AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach, Labuan Bajo
Monica Tindall
Komodo has been on our bucket list for years and we’re pretty darn excited about finally making this trip with AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach in Labuan Bajo.
Our flight from Bali to Labuan Bajo arrives at 5 pm. (Direct flights will soon launch from Kuala Lumpur in September). With no check-in luggage to wait for, we meet AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach’s representative and are in the transfer car within 15 minutes of landing. It’s only a ten-minute drive, but the arrival couldn’t be more magical.
AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach, Labuan Bajo
As the sun sinks, the bay is turning golden and we check into our room just as the sky begins to burst with colour. From our balcony, the soothing sea is broken with what seems to be 100s of little island outcrops, small mounds in the shape of molehills. Below us is an incredible garden of flourishing bougainvillea with the hotel’s pier in the background. We scan the sky from left and right and feel like we’re in a tropical dream.
Rooms & Suites
The AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach offers 205 luxurious guest rooms and suites. For the ultimate view, consider the Deluxe Full Ocean View Room. Located on the highest floors, these 48-square-meter sanctuaries open to breathtaking 180-degree ocean panoramas.
We unwind with a cup of Indonesian drip coffee (there’s also local tea) from the mini bar, and relax in giant tub in the spacious bathroom. The unique design features a glass wall that separates the bathroom from the main room, creating an illusion of more space, while curtains offer privacy when needed.
The room also includes thoughtful amenities like eco-friendly, heavenly-scented toiletries in dispensers, universal device outlets, and a separate walk-in wardrobe, keeping our luggage out of sight. While the flat-screen TV doesn’t have Smart capabilities, we still enjoy surprisingly fast Wi-Fi for an island that seems so isolated from the world. We enjoy sound sleep on the high-quality mattress and bedding and appreciate the high-pressure, instant-hot-water shower.
The views from our balcony are majestic. We could spend a lot of time here, but there are islands to explore, those terrifying Komodo dragons to see, facilities to check out and food to sample.
Sightseeing at Komodo National Park
Cruise to Komodo National Park
Priorities first: those Komodo dragons!
Several companies offer day trips to Komodo National Park for varying budgets and comfort levels. We’re grateful for the services of AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach on their luxurious cruise boat, Lako Cama. The boat’s name means “together,” and our guide, Andre, says he is pleased to share this adventure with us. He explains the day’s itinerary and gives a safety brief.
The speed boat has two floors: an air-conditioned lower deck and a covered but open-walled upper deck. There’s a toilet on board, and pastries, snacks, water, and soft drinks are available for nibbling and sipping. This trip has only six adults and one child, so our experience is personalised and extremely comfortable. (A minimum of four pax is needed for the boat to run.)
Padar Island
It’s 90 minutes to reach our first stop, Padar Island. We pass mound after mound of small islands and tiny villages. The UNESCO World Heritage Site Komodo National Park encompasses 1,733 square kilometres (603 sq km of land). The park is a volcanic archipelago consisting of three major islands, Komodo, Padar, and Rinca, alongside 26 smaller islands. The area is known for its rich diversity of wildlife, including the iconic Komodo dragon. It is located within the Coral Triangle, a global hotspot for marine biodiversity, so besides the dragons, there’s much, much more to see!
I’m happy on the upper deck, wind in my face and inspiring views until about 40 minutes in, when the swell increases ever so slightly, causing a big splash to awaken my trance. I head downstairs for some pastries before arriving at Padar Island for our first activity, a hike to view the three bays. It’s quite a steep path to the top, and we are rewarded with a different perspective at each level we progress. I’m glad I’ve worn sports shoes, plenty of sunscreen and a hat that I can fasten tightly as it’s rocky, sunny and breezy.
The panoramas from the peak are fantastic. Looking down, we can see three C-shaped quays. The water changes colour with the sun, so it’s worth waiting for a change in skies to capture various saturations.
We appreciate the breeze heading back down and reconvene on the pier with our group. Next stop is Pink Beach, just a 15-minute cruise away.
