pinnacle

Log This Dive

Payong

Payong. The name itself rolls off the tongue like a soft breeze through a Komodo mangrove. This site is a little different, a shift from the usual ripping currents and pelagic action Komodo is famous for. Here, it’s all about the macro, the hidden, the small wonders that make you slow down and really look. We love drifting along the sloping reef, eyes peeled for the tiniest details. Our favourite part is the blend of reef and mangrove. It creates this unique habitat, a nursery for so many species you just don't see elsewhere. Keep an eye out for the Blackbelly Triplefins darting in and out of crevices, or the Threespot Righteye Flounders perfectly camouflaged on the sandy patches. You'll often spot juvenile angelfish, their colours so vibrant they almost glow. The Bicolor Blennies are everywhere, popping their heads out of little holes, watching you. We'd suggest going in the late morning, the light filtering through the shallower parts really brings out the colours of the corals and the activity among the younger fish. It's a gentle dive, perfect for photographers or anyone who appreciates the quieter side of Komodo. Just remember to move slowly, and let your eyes adjust; the true treasures here are often no bigger than your thumbnail.