tour to komodo island

5 Best Komodo Island Tours: My 2024 Picks with details

1 Komodo Island Tours Catagories
2.1 Komodo 3D2N Sailing Tour – PRIVATE BOAT
2.2 3D2N Standard Phinisi Komodo Sailing Tour – PRIVATE CABIN OPTIONS
2.3 4 Day Private Komodo Islands Tour – OVERNIGHT BOAT & HOTEL ACCOMMODATION
3.1 One Day Shared Komodo Tour – SHARING TOUR
3.2 One Day Private Komodo Boat Tour – PRIVATE TOUR
4 Komodo National Park Fees 2024
5 Drone Usage at Komodo National Park
6 Best Time to do Komodo Island Tours
7 Travel Tips for Visiting the Komodo Islands & Komodo Island Tours
8 What to Pack for a Komodo Islands Tour
9 Komodo Islands Tour FAQ

LOOKING FOR THE BEST KOMODO ISLAND TOURS? – You’re in the right place!

Visiting the Komodo Islands is an exciting adventure-filled trip that includes, vibrant culture, inspiring scenery and an untouched natural environment.

Padar Island, Pink Beach , stunning sunsets watching the flying foxes at Kalong and seeing the infamous Komodo dragons at Rinca and Komodo Islands, not forgetting the opportunity to swim with manta rays and turtles – These are just a few of the highlights of this epic trip!

phinisi boat komodo island boat tour Komodo Island tour

KOMODO 3D2N SAILING TOUR – PRIVATE BOAT

⛵Completely Private Boat

⛵All Inclusive Private 3 Day 2 Night liveaboard trip

⛵Rinca Island, Padar Island, Pink Beach, Komodo Island, Kelor Island

⛵Snorkelling at Manta Point, Siaba Point, Makassar and Kanawa

woman standing on mast of Komodo boat Phinisi looking out onto ocean and sunset scene

3D2N STANDARD PHINISI KOMODO SAILING TOUR – PRIVATE CABIN OPTIONS

⛵Boat shared with others

⛵Private and sharing cabins available

⛵Visit Rinca Island, Padar Island, Pink Beach, Komodo Island, Kelor Island

Beautiful mountainous and ocean landscapes you see on Komodo trip to Komodo Islands Boat tour in Komodo National Park

1 DAY SPEEDBOAT TOUR TO KOMODO NATIONAL PARK

⛵SpeedBoat tour shared with others

⛵Fast-paced, action-packed day

⛵Visit 6 Destinations: Padar Island, Pink Beach, Komodo Island, Snorkelling at Makassar, Kanawa and Manta Point

⛵Includes hotel transfers, lunch and snorkelling gear

Komodo Island Tours Catagories

OPEN/ PUBLIC (joining/sharing with others on a trip)

PRIVATE (only yourself and your group)

DAY TRIPS (Komodo Island tours from Labuan Bajo for the day)

MULTIDAY LIVEABOARD TRIP ( sleeping aboard the ship)

Best Komodo Island Tours: Multiday Liveaboard Tours

Komodo 3d2n sailing tour – private boat.

Man on Komodo Islands boat tour looking out onto sunset ocean scene on phinisi boat deck komodo islands tour

Escape on this 3-day excursion to the Komodo Islands and explore a world of stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and exciting activities.

⌚3 Days | ⭐4.5 Stars | ⛵Private Boat | 😎Private Tour | BOOK IT ➡️

Board your private vessel for an adventure around Kelor, Rinca, Kalong Padar Punya and Kanawa islands where you’ll have plenty of time to snorkelling with manta rays or swim alongside sea turtles! The real highlight will be seeing Komodo dragons up close and many other species including flying foxes in their natural habitat.

✅Minimum 2 People; Maximum 10 People

✅Trip runs any day of the week

✅2 nights in an Air-conditioned Cabin

✅Includes 3 lunches, 2 breakfasts and 2 dinners

✅ Day 1: 3 stops Kelor, Rinca and Kalong Island

✅ Day 2: 3 Stops – Padar, Komodo Island and Pink Beach

✅ Day 3: Get your snorkel on at Kanawa, Makassar, Siaba and Manta Point

CHECK PRICING AND AVAILABILITY ➡️

PRO’S:

4.5 Star Rating
Clean and comfortable private boat
Private trip = personalized experience
Meals and snorkelling equipment included
Certified English-speaking guide
AC vehicle hotel/airport transfer included

CON’S

Requires a minimum of 2 people
Excludes entry fees for foreign tourists
Excludes entry fees for a weekend surcharge
Tour requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐”Wonderful adventure trip with a dedicated team led by Robert. The boat travelled through beautiful areas, made a bunch of stops, and we relaxed completely. We had a great time seeing Komodo dragons, giant manta rays, deer, buffalo, reef sharks, turtles, splendid corals, and a plethora of fish. The trip is best enjoyed in if one is in good physical condition.” Austin C – (see more reviews)

BOOK THIS TOUR✅

3D2N Standard Phinisi Komodo Sailing Tour – PRIVATE CABIN OPTIONS

Things to do in Labuan Bajo - Kelor Island

⌚3 Days 2 Nights | ⭐3.5 Stars | ⛵Sharing Boat | 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦Sharing Tour | BOOK IT ➡️

Discover the incredible sights and scenery of Komodo National Park on this 3-day 2-night sharing tour . Go swimming and snorkelling in Kanawa Island, Manta Point, Taka Makassar, Pink Beach and Visit Komodo Island, Kelor Island, Kalong Island to see flying foxes at sunset.

✅Minimum 2 People; Maximum 12-14 People

✅4 room types: shared room (bunk beds for 4-5 pax), private sea view room (max 2 pax), private balcony room (max 2 pax), private master room (largest size, max 2 pax)

✅Facilities: Air conditioned room, towel, toiletries, ensuite bathroom

✅Trip runs Friday to Sunday Only

✅ Day 1: Kelor Island, Manjarite Island, Kalong Island

✅ Day 2: Padar Island, Pink Beach, Komodo National Park/Rinca Island and snorkelling at Taka Makasar and Manta Point

✅ Day 3: Snorkelling at Kanawa Island and then back to Labuan Bajo

3.5 Star Rating
13 Verified Reviews
Comfortable Phinisi boat
Only runs from Friday to Sundays

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐”We absolutely loved this trip! The crew was all amazing and made us feel welcomed and were very helpful. We saw same amazing and beautiful spots on this tour. The boat itself was very nice. We spent a lot of time in the living room area enjoying the sail and meeting the other passengers. The food prepared was very good and fresh” Klook User – (see more reviews)

4 Day Private Komodo Islands Tour – OVERNIGHT BOAT & HOTEL ACCOMMODATION

couple standing on Pink Beach Flores Komodo Island Pink beach

This is a unique 4-day excursion on a private boat . Enjoy thrilling snorkelling experiences around Bidadari Island. Head to Rinca Island, home of the captivating dragons. Go explore Pink Beach’s shimmering sands, enjoy more trekking with Komodo Dragons, watch a sunset of flying foxes and snorkelling with Manta rays. Lastly, enjoy more sights of Labuan Bajo including local markets and Batu Cermin mirror cave.

⌚4 Days 3 Nights | ⭐4.6 Stars | ⛵Private Boat | 😎Private Tour | BOOK IT ➡️

✅No Minimum; Maximum 5 People

✅2 nights in beachfront accommodation (with breakfast)

✅Private overnight stay on a wooden boat

✅Includes meals and non-alcoholic drinks on the boat

✅All National Park entrance/guide fees

✅ Day 1: Arrival and Bidadari Island Exploration

✅ Day 2: Komodo Dragons and Kalong Island Adventure and snorkelling

✅ Day 3: Rinca Island Forest Trek, Pink Beach, and snorkelling at Manta Point

✅ Day 4: Batu Cermin Cave adventure, Local Market, and Departure

4.6 Star Rating
22 Verified Reviews
Includes hotel accommodation
Includes all fees
Private boat
No Padar Island or Kelor Island visit
Only allows for a maximum of 5 people per booking
The hotel cannot be selected

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐”We loved spending this cruise with our Guide, Anceni (sorry to miss her first name) aboard the New Komodo and her captain Amin. The boat is no longer new but very comfortable and the crew is adorable. We really recommend this crew and their cook. Fantastic snorkeling spots, impressive encounters with Komodo dragons. The hotel for the 2 nights top. We really recommend this activity, and especially ask the crew of the New Komodo.” Marie-Hélène – (see more reviews)

Best Komodo Island Tours: Day Tours

One day shared komodo tour – sharing tour.

woman standing at the top of Padar island with rock landscape in background and ocean panoramic view of Padar Island

Embark on an unforgettable journey with Bintang Komodo , Visit three islands, Walk with Komodo Dragons, take an incredible hike across Padar Island’s volcanic landscape, swim and snorkel at Manta Point and bask on the sands of Pink Beach.

This is definitely one of the Best day trip Komodo Tours.

✅Shared/Join In Tour (Not Private)

✅Visit Komodo Island, Padar Island & Pink Beach

✅Snorkelling at Makassar, Manta Point & Kanawa Island

✅Inclusions: Lunch, English Speaking Guide, Bottled Water & Snorkelling Equipment

✅Air-conditioned vehicle for hotel pick up and drop off

PRO’S :

5-star rated tour
635 Reviews
Open trip – opportunity to meet new people/ share costs
This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund

CON’S:

5:30 AM start time – you might not be an early riser 😉
Single Komodo Island day trips can feel very rushed and cramped
Group trips have less individualised attention
Must adhere to the group schedule

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐”Incredible tour! First boat to be at every stop and avoid the crowds. Highlights were swimming with manta rays, seeing Komodo dragons, pink sand beaches and epic views.” Carley Rosenberg – (see more reviews)

One Day Private Komodo Boat Tour – PRIVATE TOUR

snorkelling with manta rays on a komodo islands boat tour

Booking a private Komodo Islands boat tour is the perfect way to make the most out of your day and see the most incredible sights of this beautiful corner of Indonesia. This tour includes the major highlights of Komodo National Park and includes snorkelling at some epic locations.

✅Private Trip

✅No minimum persons, but 5 persons maximum

✅Professional Tour Guide (Multiple languages available)

✅Rub shoulders with Komodo Dragons at Komodo Island, Get the ultimate Instagram shots at Pink Beach, summit the most beautiful landscape and enjoy panoramic views at Padar island

✅Snorkel at Manta point, Taka Makassar and Kanawa Island

✅Inclusions: Speedboat, Packed Lunch, bottled water and snorkelling gear

Private tours allow for customization of the trip
Private Airconditioned car for Hotel Pick up and Drop off
English Speaking Guide (German, Spanish, Japanese and French Speaking Guides also available)
Snorkelling equipment included (mask and snorkel, fins & life jacket)
5:00 AM start time
A single-day trip can feel rushed
Komodo National Park fees are not included (for local or foreign tourists)
Ranger fees are not included for KNP and Padar island
Not wheelchair accessible

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐”I was doing this tour to see some Komodo Dragons, Because this was a private tour, I was able to customize the trip order and we also spent more time on Komodo Island itself. Most tours go to Padar first and then Komodo, but we were able to go to Komodo first, while it was still quiet and the dragons were active. I encountered no other tourists there for the first 90 minutes, which was great. I saw three big dragons, so I was very pleased!” Graham H – (see more reviews)

Looking for more Komodo Islands info:

📖 READ: How to Choose the Best Komodo Island Boat Tour: Everything to Consider + My Recommendations

📖READ: Planning a Perfect Komodo Trip: Your Guide to the Komodo Islands

📖READ: Where to Stay in Labuan Bajo: 20+ Seaview Hotels with the best views

📖READ: 20 Best Things to Do in Labuan Bajo: Island Hopping, Dragons and More

Komodo National Park Fees 2024

There have been a lot of discrepancies when it comes to the additional fees needed to visit Komodo National Park on Komodo Island tours. Even when doing my own research, I’ve come across various figures and I am honestly not 100% sure whether all are necessary, but regardless I’ll list them below:

⚠️ IMPORTANT NOTE: ALL KOMODO NATIONAL PARK FEES MUST BE PAID IN CASH TO THE KOMODO NATIONAL PARK TICKET OFFICE

What I can say from all my research and discussion with tour providers is that the fees will be between IDR 450 000 IDR to 600 000 IDR per person per day (depending on the number of people on the boat) , This is in addition to your Komodo Tour package. There still is currently no fixed information on the Komodo National Park Website, but you can refer to https://www.floreskomodoexpedition.com/ for more information on the transparency of the fees

Drone Usage at Komodo National Park

Aerial view of Padar Island in Komodo National park taken with drone photography

I recently found information from a tour agent that there is a drone use fee for Komodo National Park :

“Drone usage in KNP is Required to purchase a ticket at the National Park Office in Labuan Bajo. You have to buy a drone ticket 3 days before the trip. The cost of the ticket is IDR 1 000 000″

So this amount will be in addition to your Komodo island Tours package. I highly recommend mentioning when booking your tour if you are bringing a tour and checking the fees and payment situation with your tour company.

Best Time to do Komodo Island Tours

sunrise and ocean views at Padar Island Flores Komodo National Park

The best time to visit Komodo National Park in Indonesia depends on your preferences. If you’re looking for warm temperatures, sunny skies, and less rain then the dry season (May-October) is ideal.

However, if you prefer cooler temperatures and are willing to brave some showers then the wet season/rainy season (November-April) may be more suitable.

The water is usually calmer and clearer during the dry season, making it ideal for swimming and snorkelling.

But if you’re more interested in wildlife spotting then the wet season may be better as many species are more active during this time.

TRAVELIST TIP: We visited in October which was the best of both worlds for snorkelling and wildlife spotting. I would likely suggest visiting Komodo Island before October though for the most ideal experience.

Travel Tips for Visiting the Komodo Islands & Komodo Island Tours

Close up of Komodo Dragon on Komodo Islands trip

1. When booking a tour, be extremely thorough in knowing what your itinerary is and what is included/ excluded. Whether you are on an open or private trip it’s essential to ensure you bring along the relevant cash, and items needed for your trip and aren’t surprised by any hidden costs or lack of equipment

2. Insect Repellent is a must! In Labuan Bajo I was extremely surprised at the number of mosquitos, this isn’t so much on the open waters, but if you head on land, be sure to coat yourself to prevent mosquito bites etc.

3. If you’re pressed for time Komodo Island day tours are a great way to see the popular spots of the Komodo Islands, however, it can feel incredibly rushed and super tiring . I highly recommend the multiday liveaboard Komodo islands tour to really see the unique destination at an easy pace and the experience of cruising and island hopping on a boat is pretty epic too.

4. If you’re on a day trip, bring along a towel and change of clothes, it gets hot and you’ll defs be up to jump into the waters to cool down and see some amazing creatures in the ocean

5. Bring along Cash (in local currency Indonesian Rupiah) – for your Komodo National Park entrance fees and if you’re looking to buy additional snacks/drinks on some of the beaches/ snorkelling islands you’ll need to pay in cash as there aren’t any ATMs in Komodo National Park

6. Dietary requirements: in a number of tours I’ve seen they don’t cater for vegetarian or vegan options. In this regard, you may want to stock up on your own food/snacks to ensure you don’t go hungry. On our tour, however, there were a number of vegetable dishes, so even if you just ate rice and a vegetable dish you wouldn’t go hungry.

passengers on Komodo Islands Boat tour eating food for lunch on Boat deck

7. Sailing and Boat trips require good weather . You’ll see on a number of tour provider websites that tours can be amended or cancelled due to poor weather conditions. Please check with your tour provider what their refund/rescheduling policies are to avoid any nasty surprises.

8. Day trips to Komodo Island also usually involve getting a packed lunch – I’ve seen on a number of reviews that many people have not been impressed with their packed lunch. On the liveaboard trips – all food was actually made fresh on the boat or caught (seafood) whilst we were on our excursion). Again I strongly suggest when in Labuan Bajo make sure to visit the mini marts/ supermarket to bring along your own food/snacks if you are a picky eater or want your own bits to snack on – we did

9. Certain tours may involve a one-night stay at a hotel either during or prior or after your trip. Check with your tour provider whether this is included.

TRAVELIST TIP: Our trip began at 8 am on a Friday – unfortunately there were no flights early enough to reach Labuan Bajo before the tour so we had to fly in on Thursday and stay one night before the multiday liveaboard tour. There are plenty of hotels in Labuan Bajo and they also have incredibly gorgeous sea views. >> Check out my post on the Best Seview Hotels in Labuan Bajo if you need a hotel stay during your trip

Komodo Trip Phinisi Boat used for Liveaboard Komodo islands tours

10. Please be aware that wooden boats offer a traditional sea-faring experience , prioritizing authenticity over modern amenities (all boats have a toilet, shower and rooms with aircon/fans). While comfort levels may vary, passengers can expect a rustic ambience as they explore Komodo National Park. This is obviously not the case for luxury yachts. None of the tours listed above are luxury yachts.

What to Pack for a Komodo Islands Tour

man sitting on rock a top Padar Island viewpoint

Swimwear for swimming, beach lounging and snorkelling. This is definitely to be packed whether you’re on a Komodo day trip or a multi-day liveaboard trip

Snorkelling Gear Depending on whether your tour provides this or not, you might want to bring along your own if you have a preference or check that your tour provider has the relevant life jackets, snorkel, mask and fins if you need them. I also tend to use aqua boots when snorkelling in coral areas where I don’t need fins, so bring those along if you’re the same 🙂

Closed shoes for the Padar Island hike. If you’re someone who feels they can manage the trek up the Padar Island rocky terrain in sandals – then good on you. Although all the trails in Komodo National Park aren’t technical I definitely had a preference for closed shoes on the Padar island trek as well as up the short steep trek on the Kelor Island summit.

Sunscreen and Mosquito repellent – for pretty obvious reasons. For the mosquito repellent, I just bought the Soffell (Indonesian brand) one I found in a mini-mart in Labuan Bajo but I strongly suggest bringing your own (sunscreen and mosquito repellent if you have a preference and what works for you.

Light quick dry clothing . Indonesia is a hot place. I found that light airy clothing worked best for me and I did not ever really get cold whilst on the boat (for the liveaboard trip) in the evenings I felt a shawl, swimsuit cover-up, and pashmina were sufficient. If you get very cold easily maybe bring a jersey.

Bring a waterproof bag for any electronic devices and camera equipment you might have with you or for your trips off the boat to hold your towel, change of clothes etc.

