Payong - Komodo

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.

Location
Komodo, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-8.680416, 119.605750

Marine Protected Area: Parc national de Komodo

Best Time to Dive in Komodo

The warmest water temperatures in Komodo occur in November, averaging 30.3°C. The coolest conditions are in August at 27.9°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 29.2°C
  • February: 28.9°C
  • March: 29.4°C
  • April: 29.7°C
  • May: 29.4°C
  • June: 28.9°C
  • July: 28.1°C
  • August: 27.9°C
  • September: 28.2°C
  • October: 29.2°C
  • November: 30.3°C
  • December: 30.2°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Komodo

Nearest Dive Centres to Payong

Marine Life in Komodo

Home to 220 recorded species including 95 reef fish, 92 hard corals, 13 seagrass & algae, 5 sharks & rays, 4 sea cucumbers, 3 clams & mussels.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Payong

Based on average water temperature of 29.1°C, currents 5 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories