Macau Lifestyle
  • What's On

    Categories

    • Giveaways
    • Entertainment

    Recent Stories

    Horoverse X MAEN watch
    Horoverse x MAEN: Limited Edition Neon Cities Timepiece Celebrates Hong Kong and Macau’s Iconic Glow
    Jewelry & Watches
    The Macallan 200 Year Whisky Exhibition
    Step into History: The Macallan 200 Years Young Exhibition
    Events & Promotions
    Photo provided by Harry Potter_ The Exhibition_(4)
    A Spellbinding Journey into the Enchanting World of Harry Potter™: The Exhibition
    Events & Promotions
  • Dining

    Categories

    • Restaurants
    • Local Eats
    • Cafes
    • Bars
    • Chef Spotlight

    Recent Stories

    our bucket list of things to do if you’re visiting Macau on a Budget. The Venetian Macao canals
    Macau on a Budget: A One-Day Itinerary
    Macau
    Michelin Guide Macau 2024
    Michelin Guide Hong Kong Macau 2024: Macau’s Culinary Triumphs
    Dining
    Minibar and Lounge Interior Yellow Neon Signs Macau Lifestyle
    Sing Along: Best Places for Karaoke in Macau
    Bars
  • Lifestyle

    Categories

    • Wellness
    • Weddings
    • Family
    • People

    Recent Stories

    Tap Seac Swimming Pool Wide View from Below Sunny Day Macau Lifestyle
    Best Public Pools in Macau
    Family
    hac-sa-reservoir-park
    Top 10 Things to Do With Kids in Macau
    Family
    Moo Creamery Founders Portrait
    Moo Creamery: Freshly-Made Ice Creams Delivering Original Flavors in Macau
    Dining
  • Culture

    Categories

    • Arts
    • Heritage & History
    • Architecture
    • Artist Spotlight
    • Local Knowledge

    Recent Stories

    Featured image: Chinese depiction of a woman from atlantic countries circa 18th century Source: Review of Culture
    Historic Women in Macau: Empowering Communities Across Time
    Culture
    Morpheus City of Dreams Macau Reasons to visit
    10 More Reasons to Visit Macau
    Culture
    st dominic church macau
    Top 10 Things to Do in Macau
    Culture
  • Style

    Categories

    • Fashion
    • Jewelry & Watches
    • Beauty
    • Home

    Recent Stories

    horoverse-shooting-start-from-0-4by3
    Horoverse Co-Founders on Revitalizing Watch Culture: A Deep Dive with Oliver Tong and Wallace Chan
    Jewelry & Watches
    Horoverse X MAEN watch
    Horoverse x MAEN: Limited Edition Neon Cities Timepiece Celebrates Hong Kong and Macau’s Iconic Glow
    Jewelry & Watches
    Wayuu Bag Macau
    Businesses in Macau: Taking Ideas to the Next Level
    Culture
  • Travel

    Categories

    • Macau
    • China
    • Asia
    • Oceania
    • Europe

    Recent Stories

    our bucket list of things to do if you’re visiting Macau on a Budget. The Venetian Macao canals
    Macau on a Budget: A One-Day Itinerary
    Macau
    Isabel Bengzon surfing Siargao Macau Lifestyle
    Siargao Guide: Where to Eat, Sleep, Surf & Party
    Asia
    st dominic church macau
    Top 10 Things to Do in Macau
    Culture
  • Hong Kong

    Categories

    • What's On
    • Dining
    • Things to Do
    • Hotels

    Recent Stories

    Cartier and Women exhibition
    Cartier and Women: The World’s First Major Exhibition on the Role and Influence of Women in Cartier’s History
    Culture
    Grand Hyatt HK_French GourMay Staycation (3)
    French GourMay at Grand Hyatt Hong Kong Offers a Bespoke Culinary Trip to France
    Dining
    The Upper House Salisterra Main Dining Room
    Salisterra Showcases Exquisite Mediterranean Cuisine at The Upper House Hong Kong
    Dining
  • City Guide
  • 繁中
Asia
by Sally Victoria Benson

Komodo Islands: What to Do, Stay & Eat

Macau LIfestyle, The Seraya – The Seraya

Komodo Island is located close to Flores Island in Indonesia and the city of Labuan Bajo is where your trip begins. Exploring Komodo Islands is an eye-opening trip to take, whether it be solo, as a couple, group or with kids, its stunning natural beauty and amazing sea-life make for a fantastic trip with so much for everyone to enjoy. From hiking, diving, visiting the dragons, laying on the beach, and boat trips, here is our guide to the best way to navigate the island.

