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5 eco-resorts in Komodo Islands for a sustainable scuba vacation

ByEcoOceanEscapes

Planning a sustainable scuba vacation in Indonesia? Discover 5 inspiring eco-resorts in Komodo Islands, all of which are keeping their environmental footprint to a minimum.

Tucked between the Indonesian islands of Sumbawa and Flores lies Komodo National Park. This protected paradise shelters a wealth of ecological wonders, both on land and below the water’s surface.

We’ve been lucky enough to dive in the Komodo Islands several times, both from land-based resorts and liveaboards. It’s an incredible destination and honestly, we think the scuba diving here really lives up to the hype!

Encompassing a total of 29 volcanic islands (including the major landmasses of Rinca, Padar and Komodo), Komodo National Park spans nearly 2,000 square kilometres of rugged terrain. 

Jagged hillsides give way to tropical rainforests, open savannahs and multi-coloured beaches lapped by the warm waters of the Flores Sea. This mosaic of habitats provides a home to over 2,500 Komodo dragons – the largest lizard species on Earth. Not to mention a dizzying array of marine creatures.

It’s because of the latter that Komodo is considered one of the best dive destinations in Indonesia. 

Over 1,000 species of fish, along with spectacular coral formations and sea turtles, thrive in the nutrient-rich currents.

Although the terrestrial domain of Komodo has been extensively studied, the marine environment remains a scientific frontier, with potentially thousands of species yet to be discovered. 

Visiting this ecological wonderland should be high on every diver’s bucket list. But ensuring it stays pristine is also of paramount importance

It’s with this ethos that we’ve put together this list of eco-resorts in Komodo Islands, all of which have implemented sustainability practices into their everyday operations. 

Discover more of the best places to dive in Indonesia in our detailed article here.

Seeing Komodo dragons in the wild is a highlight of a scuba vacation in Komodo Islands
Seeing Komodo dragons in the wild is a highlight of a scuba vacation in Komodo Islands

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Angel Island Eco Resort

Angel Island Resort was created with the vision of providing an environmentally friendly and community-oriented getaway in Komodo.

Every decision made in establishing this resort was guided by a commitment to sustainability, preserving local resources and uplifting the surrounding community.

The location and layout of the resort buildings and villas were carefully planned to avoid disturbing the island’s beaches and reefs.

Additionally, staff are exclusively hired from nearby villages. Supporting local communities is something we strongly believe in!

Each of the handcrafted cottages at this eco-friendly Komodo resort is constructed from local hardwoods and thatched palm fronds, and nestles within tropical gardens. By setting structures back from the water and utilising existing clearings in the forest, the resort is helping to protect the coastal ecosystem.

Endemic saplings have been extensively planted across the grounds, encouraging native birds, butterflies and insects to thrive.

Even the island’s freshwater reserves remain undisturbed, with the resort’s water supply provided by an on-site desalination plant.

Through its sustainable design and operations, Angel Island Eco Resort aims to provide a luxurious yet eco-friendly island getaway that benefits both visitors and the local community.

“This is an absolute gem of a place. Tranquil with beautiful surroundings.” – Anna (read more reviews here)

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An aerial view of Angel Island Eco Resort in Komodo Islands
An aerial view of Angel Island Eco Resort in Komodo Islands (photo courtesy of Expedia)

Komodo Resort

Boasting a spectacular setting on Sebayur Island, Komodo Resort is an eco-friendly resort that has been perfectly integrated into its natural environment.

It enjoys sweeping views of the sea and neighbouring islands from its beachfront position. At the same time, it has incorporated sustainable practices into all aspects of its operations. 

Guests can choose from a variety of accommodations, including spacious Seafront Deluxe Bungalows with private terraces overlooking the beach. We also love the treetop Grand View rooms with their incredible panoramas.

No matter which one you pick, you’ll enjoy modern comforts like air conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi and en-suite bathrooms equipped with high-end toiletries. 

Beyond the rooms at this eco-friendly Komodo Resort, you’ll find a gourmet restaurant serving up fresh seafood and homemade pasta against a backdrop of dreamy sunsets.

Meanwhile, the new beachfront Sebayur Spa offers rejuvenating massages and natural treatments to help you relax and reset. If you’re feeling more active, there’s also a fully equipped gym so you never miss a workout.

Some of Indonesia’s best scuba diving and snorkelling awaits just off the jetty. Famous Komodo dive sites like Crystal Rock and The Cauldron lie just a short boat ride away. 

“A paradise for snorkelers and divers.” – Rebecca (read more reviews here)

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The sustainably built bungalows at Komodo Resort in Indonesia
The sustainably built bungalows at Komodo Resort in Indonesia (photo courtesy of Expedia)

The Seraya Resort

Established in 2017, this eco-friendly Komodo resort is committed to preserving the natural beauty and biodiversity of the area. All while providing an unforgettable tropical getaway.

Over the years, the Seraya Resort has garnered a reputation for offering a luxurious yet intimate escape for divers and their non-diving family members. 

Tucked between tamarind trees are The Seraya’s spacious bungalows, which offer a secluded hideaway with direct beach access. All were sustainably designed from locally-sourced, eco-friendly materials like bamboo and thatch. In our opinion, they blend seamlessly into the surroundings.