Komodo Islands Tour FAQ

Yes, there are Komodo Island tours from Bali. Check out this Bali Komodo tour: 3-Day Komodo island Tour with or without Roundtrip Flight From Bali . Should you plan Komodo tours from Bali? Yes, sometimes there might not be a direct flight from your destination to Labuan Bajo. So you’re likely to fly from Bali to Labuan Bajo and begin your tour from LB.

The Komodo island tour price in Indonesia will depend on the length and type of trip you book. Generally, Komodo island tour packages for day tours cost around $50 to 150 USD per person, while multi-day expeditions can range from $200 to $1000 USD per person. Prices may also vary depending on the season, the number of activities included, and other additional amenities or how luxurious the experience or boat is. For more detailed pricing information, it’s best to contact the tour operator directly. It is also important to note that Komodo Island tours may require special permissions and fees for certain activities, so be sure to inquire about them beforehand.

I’ve compiled an entire post about How to Choose the best Komodo Island boat trip including, what facilities the boat should have, pricing etc. It can feel pretty overwhelming at first glance to visit Komodo island National Park so Check out the post here

The closest airport to the Komodo Islands is Komodo Airport in Labuan Bajo, Flores Island . The most common way to get there is to take a flight from Bali directly to this destination. There are also ferries available from Bali and other nearby islands, however, they tend to be more time-consuming and unreliable. If you’re coming from another part of Indonesia, then you may need to take a connecting flight or ferry to reach Labuan Bajo. Once you arrive in Labuan Bajo, you can arrange a boat tour to the Komodo Islands.

Although visiting the Komodo islands from Labuan Bajo is the main attraction, there are a number of things to do in Labuan Bajo. I’ve written a full detailed post on the 20 Best Things to do in Labuan Bajo which includes: – Cunca Wulang Waterfall and Cunca Rami Waterfall – Ranco Cave – Snorkelling and Diving in Labuan Bajo – Traditional Indonesian Village Culture: Wae Rebo , Kampung Melo and Todo village – City and Seaviews at Bukit Cinta Viewpoint – Sunset Cocktails in the city – Labuan Bajo Fishmarket – Mesa Fishing Village – Batu Cermin Cave – Sembilan Island

Affiliate Disclosure : Some of the links in the article have affiliate links, what this means is , if you click a link and make a purchase I may earn some money to buy a coffee (whoohoo!) . Thanks for the support, I’d love to keep making this content freely available to all. As always opinions and thoughts remain my own.

If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, a Komodo Island boat tour is definitely worth considering. From vibrant coral reefs to rare wildlife encounters, these tours provide the perfect opportunity to explore this unique part of Indonesia.

So book your tour today and get ready to discover the wonders of Komodo! And once you do, don’t forget to share your experience and photos with us! I’d love to hear all about your adventure.

Komodo Island Indonesia: Travel Guide For The National Park

The Komodo island in Indonesia is famous for being home to the beastly Komodo dragons (the world’s biggest lizard), and it’s an incredibly scenic place with lots of other ‘bucket list’ travel experiences.

The UNESCO designated Komodo National Park has dozens of islands with white and pink sand beaches , exotic mountains for trekking and coral reefs for diving, and it’s the only place in the world where you can see Komodo dragons up close in the wild and get your picture taken with them!

Since Indonesia is our second home, we’ve done the Komodo island tour a bunch of times over the years and it’s always amazing. One of the great things about Komodo’s gateway town, Labuan Bajo, is that it’s not far from Bali and it’s easy to reach with a short flight from there.

Komodo Island is currently open for tourism in 2024! There was some talk by the Indonesian government about drastically raising the entrance fee for foreign tourists, but that idea has officially been called off, so now is a great time to plan a visit.

This Komodo island travel guide and map will explain how to get there, where to stay, what to do, best tour packages, and everything else you need to know before you go!

Komodo Island In Komodo National Park Indonesia

Where Is Komodo Island?

Komodo Island is part of the Komodo National Park, a group of tropical islands located just off the coast of Flores, in east Indonesia.

The park’s three main islands are Komodo, Rinca, and Padar , but there are lots of smaller ones too, so it’s the perfect place for island hopping!

The closest city is the fishing town of Labuan Bajo in Flores, which has its own airport and plenty of hotels and restaurants to enjoy in between visits to the park.

Komodo Island Dragon In Komodo National Park Indonesia

Komodo dragon island!

How To Get To Komodo Island Indonesia

The only way to visit Komodo Island and the rest of the national park is on a boat tour from Labuan Bajo, where the airport is located. You can’t fly to Komodo Island directly.

There are a bunch of flights to Labuan Bajo airport (LBJ) every day from Bali, with a 1 hour flight time and several airlines offering ticket prices as low as $40 USD.

Getting to Komodo island from Bali is easier than ever now that AirAsia flies between them several times per week. You can also fly to the Labuan Bajo airport from Jakarta, Surabaya, or Ende. You can shop for flights to Labuan Bajo on Skyscanner.

Once you get to Labuan Bajo, it’s possible to book a boat tour to Komodo Island at the harbor, or you can book a day tour online (more on that later).

The Komodo islands are located about 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Labuan Bajo as the crow flies, and the journey normally takes 3 hours with a slow boat, or less than half that with a speedboat.

You can knock out all the top sights of Komodo National Park (including the dragons) in one full day tour, or it’s possible to stay in a liveaboard boat and spend several days sightseeing!

How To Get Around The Komodo Islands

The three boat types for exploring the Komodo islands are slow boat, speedboat, or liveaboard boat.

Slow boat is the cheapest option, and it’s commonly used for day tours, but you do waste a lot of time in transit because it’s just so darn slow. Speedboat is much faster and more efficient, but it’s quite a bit more expensive.

Liveaboard tours can also be pricey, but it’s a unique experience where you get to sleep in a cabin and spend several days sightseeing and enjoying more of the sights in the park.

Book Now: Komodo Liveaboard Tours / Day Tours

Where To Stay In Komodo

There are no hotels in Komodo island. All of the hotels and accommodation are in the nearby town of Labuan Bajo.

You can find hotels and accommodation in Labuan Bajo to suit all budgets, from backpacker to luxury. However, it’s a little bit more pricey than Bali on average, because the development hasn’t quite caught up to the number of tourists coming here.

We’ve included some of our Komodo hotel recommendations below.

Labuan Bajo Hotels

Seaesta Komodo Hostel & Hotel

Plataran Komodo Beach Resort

Bayview Gardens Hotel

Sunset Hill Hotel

Best Things To Do In Komodo National Park

• padar island.

The most scenic viewpoint of Komodo Indonesia is on the small island of Padar. It’s a short 30 minute hike to the top, and you’re rewarded with probably one of the best views in Southeast Asia.

This is like a Jurassic Park landscape. The island has a giant X shape, with three bays where you can see a white beach, black beach, and pink beach.

Each of those sand colors is pretty special in itself, but to see all of them in one place is crazy. This is probably the only place in the world where you can witness that!

Even though Padar is one of the smallest islands in the Komodo National Park, this scenic viewpoint has become a famous natural landmark of Indonesia, and it’s even been featured on the 50,000 Rupiah cash note.

• Pink Beach

The Komodo islands are home to several pink sand beaches! The color comes from tiny organisms in the coral called foraminifera.

Pink beaches are very rare, and there are only a handful of them worldwide. The one with the brightest color is hidden in a bay on the north side of Padar Island.

These unique beaches are a must see when you’re visiting Komodo National Park.

• Komodo Dragon Trek

Of course the main attraction of Komodo Indonesia is getting to see the dragons themselves in the wild! The Komodo National Park is the only place in the world where you can do this.

For this part of the tour, you’ll go ashore at one of the two main islands where the dragons live in Indonesia (Rinca or Komodo Island) and do a short trek looking for dragons while accompanied by a park ranger. The trekking path is flat and suitable for all fitness levels.

For sightseeing purposes, there’s not much difference between Rinca Island or Komodo Island, and many tours use these locations interchangeably. There are plenty of Komodo dragons living on either island.

You’re almost guaranteed to see at least a few dragons (after all, it’s Komodo dragon island), and with the guide’s help you can even take pictures with them! It’s an amazing experience getting to see these animals up close in the wild.

Komodo Dragon FAQ

How big are they? Adult Komodo dragons can be 3 meters long (10 feet) and weigh more than 140 kilos (300 pounds). The males are bigger than the females.
Are they venomous? I think the jury is still out on that. Some research has shown that the Komodo dragon bites may be dangerous because of venom or bacteria.
How do they hunt? Komodo dragons can smell blood from almost 10 kilometers (6 miles) and they can run in bursts of speed up to 20 kilometers per hour (12 mph). Truly dinosaurs!
What do they eat? A mix of deer, boars, monkeys, birds, goats, wild horses, and water buffaloes. Their favorite food is the deer (Javan Rusa). They can also be cannibals sometimes and eat other dragons.
Do they attack humans? Yes, but rarely. The dragons don’t think of us as food. Less than a dozen people have been killed by them in the past 50 years, and all of the victims were locals at the village on Komodo dragon island, living in close proximity to the animals.
Do they breathe fire? No, the dragons can’t breathe fire, but the first Dutch explorers in the Komodo islands believed that!
Are there Komodo dragons in Bali? No, there aren’t any wild Komodo dragons in Bali. You can see captive dragons at the Bali Bird Park or Bali Safari Marine Park , although I think it’s a much better experience to see the dragons in their natural environment on the island of Komodo or Rinca. Bali does have monitor lizards, which look kind of similar to Komodo dragons, but they’re smaller.
Are there Komodo dragons in the Galapagos islands? No, there aren’t any Komodo dragons outside of Indonesia except in zoos. The lizards in the Galapagos islands of Ecuador are marine iguanas, not Komodos. Totally different animal. They’re much smaller and tamer.

Komodo Trekking FAQ

Is it safe? Yes, just stay close to your guide and you shouldn’t have any issues. The only tourists that have ever been attacked by dragons were trekking alone without a guide.
Can I visit during my period? Yes, menstruating women can still visit Komodo dragon island (even though the dragons are good at smelling blood), but you’re supposed to tell the park staff so your guide can be more careful.
How long is the trek? There’s a short, medium, long, or adventure trek. If you’re on a day tour (island hopping), then you’ll probably only have time to do the short or medium trek (both less than 1 hour) before you’re whisked off to go see the manta rays or pink beach .
How easy is it to see dragons? You’re practically guaranteed to see dragons, even on the short trek, because there are thousands of them living on Komodo and Rinca. I’ve done the trek a bunch of times, and I saw lots of dragons every time. You can also spot them on the beach sometimes. Photo ops galore!

Are the dragons sedated? No, the dragons are absolutely not sedated! The reason they lie around motionless sometimes is because they’re digesting a big meal or resting after a hunt. You’d want to sleep too after eating an entire deer. The dragons are most active in the morning, but like to chill in the middle of the day.
Can I touch them? No way! The photos in this travel blog where we’re up close with the Komodo dragons are perspective pics. We kept a healthy distance from them and definitely didn’t touch them.
What else can I see? If you’re lucky on the trek, you can also see Komodo nests, baby dragons, rare birds, snakes, spiders, and more. Snake species include the spitting cobra and island pit viper. It’s way more than just a Komodo dragon island.
Do I need to tip? Tipping isn’t customary in Indonesia, but if your guide takes good pictures for you then a small tip is certainly appreciated. The guides on Komodo dragon island are not paid very much.

More Things To Do In Komodo

Kalong Island: Also known as bat island, if you go here at sunset you can see thousands of fruit bats flying through the sky.
Manta Point: Amazing spot where you can swim with giant manta rays in the ocean. They’re a little shy but not dangerous at all.
Taka Makassar: This is a small crescent shaped sandbar near Manta Point. Taka Makassar has perfect white sand and crystal clear water.
Gili Lawa Darat: One of the most remote spots in Komodo Indonesia since it’s located on the northwest boundary of the park, just off the coast of Komodo dragon island. It has a hill that’s great for sunrise.
Kelor Island: A lot of Komodo tours stop at this island since it’s close to Labuan Bajo. It has a hill you can climb for a nice view of Flores island.
Private Island Resorts: For private island resorts near Komodo, you have your choice of Le Pirate Island , Sebayur Island Resort , or Kanawa Island Resort .
Scuba Diving: Komodo Indonesia is famous for its world class snorkeling and scuba diving. You can see bright coral reefs and lots of underwater wildlife here.
Labuan Bajo: Don’t forget to spend some time exploring the town of Labuan Bajo and its surroundings. There are a bunch of good things to do near Labuan Bajo. I’ll be covering those separately from this Komodo Island travel guide.

Snorkeling at Sebayur Island

Le Pirate Island — you can camp in bungalows on this private island for very reasonable rates!

Pulau Kelor Island Drone Labuan Bajo Komodo Park

Drone pic at Kelor Island, one of the popular stops on Komodo tours.

Komodo Island Map

Here’s a Komodo island map showing all the dive sites and main areas of interest. You can click on the image to see it bigger.

Komodo dragons can only be seen on Rinca or Komodo Island. The town of Labuan Bajo (top right) is where all the restaurants and hotels are concentrated.

Komodo island map

Is Komodo Open Or Closed?

In 2019, the government of Indonesia announced plans to close Komodo Island for the year of 2020 in order to work on conservation and rehabilitation. The idea got a lot of backlash, though, so they decided to reverse it at the last minute.

A lot of the locals in Komodo and Labuan Bajo survive off of tourism, so closing it is a tough proposition for them. To be honest, the islands do need better conservation, but I’m not sure if that means they need to be closed completely. Trash cleanup could be done regardless, and some of the places need it.

As it turns out, the Komodo National Park was closed anyway for almost 6 months in 2020 because of the covid pandemic, but the park reopened in August 2020. We visited the islands again in 2021 and had a wonderful time.

Tourism activities at Komodo were temporarily stopped again for two days in August 2022, because of strikes related to the Indonesian government trying to dramatically increase the park entrance fees.

You can read more about this in the section below. However, thankfully, the government relented and decided not to raise the park fees at this time, so everything is back to business as usual.

As of 2024, Komodo Island is officially open for tourism!

Komodo Entrance Fee

The Komodo National Park has a confusing ticket system with a bunch of different entrance fees that you pay in a small booth at Padar. Here are some of the main fees:

National Park Entrance Ticket (Mon-Sat): 150k IDR ($10 USD)
National Park Entrance Ticket (Sundays & Nat. Holidays): 250k IDR ($17)
Retribution For Recreation & Sports: 100k IDR ($7)
Padar Entrance Ticket: 150k IDR ($10)
Komodo Ranger Fee: 120k IDR per group up to 5 people ($8)
Komodo Hiking Fee: 5k IDR ($0.30)
Komodo Wildlife Observation Fee: 10k IDR ($0.70)

When you total everything up, you can expect to pay up to 500k Rupiah ($37 USD) per person for a 1 day park pass that allows you to do the highlights of Komodo National Park.

These ticket prices are current as of 2024 , but they seem to go up every year. There’s no discount for children or KITAS/KITAP holders, either, which is pretty lame. The least they could do is make the tickets last 3 days or 1 week so they have more value.

I think the price is still worth it for the outstanding nature you get to see at Komodo Indonesia, but if they keep raising it then it may start getting unreasonable. For comparison, a U.S. National Parks annual pass costs not much more than this, but gives you access to 400+ national parks for 1 year.

New Entrance Fee? (2024)

In June 2022, it was announced that Indonesia was planning to raise the Komodo entrance fee to 3.75 million Rupiah ($250 USD) per person, and limit park visitors to 200,000 per year.

This change was originally supposed to take effect on August 1, 2022, but it was met with a large scale protest and strike by the local tourism workers, which forced the government to cancel the plan for now .

Most tourists who visit Komodo are not ultra rich, and to make a major change like this with such short notice was very inconsiderate of park visitors and most likely would’ve been a death blow to the local businesses in Labuan Bajo as well.

Thankfully, the Indonesian government reconsidered this plan and decided not to raise the Komodo entrance fees, and the boat trips and all other tourist activities in Komodo National Park resumed like before.

Near the end of 2022, there was some more talk about raising the Komodo entrance fee excessively, which was supposed to happen on January 1, 2023. However, the Indonesian news reported that this plan has been canceled once again.

I’ll update this Komodo travel guide if we get any more new information. I think it’s very unlikely any big price changes will happen, because the locals really depend on tourism. For now, tourists are welcome in Komodo like always, and the prices haven’t changed!

Other Tips For Labuan Bajo & Komodo

ATM: There are lots of ATM choices scattered around Labuan Bajo town. BNI worked great in our experience.
Credit Cards: Some places accept card now, but many don’t. It’s good to keep a bit of cash handy for meals, taxis, and such.
WiFi: A lot of hotels in Labuan Bajo still have weak WiFi connections, but they’re improving every year as the infrastructure catches up to the massive influx of tourism.
Cell Service: Telkomsel has good 4G reception in Labuan Bajo, Komodo, and even some of the intermediate islands. We used this for a hotspot at times when we didn’t have good WiFi.
Restaurants: There are lots of good places to eat in Labuan Bajo. Some nice restaurants to check out are Green Cherry , Baccalá , and La Cucina . We also liked Ayam Bakar Primarasa , near the airport.
Transportation: Labuan Bajo town on Flores is small and easy to get around. You can rent a scooter all day for 75k Rupiah ($5 USD), or take a taxi around town for 50k per trip.
Language: The locals in Flores and Komodo speak Bahasa Indonesia, and a little bit of English that they’ve been able to pick up from tourists. English proficiency isn’t nearly as widespread as in Bali, so be patient and come prepared to explain things by pointing or showing pictures.
Religion: The island of Flores is mostly Catholic, but there’s also a significant minority of Muslims in Komodo, and there are several active mosques in Labuan Bajo. When I visited Labuan Bajo in 2018, there was a mosque using a noisy loudspeaker at all hours of the day and night, but when we last visited in 2021 we didn’t hear any mosques, so maybe the local authorities have asked them to turn down the volume. In any case, if you’re a light sleeper then it’s a good idea to bring ear plugs with you to Labuan Bajo in case there’s a noisy mosque at night.
Mosquitoes: According to this Lancet study from 2018, Malaria cases are rare and decreasing in Flores and the Komodo islands. I’ve never heard of a tourist getting Malaria from mosquitoes in Komodo. We didn’t take malaria pills on any of our Komodo trips, but it’s still a good idea to wear repellant while out and about, just to be safe.
Drones: The Komodo park rangers don’t allow anyone to fly a drone at Padar Island anymore unless you pay an exorbitant fee of 1 million Rupiah ($70 USD). No prior application is needed, you just pay the fee in cash on the spot, and then they let you fly. There are some ways to get around this if you’re creative.

