About The Trans
If you're planning a Komodo trip with a larger group or want the flexibility of private charter without sacrificing comfort, The Trans strikes a smart balance between scale and service. At 58 metres long, it's built to handle open water smoothly, which matters when you're crossing from Komodo Island to Padar at first light. With just two cabins, most of the vessel is dedicated to communal space—think wide teak decks, shaded lounging areas, and a dining zone where your group can spread out. That layout works especially well for friends travelling together or a multi-family outing where downtime is just as important as the next snorkel stop.
Your days follow a rhythm that maximises light and avoids crowds. You’ll arrive in Labuan Bajo by midday, settle into the cabin, then set off in the late afternoon for Menjerite Island. It’s a quieter alternative to Kelor, with a sandbar that appears at low tide—perfect for wading or a first swim in the Flores Sea. As the sun dips, you’ll see the pinkish hue ripple across the shallows, a preview of what’s to come at Pink Beach. The boat anchors nearby, so you can enjoy a quiet evening without the day-tripper boats motoring past.
Day two starts early. You’ll be on deck by 5:30 AM as the yacht rounds Padar Island, catching the sunrise over the jagged coastline. After breakfast, you’ll hike the ridge for the classic panoramic view—fewer people, better light. By mid-morning, you’ll visit Komodo Island for the ranger-led dragon walk through the savannah. The crew times it to avoid the midday heat and peak tour groups. Then it’s off to Pink Beach by noon, where you can snorkel the coral-rich cove or walk the shore while the kitchen serves lunch on deck. In the afternoon, you drift at Manta Point near Banos or Karang Makassar, where currents bring mantas close to the surface—snorkellers often get eye contact.
On the final day, you’ll visit Taka Makassar, a sandbar that emerges at low tide, ideal for photos or a final swim. From there, it’s a short sail to Kanawa Island, where you can snorkel the drop-off on the northern side or relax in the hammocks. The yacht departs for Labuan Bajo by mid-afternoon, giving you time to pack and reflect on the trip. With a capacity of 20, The Trans is often booked as a private charter, so itineraries can shift slightly—say, swapping Kalong Island for Sebayur if your group prefers a secluded mangrove paddle over bat watching.
The boat’s size means it’s not as nimble in tight bays as smaller phinisis, but it handles the Savu Sea swell better during the shoulder months. That stability makes it a practical choice if you’re travelling in October or November when winds pick up. Since there are only two cabins, most guests charter the entire vessel. If you’re joining an open-share trip, expect shared facilities but plenty of deck space to find your own spot. Meals are served buffet-style with Indonesian staples like nasi goreng and fresh grilled fish, plus Western options on request.
