[cid:image002.jpg@01D4697F.2B9FC100]
Hello all from Alan Wiggs,
We had an outstanding time at Komodo! Just simply a superb location with
world-class diving. We are already negotiating a return visit in September
2020. The resort was fabulous and I've written the review which follows for
Tripadvisor.
I've put together an online gallery on googlephotos - at
https://photos.app.goo.gl/pq5MZoPoU9oE4AtZ6
Cheers! Alan Wiggs
Paradise is a pretty personal concept - one size does not fit all. But you'd
be hard pressed to find anywhere more idyllic than this small, charming
boutique resort. Angel Island Eco Resort is on a small island about 30 minutes
out from the bustling picaresque port of Labuan Bajo, Flores. As such it is
well located - close enough to the best dive sites of Northern Komodo but
blessed with sea breezes to give one a break from the dry heat of this, the
eastern dry end of the Indonesian archipelago. The scenery is amazing - every
horizon is a postcard of rugged volcanic islands perched above blue water, with
small boats scurrying around. Often, fish will be seen jumping in the shallows
while Sea Eagles wheel overhead. There were baby Black Tip Sharks just off the
beach and some very good snorkelling down at the point off the restaurant,
including a big school of small Trevally, Razor Fish and masses of reef
species. The diving in Komodo is absolutely world class - not just the quantity
of fish (which is off the scale) but the diversity of species is something I
have not seen elsewhere. Yes, there are currents to contend with, but Angel
Island's Dive crew were excellent - briefings were detailed and so informative
that one had a clear idea of what to expect. We were very well looked after.
The rooms are among the best we have stayed in - huge - around 50 square metres
bedroom alone. Beautifully turned out in the local hexagonal design with
rap-around views of the rainforest vegetation and a massive californian king
size bed. Sadly, owing to prolonged drought, the island looks a bit parched at
present, but there was still enough vegetation to provide some shade from the
hot sun (for which we were grateful). The bathrooms are semi-outdoor and simply
superbly designed - encircled by a stone wall and very private. The rooms are
well scattered across the site and there is a sense of spaciousness to the
resort. The air con works well and there is the bonus of a decent coffee
machine that makes great coffee. A water cooler in each room, a big flatscreen
TV (with movies on a USB stick) and a slot for SD cards (so you can check out
how your photos are going)...there was not one complaint about the rooms. I
guess to be picky, there could be a reading lamp but otherwise - perfection.
Actually, there was not one complaint about anything....
The staff are incredibly polite and hospitable - nothing is too much trouble
for them. The resort is 'all inclusive' (which is new for us) and this means
that you are invited (actually encouraged) to order food and beverages whenever
you want! All soft drinks; shakes; juices are also included. We were quite
well fed out on the dive boat for lunch, but got into the indulgent habit of a
'second lunch' back at the restaurant after we returned from the dives. The
restaurant is the hub of the resort and is staffed all day - so is the kitchen.
Anytime we walked past they would ask us if we wanted to order anything...so
we obliged! The menu is extensive and we worked through it over the week we
stayed. Pretty much all tastes are catered for and they will make food to order
for any dietary requirements. As mentioned in another review, some local music
or something a little more atmospheric than rock ballads of the 80s would be
better to set the mood - there seemed to be variations of the one playlist each
night. Still - not a big deal at all and conversation always flowed freely - so
much to talk about after each day's diving.
One of our favourite places to hangout was the library - just set a few metres
back from the gorgeous beach with views across to Rinca Island. This is a
thatch open-air hexagonal platform with bookshelves in various languages and
comfy chairs. We would often sit for an afternoon beer and even just listen to
the waves gently lapping on the beach; the birds rustling through the leaves
and the fountains bubbling. It was so relaxing. And around 4:00 pm every
afternoon Fredo would find us with afternoon tea - some freshly baked scones
our cake! We found we were either diving, eating, or about to eat!
The diving features intact hard coral reefs and some soft coral ledges and
bommies. I don't think we have seen better fish life anywhere - the variety of
fish of all sizes was most impressive. And the whole reef was buzzing with
action - cleaner stations everywhere - schools of fusiliers being rounded up by
Bluefin and Giant Trevally. Sweetlips of various species and masses of Moorish
Idols; Angel Fish and Butterflyfish. We saw Mantas on three or four dives and
Turtles on most - also quite a few White Tip Reef sharks and the odd Grey
Reefie. Diving tends to be either as a drift dive (fun but challenging for
photographers) or diving in the lee of large bommies and islands. You could
see the current swirling at each end, but simply dived in the sheltered lee.
It is a little beyond novice skill level but nothing that someone with 40 dives
or so couldn't handle. And the dive guides are very good at setting the scene
and explaining the current limitations. We loved it and cannot wait until we
return in September 2020.
[cid:image006.jpg@01D4697F.2B9FC100]
[cid:image009.jpg@01D4697F.2B9FC100]
Alan Wiggs
Teacher
20 Wooralla Drive, Mt. Eliza, Vic, 3930
T: 03 9788 7657 | AWiggs@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx |
www.peninsulagrammar.vic.edu.au<http://www.peninsulagrammar.vic.edu.au/>
[cid:Year-7-at-PG_e519bfd8-1347-4e7f-8c41-b3ee7f7f18db.gif]
[cid:facebook_3b0d9182-013c-4c95-ba58-d121dd998219.gif]<http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Peninsula-School/118935504829400?ref=hl>
[cid:twitter_78165f10-7ae4-4daf-9227-ca80fe6d2d29.GIF]
<https://twitter.com/TPSMtEliza>
[cid:linkedin_d49b6f08-eaa9-4b14-8662-cbb20ea529f1.gif]
<http://www.linkedin.com/company/the-peninsula-school>
[cid:youtube_22a7d78e-0f13-46a3-b9e2-c8ca6e25d209.gif]
<http://www.youtube.com/user/ThePeninsulaSchool>
Please consider the environment before printing this email, you will save 5g of
paper, 250mL of water and at least 35gm of CO2
This message, including any attachments, is provided without responsibility in
law for its accuracy or otherwise and without assumption of a duty of care by
the school. Whilst every attempt has been made to ensure material in this
e-mail message is free from computer viruses or other defects, the attached
files are provided, and may only be used, on the basis that the user assumes
responsibility for the use of the material transmitted. This e-mail is intended
for the use of the named individual or entity and may contain confidential and
privileged information. Any dissemination, distribution or copying by anyone
other than the intended recipient of this e-mail is strictly prohibited. If
this e-mail has been received in error then please notify Peninsula Grammar
immediately and destroy the original message.