Javan Rusa (deer). The favorite meal of the dragons.

Best Time To Visit Komodo

The best time to visit Komodo Indonesia really depends on what you’re looking for.

You can see the dragons all year round. Prime diving season is March to October. High season for Komodo National Park is July to August, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable, but the park is also more crowded with tourists.

The climate in Komodo tends to be drier and more sunny than other places in Indonesia, like Bali. The main months to avoid for Komodo Island are December to February, when Indonesia has its rainy season and the weather is not very good for sailing or trekking. Generally the only reason to go in these months would be to avoid the crowds.

The grass color at Komodo changes with the seasons. It’s green in the tail end of the rainy season (January to April). By April or May, the grass color starts to turn yellow. In the summer and fall (July to November), the islands are bone dry and the grass is all brown. The pictures in this Komodo travel blog were taken in early March.

The scenery and dragons are honestly spectacular in any month of the year, so regardless of when you go, you’re sure to have a very memorable trip. Happy travels!

Sunset in the Komodo islands

Best Komodo Island Tour / Day Trip

If you’re looking for a vetted tour company for visiting Komodo Island Indonesia, here’s a top rated Komodo National Park day trip with Klook starting from Labuan Bajo.

This speedboat tour includes the top sights in Komodo like Padar Island , Pink Beach , and the Komodo Dragon trek, and their prices are very competitive based on what we’ve seen being quoted for similar tours in Labuan Bajo. The online reviews are positive too.

We’ve used Klook for lots of tours and activities around the world, and they’re great! Highly recommended.

Book Now: Komodo Island Tour / Day Trip

Where To Stay In Labuan Bajo

Future of komodo tourism.

The future of Komodo tourism is still uncertain. I’m happy Indonesia has opened the park for everyone to enjoy, and I’m glad it’s given employment to the locals, but further development of the islands could become a problem.

There’s been some talk of a ‘Komodo dragon park’ or luxury resort being built on Rinca Island, for example, which seems like a very bad idea.

Komodo dragons are amazing animals. They’re already endangered, and their habitat is very limited. I hope Indonesia will do the right thing, and choose conservation over greed, so we can continue to enjoy this place for many years to come.

More Things To See Near Komodo Indonesia

There are lots of other great things to do near Komodo Indonesia if you have time.

On mainland Flores island, you can visit the Goa Rangko Cave in Labuan Bajo, and then do an overland tour of Flores from west to east and see sights like the spiderweb rice fields, Wae Rebo traditional village, Mount Inerie volcano, and the turquoise volcanic lakes of Mount Kelimutu .

The Kelimutu National Park has a trio of colorful volcanic lakes in central Flores, and you can see it without doing any hiking. The lakes are known to regularly change colors (to blue, green, pink, or brown!) because of changes in the underlying gases and elements.

Alternatively, if you want to skip the Flores road trip and just go directly from Komodo to Kelimutu , you can fly directly from Labuan Bajo to the Ende airport (ENE) and visit Kelimutu from there. That flight takes 1 hour and costs about $60 USD.

In spite of the lack of publicity and infrastructure, Flores is definitely one of the best places to visit in Indonesia!

Read More: Best Islands To Visit In Indonesia

Kelimutu Lakes Volcano Drone Flores Indonesia

Kelimutu National Park is one of the most spectacular sights on Flores island

My Indonesia Travel Guide

Thanks for looking! I hope you enjoyed this travel guide for Komodo Island Indonesia.

Seeing dragons on the Komodo tour was one of the best parts of our visit to Flores, Indonesia.

Don’t forget to check out my complete Indonesia Travel Guide with more free tips, info, and photos!

Most Beautiful Indonesian Islands – Best Places To Visit In Indonesia
Indonesia Beach Guide – Best Beaches In Indonesia
Best Hikes In Indonesia – Volcanoes, Jungles, & Waterfalls
Best Things To Do In Indonesia – What To Do In The Islands
Indonesia Waterfall Guide – Best Waterfalls In Indonesia
Indonesia Travel Guide – Tips, Info, & Photos

The Complete Guide to Komodo National Park (How to Plan a Komodo Island Tour)

last Updated: February 10, 2024 indonesia komodo labuan bajo

FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. I’ll receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which I’ll totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. As always, thanks for the support.

Headed off to see the dragons of Komodo National Park and looking for the best Komodo tour package? We just got back a few months ago, and I have to say, you’re in for a real treat. Dragons, rusty-red volcanic hills, coral reefs, pink sand beaches, glassy turquoise waters… yeah, you’ll see why I’m semi-obsessed with this group of islands in Indonesia already.

Everyone visits Komodo National Park in Indonesia to see one thing and one thing only – the dragons. And for good reason – Komodo’s the only spot in the world to meet them! But what many don’t realize is that the Komodo islands are oh so much more than these giant monitor lizards.

In our 3 days on our Komodo island tour, we swam and snorkeled in crystal clear turquoise waters, jumped into the Flores Sea from our two-story boat, watched millions of bats fly overhead at sunset, hiked up ~1,000 steps for the most spectacular sunrise views, and wandered/relaxed around pink sand beaches.

Headed off to Komodo National Park and looking for the best Komodo island tour package? Here you'll find a complete guide - everything you need to know when planning your trip!

We watched the sunrise and sunset in the same day, woke up to luminous blue waters surrounding our boat, drank fresh fruit juice at every meal, and forever gazed at green volcanic mountains jutting out of the sea.

To say our Komodo trip was nothing short of spectacular is an understatement – heck, we kiiiinda loved Komodo even more than we loved Bali ( and we fell head over heels for that place ).

There’s just something to be said about waking up to gentle waves, sailing to new islands and sandbars every few hours, witnessing the most dramatic sunset, and sleeping beneath the brilliant stars on comfy bean bags come nightfall. And then doing it alllll over again the next day.

Komodo National Park’s even been selected as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, along with already being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And this diverse location in Indonesia surely deserves all its accolades and then some! It’s downright dreamy.

However, planning a trip to the Komodo islands can be all kinds of confusing. If you follow my advice you’ll be visiting a whole slew of islands in the National Park, not just Komodo (which is the main island and the largest of them all).

After reading this lengthy guide (I know, I know, I’m beyond wordy), I hope it’s the one and only Komodo island blog post you’ll need to plan your trip. Am I missing something? Please let me know down below in the comments! I write these guides for you guys to have the best trip possible!

***Note that the Indonesian government will temporarily close Komodo Island in January 2020 to help preserve/protect the remaining dragons, with no reopening dates announced just yet. HOWEVER, don’t fret, ONLY Komodo Island will close to tourists (and thankfully not the entire National Park, there are numerous other islands).

You can still see Komodo dragons on Rinca Island (where we went), as well as visit all the other islands we visited (including Pink Beach, Padar, Kanawa, etc). We didn’t even go to Komodo Island on our Komodo tour (nope, not even once!). So yes, this means you can still take the same trip I did and see the same exact sights.

Komodo Trip Planning Logistics

Where is komodo national park anyways.

If you gave me a world map a few months ago, I wouldn’t have been able to tell you in the slightest bit where Komodo Island could be found. And to tell you the truth, I didn’t even know it was in Indonesia (facepalm; I can’t be the only one).

Now I can thankfully not only give the general vicinity of Komodo, but I can pin-point its exact location as well. How’s that for progress?!

If you haven’t figured this out by now (no judgements), Komodo National Park is part of the Indonesian archipelago.

It’s located between Lombok and Flores, and is a few islands east of everyone’s favorite, Bali. The park is comprised of three main islands: Komodo, Padar, and Rinca (you’ll probably visit all 3 on your Komodo tour), as well as 26 smaller, less frequented ones.

When to Visit Komodo

Komodo essentially has two distinct seasons – the dry season and the rainy season.

This comes as no surprise, but you’ll want to visit Komodo National Park during the area’s dry season , occurring between April and December. The weather is pretty much perfect – not toooo hot, and with very little to no rain whatsoever. If you’re hoping for that lush greenery on the volcanoes, plan a visit between April and June, as you’ll find comfortable temps, cool, fresh air at night, and calm seas.

Do note that it’s technically most crowded in July and August, although we didn’t feel this much (except for our sunrise trek up Padar Island).

A visit during the rainy season (December to March, with February being the peak of monsoon season) will result in rainy, wet days, making walking paths uncomfortably muddy and difficult to trek around. Heavy rainfall, strong wind, and big waves are common, so avoid this time if that doesn’t sound your like idea of fun.

And thankfully, no matter when you visit, you can see Komodo dragons. Do note that July and August is the height of Komodo mating season, meaning you may witness a male dragon fighting to get attention from a female. We actually saw two dragons mating, although they were doing their thang in private under a large structure, so we couldn’t really see much of the action. :p

Another dragon was guarding her eggs, although I don’t really know why they do so since they’re known to eat some of their young anyways!

How Long to Stay in Komodo

Many travelers opt to spend a few nights on a Komodo tour. We slept two nights on a liveaboard boat, and another two nights in Labuan Bajo (1 night before the Komodo island tour and one night afterwards), making our total trip 3 days (5 if you include arrival and departure days) and 4 nights.

And trust me – 3 days in Komodo is the perfect amount of time to witness the sunrise and sunset from the deck of the boat, numerous times. However, we could have stayed an extra few nights, it was that comfortable!

With all that being said, I think spending 2 and a half days will suffice, especially if you booked yourself on a fully equipped Komodo tour package which takes you to the best spots in the National Park (like we did). We were thankful we had a ½ day to relax at our resort (the oh so beautiful Ayana Komodo ) after trekking around in the hot hot sun for a few days.

And if you’re a serious diver, you’ll probably want to spend an extra day or so doing your thing, as Komodo is a haven for all kinds of underwater life. We unfortunately don’t our scuba certs, so I can’t report much on all things diving for ya.

How to Get to the Komodo Islands

Note that if the Komodo Islands are your final destination and you aren’t interested in spending a few days (or more) in Bali, you’ll first need to get yourself to Bali anyways.

Komodo National Park is roughly an hour flight plus a 2 hour boat ride away from Bali, and although it’s kiiiinda a pain to get to, it’s 1000% worth it, and then some. Keep reading, you’ll see.

Coming from Bali → By Far The Best Option

If you’re headed to the Komodo Islands from Bali like we were, it’s easiest to hop on a quick 1 hour, 15 minute flight over. You’ll need to get yourself to Labuan Bajo on Flores Island, the main gateway to Komodo National Park.

Thankfully, there’s heaps of daily, nonstop flights available from Bali (DPS) to Labuan Bajo Airport (LBJ) on Flores Island. We ended up on a flight with NAM airlines for about $100 roundtrip, but note that there are also direct flights on Wings Air and Garuda Indonesia as well.

And trust me – that flight over to the Komodo Islands will be one of the most scenic you’ll ever experience (atolls and reefs every step of the way, especially once you get closer to the National Park). Don’t give up your window seat for just anyone — I had my eyes peeled to the glass the whole time!

Once you’re on Flores situated in Labuan Bajo, the Komodo Islands are just a quick-ish boat ride away.

For visual learners like myself: Bali airport (DPS) → flight to Labuan Bajo (LBJ) on Flores Island → taxi into town → boat to Komodo Islands

Psst: you can actually take a ferry over to Flores from Bali, but a 36 hour trip through treacherous waters doesn’t sound very appealing to me.

Coming from Lombok → Possible, but not the best choice

If you’re coming from Lombok, you’ll also find flights as well, although many make a stop in Bali (kinda silly, but that’s airlines for ya). After doing a bit of research, it looks like there’s ONE direct flight on Wings Air per day, so snatch that up if you’re able to (check LOP → LBJ).

If you really prefer not to head back to Bali and can’t catch a nonstop flight, you can also take a 24 hour bus/ferry combo (ouch), or a 4 day/4 night snorkeling boat trip (with conditions which I heard aren’t all that great). Just come from Bali if you can. 🙂

How to Get Around Komodo National Park

*Psst: There are only a handful of hotels on the Komodo Islands (which get booked up quite far in advance), and you’re only allowed to visit Komodo Island with an official guide and park ranger.

Meaning you’ll absolutely 100% NEED to book a tour (this isn’t a DIY type of trip, although there are Komodo tours for all price points). There are plenty of options for staying in Labuan Bajo, don’tchu worry.

You’ve basically got two options when it comes to touring around Komodo National Park. And no, since Komodo National Park is an archipelago (a group of islands), you cannot drive around yourself (ha!).

Option #1. Basing yourself in the town of Labuan Bajo (the main gateway for the park) and taking day trips to the different islands of Komodo.

If you’re choosing this option I’d highly recommend finding tours ahead of time and getting yourself on those. I mean, how often are you gonna be visiting Komodo National Park? Might as well get on the exact ones you want, right?

If you’re more of a last-minute planner (I most definitely am not), you can show up in Labuan Bajo and book tours directly in the town itself once you arrive, but there’s no guarantee your preferred dates will be available. My advice? Just book tours ahead of time for some peace of mind.

Tours to check out beforehand:

Best of Komodo Island Hopping : You’ll 100% want to do a full day Best of Komodo tour (like this one or this one ), as they go to a bunch of the hot spots, including Padar Island, Pink Beach, Kanawa Island, Taka Makassar, and of course, Komodo Island. If you only have time to do one tour during your time in Komodo, make it this one .
Sunset tour at Kalong Island : Watching the flying foxes/bats (by the millions I might add) fly overhead at sunset is just one of those “must do” things in Komodo. Don’t miss it (book here).
Komodo Diving : And if you’re a driver, definitely check this out . The underwater life in Komodo is just teeming with excitement – it’s a known hotspot for divers!
Cave Tour on Flores Island : If we had extra time I would have definitely wanted to take this cave tour on Flores Island near Labuan Bajo. There’s always a next time for us, but you can check it out now! And be sure to report back and lemme know how it is!

Option #2. Finding a Komodo island tour, inclusive of meals, island hopping, snorkeling equipment, and of course, accommodation on the boat .

This is essentially a complete Komodo tour package (meaning you don’t have to worry about a thing once you get yourself to Labuan Bajo). Most of these Komodo tours are 3 days and 2 nights, but you can easily find one for 1 or 3 nights instead, depending on your interests and time availability. Komodo island tours vary in price, with the average being approximately $100 or so per day.

Psst – As you could have guessed after reading about me gushing about the boat so much, we chose the second option and absolutely loooooved it. I can’t imagine staying in Labuan Bajo and missing out on boat life! For reference, we chose a 2-day/3-night liveaboard, and felt like it was the perfect amount of time.

And now for some not-so-fun-yet-highly-necessary stuff:

Malaria pills: Unlike Bali and other parts of Indonesia, you’ll want to talk to your doctor about taking malaria pills if you’re planning a trip to the Komodo Islands, as malaria is quite common in these parts of the country. Key words: talk to your doctor (I ain’t a doc and I don’t pretend to be one).

We both chose to take malaria pills – we figure, better to be safe than sorry (and plus, I typically get eaten alive, although I only managed to get a handful of mosquito bites on our trip #notcomplaining).

Vaccinations : The CDC states that all travelers to Indonesia should be up to date on routine vaccines (MMR, tetanus, chickenpox, pollo, flu shot).

In addition, it’s also wise to get the Hep A, Hep B, and typhoid vaccination as well (some of these are good for years, so if you plan to do a lot of traveling to other undeveloped countries, you’ll probably need them there – might as well get them now and keep yourself protected always). As always, talk to your doctor.

Water : Do note that you absolutely cannot drink the water in Labuan Bajo or the Komodo area in general; you’ll find that all hotels/restaurants and Komodo tours provide fresh drinking water (either bottled or from large treated water jugs).

Because of the unsafe water, Bali belly is quite common – which is just a fancy name for food poisoning. We had no problem while in Labuan Bajo or with the food on our liveaboard. You may want to ask your doctor for a prescription of Ciprofloxacin for serious travelers diarrhea in case you find yourself with any disturbing stomach issues. We always pack immodium as well, just in case.

Travel insurance: Yes, you need this. I always recommend purchasing travel insurance before your trip. You never know what might happen (flight delays, lost baggage, illness), and travel insurance definitely helps with all of those unfortunate unexpectancies.

I highly recommend the company SafetyWing . I’ve recently been buying coverage with SafetyWing since they cover pandemic-related costs (which most travel insurance companies do not do).

Whenever we travel, we always buy a short term plan (depending on how many days/weeks we’ll be away) before leaving for any trip! Even if you don’t end up using it, peace of mind is 100% worth it in my opinion. Find plan options and pricing here (and at only a few bucks a day, there’s no excuse not to!) I always say, if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford your trip. It’s that easy.

Dragons : I can’t have a safety section and not mention the dragons. I mean, they’re called dragons for a reason .

However, fear not; visiting them on Komodo Island isn’t as scary as I initially perceived it to be – we casually strolled around (with an official park ranger of course) and saw the dragons lazing on the grounds, caring about us humans for less than .2 seconds. It was actually a bit anticlimactic to tell you the truth (yet still terrifying at the same time).

Their diet mostly consists of deer (and other large-ish mammals like the water buffalo – yup!); however , Komodo dragons also occasionally attack humans, which is why it’s oh soooo very important to do EXACTLY WHAT YOUR GUIDE SAYS. With shark-like teeth and poisonous venom, a bite from a Komodo dragon can kill a person within hours.

I don’t say this to scare you (or deter you from visiting), I just want you to understand the significance of not following directions. Just stay with your guide at all times and you’ll be golden. 🙂

A Note for the Ladies: You may wanna plan your trip around your cycle/period/menstruation (whatever you wanna call it). The dragons can smell blood from miles away, and are more prone to attack. If you can’t alter your plans to fit around this time of the month, be sure to ask your guide/park ranger the best course of action.

It’s possible they may advise to skip a visit to see the dragons. This may seem silly, but it’s no joke! Komodo dragons occasionally attack humans, although this is relatively uncommon (and guides will use all precautions to keep visitors safe). I’m pretty sure one girl on our trip was on her period (I overheard her talking to our guide), and she said it was ok to come along.

While no one will be checking of course, I’d highly advise you to disclose this information to your guide just in case.

An Extra Note on the Komodo Dragons

Can’t visit Komodo National Park without hanging out with a few dragons, right?! These dinosaur-esque looking creatures are endemic to the Komodo Islands and are a very rare species, meaning you can’t see them anywhere else in the world! There are about 5,700 dragons left in the wild, and they’re all over here in this stunning part of Indonesia.

