Sailing the Komodo Islands: A 4-Day Boat Adventure from Lombok to Labuan Bajo with Wanua Adventure

Komodo National Park, Indonesia: lush green hills rolling into crescent-shaped beaches and turquoise water, captured during a 4-day sailing adventure from Lombok to Labuan Bajo with Wanua Adventure.
The view from above Komodo National Park reveals a dreamscape of emerald peaks, white-sand curves, and calm blue waters. │Olivia Franzman

Imagine sailing through remote Indonesian waters, the sun beating down on the boat deck as the ocean breeze cools your face. You’re surrounded by 40 strangers from around the world, but in just a few days, they’ll become your close family.

This was my experience on a 4-day, 3-night boat trip across the Indonesian archipelago—from Lombok to Labuan Bajo—with Wanua Adventures.

Bali often gets most of the attention when it comes to travel in Indonesia, but some of the country’s most awe-inspiring and remote landscapes lie far to the east.

The Komodo Islands, with their prehistoric and rare wildlife, pink sand beaches, and pristine snorkeling reefs, are the stuff of adventure traveler dreams. But these remote islands are best explored not by plane or car, but by boat.

That’s where an adventure with Wanua Adventure comes in.

Why Choose a Boat Tour?

The boat that you will stay on for 4 days
The boat that you will stay on for 4 days. │Olivia Franzman

Indonesia is made up of over 17,000 islands. With that much ground—or rather, sea—to cover, boats are a vital part of the experience. But this trip wasn’t just transportation—it was a journey.

For four days, we hopped between uninhabited islands, swam in crystal-clear waters, snorkeled above vibrant reefs, and watched sunsets that turned the sky into a beautiful hues of gold and orange.

It was the perfect blend of laid-back beach vibes, off-the-grid adventure, and a taste of the backpacker culture Indonesia is known for.

Choosing Wanua Adventure

One of the many amazing staff members on board.
One of the many amazing staff members on board. │Adobe Stock

I went with Wanua Adventure after hearing consistent recommendations from other backpackers and travelers around Southeast Asia. Many hostels and companies in Lombok and Labuan Bajo advertise their tours, and the word-of-mouth reviews were always very good.

You’ll find other companies and tours that do similar trips, but for me, I wanted to pick one that was well known and wanua was the most popular company I had heard of!

What really made the experience special was the entire crew. From the moment we arrived, they were full of smiles, jokes, and good energy. They played music, led games, and somehow remembered everyone’s names, despite there being so many of us onboard.

Even with a slight language barrier, they communicated effortlessly and created a warm, inclusive vibe onboard. They were also highly organized and safety-conscious—always checking in before treks, keeping the boat clean, and making sure everyone had what they needed.

When it came to food, they even made sure to write down everyone’s dietary restrictions whether it was vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, or food allergies. The attention to detail and comfort was so appreciated.

Accommodation Options & Pricing

Accommodation Options: Deck class onboard the boat
Deck class onboard the boat. │Olivia Franzman

There are two types of accommodations on the boat:

  • Deck Class (IDR 3,500,000): This is what I chose. It included a mattress, blanket, and pillow on the upper deck, all lined up side-by-side in a big open space on the deck floor. At first, the idea of sleeping so close to strangers might seem uncomfortable, but it turned out to be one of the best parts of the experience. We fell asleep to the sound of the waves and the gentle rocking of the boat, with fresh air breezing across the deck. It’s covered, but with many windows and open doors, there is always a breeze in there. The communal vibe also made it very easy to bond with others.
  • Cabin Class (IDR 4,000,000): For those who prefer more privacy and comfort, the boat also offers small shared cabins for two people, equipped with a fan. While cabins give you personal space and less exposure to the elements, they’re located on the lower deck and can get a bit stuffy, especially at night.

What’s Included

Window views from the deck class 
Window views from the deck class. │Olivia Franzman

Wanua Adventure doesn’t just provide a boat ride—they take care of almost everything so you can relax and enjoy the journey.

Included in the price:

  • Three buffet-style meals a day (with vegetarian and vegan options)
  • Unlimited water, coffee, and tea
  • Snorkeling gear (mask and snorkel)
  • All activities and island entrance fees (including Komodo National Park)
  • A reusable water bottle and a small tote bag upon arrival
  • Transportation from the meeting point to the port on the east side of Lombok

Not included:

If your looking for anything extra, you can purchase these through the company beforehand or at the check in office.

fins(available to rent), alcohol (beer, or rice wine can be purchased at the check in center), and optional shuttle transfers from the Gili Islands or Kuta Lombok (which they can help arrange via their company WhatsApp).

The 4-Day, 3-Night Itinerary

Every day brought something new and unexpected—hidden beaches, jungle hikes, rare wild animals, and perfect snorkeling spots.

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect from each day on board: