We were so happy with day one of our Komodo National Park adventure that when we woke up really early on the live-aboard" boat, we couldn't wait for the Manta Point of Labuan Bajo. We fresh up with a bottle of water (yep no shower on that boat), and helped ourselves to a breakfast made of rice, eggs and bananas. The deckhand started the diesel engine, and we cruised to Pulau Padar located between the Komodo and Rinca islands within Komodo archipelago. Manta Point Labuan Bajo would be next.
Equipped with trekking shoes, we climbed up the peak of the island once inhabited by the legendary Komodo dragons. The beasts have now left the area due to the scarcity of the wildlife. So we were safe. We lazily climbed the trail enjoying the clear blue sky and green grass spread out on the island. The first section, made of stairs, was easy. The second part somewhat more slippery and strenuous. The panoramic view from the top was mind-blowing. It could well be the most beautiful sight in Indonesia.
Most visitors stopped midway, out of breath, to take selfies. We carried on to the top where we could look at the other side of the island. We didn’t come so far to end halfway. To describe the view, it’s better to let these pictures do the talking…
We slowly walk down to the pier where our captain was waiting for the main event of our second-day adventure: swimming with Manta Rays. As we cruised toward Manta Point of Labuan Bajo, the captain shouted “Manta! Manta!” pointing the bow of the boat. We stood up and rushed to see 3 huge black shadows gliding just below the surface. We had our first sight of the giant marine animal and hopefully not the last.
We arrived at Manda Point where 4 others boats were already anchored. Our captain slowly navigated further guided by deckhand. We could from time to time see a shadow under the water. The pressure was growing. Did we just miss them?Suddenly, we spotted many Manda rays from a distance. The boat gently approached them and we were invited to jump into the crystal blue water. We interacted with a dozen of Manda rays. The gentle and charismatic creatures were circling gracefully around us, flapping their giant wings and even dropping down to greet us. They were so close, within touching distance, that it could have been frightening with their wild open cavernous mouth. Be reassured, the placid animal only consumes plankton. We were safe.
Manta Point Labuan Bajo
After 15 minutes of an intimate encounter with the curious and majestic underwater giants, the captain called us back as he wanted to find a better spot. And he did. From the boat, we observed more than 20 Manta rays heading in one direction. With great excitement, we overtook them, put on the flippers and mask, and entered the water in their path. What we experienced left us completely awe. For 15 minutes, we watch the Manda rays gliding past us impervious to our presence. We were now part of the pack trying to keep up as long as we could. But eventually, they moved elegantly away.
The experience was so unbelievable that we asked the captain to do a third session. He agreed and found another pack of mantas. Even the second was surprised to see so many them. Without waiting, and for the last time, we jumped to admire those "birds of the sea". Back on the boat, we were all smiling. We knew we had lived something amazing.
We ended the crazy day with some snorkelling around the Kanawa beach, the best spot in all south-east Asia.
Sailing around Komodo National Park remained without a doubt the highlight of our whirlwind tour of Indonesia. Swimming with the Manta rays, at the Manta Point of Labuan Bajo, was an incredible and magical experience which might even top our Bagan Ballooning ride over Bagan. That memory will always hold near and dear to our heart.
Have you ever been moved by an encounter with an animal? Have you had a similar experience with the wild? If yes, we’d love to hear all about it, so just drop us a comment below...
