Your island expedition starts here.
Swim with whale sharks, walk with dragons and dive Komodo’s wild seas.
Responsible & Ethical Ocean Encounters
Adventure Awaits at Sea
Sleep under the stars on a shared wooden phinisi boat with 18 fellow travelers, climb raw island peaks, and dive the roughest currents in Komodo. This isn’t a holiday, it’s an expedition. If you’re here, you’re an explorer.
Sign up at your own risk
For those who think being thrown around underwater sounds fun. Welcome!
Komodo hits hard from the moment you drop in. The current grabs you, drags you and spits you out somewhere else, and in between you fly past mantas, sharks and insane fish traffic.
This isn’t gentle. It’s chaos, power and pure adrenaline for advanced divers only.
What's Included
9 days / 8 nights in private rooms across boutique villas in Uluwatu, Amed, Ubud, Gili Trawangan, and Nusa Penida
Accommodation in North Lombok before the sailing expedition
All scheduled Lombok tours and hikes
All ground transport in Lombok and Labuan Bajo
Three-day sailing expedition on a shared wooden boat with a private cabin for each retreat guest
Entry fees and permits for Komodo National Park
Whale shark activity at Saleh Bay, conditions permitting
Park fees for Komodo National Park
Local guides in Lombok and Komodo
Snorkelling equipment during boat and Komodo days
Drinking water during activities
Fun dives for certified divers
Snorkelling programme for non-divers
Where You’ll Stay
The vessel used for the Lombok–Komodo crossing is a simple shared wooden boat designed for classic Indonesian expeditions.
Open-deck sleeping for around eighteen travellers
Thin mattresses and shared spaces
Basic showers and toilets
Simple freshly cooked meals
No air-conditioning
This is not a luxury cruise. It is a barefoot, open-sky experience suited to travellers comfortable with simple conditions.
What's Not Included
International flights
Travel insurance
Visa fees (if applicable)
Independent meals on exploration days
Optional nitrox fees
Spa treatments
Personal purchases or optional add-ons
Logistics
Retreat Dates
12–20 August 2026 ·
Lombok→ Sumbawa → Komodo National Park → Labuan Bajo
9 days / 8 nights during Indonesia’s dry season, with ideal conditions for mountain views, whale shark encounters, open-deck sailing and Komodo marine life.
Arrival
You can arrive in Lombok either by air or by sea.
If you fly, your international or domestic flight will land at Lombok International Airport (LOP). From there, a private driver will meet you and bring you directly to your first accommodation in North Lombok.
If you come by sea, you can travel by fast boat or ferry from Bali or other nearby islands to Lombok. Once you arrive at the harbour (for example Lembar, Bangsal or Teluk Kodek), a driver will meet you and transfer you to the starting point of the expedition.
Please plan to arrive on 12 August 2026 by 17:00.
If you prefer a gentler arrival, you may also arrive on 11 August 2026 and stay one night in Lombok before the programme starts. Once you are on the island, your private transfer to the first accommodation is arranged for you.
Once you arrive, your private transfer to the retreat villa is arranged for you.
Departure
The expedition closes on the evening of 20 August 2026 in Labuan Bajo (Komodo, Flores).
You will return from your final Komodo marine day to Labuan Bajo harbour on the same day.
Please schedule your outward ferry or flight from Komodo International Airport (LBJ) any time after 18:00, allowing enough time for the boat return and your transfer to the airport. If you prefer a slower transition, you may stay one more night in Labuan Bajo and fly out on 21 August 2026.
Who This Retreat Is For
This expedition is for travellers who want a real adventure across mountains, ocean crossings and remote islands, without managing the logistics alone. It suits anyone comfortable with light to moderate hiking, simple living on a shared wooden boat, and full days outdoors.
It is a good fit if you want to explore Lombok’s highlands, experience whale sharks in the wild, sail between islands, and visit Komodo’s key sites with licensed guides. This journey is not designed as a luxury cruise but as an authentic, nature-focused experience for guests who enjoy active travel and raw, open-air environments.
Trekking Adventures
Experience Lombok's wild beauty on foot.
Volcano Hike
Sunrise trek with breathtaking mountain views.
Waterfalls
Cool off at Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep.
Village Lunch
Enjoy fresh meals with stunning views.
Harbor Transfer
Prepare for your next adventure by boat.
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Sailing Trip
Three days aboard a shared wooden boat.
Coastlines
Sail past Lombok and Sumbawa shores.
Swimming
Stop at islands for swimming and snorkeling.
Whale Shark
Encounter these giants seasonally by platform.
Sunsets
Watch breathtaking sunsets from deck.
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Escape
Journey beyond the usual to untouched Indonesian wonders.
Wildlife
Encounters with nature’s calm and magical giants.
Whale Shark Encounter Experience
Swimming with a whale shark in Saleh Bay is one of those rare moments where the world suddenly feels bigger, quieter and more alive than you imagined. At sunrise, the boat approaches the traditional fishing platforms where these giants often gather in calm blue water. The first thing you see is the shape: a slow, steady outline moving just beneath the surface, larger than you expect, yet completely peaceful.
Whale sharks are gentle filter-feeders, gliding through the water with no interest in anything except plankton. You slip in softly from the boat and watch them move past you in complete silence. They are curious, calm and often stay close enough to observe every detail of their spotted patterns. Time slows down as you float above them, letting the size and stillness of the ocean take over.
