We stayed at Menjaga Bay Resort when we visited Rinca and the Komodo Dragons. However, despite there actually being Komodo dragons 1-2 miles (1.5-3 km) away on Flores, it feels like an entirely different world. It’s tucked into the Flores coast about 4.5 miles (7.3 km) southwest of the Labuan Bago harbor as the crow (or.. fruit bat?) flies. You can drive there, but the roads are apparently really bad so most people (and we think all guests) opt to take a boat. As a result it feels like you’re staying on a separate island.
This is a very isolated, romantic setting. The stilted bungalows have all modern amenities, including excellent AC and an enclosed outdoor bathroom with a great shower. Each has a spacious porch area with loungers facing due west, and stairs down to the water for kayaking (the water is swimmable but has seaweed and baby mangroves so we didn’t). There are also bungalows up above, against the cliffs, which offer larger views and their own pools.
Since we were there off-season, only a one or two other bungalows were occupied over the three days we were there and the entire resort felt like our own! This was especially apparent in the pool area, which apparently has the largest pool in Flores and lots of seating around it. It is a really nice pool with little or no chlorine and the whole area has full menu service from the adjacent restaurant.
The restaurant itself is beautiful, built in traditional style with a lofty timber frame covered in thatch. It’s all open so there are birds flitting about, although somehow no noticeable bird.. output. There were lots of monkeys in the tree nearby, but they respectfully didn’t venture into the eves for some reason.
The restaurant food was excellent, which is important when you’re a captive audience. With so few people the service was immediate. The entire team was incredibly nice and helpful at all times as well.
The team that coordinated the Rinca Komodo Dragon tour, both at the resort and accompanying us on the tour were top-notch. You should always compare prices and make sure you’re getting what you want at a price that makes sense.
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