From Desk to Deck: Kiki Savira’s Komodo Island Trip on the Mutiara Laut 

My typical day-to-day involves typing away and editing social media posts about gorgeous luxury yachts and dream destinations in eastern Indonesia. But honestly? Seeing Komodo Dragon through a computer screen just doesn’t do it justice! 

After years of being glued to my laptop, imagining what it would be like to actually take a sailing trip to Komodo Island, the perfect opportunity finally arose. When I got the chance for a short getaway sailing around Komodo aboard the magnificent Mutiara Laut, I absolutely couldn’t say no! I planned this trip with Reyka, packed my bags, and set off on our very first real girls' trip away from Bali. 

The Social Media Specialist Loves Adventure 

Hi, I'm Kiki Savira! I am a social media specialist who has spent years living in Bali, ever since my college days. Because of that, the constant hustle and bustle of Canggu have become my daily landscape. People always tell me, "Living in Bali must mean every day is a holiday!"  

But let me tell you, that isn't exactly true. Sometimes, I catch myself daydreaming about a quieter vacation, somewhere pristine with way fewer tourists. To me, eastern Indonesia is the absolute ideal destination, and a Komodo liveaboard is the perfect solution to truly soak in nature without the heavy crowds. 

A Komodo Island trip offers so many amazing activities, from adventurous trekking and hiking to thrilling open-ocean water sports. Over the years, I’ve edited and posted content for so many beautiful boats, but the Mutiara Laut yacht always caught my eye. So, here is the magical story of my girls' trip onboard! 

Love at First Sight: Stepping Aboard the Mutiara Laut 

Our journey started at the Labuan Bajo port (pro tip: we booked a hotel the night before so we wouldn't have to stress about delayed flights!). 

When we arrived, I spotted the Mutiara Laut instantly. I’ve seen her in so many photos, but wow, she is absolutely magnificent in person! Unlike the usual wooden phinisi boats, she’s a classic schooner, so grand, sparkling white, and elegant. 

Stepping aboard felt like a warm hug. Pak Joni handed us the most refreshing ice-cold oshibori (wet towels), and Pak Norman treated us to a yummy Mint Lime mocktail.  

The crew took care of our bags so effortlessly while we just giggled and relaxed on the gorgeous al-fresco deck. Our Cruise Director, Handito, gave us the sweetest welcome. Honestly, I felt like a princess! It’s the kind of genuine, warm hospitality that even fancy resorts struggle to match. 

Mutiara Laut Day-to-Day: Our Itineraries on Komodo Island Trip  

Day 1: Manjarite Island 

After settling into our beautiful, clean cabin, the ship's bell rang, our call to the upper deck for lunch. As we enjoyed our first meal outdoors, the vessel began to glide through the pristine turquoise water.  

We dined on fresh salad, gyoza, calamari, and a spectacular red snapper with sambal matah, finished with fresh fruit. Later, we stopped at Manjarite Island. Reyka, myself, and a lovely guest named Maria took so many aesthetic photos on this wooden dock, thanks to Pak Edi recommendations.  

A tiny drizzle came down, but it left us with the most beautiful rainbow guiding our way toward Kalong Island. We anchored near Kalong Island just as the sun began to dip. The sky turned the prettiest shades of orange and pink, and we ate chocolate cake while thousands of flying foxes soared right above us.  

Dinner that night completely exceeded my expectations for onboard dining. We started with pumpkin soup, followed by a massive sea bass served with potato wedges and roasted vegetables. The highlight was the local roasted chicken served with three types of sambal (matah, bawang terasi, and dabu-dabu).  

We ended our first day stargazing from the deck, miles away from any city lights. 

Day 2: Manta Point and Siaba Besar  

I woke up at 7:50 AM feeling so bright and energetic! After a yummy breakfast of poached eggs and bacon, we went to Manta Point. 

While we didn't spot any mantas that day, swimming with a group of sea turtles in their natural habitat was unforgettable. It was so special seeing them in their real home instead of a conservation site. 

Funny story: Reyka and I aren't the best swimmers, and the current swept us to the shallows! But the crew was so sweet, they had us fully equipped with life jackets and even jumped in the water to make sure we were perfectly safe. 

Lunch was a refreshing Thai feast: Pad Thai, papaya salad, and peanut satay, perfectly chosen by the chef to refresh us in the hot day. Later that afternoon, I snorkelled at Siaba Besar. I swam right alongside the turtles, and it honestly felt like I was in the movie Finding Nemo and my heart said, “Keep swimming, keep swimming.”  

Dinner was equally special, starting with a tuna and avocado tartare and highlighting Ayam Woku and Ikan Dabu-Dabu. We even celebrated a fellow guest's birthday with carrot cake, proving that the crew pays close personal attention to everyone, even on a shared cruise. 

Day 3: Padar Island and Pink Beach 

Our 5:15 AM wake-up call was the earliest I’ve had since college, but it was worth it to hike Padar Island. After gathering all our energy, we started the trek at 5:40 AM.  