Komodo National Park is made up of three big islands: Komodo Island, Rinca Island and Padar Island (where the famous pink beach is), plus a few other islets, a total of 2,321 km² of protected land and sea, it’s also a designated world heritage site and home to an incredible amount of natural beauty.

Macau LIfestyle, The Seraya BF Bed 2 RS

Photo credit: Oleg Breslavtev. The Seraya Beachfront Bungalows.

Accommodation: Seraya Island

You can’t actually stay on Komodo Island itself as it’s a national park (unless you are staying on a boat as a liveaboard), so choosing a resort, lodge or hotel on a neighboring island is the best choice. You can stay on the main island of Labuan Bajo but that means you are further away from Komodo Island and the other must-visit spots as well. We chose to stay at The Seraya, which was a 45 minutes boat ride from Labuan Bajo, consisting of 15 private bungalows and situated on its own 200-meter private beach. It was the perfect mix of barefoot-chic and modern accommodation. The whole island had a relaxed and natural vibe with everything you need. We really liked that the room rates included island transfers, full board, refreshments, and water activity gear. Now that’s hospitality!

We opted for a beachfront bungalow which had stunning water views from our two sun loungers on our own private deck. Sliding doors lead into our air-conditioned bungalow which was made out of bamboo including the floor, roof, and walls. A comfortable large bed, with mosquito netting for the evenings, was very useful. The absence of television or WiFi reception in the rooms really allows you to disconnect but for those not really happy to disconnect, it might be worth investing in a local SIM card in Labuan Bajo before you get to The Seraya. For a true “rainforest experience”, the bathroom is outdoors but worry not as it’s covered, ensuring your privacy and also very spacious. There’s a toilet to the left, large shower in the middle and basin plus mirror to the right with a drying ladder and hairdryer. Outside, under the tamarind trees, you have your own private chairs and umbrella with uninterrupted views of the ocean. While we didn’t get the chance to swim in it, there is also a lovely infinity pool to swim in located next to the Manta Restaurant and it’s a great place to enjoy a sunset drink from.

Macau LIfestyle, The Seraya – Jetty Dalliance RS

Photo credit: Oleg Breslavtev. Dalliance Boat.

Activities

Depending on where you stay, each property has its own set of activities that you can join or book. At The Seraya, we booked a day trip to neighboring islands, two dives nearby and spent the other days snorkeling off their jetty in the mornings or having a swim when the tide came in. The house reef is really great for snorkeling or kayaking through and if you are into diving, it is really worth a dive. There are tons of gorgeous sea life, coral and they also have a small wreck about 20 meters down.

For a day trip out to Komodo Island itself to see the famed Komodo dragons, we rented and shared a speedboat. We left before 8:00am and our first stop was a hike up Padar Island. The Padar Island hike is somewhat easy and doesn’t take longer than an hour but it is scorching hot out there, so make sure it’s your first stop as the heat was overpowering! Take note that there are almost no trees or cover so make sure to bring hats, sunscreen, and a shirt if you need it. We then went for a snorkel and swim at the famous Pink Beach. Pink Beach is beautiful but much smaller than we imagined it would be. This little piece of paradise gets its pinkish sand due to a mix of white sand and little pieces of red corals that have broken off due to strong currents and then washed ashore.

We then arrived for a walk with the dragons and our packed lunch. The Komodo Island dragon walk is really very hit and miss experience. It really depends on what day you are there, who your guide is and your expectations. On Komodo Island itself, you must use the register guides available, you don’t really have a choice. We unfortunately, had a terrible guide, saw no dragons (except one that seemed drugged up near the main restaurant) and felt really let down by the whole experience. If seeing Komodo dragons is the main reason you traveled all the way there, then going on a liveaboard boat that can get closer to the other side of the island would make more sense and you’ll have more of a chance to see them in their natural habitat. Komodo Island itself is very much set up for tourists and we personally can’t recommend going there.

