Coral Gardens and Komodo Dragons
Sulawesi and Komodo
July 8 to 21, 2027
Private Trip Available Cost: $9,200
Leader: Charlie Ryan
Group Size: 8
Days: 14
Safari Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Indonesia’s magnificent archipelago. Begin in North Sulawesi, hiking through lush forests alive with rare wildlife such as spectral tarsiers, black-crested macaques, and a dazzling array of tropical birds. Continue to Komodo Island to come face to face with the legendary Komodo dragon, the world’s largest lizard. Between these wild encounters, dive into Indonesia’s crystal-clear waters for world-class snorkeling. Explore vibrant coral gardens, swim among abundant marine life, and watch for graceful reef manta rays gliding by, some spanning up to 16 feet and weighing as much as 1,500 pounds.
WHY CHOOSE THIS EXPEDITION?
- Exclusive Wildlife Encounters: Observe rare primates, endemic bird species, and the legendary Komodo dragon.
- Immersive Jungle Treks: Spend three full days exploring the pristine forests of Tangkoko National Park.
- Unparalleled Marine Biodiversity: Snorkel in the Coral Triangle, home to some of the richest marine life on the planet.
- Spectacular Natural Phenomena: Watch thousands of flying foxes take to the sky at sunset.
- Expert-Led Adventure: Learn from knowledgeable naturalists and conservationists throughout your journey.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Cheesemans Ecology Safaris knocked it out of the park with Sulawesi/Komodo! I felt enlightened and fulfilled, my heart bursting with joy at multiple points during this journey. Releasing baby leatherback turtles, watching tarsiers calling to each other as they emerged from trees at dusk, hiking through the jungle at night during a rainstorm, snorkeling with mantas and posing with Komodo dragons, all in one trip! And of course, snorkeling the house reef at the dive resort’s pristine beach. Wow, so many wow moments! Charlie Ryan is one of the finest guides on the planet. His depth of knowledge is vast on both land and sea. Also, I was fortunate enough to room with Krista. Such a fine woman! She would make Gail and Doug proud. I’ve been a Cheesemans’ fan since 2007 and hope to continue with the finest travel company on the planet. Good job, Cheesemans’! ” – Vicky Cooper |
TRIP MAP
NOTABLE EXPERIENCES
Itinerary Updated: December 2025
Print Trip
| Date | Description | Lodge | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 8–9 | Travel to Manado, Sulawesi, Indonesia. | ||
| Jul 10 | Arrive in Manado. Transfer to Tangkoko. Orientation and dinner. | Tangkoko Hill, Bitung | D |
| Jul 11-13 | Explore Tangkoko National Park. Travel to Bitung. Spend three full days exploring Tangkoko National Park by foot. Discover the endemic wildlife along the Wallace Line convergence zone. | Tangkoko Hill, Bitung | B, L, D |
| Jul 14 | Final morning in Tangkoko. Spend last morning in Tangkoko and then transfer 1.5 hours to Manado for relaxation. | Novotel Manado, Manado | B, L, D |
| Jul 15 | Early flight to Komodo. Early morning flight to Komodo, arriving in the early afternoon. Transfer to the jetty for a one-hour boat ride to your lodge. Your first chance in the late afternoon to snorkel the amazing reefs | Komodo Resort, Sebayur Island | B, L, D |
| Jul 16 | Explore Komodo National Park. Depart early for a morning in Komodo National Park in search of the dragons the island is famous for. Eat lunch on your boat and then snorkel with reef manta rays. | Komodo Resort, Sebayur Island | B, L, D |
| Jul 17 | Trek on Rinca Island. After breakfast, depart for Rinca Island in search of more Komodo dragons and other wildlife. Snorkel in the late afternoon on the diverse home reef at your lodge. | Komodo Resort, Sebayur Island | B, L, D |
| Jul 18 | Continue to explore Rinca Island. Spend another day on Rinca Island and snorkel at spectacular coral gardens on the way back to your lodge | Komodo Resort, Sebayur Island | B, L, D |
| Jul 19 | Snorkeling and island exploration. Spend the day snorkeling and exploring the island. In the afternoon, watch thousands of flying foxes depart their roost on a mangrove island. | Komodo Resort, Sebayur Island | B, L, D |
| Jul 20 | Travel to Labuan Bajo for flights home. | B | |
| Jul 21 | Arrive home. |
Our Trip Leaders
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Charlie Ryan
Charlie RyanAfter signing up for a volunteer program in Indonesia in 2008, Charlie was re-routed to Sabah, Borneo where he helped set up community initiative programs for the Abai village. He has resided in Sabah ever since. Charlie guides for the National Geographic Adventure groups in Borneo and helps train nature guides, providing them with first-hand knowledge and experience. He is also an avid photographer, which compliments his passion for wildlife, culture, and travel.
