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 importantly, Manta cleaning stations where rays 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. We circle here to watch them clean.
If Mantas are scarce deep, we check the shallow rubble. This is also where we hunt for Leaf Scorpionfish and macro.
Marine Life Encounters 🦈
It's not just about the big rays; Mawan is a surprising macro destination too.
Reef Mantas staying for long cleaning sessions, plus Eagle Rays and Marble Rays.
Top class: 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 White Tip 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 the Mantas, but the macro life (hairy shrimp, nudis) is world-class. If you can, bring a macro lens on a second dive.


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