Macau LIfestyle, The Seraya – Monster Seraya RS417

Photo credit: Michelle Van Maele

DIVING

Komodo National Park is famous for its incredible diving sites and it’s the reason so many make the trip out to this area of the world. On the third day we were there, we privately rented their timber junk Dalliance which can also be a liveaboard and cater to up to eight people. The private rental fee wasn’t too much more and we decided to spend the day diving at our own pace. We set off early in the morning, had breakfast aboard the Dalliance and then prepped for our first dive. We did three dives in total and had lunch as well on board as well. Komodo National Park can cater for all levels of diving and The Seraya Divers know the area very well, we are not very experienced divers but had a great selection of options for dive sites. The amount of fish of all shapes, sizes, and colors was just amazing to see, beautiful pristine coral reefs and so many sharks. The water was clear, the water temperature also wasn’t too cold and it was such an enjoyable diving day. A major highlight for us though was the manta rays. They are the most majestic sea creature, just gliding through the water, it was beautiful to watch them and swim around them.

We stayed on the boat long enough to watch the sunset as we pulled into The Seraya. It was such a serene and peaceful return home. We were so lucky to witness manta rays, reef sharks, turtles, cuttlefish and so much more swimming in their natural habitat. The best thing about booking activities with The Seraya is that you can do as little or as much as you like.

There is an entry fee into Komodo National Park–where Padar Island, Pink Beach and Komodo Island are located–which you pay per person, per day on top of the daily rental fee for the boat. So make you sure you bring enough cash with you as it needs to be paid in cash and as you can imagine, there are no ATMs in the national park area.

Macau Lifestyle- The Seraya Dining- SerayaDivers-120

Photo credit: Oleg Breslavte

DINING 

As all meals are included during your stay, you don’t really have to worry about what to eat as they take care of it for you. Every third evening, they have a fish barbecue–a communal fresh seafood barbecue where all the guests sit at a long table and dine together. Besides giant fish, there is a selection of salads, vegetables, rice, and some delicious vegan options available as well which was truly delicious. We recommend arriving before dinner time to enjoy the sunset over the restaurant and ocean in the background.

Breakfast is also served at the same restaurant and you have a few different options available depending on the day. There is also an ala carte menu if you would like to order additional items at an extra cost. Honestly speaking though, we were very satisfied with what was offered and always finished our meals with full bellies. During the daytime, the giant manta ray shaped roof made entirely of bamboo is more visible along with the architectural elements and design of the restaurant.

With peaceful views over the gorgeous Komodo National Park islands, this hidden gem was everything we could have asked for. After our trip, we felt fully rested, relaxed and recharged which is precisely how you should feel after spending a week on an island.

Macau LIfestyle, The Seraya -Aerial Reef Dalliance RS

Photo credit: Oleg Breslavte

HOW TO GET THERE 

There are no directs flights to Komodo Island from Hong Kong or Macau. If you are planning to visit Komodo Island, you will need to take a flight first to Denpasar Bali (which has more connecting flights to Labuan Bajo). Labuan Bajo is only a one hour flight from Bali. Get to Hong Kong International Airport by bus via the HKZMB (Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge) and or take a ferry directly to the airport, but do note that there are only three ferries per day.

Also read: Surf’s Up: What to Do in Uluwatu, Bali

VISA

Depending on your citizenship, you might need a visa to enter Indonesia. If that’s the case, just follow the instructions on the consulate website and apply at the Visa Application Centre in Hong Kong. If you are a citizen of one of the countries from this list, you can apply for a free e-visa.


