I tried several tour companies off the web and chose Top Komodo Tours partly because of the reviews but mainly for the immediate WhatsApp reply and the continuing excellent communication from Richard Bon, my contact in the office. By the way, I heard nothing from the two other tour operators.

Our guide Andi and driver Saffe were brilliant in their roles and I and my partner, both in our 60's, are hugely grateful to them for safely showing us around their country.

There were so many highlights on the week-long trip, but if I was forced to choose, I would put the Komodo dragons and snorkelling with giant manta rays at their cleaning station right at the top of the list - truly two David Attenborough moments - followed closely by sunrise on the summit of Kelimutu Volcano with it's three coloured crater lakes and the educational visit to the traditional Bena village with it's ancient customs.

I have worked and lived in remote parts of Indonesia during part of my working life and knew not to expect 5 star hotels in Flores. However, all our lodgings were clean and air conditioned (no a/c on the Komodo boat), the included breakfasts sometimes basic but edible and happily our health remained intact throughout the trip.

I recommend trainers, long trousers and a jacket or fleece for the sunrise on Kelimutu. It's cold up there. And if you are prone to burning in the sun - like my delicate Scottish skin - sunblock, a hat and a rash vest or t-shirt for snorkelling. I regret not having a GoPro for the manta rays.

We actually went in April and got a private boat from Flores. The boat was a good size and the food prepared later was amazing! I was even given veggie food- yeah! The tour was short around the island and we were lucky because we saw a few dragons. The guides are really good at getting photos up close:) we had extra time so after the pinkish beach, we swam ( well kind of) with beautiful manta rays! It was an experience I will never forget!!! Thank you!!

After searching the web I chose Top Komodo Tours to visit Komodo Island and see the Dragons.
The 3 day tour should however be sold as at most 2 1/2 days.

Day 1: Pick up in Labuan Bajo was flawless with guide waiting and car ready to go. Off to the harbor to get in the "Liveaboard" boat, more on the boat later. We headed straight for Rinca Island to see our first Dragons. After arrival we went straight to the Ranger Station and along the way we saw two Dragons close by the station.
We took off on the medium length tour and saw a few more dragons near the kitchens. Apparently they come for the smell of food. Anyhow along the way we saw two more smaller Dragons in the bush.
Following Rinca Island we went to
"Pink" beach which someone forgot to paint that day. Was ok snorkeling was good and lots of small fish and coral in ok condition.
Day 2: Komodo Island was definitely the Highlight where we spotted a large Dragon whilst warming up in the sun moving around actively. Along the tour in Komodo we also saw Deer, Wild Boar, Cockatoo and few other kinds of birds.
This was followed by Manta point and spotted aManta Ray as well as othe fish whilst snorkeling.
So Mission achieved, saw the Dragons of Komodo.

With regards to the boat. The crew was great and did the best they can with hardware. My "room" was close to the wheelhouse kind of below smelling of diesel and in the end I decided to sleeping on open deck, which was fine for me.

If you are expecting facilities of comfort I
Suggest you ask for photos of the boat used for your trip as otherwise you will be disappointed.

The last day is as long as the time of your flight from Labuan Bajo, I went to the cave and local market before flying out.

Was it a great tour? Yes I saw the Dragons and had a great Tour guide, Afri.

Was it value for money? Depends on what value you put on seeing the dragons.