Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Komodo Sea Dragon usually operating?

The Komodo Sea Dragon Liveaboard is linked to the Komodo Resort and operates mainly in the Komodo National Park – UNESCO World heritage site for most parts of the year.

Additionally the Liveaboard also operates in Alor archipelago – East Nusa Tenggara for an average of 3 to 4 month yearly and from June to September period.

How can I get to Labuan Bajo?

There are few airlines that fly directly from Jakarta Soekarno Hatta (CGK) and Denpasar, Bali (DPS) every day as below:

• From Jakarta: Garuda Indonesia / Batik Air / Citi link
• From Bali: Garuda Indonesia / Wing Air / Nam Air / Air Asia

Please note the flight times are subject to change without prior notification and we recommend that you purchase a travel insurance to avoid any difficulties.

In addition, we strongly recommend our guests to plan their holidays to arrive at the embarkation port at least 1 day prior to their cruise.

How can I get to Alor?

In order to reach Alor, most peoples travel from Bali, Jakarta or Labuan Bajo and as there is no direct flights yet, all flights to Alor are only available via Kupang.

An overnight in Kupang will be needed from Bali or Labuan Bajo, but the connection the same day is possible when starting early morning from Jakarta or Surabaya:

• From Jakarta to Kupang: Batik Air / Lion Air (Daily)
• From Surabaya to Kupang: Citi Link / Lion Air (Daily)
• From Denpasar to Kupang: Garuda Indonesia / Lion Air / Wings Air (Daily – overnight in Kupang possibly needed)
• Labuan Bajo to Kupang: Tansnusa / Wings Air (daily – overnight in Kupang possibly needed)

• From Kupang to Alor: Wings Air / Transnusa (Daily)

Please note that the flight times are subject to change without prior notification and we recommend that you purchase a travel insurance to avoid any difficulties.

In addition, we strongly recommend our guests to plan their holidays to arrive at the embarkation port at least 1 day prior to their cruise.

How to book my domestic flights?

The following companies accept foreign credit cards:

Airline companies: GARUDA INDONESIA    AIRASIA          Flight Booking Website: NUSATRIP    TRAVELOKA

Please do not hesitate to contact our reservation team at [email protected] for any additional information, help or advice you may need.

How do I get to the Liveaboard once I arrived at the airport of embarkation?

Free airport pick-up and drop-off services will be arranged by our reservation team in accordance with your flight details and a member of our staff will always be at the airport to meet & greet you in during arrivals and departures.

How is the weather / Best time to visit? 

Komodo: The weather conditions in the Komodo archipelago are good all year round except for the months of January and February as it is the peak of the monsoon season. Scarce to moderate rain can be expected from December to March, while the driest season and hottest time of the year will be from April until November. The average air temperature ranges between 30° and 32° Celsius.

Alor: The best time to visit Alor is from April until October, when you will most likely experience warm temperatures and infrequent rainfall. The highest average temperature is approx. 29°C in March and the lowest is approx. 27°C in August.

What is the water temperature like?

Komodo: In North and Central Komodo, the water temperature is usually around 26-29 °C. The South is usually a few degrees cooler and thermoclines can be experienced as low as 23-24 °C.

Alor: The water temperature is usually between 27 and 29 °C. In and around the Pantar Strait the temperature can drop to 23-25 °C and it is sometimes possible to experience cooler temperatures as low as 21 °C. 

What is the time zone?

+8 GMT (Bali & Nusa Tenggara)

Do I need a Visa to travel to Indonesia?

All visitors must hold a passport which is valid for at least 6 months after entry into Indonesia as well as a return or onward ticket.

Depending on your country of origin, there are three options for visas to enter Indonesia. This applies to most travelers who come for tourism/social purposes only:

• No Visa required (169 countries – FREE entry / 30 days validity / Not extendable)
• Visa on Arrival (35US$ / 30 days validity / extendable once for 30 days)
• Visa needed (must apply abroad before traveling to Indonesia)

In order to confirm your eligibility, please double check with the Indonesian Embassy in your country of origin. The latest and updated visa exemption list can be viewed on the Directorate General of Immigration website at https://www.imigrasi.go.id/visa_exe/index/

What is included and excluded on my trip? 

Inclusions: Transfers from/to Airport, all Meals & Snacks, Coffee, Tea, Soft drinks, Drinking Water, Diving Activities, Snorkeling Activities, Land excursions (subject to itineraries), Kayaks (2 single available), Wi-Fi (depending on local cell phone reception), Air Tanks, Weights, Weight belts, being guided by experienced Dive masters/Instructors/Snorkeling guides.