The Seraya Seraya Kecil, Labuan Bajo, Komodo, Kabupaten Manggarai Barat, Nusa Tenggara Tim., Indonesia, +62 813 3939 0305, The Seraya Divers, www.theseraya.com

Tags

  • Exploring Komodo Islands
  • Komodo island
  • Komodo Islands
  • the seraya

Related Posts

Isabel Bengzon surfing Siargao Macau Lifestyle
Asia

Siargao Guide: Where to Eat, Sleep, Surf & Party

Trending Posts

Dining, Local Eats

Where to Find the Best Portuguese Egg Tarts in Macau

Local Knowledge, Macau, Sightseeing, Travel

Getting Around in Macau

our bucket list of things to do if you’re visiting Macau on a Budget. The Venetian Macao canals
Macau, Restaurants

Macau on a Budget: A One-Day Itinerary

macau zhuhai border Gongbei gate
China, Travel

Macau–Zhuhai: The Ultimate Border Crossing Guide

  • Editor's Picks

    woman holding phone and coffee Local Knowledge

    Macau Apps: The Best Apps You’ll Need in Macau

    When in Macau, consider these 5 must-have applications that will make your life or stay easier.

    girl in macau transport Local Knowledge

    Getting Around in Macau

    Macau is a small but immensely interesting place with plenty of things to see and do. With many modes of transport, getting around has never been simpler.

    ladies night macau Bars

    Where My Ladies At: The Best Ladies’ Night Offers in Macau

    From free-flow champagne to free Prosecco bottles, check our list of the best ladies’ night offers in Macau.

    Salvador Dali Alice in Wonderland Macau Lifestyle hidden artwork Macau Arts

    Art Masterpieces in Macau You Did Not Know Existed

    Some pieces of art are in the most prominent spots, but there are some artwork that remain hidden in Macau. Here’s where you can find them!

    Cuppa Coffee Macau Dining

    Good Morning Macau: Best Cafes for Breakfast

    As breakfast is the most important meal of the day, here’re our favorite cafes in Macau to head to for a hearty breakfast!

    Wayuu Bag Macau Culture

    Businesses in Macau: Taking Ideas to the Next Level

    Macau is a small city, but it sure has a lot of new businesses popping up. We rounded up a list of cool businesses to check out and support!

    start line photo Lifestyle

    Top Running Routes in Macau

    Make the effort to get up 30 minutes earlier from tomorrow onwards and check out any of these stunning running routes in Macau.

    The Ritz-Carlton Bar & Lounge Gin Collection Bars

    Best Places for Happy Hour in Macau

    After a long day at work, you need a relaxing place to unwind. We have the best places in Macau for happy hour deals on drinks and snacks!

    Zics Macau Brand Source Facebook page Fashion

    Macau Fashion Brands: Celebrate Local Design

    Discover some Macau fashion brands that are making waves due to the fabulous designers behind each of their fresh and genius creations.

    Flora Garden playground Family

    The Best Playgrounds for Kids in Macau

    Macau is full of parks and leisure areas that feature some amazing play areas. Here’s a list of the best playgrounds in Macau for the tykes!

    Maria do Leste Bloody Mary from St Regis Macao Updated Photo 2020 Bars

    Shaken or Stirred: Macau’s Best Cocktails

    The world of mixology often proves to be as diverse and surprising as the one of gastronomy. Exercising talent and immense creativity, Macau’s bartenders keep creating signature cocktails that impress us with both flavors and presentation. If you are tired and bored with mojitos and negronis and need tips on what else to try, check out our guide to Macau’s best cocktails. 

    sound-of-century-vintage-sound-machines-museum Arts

    Macau’s Quirkiest Museums

    When art and history collections are inspected, it’s time to learn things that even locals might not know. Read on to plan a visit to Macau’s quirkiest museums.

    Pataca currency Local Knowledge

    The Pataca Story: The Peculiar History of Macau’s Currency

    The Pataca is special as not many countries the size of Macau would have their currency. Read on to find out about the origins of the Pataca.

    Vintage Around Exterior Front View Macau Lifestyle Culture

    Where to Shop Vintage in Macau

    If you’re a fashionista obssessed with all things vintage, this selection of the best vintage shops in Macau is for you. Happy shopping!

    Negroni bar patua mgm cotai macau lifestyle Bars

    Where to Have an Unforgettable Negroni in Macau

    Check our list of the best bars in Macau that serve the Italian bitter-sweet cocktail, Negroni, from classic recipes to original twists!

