Taka Makassar

Taka Makassar is a small crescent-shaped sandbank that appears at low tide and disappears when the water rises — so it looks a little different every time you visit.

There are no trees, no buildings, no shade: just white sand, open water on all sides, and a wide horizon. The shallows are clear enough to spot reef fish, corals, and the occasional sea turtle without even putting on a mask. Manta Point is just a short boat ride away, where manta rays are a fairly regular sight.

Most people come for snorkelling and photos — drone shots of the sandbank are hard to beat — but it's also a perfectly good reason to just walk around barefoot for a while. Aim to visit at low tide, and plan your trip during the dry season, roughly April through November. The only way to get here is by boat from Labuan Bajo, usually around two hours depending on the route and conditions.