Book Your 4D3N Komodo Cruise With Lady Grace & Al Fathran 3: The 2026 Guide
A 4 Days 3 Nights (4D3N) Komodo cruise between Lombok and Flores is one of the most immersive ways to explore Komodo National Park by sea. Whether you sail from Lombok to Labuan Bajo (Flores) or from Labuan Bajo (Flores) to Lombok, this route lets you slow down and enjoy the full journey—crossing Sumbawa, waking up in new landscapes each morning, and experiencing Komodo without rushing between islands.
Over four days, you’ll combine wildlife encounters with classic island scenery. The route includes snorkeling with manta rays, guided trekking with Komodo dragons, time on pink-sand beaches, and—on 1 morning—snorkeling with whale sharks in Saleh Bay. Sailing itself becomes part of the experience, with long ocean crossings balanced by quiet bays and island stops.
For this itinerary in 2026, we offer sailings on two Phinisi boats from March until November: Lady Grace and Al Fathran 3. Both follow the same Lombok–Komodo–Labuan Bajo route (or the reverse) and visit the same core destinations. The main difference lies in the onboard experience—cabin layout, number of guests, and overall atmosphere. This guide explains those differences clearly so you can choose the option that fits your travel style.
A 4D3N Lombok–Komodo cruise is the only route that combines Sumbawa, Saleh Bay whale sharks, and Komodo National Park in one journey. While Lady Grace and Al Fathran 3 follow the same core route, each boat includes slight variations in stops, along with different comfort levels and onboard atmospheres.
Why Choose the Lombok–Komodo 4D3N Route?
The Lombok–Komodo crossing is often considered one of Indonesia’s best liveaboard routes because it balances distance with experience. Instead of compressing everything into a short timeframe, the 4D3N format gives enough time for sailing, rest, and exploration.One of the biggest advantages of this route is Saleh Bay, where early-morning snorkeling sessions sometimes allow encounters with whale sharks around local fishing platforms. This experience is unique to longer routes that pass through Sumbawa and is not included on standard Labuan Bajo return trips.
The pacing feels natural and varied. Daily schedules shift based on the route and conditions; some days feature multiple island stops, while others may focus on a single destination followed by a stretch of scenic sailing. Overnight cruising often covers the longest distances, ensuring the journey feels purposeful—giving you time to both explore and relax.
Choosing Between Lady Grace & Al Fathran 3
Although both boats follow nearly identical itineraries, the onboard experience feels noticeably different. Most travelers choose based on comfort level, privacy, and how social they want the trip to be.
Lady Grace: Calm, Comfortable, and Unhurried
Lady Grace is a 34-meter Phinisi designed for travelers who prefer a quieter sailing experience. With fewer guests onboard, shared spaces like the sun deck and dining area feel relaxed and uncrowded. The layout focuses on comfort, making it popular with couples, small groups, and travelers who enjoy unwinding after active days in the water.
Cabins are air-conditioned and ensuite, with a mix of sea-view rooms on the main deck, a private upper-deck cabin with balcony, and comfortable lower-deck cabins. Evenings on Lady Grace are typically calm—guests gather in the lounge, watch the sunset, or simply enjoy the quiet once the boat anchors for the night.
Lady Grace is a strong choice if you want a comfortable luxury liveaboard without a party atmosphere and crowded boat.
Al Fathran 3: Social, Spacious, and Group-Friendly
Al Fathran 3 is a larger Phinisi built to host more passengers while still offering comfortable shared areas. The onboard atmosphere is more social, with guests spending time on the sundeck, chatting during meals, and often forming small groups throughout the trip.
The boat offers a wider range of cabin configurations, including cabins designed for groups and two shared dorm-style rooms. This flexibility makes it easier for groups of friends, families, or travelers with different budgets to join the same cruise. All cabins are air-conditioned, and Private cabins have private bathrooms. Only dormitories have to use a shared bathroom.
If you enjoy meeting new people and don’t mind a livelier environment, Al Fathran 3 often feels more dynamic and engaging.
Lady Grace vs Al Fathran 3: Quick Comparison
|
Feature |
Lady Grace |
Al Fathran 3 |
|---|---|---|
|
Atmosphere |
Calm, relaxed |
Social, lively |
|
Guest Capacity |
~20 (25 max) |
~30 (50 max) |
|
Best For |
Couples, small groups |
Friends, families, social travelers |
|
Cabin Variety |
Private and shared |
Private, group & shared |
|
Pace Onboard |
Slower, quieter |
Active, communal |
Both boats are well maintained and follow the same safety and operational standards. The main differences come down to onboard atmosphere, cabin options, itinerary variations, and overall budget.
What You’ll See on the 4D3N Lombok–Komodo Route
No matter which direction you sail—Lombok to Labuan Bajo or Labuan Bajo to Lombok—the core regions visited on a 4D3N Lombok–Komodo cruise remain the same. The sequence of stops may vary, but the overall experience follows a similar flow across the journey.
The route always includes Sumbawa, stopping at Kenawa Island. Here, you can enjoy a short, easy hike up the gentle hill to take in the spectacular 360-degree views. Every 4D3N crossing also passes through Saleh Bay, where early-morning conditions can allow snorkeling near traditional fishing platforms in search of whale sharks. While sightings depend on conditions, Saleh Bay is a fixed part of the route.