Being the largest and most lethal lizard on Earth, they can weigh as much as 300 pounds, with some growing as long as 10 feet! The dragons are not only carnivorous, but cannibalistic as well! Since the dragons are known to eat their young, not many survive, which is a prime reason for their endangeredness.

As noted earlier, Komodo Dragons are dangerous creatures, so be sure to stay with your guide (always) and follow all their safety instructions. Below are clear instructions we were given:

Never look a Komodo dragon directly in the eye
Keep your head down
Stay together with your group (at all times)
One ranger leads the group while another is at the back end
Walk only on the specified trail
Never go to the bathroom alone

Where to Stay on Labuan Bajo

If you’re planning to book a liveaboard Komodo tour like we did (sleeping on the boat and all that jazz), you’ll need to sleep in Labuan Bajo the night before. You don’t really have a choice, as flights don’t arrive early enough and you definitely won’t make it there by ferry in time. Since the Komodo tours start pretttyyyy early in the morning, getting to Flores island and Labuan Bajo in particular the night beforehand is a must. Don’t wanna miss your boat!

We decided to check out two different spots on Labuan Bajo → one before our Komodo tour package started (Le Pirate), and one once the Komodo island tour was finished ( Ayana Komodo ).

I planned it quite strategically, staying at the less expensive option the first night (since we were planned to arrive in Labuan Bajo around sunset and were getting picked up early the next morning – meaning not much actual time to enjoy the hotel) and a much more lux spot the last night (when we knew we would have much more time to actually enjoy the amenities).

Le Pirate Labuan Bajo: That first night before the Komodo tour started we stayed at the simple Le Pirate Labuan Bajo, which turned out to be a-okay, especially considering it cost about $60 a night and had a rooftop bar and pool (we saved our pennies for the resort afterwards).

It was that first night we witnessed our first Komodo sunset – and it was absolutely surreal. SO. MUCH. COLOR. All from the roof of our little hotel. There are dorm style rooms and private rooms to choose from.

Ayana Komodo : Once the trip was over, we checked into the Ayana Komodo , and it was by far one of our favorite hotels on our entire trip to Indonesia .

Besides the stunning infinity pool overlooking the exquisite Waecicu Beach, the design was exceptional, the cuisine superior, and the service unparalleled (everyone here’s so warm and friendly). And it’s basically brand new – it first opened its doors in September of 2018.

Again, that sunset view! I swear we witnessed more golden sunsets in Komodo and Labuan Bajo than elsewhere in the world. If you’re looking for top notch (in terms of amenities and location), check out the Ayana Komodo , as it’s the only 5 star resort in Labuan Bajo. We loooooved it, and I don’t say that lightly (plus, I’m always keepin’ it real over here so you can be sure you’ve got our honest opinions).

Just beware – if you do decide to spend a night or two at the Ayana, don’t book any of their tours – they are ridiculously overpriced (FYI).

Other accommodations options in Labuan Bajo include Bintang Flores Hotel , Plataran Komodo Beach Resort , and The Jayakarta Suites Komodo Flores , but in all reality, I think we chose the best two (and trust me, I did tons and tons of research, like I always do before any big bucket-list trip).

What to Bring on any Komodo Tour

Thankfully, if you book a Komodo liveaboard tour like we did, you won’t need to pack any camping gear, cookware, or other heavy nonsense. The boat provides all that and more. Do be sure to ask your specific tour operator what specifically is needed, as I’m sure all don’t provide the luxuries we had on board. However, there’s a few things you will most definitely want to bring/be aware of when packing before visiting the Komodo islands!

First of all, you’ll want to pack on the lighter side . The planes to Labuan Bajo (for Komodo) are quite small, with a lighter luggage allowance than most other flights. With that being said, you can always pay for extra baggage, which is what we had to do since my husband brought along a full-size suitcase (he’s not as swift at packing for 2 weeks in a carryon like I am).

If I remember correctly, the prices were more reasonable than other times we needed to upgrade baggage. The bigger bag was fine on the boat, but I wouldn’t suggest bringing more than one suitcase per person. Most people on our liveaboard brought backpacking backpacks.

A few recommended items : a strong mosquito repellent, high SPF reef-safe sunscreen (to protect the fishies and coral of course), medicine for seasickness (we don’t suffer from seasickness, but if it’s your first time sleeping on a small-ish boat you may want to bring some dramamine just in case – we did), bathing suits, hiking shoes/sneakers for trekking (we both brought Tevas), and high-quality camera gear (photo spots alllll around, you’ll see).

Things to do in Komodo National Park

It’s hard to get bored in Komodo. There’s stunning beaches, colorful coral reefs, and exotic wildlife every corner you turn. Below are the most popular things to do in Komodo National Park, and exactly what we did on our few days in the area! Don’t miss any of them (I’d be hard pressed if I had to eliminate one or two).

Hike up Kelor Island, take in the views, then go swimming

Kelor is kinda the perfect island – there’s hiking, crystal clear water, sandy beaches, and coral underneath the surface.

Kelor Island was our first stop on our Komodo tour, and we trekked up the hill right away! To be honest, it was much more difficult than I had initially thought (read: steep), although others were breezing right by me. And plus, I get a tad nervous (okay, I’m scared shit) when hiking down on loose gravel/sand, so I did the crab walk for the better portion of the way back (ha, ha, ha).

BUT the views more than made up for my dirty bum. Just look! And we didn’t even make it to the very tippy top (although the rest of our group who hiked did – some stayed at the surface enjoying a bit of extra beach time)!

If you’re gonna trek up, I highly advise you do so in proper shoes with a good grip (my husband and I wore tevas); others in our group wore sandals but they obviously had much more hiking experience than us.

You can also go snorkeling here, but our guide noted that there was much better snorkeling nearby which we’d be doing soon anyways. After the quickish hike, I searched for seashells and swam in the shallow waters near the shore.

Meet the Dragons (on Rinca Island and/or Komodo Island)

Imagine standing next to a Komodo dragon. In the wild. Yup, it’s a terrifying and utterly fascinating experience all at the same time. I was petrified (just like I was of the monkeys in Bali ). But you absolutely cannot visit this group of Indonesian islands and not hang with the largest lizard in the world (fun fact)!

Komodo Island National Park is the only spot on planet Earth where Komodo dragons call home (all 5,700 of them). And once you make it the area, you’ve got a few islands to choose from, particularly Komodo Island and Rinca Island. Yes, it’s a little confusing, but Komodo is also the name of a specific island as well (although when many say they’re headed to Komodo Island they mean the area in general).

So which one to visit? Well, you can always visit both, but we just visited Rinca and found our experience to be satisfying enough (hey, more time for the beach, right?).

While you can easily spot dragons on both islands (with a guide, of course), there are a few main differences.

1) The amount of time it takes to get there – Komodo Island is reachable in about 4 hours from the mainland of Flores (originating from Labuan Bajo), whereas Rinca is significantly closer, taking roughly only 2 hours.

2) The number of dragons on the island (with the largest population existing on Komodo Island with roughly 1,700, with Rinca coming in as a close second with approximately 1,300).

If I had to choose just one, I’d pick Rinca.

Since Rinca is less impacted from tourism, you’re much more likely to spot the dragons in their natural habitat (a reason why Komodo Island is shutting its doors to visitors soon). The island is completely undeveloped, making it the perfect home for exotic and dangerous wildlife (hence the dragons).

On Rinca there are 3 main trekking paths to choose from; we chose the shortest trek (roughly 20-30 minutes) and saw a dozen or so of these 300ish pound monsters along with a spectacular view out to sea. And with Rinca’s extreme heat, I doubt you’ll be able to handle a much longer trek (we were dripping).

Regardless of which island you end up visiting, you’ll be walking through the bush in search of the Komodo dragons with a guide (always!) and armed only with a stick. We also saw a water buffalo lurking behind some trees, which was quite shocking to say the least! Do note that venomous snakes frequent the area, so be sure to stay on the path and always watch your step.

Snorkel with sea turtles

If there’s one thing I make sure of on any tropical trip, it’s including some time to snorkel with the sea turtles! And thankfully, not only did our Komodo tour include some great snorkelling spots, but green turtles and hawksbill turtles are quite plentiful in coral reefs in Komodo! Your guide/tour will know great spots to jump outta the boat for a good snorkel, so fingers crossed you see a few of these beauties yourself!

If you’ve never swam with a sea turtle before, you’re in for a real treat. There’s just something so majestic about these (larger-than-you-realize but) graceful creatures swimming below the surface.

And please oh please – do not attempt to chase/feed/pet/play with a sea turtle. Our touch is dangerous to their sensitive turtle shells, potentially causing disease and other harm.

Pro tip for spotting the sea turtles: While seeing animals in the wild is never guaranteed, there’s a few tricks you can use to increase your chances. First things first, you’ll wanna swim to where the edge of the reef meets the open ocean. Turtles seem to congregate over in these parts, and you’ll have a much higher chance of seeing them over here!

And just remember, turtles need to come to the surface for air every so often, so keep your eyes peeled all around you! You can see them resting on the sea bed, swimming up for a breath, and just casually hanging around. Patience!

Witness millions of bats overhead at Kalong Island

What’s more insane than watching a swarm of thousands upon thousands of the world’s largest bats fly overhead at sunset? People actually call them flying foxes they’re so big! It’s a pretty surreal experience, despite sounding extra odd (haha).

Our guide anchored our boat some distance from the island, and we just couldn’t peel our eyes away from the sky full of bats! I mean, just look at these photos! Absolutely spectacular!

Where do the bats come from anyway (yes, I wondered about this too)? Kalong Island is covered with mangrove plantations which is where hundreds of thousands/millions of these bats live. Once dusk arrives each and every day, the bats leave their roost (where they rest during the day) and head for their feeding grounds on the mainland.

It’s really a magnificent spectacle. Be sure to book a Komodo tour package which includes this experience, it’s just like being in the pages of National Geographic.

Fun tidbit: Kalong actually means bat in the local language, which makes perfect sense all things considered!

Hike up Padar Island for Sunrise

Set your alarm clock, because we’re waking up early (as in 4am or so)! If there’s one thing you can’t miss on your Komodo tour, it’s the spectacular sunrise trekking on Padar Island. The views are by-far outta this world insane. BUT it comes at a grueling price – about 1,000 steps or so straight up the mountain!

It’s quite a steep hike, and was quite challenging to reach the top, but not impossible by any means.

I even wore sandals (with a strap on the back though, which really helped)! Just so you’re aware, the first few sets of wooden and then stone steps are safe, but then, near the top, they’re pretty crumbled and/or non-existent. You may want to grab your hiking shoes instead, which I probably should have done. Also a wise idea to come equipped with a water bottle and sunscreen!

However, WHEN you climb to the summit makes a huge difference. Since there’s little shade on the entire trek, come as early as possible (before sunrise) to not only avoid the crowd, but the intense heat. Yes, it was still blistering hot on our way down, but I can’t imagine trekking up with that scorching sun shining down on us nonstop.

I’m guessing it took us roughly 25-30 minutes to reach the top, including a few photo breaks. (Heading back down was way easier despite the heat).

Once you reach the top, you’ll get a grew view of this island dreamscape below – a full panoramic view of all of Padar. Those photos you see on IG are real – 3 turquoise bays, each with different colored sand (a rare combo of sparkling white, charcoal black, and baby pink sand beaches). We then watched the sun rise above the horizon, making the ground a soft golden hue, before taking about a million and 5 photos.

Do note if you visit just after the rainy season (visiting between April to June), the mountains will be much more lush and green. We visited in July and the land was dry and brown, albeit beautiful, to say the least.

Relax at Pink Beach

Striking pink sands. Clear turquoise waters. Endless blue skies. Rolling green hills. I can go on and on. This idyllic spot has got to be one of the most spectacular places I’ve ever been. In my life . Yeah, yeah, I already deemed San Blas and the Zapatillas worthy of that title, but after visiting Pink Beach (and Komodo in general), I think they’ve been booted of the #1 spot.

And yes, my pink-obsessed friends, Pink Beach does in fact have pink sand; why else would it be called that?! The unique color is formed by crushed shells of microscopic single-cell sea creatures (called Foraminifera – whoaaa science). When you combine these small flecks of red shell with fine white reef sand, you get a soft pink tink! And trust me, you’ll notice the rosy hue even before getting off the boat, as it’s visible from the water.

There are actually quite a few different pink sand beaches in Komodo National Park, but any experienced guide will know the best spots to take you for that fine, fine pink tinted stuff. What to do once you get there? You can either relax, swim, and play in the waters like we did, and/or go snorkeling (the reefs here are booming with sea life).

Be sure to take some photos of this natural phenomenon – it’s not everyday you find yourself digging your toes into pink sand! We definitely took our fair share…

Go swimming with Manta Rays at Manta Point

Imagine crossing paths with a giant Manta Ray; what a magical, remarkable, mind-blowing experience. And no, you don’t even need to go diving to see them as these gentle giants play right on the surface! Definitely bring along your GoPro!

→ Learn my secrets for taking underwater photos here.

Unfortunately the weather didn’t cooperate during our Komodo trip (it was a bit windy making the tide too rough), so fingers crossed you’ll get better conditions! Of course safety is the number one priority on any Komodo tour package (as it should be), but to say I was bummed we missed out on this is a complete understatement! Next time!

Wander/Swim around Taka Makassar

Absolute perfection. This tiny blip of white sand in the Middle of Nowhere, Indonesia will surely help live out all your beachy postcard dreams. The sand and sea of Taka Makassar is surely on par with the blues of Bora Bora (can’t believe I’m admitting that), and I kinda wished we had brought along a few Bintangs or some fresh watermelon juice to shore!

Yes, this banana-shaped sand bar is small – you can walk from end to end in about 5 minutes or so! There’s a bunch of coral lining the sand and water, so be careful! Tons of photo ops here, so don’t forget your camera.

Sunset at Sebayur Island

Can there ever be enough sunset hikes during a Komodo island-hopping trip? Nope! Thankfully there’s a bit of shade of here, so you hopefully won’t be heading up in the heat!

And just so there’s no confusion, there’s actually two Sebayur Islands, differentiated by their size. I’m honestly not sure which one we hit up, but it was either Sebayur Kecil (small) or Sebayur Besar (big).

Psst: we didn’t actually make it up. We didn’t even make an attempt. It was a last minute decision and we were all waaaaay too tired, so we watched the sunset from the boat, and it was perfection. My husband hiked up the next morning for sunrise and he said it only took about 5 minutes, so there ya go, shouldn’t be too hard.

Snorkel and relax at Kanawa Island

Before we headed back to Labuan Bajo, we made a pit stop at the fairytale island of Kanawa. Being only 15km or so from Labuan Bajo in Flores, it’s a great first or last place to hit up on any Komodo island tour itinerary.

We lounged and played in the water while others snorkeled. You’ll see – the water is soooo crystal clear you can even see the fish from above water! And if you’re lucky, you may see a few starfish in the shallow water near the jetty. There are apparently some sea urchin so be careful when walking in the water!

Our Komodo Trip

Our Komodo trip was an overdose to the senses: think crystal clear waters, giant bats flying overhead, stunning views everywhere we looked, and brightly colored corals beneath the surface.

I’ve decided to give you an overview of our entire Komodo tour package so you get an accurate representation of all you can see and do within a short time period. As noted earlier, we chose a 2 night/3 day Komodo island tour, and felt this was the perfect amount of time to explore the islands and take advantage of the boat.

Do note that we slept in Labuan Bajo the night before the tour, and the night after the tour, making our time in the area 4 nights (2 nights in hotels, 2 nights on the boat).

Here’s how our entire Komodo trip went down:

Our Komodo Island/Labuan Bajo Itinerary:

Day 1: We arrived to Labuan Bajo in late afternoon, took a quick taxi ride to town and checked into Le Pirate right before sunset. Not wanting to miss our first Flores sunset, we headed up to the rooftop bar straight away for some dinner and much-needed drinks.

Day 2: We got picked up by Travass Life the next morning around 9, transferred to the boat, had some welcome snacks and fresh fruit juice on board, and set sail! First activity: a hike to the top of Kelor island for our first Komodo National Park views and some relaxation time on the beach/go in water/look for shells.

Rinca island was next, for a short trekking loop to see Komodo dragons (!!!), then we anchored the boat near Kalong Island to watch the bats overhead at sunset.

Day 3: Today was a super early day, as we did the sunrise hike at Padar Island. After the trek we spent a fair bit of time at Pink Beach and Taka Makkasar, then spent the rest of the afternoon jumping off our boat and snorkeling in the crystal clear waters of Komodo.

Day 4: On our last full day in Komodo, we relaxed at Kanawa Beach, enjoying the bath-like waters and searching for seashells. After one last liveaboard lunch, we arrived back in Labuan Bajo around 2pm, making our way to Ayana Komodo around check-in time (3pm).

Since we were utterly exhausted from the last few days of Komodo adventures, we hung at the pool and relaxed, before witnessing one of the best sunsets of our lives.

Day 5: We woke up early to take full advantage of the stunning Ayana Komodo, before making our way back to Bali in the early afternoon. PHEW, what a few days!

The Boat and our Full Komodo Island Tour Package

After doing an insane amount of research (as I always do), we ultimately decided to book our Komodo tour package with Travass Life. The itinerary included everything on my Komodo bucket list and then some, and promised delicious sounding Indonesian hot meals, fresh fruit juices multiple times per day, and a personal photographer with a DRONE.

We were shocked that meals consisted of freshly caught fish, juicy watermelon and dragonfruit (among other exotic fruits), healthy veggies, and enough variety so we never got bored of boat food, as well as snacks throughout the day; and nope, we never went hungry.

We were lucky that the company’s spankin’ new boat was juuuuust finished right before our trip, and we got to sail on the fully-equipped Papiton (which was an absolute dream).

Our boat consisted of 12 passengers and a handful of crew members, all sharing a few rooms and 3 bathrooms. My husband and I opted for a private room with a comfy full-size bed, and I was in awe of our space on the boat. The deck area was large enough to fit all of us comfortably, with bean bag chairs and chaise lounges for relaxing during our island hopping adventures.

Are you planning a trip to the Komodo Islands any time soon?! What are you most excited for?

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September 16, 2020 at 2:21 pm

Thanks for this post. It's inspired me to venture from Bali to Komodo when we go next year 🙂 I'm even looking into Trevass Life for our liveaboard experience.

September 17, 2020 at 7:03 pm

You'll have the best time, promise! It's such a stunning set of islands!

April 20, 2022 at 11:36 am

Hi! I am wondering if this company (Travass life) had you wire them money for the payment? I have never paid like this before, so I am a little worried about it. Please let me know if you can! I really appreciate your blog and am using it a lot for my upcoming trip to Indonesia!

