Komodo National Park Dive Sites

Pengah Kecil Central Komodo | A scenic island dive packed with color, current, and constant activity.

8º 41’ 35.8" S, 119º 34’ 13.3" E

Overview

Pengah Kecil is a small, rocky island north of Komodo that offers one of the most vibrant reefscapes in the park. Surrounded by steep slopes and coral-covered ridges, this site combines stunning visuals with a steady supply of marine life — from macro critters hiding in coral heads to schooling fish in the blue.

The reef wraps around the island, making it ideal for drift diving when the current is running. On calm days, it’s a relaxed loop. On stronger tides, it becomes a dynamic ride full of pelagic sightings and action. It’s a reliable favorite for divers who want beauty, variety, and energy in one place.

Delicate purple hypselodoris apolgema nudibranch photographed during a Komodo diving expedition in the Coral Triangle

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Fast Facts

Dive Type: Slope / Wall / Drift
Experience Level: Intermediate – Advanced
Depth Range: 5–30m
Best Time to Dive: March–October (northern season)
Key Features: Coral ridges, strong current exposure, fish schools
Marine Life Highlights: Sweetlips, trevally, reef sharks, turtles, anthias, lionfish, nudibranchs

Tips for Divers

Dive the site with the current — it typically flows west to east.
Maintain good buoyancy on the slope to avoid disturbing delicate coral heads.
A great second or third dive of the day due to depth and clarity.
Excellent for wide-angle photography and GoPro drift footage.

Marine Life

Pengah Kecil’s coral-covered slopes attract schools of fusiliers, sweetlips, and surgeonfish, while the edges are patrolled by giant trevally, reef sharks, and the occasional Napoleon wrasse. The coral bommies are home to lionfish, moray eels, and scorpionfish, and you’ll often see turtles grazing among the hard coral gardens.

Closer inspection reveals nudibranchs, porcelain crabs, and pipefish in the shallows, especially on the protected side of the island. Visibility is typically excellent, making it a favorite for wide-angle and reefscape photography.

About Lotus Liveaboards

Lotus Liveaboards offers immersive, small-group dive expeditions in the heart of Komodo National Park, operating out of Labuan Bajo, Flores, Indonesia. As the liveaboard division of Azul Komodo — the first PADI 5-Star Instructor Development Center (IDC) in Komodo and a certified Green Fins member — we specialize in high-quality, eco-conscious diving experiences aboard our handcrafted wooden vessels.

From our flagship Blue Lotus Phinisi to the beloved day boat Biru Asmara, our fleet blends traditional Indonesian craftsmanship with modern dive functionality and comfort. Every journey is guided by experienced crew and PADI professionals who are passionate about marine life, conservation, and creating unforgettable underwater adventures.

Whether you’re here to complete your next certification, encounter Komodo’s famous manta rays, or simply relax between dives with fresh, chef-prepared meals, Lotus Liveaboards delivers personalized service and five-star experiences — both above and below the surface.