How do I get to Labengki and Sombori?
Fly to Kendari (Haluoleo, KDI) in Southeast Sulawesi. Makassar has daily flights and connects onward to Jakarta, Bali and Surabaya. We pick you up in Kendari at 08:00, drive to Tanasa Port and cross by wooden boat, which takes about three hours. Arrive in Kendari the night before; there is no same-day connection that works.
Is this the same as Raja Ampat?
The geology is similar, both are drowned karst, and the aerial views look alike. Raja Ampat has richer reefs and far better diving. Labengki and Sombori are much cheaper, much quieter and much easier to reach from Makassar. If you want world-class diving, go to Raja Ampat. If you want empty lagoons without a long haul east, Labengki and Sombori are the easier trip.
Is snorkelling gear included?
No, and this catches people out. Bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them, or rent in Kendari before you leave. There is limited gear on the Labengki and Sombori islands and it is not guaranteed to fit. Fins are worth having for the outer sites.
When is the best time to go?
The drier, calmer months generally run around April to October, and the crossing is the part most affected by weather. Rougher seas in the wet season can force the guides to swap exposed stops for sheltered ones. Tell us your dates and we will be honest about what they usually look like.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
You should be comfortable in open water. Most snorkelling is shallow and sheltered inside the lagoons, and buoyancy aids are available, but some outer sites have current and the boat drops you in deeper water. Non-swimmers can still do the caves, the viewpoints and the beaches.
Why does the 4-day price change so much with group size?
The boat, the fuel, the guide and the crew cost the same whether one person or six is on board, so the per-person rate falls steeply as the group grows. Two people pay roughly double what six pay each. If your dates are flexible we will try to pair you with another small group.
Is this an open trip or a private trip?
It is a private trip by default. The boat, the guide and the itinerary are yours, and the per-person rate is set by how many of you travel, which is why a party of two pays more each than a party of six. If you would rather share the cost, tell us your dates and we will try to pair you with another small group, which is the open trip arrangement. We will not put you with strangers without asking first.
Is there a resort on Labengki or Sombori?
There is one resort on Labengki, Labengki Nirwana Resort, and it is not what our trips use. Ours are homestays and simple cottages or beach huts: twin share, shared bathroom, fan rather than air conditioning, and generator power that runs in the evening and overnight rather than around the clock. Sombori has no accommodation at all, so you sleep on Labengki and visit Sombori by boat. If you want a resort room we can point you at it, but be clear that the appeal of these islands is how little is built on them, not the comfort of the beds. [VERIFY: current Nirwana Resort rates and whether they take direct bookings, before we quote or recommend it.]
