What's the diving like?
Ripping currents, manta trains, grey reef sharks, and stunning coral walls. Visibility is often 20–30 m, and the water stays around 27 °C.
Why work here?
Komodo attracts seasoned instructors who thrive in adventurous, fast-paced conditions. It’s a hub for liveaboards and advanced diving, ideal for pros who prefer guiding to teaching and who want to sharpen current-handling skills.
When do I apply?
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Peak hiring: May–October (dry season)
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Secondary hiring: December–January (holiday surge)
What's the pay like?
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Instructors (Land-based): USD $700–1,800 / month
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Divemasters: USD $500–1,000 / month + tips.
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Liveaboard Guides: USD $80–120 / day + tips ($2,000–3,000+ / month on back-to-back trips)
Pay varies by season and centre.
What Visa is needed?
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You need a Work KITAS sponsored by your dive centre, which costs around USD $2,000/year. Some shops pay it in full; others deduct small amounts from your monthly wage until it’s covered.
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The legal minimum is an Instructor level for foreign work permits.
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It’s virtually impossible for non-Indonesians to legally work as divemasters in Indonesia.
Visa rules in Indonesia change often. Always verify with the Ministry of Manpower or your dive operator before accepting a position.
What’s the industry like?
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Languages: English (essential), German, and French add value for European guests.
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Dive Focus: Guiding, current-handling, and advanced courses. Limited entry-level training.
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Main Agencies: PADI, SSI, some RAID and TDI liveaboards.
Item | $USD | Local (IDR) |
|---|---|---|
☕ Coffee | $1.50-$3 | 50,000-80,000 |
📱 SIM Card /month | $8 | 125,000 |
🍜 Local Meal | $2.50-$4.0 | 40,000-70,000 |
🛵 Scooter rental /month | $80-$120 | 1.3-1.9 million |
🏠 Shared rent /month | $250-$400 | 4-6 million |
🍺 Beer (bar) | $3-$5 | 50,000-80,000 |
Costs of Living (Oct 2025 avg)
What's life like at work?
Most dive pros do 2–3 dives per day, often on full-day boat trips. Liveaboard crews work trip-by-trip, sometimes 7–10 days continuously. Workdays start early, loading gear, setting tanks, and briefing guests for fast-current dives.
How's life after work?
Labuan Bajo is the main base, with lively cafés, sunset bars, and a tight-knit dive-pro scene. Days off are for island-hopping, freediving, or short treks. Life here is social but relaxed. Evenings tend to end early, ready for dawn dives.
Is it for me?
Komodo suits confident guides and instructors who enjoy challenging conditions and remote living. Perfect for pros who prefer small teams, strong currents, and high-end guests. Not ideal if you want stable year-round work or nightlife.
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