About Sundari
If you're looking to explore Komodo with a balance of privacy, comfort and authentic phinisi charm, Sundari fits just right — especially for couples or small groups who want personal space without the price tag of ultra-luxury charters. At 34.6 metres, she’s large enough to handle the Savu Sea’s swells comfortably, yet intimate with only three cabins, meaning your group will share decks and dining areas with fewer guests than most open-share trips. That makes her ideal if you’re avoiding crowded boats but still want the social flexibility of a scheduled itinerary. You’ll sleep in ensuite cabins with climate control, and with Starlink WiFi onboard, you can actually send emails or share photos from places like Kalong Island, where the sky turns orange behind thousands of flying foxes at dusk.
Your 3-day journey starts midday in Labuan Bajo, boarding just in time to sail toward Kelor Island. You’ll arrive around 15:30, with time to hike the short trail to the viewpoint as the sun dips behind the hills. The next day begins early — 05:30 breakfast, then a pre-dawn landing on Padar Island to climb to the famous viewpoint as first light hits the multi-coloured bays. After photos and a cool-down swim at nearby Long Beach, you’ll head inland to Komodo Village for the ranger-guided dragon walk. Seeing these prehistoric creatures in the wild is always a highlight, and Sundari’s smaller passenger capacity means your group moves at a relaxed pace, without queuing behind larger tours.
By midday, you’ll be snorkeling off Pink Beach, where the sand gets its blush from crushed coral and the water stays clear even in moderate currents. Sundari’s crew will have lunch ready by the time you return to the deck — think grilled fish, tropical salads, and fresh papaya. In the afternoon, you’ll motor to Manta Point, where the upwelling draws filter feeders year-round. Jump in with your gear, and you’ll likely swim alongside several mantas gliding just below the surface. As the sun lowers, the boat repositions to Kalong Island, where the mangrove trees come alive at sunset with the sound of thousands of fruit bats launching into the evening sky — a moment best enjoyed with a drink on the foredeck.
On day three, you’ll wake to the sight of Taka Makassar, a sandbar that appears at low tide like a mirage in the middle of the sea. It’s perfect for photos, shallow swimming, or just relaxing before your final snorkel at Kanawa Island, where reef fish dart through volcanic outcrops. Sundari returns to Labuan Bajo by late afternoon, giving you time to pack and reflect on the trip. With only three cabins — one Master Balcony and two Deluxe Balcony options — availability fills quickly, especially in peak season (May–October), when the seas are calm and visibility tops 20 metres. That said, even in the shoulder months, the boat’s size and stabilised hull make it a solid choice if you’re prone to seasickness.
The dining experience is full board, with meals prepared fresh onboard — not buffet-style trays reheated from the morning, but dishes cooked to order where possible. Think Nusantara flavours with international options, and ingredients sourced locally when the boat stops in fishing villages. There’s no formal dress code, but you’ll want a light cover-up for evenings and comfortable sandals that work on both deck and shore. With AC in every cabin and common area, you’ll sleep cool even on warm nights, and the private balconies — rare on boats in this tier — give you a personal corner to watch the coast drift by.