    Coloane hiking trail Culture

    Guide to Coloane’s Hiking Trails

    Coloane is home to most of the hiking trails in town. We walked them all and came up with the most comprehensive Coloane hiking trails guide.

    sponge-cake-macau-lifestyle-chinese-pastries Dining

    A Tour of Traditional Chinese Pastries in Macau

    Every tourist coming to Macau can make a fast conclusion that cookies and pastries here are held in high regard. Where do you start, and what do you eat? To get acquainted with a curious word of local sweets, check our guide to the Chinese pastries in Macau.

    63c4f00b-ca84-4eda-8f54-1fc5b633bee6_l Architecture

    Macau’s Tap Seac Square by Carlos Marreiros

    Have you ever wondered about Tap Seac Square, its history, and what used to be there? Find out more about its history and right here!

    Camões Bust in Grotto Culture

    The Camões Phenomena: All the Way From Portugal to Macau

    Portuguese poet Camões is well-known in Macau. But do you know why? We tell you some interesting facts about the author’s life!

    beijing memory li xiao feng mandarin oriental macau art Arts

    Art at Mandarin Oriental, Macau: Porcelain Dresses & Contemporary Glass Installations

    Read on to see how Mandarin Oriental, Macau, highlights its style and identity with art and design masterpieces by different artists.  

    Nam Ping Exterior Frontdoor Macau Lifestyle Dining

    Nam Ping: A Local Foodie Haven Nestled in Old Macau

    Set in Rua de Cinco de Outubro, Nam Ping is nestled in the city center, opened for more than 30 years, serving simple, mouthwatering dishes.

    Rooftop Macau Upstairs Terrace Dining

    Best Rooftops in Macau to Relax At

    Chilling on a rooftop with a cold drink is the best way to spend a day. Here’s a list of some of the hippest trending rooftops in Macau!

    Chou Kei Dining

    Local Eats: Where to Have Instant Noodles With Egg & Luncheon Meat in Macau

    Instant noodles taste much better topped with a fried egg and luncheon meat! Here are the best places in Macau to have this delicacy.

    banyan tree macau_Spa_Royal Treatment Room Lifestyle

    Macau’s Best Spas

    Macau is a wold-class destination and this extends to its spas as well. Check out our list of spas in Macau offering the best in relaxation.

    ferry hong kong macau Culture

    10 Useful Macau Ferry Tips

    Although you can take the bridge now, the one-hour ferry ride is a unique and easy way to get from Macau to Hong Kong. Here are 10 essential tips to make your Macau to Hong Kong ferry trip trouble-free.

    hac-sa-reservoir-park Macau

    Best Things to Do around Hac Sa Beach

    Hac Sa Beach on Coloane Island is a popular destination for both locals and visitors. It’s the perfect place for a day outside the city!

    Lord-Stows-Garden-Cafe-Coloane Cafes

    Best Places to Eat in Coloane

    Coloane is where locals and tourists come to enjoy chill vibes and home-style dining. Here are the best places to eat in Coloane for your next foodie trip!

    Tap Seac Swimming Pool Wide View from Below Sunny Day Macau Lifestyle Family

    Best Public Pools in Macau

    Cool off or get your cardio in at the best public pools in Macau!

    Cheong Kei Noodles Owner with Blurred Noodles in Hand Macau Lifestyle Dining

    Cheong Kei Noodle Factory: A Local Family Business with Healthy Ambitions

    We learned the history of Cheong Kei Noodle Factory, the inspiration behind their products, and their vision for Cheong Kei’s future.

    AJ Hackett Macau Skywalk giveaway Macau Lifestyle Local Knowledge

    Everything You Need to Do in Macau at Least Once

    Take a dive into this article and find out what to do to spend your precious time in Macau and maximize it to enjoy the city at its fullest!

  • About
  • The Team
  • Advertise
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Contact Us

COPYRIGHT © 2025 • MACAU LIFESTYLE

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Receive Macau Events Agenda, the Hottest Giveaway Offers and the Latest Article Updates!