At the heart of The Seraya Resort is the Bamboo Manta restaurant. This open-air eatery pays homage to the magnificent manta rays that glide through the surrounding waters. 

We love that you can easily explore the house reef from the 200-metre private beach. There’s the opportunity to encounter tropical fish and coral while snorkelling or kayaking.

Alternatively, hop aboard the beautifully refurbished liveaboard, Dalliance, and sail amidst Komodo National Park’s rugged hills, white sand beaches and hidden coves. It’s a dive experience you’ll never forget!

“Paradise! This is one of the most stunning locations I have ever stayed in – a private island in the Flores Sea, with a coral reef and snorkelling from the pier.” – Louise (read more reviews here)

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One of the bamboo bungalows at The Seraya, an eco-resort in Komodo Islands
One of the bamboo bungalows at The Seraya, an eco-resort in Komodo Islands (photo courtesy of Expedia)

AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach

AYANA Komodo Resort has positioned itself as the premier five-star hotel in Labuan Bajo, the gateway town for exploring the Komodo Islands.

But it’s also taking sustainability seriously. The AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach works closely with the local community to promote eco-friendly development and education by funding conservation and preservation efforts. 

To actively safeguard the coral reefs and marine ecosystems surrounding the property, AYANA has brought on a resident marine biologist. They accompany guests on designated snorkelling and diving excursions.

Through educational workshops and presentations, they provide invaluable awareness of best practices for protecting Komodo’s waters and marine life.

Aside from its luxuriously appointed rooms (AYANA is one of the larger properties on our list), this eco-friendly Komodo resort features several dining venues.

You can feast on locally-inspired Indonesian flavors at RINCA or freshly grilled lobster at KISIK. Creative cocktails await at the UNIQUE Rooftop Bar.

Botanical ingredients are used in treatments at the award-winning AYANA Spa. Honestly, we think this is the perfect place to relax in between dive excursions. 

“Beautiful property, gorgeous views, exceptional food!” – Joan (read more reviews here)

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Spectacular views from one of the luxurious rooms at Ayana Komodo Waecicu Beach
Spectacular views from one of the luxurious rooms at Ayana Komodo Waecicu Beach (photo courtesy of Expedia)

Sudamala Resort

Upon arriving at this secluded sanctuary, you’re immediately transported into a Robinson Crusoe-esque paradise. All while being surrounded by the unspoiled natural beauty of Seraya Kecil island.

Crystalline waters gently lap at Sudamala Resort’s white sandy beach, which is dotted with just a handful of elegant beach bungalows. Complete with thatched alang-alang roofs and draped in bougainvillea, they exude a distinctly romantic vibe.

Just offshore from this eco-friendly Komodo Resort lie coral reefs that offer unparalleled snorkelling and diving opportunities.

Guests can enjoy complimentary use of kayaks to explore the island’s coves and inlets. Or, you can simply relax in complete seclusion on your own stretch of beach.

We also love the resort’s full-service spa, which provides Balinese-inspired treatments in an open-air bamboo pavilion overlooking the sea.

Central to the Sudamala experience is a deep commitment to environmental sustainability. This is championed by their dedicated green team, Sobat Hijau.

An advanced sewage treatment plant enables water reuse while biopores installations help preserve the island’s diverse ecosystem.

Energy-efficient sliding glass doors have been installed in every guest room. LED lighting with auto-timers further optimises energy use.

The team is also incorporating innovative solutions to eliminate single-use plastics and repurposes all organic waste at local farms.

“A heavenly getaway! The location is spectacular, with a private beach, crystal clear waters and a house reef that you can snorkel right from the hotel jetty.” – Sonali (read more reviews here)

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An aerial view of the eco-friendly Sudamala Resort in Komodo Islands
An aerial view of the eco-friendly Sudamala Resort in Komodo Islands (photo courtesy of Expedia)

Staying at an eco-resort in Komodo Islands

Tucked away between the larger islands of Sumbawa and Flores, Komodo National Park is a protected natural sanctuary. It boasts an astounding diversity of life both on land and beneath the water’s surface.

For passionate divers, the opportunity to explore this aquatic paradise is a bucket-list experience. In our opinion, this is one of the most exciting scuba destinations in Indonesia.

At the same time, ensuring the preservation of Komodo’s fragile marine habitats is of the utmost importance to safeguard this ecological gem for generations to come.

By staying at an eco-friendly Komodo Islands resort, you’re taking a small but important step in ensuring the preservation of this incredible archipelago.

For more Indo dive inspiration, check out some of the best eco-friendly dive resorts in Indonesia here.

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About the authors

We are a team of passionate divers and surfers with decades of combined experience in the water and travelling to all corners of the globe. After years of chasing waves and descending into the deep blue, we’ve created this resource to highlight sustainably run surf camps, eco-friendly dive resorts and conservation-focused ocean trips to help inspire your next adventure.

Eco Ocean Escapes was born out of a love of the ocean, an obsession with travel and a concern about the impacts of our adventures on the environments we explore. Despite the benefits that surf and dive tourism can bring to local communities, we recognised that ocean-based adventures are not always managed in a sustainable manner.  

Through our articles, we hope to inspire those seeking a responsible surf or dive trip that is all about supporting local communities, preserving our coastal environments and the incredible marine species that inhabit our oceans. 

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