Mawan Dive Site: The Relaxed Manta Cleaning Station of Komodo
Mawan means "Pretty" in the local dialect, and it lives up to its name. Located west of Siaba Besar, this central Komodo gem offers white sandy slopes, vibrant reefs, and Manta cleaning stations where rays can hover for extended periods.
A "Pretty" Place to Drift 🦋
Mawan is a small island with stunning beaches that lead down into a sandy slope covered in rubble and coral bommies. Unlike the fast drift of Manta Point, Mawan often allows for more stationary observation at the cleaning stations in the south, while the north offers a richer coral reef.
- Location
- West of Siaba Besar
- Depth
- 5m - 25m
- Level
- Beginner +
- Current
- Mild to Strong
- Temp
- 27°C - 29°C
- Highlight
- Manta Cleaning
Typical Dive Plan 🧭
We typically drift from North to South, following the reef structure.
We drop in at the north end and let the current carry us along the 8m line over the reef.
We descend to the ridge-filled reef. Keep an eye out for reef sharks and schools of fusiliers cruising the edge.
Drifting south, we hit the slope. This is prime Manta territory, and we circle here to watch them clean.
If Mantas are scarce deeper, we check the shallow rubble. This is also where we hunt for leaf scorpionfish and macro life.
Marine Life Encounters 🦈
It's not just about the big rays; Mawan is also a surprising macro destination.
Reef mantas during long cleaning sessions, plus eagle rays and marble rays.
Mantis boxing shrimp, hairy shrimp, orangutan crabs, and nudibranchs.
Look for leaf scorpionfish swaying in the current and camouflaged frogfish.
Bamboo sharks hiding under rocks, unicorn fish, and whitetip reef sharks.
Nearby Central Komodo Sites 🧩
Mawan is perfectly positioned near these other favorites:
The "Turtle City" of Komodo, located just to the east.
Read Guide →The world-famous pinnacle dive nearby.
Read Guide →Orange soft coral drift dive.
Read Guide →View the full map of the park.
View Map →Relax with the Mantas? 🤿
Mawan is a favorite for divers who want Manta encounters without the intense currents of other sites. Contact us to book your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
It's different. Manta Point is a long drift over rubble. Mawan has nicer coral reefs and offers a more stationary experience if the mantas are at the cleaning stations.
This is the dilemma of Mawan. Wide angle is best for mantas, but the macro life is world-class. If you can, bring a macro setup on a second dive.

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