It took 813 stairs, but stepping onto that hilltop and seeing the three colored beaches and savannah hills took my breath away. I was also quite amazed that even in such early morning, another group was already there. (Pro tip: Start early, as the trail gets crowded quickly!) 

By mid-morning, we had sailed to the famous Long Pink Beach.  The crew set up beach umbrellas and handed us fresh coconuts. No phones, no distractions. It was the pure healing my soul needed. 

Lunch was a masterpiece by Chef Roni: fresh tuna and snapper sashimi with real wasabi, followed by rich beef rendang and duck with mashed sweet potatoes. The heat of the day eventually caught up with me, so Reyka and I took a long afternoon nap before waking up just in time for a massive seafood feast and late-night chats with the crew. 

Day 4:  Loh Liang, Tatawa, Gili Lawa Darat 

While Reyka resting, I ventured into Komodo National Park at Loh Liang with our rangers, Abdullah and Hamnon. Taking the medium trekking route, it only took 20 minutes to spot our first Komodo dragon!  

We also saw wild pigs, deer, and unique colorful snails before encountering a female dragon resting near the beach. Back on the boat, I devoured a hearty plate of Nasi Goreng Mawut before touring the engine room with Pak Sukri. The afternoon was spent relaxing while Reyka snorkelled the strong currents of Tatawa. 

Following a gorgeous sunset hike at the rugged Gili Lawa Darat, we returned to a comforting dinner of mushroom soup, beef fajitas, and black sticky rice ice cream, staying up until midnight chatting with the crew. 

Day 5: Crystal Bay  

The wind was a bit chilly this morning, which meant it was the perfect time for a hot bowl of Indomie Kuah Soto with a boiled egg! After breakfast, some guests snorkelled at Crystal Bay as the weather getting better, a few of us stayed on the boat to play cards.  

At lunch, Pak Joni surprised us with napkins folded into little elf shoes. It was too cute to use! 

The highlight of the day was the open-water activities near Papagaran Island. Sandi took us out on the water tubes. It was shocking, hilarious, and easily one of the most memorable moments of the trip. Sandi even taught us how to drive the tender boat afterward.  

Later that night, the crew presented the most precious part of the trip: a live BBQ dinner right on the beach under the stars. We ate, sang along together, and stayed as long as possible because none of us wanted to go back to reality. 

Day 6: Farewell Onboard 

We woke up late, enjoyed a light breakfast, and shared a sweet farewell with the Cruise Director, the crew, and our fellow guests. As we stepped off the Mutiara Laut, we carried home a camera roll full of memories and a deep appreciation for the wild beauty of Komodo. 

6D5N Komodo Island Itinerary Highlights 

I know we packed so much adventure into this trip, so I’ve put together a little cheat sheet just for you! Here is a quick summary of the absolute must-visit spots if you want to recreate this magical Komodo experience for yourself. 

• Loh Liang (Komodo Island): Trek through the national park to spot Komodo Dragons in their natural habitat. 

• Gili Lawa Darat: The best spot for a sunset hike, featuring rugged hills meeting turquoise waters. 

• Padar Island: The ultimate sunrise hike (813 stairs). Go early to beat the crowds and see the three-coloured beaches. 

• Manjarite Island: Features an aesthetic wooden dock perfect for photography. 

• Siaba Besar: A beginner-friendly snorkeling spot famous for its resident sea turtles. 

• Crystal Bay: Offers some of the most vibrant coral gardens for snorkeling and diving. 

• Tatawa Besar: Known for excellent drift snorkeling. 

• Kalong Island: The perfect anchorage to watch thousands of flying foxes migrate at sunset. 

• Taka Makassar: A unique crescent-shaped sandbar surrounded by crystal-clear shallows. 

• Pink Beach: A stunning, vibrant pink coastline ideal for beach hopping and relaxing. 

Tips for Sailing in Komodo National Park 

If this is your first time visiting Komodo, keep these tips in mind: 

• Pack Light & Smart: The weather is hot and humid. Bring lightweight, comfortable clothing and plenty of swimwear, as you'll be in the water daily. 

• Bring Trekking Shoes: You will hike in at least two different areas (like Padar and Loh Liang), so sturdy footwear is a must. 

• Pack a Mini Pharmacy: The sea breeze and changing weather can be tricky. Bring basic medications for fevers, headaches, motion sickness, and stomach-aches. (Women should also pack enough sanitary products, as you can't buy them on the water). 

• Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen: The sun in eastern Indonesia is incredibly strong. Protect your skin, but make sure your sunscreen is reef-safe to protect the fragile marine ecosystems you are visiting. 

Grab Your Besties & Set Sail! 

Honestly, stepping off the Mutiara Laut was the coolest part of the entire trip. If you find yourself staring at your laptop screen right now, dreaming of salty hair, endless turquoise waters, and laughing until your stomach hurts under a sky full of stars, take this as your ultimate sign to pack your bags!  

Making this dream trip a reality is so much easier than you think! Whether you're planning the ultimate girls' getaway, a romantic escape, or just need to run away to a tropical paradise, they will take care of every single detail so you can just focus on the fun. Contact Hello Flores team to book your magical journey aboard the Mutiara Laut and start packing now!