This journey turned out to be a true blend of active adventure, cultural discovery, and thrilling underwater experiences. We didn’t just change our surroundings — we plunged into a world of vivid emotions, breathtaking natural landscapes, and extraordinary marine life. Eventful days on Bali flowed seamlessly into an unforgettable safari among the Komodo islands, where every day brought new discoveries and a genuine sense of freedom.
May is the ideal month for a trip to Indonesia, especially for visiting the Komodo region. The weather is settled and sunny, the sea is warm, the winds are barely noticeable — in short, perfect conditions for both relaxation and diving.
Our itinerary began in Denpasar on Bali, where the group spent a few relaxed days recovering from the long flight. During that time we made the most of all kinds of activities: we went on an exciting river rafting run, visited scenic nature parks and traditional Balinese temples near our hotel. Beyond the cultural programme, everyone enjoyed time at the beach, indulged in relaxing massages, sampled the local cuisine, and even took a few surfing lessons. It gave us all a wonderful boost of energy and good spirits before the main leg of our journey.
The next chapter was a diving safari around the Komodo islands. A short flight from Bali to the departure point saved us a great deal of travel time and let us dive straight into the spirit of adventure. The yacht Blue Manta, aboard which we made our journey, is rightly regarded as one of the most comfortable vessels in the region. Spacious cabins, a high standard of service, and well-appointed lounging areas made life on board a genuine pleasure. The dive organisation deserved special praise: there was one guide for every four guests, and groups were swiftly ferried to the dive sites by Zodiac. At least four dives were completed each day, which fully satisfied even the most dedicated divers among us.
The underwater world of Komodo is genuinely awe-inspiring. We visited all the key sites in the region, encountered sharks and mantas, marvelled at magnificent coral gardens, and happily hunted for the curious little critters that this part of the world has in such abundance. Highlights included frogfish shimmering in every colour imaginable, cuttlefish putting on iridescent displays, and fantastical seahorses. Turtles were a constant presence too, drifting alongside us at a leisurely pace as though they barely noticed we were there.
And then, of course, the mantas — there were so many of them! At times it seemed as though they were putting on a show just for us, circling one another in an elegant dance right before our eyes. When several mantas begin that hypnotic, spiralling routine, it feels as if a true ballet is unfolding in the ocean depths. The grace of their movements and their absolute freedom in the water are utterly mesmerising, enough to make you hold your breath in sheer delight. Knowing that mantas are considered the most intelligent of all marine fish makes watching their behaviour even more fascinating. Sometimes they glide so close that it really seems as though we interest them just as much as they interest us.
Particular attention was paid to drift dives. Those are precisely the conditions where encounters with large pelagic fish are most likely. Currents in Indonesia can be quite strong, so a reef hook for clipping onto the coral is an indispensable piece of kit. We spent long stretches hanging in the current, watching the marine life stream past: shoals of fish racing by, predators heading out to hunt, and the vivid bustle of the reef all around. As exhilarating as these dives are, they demand caution, attentiveness, and strict adherence to safety guidelines from every diver.
The grand finale of the safari was a visit to an island famous for its millions of flying foxes, which pour out in a massive stream at sunset on their nightly quest for fruit — a truly spectacular sight.
The journey will be remembered not only for the diving, but also for the warm, convivial atmosphere on board. We had musical evenings with a guitar that had somehow found its way onto the yacht, long easy conversations, and no shortage of good cheer. In the end, every member of the group returned home inspired, well rested, and full of enthusiasm to keep exploring new corners of our planet.
You can find all the photos from this journey here.
If the spirit of adventure speaks to you and you dream of unforgettable experiences, join us on one of our upcoming expeditions — whether to the remarkable islands of Indonesia or to other extraordinary destinations around the world. Together we will discover even more uncharted routes and create new, thrilling stories! Our nearest upcoming trips can be found on our journeys page.
