Sailing to Jurassic Park: My First Komodo Liveaboard with Aliikai Voyages 

I was born and raised in Bali. Seeing white sand, blue oceans, and tourists is basically just a regular Tuesday for me. So, when people hyped up Labuan Bajo, I was kind of like, "Yeah, sure, another pretty beach, cool." 

Spoiler alert: I was wrong. Way wrong. 

My 7D6N Komodo Liveaboard on Aliikai Voyage easily became one of the craziest, most memorable experiences of my life. Let me share my story and my experience aboard the Aliikai in detail. 

Love at First Sight with Komodo Island

Hi, I’m Jedy Franata! Growing up near the sea, the ocean is pretty deeply woven into my culture and daily life. As a social media specialist in the yacht industry, I’ve seen about a million photos and drone videos of Komodo Liveaboard experiences. I thought I had a pretty good picture in my head of what it was going to look like.  

So, when I got invited to actually join a trip onboard Aliikai, I obviously couldn't say no. But actually, stepping off the plane and getting out on the water? I couldn’t believe my eyes. 

The hills, the insanely turquoise water, the rugged landscapes, it feels like you just time-traveled back to the prehistoric era. It’s completely different from Bali. Where Bali is all lush, tropical greenery, Komodo is rugged, dry, and dramatic. 

Somehow, that burnt-golden savanna matches perfectly with the deep blue ocean. It honestly looks like a T-Rex could casually stroll over the hills at any second. 

Aliikai Voyages: My Floating Home in Komodo

If your idea of sailing remote waters is being stuck on some giant, sterile, white steel mega-yacht, Aliikai is the exact opposite. 

I heard the story behind this wooden phinisi. Originally built in Bulukumba, South Sulawesi, the whole yacht is made from ironwood and native timbers. It has this understated luxury combined with incredible traditional craftsmanship. It doesn't feel like a stiff luxury hotel, it feels like a cozy boutique hotel that somehow floated away from land. 

Every time I stepped off the dinghy after an exhausting snorkel or trek, walking back onto Aliikai Voyage genuinely felt like, "Ah, finally home." The crew would literally be standing there waiting for us with fresh, ice-cold towels and some delicious new beverage. They would also sing for us, making every experience onboard feel like coming back to a warm family, this is a Komodo Liveaboard experience that exceeded my expectations. 

I stayed in a twin cabin by myself; this was supposed to be a shared cruise with my friend, but he couldn’t make it, so I went to Komodo alone. I slept great, the AC was cold, and there was minimal rolling, so I didn't get seasick. 

Eating Good in the Middle of Nowhere

Let’s get one thing straight: I am not a pumpkin enthusiast. But the pumpkin soup they served us one night for dinner was so good I almost forgot I was eating a vegetable. 

The Indonesian food during our Komodo Liveaboard was also exceptional. Now, as a Balinese guy, I’m used to food that punches you in the face with spice. The food on Aliikai isn't as aggressively spicy, but it makes total sense how the chef perfectly balances the flavors to meet everyone's palates. Everything was incredibly fresh and hit the spot perfectly after a long day of pretending to be Aquaman. 

The Real MVPs: The Crew

I cannot say enough good things about the crew. Their approach was mostly friendly, but always professional.  

The Aliikai Voyage’s crew were so attentive, always smiling, and even sang local songs for us that made the whole Komodo Liveaboard experience feel so heartfelt. 

Also, a huge public shoutout to them for literally teaching me how to snorkel. Yes, I am Balinese, and yes, it was my first time snorkeling (don’t judge me please!). They were super patient and made sure I didn't panic. 

Even though I went on this Komodo sailing trip alone, I didn’t feel lonely because the crew was super friendly. I even exchanged Instagram follows with Bang Rifan (one of the Aliikai crew members). 

All of the crew, including Bang Rifan, actively asked for our feedback. How was the snorkeling experience? How was the trekking in Gili Lawa? How was the food? 

They asked about every single detail to make sure we were enjoying the whole Komodo National Park cruises. 

One of the services I appreciated the most was when I mentioned that I needed some adjustment for my bathroom. It was only something minor, but the crew took care of it immediately. I honestly appreciated that. 

I noticed all the crew members really knew what they were doing and were very well trained. They paid close attention to detail, responded fast, and were great at explaining the procedures. They seemed to know everything and could answer every question.  

Airport Transfer

This is a small thing, but it really mattered to me. Labuan Bajo is a remote island. There is no public transport, and if you want smooth mobilization, you have to pay for a bike or car rental. However, with Aliikai, you don't have to worry because they provide airport transfers before and after the trip. 

