The Komodo National Park, which lately has been rising as one of the most popular travel destination in South East Asia, is largely famous for its prehistoric, human-eating Komodo dragons, the only colony to survive in the world. But the dinosaur-esque Komodo dragons aren’t Flores’s only attraction. Aside from “dragon hunting”, Flores is recognised as an exceptional sailing trip destination, thanks to dozens of remote islands adoring the blue sea. The Komodo National Park itself comprise over 30 islands, surrounded by clear turquoise water that also the home of some of the richest marine life on Earth. Flores made its name with more than a handful of panoramic islands, empty beaches, and dive site to explore, making liveaboard Labuan Bajo as the most favoured option to travel the Komodo.
But here’s the problem.
Komodo was and is always been a kind of rugged travel. Sure, you can always book a luxurious yacht to guarantee hotel-like comfort and facilities (if not even better), but that doesn’t make the destinations any easier. The biggest challenges would be the dive sites. The dive sites, albeit being overwhelmingly beautiful with high visibility, is strong with currents and are generally deep. Means, it could be fatal for young children. Islands excursions are generally more manageable, though most of them features steep hike that with rocky outcrop that might be hard for child.
That doesn’t mean that you need to leave the kids behind. As holiday meant to be shared, there’s no reason that the kids cannot enjoy the Komodo as much as their parents does. Here’s some tips to safely take your kids onboard liveaboard Labuan Bajo and unveil an awesome holiday:
Less Diving Session
If you usually have more than 20 dives on a sailing trip, you probably want to cut down your amount of dives. Doesn’t mean that you need to skip all dives in Komodo (what a waste!), but only pick the one you really like. Take just one or two nights dives and spent the other nights watching the stars or playing games with the kiddos.
One Dive One Parent
One of the parents should look after the kids while the other one get busy under the water. Discuss the shift with your partner and take equal turn between diving and watching the kids.
Always Safety First
If the liveaboard Labuan Bajo you are in doesn’t normally board children passengers, chances are they don’t have kids-sized life jackets readily available. Always come prepared and bring your own kids’ life jackets. Also, bring in appropriate sneakers as the kids will need them to hike the steep Padar and other islands.
Take Them to Snorkel in Easy Water
No chance for dive doesn’t mean no opportunity to get into the water at all! Some of the liveaboard Labuan Bajo’s destination includes the ones with shallow water featuring great marine live, and this would be great opportunity for kids to visit the corals. Some of great snorkel site for the kiddos are: Padar’s beach, Pink beach, and Taka Makassar. Don the snorkel masks and have fun!