Blue sky, sugary beaches, remote islands, and exceptional underwater wonder. Both Komodo and Maldives are holiday perfect. The weather on these places are nice almost all year round and travelers are flocking even in November and December. Both destination are famous for having the best of diving as well as strings of islands to explore. The two are both phenomenal for its liveaboard sailing trip, and damn they do stellar job on that. If you are confused to choose between Komodo or Maldives liveaboard for your next holiday, we’ve covered some considerations below.
Wooden Komodo Liveaboard vs Fibres-and-Steels Maldives Liveaboard
One distinct characteristic that set Komodo liveaboard apart from the rest of the world’s is their ship materials. Most liveaboard boats in Indonesia—whether in Flores, Mentawai, Papua, and Maluku—are flowing a modernised version of Phinisi, Indonesian traditional wooden schooner. The country has long history on sailing with the Buginese (one of Indonesian ethnic tribe) being the most respected sailors and ship builders. If you are going to embark on sailing trip in Indonesia, you would most definitely sailing on wooden phinisi. The Maldives sort of adopting dive sailing trip on their tourism industry, so you’ll mostly find modern fibres-and-steel ship and cruisers on the dock. It’s very rare to find teak wood liveaboard ships in Maldives and when you do, it’s quite pricey. So if taking the nostalgic feeling of sailing in pirate era is on your dream list, Komodo liveaboard is your answer. Plus, the all-wooden exterior and interior decor gives a romantic and idyllic vibe.
Capacity on Both Liveaboard
Unlike European Mega Cruisers, both Komodo and Maldives liveaboard don’t take too many passengers. Depend on their sizes, these boats can fit from as few as 4 guest up to 24 guest only. They make sure that the sailing trip is focused and intimate. Also, it’s hard to pay proper attention when you have hundreds of diver on the boat!
Not All Liveaboard in Komodo is For Diving—Everyone Can Board
One thing we love on Komodo liveaboard is that they are so inclusive! Liveaboard trip in this dragon territory is so flexible. You can always choose to book a seven day trip of exclusive diving, a balanced mix of diving and island exploration, or even three days sailing exclusively for beach galore. Unlike Maldives, almost all islands in Komodo is government-owned and naturally uninhibited. The famous Padar (with its viewpoint comprising three coloured beaches), Gili Lawa, Sebayur, Rinca, and many other islands are completely uninhibited. Only few are private owned by resorts. If you are a non diver, you can always spend the entire sailing trip islands hopping, hiking, and having fun at empty beaches almost for free. You only need to pay the park entrance fee for once, and that’s it.
More on Travelling Komodo Insight:
Why Liveaboard Labuan Bajo is Perfect for Summer Trip
How Does A Mid Range Komodo Liveaboard Look Like
Modern Amenities and Hospitality
Though these wooden Komodo liveaboard boats look antique, they are completely modern once you step to the inside. Even Kanye West and the Kadarshian family had their holiday on one of the luxury phinisi. On both Maldives and Komodo boats, you can find private bathrooms, bar, salon with in-house TV, air conditioner, DVD entertainment, and many more. Some liveaboard boats on both location are even in par with four star hotel! Just like any other modern accommodation in the world, however, you can live as modern as you like in the liveaboard according to your budget. It’s not that different, really.