Labuan Bajo and surrounding Islands - Boat life 🐠

Arriving in Labaun Bajo was interesting, especially after being on Bali and Lombok. Bali is majorly for tourists and you feel that constantly, Lombok felt a step behind where there were still locals shouting "taxi" at you but no where near as many. Labaun Bajo felt a step behind again, but with all the Komodo trips based from there you get the sense the city is at the beginning of a tourism boom, it would definitely be interesting to visit in 10 years time to see how much its changed. 

We had a day to use before our boat trip so we headed out to the Gua Batu Cermin, aka Mirror Stone Cave. It's not far from the centre of Labaun Bajo and gets its name from the way the sunlight reflects around the cave walls. We were not there at right time to see this, but they're still pretty cool with bats, snakes, and whip scorpions to spot. We also had a wander around the centre of Labaun Bajo, treating ourselves to an ice cream and then walked back to the hotel, even though my legs were still aching from Rinjani. We also left plenty time to sit and chill by the pool, of course. 

The next day we were taken to the marina and jumped aboard our home for 2 days. There were 10 of us on the boat, then the crew aswell, which included our guide Okta. Our first stop was Kelor Island where we walked up to a viewpoint then snorkelled in the crystal clear waters, there were young Black-tipped Reef Sharks casually swimming about nearby, which was pretty cool. We carried on then to a place called Manjarite Island where there was more snorkeling amongst the corals. I used the flippers for the first time so felt super fast in the water. 

Later we stopped to watch the sunset while they served us an amazing dinner on board, we were well looked after, it was soon time for bed so we all headed to our cute little cabins. We woke at 4:30am to catch the sunrise which sent some amazing colours across the ocean. We then walked up to a view point on Padar Island to watch the sun appear over the horizon, which was magical. 

Back on the boat and after breakfast we visited Pink beach, named because of the pink tinge to the sand because of the nearby red corals. The water again was unbelievably clear so we enjoyed a snorkel and a swim. The great thing about the trip was how nothing felt too rushed. We had plenty of time between different points to sit and read on deck and to just enjoy being at sea. 

Next we visited Komodo Island where a local guide took us on a walk to spot some Komodo Dragons, the worlds largest lizard. We were pleased to see about 6, they're impressive creatures. After that we were on the boat for a while heading to Manta point. Most of us were still finishing lunch when the crew suddenly started asking if we were ready to jump in the sea as there were Manta Ray's below us. Amazingly I was ready, so got the snorkeling gear on and leapt off the boat. What happened next was extremely hectic but one of the most exciting times of my life. Some of our crew were in a small speed boat trying to find where the Manta Ray's were, they'd get us into the boat (which was hard with flippers on) then suddenly shout jump and you'd leap off the boat and be in the open ocean right next to a huge Manta Ray! I loved it! 

It was sad to head back to dry land, I'd got used to boat life. It was good to have a proper shower though, and we spent our last evening together at an awesome pizza place up the road from our hotel. 

The next day we all flew back to Bali where we said goodbye to Rebecca as she headed back to the UK. It was lovey to have her join us for some great adventures. Me and Matt have a few days here now to take it easy and actually try and plan what we're going to do in Australia. 

Lots of love, 

Lisa and Matt (and Rebecca) 💕