Komodo National Park Dive Sites

Pillarsteen South Komodo | A dramatic southern wall dive — moody, majestic, and full of mystery.

8º 41’ 35.8" S, 119º 34’ 13.3" E

Overview

Pillarsteen is one of the most visually striking and atmospheric dive sites in South Komodo. Named for its towering underwater stone pillars and steep walls, this site offers a moody, cinematic experience with deep crevices, overhangs, and swim-throughs sculpted by centuries of ocean surge.

Located near the southern coastline of Padar Island, Pillarsteen is best suited for advanced divers due to its exposure, depth, and occasional surge. The site’s volcanic structures provide incredible topography and excellent habitat for both macro life and larger marine species patrolling the blue.

Fast Facts

Dive Type: Wall / Swim-through / Surge
Experience Level: Advanced
Depth Range: 12–35m
Best Time to Dive: October–April (south Komodo season)
Key Features: Stone pillars, caverns, overhangs, strong surge
Marine Life Highlights: Nudibranchs, scorpionfish, reef sharks, turtles, trevally, glassfish

Tips for Divers

Surge and downcurrents are possible — stay close to your guide and avoid the blue in exposed corners.
Bring a torch for peeking into crevices and low-light areas.
Ideal for photographers seeking dramatic reefscapes and light-shadow contrasts.
Not suitable during rough sea conditions or strong surface chop.

Marine Life

While the dramatic topography takes center stage, Pillarsteen is also teeming with life. The walls are dotted with sponges, sea fans, and soft corals, sheltering nudibranchs, ghost pipefish, and leaf scorpionfish. The cracks and ledges hide lobsters, glassfish, and the occasional octopus.

Out in the blue, keep an eye out for trevally, reef sharks, and turtles riding the current lines. Visibility can be excellent, especially when the sun filters down through the swim-throughs, illuminating the rock formations in a golden light.

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.