We had a wonderful opportunity to explore AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach hotel, located in the Labuan Bajo region of Indonesia, which offers easy access to the fascinating Komodo Island. Just an hour flight from Bali, this remote part of Indonesia is home to the famous Komodo dragons, some of the best scuba diving spots in the world, and landscapes that feel untouched by time. Staying at AYANA made it easy to explore the most breathtaking areas of the region, and turned our trip into an experience we won’t forget.
The resort sits right on the edge of Waecicu Beach, with every room offering a full view of the Flores Sea. Waking up to the sight of clear blue waters that stretched to the horizon was something we could never get tired of. The design of the resort takes full advantage of this, with open spaces, floor-to-ceiling windows, and plenty of natural light. The rooms also felt cozy with warm wood tones and soft lighting that added to the relaxed atmosphere. Regardless of whether you book a standard room or one of the suites, you’ll get the same panoramic view of the ocean, which means watching the sunset from your private balcony is something you can look forward to every evening.
Food plays a big role in the experience here. RINCA, the main restaurant, serves a mix of local and international dishes, perfect for those who want to try Indonesian flavors or stick with something more familiar. They combine à la carte and buffet options, allowing you to order freshly made dishes and a variety of local & international options to start the day right. KISIK Seafood & Grill, located right on the beach, is the most romantic spot in the resort. Eating freshly grilled fish with your feet in the sand and the sound of waves in the background makes for a perfect evening. For sunset drinks, UNIQUE Rooftop Bar is the place to be. Their signature cocktails are worth trying, and with the entire sky turning shades of orange and pink, there’s no better way to relax.
What really made staying here special for us was the chance to explore the surrounding islands. AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach offers island-hopping tours on their private yacht, which can be booked as a private or group experience. The tour includes stops at Padar Island, where a short hike rewards you with one of the most famous views in Indonesia, and Pink Beach, where the sand has a soft pink hue from crushed coral. Of course, the highlight for us and most visitors was the stop, where you can see the legendary Komodo dragons up close. To be honest, standing a few meters away from these massive reptiles was both exciting and slightly terrifying. The final stop at Manta Point gave us the chance to swim alongside manta rays and sea turtles, one of the most peaceful and stunning creatures you can see underwater.
A thoughtful touch for us was the lunch on the yacht, which was included in the tour. Eating on deck, with nothing but the open sea around, was one of those simple yet unforgettable moments that made the trip even better.
Whether you’re here for the adventure, the ocean views, or just the chance to slow down and enjoy the moment, these experiences are designed to be unforgettable for everyone. Everything from the island tours to the little details in the rooms felt carefully thought out, which made it easy for us to get lost in the beauty of Komodo without ever making us feel like a tourist.
If you’ve already fallen in love with Bali but want to see a different side of Indonesia, this trip is well worth it. The landscapes are stunning, the wildlife is unlike anything else we have ever seen, and our stay at AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach made it even more special. Whether for a short getaway or a longer escape, we’d come back here in a heartbeat.
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