Komodo: Gililawa Laut Dive Site – Komodo National Park

Site Overview

Gililawa Laut is a pinnacle-rich dive site in central Komodo National Park, offering some of the most dramatic underwater topography in the region. Several coral-encrusted pinnacles rise from 30 meters to within 5 meters of the surface, creating vertical habitat that attracts both pelagic and reef species. The moderate to strong current flows around the pinnacles, concentrating nutrients that feed dense soft coral growth and draw in schools of trevally, barracuda, and batfish. Grey reef sharks patrol the deeper bases at 20 to 30 meters, while whitetip reef sharks rest on the mid-level ledges. Napoleon wrasse cruise between the pinnacles with curiosity, and hawksbill turtles are frequently encountered on the connecting slopes. The pinnacle summits at 5 to 10 meters are covered in colorful soft corals, gorgonian fans, and anemones, providing excellent shallow diving after exploring the deeper walls. The site is best dived from April through December when the currents are predictable and visibility reaches 20 to 35 meters, offering spectacular wide-angle photography opportunities. Accessible from Labuan Bajo by speedboat, Gililawa Laut is typically paired with Gililawa Darat on central Komodo day trips. The combination of dramatic topography, healthy coral coverage, and abundant large marine life makes it one of the highlights of the central Komodo circuit and a favorite among wide-angle photographers.