Loh Namu

Loh Namu is a reef dive site on the western side of Komodo Island, its sheltered bay setting offering a calm alternative to the park’s more exposed sites while delivering solid reef diving with good fish diversity and the opportunity to encounter sharks and turtles in comfortable conditions.

Overview

Situated in a bay on the western coast of Komodo Island, Loh Namu benefits from some protection from the dominant current directions that blast other park sites. The reef descends from a shallow coral crest to sandy bottom at around 18–20 meters, with a good variety of coral types across the slope. The site is well-suited to intermediate divers looking for a relaxed experience with quality marine life, and it serves as a useful option on days when the park’s main current sites are too challenging for a mixed-experience group.

Site Information

• Location: Komodo National Park, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia (western Komodo Island)
• Entry Type: Boat dive
• Site Type: Reef
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate
• Maximum Depth: 28 meters
• Typical Visibility: 12–20 meters
• Current: Light to moderate; sheltered from main tidal flows
• Best Time: April to November

Marine Life

The reef supports a typical Komodo species mix in a more relaxed setting. Green and hawksbill turtles are regular sightings. Reef fish communities are healthy: parrotfish, surgeonfish, and various wrasse species graze the coral throughout the dive. The sandy bottom areas host blue-spotted ribbontail rays resting under ledge overhangs. Moray eels occupy crevices in the coral matrix. Occasional whitetip reef sharks are spotted resting on sandy patches. The bay’s calmer conditions make it attractive for juvenile reef fish, making the shallower sections productive for close-up fish photography.

Dive Profile

Descend to the base of the reef slope at 15–20 meters and work around the bay following the reef edge. The moderate conditions allow a relaxed approach — spend time on the sandy patches looking for small critters before ascending through the coral-rich mid-slope. Finish the dive in the shallows for an extended exploration of the reef crest.

Entry and Exit

Boat access from liveaboard or day trip. Standard giant stride entry and ladder exit. The sheltered conditions make entry and exit straightforward in most weather.

Tips and Recommendations

• A good site for consolidating buoyancy skills in moderate conditions before tackling the park’s advanced current dives
• Check sandy patches and rubble areas for blue-spotted rays and flatfish
• The bay can be an excellent night dive option — protected from swell and featuring nocturnal reef species
• Combine with nearby Indihiang for a varied western Komodo day
• Bring a macro lens alongside the wide-angle for critter opportunities

Safety Considerations

While calmer than most Komodo sites, currents can pick up around the bay’s headlands. Keep the group together and monitor conditions. Always carry an SMB. Be careful with buoyancy near the coral structures on the upper slope.

Photography

The moderate conditions and good natural light in the bay make Loh Namu an approachable photography site at all levels. Wide-angle captures the reef slope and its turtle inhabitants; macro finds the critters on rubble and under ledges. The clear shallows provide excellent lighting for coral close-ups and fish portraits.

Sources: South East Asia Dreams – Komodo Dive Sites, Indonesialogue – Komodo Diving, Divezone – Komodo. Last updated 2026-06-10.