Sailing with Komodo liveaboard deep to the nooks and crannies of the remote Komodo National Park is a dream for many. It’s a chance to get away from worldly business and reality. A chance to get lost in the “Lost World”, in the land of undulating hills, savannah fields, blue waters, and wild Komodo Dragons who roams freely in the uninhibited islands. And if you are a diver, this is the time when you can get in contact with one of the most preserved, remote reefs and marine life.
However, living in a liveaboard for several days is not as idyllic as it seems. Yes, your schedule would consist mainly of dive, eat, hike, sleep, and repeat. There’s nothing to worry than what are you going to do in the next destination. Yet, liveaboard living could be so different than the land-based living that you have so accustomed to. Therefore, you might some special preparation to help your liveaboard sailing trip go smoothly.
Think About Komodo Liveaboard Space when Packing
Even when you are sailing with Labuan Bajo cruise that gives you private cabins, you still need to put the limited space of the cabin to your consideration. Cabins are usually very small despite of how wide they might be looking in the liveaboard’s website. You’ll want to pack as light as possible, but still covers everything that you need. We recommend packing some t-shirts you could roll thinly, bring travel-size toiletries, and a piece of light jacket for windy days. Instead of hard-case suitcases, opt for a duvet bag or backpack that can be folded away in tiny spaces.
Learn How to Dive from A Boat
Aside from its empty beaches and breathtaking islands, the Komodo National Park is notorious for its translucent, marine life-rich waters. You could literally descend from anywhere and dive in a heart-stopping sites! However, if you never dived from a boat before, you might need to learn some key skills before embarkation. Go to your dive centre to learn entries and exits from boats. It’s also useful to re-adjust your body to the water and the buoyancy if you have not been diving for a long time.
Take Spares of Everything
Take the “remoteness” of Komodo seriously. Most of the islands around you is completely devoid of human civilisation and they certainly don’t have dive shops nearby. Even small mini markets are rare in this far-flung destination—unless you want to turn back to Labuan Bajo. Bring every spares of things you might need to Komodo liveaboard. Pack that extra batteries, underwear, mask straps, extra mask, seasickness pills, O-rings, mouthpiece, duck tapes, and port plugs. It’s better to come prepared with save-a-dive kit than having to lose your chance of diving if something breaks on the boat.
Read More: Useful Items People Always Forget to Bring to Komodo Boat
Extra Tips for Komodo Liveaboard Crews
You might have heard that Indonesia is not really into tipping culture. It’s even prohibited in official and fine establishments! However, it’s acceptable in liveaboard industry—and we encourage you to do so. The boat crews and the guides has been working tirelessly during your sailing holiday. From keeping up the boat clean and cozy, assisting you on dives and island explorations, to preparing your food three times a day. Tipping in Komodo Liveaboard is optional but encouraged. You might want to prepare around 10% of the liveaboard cost and give it in the end of the journey.