Why AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach Is the Best Base for Exploring Flores

We stayed at AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach, so you don’t have to guess what’s worth doing in Flores.

Looking for a new escape this summer? Set your sights on the island of Flores. This hidden gem in the Nusa Tenggara province of eastern Indonesia deserves a spot at the top of your travel list. Just an hour’s flight from Bali, this tropical destination is home to Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, cerulean waters, quiet shores and wild Komodo dragons that roam freely create a setting unlike anywhere else. 

AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach sits along a peaceful coastline and offers the perfect mix of luxury and nature at every turn. Spend your days island-hopping, feasting on ocean-fresh seafood and taking in views so stunning that no camera is truly capable of capturing its beauty. Best of all, the five-star resort is a 10-minute drive from Komodo Airport. Travellers can now hop on a direct flight from Kuala Lumpur to Labuan Bajo with AirAsia or Batik Air.

We recently explored this breathtaking destination and uncovered more than just a beautiful place to stay. Ahead, this guide shows you what to see, where to stay, and how to make the most of your time here. If you’re looking for a reason to book now, this is it. 

WHERE TO STAY FOR THE BEST VIEWS

It’s hard not to feel like you’ve made it when you’re watching the sun set over Kukusan Island from your private balcony. We stayed in the Deluxe Ocean View room, which provided us with 48 square metres of space to spread out, flop down, and fully relax. The walk-in wardrobe made us feel fancy, the rain shower was spa-level refreshing, and the deep soaking tub practically demanded a post-adventure soak. Other thoughtful touches included a 49-inch LED TV, a well-stocked minibar, tea and coffee-making facilities and soft yukata robes we never wanted to take off. With 205 ocean-facing rooms and suites, this resort knows exactly how to mix island charm with just the right touch of pampering.

WHAT TO SEE BEYOND THE SHORELINES

If you think the views at AYANA Komodo are impressive, just wait until you leave the shore and set sail into the wild. The resort’s Full-Day Island Hopping Tour is hands-down the best way to experience Komodo National Park. You’ll cruise on the sleek and luxurious Lako Cama with a private guide, chef-prepared takeaway lunch and plenty of chilled drinks to keep you going between stops. Here’s what’s waiting for you out there.

PADAR ISLAND

This is your leg day with a reward at the top. Padar Island gives you one of the most stunning panoramic views in the region. From the peak, you’ll see four magnificent coves in shades of turquoise, deep blue and seafoam green. That said, make sure you wear proper shoes. One of ours gave up halfway, and we had to hike the rest with uneven soles. If you need a breather, take it. The trail gets steep and the sun gets strong, so there’s no shame in pacing yourself. Even from the mid-point, the views are worth the effort.

PINK BEACH

Yes, the sand is actually pink. The colour comes from crushed red coral that mixes with white sand, which gives the beach a soft glow. It looks surreal in photos and even better when you see it for yourself. On top of that, the water stays calm and clear, so it’s perfect for snorkelling. Just below the surface, you will find coral gardens filled with tropical fish that swim past in every direction. To make the most out of your visit, bring a reef-safe sunscreen. Some regular sunscreens contain oxybenzone and octinoxate that harm coral reefs and marine life. You’ll also want to pack a waterproof camera to capture every second of this dreamy paradise.

RINCA ISLAND 

This stop puts the “wild” in wildlife. Rinca Island is home to the infamous Komodo dragons, the largest living lizards in the world. They can grow up to three metres long and weigh over 160 kilograms. You’ll spot them basking in the sun to warm up or hiding in burrows to cool off. Always stay close to the rangers and listen to their instructions carefully. These reptiles don’t pose for selfies, and they’re VERY quick on their feet. The AYANA tour gives you safe access and enough time to observe the dragons without any crowds getting in the way.

MANTA POINT

If you’ve never snorkelled with manta rays before, this will change you. These gentle giants glide through the water like they’re flying underwater. Some grow up to five metres wide. When you snorkel here, you might find yourself surrounded by several at once. Stay calm and float nearby. They won’t mind the company as long as you let them lead the way and try not to stray away from your guide if you can’t swim.

KALONG ISLAND

Although it’s not part of the island-hopping tour, you can plan a separate trip to Kalong Island via AYANA Komodo’s Sunset Cruise for something truly magical. Just before sunset, thousands of fruit bats rise from the mangroves and soar across the sky. The timing feels almost choreographed, and the sight is oddly calming despite the sheer number of wings above. It’s the kind of moment where you put your camera down and just watch the sky turn from gold to full-on-bat-black.

