About Ilike
If you're looking for a balance between group energy and personal space on the water, the Ilike fits just right. At 32 metres long, this classic phinisi is built for comfort without sacrificing authenticity, and with room for 16 guests, it’s ideal for small groups or families who want a sociable vibe but still value downtime. The single cabin layout means most guests will share – a setup that encourages connection, especially on the 3D2N open-share trips that kick off from Labuan Bajo. You’ll feel the rhythm of the sea, but with steady decks and shaded lounges, even if you're not used to life on a sailboat.
Your days unfold across some of Komodo’s most recognised spots, timed to avoid the busiest windows. On Day One, you’ll arrive in Labuan Bajo by mid-afternoon and transfer to Ilike, already anchored near Kelor Island. That first sunset is best spent on the upper deck with a drink, watching the light fade over the volcanic hills as the crew fires up dinner. The next morning starts early – Padar Island at dawn, when the pink sands are cool underfoot and the view from the top clears your head completely. After photos and a quick dip, you’ll head inland to Komodo Village for the ranger-led dragon walk, where juveniles dart through the underbrush and the adults laze in the shade.
Post-lunch, Pink Beach offers a rare chance to swim on a shore tinted by crushed coral, and just offshore, the current at Manta Point lifts you gently over the reef. Snorkellers often spot two or three manta rays circling below – they come to clean, and you get front-row seats. As the sun dips again, Kalong Island emerges: a river of bats streaming from a mangrove island at dusk, wings beating in unison as they head out for night feeding. It’s a moment that doesn’t need commentary – just stillness and a good viewpoint, which Ilike’s top deck delivers.
Day Three is for fine-tuning. Taka Makassar, often called the underwater paradise, gives one last chance to see reef sharks, turtles, and clouds of anthias if you're diving or snorkeling. Then it’s a relaxed drift over to Kanawa, where the shallow sandbar lets you wade between dive sites or just float on calm water. By mid-afternoon, you’ll be back on board, heading toward Labuan Bajo’s skyline with gear drying in the sun and photos already worth scrolling through. The boat’s crew – all Indonesian nationals with Komodo certifications – handle logistics quietly, so you’re not managing anything beyond your own sense of time.
Meals are served family-style: grilled fish, tropical fruit, and local sambal made fresh daily. There’s no à la carte menu, but dietary notes are taken ahead of time, so vegetarian or mild stomachs aren’t left out. Freshwater showers, shaded deck space, and life jackets for all ages keep things practical. And while there’s no air-con in common areas, the trade-off is cross-breezes and a real sailing feel – especially when the sails go up between islands, even if just for show.