Thank you 🙂

April 20, 2022 at 2:58 pm

I just took a look in my emails and it looks like we were able to pay via PayPal (after asking them) — I’d ask if you can! Komodo was absolutely GORGEOUS and I can’t wait for you to go! Glad my blog is helpful! You’ll love Indonesia; we’re dying to go back!

November 17, 2022 at 9:24 am

How did you find the accommodations on the boat? Do you know which boat of theirs you were on?

November 17, 2022 at 10:02 pm

We had a full size bed and it was pretty comfy! A shared bathroom. Way better than we had thought it’d be! I’m not sure exactly what boat we were on, but it was definitely on the newer side and we loved it!

April 19, 2023 at 5:44 am

Hi Jess – thanks for writing about your experience and your trip in such detailed way. I quite enjoy your style of writing! I have couple of question: how was the boat itself? was it air conditioned? how were the bathrooms? private per room? I have also read that the shared/semi-private trips only depart on certain days of the week. is that true? My wife suffers from migraines and having an air conditioned room will ensure us not ruining our trip. We were able to get a room in one of the accommodations on the islands closer to the national park and were thinking of doing the day trips they offer. But now after reading your blog, I am second guessing myself 🙂

April 19, 2023 at 12:11 pm

So glad the you enjoyed the post! If you can, I highly recommend the 3 day/2 night sailing experience. By taking day tours, you will be essentially losing out on a lot of time, and we felt sleeping on the boat and looking up at the stars was an experience second to none. The company we used (Travass Life) has quite a few boats, so I would highly recommend reaching out to them to check for exact accommodations (air conditioning, bathrooms, etc). We were lucky that we were on a brand new boat — I do remember we had a shared bathroom, but a couple who picked a different room had a private bathroom upstairs. Definitely ask them; such a great company and we loved our entire experience and would definitely do it again!

July 1, 2023 at 9:25 pm

We stopping at Komodo Island for just one day on an P & O cruise, how do we book tickets with a park guide to see the dragons. The ones that i have seen all come from mainland, where as we just want to book a park ranger so we can get off the cruise ship and see the dragons. Any help would be very much appreciated.

July 11, 2023 at 9:41 am

Hmm.. I really don’t know! I’m sorry I can’t be helpful! 🙁

November 23, 2023 at 4:13 am

I love your blog. It’s full of details and beautiful pictures. Thank you. Now I wanna go. Great job!

January 20, 2024 at 10:59 pm

Komodo really is a special place! And oh so beautiful! Highly recommend it!

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Komodo Island Tours: 9 Best Options to Book Your Trip!

Komodo National Park is a place where adventure meets natural wonder. It’s probably high on your bucket list and as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s absolutely worth visiting this breathtaking Indonesian archipelago. Komodo Island tours by boat are the only way to visit the stunning scenery of the National Park. Having visited Komodo National Park previously, in this post, I’ll let you in on what I learned and what boat tours are the best to book to get the most out of your experience!

Komodo National Park

Padar Island

Komodo National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site . It’s a place of natural wonders and a sanctuary for biodiversity. Located in Indonesia’s Lesser Sunda Islands and a part of East Nusa Tenggara, this extraordinary destination spans over 1,700 square kilometers.

Its rugged landscapes are home to the legendary Komodo dragons, remarkable creatures that have roamed the Earth for millions of years. Beyond these mighty reptiles, the park boasts crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant coral reefs, exotic marine life like manta rays, and mesmerizing underwater vistas.

Stunning pink beaches, lush forests, and breathtaking viewpoints create a complete picture that will surely leave you spellbound!

Most captivating sights in Komodo National Park

There are a few sites in Komodo National Park that you’ll definitely want to visit. You’ve probably seen photos of these sites on Instagram profiles or many bloggers and I can assure you: Yes, they are as beautiful, maybe even more, witnessed in real life.

Here are the most popular sites in Komodo National Park!

Padar island

Padar Island, Komodo National Park

Padar Island is one of the most popular sights inside the Komodo National Park. Despite its small size, this island packs a punch with its diverse landscapes and spectacular panoramic views.

Hiking to the island’s highest peak rewards you with a surreal vista of three picturesque bays. Turquoise waters touch the pristine white-sand beaches, while rugged hills are shrouded in lush greenery. As the sun sets, Padar Island transforms into a magical wonderland, painting the sky gorgeously pink.

Komodo Island

Komodo Island is one of the prominent jewels of Indonesia’s Komodo National Park. It is, together with Rinca Island, one of the native habitats of the remarkable Komodo dragon.

This island offers a rare opportunity to witness these legendary creatures up close. Beyond the dragons, Komodo Island will spoil you with beautiful rugged terrain, rolling hills, dense forests, and stunning viewpoints.

Rinca Island

Rinca Island is the second largest island in the park. It is home to a thriving population of Komodo dragons, allowing you to observe them in their natural habitat.

Trekking through the island’s varied landscapes, including grassy savannahs and lush forests, offers a chance to encounter not only Komodo dragons but also an array of other wildlife species such as deer, monkeys, and birds.

Pink Beach, Komodo National Park, Flores, Indonesia

Stop at Komodo Island Tours: Pink Beach

Pink Beach is a natural marvel on Komodo Island. As its name suggests, this beach boasts a unique pink color, created by a mix of white sand and red coral fragments. The sight of the glistening pink shoreline against the backdrop of turquoise waters is breathtaking.

Snorkeling or diving in the surrounding coral reefs is possible and you will discover a vibrant underwater world, teeming with colorful fish and marine life.

Manta Point

Manta Point is a dive site within the Komodo National Park. It is one of the best places in Indonesia to see the majestic manta rays.

Diving or snorkeling at Manta Point is included in every tour. The site’s strong currents attract plankton, which in turn attracts these gentle giants, but do note that sightings are not guaranteed.

My experience visiting Komodo National Park

Before I get into the various tours that are recommended to visit Komodo National Park, I would like to let you in on my experience visiting Komodo National Park.

Having visited the National Park on a day trip, looking back, I wish I would have done things differently. As a solo traveler on a budget, I didn’t have a big pile of money to spend and I found that multi-day tours didn’t fit my budget.

However, looking back, I truly regret this. Visiting Komodo National Park is probably a once-in-a-lifetime experience and one day is simply not enough to explore all the beauty of this natural wonderland.

During my trip, we visited the most important sights inside the national park. I’m happy that I’ve been able to witness the magnificent things the park offers, like Padar Island, Komodo dragons at Rinca Island, Pink Beach, and a snorkel session (without seeing any manta rays unfortunately).

Arriving on Pink Beach

The speed, however, rushing with the boat from one sight to the other, is something that completely put me off. Yes, I’ve seen the best places in the park. But did I truly get to enjoy them? Not really.

In this post, I’ll share with you a few day trips inside Komodo National Park but, if your budget allows it, I highly recommend taking your time to explore Komodo and spend at least three days inside the national park.

In my opinion, the best way to do this as a conscious traveler is not by taking a multi-day organized tour but by renting out a private boat that allows you to put together your own schedule. That way, you can plan according to your liking and you will avoid having a schedule that puts you at sights together with all the other tour boats.

It will allow you to have a more intimate experience of the park, in which you can truly take in the splendor of the area.

Komodo Tour Packages

Coral reefs inside Komodo National Park

For backpackers on a budget, I’ll mention a few one-day tours below that seem to be of good quality. When I visited Komodo National Park, I was kind of shocked when I saw what kind of worn-out boats some tourists were using to visit the National Park.

They didn’t look safe at all and lacked any kind of comfort, like toilets and decent seating. Don’t get me wrong, I love to explore things in a local way, but visiting Komodo is not a short boat ride from point A to B.

You’ll be spending a lot of time on your boat, actually the majority of the time. A day trip takes about 10 to 12 hours and you’ll spend half of that time on your boat.

A good boat, in this case, can really make or break your trip. Here are some decent suggestions for one-day tours, if you can’t afford a multi-day trip.

Full day Komodo Island Tours

Note that these tours start very early in the morning, with a pick-up usually around 5 A.M. After that, you will be taken to the pier where you will find yourself in complete chaos. All the tourists leaving for Komodo that day are brought to the same starting point and it can get quite hectic.

You will likely receive a colored bracelet from your tour operator. Because of that bracelet, the staff can put you on the correct boat at the dock.

One-day Komodo Island Tour with Bintang Komodo tours

Gili Lawa Darat Island Shore, Flores, Komodo

Best Komodo tours

Duration: 11 hours
Rating: 5/5

Embark on an extraordinary adventure with this one-day Komodo boat trip offered by Bintang Komodo Tours. This group tour is the top choice to explore the unique wonders of Komodo National Park.

With Bintang Komodo Tours, you can expect a carefree and unforgettable experience. The tour includes visiting Komodo Island, where you can witness the legendary Komodo dragons in their natural habitat.

You’ll also get to snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Pink Beach, marvel at the breathtaking landscapes of Padar Island, and explore the vibrant marine life at Manta Point.

Such an INCREDIBLE trip !! From beginning to end it was so well planned and the staff went above and beyond. It really is worth every penny. We had the best day and flew in specially for this trip. We were the 2nd boat to leave the harbour & at Padar island it wasn’t too busy! The views after a short climb were unmatched, wow ! We spent plenty of time at the top before a lot of other tours arrived. Pink beach was the next stop and again was amazing & not too busy! For the Komodo tour we had an amazing guide & we did the long walk and saw 5 Komodo dragons which were incredible to see !! Here we had lunch which was really good & so filling. Next we snorkelled over to an island & it had such healthy coral, it was amazing (much better than any snorkelling around Bali) & then it was time to head over to Manta point and wow, we saw 5 mantas (you do have to be a stronger swimmer as they can move quite quickly) but was definitely a highlight! Finally, we stopped at one more amazing snorkeling spot and saw a turtle, what more could you ask for ?!? Book this tour and you won’t regret it.

JESSICA ( Read more reviews )

With professional guides, comfortable transportation, and a well-planned itinerary, this tour ensures that every moment will be filled with excitement and discovery.

Do keep in mind that a day trip is pretty exhausting so only book this if you only have time to spend one day in Komodo National Park!

One day Komodo Island hopping tour by Speedboat by Indo Trip

Komodo National Park tours

Rating: 4,5/5

Visit all the highlights of Komodo National Park on this elaborate group tour by speedboat . This tour makes a stop at Padar where you can hike to the top of the island, Komodo where you van witness the majestic Komodo dragons and Pink Beach.

It afterward takes you to Taka Makassar Island, a tiny boomerang-shaped island only consisting of a patch of beach, Manta Point, where you can snorkel with Manta Rays and Kanawa Island which also offers excellent snorkeling.

It was a relatively seamless experience. Flew from Bali to Labuan Bajo. Pick up from hotel was timely and smooth. The boat road was fine. Adequate time at each island. Crystal clear waters. Komodo dragons were very active. The tour guide got me back to the airport in time to catch my flight back to Bali. I’d recommend it!

LANCE_M ( Read more reviews )

This tour also offers pick-ups and drop-offs at the airport of Labuan Bajo. Although I can highly recommend visiting Flores, this is an option if you have a limited amount of time on your hands.

Full day trip exploring 6 destinations inside Komodo National Park

Manta diving in Komodo National Park, Indonesia

Best Komodo Island tours: Swimming with manta rays

Duration: 9 to 11 hours

This group tour takes you to six locations in Komodo National Park on a luxury boat, called the “ Ocean Queen “. It makes the same stops as the previous tours including Padar Island, Pink Beach, Komodo Island, Taka Makassar, Manta Point, and Kanawa Island.

It was an amazing experience overall! The weather was good, so we managed to visit all locations in the description. They also offered lunch during the trip. We are vegan and they prepared us a vegan meal, which was really tasty. Our guide Sam was really good and experienced, giving us details and info about things we were seeing. For us, the coral snorkeling was the highlight of this experience. We saw alive corals with hundreds of colorful tropical fish. Unfortunately we didn’t have the chance to see the manta rays as they were not in the area on that day. But the whole trip was magical! Totally recommended experience!

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Lunch, coffee, and tea are included in the price and they can cater to special dietary requirements. They also offer snorkeling equipment and swimming floaties free of charge.

The price of this tour is slightly cheaper than the two previous ones.

One-day Komodo Island tour by private boat with Flores Fantastic tours

Tours to Komodo Island

Duration: 11,5 hours

If you’re not a group tour person, consider booking this private tour with Flores Fantastic Tours . The price you see on the booking platform is for five people so this is the perfect tour if you travel with a family or a small group of people.

I was doing this tour to see some Komodo Dragons, Because this was a private tour, I was able to customize the trip order and we also spent more time on Komodo Island itself. Most tours go to Padar first and then Komodo, but we were able to go to Komodo first, while it was still quiet and the dragons were active. I encountered no other tourists there for the first 90 minutes, which was great. I saw three big dragons, so I was very pleased! Two seemed used to seeing humans and lounged placidly for photos, but one was clearly still very wild as he ran away very quickly when he saw some scary humans approaching!

GRAHAM_H ( Read more reviews )

The great thing about this tour is that you are able to adjust your schedule. Even though the itinerary is shown on Viator, the order of the locations and time spent at each place can be adjusted to your own preferences.

Looking back, for a day trip, this would be my first choice now. I would opt to take in fewer sights and carve out more time for snorkeling.

Multi-day Komodo Island Tours

Although the day tours to Komodo seem very tempting and take in the most popular sights, exploring the national park on a multi-day adventure is worth every penny.

If I would ever go back, I wouldn’t hesitate and book a private boat to take me around the islands for a few days in a heartbeat. I am a backpacker that usually travels on a budget, so, the fact that I am saying this, really means something!

Komodo National Park is simply too big to see thoroughly on a day trip. It is also pretty exhausting since you’re rushing from one sight to the other.

My advice, especially to backpackers is to not skimp on money here. Book this trip, even if it seems expensive. You won’t regret it!

Private Komodo Island tour 3days/2 nights by discovery Komodo Adventure

Rinca Island, Komodo National Park, Indonesia

Top Komodo Tours

Duration: 3 days/2 nights

This private Komodo Island trip that lasts for 3 days and two nights takes you beyond the popular sights of Komodo National Park. It explores hidden gems away from the tourist crowds like Sabolo Island, Bidadiri, and Kelor Island and you sleep comfortably in all privacy on the boat

We did the 3D2N trip with Hans as our guide and couldn’t be happier. We were blessed with spectacular weather and were very lucky with all the wildlife we encountered: 5 Komodo dragons, manta, eagle rays, turtles, and dolphins. Hans went above and beyond to get the most out of our trip and was a wonderful wildlife photographer for us.

Tripadvisor Review ( Read more reviews )

What is great about this tour is that the activities can be adjusted to your preferences. Maybe you fancy visiting both Komodo and Rinca to see Komodo dragons. This can be arranged. But, if you don’t, and prefer snorkeling more, this can be arranged on the spot too.

A multi-day tour also allows you to have better chances to see wildlife. I didn’t see Manta Rays on my one-day trip, but if I would have had more days, the chances were bigger of course!

3-Day Private Komodo Boat tour for up to 12 people by Flores fantastic tours

This private boat tour for up to 12 people has a five-star rating! It’s the best Komodo Island boat tour I have found online. The price seems much at first but is actually not expensive at all if you can split it with other people.

This tour is one of the best options to pick if you are traveling with a big group of friends, a large family, or for a group of backpackers in a hostel who want to split the costs.

The private Komodo 3-day island tour was absolutely amazing! An unforgettable experience where you see the most beautiful things, beautiful nature, the real sea life, not surrounded by many tourists. If you want to see what and how Indonesia is like, then don’t hesitate to do this trip. The company Fantastic Tours makes your trip unforgettable. The crew was so friendly, they did everything to make you feel comfortable, we had Amazing food and they make sure that you had the best time and see the most beautiful things. Special thanks to Valdus( Tour Guide) Quin (Cook) Hendra (Captain) Nur ( Crue member) Aven (Crue member) They Were a good team that makes this trip very special. Thanks you everybody !!

KELLY ( Read more reviews )

The boat features six cabins that fit 12 people in total and all the meals are included in the price. There is airconditioning inside the boat and snorkel equipment can be used free of charge.

If you’re flying in from Bali and don’t want to stay in Labuan Bajo for a night, they offer a pick-up at the airport.

Private 2-day trip with boat stay by the Seven holiday

Turtles in Komodo National Park, Indonesia

Duration: 2 days/1 night
Rating: 4/5

This two-day/one-night private boat trip with The Seven Holiday takes in the most popular sights of Komodo National Park plus some extra stops like the island of the flying foxes and Bidadiri Island.

The Seven Holiday is a luxury tour operator in Indonesia that focuses on honeymoon packages and yacht rentals. It wouldn’t be my first choice but it is the best Komodo tour if you are looking for a fancy way to celebrate your marriage.

I had an amazing time on the Komodos. But first things first: My booking and payment was super easy. As it was already my second tour with The Seven Holiday the communication was as expected. Krisna replied directly and gave me all the information I needed. The Komodo islands are a must-do! Amazing scenery. The snorkeling tour was very nice. I don’t know how to describe it, I’m speechless. The night on the boat was fun, a very cool experience. I would book with The Seven Holiday again since they’ve done an amazing job already twice. Highly recommended !!!

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Compared to a lot of foreign travel agencies selling honeymoons to Indonesia, this company is 100% Indonesian. They work together with local guides and suppliers to arrange their honeymoon packages and boat trips.

They also seem to care about the environment although they don’t have a real sustainability policy on their website.

Private 4 days/3nights luxury sail trip with Flores Fantastic tours

Prana by Atzaro sail boats, Komodo island tours

If you’re looking for the ultimate luxury slow travel experience, consider renting a phinisi sailboat that will take you around the islands in three days .

Phinisi sailboats are traditional Indonesian two-masted sailing ships. They have been used for centuries to catch fish or transport goods while nowadays these refitted vessels are mainly used as liveaboards for sailing and dive trips.

It was my highlight in 3 months in Indonesia!!!! everything was so perfect. The food was delicious, the crew super safe and so nice, the boat was so cute and Paskal was the BEST Tourguid ever!!!!!!!!!!! We can recommend that tour with this company 100%!!!! Helpful

TRIPADVISOR REVIEWER ( Read more reviews )

Tours are offered in German, English, French and Spanish. It takes in all the sights from the previously mentioned multi-day trips with an additional stop at Gili Lawa Derat.

Most of the previously mentioned trips don’t offer a cancelation possibility but with this operator, you can cancel up to seven days in advance and get a full refund.