Detailed Itinerary
A glimpse into our journey
Arrive in Manado, Sulawesi
Jul 10
Welcome to Sulawesi! Upon arrival, your driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to Tangkoko Hill, located on the edge of Tangkoko National Park (approximately a 1.5-hour drive). In the evening, you’ll join the group for an orientation and introductions.
Tangkoko National Park Exploration
Jul 11-13
You’ll spend three full days exploring Tangkoko National Park on foot. Daily treks average 3 to 4 miles over mostly flat terrain, with some gentle inclines as you ascend the foothills of the volcano. Tangkoko is renowned as one of the best places to experience tropical wildlife in Wallacea. Named after famed naturalist Alfred Wallace, this unique region along the Wallace Line is home to a remarkable array of endemic species. Highlights include black-crested macaques, bear cuscus, spectral tarsiers, and a dazzling variety of birds, such as the striking Red-knobbed Hornbill—considered one of the most beautiful hornbills in the world. Other notable birds you may encounter include five species of kingfishers, the Red-bellied Pitta, Purple Dollarbird, Eclectus Parrots, and many more.
Jul 14
Spend your final morning exploring Tangkoko before checking out and transferring back to Manado (approximately 1.5 hours). In the afternoon, enjoy some relaxation in Manado, followed by dinner at a local restaurant.
Jul 15
Wake up early for your 6:00 AM flight to Komodo, with two stops along the way. You’ll arrive around 1:00 PM, take a short transfer to the jetty, and then enjoy a one-hour boat ride to the stunning Komodo Resort. In the late afternoon, you can snorkel on the house reef or hike up the hill behind the resort to catch the sunset. Finish the day with dinner at the lodge.
Jul 16
Depart early for Komodo National Park to search for Komodo dragons, Sulfur-crested Cockatoos, and other unique wildlife. Spend the morning exploring the park, then enjoy lunch on the boat before heading out for an unforgettable snorkeling experience with manta rays on the way back to the lodge. Glide alongside these graceful reef manta rays in Komodo’s crystal-clear waters as they soar over vibrant coral gardens filled with colorful fish. It is a rare chance to witness one of the ocean’s most majestic creatures up close amid some of the richest marine biodiversity in the world.
Jul 17
After breakfast, set out for Rinca Island, a prime habitat for Komodo dragons. Explore the island with a knowledgeable guide, observing these legendary reptiles in their natural environment along with other wildlife such as wild buffalo, water monitors, and endemic birds. Next, visit Padar Island, famous for its dramatic, rugged peaks and stunning panoramic views, as well as its unique pink sand beaches, perfect for photography and short walks along the shore. In the afternoon, return to the resort and enjoy a relaxing snorkel on the house reef, where you can discover vibrant coral formations and a variety of tropical fish just steps from the lodge.
Jul 18
Spend the day exploring Rinca Island with guided treks in search of Komodo dragons in their natural habitat. Along the trails, spot other fascinating wildlife such as wild buffalo, monitor lizards, and endemic bird species. After your land adventure, relax on the boat during the afternoon return to the lodge, stopping to snorkel in crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant coral reefs and colorful tropical fish.
Jul 19
Spend the day exploring the island and snorkeling along the house reef, discovering vibrant coral gardens and a variety of tropical fish just steps from the shore. In the afternoon, take a boat to a nearby mangrove area to witness a spectacular natural display as thousands of flying foxes emerge from their roosts at sunset. After this unforgettable experience, return to the lodge to relax and enjoy dinner.
Jul 20
After breakfast, you will depart back to Labuan Bajo to the airport for your flights home.
Jul 21
- Cost & Payments
- Included
- Not Included
- Climate
- Fitness Level
- Motion Sickness
- Flights
- Conservation
- Conditions
ConservationCost & Payments
Costs (in US$)
| Type | Cost Per Person |
|---|---|
| Trip Cost, double occupancy | $9,200 |
| Single Supplement | $1,400 |
Costs are per person, double occupancy, not including airfare (except for one-way flight from Manado to Komodo), singles extra. See Included and Not Included sections for more details.
If you are a single traveler, we will try to find a roommate for you, but if we cannot pair you with a roommate, we may charge you a single supplement. Single rooms cost extra and are subject to availability.
Payment Schedule
| Payment | Due Date | Amount Per Person |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit | Due now to reserve your space | $500 |
| Final | January 29, 2027 | Remaining Balance |
Payments are due based on the schedule above. All reservations require a deposit to confirm reservation of your space.
