Gili Lawa Darat and Gili Lawa Laut guard the northern edge of Komodo National Park. The larger island’s rolling hills and sheltered bays are one of the most photogenic anchorages in Indonesia, and liveaboard boats love to spend the night here.
Under water, the nearby pinnacles — Castle Rock, Crystal Rock and the famous Shotgun channel — are among the best dive sites in the park, with big schools of fish, reef sharks and strong, nutrient-rich currents. Hilltop trekking on Gili Lawa Darat has been restricted at times since a bushfire in 2018, so ask your operator about current access.
Top things to do at Gili Lawa
Dive Castle Rock and Crystal Rock
Advanced drift dives with schooling fish, sharks and hard coral. Current conditions decide the dive plan.
Snorkel the sheltered bays
Coral slopes inside the bays offer calmer snorkeling with colourful reef life.
Sunset at anchor
The view from the deck over the rolling hills at golden hour is a Komodo highlight in itself.
Best tours that visit Gili Lawa
These top-rated trips from Labuan Bajo include Gili Lawa:
Liveaboard (3D2N) 3-Day Budget Komodo Liveaboard (Shared Cabin)
An affordable way to really slow down in Komodo: two nights aboard, all meals, snorkel gear and professional photo documentation, with enough time to reach quieter spots day-trippers never see.
- 8–9 stops across the park
- Padar sunrise & Manta Point
- All meals + drone and GoPro photos
Best for: solo travellers and backpackers
Liveaboard (3D2N) 3-Day Komodo Social & Community Sailing
A 5-star-rated sailing trip that adds real human connection: meet families in Komodo Village and contribute directly to community tourism, plus Padar, Pink Beach, snorkeling and sunset cruising.
- Air-conditioned shared phinisi
- Komodo Village cultural visit
- Ranger-guided dragon trek
Best for: travellers who care about responsible tourism
How to get to Gili Lawa
- Gili Lawa is mainly reached on 2–3 day liveaboards and private phinisi trips — see our liveaboard picks.
- Some day-trip speedboats include a northern stop when conditions are calm.
- Currents in the north can be strong; only dive within your certification level.
- Check whether hilltop trekking is currently permitted before planning a sunrise hike.