The phinisi ships are suitable to cater to up to eight people.

4 days/3 nights group tour with Captain Komodo

Komodo Island tours: Dive boats in Komodo National Park

Duration: 4 days/3 nights

If you fancy doing a multi-day Komodo Island trip but can’t find additional people to join you for a private boat trip, you can consider booking a shared trip with Captain Komodo . Captain Komodo offers shared group trips on a wooden phinisi boat.

The trip takes in the popular and lesser-known ones like Manjarite, Kalong Island and Siaba Besar. Shared accommodation, meals and snorkeling gear is provided on the boat.

We had an unforgettable time on the boat. Our guide Ady was great and the whole crew on board was very nice. The food was very tasty and there was something for every taste. The boat itself was sufficient and completely ok for us. We really enjoyed the excursions. There was enough time to relax while driving to the next spot. The snorkeling on the tour was also great. The most beautiful underwater world we have seen so far. We can highly recommend the tour with Captain Komodo.

TINE J. ( Read more reviews )

This is a good choice if you want to do a multi-day trip and if you don’t mind spending a few days at sea with complete strangers on a boat.

Do note that Captain Komodo offers a pick-up service in Labuan Bajo but does not offer pick-ups and drop-offs at the airport.

Best time to visit Komodo National Park

Komodo Dragon, Komodo National Park, Indonesia

Komodo Island: Komodo Dragon

The best time to visit Komodo National Park is during the dry season, which runs from April to December. More specifically, the months of April to June and September to November are considered ideal for visiting the park.

During the dry season, the weather is generally pleasant with minimal rainfall and lower humidity levels. This makes it easier to explore the park’s trails and enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and snorkeling. The waters are also clearer during this time, allowing for better visibility while diving or snorkeling.

The wet season spans from January to March and is characterized by increased rainfall and rougher sea conditions.

Because I don’t like to travel to destinations in peak season, I visited Komodo National Park in the rainy season.

Weather conditions were perfect on my trip to Komodo National Park but the two days after my visit it was pouring rain all day long. Visiting in the rainy season is possible but keep in mind that your trip can get postponed due to weather conditions.

Komodo entrance fees

When you book a Komodo Island tour, the entrance fees to the parks to see the Komodo Dragons and Padar Island are not calculated into the tour price but need to be paid on the spot.

There have been some plans by the government in the past years to raise these prices significantly but, due to protests from local tour operators, it hasn’t happened yet so far.

Nonetheless, I don’t dare give exact prices here, due to the fact that things can change quickly. At the time of my visit, the entrance fee to Komodo was 150.000 IDR. It was the same price for Padar Island.

Small fees are also asked for hiking, wildlife observation, and a fee for a ranger that accompanies you into the park. These costs however are minimal.

Do note that you also need to pay a considerable sum for bringing professional cameras or a drone.

Also, take into account that entry fees rise by 30% during weekends and public holidays so the best time to visit is on a weekday!

Where should you stay in Labuan Bajo

Labuan Bajo, Flores, Indonesia

Labuan Bajo is the most touristy city on Flores and it’s worth it to stay here for a few days to explore the sights nearby apart from Komodo National Park. Note that good mid-range accommodations are almost non-existent in the city. It’s likely that you either will need to pick a guesthouse or cheap hotel or spend money on

Here are some great places to stay:

Golo Tango Guesthouse: if you are coming from the airport and are looking for a place to stay nearby then this cute homestay is an excellent choice. It is relatively cheap and the rooms are decent. I stayed here for four nights. The center is within walking distance. The guesthouse however is located on a mountain and it’s convenient to have a motorbike to get around.
La Boheme Bajo: The place to be in Labuan Bajo if you are looking for a dorm bed in a clean hostel with a festive vibe. Coffee and tea are available all day free of charge.
Cool Breeze Authentic Hotel: Probably the best and one of the only mid-range accommodations in Labuan Bajo. The location of this hotel is excellent and overlooks the harbor. The onsite pool is great to chill by after returning from your Komodo Island tour.
Villa Niang Ando: If you like to have a place to yourself, consider renting this beautiful villa near the center of Labuan Bajo that can accommodate up to six people. The pool is awesome and the villa comes with a private driver that drives you up and down to town whenever you need.

Onward travel in Flores

solo road trip through Flores, Indonesia

Bajawa, Flores, Indonesia

A lot of people travel to Flores only to visit Komodo National Park but that’s a real shame. Flores Island is beautiful and still relatively undiscovered by mass tourism when you step out of Labuan Bajo.

To get around Flores, you can hire a personal driver to take you around the island on a Flores Island tour or travel by minibus like the locals do.

Flores can be crossed from West to East, ending your trip in Maumere, where you can take a flight out of Flores again. Notable stops on the way are Ruteng for the archeological site of Liang Bua, a 2-day trip to Wae Rebo traditional village, Bajawa for its hot springs and Bena traditional village, and Moni for visiting the Kelimuti crater lakes.

Komodo Island tours FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about Komodo Island tours:

Are there Komodo Island tours from Bali?

You can book a Komodo Island tour in Bali but this will always require you to take a flight to Labuan Bajo first. There are no boats leaving in Bali to Labuan Bajo, unless you charter a very expensive private sailboat.

You can however take a speed boat or the ferry from Bali to Lombok and start a boat tour from Lombok to the Komodo Islands. Alternatively, you can travel all the way to Labuan Bajo crossing the ocean and Sumbawa by a boat and bus combination.

Are there Komodo Island tours starting from Lombok?

Yes, there are Komodo Island tours starting from Lombok. These tours will take you from Lombok to Labuan Bajo, passing by Sumbawa and the Komodo Islands in 4 days. It will require you to take a flight back from Labuan Bajo.

I’ve read that the safety on these boats is not always the best, so think wisely before booking a trip.

Alternatively, you can also travel from Lombok to Flores by a combination of boats and overland bus on Sumbawa.

Komodo Island tours: Final thoughts

Sunset at Padar Island, Komodo National Park, Indonesia

There you go! I hope you enjoyed this post about the Komodo Island tours. Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions or drop me a message through my contact page .

Also, don’t forget to check out my resources page with my favorite booking platforms and tips to start planning your trip. Additionally, have a look at my favorite travel gear if you want to pack more consciously!

Disclaimer: This post may include affiliate links. If you click on them, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Fancy more Indonesia travel advice?

Munduk Bali: 11 Great Things to Do in 2023!
How to Take the Ferry to Lombok From Bali
Banjar Hot Springs Bali: All you need to know

Komodo Island Tours: 9 best tours to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Park

November 2, 2023

Komodo Island Tour Pink Beach komodo island indonesia

Use this guide to help plan your once-in-a-lifetime trip and make the most out of your tour to Komodo Island!

Before you pack your bags and head to the airport at Labuan Bajo, it’s important to do some research to get the most out of your Komodo Island tour.

I will explain where you need to go and how to get there and of course how to choose the best Komodo Island Tour and what to expect.

Table of Contents

Komodo Island Tour Map

Everything you need to know to book your Komodo Island Tour:

Where is komodo island.

Komodo Island is part of Komodo National Park.

To get here, you will need to fly to the nearest town, Labuan Bajo, which has very affordable flights from Denpasar in Bali or Jakarta in Indonesia. You can search for the best fl ights here; however , they’re usually around $50 each way.

Alternatively, you can also take a boat from Bali via Lombok onto Labuan Bajo, but that takes some time. I’d recommend you visit local travel agencies in Bali to make a reservation.

From Labuan Bajo, you can reach Komodo Island on a boat – private or as part of a tour. There are a few options, more on which Komodo Island Tour to choose from below in this blog.

Where can you see Komodo Island Dragon?

The Komodo dragon can be found on Komodo Island as well as on Rinca Island, Dasami Island and even back on the main island of Flores. As the Komodo Dragon can swim, they have migrated from Komodo Island to the nearby island, but the best place to see the Komodo Dragon is on Komodo Island.

Most visitors see them at Komodo Island, and we were lucky to see five of them during our visit!

How to travel to Komodo National Park in Indonesia?

The only way to get to Komodo National Park in Indonesia is by boat. You may hire a private boat to get there, or you can join a Komodo Island Tour. There are also options for fast and slow boats and overnight journeys exploring the Komodo National Park for longer.

How much does it cost to visit Komodo Island?

What is the Komodo island tour price? The cost of getting to Komodo Island has increased in 2023. First, you must pay for the boat or tour to get there. We have asked many travel agencies in Labuan Bajo, and these are the prices given in February 2023:

Slow Boat 1 Day Tour – From IDR 650,000 (USD 43) per person /10-15 people on board. Start at 6 am and back around 5 pm.

Stops usually include Komodo Island, Pink Beach and snorkelling at Manta Point.

Fast Boat 1 Day Tour – IDR 1,300,000 (USD 86) per person /8-15 people on the small speed boat and 30-30 on the bigger speed boat. The tour usually starts at 5 or 6 am and returns at 6 pm.

Stops usually include Padar Island, Komodo Island, Pink Beach, Makasar Island for snorkelling, Manta Point and Kanawa Island.

Slow Boat 1 Night/ 2 Days – The Most Popular Option – 3 cabins on the boat (or more; always check before making a reservation) /IDR 1,800 000 – 2,000,000 (USD 120 – 132) per person for a shared cabin with AC and IDR 2,500,000 (USD 165) per person for a private cabin with AC.

Slow Boat 2 Nights/ 3 Days and longer duration are also available

Komodo Island Tour from Bali – Yes, you also take a boat from Bali to Lombok and then to Flores. It will take 2 nights and 3 days to reach Komodo, and you need to check what is included and if it’s worth the price, as you can simply fly to Labuan Bajo.

What are the Komodo National Park Fees in 2023?

This is where it got a bit complicated as the prices change depending on the tour and what you visit. We took the 2-day/1-night Komodo Island Tour and the fee was IDR 500,000 (USD 33) each which included six places we visited (a detailed itinerary is listed below).

We were a bit confused as when we looked up the cost of the Komodo National Park it said the cost was IDR 150.000 (USD 10), but we had no idea that that was just for Komodo Island and other places had separate fees as well.

So budget about IDR 400,000- 500,000 per person in cash.

Here are the prices for Komodo National Park as they were in Feb 2023.

Komodo Island entrance fee is IDR 150.000 per person (working days) and IDR 250.000 per person (public holidays)
Sports and recreation fee on Rinca Island is IDR 100.000 per person
Sport and recreation fee on Komodo IDR 100.000 per person
The hiking fee for Rinca is IDR 5000 per person
The hiking fee for Komodo Island is IDR 5000 per person
Wildlife observation for Komodo IDR 10.000 per person
Wildlife observation on Rinca Island IDR 10.000 per person
The Padar Island entrance fee is IDR 150.000 per person
The Kanawa Island entrance fee is IDR 100.000 per person
Snorkelling fee IDR 50.000 per person
Dive entrance fee IDR 100.000 per person
The Ranger fee is IDR 120.000 per group of up to 5 people

Please Note: The Komodo entrance fees are subject to change without any notice.

In 2022, Indonesia announced that it was planning to raise the Komodo entrance fee to 3.75 million Rupiah ($250 USD) per person and restrict park visitors to 200,000 per year.

After many protests from locals, this plan was put on hold as most tourists visiting Komodo are usually more budget travellers.

Komodo Island Tour Views snorkeling komodo national park

How to choose the best Komodo Island Tour?

Book before online vs book when you arrive.

If you are short on time or just want to be ready to depart the next day when you arrive, the best idea is to book your Komodo Island Tour online.

It means you don’t waste any time and it can work really well if you have a group.

One Day Komodo Trip – Set sail from Labuan Bajo and spend a day exploring the islands of the Komodo National Park. See the Komodo Dragons on Komodo Island, hike around the stunning volcanic landscapes of Padar Island, and enjoy many stops to swim and snorkel, including the popular Manta Point and Pink Beach. This tour includes visiting at least three islands in the UNESCO-listed Komodo National Park and free pick-up/drop off from your hotel. (Entrance fees are additional).

1 Day Komodo Trip By Luxury Fast Boat Join Group – Get to see more of Komodo Islands in less time when you join this guided tour on a high-powered speed boat. See Komodo dragons, snorkel with manta rays at Manta Point; and swim on a pretty pink beach on Komodo Island, too. This tour will have you mesmerized by dramatic views from Padar Island; relaxing on beautiful Taka Makassar Island, and time to snorkel at Kanawa Island. This is the most popular day tour package that includes lunch, water and soft drinks. (entrance fees are additional).

2 Nights/ 3 Days Komodo Islands Private Boat Trip (for 2 or more people) – Explore the wildlife and epic landscapes of the Komodo Islands and surrounding areas on this 3-day, 2 night boat adventure. Most meals are included and this trip provides you with a more personal experience.

Board a private boat and spend your days exploring Rinca, Kelor, Kalong, Padar, Punya, and Kanawa islands. Enjoy fantastic activities like snorkeling, hiking, and swimming as you sail through this beautiful part of Indonesia (entrance fees are additional).

I highly recommend this option if you’ve got the time – it’s an unforgettable experience! If you’re travelling during high season, I would strongly recommend pre-booking this trip to avoid missing out.

If you have more time, you can explore the town of Labuan Bajo and ask around for prices for the Komodo Island tours.

Each travel agent works with different companies/boats, and prices vary, with some places quoting IDR 200,000 – 500,000 per person for a tour that sounds exactly the same in inclusions/standard of the boat as the previous agency just quoted us.

In the end, we booked our Komodo Island Tour with Yunita at Alexandra Komodo Tour as she has an official travel agency, and we liked her explanation and information the best.

Her office is on the main road, and you can find the location here on Google Maps .

Komodo Island Tour Alexandra Tour Agency

We ended up booking the 2-day/1-night tour on Rainbow Star Boat, which has 3 cabins in total. Another couple booked the private AC cabin with a double bed, and we had the cabin with 4 beds (2 bunk beds), but it was just the two of us.

There was another cabin with 2 bunk beds that could also be used.

Komodo Island Tour Our cabin on our 2 day 1 night komodo island tour

The boat was spacious, especially the rooftop where you could sit or lay for hours and watch the scenery, simply perfect at sunset. Meals were prepared by the cook on board – Indonesian cuisine. The food was good.

You can bring your beers or soda on board and keep them chilled in the cooler. Coffee, tea and bottles of drinking water are provided.

Should you book a day trip or overnight tour to Komodo Island?

This was another important decision to make.

The slow boat day trip is the cheapest option, but it means you don’t see many stops.

The fast boat day trip can be great if you are short on time and want to see more places. And maybe if you don’t want to sleep on the boat and spend overnight.

The overnight slow boat is perfect for those who crave adventure and would like to spend extended time in the Komodo National Park. It will also allow you to watch the sunset on the boat and the sunrise at Padar Island. We also wanted enough time to enjoy the places we’d be visiting, as opposed to being on a stricter time schedule that perhaps the 1 Day Tour doesn’t cater for.

It is the most expensive option, but we felt like this was the right choice for us. We were also super stoked as it was only 4 of us, and we had a lovely couple to share the boat with.

Our guide Dennis was great, attentive and knowledgable.

What does the Komodo Island Tour include?

The packages typically include lodging, meals, water, snorkelling equipment, and a guide but not the National Park entrance fees. That is always additional. You will pick up your snorkelling gear from the travel agency – make sure it fits and is good enough quality.

Consider gathering friends together to create a larger group – large groups often get discounted rates and you can always negotiate.

Our 2-Day/1-Night Adventure on the Boat Itinerary

As mentioned, we ended up booking the overnight tour and since it was the rainy season, this itinerary might be slightly different.

Of course, weather plays a big part, and the guide and crew might change things around. But to help you plan and get excited about your own Komodo Island Tour, here are details of the places we have visited on our tour.

Kelor Island

Our first stop was at Kelor Island. A small island, you can hike up for a view of the beautiful turquoise waters below and the Rinca Island on the horizon. We also went for a swim at the beach.

Manjarite Beach

Our second stop was snorkelling near Manjarite Beach. It was phenomenal. So many types of fish, and the coral was quite colourful too. We absolutely loved it.

Komodo Island Tour snorkeling komodo national park

Kalong Island

Our first day came to an end near Kalong Island. It is home to thousands of fruit bats, and each day at sunset, they fly across to Rinca island in search of food. It’s quite spectacular to see as the sun sets down. We then continued and docked near Padar Island for the night.

Padar Island

This was an absolute highlight of our Komodo Island Tour. We woke up at 4.30 a.m and started our hike up the hill in the darkness. You reach the top in about 30 minutes (stairs the whole way) and then wait until dawn.

The island appears below, and soon you’ll be able to spot the three beaches: black rock, and pink and white sand beaches. The view is just incredible. We never got blue clear skies, but it was still amazing. During the wet season, the hills are lush and green, while during the dry season, they are mostly brown.

The walk down is easy, but in the peak season, it might get pretty hot, so best to bring a water bottle. You’ll notice a bunch of great photo opportunities on the way down, so allow for this. We then had breakfast on the boat.

komodo island indonesia padar island before sunrise

Shortly after Padar Island, we arrived at Pink Beach for snorkelling and wow! The beach was so pink, and although it was a cloudy day, you could see it clearly.

And the snorkelling at Pink Beach was even better than at Rinca Island. We also took some awesome drone shots.

Komodo Island

And then it was time for the island that everyone was waiting for. No Komodo Island Tour is complete without stopping here to see the famous Komodo Dragons!

We were provided with a ranger guide and set off to look for them, but since two of them were already spotted near the beach we headed straight there.

Are Komodo Dragon Endangered?

Yes, Komodo dragons are endangered by the IUCN’s Red Lis t.

Komodo Dragon is the world’s largest living lizard found only in Indonesia’s World Heritage-listed Komodo National Park and neighbouring Flores, and just 3,458 adult and baby species are left in the wild, according to estimates.

The Komodo Dragon can grow up to be 3 metres long, and it can be dangerous. Komodo dragons are not friendly and should never be approached in the wild. They are wild animals and are very territorial, so you must keep your distance.

They have shark-like teeth and poisonous venom that can kill a person within hours of a bite.

We also took a short walk through the island with the guide who spotted another Komodo dragon, and learned more about their way of living.

Komodo Island Tour looking for Komodo dragons

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Manta Ray Point

We finished our 1N/2D Komodo Islands Tour with a bang! Although we visited Komodo National Park during the rainy seasons, we were very lucky with the weather.

As we approached the Mantra Ray Point, we could see the storm and rain coming , but that didn’t stop us from jumping in to snorkel with these giant manta rays.

Komodo Island Tour manta ray point diving komodo island

A truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.