So this is also the plus point of Aliikai Voyage because not all Labuan Bajo liveaboard operators provide this service.  

The Destinations: 7 Days of Komodo Trip

Every Komodo Liveboard itinerary change a bit depending on the wind and tide. But for me the whole 7D6N Komodo Liveaboard with Aliikai Voyage feels smooth in every stops. Here are some destinations in Komodo that I visited during the trip.  

Sebayur

The site of my very first snorkeling attempt. I plunged into the ocean and was immediately surrounded by thriving, ridiculous coral reefs. It took me a minute to adapt to breathing through a tube, but the beauty down there distracts you from the awkwardness pretty fast. 

Gili Lawa Darat

One of my favorite spots. We trekked up a hill, saw wild boars and deer just casually hanging out, and watched a sunset dip into the horizon that looked like a painting.  

Rinca Island

The main event of the Komodo National Park cruise. Trekking through the brush to see Komodo dragons in their actual living room. They are huge, they look lazy, but you definitely don't want to mess with them. 

Pink Beach

Yes, the sand is actually pink. It's made of crushed red corals mixed with the white sand. I probably took hundreds of photos here. The water is so transparent that you don't even need to put your face in the water to see the fish judging you from the shallows. 

Kalong Island

If people say the sunset in Bali is the best, they haven't seen the sunset at Kalong. The sky turns orange-pink like a canvas, and thousands (or millions) of flying foxes glide through the sky. It’s a truly magical experience during my Komodo liveaboard itinerary. 

Batu Bolong

This is a unique reef in the middle of the ocean. It has a hole in the middle, which is why it's called Batu Bolong. Beneath the surface, this dive site features an amazing, colorful explosion of coral reefs. 

Manta Point

Snorkeling here felt way more adventurous than anything in Bali. The currents are a bit stronger, the vibes are raw, and the water was crystal clear so I could see everything. I didn't see any mantas, and the crew explained that sometimes they don't appear, but I did spot a reef shark down there. It wasn't too big, but it was really amazing and memorable. 

Taka Makassar

Another absolute favorite. It’s literally just a tiny crescent moon sandbank that appears in the middle of the turquoise ocean. It looks like a glitch in the matrix. 

Mawan Island

Mawan is also a Manta cleaning station, just like Manta Point. I didn't see one here either, but the crystal-clear waters meeting the white sands were already incredibly pleasing to the eye. I also went snorkeling here, and the healthy coral reefs and other sea creatures were amazing. 

Boojies Beach

If you take a Komodo liveaboard with Aliikai Voyages, on the last night you'll get to experience a beach dinner. We anchored near Boojies Beach, one of Komodo's uninhabited islands. It was totally giving private island vibes. We danced, sang, and enjoyed our last meal together like a family. 

A Quick Tip on What to Bring

Beyond the obvious personal meds and reef-safe sunscreen (seriously, please don't be the tourist that ruins the corals), you need to pack strategically for Komodo Liveaboard. Believe me you have to leave your fancy outfits at home!  

Also, ditch your standard-issue rubber flip-flops for the island excursions. You need actual trekking shoes or sandals with solid grip unless you want to spend half your time sliding down a dry savanna on your backside. 

But most importantly, you actually need to pack some decent cardio fitness. I’m not kidding. There is a lot of trekking up insanely steep hills in the blazing heat, and you'll be swimming against some pretty active ocean currents.  

Komodo makes you earn every single one of those breathtaking views, so maybe take the stairs instead of the elevator a few times before you fly out. 

The Verdict

This whole 7D6N Komodo Liveaboard with Aliikai Voyage was just exceptional, and it completely shattered my expectations of what an island holiday could be. The landscapes were beautifully rugged, the ocean was wild, and the daily activities knocked me out in the absolute best way possible.  

But what truly tied it all together was coming back to the Aliikai after every adventure for a time to recharge. The hospitality was top-notch, turning what could have been a gruelling outdoor expedition into a genuinely luxurious, home-like retreat. 

If you love the idea of exploring raw, Jurassic-level nature but still want to be totally spoiled with great food, warm smiles, and a cold AC when you're done sweating for the day, I can't recommend this exact Komodo liveaboard itinerary enough.  

Ready to trade your usual weekend routine for something genuinely epic? You can easily book your own Komodo liveaboard adventure onboard Aliikai Voyages directly through Hello Flores.