Komodo: Gililawa Darat Dive Site – Komodo National Park

Site Overview

Gililawa Darat is a small island in the central section of Komodo National Park, surrounded by healthy fringing reefs that offer some of the most consistently rewarding diving in the park. The site features a coral-covered slope descending from 3 meters to approximately 25 meters, transitioning from a vibrant coral garden in the shallows to a dramatic wall in the deeper sections. The moderate current flows along the island's edge, delivering nutrients that sustain prolific soft coral growth and attract abundant schooling fish. Whitetip reef sharks patrol the wall ledges, hawksbill turtles feed on the reef flat, and schools of bumphead parrotfish and barracuda move through the mid-water column. The shallower sections at 5 to 12 meters are particularly colorful, with dense soft coral coverage, gorgonian sea fans, and anemones hosting multiple species of clownfish. Small pinnacles rise from the slope at 15 to 20 meters, creating additional habitat for macro life including pygmy seahorses on gorgonian fans and a diverse array of nudibranchs. Gililawa Darat is best dived from April through December during the dry season when visibility reaches 20 to 30 meters. The island is also popular for hilltop hikes that reward visitors with panoramic views across the central Komodo islands. Accessible from Labuan Bajo by speedboat, Gililawa Darat is often combined with Gililawa Laut and Three Sisters in central Komodo day trip itineraries.