More Than a Stop: Our Connection with Papagarang Village

A warm welcome from the children of Papagarang as Augustine Phinisi guests arrive ashore

There are places we visit for the view, and there are places we return to because of the people. Away from some of Komodo’s more familiar sailing destinations, Papagarang is a small island where life has long been closely tied to the sea and a place where Augustine Phinisi have had the privilege of returning to time and time again.

A guest spending time with children in Papagarang, one of the simple interactions that often becomes a memorable part of the visit

A Different Side of Komodo

Most journeys through Komodo are defined by extraordinary landscapes: panoramic viewpoints of the hills surrounding the islands, beaches overlooking the turquoise seas and some of the richest marine life in the world. Paparagang offers a whole different experience.

Stepping ashore gives our guests a chance to see another side of the region, one that is shaped not only by nature, but by the communities who call these islands home. It is an experience we have intentionally kept as part of the Augustine journey, particularly because it is still not a regular stop on many sailing itineraries. An experience that is simple and personal.

Augustine Phinisi guests joining a friendly football match with the kids in Papagarang

Guests might find themselves joining a football match with our crew and villagers, reading books with children at the library, helping with an art class, or simply walking through the village and spending time with the people who live there, very often becoming some of the most memorable parts of the trip.

A Relationship That Grew Over Time

Our connection with Papagarang did not stop with bringing guests to visit. Over the years, contributions from Augustine guests have helped us support projects within the village, beginning with the revitalization of its children’s library. That effort later continued with improvements to the local elementary school and health clinic.

Guests who have contributed can return and see what their support has helped make possible. New visitors get to meet the community, use the spaces with the children and understand the place beyond what can be seen from the deck of the ship.

Life Shaped by the Sea

Papagarang Village is home to people from Bajo, Bima, Bugis, and Manggarai, whose lives have historically been closely connected to the ocean. 

Along Papagarang’s shoreline, fishing remains part of the rhythm of everyday life, reflecting the village’s long relationship with the sea

One experience guests can now witness is traditional spearfishing with members of the Bajo community. Freediving without scuba equipment, they enter the water to fish using skills and techniques passed down through generations. 

To some visitors, this way of life may feel strangely familiar. When creating the Metkayina clan for Avatar: The Way of Water, director James Cameron has spoken about looking at indigenous maritime cultures around the world, including Indonesia’s Sama-Bajau communities for inspiration.

Here, however, is no movie set. It is simply everyday life. Boats line the shore, homes sit close by the water, children grow up with the sea as part of their landscape. Experiencing that way of life firsthand adds another dimension to travelling through Komodo.

A glimpse of everyday life in Papagarang, where children grow up with the sea as part of their surroundings

We believe exploring Komodo should be about more than collecting beautiful places. It is also about meaningful moments where you stay a little longer, connecting to the people, and learning more about their cultures. Papagarang reminds us of that every time we return.

It is why, among all the remarkable places Augustine Phinisi sails to, this small village remains one of our favorite stops.