on Rinca and Komodo. On a tour with a ranger, we go in search of the famous lizards. As we put one foot in front of the other, we spot monkeys, maned deer (also known as Timor deer), wild boar, water buffalo and countless birds.
The waters around Komodo are an underwater paradise with hundreds of species of fish and corals as well as all the marine mammals. Diving areas such as Castle Rock, Shotgun or Tatawa Besar open up a whole new world where snorkeling and diving excursions will leave you in awe. Encounters with seemingly floating manta rays and light-finned reef sharks elegantly doing their rounds are certainly among the most impressive experiences.
The Manta Point dive site is known for the large numbers of these majestic animals. Here they find plenty of food and receive a little "wellness treatment" from cleaner fish. If you dare, you can swim with the harmless animals, which are up to four meters wide, and feel weightless like a manta ray for a moment.
We anchor in a picturesque bay on the uninhabited island of Padar, which lies between Rinca and Komodo, surrounded by a dramatic mountain backdrop with rugged cliffs. In the middle of nowhere, this is the perfect place to paddle, swim or take a boat trip along dramatic rock formations and idyllic coastlines. On the secluded beaches, we gaze in awe at the sea and the surroundings.
And so our vacation on the Sequoia passes light-footedly and eventfully. Every day we arrive at a new, fantastically beautiful place waiting to be discovered. Diving, snorkeling, paddling, hiking, monitor lizards, relaxing on deck: We can't get enough of it all and say with conviction: Oh, how beautiful Komodo is.