Gili Lawa Darat or Gili Laba is a small island in the northern part of Komodo National Park. This island is well known as the best trekking spot and sunset view among tourists.
About Gili Lawa Darat
Located in the Komodo National Park area, this island offers one of the best sunrise and sunset viewpoints.
It faces Komodo island’s wide and deep bay, often called the “Komodo’s Fjord”.
The panorama from the hills is undoubtedly stunning, a heaven for fellow photographers. In the dry season, the island almost looks brown, with drought-stricken golden brown meadows, but in the rainy season, everything changes, and the island turns green, with lush hills.
As part of the Komodo National Park, updated entrance fees for July 2022 are IDR 150,000/person on Monday to Saturday and IDR 225,000/person on Sundays and public holidays for foreigners.
Meanwhile for Indonesians, it costs IDR 5,000/person on Monday to Saturday and IDR 7,500/person on Sunday and public holidays to visit Gili Lawa Darat.
However, there will be a possibility of ticket fee changes in 2023. Stay tuned at our website for more info.
How to Get There?
It’s relatively easy to go to Gili Lawa Darat from your current location. There are multiple possible ways to get there, but the easiest way is by plane.
Flight from Denpasar, Surabaya, Jakarta, or Kupang
First step, book a flight to bigger airports across Indonesia such as Denpasar (DPS), Jakarta (CGK), Surabaya (SUB), or Kupang (KOE).
From there, you may continue your flight to Labuan Bajo (LBJ) airport, Komodo Airport. It only takes approximately 2 hours from Jakarta Airport and 1 hour to 1 and a half hours from Surabaya, Denpasar, and Kupang Airport.
From Labuan Bajo
Second, once you are in Labuan Bajo Airport, you can go to the harbor to get the boat to Gili Lawa Darat.
This island is accessible by boat in three hours. There is no public transportation to Gili Lawa Darat from Labuan Bajo harbor.
Therefore, you can charter a boat or join a liveaboard that has included Gili Lawa Darat in their itinerary.
Getting a perfect boat for your trip to the harbor can be quite challenging for most people.
It’s either the boat facilities that don’t meet your expectations or you are unsure how to arrange your trip.
Booking your liveaboard package or chartering your boat in advance can be an option to have a more relaxing and smooth journey as everything is going to be arranged before you arrive here.
Tourist Attraction in Gili Lawa Darat
1. Trekking Spot
A major reason visitors come to Gili Lawa Darat is the scenic view that awaits them at the peak as they trek up.
The island has hiking trails and two viewpoints to suit spectacular sunrise and sunsets.
Once you reach the summit, you will see a breathtaking panoramic view of Komodo bay and Komodo Island.
It may take 20 to 30 minutes to hike to the top.
Even though the trek to the peak may seem challenging to beginners, it is absolutely possible and well worth the effort.
The trek up is medium to hard level, and there are no handrails or steps as in Padar Island; therefore, you need to be extra careful when hiking up.
2. Sunrise and Sunset Views
Gili Lawa Darat attracts visitors worldwide to witness the magnificent view of the sunrises and sunsets, combined with the breathtaking view of the bay from its hills.
For photographers, this island is heaven to get some stunning shots of the panoramas.
3. Diverse Marine and Land Biodiversity
There is no Komodo in Gili Lawa Darat, only wild deers, bugs, and insects live in the land area.
However, marine biodiversity is beautified with vibrant coral reefs, colorful fish such as clownfish, surgeonfish, and starfish.
If you’re lucky, you may witness humpbacks, dolphins, or even blue whales while waiting for the sunset on the shore. You can also spot some eagles flying above Gili Lawa Darat.
4. Snorkeling, Diving, and Water Sport
This island is often referred to as the Komodo’s Fjord since the island lies directly facing the Flores Sea and the deep bay of Komodo Island, preventing it from being affected by strong winds and waves.
Thus, the island is ideal for diving, snorkeling, swimming, and water sports, including stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking.
Prepare your snorkeling and diving gear to experience the underwater of Gili Lawa Darat.
However, if you forget to bring yours, there is no need to worry as there are charter package with Phinisi Boat that includes snorkeling and diving gear without additional charge.
Also, stand-up paddle boards are included in the package for your water sports activity while in Gili Lawa Darat.
Furthermore, if you can’t snorkel or swim, you can enjoy the aquatic life of Gili Lawa Darat from the glass-bottom speed boat of Pinta Phinisi.
5. Liveaboard
There is no hotel or resort on this island as it is an inhabited island in the area.
However, Gili Lawa Darat bay is an ideal place for liveaboards to stay during the night as it is always calm and protected from waves and currents.
You might have a doubt or are unsure how to choose which liveaboard is ideal for your needs.
Final Thoughts
Gili Lawa Darat can be visited all year round. Visit this island during the dry season, from April to December, for the best experience and more accessible hiking.
The trail is dry, the weather is nice; not too hot, and there is only a small chance of rain.
However, hiking up the hills during the rainy season might be dangerous because the trails are wet and slippery.
In any case, the view of the land and underwater is breathtaking, offering a stunning panorama from atop the hill, as well as a beautiful look at the marine life, a must-see the next time you visit Komodo.
Now that you have a sneak preview of Gili Lawa Darat, you know what to expect when you arrive on this island. But you might still be confused and doubt how to choose the boat for your best holiday in Komodo National Park.
In KomodoLuxury, we provide a list of luxurious Phinisi Boat for your leisure or adventurous sailing trip in Komodo Islands.
Our team will give you the best boat recommendation based on your needs.
Check out our available boat charter list here, ranging from Deluxe to VVIP facilities and looks.
Follow our Instagram to see our customers’ experiences with us.
Should you need to talk to our Customer Service, you may contact us through WhatsApp or email, click here.
It will be our pleasure to assist you.
See you in Gili Lawa Darat!
