Journal · 4 min read
Komodo or Raja Ampat: which one, and when
Two very different trips. How the seasons, flights, trip length and scenery compare.
Most guests ask us the same first question: Komodo or Raja Ampat? The honest answer is that the calendar usually decides for you, because the fleet follows the weather.
The seasons
Komodo is at its best in the dry season, roughly May to October. Raja Ampat takes over from about October to April. Most yachts spend half the year in each and cross between them around April and October.
If your dates are fixed, that settles it. If they are not, choose the place first and we will find the months.
Getting there
Komodo is easy: Labuan Bajo is about an hour's flight from Bali, and charters start and end in the harbour. Raja Ampat takes longer: fly to Sorong, usually through Jakarta or Makassar, and plan a night on the way.
How long to go for
Three nights covers Komodo's essentials: the dragons, Padar and the mantas. Raja Ampat is spread out, so six to ten nights is normal, and Misool in the south needs a longer trip of its own.
What it feels like
Komodo is dramatic and dry: golden hills, pink sand, strong currents and big animals. Raja Ampat is green and remote: karst islands, still lagoons and the richest reefs on earth, with far fewer boats around.
First trip to Indonesia, or a shorter holiday: Komodo. Divers, second-timers and anyone who wants true remoteness: Raja Ampat.
Not sure planning my charter is the one?
Our concierge knows the crews personally. Usually replies within the hour, 8:00 to 21:00 Bali time.