Labuan Bajo

Komodo island, part of the Lesser Sunda chain of Indonesian islands, is the rugged habitat of the 3m-long Komodo dragon monitor lizard. Komodo National Park covers the entire region and is home to more than 4,000 dragons, and is made up of rusty-red volcanic hills, savannah and forests. Its surrounding waters of seagrass beds, mangrove shrublands and coral reefs are famous for diving.

Taka Makassar is a tiny island in Komodo National Park. It has a peculiar shape of a drop, with white sand mixed with pink sand. This perfect sandbar, with a size smaller than a football field, has clear blue waters. It only comes up during the time when the seawater is receding. Meanwhile, when the sea level rises, it will submerge underwater. This island is located very close to Manta Point, the favorite place for Manta Rays to gather, with shallow water area but a very strong current. The famous Taka Makassar is known as the longest reef in the Komodo National Park.

There is no doubt that one of the main attractions of Komodo National Park are the majestic Manta Rays. Komodo National Park is one of the largest sanctuaries for Manta Rays and one of the few places where it is possible to encounter this beautiful species. Here you will find the perfect place to encounter Manta Rays at their real habitat, either diving or snorkeling. One of the most common dreams of divers is to have an encounter with these sublime manta rays, being side by side with them. This dream can definitely come true in Komodo National Park, especially because despite what people may think, manta rays are not dangerous at all. Although they are quite big and have a tail like stingrays, manta rays do not have a poisonous sting and they are not aggressive at all. They are known for being quiet, peaceful and having a curious behavior, approaching divers, putting on impressive acrobatic shows.