About Si Datu Bua
We keep the bow light on through the night when we’re anchored near Kalong Island – not for navigation, but so the crew can see the fruit bats launching at dusk. At 20 metres, Si Datu Bua is small enough to slip into quiet coves like Sebayur, where larger boats can’t turn, but built strong for the Savu Sea’s afternoon swells. I’ve sailed these waters for 18 years, and this hull shape – the traditional Phinisi – still handles the current between Gili Lawa and Padar better than any modern design. We don’t race to sites; we time our arrival so you’re not fighting the tide.
The single cabin is on the main deck, positioned amidships where there’s least motion. It has twin beds (not convertible), a teak wardrobe with lockable drawers, and a porthole that opens to sea breeze. There’s no AC, but the overhead fan pulls air from the deck vent, and at night, when we’re in the lee of Komodo Island, the temperature drops enough to sleep under sheets. Our steward checks linens twice daily and keeps bottled water refilled – not just in the cabin, but in the lounge and dive deck.
We leave Labuan Bajo by 10:00 on Day One, heading south to Kelor. The island’s small, but the coral slope on the east side holds sweetlips and blue-ringed octopus. We do a shallow dive there around 11:00, then run the engines slow to Pink Beach, where we drop anchor by 13:30. After lunch on deck, guests hike the ridge for sunset. The sand isn’t always pink – depends on the foraminifera bloom – but the light on the hills at dusk is consistent, a deep copper that stains the water.
Day Two starts at Padar, where we tie to the buoy at 05:45. The climb takes 25 minutes; we advise going early to avoid the heat and the day-tripper crowds. By 08:00 we’re back onboard, serving coffee and grilled bananas. Then it’s 45 minutes west to Komodo Island. Rangers meet us at Loh Liang, and we do the 1.5km ranger trail – dry forest, scrub, and yes, dragons, usually near the creek. We return to Si Datu Bua mid-afternoon, motor 20 minutes to Manta Point at Nusa Kode, and drift-snorkel with the cleaning stations. The mantas here recognise the sound of our tender and often approach within two metres.
On Day Three, we aim for Taka Makassar by 08:00. It’s a sandbar, but only appears between March and November. When it’s up, we beach for photos, then snorkel the outer edge where the current brings in jack and reef sharks. Then we shift to Kanawa, moor at the northeast buoy, and let guests jump from the back deck onto the coral bommie at 10:00. We serve a final lunch of yellow curry and papaya salad, then cruise back to Labuan Bajo, arriving by 15:00.