We then started our journey back to Labuan Bajo to finish our tour. It was around 6 pm when we arrived back at the port.

Our bags were stored at our guesthouse as you don’t want to take all your luggage on the boat, pack an overnight bag with the essentials and leave your main luggage at the hotel.

Komodo Island Tour manta ray point dive komodo island

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When is the best time to visit Komodo National Park?

Generally speaking, there are two main seasons in Komodo. The rainy season and the dry season.

April to June is one of the best times to visit Komodo as the islands are still very green, with cooler nights and less chance of rain.

July and August are the main seasons here (dry months), so tours and accommodation can be pricier, and your snorkelling hiking spots in the Komodo National Park might be busy with other tourists.

Where to stay in Komodo – Labuan Bajo?

There are a number of options for hotels and accommodation in Labuan Bajo for every budget.

We stayed at Danke Lodge , and I’d highly recommend this place to stay. It isn’t located in the city centre, although it’s straightforward to get into town as Danke Lodge offers an on-call driver for free airport transfers, and he will do pick-ups and drop-offs around town for you at no additional fee.

The rooms at Danke Lodge are modern, with new beds and bedding and spacious bathrooms with a fantastic hot shower. The staff is excellent here, and the very affordable rate comes with an included tasty breakfast too.

View Availability at Danke Lodge

I’ve listed some other popular accommodation options in the city of Labuan Bajo below:

What to pack for your Komodo trip

Before you embark on this exciting island getaway, pack the right travel gear.

Don’t forget to include a few items that could be handy during your time on Komodo Island, like insect repellent, sunglasses, sunscreen, a swimsuit, a cap or wide-brimmed hat, and appropriate clothing for the conditions. I recommend a rash vest for snorkelling to avoid getting sunburnt and protect you from pointy coral.

And bring a power bank , it’s always super handy to have to charge your phone, cameras, etc if power isn’t available.

TIP: Leave your main luggage at the hotel in Labuan Bajo and bring a pair of shoes (sneakers are fine) for the hikes, as it will help a lot.

THE ULTIMATE SOUTHEAST ASIA PACKING LIST

Final thoughts on our Komodo Island Tour and Komodo National Park visit

From seeing Komodo Island Dragon in the wild to snorkelling in pristine waters to swimming with manta rays, there is certainly no shortage of exciting experiences. This is one of the most amazing places to visit, and we have seen many incredible destinations since we visited every country in the world .

So pack your bags and come to Indonesia and don’t miss the beauty of Komodo And Flores Island.

If you are flying via Bali, you might enjoy our blog on the 5 Best Warungs in Canggu, Bali , and our complete Flores Island in 7 Days Itinerary .

🔥 Hot Tip: Book accommodation in advance on Booking.com
🎟 Book your attractions and tickets online: We recommend Viator and GetYourGuide
🔋 Stay charged: This Belkin Power Bank is essential!
📸 Join a Group Tour: Find some amazing Group Tours here
✅ Get Connected with an eSIM: Fast, easy and affordable! View easy eSIM options here

Travel Tips for Southeast Asia

If you’re travelling in Indonesia, you may be interested in visiting some other countries in Southeast Asia too. This is one of our favourite regions of the world to explore. There’s just so much to see, do, and eat! And, the best part is that it’s affordable – whether you’re travelling solo, with friends, or with your family.

You’ll need to pack the essentials for your trip – and our Ultimate Packing List for Southeast Asia has got you covered.

If you’re considering visiting Thailand (and we highly recommend you do), these 26 Best Travel Tips for Thailand will give you a good idea of what to expect. We love Chiang Mai in northern Thailand, it’s full of culture, stunning scenery, and great food.

Check out our 15 Best Chiang Mai restaurants and places to eat and our suggestions on where to stay in Chiang Mai – our accommodation guide.

And, if you plan to discover the island of Phuket, we recommend you check out Kata Beach and these awesome things to do when you’re here .

For more great tips, our top money-saving hacks, and our recommendations about the best websites to save you money , head to our Travel Resources Page .

Travel Planning Resources

✈️ Flights : We use Skyscanner to book cheap flights worldwide.

🏨 Accommodation : Booking.com is our preferred platform for booking hotels and accommodation.

🏥 Travel Insurance : We recommend Heymondo ( Get 5% off Heymondo) & SafetyWing

🚌 Transportation : Trainline is the best website to reserve trains. We use Omio to book transport worldwide. For travel in Asia, we use 12Go.

🚘 Car Rental : We use DiscoverCars to book rental cars worldwide.

👫 Group Tours : G Adventures OR compare multi-day tours worldwide with Tourradar .

📸 Day Tours & Trips : GetYourGuide & Viator are the only two platforms you need.

📚 Lonely Planet: The Best Range of Travel Guides & Ebooks , and FREE Shipping! (use code RACHELDAVEY10 for a 10% discount)

🎒 Luggage : Osprey Farpoint 40L Backpack or Samsonite Luggage Range.

🛄 What to Pack: Don’t forget your Universal charger and a good power bank . To help you pack the essentials, here is our ULTIMATE Packing List for all Travellers .

🐶 Become a House Sitter: Join Trusted Housesitters and enjoy FREE accommodation worldwide. Use our invite to receive 25% off your new membership.

💰 Send Money Anywhere: WISE & Revolut are the best online accounts that let you send money, get paid, and spend money internationally. Both are so easy to use and way cheaper than any bank transfer.

📶 Stay Connected: Airalo eSIM allows you to get connected the moment you land at your destination, and you can avoid those expensive data roaming charges. We LOVE this product! Use promo code NOMAD15 for 15% off ALL eSIMs (new Airalo users only) OR use NOMAD10 for 10% off ALL eSIMs (for existing Airalo users)

✅ Check out our Travel Gear and Travel Resources for more valuable tips to save you money!

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2 comments . leave new.

Thanks for detail of your adventures

Thanks for the 2023 updated prices regarding the tours. I paid 1.2M IDR (Aug 2023) for the one-day speedboat tour, which I booked online before getting to Labuan Bajo. I thought I had been ripped off after checking the prices listed in some travel blogs from a few years ago, but no… prices have doubled within a couple of years! 1.25-1.5M IDR for such tour was the typical price I found in most of the travel agencies in Labuan Bajo.

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THE 10 BEST Komodo Tours & Excursions

Tours in komodo.

Sightseeing Tours
Multi-day Tours
Private Tours
Ports of Call Tours
Walking Tours
Historical & Heritage Tours
Cultural Tours
Photography Tours
Up to 1 hour
1 to 4 hours
4 hours to 1 day
5.0 of 5 bubbles
4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. One day Komodo trip with Bintang Komodo Tours

2. Full Day Trip to Explore 6 Destinations in Labuan Bajo and Komodo

3. Private boat trip Komodo 2 or more person for 3 days 2 nights, Kelor, Rinca...

4. Sunset at Komodo Island

5. Komodo Tour 3D/2N Live on Board -Join Group Category-Share Cabin

6. A Day to Komodo Island

7. Full Day Tour to Komodo Island By Speed Boat to explore 6 destinations

8. Komodo Day Tour to explore 5 Islands and 3 Snorkeling Experience

9. Private tour 4 days 3 nights Komodo on boat, waterfall and Rangko cave

10. 1 Day Komodo Trip by Private Fast Boat

11. Full-Day Adventure Tour to komodo Island with join Speed Boat tur

12. 1 Day Komodo Trip By Shared Luxury Fast Boat

13. Komodo Private tour 3Days 2 Night

14. One Day Trip to Komodo National Park, using a luxury fast boat

15. Komdo National Park and Beyond - All Inclusive (Sharing Trip)

16. 3 Days Deluxe Boat Private Cabin Sailing Trip in Komodo Island

17. 3 Days Komodo island Tour

18. 1- day Komodo island Tour hopping around by Speed Boat

19. Flores Dreamland Tour

20. 3Days Komodo Tour by Private Boat for 10 pax

21. 7Days Explore Komodo & Flores

22. 3Days Komodo Tour By Private Boat for 4 pax

23. 2 Days Wae Rebo Tour Private

24. Day Trip Explore Komodo Park & Snorkeling

25. 3Days Komodo Tour by Private Boat for 8 Pax

26. Private Rinca Sunset Island-Hopping Tour on a Speedboat

27. One Day Tours Komodo - Padar Island

28. Komodo Shared Liveaboard Tour 3 Days 2 Nights

29. 2Days Komodo Tour By Private Boat

30. 3-Day Komodo island Tour with or without Roundtrip Flight From Bali

What travellers are saying.

One day Komodo trip with Bintang Komodo Tours
Full Day Trip to Explore 6 Destinations in Labuan Bajo and Komodo
Sunset at Komodo Island
Full Day Tour to Komodo Island By Speed Boat to explore 6 destinations
Private boat trip Komodo 2 or more person for 3 days 2 nights, Kelor, Rinca...
MMB Komodo Tour
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Best Komodo Tour
Komodo Eco Tour
Fanie Boat Tours
Scuba Republic
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La Galigo Liveaboard
Dolin Komodo Tours

Your Cheat Sheet to Planning a Trip to Komodo Islands [2024]

Everything you need to know about planning your bucket list trip to komodo national park.

Komodo National Park is one of our favourite places in the world to visit. Over the years, it has become increasingly gentrified - from not having street lamps or pavements a few years ago, it now even has a Starbucks! It doesn't get easier to plan a trip there though as questions like how to choose a boat, what are the park fees etc, are still maddeningly opaque.

Here is everything you need to know about planning a trip. If you're ready to book, check out all the Komodo experiences here !

What are the Komodo Islands?

Most people don't know this, but the UNESCO heritage Komodo National Park doesn't just have one island, it has 29 islands. Komodo Island is just one of the many islands on Komodo National Park (more on that later).

When you visit Komodo National Park, you not only see Komodo dragons, you'll also head to other islands to see Pink Beaches, swim with Manta Rays and hike up to otherworldly view points.

How to Get There

The gateway town to Komodo National Park is Labuan Bajo (LBJ). Labuan Bajo airport has a few international direct flights, but most travellers will fly here via Jakarta or Bali (which has multiple flights a day to LBJ).

From Labuan Bajo town, it takes a couple of hours by boat to get to Komodo National Park. Most of the boat trips will offer a pick up from Labuan Bajo town.

Finally, for adventurous travellers, there is a boat that goes from Lombok to Labuan Bajo via Komodo National Park.

How to Explore Komodo National Park

You can only see Komodo National Park on an island hopping boat tour. You can either do a sightseeing boat tour or you can do a diving boat trip .

The sightseeing boat tours range from a day tour on a speedboat to a 3D2N liveaboard . Both will cover all the usual highlights like trekking with Komodo Dragons, seeing a Pink Beach, hiking to the viewpoint at Padar island and some snorkelling.

The diving boat trips range from one day leisure dives to 4 day liveaboards. They usually are only diving focused and they'll take you to some of the top dive spots but they won't go sightseeing to the various islands.

Staying in Komodo National Park

There are no hotels in Komodo National Park so generally travellers will stay in Labuan Bajo town. If you want to spend the night in Komodo National Park, you'll need to choose an overnight boat , and stay on board ( pictured ).

While there are resorts that are located on an island, and not in LBJ town, these resorts are not in Komodo National Park itself. The issue with staying in these resorts is that the join-in boat trips do not offer pick up from these resorts, so it'll be more logistically painful to do a sightseeing boat trip.

How Much Time to Spend Here

The shortest amount of time you need here is 3 days, even if you're only doing a one day speedboat trip . Because you'll fly in on the 1st day, do the speedboat trip on the 2nd day, and fly out on the 3rd day.

If you really want to see everything that Komodo National Park and Labuan Bajo has to offer, we would recommend 7 days if you're not diving (for 3D2N boat trip + 1 day road trip around LBJ + 2 days travel time). If you want to dive as well as sightsee, we would recommend at least 9 days (including travel time).

Note that the timings of the boat trips usually means you should fly in the day before your trip starts, and fly out the day after it ends.

Best Time to Go

Try to avoid the rainy season from January to March, as most boat trips don't run during this time, other than the one day speedboats. Even the one day speedboat trips may be cancelled on the day due to bad weather. If you do go then, plan for a couple of days' buffer time so you can reschedule your boat trip in case the original trip gets cancelled.

If your aim is only to see Komodo dragons, avoid mating season in July and August. You'll likely only see small Komodo dragons during this time as the large dragons are in the forest mating, and hard to find.

Finally try to avoid local holidays (for e.g. Raya) as it's way too packed then. You'll be queuing to hike up Padar, and crowding around the Mantas!

What to See & Do

Komodo island.

This is one of the two islands where Komodo dragons live, and the largest island in Komodo National Park. This is also the only island in Komodo National Park that's inhabited by humans, as Komodo village and the indigenous Ata Modo are here. Here you'll get to trek with a local guide (usually from the indigenous Ata Modo tribe!) and try to spot wild Komodo Dragons.

Tip: Usually boat trips will either visit Komodo Island or Rinca Island to see Komodo dragons. But it's a bit harder to spot them in Komodo Island as the island is larger and more wild.

Rinca Island

Home to over-1000 Komodo dragons, Rinca is the only island other than Komodo Island where you can find Komodo dragons. Though it's not as famous as Komodo Island, it's actually easier to spot Komodo dragons here as it's a smaller island with a larger population of dragons on the island!

Tip: Rinca Island is a bit more manicured, with a boardwalk and easier sightings. If you want something more wild, go to Komodo Island.

Padar Island

This is the most iconic viewpoint at Komodo National Park, and the picture you've probably seen everywhere. Here you'll do a 45 minute easy trek to the top, and get to see panoramic views of Komodo National Park. If you peek carefully in that picture, you'll see a pink beach, a black beach and a white sand beach!

Tip: If you do an overnight boat trip, you'll be able to come here for sunrise when it's a little less crowded.

There are several Pink Beaches in Komodo National Park. The Pink Beach that most boats go to is the one near Komodo Island, which is a little less pink recently as travellers take the red coral (which gives the sand its colour) home. To see the pinkest part of the beach, venture to the far end of the beach where travellers don't go, and you'll see it in a dark pink hue.

Tip: If you take a private boat or if currents permit, you can head to the pinkest (and more remote) Pink Beach near Padar Island - called Short Beach. Don't forget to leave the red coral behind 🙈

Manta Point

Here you can snorkel with giant Manta Rays! The waters here are colder, which is what the gentle Mantas like, and during Manta season you'll be able to swim with many Mantas around you.

Tip: The best time to come here is actually in rainy season from December to March where the waters are especially cold, but you'll be able to see them up to June. If you come here from July to September though the chances of seeing them are low.

Also known as Turtle Bay, Siaba Bay is home to gorgeous coral reefs and where giant turtles like to hang out because of their favourite food (sea grass!) here. Siaba Bay is one of our fave spots in Komodo - you can snorkel and dive here to see the super zen and gorgeous turtles.

Tip: Not all the boat trips go to Siaba Bay so if you do love turtles and want to come here, check the itinerary carefully or go for a private boat where you can customise your itinerary.

Kalong Island

This was our highlight when we went to Komodo National Park! Here you'll see the exodus of millions of bats at sunset and it's such a otherworldly sight. First you'll see just a handful of bats fly out, and before long the entire orange sky is entirely covered with bats.

Tip: Not all boat trips go to Kalong island. The 3D2N trips will go, but the one-day join-in speedboat trips and dive trips won't. Kalong island alone is a good reason to do a 3D2N trip or a private speedboat trip !

How to Choose a Boat Trip

Join-in vs private boat.

Most of the boat trips in Komodo are join-in boat trips , but you can charter your own private boat as well.

If you're solo/couple or want to make friends, do a join-in trip. But if you have 4 or more persons, or any time constraints, you may want to charter a private boat . It's more flexible, more comfortable and not a lot more expensive.

The join-in trips have a number of constraints that private boats don't. For e.g. if you want to do a 3D2N join-in trip you'll need to arrive by Thursday. And if you're looking to do a 2D1N trip, you'll only find basic boats willing to do that trip on a join-in basis. If you do a private trip you don't need to worry about any of this, and can customise your itinerary!

Day Trip vs Overnight

If you want to wake up with the incredible views of Komodo National Park, you'll have to do a liveaboard trip as there are no hotels in Komodo National Park. However if you would rather not spend the night on the boat, a one-day speedboat actually covers most of the destinations that the overnight boats do.

The only difference in itinerary is that on a one-day speedboat, you don't get to go to Padar Island at sunrise (which isn't the biggest deal really), and you don't get to see the exodus of bats at Kalong Island. If you really want to see Kalong Island on a one-day trip, you can charter a private speedboat .

Diving vs Sightseeing

You'll need to decide whether you want to dive or go island hopping to see all of Komodo's highlights. The dive boats usually only includes one or two highlights like trekking with Komodo dragons and Padar Island, and, on the other hand, the sightseeing boats will have snorkelling but not diving.

If you want to dive and sightsee, you'll need to do 2 separate trips. Either a 4D3N diving liveaboard trip and then a separate one day Komodo sightseeing boat trip . Or you can also do a 3D2N Komodo sightseeing boat trip and a one day leisure dive trip

Budget Boat vs Phinisi Boat

For overnight trips, you can choose between basic boats , or Phinisi boats (which is basically a deluxe or luxury boat - pictured).

A basic boat usually has on-deck sleeping and you can choose from either a 2D1N trip or a 3D2N trip. A Phinisi boat will have private rooms (some will have both private rooms and dorms), and generally have better food, and amenities.

Komodo is a complicated place, and every year, several basic boats do sink. So if you do go for a budget boat do check their safety credentials carefully.

Common Questions from Travellers

What are komodo park fees.

Generally park fees are excluded from your boat tour price, and you'll need to bring cash for the fees. Usually the amount is quoted as a range, not a fixed sum because, well, it's complicated!

Komodo park entrance fees depend on the island you're visiting, whether it's a weekday or weekend, whether you're foreigner or local, and even how many people there are on your boat. To complicate it more, there are constant talks about increasing the fees 🤷

Current fees per person/per day on weekdays: Foreigners/Kitas holders: IDR 400-500k / Indonesians: IDR 180-250k. Sundays/public holidays per person (Foreigners/kitas holders : IDR 450-550k / Indonesians : IDR 180-250k)

What should I pack?

Pack light if you're spending the night on the boat! The rooms on the boats aren't large so if you bring a large suitcase you may not even be able to open it in your room.

Pack swimwear for snorkelling (and a rashguard if you're sensitive to the cold), sea sickness pills if you're prone to motion sickness, and hiking sandals or sneakers (as you'll need grip for the Padar trek).

