Komodo Dive Resort

★ 5 · adam k. · 2019-11-07

My wife and I stayed here for a week in October 2019. Our primary reasons for the visit were to scuba dive and see the Komodo Dragons. We had a wonderful stay here. To start, we were picked up from the LBJ airport and transferred to the resort office in town. We filled out some quick paperwork and were issued our Komodo National Park tickets. We were then transferred down to the docks where we took about a 35 minute private speedboat ride to the resort. We booked the speedboat as we didn't want to take the free/slow ferry after a long trip to get that far. The speed boat was a little pricey, but worth every penny as the free shuttle takes about 90 minutes. We were able to complete a "check dive" the same day we arrived at a nearby reef which was a really good dive site. For divers: the morning dive boat leaves at 8a and heads out for 2 dives - usually about 40-60 minute boat ride from the resort. We did have one day where we stayed on the boat for lunch and also did an afternoon dive because the locations were farther away. The afternoon and evening dives are done on a reef near the resort (10 minutes away). There are 3 dive sites at this reef. They are all good. We did 2 afternoon dives at this reef and 2 night dives. The afternoon dive is usually around 230-3p and the night dive is at 6p. My favorite dives site was Castle Rock because of all the wildlife we saw. It was followed by Crystal Rock which was unfortunately my least favorite site because of the extreme current. The dive boats aren't anything special, but they are big and accommodate probably up to 12 divers or so. They have bean bags under a canopy up top to relax before/between/after dives. Tea and cookies were provided for post diving. I was bummed that there is no shore diving from the resort. There is an excellent house reef for snorkeling, but the resort sits on a busy boating channel, so they don't allow diving. However, you can kayak in the channel which was nice - you just have to stay within visual sight of the resort. Our dive guide was Engel. He was a good dive guide who knew the sites well. He could spot the tiniest things from very far away. He tended to move a little faster than I liked to go, but he was always mindful of our safety. The resort itself was very nice. We just had a basic cabin (4S) which was clean and comfortable. The bathroom was not air conditioned, but not a big deal. Sunsets from the resort are beautiful. The only downside (which is minor) is that the hot afternoon sun beats down on the face of the resort - but it makes the sunsets worth it. The restaurant was decent. The food didn't wow me, but it was good and there were enough options on the menu. Breakfast was a buffet, lunch had indonesian and american/sandwich options, and dinner had thai and italian options. the wait staff were always super friendly. dietary restrictions/needs will be accommodated. they had many vegetarian options on the menu. we had the all-inclusive meal package, but drinks were additional and a little pricey, but i guess that is the norm in indonesia. other than the resort, there really isn't much else on the island to see besides the incredible views at the top of the hills of sebayur island. the climb to the top of the hill just above the resort takes about 10 minutes and is great for both sunrise and sunset. if you have the will/energy, the summit climb on the far end of the island takes a little over an hour or so up (if you are in decent shape) and about 50 minutes back down. Those views are stunning, especially at sunset. we did do a half-day day trip to Rinca Island to see the Komodo dragons and the flying foxes at sunset. this trip is totally worth it. it leaves around 1:45p and gets back around 7:30p so you will have to sacrifice afternoon and night dives to go. i would stay here again and i'd recommend it to others. thanks for a great week.

★ 5 · June M. · 2018-07-15

Excellent accommodations on it's own beautiful island. Staff were superb and friendly. Everyone works so hard. I am new to scuba, only having a dozen or so dives logged. My divemaster, Flor, was very patient and professional. The dive sites were outstanding. I am already thinking about how and when I can return.