This encounter is not a show or a staged moment. It is a meeting with a wild animal in its own environment, guided ethically and respectfully. Whether it is your first time or your tenth, it stays unforgettable: the kind of experience that stays with you long after you leave Indonesia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country does Bali belong to?
Bali is an island in Indonesia, and all entry follows Indonesian immigration rules.
Do I need a visa?
Many travellers can enter Indonesia with:
• Visa on Arrival (VOA) – valid 30 days, extendable once
• e-VOA purchased online before arrival
Eligible passports include EU/Schengen, UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Switzerland.
Check updated rules: https://www.imigrasi.go.id/
What currency is used?
The Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).
Are euros or dollars accepted?
Local currency is best.
USD is accepted in some tourism services.
Cards work widely in Bali, Lombok and Labuan Bajo.
What language do they speak?
Bahasa Indonesia, with English widely spoken in tourism.
Accommodation & Logistics
Where do we sleep during the Lombok hike?
The Lombok hike in this expedition is a day hike, not a summit ascent.
You do not sleep on the volcano.
Guests stay in comfortable accommodation in North Lombok (Senaru/Sembalun area), either the night before or after the hike.
This provides proper rest and avoids the need for camping equipment.
Where do we sleep on the boat?
This is a shared traditional wooden boat with simple deck-style bunks.
Sleeping is communal and designed for an authentic, adventurous experience.
Boat capacity depends on the vessel:
• Standard wooden boat: approximately 18 guests
• Comfort upgrade: approximately 10–12 guests
The exact capacity is confirmed before departure.
Can I stay in my own hotel instead?
Yes. The price will be adjusted if you choose your own accommodation.
Are meals included?
• All meals on the boat
• Meals included when part of scheduled activities
• Independent meals on travel or exploration days
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. It is strongly recommended for trekking, sailing, diving and domestic flights.
Fitness, Comfort & Participation
Do I need to be very fit?
No. A normal level of fitness is enough.
What if I cannot finish an activity?
You can stop or turn back with a guide at any time.
Your comfort always comes first.
Will I be pushed to continue?
No. The trip is supportive, not competitive.
Will I slow down the group?
No. The pace is adapted for mixed levels.
Can I skip activities?
Yes. Any hike, snorkel or optional moment can be skipped.
Lombok Trekking (Day Hike)
Is the hike difficult?
It is a moderate day hike with uneven trails and some steep sections, but not technical.
Can I join if I’m not a strong hiker?
Yes. You can walk at your own pace.
Is altitude sickness an issue?
No. This hike does not reach elevations where altitude sickness is common.
Are there toilets?
Basic facilities are available at trailheads and some stops.
Whale Sharks (Sumbawa)
When is the best time to see whale sharks?
Whale sharks are present year-round, but sightings follow clear seasonal patterns. Best months with highest chance are June to October. Your schedule is arranged to maximise the likelihood of an encounter.
Are whale sharks dangerous?
No. They are gentle filter-feeders and safe to swim with.
Can beginners join the whale shark swim?
Yes. Surface swimming is enough and life jackets are available.
Can I touch them?
No. Touching wildlife is not permitted.
Komodo Dragons
Are Komodo dragons dangerous?
They are wild animals, so all visits take place with certified rangers.
Can they attack people?
Incidents are extremely rare.
Rangers maintain safe distances at all times.
How close will we get?
Close enough for clear viewing and photography, always safely controlled.
Is it safe during menstruation?
Yes. Park guidelines allow entry without restriction.
Komodo National Park — Snorkelling & Wildlife
Are sharks dangerous?
Reef sharks in the area are shy and harmless.
What if I cannot swim well?
Life jackets are available, and all ocean activities are optional.
Will I see manta rays?
Mantas are common but not guaranteed.
Conditions determine sightings.
What if the weather is bad?
The schedule may be adjusted to maintain safety.
Komodo Diving (Optional Add-On)
Is Komodo diving only for advanced divers?
Many famous sites require experience due to strong currents.
Beginners can dive selected calm sites.
How many dives do I need?
For advanced sites: usually 20–30 logged dives with good buoyancy control.
For easy sites: Open Water certification is enough.
Will I be forced to dive sites I am not ready for?
No. Dive plans always match your level.
Can I snorkel instead of diving?
Yes. Komodo has excellent snorkelling.
Practical Questions
Is there Wi-Fi?
Yes, in accommodation before and after the boat.
The boat has no Wi-Fi and phone signal may be limited.
What should I pack?
A packing list will be sent after booking.
Can I join alone?
Yes. Most travellers join solo, and the group remains small and friendly.
How many people are in the group?
Between 10 and 18 participants, depending on the boat selected.
Payments, Booking & Policies
What is included?
• Lombok day hike
• Whale shark experience
• Three-day sailing expedition
• Two-day Komodo exploration
• Accommodation before and after the boat
• All meals on the boat
• Transfers during the programme
• Snorkelling activities
• Local guides and rangers
What is not included?
• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Optional diving extension
• Independent meals on land
• Personal purchases
What is the cancellation policy?
All bookings are final and non-refundable.
Travel insurance is recommended to protect your plans.
All our ocean experiences follow strict ethical guidelines.
We work only with trusted operators who respect wildlife, avoid disturbance, and never chase or touch marine animals.
Contact
Let's chat about your ocean retreat journey.
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All rights reserved.
Ocean Calling Retreats
Operated by Rocío Ruiz — Swiss-based, serving clients worldwide
EMAIL
hello@oceancallingretreats.com
WhatsApp
+60 17 506 3408
