- Le Pirate island
🌴 Sabolo Island Overview
Sabolo Island is a small, peaceful island located off the coast of Labuan Bajo, within the Komodo region of East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. It’s still relatively untouched and less visited by tourists — making it feel like a private tropical getaway.
🌊 Highlights & Attractions
🏝️ Beautiful Beaches & Views
-
The island has white sandy beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters with a beautiful color gradient.
-
There’s a small hill you can hike for a 360-degree view of the surrounding sea and islands.
🤿 Snorkeling Paradise
-
The surrounding coral reefs are vibrant and healthy, perfect for snorkeling.
-
Snorkeling can be done right from the beach in shallow areas.
-
Some snorkelers even report seeing turtles nearby.
🧘 Peaceful & Quiet
-
The island is still quiet and undeveloped, with very few crowds.
-
There’s limited infrastructure, although a small resort offers food and drinks (Le Pirate’s Sanggraloka resort).
📍 Location & How to Get There
-
Sabolo Island is about 1 hour by boat from the Labuan Bajo harbor, depending on the sea and type of boat.
-
It’s located near Seraya Besar Island, within the Komodo district.
2. Pulau Burung (Papangga island)
What & Where
-
Papangga is a small island located north of Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. It’s part of the many islands around Labuan Bajo often visited for island‐hopping.
-
It’s relatively close to other snorkeling / beach islands (like Hatamin), so it’s commonly included in half-day or full-day boat trips from Labuan Bajo.
What Makes It Special
-
Beaches and Sand
Papangga is known for having super soft white sand. The beaches are ideal for relaxing, sunbathing, and just enjoying the shore. -
Clear Water & Marine Life
The surrounding waters are clear, great for swimming. Because it’s less built up, the underwater life tends to be healthier and more visible than in crowded spots. Snorkeling here is a highlight. -
Relaxed Vibe / Less Crowded
Compared to more famous islands/tourist spots, Papangga tends to be quieter. It doesn’t have heavy commercial development, so you get a more peaceful, “untouched nature” feel. Good if you want a break from busy tour spots. -
Scenic Beauty
Views of the sea, coastline, possibly hills or vegetated terrain behind the beaches. When the sun is out, the whole place is very photogenic. The colors of water + sand + sky tend to be vivid.
Things to Know / Practical Tips
-
Time from Labuan Bajo: It’s accessible by boat; in many tour itineraries Papangga is about ~20 minutes from nearby islands (e.g. Hatamin) once you’re out in the water.
-
What to Bring: Bring your own snorkeling gear, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), towel, water/ snacks. Amenities on the island are limited.
-
Best Time: Dry season is best (less rain, better visibility in water). Mornings or early afternoons are good for boat rides and snorkeling.
-
Facilities: Because it’s not heavily developed, don’t expect many (if any) shops, restaurants, or accommodation on the island. It’s more for day-visits than overnight stays.
3. Hatamin island
Location & Context
-
Hatamin is one of the small islands around Labuan Bajo, Flores, in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia.
-
It lies in waters adjacent to Komodo National Park.
-
The marine area around Hatamin has been a focus of coral restoration and conservation programs, due to past damage (e.g. from destructive fishing).
-
The region (around Hatamin) has been designated as a Marine Protected Area as of September 2019.
Natural Features & Landscape
-
Beaches & Water
Hatamin offers white sandy beaches and clear, calm waters, making it ideal for swimming and relaxing. nagiaflores.com+1 -
Underwater / Coral Reefs
The underwater world around Hatamin is rich: coral reefs, tropical fish, possibly sea turtles, etc. The area is considered good for snorkeling. nagiaflores.com -
Restoration & Conservation Activities
Because the reef was damaged in parts, efforts by NGOs and local groups have been underway to restore corals around Hatamin.
Tourist Experience & Activities
-
Snorkeling & Swimming
One of the main draws: snorkeling among corals and fish. Tours including Hatamin often combine it with other islands like Sabolo, Seraya, or Rangko Cave. -
Relaxation & Scenic Beauty
Because it is less busy, visitors often enjoy more peaceful time on the beach, taking in views, and escaping from the more crowded islands. nagiaflores.com -
Tour Itineraries
Some tour packages include Hatamin as a stop later in the day (after visits to other spots). -
Duration
On sites such as Tripadvisor, Hatamin is listed as an attraction with an approximate duration of 1–2 hours for a visit.
Challenges & Conservation
-
Coral Damage & Restoration
The area suffered from destructive fishing practices (e.g. dynamite fishing), which damaged reefs. Restoration is ongoing. -
Protected Status
The local government has designated the area around Hatamin as a protected marine area to preserve biodiversity. -
Sustainability of Tourism
Because it’s a growing tourist target, balancing visitor access with conservation is likely an important issue (as is true for many islands in the Labuan Bajo area).
