Manjarite Island, Komodo National Park

Manjarite sits just off the western tip of Flores Island, about 30 to 40 minutes by boat from Labuan Bajo. Nestled within Komodo National Park, it lies southwest of Rinca Island and just north of the larger Banta Island. Its proximity to the main departure point makes it a common stop on both day trips and extended sailing itineraries. The island is small, with a crescent-shaped beach that curves around a shallow lagoon, creating calm conditions perfect for swimming and beginner snorkeling.

The ideal window for visiting Manjarite Island is between April and December, when the seas are calm and visibility underwater reaches up to 15 meters. This period aligns with the dry season in East Nusa Tenggara, offering steady sunshine and minimal rainfall. Winds tend to pick up from January to March, making boat travel less comfortable and conditions rougher around exposed reefs. Even during peak season, Manjarite rarely feels crowded—most groups pass through in the morning, leaving the afternoon light for quiet exploration.

Snorkeling is the main draw here. The reef shelf drops gently just off the beach, where you’ll find brain coral, staghorn thickets, and schools of angelfish, butterflyfish, and blue tang. Reef sharks and green turtles are regulars, especially along the outer edges. The sandbar is ideal for a beach setup—Boat Komodo Trip provides shaded loungers and refreshments so you can relax between swims. There’s no formal trekking path, but walking the shoreline at low tide reveals tidal pools full of sea urchins, starfish, and small octopuses. For those on multi-day tours, sunset from the northern tip offers a peaceful end to the day, with the sky turning deep orange behind silhouetted shrubs.