Pink Beach Padar Island
There are two notable Pink Beaches in this area, one on Komodo Island and the other on Padar Island. Padar has a more vibrant hue (notable and pretty, though not quite as pink as those touched-up shots found on social media) and some food and drink stalls. The stretch of pink sand is bordered by crystal-clear water in the foreground and a hilly outcrop in the background. Here, you can take a dip or a stroll.
We’ve hiked to capture amazing views and dipped in a seascape of pink and blue, but the highlight and reason for our visit is yet to come – Komodo National Park.
Komodo National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Komodo National Park is one of only five islands in the world where you can see the infamous Komodo dragon—only two, Komodo and Rinca, are open to the public.
With a weight exceeding 136 kilograms and a body stretching up to three metres long, Komodo dragons hold the title of the heaviest lizards on the planet. A Komodo dragon’s bite delivers a double whammy: venom with proteins that disrupt blood clotting and lower blood pressure, and bacteria from their mouths that accelerate the infection process. Together, this potent mix ensures a lethal outcome for their prey.
Relying on their exceptional sense of smell, Komodo dragons track and ambush prey as large as wild boar, deer, and even water buffalo. Komodo dragons have a permanent “suit of armour” composed of thousands of tiny bones under their skin, providing protection and resilience. Despite their impressive adaptations, Komodo dragons are considered endangered, making conservation efforts crucial to preserving these ancient reptiles.
Before we disembark, Andre lowers our expectations, telling us that Komodo dragons mate once a year (June, July, August). Unfortunately, we’ve arrived during mating season, which means the lizards are deeper in the forest, so they are more difficult to see.
Our official Komodo National Park guide tells us to be quiet and stay together with the group. He has a big stick to protect us if one of the deadly creatures gets too close. We’re grateful to be in the AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach’s small group. We’re not only quieter and less intrusive, but we can easily converse with the guide. We can also quickly follow our guide when he goes off trail to follow a lead on spotting.
Some loud, busy groups of up to 30 tourists arrived at the same time as us. We set off in the opposite direction, and heard that some had come all this way and didn’t see even one Komodo dragon. However, we are in luck and see four – two females and two males!
While it feels a little bit theme-park, and somehow not the right thing to do, the guides help visitors take photos, appearing to be up close and patting (but not really) the giant lizards with a clever angling of cameras. It’s a bucket list item for many, so understandably, people want it well documented. Furthermore, given the animal’s endangered status, I suppose more tourists paying entrance to the national park and showing the value of nature should lead to further protection.
We could go home completely satisfied right now, but there’s one more stop – Manta Bay.
Manta Bay
Our final stop, Manta Bay, is a short boat ride away – just enough time for lunch. We are famished, and everyone chows down on our preordered lunch boxes. Both veg and non-veg items are available, and all come with steamed rice, fruit, crackers, and granola bites. Again, before arriving, we are told that the likelihood of seeing manta rays is unlikely with the turbulent seas. However, spotting a pretty coral reef is guaranteed.
Manta Bay isn’t actually a bay but a channel within Komodo National Park. It’s a manta ray haven, thanks to cleaning stations where plankton-rich currents attract these majestic creatures. Lucky divers and snorkelers can witness giant manta rays with wingspans reaching up to nine metres. However, if you don’t spot one, the underwater ballet isn’t limited to mantas alone. Schools of colourful reef fish, sharks like reef sharks and trevallies, and even massive turtles can be spotted here.
It’s been a fabulous day. Our bucket list item has been ticked off! However, there’s more to discover with AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach, and we help out with some coral planting and set off for a sunset cruise the following day.
