PLEASE READ THIS INFORMATION CAREFULLY - Everything you need to know is here for you. 

 

​GETTING THERE:  You will be responsible for booking your flight to the domestic airport in Labuan Bajo (LBJ). From Bali, Denpasar (DPS), take a domestic 60-minute direct flight to Labuan Bajo (LBJ); the flight cost is around $100 - $150 AUD return. (Airport transfers from Labuan Bajo provided).

 

(INTERNATIONAL & DOMESTIC FLIGHTS ARE NOT INCLUDED)

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VISA ON ARRIVAL:

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Travellers from Australia can obtain a visa on arrival at the Indonesia Immigration Airport. The validity of the visa-on-arrival is 30 days and costs $50 AUD. 

 

If you want to stay longer than 30 days, you have to get a B211A OFFSHORE Visit Visa before your arrival, which is valid for 60 days. 

 

Apply for a longer visa here: https://bali.com/visit-bali-during-covid-offshore-e-visa/

 

 If you overstay your visa, you must pay a fine of IDR 1,000,000 daily.​

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PLEASE NOTE: We require a minimum of 6 people for this trip to go ahead, so please do not book any international flights until six weeks before departure. 

(The booking minimum has been reached for this trip now; please feel free to book flights updated 16/01/24)

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TRAVEL INSURANCE: You must provide a copy of your international travel insurance. When making the final payment for this trip, please reply to the confirmation email with your payment confirmation and a copy of your international travel insurance.

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WHO IS THIS TRIP FOR: Our trips are gender-inclusive; if you are young at heart and free-spirited, you are perfect for our adventures! In saying this, the average age of our groups is 22-45 years old.

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IMPORTANT!! PLEASE PACK LIGHT: Please keep luggage to a minimum to avoid overcrowding the cabins onboard. We suggest a bag no larger than the carry-on airport size. 

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WHAT DOES THIS INCLUDE:

 

Includes:

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• Airport transfers

• Three nights in a hotel on Labuan Bajo Island (including breakfast)

• Five nights liveaboard on The Natural 001

• Three healthy, delicious daily Meals while onboard The Natural 001

• Afternoon Coffee / Tea & drinking water onboard The Natural 001

• Snorkelling Equipment & life jackets

• Entertainment facilities, including a jacuzzi 

• Daily yoga, breathwork & meditation

• Freediving Certification Course

• Ranko Caves exploration, including breakfast & lunch (on day two) 

• English-speaking local guide

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Excludes:

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• International & domestic flights

• Personal expenses 

• Travel Insurance 

• Alcoholic drinks 

• Tipping boat crew

• Anything on the packing list (including a yoga mat)

• National park permits, ranger fees & gov tax ($150 AUD)

• Lunch on days 1 & 9, Dinner on days 1 & 2  

• Indonesian visa on arrival 

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PACKING LIST:

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• Swimwear

• Headlamp and/or flashlight 

• Lightweight walking boots or Sports shoes

• Warm, lightweight wind jacket or Down Jacket 

• Comfortable and casual clothes for five days and warm PJs (include Some warm clothing for the evenings)

• Sun-hat 

• Insect repellent

• Toiletries

• Towels

• Lipbalm

• Sunglasses 

• Sun Block and Zinc Cream

• Daypack 

• Water bottle 

• Camera or GoPro

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Komodo in May

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We believe this is the best time of year to visit Komodo, and this is why:

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• Weather: The weather becomes drier, with decreasing rainfall and increasing sunshine. Temperature ranges from 24-33°C 

• Sea Conditions: May is known for calm seas, making it an excellent time for water activities like diving and snorkelling.

• Wildlife: This is a great period for diving, as the visibility underwater improves. You can witness diverse marine life, including manta rays and various fish species.

• Flora and Fauna: The landscape is lush and green from the recent rains, offering vibrant scenery.

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YAMA in Komodo: YAMA brings this experience to life through the raw elements of dance, play, and connection. Learn more about the YAMA experience and ethos HERE. 

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Community: Join our community in a transformative journey to Komodo Island. Together, we'll delve into its rich heritage, marvel at the unparalleled beauty of its natural landscapes, and connect with its most iconic inhabitants—the majestic Komodo dragons. Here, we learn, share, and immerse ourselves in the rhythms of nature, celebrating the profound bond between humanity and the wild.​

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Share: Sharing is an integral part of our ethos. We encourage you to share your unique gifts at this gathering. YAMA is a space for self-expression, where you can freely express yourself through music, flow toys, games, arts, singing, dancing, and radical self-expression. If you love to teach and share, we also offer a discount to those who wish to provide a workshop on our retreats. If this is you, please contact us and pitch your idea.​

Yoga and Movement: Daily! Join us for a functional fitness class and serene meditation on the boat. Start your day with meditation, indulge in beach yoga during your stay, and master breathwork techniques for free diving. Dive deep, both physically and spiritually!

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Hiking: Everyday hikes where you'll embark on gentle yet captivating hikes across the Komodo islands, immersing yourself in their natural beauty.