Depending on the boat and sailing direction, some secondary stops differ. When you are departing from Lombok (Kayangan) Lady Grace may stop at Satonda Island, home to a unique volcanic saltwater lake, and when departing from Labuan Bajo (Flores) Lady Grace stop at Moyo Island, where a visit to the Mata Jitu waterfall is possible when weather and timing allow. These stops add variety to the journey but are not shared across all boats.
Once inside Komodo National Park, the focus shifts to the park’s signature highlights. Typical stops include Manta Point for manta ray snorkeling, Pink Beach for shallow reef exploration, Komodo Island for ranger-guided dragon trekking, and Padar Island for its iconic viewpoint hike. Near Labuan Bajo, Kelor Island is often included as a final stop for snorkeling or a short hill walk.
While the exact order and pacing can change based on conditions and departure point, the route consistently combines open-sea crossings, Sumbawa highlights, and Komodo National Park’s main attractions into a balanced four-day journey.
Lombok (Kayangan) → Komodo (Flores) or Komodo (Flores) → Lombok (Kayangan): Does Direction Matter?
Both directions cover the same core regions and highlights, but the pacing and sequence of stops—and some secondary destinations—can differ depending on the sailing direction.
Starting from Lombok means experiencing Sumbawa and whale sharks early, then moving into Komodo National Park later. The cruise ends in Labuan Bajo, which is convenient for onward flights or to continue visiting Flores.
Starting from Labuan Bajo places Komodo National Park on Day 1 or 2, followed by Sumbawa and whale sharks later in the journey. This version ends in Lombok, ideal if you plan to continue to the Gili Islands and visiting Lombok.
In practice, the best choice depends more on your onward travel plans than on the itinerary itself.
Inclusions, Fees & What to Budget
Both Lady Grace and Al Fathran 3 include air-conditioned cabins, all meals and snacks onboard, drinking water, tea and coffee, snorkeling equipment, an onboard guide, and shared shuttle transfers on embarkation and disembarkation days.
However, the transfer coverage, timing, and drop-off zones differ slightly between the two boats, which is important to understand when planning flights and accommodation.
On Lady Grace, transfers are provided via shared shuttle service with fixed meeting points and defined coverage areas. In Lombok, pickups are available from Senggigi and Kuta, with designated meeting points and early-morning departure times to reach Kayangan Harbor. In Labuan Bajo, hotel pickup and drop-off are included only within Labuan Bajo Center, excluding remote areas such as Menjaga Bay and surrounding islands. Drop-off times are structured, and guests continuing onward should plan additional transport from the final shuttle points if needed.
On Al Fathran 3, shared shuttle transfers also apply, but with wider pickup zones in Lombok, including Senggigi, Mataram Center, Kuta Lombok, and Bangsal Harbor. Guests staying on the Gili Islands must arrange their own transport to Bangsal Harbor. In Labuan Bajo, transfers are similarly limited to Labuan Bajo Center and the airport, with later pickup times when departing from Labuan Bajo and more flexible confirmation of final drop-off locations at the end of the cruise.
For both boats, exact pickup times and driver contact details are confirmed one day before departure, and surcharges apply for locations outside the designated free shuttle zones. Because schedules depend on traffic, group size, and harbor clearance, some flexibility is required.
Komodo National Park entrance fees are not included in the base cruise price and must be paid separately in cash, as required by park regulations.
For both boats, travelers should expect to pay approximately IDR 750,000 per person for Komodo National Park entry, though official fees are set by the government and may change.
Additional activity fees depend on the boat you choose.
On Lady Grace, whale shark snorkeling in Teluk Saleh is charged separately at IDR 200,000 per person, and visits to Moyo Island or Satonda Island carry an additional fee of IDR 200,000 per person on weekdays or IDR 275,000 per person on weekends, when included in the itinerary.
On Al Fathran 3, the whale shark activity fee is already included in the cruise package, so guests only need to pay the Komodo National Park entrance fees separately.
Personal expenses, alcohol, and travel insurance are not included on either boat. Because fees are regulated and can vary by route, date, or park policy, it’s always best to reconfirm the exact breakdown with your operator before departure.
Bringing cash in Indonesian Rupiah is essential, as most park and local fees are paid in cash to the guide.
Practical Tips Before You Sail
The calmest sea conditions generally run from April to October, although crossings between Sumbawa and Komodo can still be choppy. If you’re prone to seasickness, medication is recommended.
Pack reef-safe sunscreen, a dry bag for electronics, comfortable shoes for short hikes, and lightweight clothing. While mobile signal is traditionally spotty in this region, Lady Grace is equipped with Starlink internet, ensuring you stay connected even in the most remote locations.
How to Book Your 2026 Lombok–Komodo Cruise
Cabins on both Lady Grace and Al Fathran 3 are limited, and popular room types often sell out early—especially during peak season and for specific route directions. Booking ahead gives you better cabin options and smoother planning under the 202.
To check availability or secure your spot, use the WhatsApp or email button below. We’ll help you choose the right boat and sailing direction based on your travel style and plans.