Coral planting at AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach
A meaningful and educational activity for AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach guests is coral planting as part of the ocean conservation project within the resort lagoon. This activity begins with an informative talk by the in-house marine biologist, who discusses the life and threats of coral reefs worldwide, with a special focus on the Asian region. Following the talk, guests create coral rope nurseries using 100% organic materials (no plastic, metal, or glue). Rot-proof wooden and cotton ropes are tied underwater to wooden stakes to secure broken corals, allowing them to propagate and form new coral colonies around the resort. It’s a worthwhile activity, creating a higher appreciation of the delicate balance within the sea and leaving us with a “helper’s high.”
Sunset and Dinner Cruise AYANA Lako Sae
Later in the afternoon, we depart for the Sunset and Dinner Cruise with AYANA Lako Sae, a four-hour experience. We are greeted with a welcome drink, have access to a buffet and refillable iced tea, and are entertained with live music as the large wooden boat sails around the islands, seeking the best sunset views.
The scenic voyage is punctuated by the unexpected spotting of dolphins! At first, they appear as distant silhouettes, but soon, they join our journey, seemingly leading the boat. Their sleek bodies slice through the waves, leaving ripples of delight in their wake.
As dusk settles, we stop near Kalong Island. Here, against the backdrop of a stunning sunset, we witness the incredible daily migration of Indonesia’s famous flying foxes. Thousands of these large fruit bats take flight, their wings creating a mesmerising dance in the fading light. It’s a sight that calms the crowd, all quiet with heads turned towards the evening skies.
To end the near-perfect evening, a lively DJ set fills the air, lasers paint the deck with vibrant hues, and the enthusiastic staff coaxes guests onto the dance floor. By the time the cruise returns, we’ve been thoroughly entertained, well-fed, and ready for a blissful night’s sleep.
In addition to a comprehensive range of sea excursions, AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach has plenty to engage guests within the resort.
AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach Wellness & Facilities
Gym & Pool
The AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach gym features Life Fitness equipment, including two treadmills, a cross-trainer, and a stationary bike. There’s also a variety of strength machines and a well-stocked selection of dumbbells. The resort offers daily complimentary yoga sessions on the deck, along with other activities, such as power walks and boxing, to keep guests active. The pool, with its two distinct areas, provides different experiences. One end is more adult-oriented, featuring a swim-up bar. In contrast, the other end is livelier and family-oriented, perfect for kids and families.
Waecicu Massage AYANA Spa
In the heat of the day, in rainy weather or after a day of exploration, a session in AYANA Spa is the bomb! The light, bright reception leads to cool, spacious treatment rooms where we change into robes and disposable underwear in the ensuite. As feet are being bathed in a pre-treatment ritual, we sip on a cool ginger, lemongrass and honey drink and refresh with a cool hand towel.
We’ve signed up for a Waecicu Massage, a unique blend of the long, deep strokes of Balinese technique combined with the rhythmic wave-like movements of the Hawaiian Lomi-Lomi. The beds are plenty long enough, and our therapists’ technique is expert. Comfort levels are frequently checked in on, and we rise in a dream-like state, reawakened with a hot ginger tea.
To ensure we have the energy to fully experience the opportunities AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach offers, we are well-fed with several restaurants and bars on-site.
Restaurants & Bars at AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach, Labuan Bajo
KISIK Seafood Restaurant
We spend our first night in AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach at KISIK Seafood Restaurant, and we couldn’t have engineered a more memorable start. The alfresco setting is a series of tables in the sand lined up along the shore. As the sun disappears, the sky is ablaze with a kaleidoscope of reds and oranges. While we’re oohing and aahing and taking a hundred photos, our server Fila is smiling, telling us this is not beautiful and that we haven’t seen anything yet. Well, we can’t wait to see more. We’re pretty impressed.
We dine on KISIK Seafood Restaurant’s Kukusan Set Menu, a barbecue by the sea. The set launches with the Signature KISIK Fruit Salad. It’s like a Malaysian, well, I suppose Indonesian, rojak, but very fancy. A short tower of fine tropical fruit slices of pineapple, papaya, and honeydew is drizzled with local Flores rojak sauce, KISIK’s signature tamarind dressing. Next is La Bajo KISIK Seafood Soup, an assortment of seafood in an aromatic Flores broth. It’s warm and comforting.