Exclusions: National Park/Harbor Fees, Diving & Snorkeling Rental Equipment, PADI Dive Courses, Wines, Spirits, Espresso, Additional Purchase on board, Crew gratuities, 15L Tanks

Is there a child policy?

Children under fifteen (15) years of age must not be left unsupervised while on-board or in the water. One parent or guardian must be with the children at all times either on-board or when going diving, snorkeling and during any other activities.

Children under the age of twelve (12) are not allowed on board.

What are the payment methods on board?

All extra payments on board (e.g. drinks) will need to be settled in cash upon checkout. We accept cash in major currencies such as Indonesian rupiah (IDR), EUR, USD and GBP.

Are there any park or harbor fees for my trip? 

National Park and Harbor Fees will be required for each guest staying on board for the duration of the cruise. Please refer to our price list for further details.

Please, note that national and marine park fees are regulated by governmental/local authorities and may be subjected to increase and/or amendment without prior notice.

Is there any mobile phone reception and internet access on board?

Depending on the itinerary there is limited access to a mobile phone signal. When reception is available we are able to offer free Wifi for our guests. Note that we are equipped with a satellite phone for emergency communication.

Are the cabins air conditioned?

All the cabins are equipped with individually controlled air conditioning units. In addition to the cabins, the lounge and dining area are also equipped with an air conditioning system.

What type of Food & Beverages is offered?

Our Chefs will spoil all your senses with a wide selection of Indonesian and international cuisine to include vegetarian options. Additional snacks and fresh fruit are available throughout the day.

Water, Tea, Coffee and Soft drinks are complimentary.

A wide selection of international wines, beers, cocktails, mocktails and spirits, at extra charge, will be available at our bar and during meals.

What if I have special dietary requirements?

Please let us know before your arrival of any allergies or special dietary requirements you may have by emailing our reservation team at [email protected].

While our kitchen team will do their utmost to accommodate allergies and special dietary requirements, we do encourage our guests to bring any special ingredients or snacks they may prefer for the duration of their trip.

Is the liveaboard suitable for snorkelers?

Snorkelers are very welcome aboard the Komodo Sea Dragon! Most of the dive sites offer amazing snorkeling, and even when the divers explore a deep reef, snorkeling activities can be organized ad hoc. All snorkelers will be accompanied in the water by experienced snorkeling guides.

Please, note that all non-divers/snorkelers are entitled to a 10% discount on the cabin rates. 

Can I do a PADI course on board?

Most PADI courses and specialties are offered on board to include trial dives for uncertified guests eager to experience scuba diving for the first time.

Courses and specialties have a limited number of participants; therefore, it is recommended that these are booked well in advance or at least 90 days before cruise departure.

Is there a minimum amount of dives required? 

To get the most out of their diving experience on board, we recommend our guests to have a minimum number of 20 dives prior to join for a trip.

How are the diving activities organized?

All the diving activities, apart from PADI courses, are included in your package up to 4 times daily and this depending on cruise itineraries, point of interest and weather conditions on site.

The standard ratio of guests-to-guide is 4:1 and dive groups will be arranged according to each divers level of training, experience and preferences. (A private guide is available on request, at an extra charge, and must be booked well in advance or at least 90 days before cruise departure).

Please be advised that all dives are planned and executed without decompression stops. It is mandatory for all divers to use a dive computer, observe safety stops and stay well within the dive computer limits.

Which type of boat is used for diving/snorkeling and excursions?

The Komodo Sea Dragon is reserved for accommodation only, and the Diving/Snorkeling activities are conducted separately on an extra 18-meter fiberglass purpose-built boat. An additional 4 meter inflatable dingy is also used for snorkeler’s supervision as well as pick up and drop off.

The fiberglass purpose-built boat has all the necessary safety and navigating equipment such as VHF radio, GPS, first Aid kit, emergency oxygen, life jackets, a marine toilet and dry storage areas for cameras & personal belongings.

In addition, the vessel is also equipped with a platform for giant stride entry, 2 deck showers and even has its own sundeck with bean bags making it the perfect place to chill and relax!

Do you have scuba gear/snorkeling equipment for rent?

Diving/Snorkeling gear rental is available but please note that this rental carries an extra charge not included in the package price. Please refer to our price list for further details and clearly specify your equipment rental sizes and needs upon booking.

What type of dive tank is available? DIN or INT?

Our dive tanks are 12L aluminum with DIN or an international regulator system. Upon request, a limited number of 15L tanks will be available without any extra charge and must be booked well in advance or at least 90 days before cruise departure.

Will a 3 mm wetsuit be enough? 