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Dress ups: Dress-up time! Our Komodo Island theme is "Under the Sea." Grab marine-inspired accessories from local markets. Think mermaid hats or fishy scarves. Let's dive into creativity but keep it respectful and PG. Remember the baggage limits!

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Check out past trips for inspiration on our Instagram @yamamovement

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Free Diving Certification 

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 The Level 1 or 2 freediving certification course is included in this package, with Levels 3 and 4 available at a reduced price. Participation in these courses is optional and requires medical clearance. If you choose not to take part, you can spend your time snorkelling and enjoying the sea.​

 

This Free Diving certification will turn you into an OFFICIAL AIDA CERTIFIED FREE DIVER by the end of the trip!

Learn from the best in the industry and explore the most incredible free diving sites in the world. 

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Inclusions:

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• AIDA Freedivers Certification ( 1, 2, 3 & 4 available)

• Theory (Day one)

• Pre-Theory Training 

• Deep dive into what freediving is, the mechanics behind our respiratory system and how our bodies transform to become mermaids and mermen

• Breakdown of freediving equipment and their correct usage

•  Pranayama 

• Stretching designed for freediving specifically

• Meditation training for above & below the surface 

 

In-depth description of course outline and prerequisites: 

 

AIDA 1: Intro to Freediving

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• Requirements: Must be 18+ (or 16 with parental consent) and able to swim. Medical certification required

• Includes: Freediving equipment,  diploma

This course is perfect for those curious about freediving but not ready to commit to a full course. You'll explore the underwater world while learning basic freediving skills in a relaxed, pressure-free environment.

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What to Expect:

• Short theory session on physiology, breathing, relaxation, and rescue techniques

• Dry breathing and relaxation practice for diaphragmatic breathing

• Open water session to apply the fundamental freediving concepts

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AIDA 2: Freediving 'Open Water' Course

You'll gain the skills and knowledge needed to dive safely, reaching depths of up to 20 meters.

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What You’ll Learn:

• Proper breathing techniques, including diaphragmatic breathing  

• Understanding depth, pressure, and equalisation  

• Freediving disciplines, buddy systems, and safety procedures  

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Course Breakdown:  
Theory:

 

• Physics and Physiology  

• Breathing and Relaxation  

• Depth, pressure, and equalisation  

• Safety and buddy protocols  

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Practical:

 

• Breath-holding sessions for breathing and relaxation techniques  

• Dynamic apnea: horizontal underwater swimming for efficient movement  

• Open water freediving: vertical diving techniques and rescue procedures.

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By the end, you’ll be able to hold your breath for at least 2 minutes, swim 40 meters in dynamic apnea, and dive comfortably to depths between 12 and 20 meters.

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AIDA 3: Advanced Freediving Course 

deepens your understanding of the mammalian diving reflex, an evolutionary survival mechanism. You'll learn advanced equalisation techniques and training methods to dive comfortably beyond 20 meters, reaching depths of up to 30 meters.

 

What You’ll Learn: 

 

• Buoyancy, proper weighting, and free-falling  

• Physiology and equalisation, including the Frenzel technique  

• Using CO2 tables to improve tolerance and performance  

• Advanced safety procedures  

• Pulmonary physiology and barotrauma  

• The mammalian dive reflex  

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Course Breakdown:
Theory: 

• In-depth exploration of buoyancy and equalisation  

• Advanced safety protocols  

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Practical: 

 

• Review basic freediving skills: diving and finning techniques  

• Thoracic stretching and visualization for deep diving  

• Mastering the Frenzel equalisation technique  

• Improving static and dynamic breath-hold techniques  

• Rescue scenarios, including self-rescue  

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By the end of the course, you’ll be able to hold your breath for at least 2:45 minutes, swim 55 meters in dynamic apnea, and dive comfortably to depths between 24 and 30 meters.

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AIDA 4: Expert Freediving Course  

Reach new depths with our Expert Level course, the pinnacle of our freediving program. You'll increase your breath hold to 3:30 minutes, swim 75 meters in dynamic apnea, and dive comfortably to 40 meters. This specialized course prepares you for deep diving, empowering you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to explore the deep blue like never before!

 

Prerequisites:  

• AIDA 3 certification  

• EFR (Emergency First Response) or similar First Aid course (including CPR) within the last 2 years  

• Minimum of 25 logged freediving sessions (Freediver Logbook)  

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What You’ll Learn: 
Theory:

• Deep Equalisation Techniques and Understanding Failure Depth  

• Mastering the "mouthfill" technique, including pressure management  

• Freediving in passive exhale (risks and benefits)  

• Understanding decompression sickness and nitrogen narcosis  

• Lung packing techniques: when and how to use them safely  

• Fitness for freediving: aerobic/anaerobic training, stretching, and dietary recommendations  

• Apnea training: breath-hold training techniques on land  

• Retrieval safety systems for freediving  

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Practical Sessions: 

• Warm-ups and training tables for maximum dynamic and static performance  

• Diving on Functional Reserve Capacity (FRC) to adapt to pressure and depth  

• Performing deep rescue scenarios and safety procedures  

• Practising the “mouth-fill” equalisation technique  

• Coaching buddies through stretching, pool, and open water sessions  

• Safety diving and assisting a buddy during maximum performance attempts  

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Medical Clearance

 

Some medical conditions can be considered dangerous for freediving, so if you have any of these medical conditions, you must obtain a clearance certificate from a doctor approving your participation in the freediving course. The medical conditions requiring doctor clearance are:

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• Asthma 

• Heart/lung conditions 

• Blood pressure 

• Epilepsy

• Pregnancy 

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Your respiratory and circulatory systems must be in good health. All body air spaces must be normal and healthy. 