The main course is what guests line up for, the Kukusan Grill: a half lobster, seafood skewers, and fish in the local genep seasoning (a multitude of spices but a base of ginger, galangal and turmeric). It’s accompanied by steamed jasmine rice and Balinese lawar vegetables (seasonal veg with coconut, herbs and spices). For more flavour, there’s a tray of sambal matah (raw salsa), sambal bajo bajo, sambal manis (sweet soy sauce), and sambal dabu dabu (also a raw salsa).
Caning’s fave is served for dessert, Pisang Goreng, AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach’s signature fried banana with ice cream. He likes it so much he has two servings. The batter is as thin as a good tempura, and the ice cream is rich with grated coconut.
RINCA
AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach’s all-day dining restaurant, RINCA, serves a buffet breakfast and ala carte and set menus for the rest of the day. Air-conditioned indoor and covered semi-alfresco seating is available. We love the tables on the verandah with a view of the sea.
Breakfast is a mix of local and Western recipes, with plenty of healthy choices, such as fruit, nuts, smoothie bowls, jamu, and oat milk, making me happy. Caning can’t seem to stop eating the bacon, and we both appreciate the good, strong coffee brew. Several items, such as avocado toast and green omelettes, are made to order, with additional live stations, such as spicy sour noodles.
For dinner, we dine on RINCA’s Asian Set Menu (IDR 350). Our appetisers are Crunchy Seaweed Salad and Classic Javanese Gado-Gado. The first is a tangle of seaweed, cucumber, pineapple and pecans in RINCA’s signature lime-mustard dressing. The traditional Indonesian salad consists of cabbage, potato, carrot, spinach, tofu, tempeh, and egg, along with a peanut dressing and crackers. For the mains, Manu Bopok is a tasty choice of slow-cooked chicken in local spices, with cassava leaves, and so too is the Ikang Tapa, seared fish stuffed with local spices and steamed banana blossom. Kemangi sambal (chilli, garlic, fermented fish paste, tomato and basil) can be added to taste, and both dishes are sided with steamed rice mixed with corn and red kidney beans.
Pool Bar at AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach
The Pool Bar is set up for enjoyment all day long, with various seating options in the water, under umbrellas, or completely shaded by a bougainvillea veil. In July, even in the middle of the day, the temperature is pleasant, shaded by the tropical blooms. Views over the infinity pool to the sea, palm trees, and speckling of islands are peace-inducing.
Burgers, sandwiches, pasta, pizza and a handful of snacks are perfect poolside fare. Caning is satisfied with his Black Angus Beef Burger (IDR 245) with a grilled beef patty hugged by a soft pumpkin and sesame seed bun. Also, in the squeeze are mustard mayo, lettuce, gherkins, tomato, Emmenthal cheese, fried egg, and pork bacon. Hand-cut fries on the side. I’m inspired by the sea for my Fettuccine Lobster Mamarosa (IDR 290) order with rock lobster in a creamy tomato sauce with Parmigiano Reggiano. They’re both fresh and delicious.
AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach Review
Our Komodo National Park dreams met reality at AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach. Breathtaking sunsets, luxurious cruises, and private island paradises were just the beginning. AYANA’s commitment to conservation resonated with the coral planting activity. Back at the resort, relaxation was king at the spa and pool. Food was a global adventure, from beachfront seafood to poolside burgers. AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach is a sophisticated springboard into an unforgettable Komodo adventure.
Reasons to stay at AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach: incredible views; the only 5-star hotel on Labuan Bajo; comfortable bedding; well-organised excursions to see the Komodo dragons and other natural attractions; two private islands a short boat ride away; excellent spa.
AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach
Waecicu Beach, Labuan Bajo
Nusa Tenggara Timur, Indonesia 86554
www.ayana.com/labuan-bajo/komodo/
@ayanakomodo
Link to AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach on Google Maps
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