Cancellations
Until the Final Payment due date, deposits are refundable except for a cancellation fee of $150 per person, which can be applied toward another trip if reserved within six months of the cancelled trip’s departure date. Cancellations are non-transferrable. No refunds are given after the Final Payment due date.
| Dates | Forfeited Amount per Person |
|---|---|
| On or before October 12, 2026 | $300 (see terms above) |
| October 13 to November 12, 2026 | 10% of trip cost |
| November 13 to December 12, 2026 | 40% of trip cost |
| On or after December 13, 2026 | 100% of trip cost |
Included
- Carbon offsets for the duration of this trip.
- All leaders, transport, park entry fees, and permits for all activities unless described as optional.
- One-way flight from Manado to Komodo.
- Accommodations for the nights of July 10 through 19.
- Meals from dinner on July 10 through breakfast on July 20.
- Water, juice, and soft drinks.
- Transfers from the Manado Airport to Tangkoko Hill regardless of arrival day and on July 20 to the Labuan Bajo Airport.
- Gratuities for local guides, drivers, hotels, and porters.
- Trip Planning Materials – information about entry requirements, flights, packing, gratuities, etc.
- Snorkeling gear.
Not Included
- Carbon offsets for your flights to/from this trip.
- All airfare (except flights listed as included), airport and departure taxes, and excess baggage fees.
- Passport and visa fees.
- Extra hotel nights.
- Gratuities – tipping is always discretionary. However, we suggest budgeting about $175 to $200 total per participant for your leader.
- Emergency evacuation insurance and trip cancellation insurance.
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, medical costs or hospitalization, room service, alcoholic and other beverages, items not on the regular menu, etc. If you have special dietary needs, please indicate them on your Traveler Form.
Climate
The northern area of Sulawesi, where Manado is located, is tropical, so it is humid, and does not have a real dry season. The rainy season is between November and June. Between July and October rains decrease. Temperatures are stable throughout the year; average minimum temperatures are about 68 to 75°F (20 to 24°C), and average maximum temperatures are about 88 to 95°F (31 to 35°C). It can feel much warmer when you are active, which you will be on this trip.
In Komodo, and on the nearby islands protected in the national park of the same name (Padar, Rinca, plus other smaller islands), the climate is tropical, hot all year round, with the dry season from June to September. Temperatures are stable throughout the year with average minimum temperatures of about 70 to 76°F (21 to 24°C) and average maximum temperatures of about 83 to 87°F (28 to 31°C). The average water temperature in July in Komodo is about 81°F (27°C).
Fitness Level
In Sulawesi, average trekking will be 3 to 4 miles per day on flat ground with some inclines going up the foothills of the volcano. In Komodo, snorkeling is typically in calm, protected waters of the reefs. Please contact us if you have any health concerns that may make this trip challenging.
Flights
Detailed logistical information is included in the Trip Planning Materials we will send you.
Please wait to book your flights until you receive confirmation from your Coordinator that the minimum number of participants has been met to operate the trip. If you choose to book flights before receiving this confirmation, we strongly recommend purchasing flight cancellation insurance to protect your investment.
Flights you book
- Arrive in Manado, Sulawesi, Indonesia (MDC) by 4:00pm on July 10, in time for dinner.
- Depart from Labuan Bajo, Komodo, Indonesia (LBJ) after 12:00pm on July 20.
Flights we book for you
- The one-way flight from Manado to Komodo is included in the trip cost.
FAQ
Accommodations
Motion Sickness
Don’t let a fear of motion sickness keep you away! Even those who have experienced motion sickness reported that the incredible wildlife and overall experience were well worth the temporary discomfort. If you are susceptible to motion sickness from boats or are concerned that you might be, please come prepared! The key to avoiding motion sickness is to act before you experience nausea. Do your own research and consult your doctor before taking any medications. A good night of sleep, eating well, limiting alcohol, and using your favorite seasickness remedy is sufficient for most travelers. Find more information on our Coping with Seasickness webpage and contact us if you have any questions.
Transportation
Conservation
Our company ethos has always regarded conservation as inseparable from responsible tourism. We struggle with the dilemma that traveling worldwide expends climate-changing carbon. However, we wholeheartedly believe that traveling with us will cultivate your passion for conserving our beautiful world while stimulating each destination’s local economy. We encourage you to explore the various ways in which Cheesemans’ operates within this context:
- Cheesemans’ Trips are Carbon Neutral.
- Offsetting your Travel to/from our Trip: We ask you to pledge to offset the carbon emissions for your travel to and from our trips. You can purchase offsets with most airlines (Delta includes them automatically), use our handy carbon calculator and donate to Sustainable Travel International, or contribute to your favorite offsetting organization.
- Local Conservation: Check out our Conservation pages to learn how we support conservation efforts through meaningful partnerships and responsible tourism practices.
Together, we can continue exploring and cherishing this planet while working toward its long-term protection. Thank you for being part of this important journey with us.
Conditions
Read our current Terms and Conditions.