Gili Lawa Darat or also known as the “island close to the land” has a barren, desert savannah that changes color from green to yellow depending on the season. Located in the northern part of the Komodo National Park, the island features easy hiking trails and two viewpoints to suit both spectacular sunrise and sunsets. Gila Lawa Darat is well protected from strong winds and waves, making the island the perfect spot for various activities to be carried out in safety. Some even refer to the island as the Komodo’s fjord, as attributed to its geological position. Besides, Gili Lawa Darat’s proximity to the ocean crossroads enables visitors to experience unexpected marine surprises such as encountering the humpback or the blue whale emerging majestically from the sea.
The main attraction of Gili Lawa Darat is the scenic view that awaits visitors as they trek and reach the peak. This sole reason is what drives most Komodo National Park visitors to land on this island. Although beautiful all day long, the best recommended time to trek to the peak is sunset, when the breathtaking panoramic view calls for an Instagram selfie. The vantage point makes it perfect for capturing the beautiful beaches or the rolling hills catching rays of light. Trekking to the peak of the island might be considered as quite challenging for some, in particular, the beginners, but it is incredibly doable and worthwhile. The view is better and more beautiful as you trek higher where the reef becomes clearer while the mountainside begins to glow. Be ready for the remarkable panorama that awaits you at the top where the Komodo National Park lies in the opposite.
Gili Lawa Laut
Gili Lawa Laut is a sister island of Gili Lawa Darat that is often overlooked. The island promises an equally breathtaking viewpoint. It takes 30 minutes to trek to the peak of Gili Lawa Laut, which is particularly stunning at sunrise. Same as its more significant sister Gili Lawa Darat island, Gili Lawa Laut is painted with vast savannah. During the rainy season, it will turn into green and during the dry season, into yellow. The island is popular among divers as many famous Komodo dive sites are scattered around nutrient-rich waters of Gili Lawa Laut. Snorkeling is also sublime here. Thus said – trekking, snorkeling, or diving – you would not want to give Gili Lawa Laut a miss.
