The Stunning Komodo National Park in 2019

If there's ever been a time for reflection, it is now. This festive season is oddly lonely for good reason. Everything is not the same anymore to us all. We wake up each day knowing that normality is suspended. And sure enough it won't resume in the near future. December marks the 9th close to 10th month Le Bf and I have not seen each other - longest record as yet. 

It's been one year since we travelled abroad. We have been working in SG for the past 6 years and each year we make it a ritual to go for at least a year-end trip to wrap up the year. Except 2020.

Last year, Le Bf was at a phase of loving sunshine and outdoor activities and remote islands after his trip to Semporna Island in May. Since then, he had been constantly looking and exploring islands around the globe. The more remote it is located the better. Like a pirate looking for next easy target - outside of public radar. 

So last year December, Le Bf and I did not plan for a faraway destination, instead we he chose a "kinda" isolated island nearby - Komodo Island. It became Insta/FB-famous after some "celebrities" shared those Instaworthy-pics online. I'm glad that he found out sooner so we could still enjoy the tranquil vibe. You know how some places become a big hoo-ha and can be overrated. I assure you this place is nothing short of paradise. Oh well given that you really enjoy the nature and simply comfortable with just being yourself and your companion. Chillax and nothing else. Simplicity is key. 

I was captivated by the amazing nature scenes the national park offers. There were A LOT of firsts. 

We stayed on a boat (not the luxurious type, to say the least) and living at the ocean for 3 nights

Our boat was well maintained and it really depends on your luck which "Explorer" boat you take. Ours was a beautiful double-decker and we slept on top with the view only you can imagine throughout the 4 days 3 nights. Credit to the travel mate we thankfully met on the boat for the drone shot.

Boat gently rocking us to sleep in the middle of nowhere (solar panel is used and so no generator making noises), nothing in sight, complete darkness and beyond. Waken up by the first ray of sun and sound of calming sea water.

I wasn't lying when I said we just chilled and did nothing. Except for the time we were down for a dip or out exploring the places.

Or getting some tanning. That's how I got such ugly tan hahahaha I just laid there not giving a damn what I wore

The "adventurers" on boat

Looking for a few endangered Komodo dragon before our very eyes

They are the largest living lizard in the world. Not fancy I know.

Appreciating the light at sunset with zero blocking

Watching tens of thousands of bats flying across the sky

 Experiencing outdoor cinema. 

One night we watched Moana (a Disney character who was chosen to journey across the sea to save the world) on boat elevated the experience and made it even cooler

The ever stunning scenery

It took us I-forgot-how-long to climb to the top with such amazing view.

Imagine this was the very first spot we visited and you just couldn't help looking forward what brings you next. 

Pink Beach!!! The pink is surreal. Thanks to the drone shot to make it justice (I hope)

I'd say all the photos are at their truest forms without editing. Oh well maybe minimal like crop/adjust brightness

Taka Makassar is the name

That beautiful

This was the place we first found baby sharks. What a great time to just chill in the sea 

Sailing with dolphins, swimming with a giant manta, sea turtles and baby sharks and exploring the beautiful coral reef. Too bad we don't have a GoPro or something to capture those moments. But they are all imprinted in our minds...

Simply showing off my tan. and maybe the butt cheeks too lol.

I got easily 3 or 4 shades darker

A simple hearty meal after some "workouts" was really satisfying.

It could be too simple. But the view isn't.

Meet my friends! 

Our last day on boat. It was such a bitter-sweet feeling.

Leaving one unique stay for another equally special experience.

This is it! The hut!

Hello. This was our room for 2 nights. Originally it was only 1 night but we found it too lovely and would be such a waste to leave the next day.

Look at how cute it is!

I think it only took us about 2 hours to fully explore this small private island

Meals are decent. Definitely more "Instaworthy" compared to our boat meals. But no complaints!

Cocktails a must. Look at the scorching sun.

This is the entire group to have the island all by ourselves. Spot me! We had our Vietnamese dinner that night with all other travelers coming from different parts of the world. Before Covid hit us. This sounds like a distant tales.

the campfire that night.

Weather is usually very nice. Nice as in, very sunny. A little too much sun in fact but again no complaints. The clouds cleared after I took this photo. The islander told us this place has never rained. So they said.

Everything on the island is perfect I'd say. From the friendly staff, the funny guests, down to smallest details like the equipment rental. They have got you covered!

I actually wanted to stop here but hey, our stay on the mainland Labuan Bajo was very nice too! So why not show off a bit of that piece of land? 

It's quite popular among the many travelers to Labuan Bajo/Komodo Island

Seaesta is the name.

I'd say nicest restaurant in the small town -La Cucina. 
Why three you asked? 

We met Jessica on the mainland. We knew nothing about Dutch directness until we met her. And those drone shot photos credited to her! 

Now really time to wrap things up. All in all, the photos don't really sum up our trip. Like the undersea, the snorkeling, the kayaking. 

Le Bf and I were completely immersed in nature throughout the journey and utterly enjoyed it. The whole entire trip was magical and if I must add, nourishing. We’ve been to quite some places over the years. But none of them quite like this one. We will definitely come back, Labuan Bajo.

Love,

Ee