WHERE TO EAT FROM SUNRISE TO SUNSET

Eating well is part of the experience at AYANA Komodo. Whether you’re an early riser, a seafood lover or someone who just wants to sip cocktails with a view, there’s something here for every appetite. Each venue offers a different vibe, from relaxed poolside lunches to romantic dinners by the beach. The menus showcase bold flavours and fresh ingredients in all the right ways. Below, you’ll find the restaurants and bars that stood out the most during our stay.

RINCA RESTAURANT

RINCA is the resort’s all-day dining spot. It’s perfect for everything from early breakfasts to easy dinners. To start the day, the buffet opens at 6.30am and runs until 10.30am. Whether you head out for a hike or ease into the morning after yoga, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here. Expect everything from buttery pastries to local favourites such as Nasi Goreng Kampoeng and Soto Ayam Lamongan. Most mornings, we went for eggs made-to-order and a must-needed chilled fruit juice that hit the spot. The space feels open and relaxed, which makes it easy to settle in. You can also return later in the day for lunch or dinner if you want something familiar without the fuss.

Address: Second floor, AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach, Labuan Bajo, Komodo, West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara 86554, Indonesia

Contact: WhatsApp +6281 13960 4496 

Opening hours: 6.30am to 11pm

Reservations | Website

KISIK SEAFOOD & GRILL

As the day winds down, KISIK becomes the perfect place to settle in for dinner. This beachfront grill opens from 5.00pm to 11.00pm and serves the day’s freshest catch. On most nights, guests get to choose their seafood from the counter and watch the chefs fire it up on the spot. 

During our visit, we tried the Kukusan set menu and especially enjoyed the Kukusan Grill. It came with half a lobster, seafood skewers and fish marinated in genep, a punchy local spice blend made with ginger, galangal and turmeric. The dish arrived with steamed jasmine rice and a side of Balinese lawar vegetables, tossed with coconut, herbs and seasonal greens. To take the flavours up a notch, we spooned from a tray of sambal matah, sambal manis, sambal bajo bajo and sambal dabu dabu. 

A live band played song covers in the background, adding just the right vibe without overpowering the sound of waves nearby. The candlelit tables sat right by the shore, which made the whole evening feel relaxed and romantic. We even spotted someone wading into the sea in total darkness to catch fish a few steps away from where we were eating. Safe to say, the seafood here doesn’t get any fresher than that.

Address: First floor, AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach, Labuan Bajo, Komodo, West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara 86554, Indonesia

Contact: WhatsApp +6281 13960 4496 

Opening hours: 5pm to 11pm

Reservations | Website

UNIQUE ROOFTOP BAR

UNIQUE lives up to its name and then some. This rooftop spot is where you go to slow things down and soak it all in. Swing by before sunset for the view, or drop in late like we did for a breezy nightcap. After stuffing ourselves for dinner, we went for the frozen lemon mint mocktail as a refreshing palate cleanser—and honestly, it felt like a spa day for our taste buds. The tapas menu keeps things light, so there’s always something just in case you need a little something to justify staying longer. Whether you’re swapping stories with friends or enjoying a quiet solo moment, this is the kind of place that makes you forget what time it is.

Address: Eleventh floor, AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach, Labuan Bajo, Komodo, West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara 86554, Indonesia

Contact: WhatsApp +6281 13960 4496 

Opening hours: 5pm to 12.30am

Website

BONUS: SUNSET DINNER CRUISE ON AYANA LAKO SAE

If you’re looking for a dinner plan that turns into a full-blown party, the Sunset Dinner Cruise on AYANA Lako Sae is it. We boarded the three-deck luxury boat just as the sky lit up in gold and orange. Right away, the crew hands you canapés and drinks like they already know you’re here for a good time. While you cruise through the harbour, a live acoustic set plays in the background and fruit bats take off from Kalong Island like it’s rush hour in the sky. 

Soon after, the buffet rolled out with generous servings of Indonesian favourites that made us forget we ever said we were full. Then the real fun kicked in. The DJ kicks in, the lights shift, and suddenly the deck becomes a dance floor. Everyone starts moving—including the crew, who were clearly having the time of their lives hyping up the crowd. It’s part sunset cruise, part seafood feast and part unexpected dance party… and we loved every second of it.

WHAT TO DO AT THE RESORT

AYANA Komodo keeps things interesting from morning till night. There’s always something going on, whether you want to break a sweat, slow things down, or do a bit of both. We didn’t try everything on the list—but from what we saw, the resort makes it easy to stay as active (or as lazy) as you like. If you’re up for some movement between meals and dips in the pool, here are a few options worth checking out.

PADDLEBOARDING AND KAYAKING

We didn’t manage to hit the water this time, but the calm sea made it very tempting. You can grab a paddleboard or kayak and float along the shoreline with stunning views all around. It’s beginner-friendly but still fun for anyone with experience. The setting is peaceful, the water is clear, and the occasional fish might even join your paddle party.