In most places the water temperature will be around 28°C/82°F. However, in the south of Komodo and Alor it is possible to encounter waters that are a few degrees colder than that (down to 21 degrees in Alor). Hence we recommend for these cruises to bring a 5 mm thick wetsuit. 

Do you recommend any insurance?

Adequate diving and travel insurance is compulsory and must include:

1. Dive Insurance: covering all risks, costs and expenses likely to arise from a diving injury or necessitating your evacuation to a place of specialist care, including but not limited to hyperbaric chamber treatments, air evacuation, and loss or damage to possessions.
2. Travel and Trip Cancellation insurance: covering such as, but not limited to, baggage loss, trip change, trip cancellation, illness, accident, evacuation, death and so on.

We recommend you to check that your insurance fully covers all your personal requirements including pre-existing medical conditions, cancellation charges, medical expenses and repatriation in the event of accident or illness, diving injuries and medical evacuation.

What Medical Assistance is there? 

On board we have First Aid kits, loads of emergency oxygen and various medications that can be used for minor injuries and common illness.

As our cruises often take place in remote areas with limited access to medical care, it is advisable to bring an adequate supply of personal medication for the duration of your stay. Please advise our Cruise Director of the type of medication you are taking.

All the dive team and boat crew are trained First Aid Responders and can quickly organize evacuations to appropriate medical facilities if necessary. The nearest Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber is located at the Siloam Hospital in Labuan Bajo.

Are there any land excursions organized during my trip?

Yes, a full program of world class excursions is included on your package depending on cruise itineraries.

Typical land excursions may include: Local village visit / Viewpoints walks / Secluded beaches discovery / Komodo dragons trekking (Komodo itinerary only). (We recommend you to bring closed shoes to do trekking and viewpoints walks). Entrance fees for those excursions are included in your package. 

The liveaboard is equipped with 2 single kayaks and non-divers also have the possibility to participate in guided snorkeling activities on a daily basis. 

What sort of power do you have?

We provide 24 hours / 220 volts electricity with 2 x YANMAR generators (1 x 20kva & 1 x 40kva). Each cabin is equipped with multiple European & International wall sockets with USB chargers.

Is there a laundry service?

As we have limited fresh water supply on board and in order to remain as environmental friendly as possible we are unfortunately unable to provide laundry service at this time.

How do you source water?

The livebaoard is equipped with a reverse osmosis system (desalinization plant) that produce fresh water for showers.

Additionally and in order to minimize our environmental impact and avoid plastic waste, drinking water is yielded via a desalination reverse osmosis filtering system and a drinking water plant.

What should I bring? 

• Dive certification cards & logbook
• Your insurance documents (travel, health, dive insurance)
• All personal toiletries that you will need for the duration of your stay
• Sun lotion, sunglasses & hat
• Swimwear
• Sandals/flip-flops
• A light sweater as the evenings or early morning can be chilly
• A raincoat
• A pair of sturdy walking shoes for hiking
• Long sleeved light clothes (for land tours)
• Mosquito repellent
• Dive gears: mask, fins, regulator, BCD, wetsuit, dive computer, torch
• A rash guard for snorkelers
• A small waterproof bag
• Chargers for your electric devices
• Power plugs adapter for non-European plugs

What should I not bring with me? 

• Towels: we provide bath and dive towels in every cabins
• Hand soap/shower gel/shampoo: we provide all of those in the cabins
• Hair dryer: one is provided in each cabin
• Too many warm clothes, as the air temperature is usually between 28-32 degrees Celsius
• Excessive plastic packaging – please pack items carefully and remove excess packaging to minimize any rubbish you bring to the island
• Non-rechargeable batteries – whenever possible, please choose re-chargeable
• Diving gloves – these are not permitted on board
• Fishing equipment – there is no fishing on board

Why choose us?

The Komodo Resort & Diving Club has been operating for 10 years in the area, and we currently have the largest fleet of diving boats in Labuan Bajo and Komodo archipelago.

Our captains, crew, Dive guides, Snorkeling & Excursion guides are amongst the most experienced in the region with thousands of hours below and above the sea.

Beside guest enjoyment, we are very safety aware and well prepared for any type of emergency. All our boats are equipped with oxygen, First Aid kits, VHF marine radios, GPS and other necessary safety devices. Our crew is well-trained and certified according to the “STCW” (Standards of Training, Certification and Watch keeping for Seafarers).

Should assistance be needed, Logistic and Technical Support is right at the Komodo National Park border (at Sebayur Island/Komodo Resort) and we also have a team on standby at our office near Labuan Bajo harbour.

Last but by no means least, all our team members are passionate individuals who will strive to provide you with memorable experiences on a daily basis!