Back in Komodo – A Homecoming

After quite some time being away exploring Raja Ampat, Halmahera, Lembeh, the Togean islands, Alor and the Banda Sea. The Mermaid II found herself on a homecoming journey, sailing from Maumere through Komodo and beyond before returning to her home port of Benoa in Bali for more adventures to come!

The trip began with a memorable send-off from Maumere, where a playful pod of dolphins accompanied us as we sailed into the sunset towards Komodo.

The following morning, we found ourselves cruising amidst Komodo National Park’s dramatic landscape of rugged volcanic islands, golden savannah hills and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Along the way, we were treated to some of Komodo’s most iconic diving and unforgettable encounters. From mantastic dives at the famous Manta Alley and Mawan delivered epic manta actions with some even coming very close to just inches of us, to millions of anthias bursting out of vibrant coral reefs, to exhilarating schooling fish actions including Trevally, Yellowmask Surgeonfish and surprise appearance of the rare Sailfin Snappers.

As night falls, an entirely different side of the region is revealed. Fascinating rare critters come out from their hiding among the reefs. From tiny shrimps and colorful nudibranchs, to the well camouflaged cuttlefish and octopus, to the elusive yet adorable frogfishes. Just to name a few that our eagle-eyed dive guides managed to spot.

Of course a trip to Komodo would be incomplete without seeing the legendary Komodo Dragon. We were fortunate to have great encounters on 2 separate occasions. At Horseshoe Bay in South Rinca, we encountered a couple of dragons sunbathing on the beach while touring the bay on our two dinghies. Then one fine morning, we took a walk in Loh Liang, trekked through some rugged yet picturesque landscape of Komodo island, and encountered 5 more dragons together with deers and wild boars along the way.

Leaving Komodo behind, we sailed west closer towards Bali, dived more world class sites around Sangeang and Moyo. The volcanic island of Sangeang offered a dramatic change of atmosphere both above and below the surface. Volcanic bubbles rise from the warm black sands, beautiful corals and of course, lots of rare critters! We were all delighted to find more Ornate Ghost Pipefish and Frogfish among the volcanic sands. While Moyo delivered relaxed diving in crystal-clear warm waters, beautiful shallow reefs and abundant reef fish.

The adventure ended on a true high note in Saleh Bay, where we encountered two Whale Sharks feeding under a Bagan for the entire diving and snorkeling session. An unforgettable finale to an already exceptional trip!

Christopher Pen

Mermaid II
Maumere-Komodo-Bali
May 05 to 14, 2026