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All guests will need to fill out a waiver to be able to participate. 

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Please be aware that if you have one of the above medical conditions and are not able to provide clearance from a doctor, you will not be able to participate in the freediving component of this trip, so you should check with a doctor before booking.

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ITINERARY

 

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Day One - Arrival and settle into your hotel (Theory of freediving)

Day Two - Early start for a full-day exploration of Cunca waterfall, mirror cave house & Ranko Caves. Back to hotel dinner and early night sleep 

Day Three - Transfer to boat Labouan to Sebayur Besar 

Day Four - Sebayur besar - Gili Lawa Darat 

Day Five - Gili Lawa Darat - Makassar Reef - Pink beach - komodo village

Day Six - Komodo Island - Long Beach - Padar Island

Day Seven - Padar - Rinca island - Kalong Rinca

Day Eight - Kalong rinca - Manjerite - Kelor Island - Labuan Bajo 

Day Nine - Breakfast and checkout ( airport transfer)

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Day One - Arrival in Labuan Bajo

 

Upon landing at Labuan Bajo Airport, a transfer will escort our Hotel. Use this day to unwind. At 3 pm, we'll convene (a WhatsApp group will highlight the meetup point) for an introductory free diving theory lesson. This is followed by a group dinner and an early bedtime in preparation for tomorrow’s escapades.

 

Day Two - Exploring Cunca Waterfall, Mirror Cave House & Ranko Caves (Breakfast & lunch provided)

 

We leave the hotel at 8:30 am for Cunca Wulang Waterfall, a picturesque 45-minute trek from Wersawe village. The vivid blue waters set amidst majestic rocks are a sight to behold. Dive in, or even jump! Next, we head to Mirror Cave House, where sunlight bounces around like a dream. Lunch is at a local eatery. Rangko Cave, accessed via a 1-hour drive and a boat ride, boasts a serene natural pool. Lastly, Sylvia Hill promises a breathtaking sunset - a perfect finale.

 

Day Three - Transitioning from Labouan to Sebayur Besar

 

Our new abode awaits! Named Natural 001, this traditional Phinisi boat will be our home for six days. Our journey starts with Sebayur Besar, showcasing Komodo's pristine waters. Its shallow reefs and gentle currents offer a soothing introduction. A hike reveals Sebayur Besar’s unmatched sunset panoramas. After descending, relax with Yin yoga on the boat, and savor the view.

 

Day Four - From Sebayur Besar to Siaba Besar & Gili Lawa Darat

 

Kickstart the day with yoga and breakfast. We then sail to Siaba Besar, also known as "Turtle City", home to many green turtles. The crystalline waters are perfect for honing our freediving techniques. By afternoon, we're anchored at Gili Lawa Darat, near Komodo Island, with a trek that promises magnificent bay views.

 

Day Five - Exploring Gili Lawa, Taka Makasar Reef, Pink Beach, and Komodo Village

 

We set course for Makassar Reef, famous as Manta Point. The sands of Gili Makasar beckon before we venture to Komodo Island's unique Pink Beach. We anchor for the night at Komodo Village, a mix of local life and dragon lore.

 

Day Six - Komodo Island, Long Beach, and Padar Island

 

After yoga and breakfast, we meet the fabled Komodo dragons. The day continues at Long Beach’s untouched sands. Later, Padar Island awaits, evoking visions of Jurassic Park. A trek here unveils a surreal panorama. Sunset, dinner, and rest cap off the day.

 

Day Seven - Padar, Rinca Island, and Kalong Rinca

 

Following our yoga routine and breakfast, we set sail for Rinca, home to more Komodo dragons. A ranger-led trek offers three duration options. Later, we cruise to Kalong, hoping to catch the spectacle of flying foxes emerging at dusk.

 

Day Eight - Kalong Rinca, Manjerite, Kelor Island, and Labuan Bajo

 

The day begins with yoga and breakfast. At Majerite, immerse in the last of our freediving experiences amidst vibrant corals. We then proceed to Kelor Island for diving and a scenic hike. As evening falls, we bid farewell to Natural 001 and return our Hotel.

 

Day Nine - Departure from Labuan Bajo

 

Our journey concludes with morning yoga, breakfast, and hotel checkout. Transfers to the airport are arranged. Safe travels!

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Please note : 

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▪ Tour itinerary can be changed without notice due to weather conditions/current situations. 

▪ Not recommended for severe heart or medical conditions or pregnant travellers 

▪ In the very unlikely case that we experience extreme weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund if it's cancelled.

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