I was told that during this LOB trip, we
will be visiting a few islands around Flores and that there will snorkeling and
trekking, aside from eating, sleeping and ‘bahan’-ing. Keh keh keh…
This is what I come to realized during this
trip, as most of the islands are not fully
develop thus the beach and sea condition are amazing - clean with crystal clear
water. Of course we sound some stray rubbish by the beach, but what I was made
to understand that depending on the wind blow ie west/east as well as monsoon,
rubbish from other bigger islands will be washed to these little islands.
Kanawa Island
Out first stop was at Kanawa Island. I have
to say that never have I seen so many quaint and serene islands before in my
life until I visit Flores (well, except Komodo Island because there are dragons
there kan). Kanawa Island represents tranquility with its white sandy beach,
crystal clear water and let's not forget the panoramic view.
Located slightly an hour from Labuan Bajo,
you can actually take a speed boat and do a day trip to Kanawa, but for us, we engaged
with Be Borneo Tour for our 3d2n LOB trip that covers a few major and
significant islands.
Most travelers either come hear for snorkeling
or diving enroute to Rinca or/and Komodo Island, the other activities that are
rather popular for travelers are trekking and catching the sunset.
#TravelTips for Kanawa Island :
Travel Tips 1 : The best period to visit is
from April to December.
Travel Tips 2 : Rainy season is from
January to March.
Travel Tips 3 : Suitable for snorkeling as
the water is very calm.
Travel Tips 4 : The boat ride takes
approximately 1.5 hour from Labuan Bajo if you are not doing LOB that is.
Travel Tips 5 : Kanawa Island is a
cash-only island so do bring enough to pay for accommodation, food, and etc.
Travel Tips 6 : There are minimal/no
internet or phone connectivity.
Makassar Reef
Our next stop was at Makassar Reef or in
local language Karang Makassar/Taka Makassar whereby it is also known as Manta
Point (well, it is very near Manta Point), as you've guessed it, this is where you
can see mantas gliding away gracefully and peacefully, reason being as the reef
is situated between the islands of Komodo and Tatawa, the strong currents that
rush through a narrow strait attracts the mantas.
I guess the question would be whether did we
see any mantas?
And the answer is yes, we saw them… from
the boat. You can snorkel and swim with them if you are lucky enough. It is
also said that if you are super duper lucky (note the emphasis on ‘super
duper’), you might get to experience swiming with more than 10 mantas. Kalau
nasib baik lah kan. Kalau…
So, what is Karang Makassar?
Well, Karang Makassar itself is a sandbed
island and you can easily swim around this island as it is rather shallow
(jangan lah gi swim di tengah lautan pulak).
#TravelTips for Makassar Reef :
Travel Tips 1 : It is said to be a smaller than
a football field, so do take a walk.
Travel Tips 2 : There is no trees, hut or
anything (smaller than football field remember!), so do prepare yourself for a
few mins of nothingness and embrace the sea. Gitewww…
Travel Tips 3 : Try snorkeling around this
area just don’t go to far out, it is still in the middle of the sea after all.
Travel Tips 4 : Great place for photo
session due to the white sandy beach and crystal clear water (but then again,
this is Flroes, almost everywhere is this beautiful).
Travel Tips 5 : We rented a few floats
(flamingo, pineapple, unicorn etc from @floatsewa (instagram) for fun photo
session, oh what fun we had. You can try this too *wink*.
Travel Tips 6 : Boat can’t dock here, be
prepare to swim over or pray hard they have a smaller boat/kayak to take you
over. Ours was kayak *cheeky smile*.
Other than that, we had tremendous fun at
both the islands, each with different feel and experience, and should not be
missed when visiting Flores.
Next entry will be on Gili Lawa Darat and
Pink Beach.
This trip is in collaboration with Ayuh
Pelesiran and Be Borneo Tour. #AyoPelesiranXBeBorneo
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