With more than twenty islands to explore, backpacking the Komodo National Park in Flores, Indonesia, definitely gives a different experience from travelling around the rest of Asia. Travelling in this UNESCO-protected national park is identical with a sailing trip—you gotta hop from one island to another within the park to get the best Flores experience. The locals, who descend from Sulawesi’s Bugis tribe, were long known for their seafaring tradition—reckoned as the bravest in South East Asia waters. Flores is a land or pirates, ancient tribes, prehistoric dragons, mysterious jungles and savannah hills, and a bunch of uninhibited islands. You simply cannot go wrong with backpacking sailing trip in Komodo National Park, Flores.
If gourmet food, ensuite bathroom, and luxury accommodation is not of your concern, then this selection of Komodo liveaboard budget would be enough to deliver your Komodo experience. Though there’s no frill, but you’ll still get the same adventure, epic dive, and cold beer as the pricier boats without breaking the banks on your long awaited holiday.
KLM Helena Phinisi
The KLM Helena Phinisi based liveaboard will suit those who wants a lower price trip to Komodo. If you’re backpacking or on a tight budget, this could be the one for you. Despite for being a Komodo liveaboard budget, KLM Helena is professionally run and provides good food, friendly staffs, and impeccable island excursion. There are 5 cabins to choose from, two with twin beds, two with triple beds (combination of double beds and single), and one with double beds. Bathrooms are shared just like any other common facility on this boat. KLM Helena Phinisi is a no frill boat that would definitely attracts younger crowd looking for a simple boat that offer adventure within their budget.
KLM Regina Liveaboard
Just like other ships, the KLM Regina Liveaboard operates trip mainly to Komodo, Padar, Rinca, and other surrounding islands. It’s comfortable and very reasonably priced backpackers who wished to enjoy Komodo in limited budget. Designed from the start with the customers comfort, safety, and enjoyment in mind, she has air conditioned cabins for a maximum 8 travelers, an outdoor saloon, and a spacious rooftop terrace with beanbags and beach chairs for relaxing sunbath with ocean view. This Komodo liveaboard budget offers 2 cabins, one with 1 bunkbed and 2 double beds, and the other one with 3 bunk beds and 1 large double beds. It’s perfect choice when you are travelling in group!
Kelana Boat
The Kelana liveaboard has been very popular in the last few years, running some interesting 3 -5 day trips featuring Komodo’s three major islands, stopping to less visited islands in between (such as the Gili Lawa, Kanawa, and Kelor), and a few dives in Komodo’s best sites. She takes up to 6 persons on boards in there cosy bedrooms with double beds. This 16 meters wooden boat has recently been refurbished, is very clean, tidy, and chic—infused with subtle boho style that would make a perfect Pinterest pin. Kelana is an excellent value Komodo liveaboard budget for sailing the Komodo this season—probably our top choice if you want a budget option on a very well run boat.