POWER WALKS 

While we chose the sleep-in route, the resort offers guided power walks every morning. A staff member leads the way along scenic paths lined with greenery and ocean views. It’s a feel-good way to start the day and justify an extra helping at breakfast. You’ll break a sweat and still make it back in time for coffee and pastries.

SUNRISE AND SUNSET YOGA

Our morning flexibility leaned more towards flipping pancakes than holding a plank, but the yoga deck still made us pause. It sits right by the sea and looks like the kind of place where stress doesn’t stand a chance. Sessions run at sunrise or sunset when the sky glows and the breeze feels like a personal fan. The sea provides a natural soundtrack and the view takes the edge off any wobbly poses. Whether you’re a regular yogi or just showing up for the vibes, it’s a great way to reset.

BICYCLE TOUR 

This one’s still on our to-do list. For a change of scenery, hop on a bike and take the sunrise or sunset tour. The ride passes through the outskirts of Labuan Bajo, offering a glimpse of hills, coastlines, and local life. The route remains easy, and the guide ensures that no one gets left behind. It’s a relaxing way to explore without needing hiking boots.

CORAL PLANTING

We did try this one, and it’s easily one of the most memorable activities at the resort. The Marine Discovery Center is run by AYANA’s in-house marine biologist, Lee Miles, who makes coral science feel like a fun school trip for the grown-ups. After a quick briefing, we joined him at the jetty, where he walked us through coral gardening and the process of reef restoration. Coral fragments grow in rope nurseries and nursery racks for about 12 months before they’re ready to return to the reef. It’s kind of like sending your plants to boarding school before moving them home. The whole experience was simple, hands-on, eye-opening and way more fun than we expected. And yes, helping save the reef does make you feel a bit like a hero.

HOW TO EXPLORE BY SEA

The best way to see Komodo? By boat, of course. AYANA makes sailing feel like part luxury holiday, part National Geographic adventure, and part “wait, why is this boat nicer than my actual home?”. Whether you’re after a full private charter or just a breezy cruise with a view, there’s a ride here for every vibe.

AYANA LAKO DI’A

If you’ve ever dreamed of living on a yacht, this is your moment. AYANA Lako di’a is a 54-metre phinisi-style yacht built for cruising in comfort. It comes with nine spacious cabins, a sun deck, and full dining facilities. The yacht can fit up to 18 guests, which makes it ideal for family trips, birthdays, friend groups or that once-in-a-lifetime getaway. You can customise your itinerary to include everything from Komodo dragon sightings to reef snorkelling and private island picnics. The best part? You get the boat to yourself. All you have to do is show up, relax and let the crew handle the rest.

AYANA LAKO SAE

Want to spend the whole day sailing without giving up comfort? Lako Sae makes that easy. This three-deck boat has ten ocean-access VIP cabanas, a dining area, sun terraces and a bar where the drinks stay as cool as the breeze. It’s perfect for guests who want to sail all day, lounge in style and dive straight into the sea without climbing over anyone. You can stretch out on a sunbed, sip a drink, or head up top for the best views of the archipelago. It feels like a floating resort, just with better views.

AYANA LAKO LELO

If your perfect day involves a fishing rod and open water, Lako Lelo is the boat for you. This speedboat comes fully equipped with casting space, rod holders and a chill open-air lounge area. Whether you’re an experienced angler or just hoping for a lucky catch, this boat keeps things relaxed and adventure-ready. Even if the fish aren’t biting, the ride alone is worth it.

AYANA LAKO CAMA

Lako Cama brings speed, comfort and a touch of luxury to the water. It has a compact VIP lounge, a sunroof for catching the breeze and a mini pantry to keep snacks and drinks close. There’s also a dining area, which makes it easy to turn your boat ride into a full experience. It’s great for couples, small families or anyone who wants to explore the Komodo coast without giving up comfort.

AYANA LAKO TAKA

If you’d rather admire marine life without getting wet, Lako Taka is calling your name. This custom-built glass-bottom boat looks like a blue whale and glides smoothly over coral reefs and clear lagoons. You can sit back and watch colourful fish, coral gardens, and underwater life pass beneath your feet. It’s a great option for families, non-swimmers or anyone who likes their ocean views with zero splashing involved.

THE VERDICT

AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach offers a retreat that leans into the best of island living. With clear waters, thoughtful experiences and plenty of open space, it’s ideal for those who find joy in the great outdoors. While you won’t find shops or city buzz here, you will find sunrises worth waking up for and quiet moments that feel like luxury. For the water-loving and adventure-chasing traveller, this is a destination that delivers in full. 

AYANA KOMODO WAECICU BEACH

Address: Pantai Waecicu, Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, 86554

Contact: +6238 5244 1000 I WhatsApp +6281 1382 02288

Email: [email protected]

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