Can I fly out on the day my trip ends?

We don't recommend flying out on the same day. Usually the boat trips are scheduled to arrive back at Labuan Bajo between 4-6pm in the evening. However this is subject to the currents and weather, and is very unpredictable. So ideally you should plan to fly out the day after your boat trip.

Can I go on my period?

Yes you can. Some people are concerned that Komodo dragons may be aggressive towards people on their periods, but that is not a risk at all.

As with any wildlife, whether or not you're on your period, just keep a sensible distance away from the wildlife and you'll be ok.

Can I bring my drone?

Guests who bring their own drone for usage within the Komodo National Park are required to purchase a drone ticket at the National Park Office at Labuan Bajo 3 days prior to the trip. The cost of the ticket is 1 million rupiahs so please do prepare enough cash.

Can I go from Bali to Komodo on Boat?

No you can't. You can only fly from Bali to Labuan Bajo (1.5 hours flight, multiple flights a day), which is the gateway town to all the Komodo boat trips. You can however take a sightseeing boat from Lombok to Labuan Bajo via Komodo National Park , which sails from April to December every year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Komodo National Park in Labuan Bajo, Flores, Indonesia is a UNESCO World heritage site, and one of the most beautiful places on earth. Here you can see the prehistoric Komodo Dragon (basically a giant lizard!), swim with manta rays and turtles in crystal clear waters and see surreal pink sand beaches. You’ll do an island hopping boat trip here to visit all the highlights of Komodo National Park, and you can hike, dive and snorkel when you’re here.

To safely encounter Komodo dragons in their natural habitat, it is essential to visit the Komodo National Park with an experienced guide. These local guides are knowledgeable about the dragons' behavior and will ensure your safety while maintaining a respectful distance from the animals. Additionally, it is important to follow the guidelines provided by the park and your guide, such as not feeding the dragons, wearing appropriate footwear, and staying on designated paths.

Manta Point - Known for its large population of manta rays, this site is perfect for observing these majestic creatures up close.
Castle Rock - An underwater pinnacle teeming with fish, sharks, and other marine life, Castle Rock is ideal for experienced divers seeking a thrilling adventure.
Batu Bolong - A coral-covered rock formation that attracts an abundance of marine life, including turtles, reef sharks, and schools of colorful fish.
Cannibal Rock - This dive site features stunning soft corals, sea fans, and a variety of macro creatures, making it a favorite among underwater photographers.
Tatawa Besar - With its gentle currents, Tatawa Besar offers a relaxing drift dive along a vibrant coral reef, perfect for divers of all levels.

We would recommend not visiting Komodo National Park during January to March as this is monsoon season and most boats don't run during this time, other than the one day speedboats. Even the one day speedboat trips may sometimes be cancelled if the weather is so bad that it's deemed unsafe to go out on the day. So if you visit Komodo National Park during this period, include more buffer time just in case your initially booked trip gets cancelled because of the weather.

Other than that, the other months are fine to visit Komodo National Park. The timing that you visit will determine what you'll get to see as some months are better for Komodo dragon sightings and other months are better for Manta Ray sightings.

For Komodo dragon sightings, the ideal time to visit is during the dry season, which typically occurs between April and November. However, it is essential to avoid the mating season (July and August) when the dragons are less active. During mating season, the large dragons would be much more difficult to spot and you'll likely only see small, monitor-lizard sized dragons.
Manta rays on the other hand love the rainy season. So if you only care about seeing them, the rainy season from December to February can be an excellent time to visit. Although the weather is wetter, manta rays are more likely to be spotted during this period as they tend to aggregate near the surface to feed on plankton.
To maximize your chances of seeing both Komodo dragons and manta rays, consider visiting during the shoulder months of April, May, October, and November. These months generally offer favorable weather conditions and fewer crowds, increasing your chances of memorable wildlife encounters.

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Komodo Islands: How to Tour in Komodo National Park

One of the best-untouched treasures of Indonesia is the Komodo Islands. Komodo National Park is part of Flores, a group of 29 small and big quite white-sanded islands. It is home to the world-famous Komodo Dragon, countless manta rays, sea turtles, dolphins, small sharks, world-class snorkeling and diving sites with millions of fish, stunning hiking paths, and pink beaches.

What’s inside Komodo National Park

Exploring the Komodo Islands is done by a single or multi-day boat tour from Labuan Bajo . A small port town on the west tip of Flores Island. Depending on the weather conditions, your route will be filled with the most stunning spots around the national park. You can expect these things to be seen around the Komodo Islands.

Read: 21 Best Things to do in Komodo, Flores

Viewpoints at Padar

One of the three larger volcanic islands in Komodo National Park is Padar. Padar Island offers a 20-minute hike to the top viewpoint. From here, you have a jaw-dropping view over the full bay. It is host to the Komodo dragon and a large population of deer. Contact our friend Yande below to make a booking .

The newly-build stair stops at multiple viewpoints so there is a difficulty for everyone. To enter Padar, an entrance fee of 150.000 IDR (10 USD) is required.

Here are all your hotel options in Komodo.

Meet the Komodo Islands inhabitants

See how the locals of Komodo Island live inside Komodo village. Most people make a living by fishing and others by creating and selling handicrafts to visitors of Komodo Island.

Komodo Islands: How to Tour in Komodo National Park

The local guides give a well-spoken English guided tour and make it possible for you to interact with the inhabitants.

A million flying bats at the Komodo Islands

Directly after sunset, the sky at the Komodo Islands turns black, filled with a million bats leaving the mangrove forest located on Kalong Island. This is a must-see experience during your Komodo Islands boat tour. Truly magical, and for sure, a highlight of your trip.

Swim with Manta Rays

Manta Rays are very common in Komodo National Park. They can be spotted year-round by snorkeling or diving. However, during the rainy season, the water is colder, and there is glowing plankton, which is food for the Mantas. During this time, hundreds of Manta Rays gather at Manta Point.

The rainy season runs from December to March and is the best time to spot Manta Rays around the Komodo Islands.

Dive in world-class reefs of the Komodo National Park

Divers and snorkelers can be very satisfied at Komodo National Park. With over a thousand kinds of fish and 230 species of coral, the reefs at the Komodo Islands are world-class for snorkeling and diving. Penga Kecil and Karang Makassar are the most visited reefs.

Expect to see small reef sharks, turtles, loads of fish and sea stars in all kinds of colors and sizes, dolphins, and even whales sharks.

The Pink Beaches of Komodo

There are many pink beaches around Komodo National Park. White sand mixed with tiny pieces of red coral makes the beach look pink. Expect other tourists during your visit due to its popularity.

Please: Never take sand or shells; keep nature as it is. It is also prohibited, which can get you in trouble at the airport. Read more about sustainable travel .

Komodo Dragons

Komodo National Park is the only place where the largest lizard on planet earth lives; the Komodo Dragon. Hiring a trained Ranger is required on Rinca Island to view the Komodo dragons. He keeps you at a safe distance and guides you through the park.

The hike through the park and to the viewpoint is available in a short (1h), medium(1.5h) or long walk (2.5h). The medium was very easy to walk although we don’t recommend walking too in much middle of the day.

The Komodo dragon can grow up to 2.5 meters, weigh over 85 kilograms, and a bite from it is actually very deadly. Always stay behind the ranger, it’s his job to keep you safe.

Boat Tours at the Komodo Islands

Labuan Bajo is the start of every Komodo Islands boat tour. A small harbor town located on the western tip of Flores. Discover Komodo on a day trip from Labuan Bajo or spend some nights on the boat inside the national park.

Booking a Komodo Islands boat trip

Booking a Komodo boat tour can be done online or while you are in Labuan Bajo. There are boats available in every level of comfort and size. We’ve created a partnership with a local company in Komodo that offers:

A Shared Cabin for 2.500.000 IDR (~ 165 USD) per person.
A Private Cabin from 3.500.000 (~ 235 USD) per person.

The options above are for a 3-day, 2-night tour and include breakfast, lunch, and dinner, coffee/tea/mineral water, snorkeling gear, and more. Contact our friend Yande below for more information or to make a booking .

No matter with what company you book your trip, please keep in mind that most multi-day trips are fully booked 8 weeks in advance.

What to expect of a Komodo Islands boat tour

During a 4-day boat trip, you are able to explore the national park, visit lesser-known locations, do loads of snorkeling, seek for shooting stars at night, have an incredible sunrise at a sandbank and so much more.

Prepare for an unforgettable experience waking up on top of the boat in our bed with an unbeatable view, a fantastic crew, and delicious Indonesian meals (also vegetarian meals).

Do remember that it is a back-to-basic experience where there is a cold-pump shower and bathroom that you have to share with 8 – 10 people. The staff keeps this very clean 24 hours long. Also, there is no cell phone connection on the water, so don’t be afraid to talk.

Price of a Komodo Islands boat tour

The price of a boat tour totally depends on what you like to see, the comfort you prefer, and how many days you spend in the national park. An entrance fee to Komodo National Park costs 280.000 IDR (18 USD) and is valid for 3 days.

A day trip in the park costs you anywhere between 500.000 – 1.000.000 (~45 USD) per person for a shared boat tour. Four days on a boat, including meals, would cost you anywhere between 3.000.000 to 6.000.000 IDR per person. (~300 USD)

Whatever your budget is, a visit to Komodo National Park is an experience you absolutely must-do in Indonesia!

How to get to the Komodo Islands

Over the past few years, it has become much easier to visit the Komodo Islands. You can easily combine a 4-day Komodo Islands boat tour with your 3-week Bali Route .

Flights from Bali to Labuan Bajo’s brand-new airport take 60-70 minutes. The airport is a 5-minute ride from Labuan Bajo town.

Labuan Bajo & where to stay

Labuan Bajo is a great upcoming little town. Fantastic pool bars and restaurants opened their doors in 2013. Our favorite restaurants were La Cucina (Italian) and Happy Banana (sushi).

Please note that religion is Christian and Muslim. The people are lovely, so as a sign of respect for visiting their region, don’t walk in your bikini on the street.

Where to stay in Labuan Bajo

Labuan Bajo has a shortage of accommodation (2019), which is why they are building a lot at the moment. This makes it recommended to book a guesthouse or hotel in advance.

Hotels in Labuan Bajo 😴

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Indonesia Travel Guide: The Ultimate Itinerary to Bali, Java & Flores

11 things to do in labuan bajo, flores, 13 things to do in komodo, flores.

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Hi, just wondering what airline you flew with to Komodo or what do you recommend? Thank you 😊

Hi Orla, I think we flew once with Indonesia AirAsia and the other time with Lion Air. Have the best time!

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Asia , Beach Guides , Indonesia · August 16, 2023

Komodo Islands Tour: Everything You Need to Know

The Komodo Islands tour is a popular boat trip to Indonesia’s most beautiful islands near Flores, East Nusa Tenggara. Revered for its incredibly diverse scenery both on land and underwater, this set of idyllic islands is nothing short of magical and a designated UNESCO site.

Think crystal-clear waters filled with coral and fish, dreamy rose-hued beaches, epic viewpoints, and hikes through dense forests for a chance to spot Komodo dragons in their natural habitat! Little wonder, it’s one of the best things to do in Labuan Bajo and a huge must on any Indonesian bucket list .

If you plan to go island hopping in Komodo, here’s everything you need to know about the Komodo Islands boat tour – from what to expect to the best attractions to booking your trip and, of course, all my tips.

Disclaimer: This post probably contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase through one of these links, I might receive a tiny commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Table of Contents

Before You Go

Komodo National Park consists of a group of picturesque islands off the coast of Flores , just a few islands east of Bali and the Gilis .

The main jump-off point to the iconic Komodo islands is the sleepy fishing town of Labuan Bajo , located at the westernmost tip of Flores Island. The easiest way to get to Labuan Bajo is by catching a quick flight to Komodo Airport . Direct flights are available from major cities in Indonesia , such as Jakarta , Bali , Surabaya , and a few other spots. Search flights and compare prices here on Skyscanner .

How to Access the Komodo Islands

The only way to access the Komodo islands is by boat from Labuan Bajo. It’s easy to arrange a Komodo tour online in advance, through your hotel, or at one of the many travel agencies or tourist booths in town. Each Komodo islands tour package is a little different, so I recommend doing proper research in advance so that you can choose the best tour for you.

When choosing a Komodo Island boat tour, the first thing you’ll need to decide is how much time you have. Another thing to consider is your budget. The three main options to tour the Komodo Islands are slow boat, speed boat, or liveaboard.

Komodo Tour Boat Options

Slow Boat: If you’re strapped for cash, your best bet is a slow boat tour. Just know that you’ll probably spend more time on the boat than exploring the islands.
Speed Boat: A great way to maximize your time and see all of Komodo’s best gems is on a full-day speed boat tour. While it’s a bit more expensive than the slow boat, it’s worth every penny. We booked this full-day tour with D’Tour , and I cannot recommend it enough! The trip was extremely well planned, with sufficient time to snorkel and explore each spot. Moreover, it included a tasty lunch, snacks, drinks, and a hotel pick-up and drop-off.
Liveaboard: If you have more time in Komodo, why not consider a multi-day sailing adventure? On a liveaboard, you’ll get to spend a few nights on a boat and explore the islands at a much slower pace. There are oodles of different packages ranging in length and price. Before booking a liveaboard, though, check the fine print carefully. You’ll want to ensure that the package includes pick-ups and drop-offs at your hotel, meals, water, and snorkeling equipment. Here’s one for every budget: Budget | Mid-range | Luxury

Komodo National Park Entrance Fee

Since the Komodo Islands are part of the Komodo National Park, visitors must pay a national park entrance fee . These fees are usually not included in the boat tour packages, so bring cash to cover the extra costs.

There is a bit of confusion about how much the actual park fee is. We were told to bring IDR 350,000 but only paid IDR 300,000 per person . To be safe, bring IDR 300,000 – 400,000 for the entrance fee.

It’s also a good idea to bring extra cash along on your trip to buy drinks and snacks at the islands. While most excursions provide lunch, snacks, and beverages, you’ll definitely want to refuel (or at the very least grab a Bingtang) – you’ll need it after all that hiking, swimming, snorkeling, and tracking down Komodo dragons.

Full-Day Komodo Islands Tour: What to Expect & Highlights

Padar island.

Padar Island is one of the highlights of any Komodo island hopping trip.

Straight out of a scene of Jurassic Park, Padar Island is famous for its breathtaking landscape boasting three turquoise bays, each with a different color of sand (pink, ebony, and ivory).

You can hike all the way to the top for an unobstructed view of the entire island and its trio-colored beaches. However, you should know that getting to the summit is not the easiest task. There are 820 steps to climb and then a bit more scrambling over rocks and sand. While you certainly don’t need to go to the tippy top to experience the jaw-dropping beauty of this island, it’s highly recommendable because the views from above are absolutely mind-blowing!

The hike takes about 30-40 minutes to the top, and you’re almost guaranteed to break a sweat. Bring some water for the trek – you’ll start huffing and puffing about halfway up, especially if you’re visiting summer. It’s also advisable to wear proper sneakers (or hiking shoes) as the stone steps near the summit are pretty crumbled and loose.

If you want to see Padar Island covered in lush greenery, it’s best to visit after the rainy season —plan for April to June. We went in August, and while it was quite dry, it was still absolutely breathtaking!

Travel tip: Don’t bring your drone to Padar Island because you won’t be able to fly it!

Indonesia is one of only a few places in the world where you can see pink sand beaches. And if you’re visiting Komodo National Park, you’re in for a real treat.

As you probably guessed, Pink Beach is known for its rosy-tinted sands, and yes, it’s just as dreamy as you imagine (if not more)! The striking hue results from the crushed shells of tiny organisms known as Foraminifera that live in the coral reefs. When these reddish bits of shell mix with reef sand and other crumbled coral, it creates the pastel hue pink beaches are so famous for.

Once ashore, get ready to channel your inner Barbie because you’ll take a million and one photos here! After an intense photo shoot, cool off in the crystal-clear waters or work on your tan beachside. There are also a couple of warungs dotted along the beach where you can grab some snacks or sit back with an ice-cold Bintang or a freshly cracked coconut under the shade. Just know that things are seriously overpriced here! Expect to pay IDR 70,000 for a small Bintang.

Komodo Island

Komodo National Park is the only place in the world where you can spot Komodo dragons in the wild, and probably one of the main reasons you’ve traveled to this remote corner of the world.

Komodo dragons actually live on (and swim between) several islands within the Komodo National Park. And for the best chance to spot these giant reptiles, your boat tour will take you to either Komodo Island or Rinca Island . We visited Komodo Island, which is home to about 1300 Komodo dragons.

A couple of trails run through the rugged jungles of Komodo Island, varying in length. But since you’ve joined a day tour, you’ll likely only have time to do the shortest trek. The walk is about 30 minutes long, and two experienced guides will accompany you. The path is flat and easy to walk, but it’s a good idea to bring your water bottle along to stay hydrated.

You’re almost guaranteed to see at least a few dragons (we saw two), and with the guide’s help, you can even take pictures with them! Just remember, Komodo dragons are extremely dangerous . And while they don’t usually attack humans, this has happened in the past. Stick with your guide, don’t stray off the path, and always stay at least 5-6 meters away from the dragons if you spot one!

Travel tip for all the ladies out there: If you’ve done your research on Komodo, you probably know that Komodos can smell blood miles away. While our guide didn’t mention anything, it might be a good idea to plan your trip around your cycle or, at the very least, disclose it to your guide. Just in case!

Manta Point

Next up on your Komodo Island day tour excursion in Manta Point . And as its name suggests, it’s THE place to spot giant manta rays in the Komodo Islands! I spotted two!

While manta rays are the shining star here, you might spot a few other sea creatures if you’re lucky! These include everything from turtles to unicorn fish to even sharks!

Manta Point has a vibe similar to Shark Point in Koh Phi Phi – so expect to jump off the boat into deep blue sea waters literally in the middle of nowhere! The water is about 10m deep here, but there is a very strong current. Make sure you stick with your group! And if you’re not a strong swimmer, it might not be a good idea to swim here.

Taka Makassar

Taka Makassar is a spec of soft sand floating in the Flores Sea that will leave you oohing and ahh-ing as you approach it.

Situated not too far from Manta Point, this beautiful banana-shaped sandbar forms part of the largest reef in the Komodo National Park. It features soft sand and crystal clear water filled with colorful coral and even more colorful fish. As a result, it’s one of the best snorkeling spots in the Komodo National Park.

Since it’s quite shallow here, you can swim (and in some sections even walk out) to the pink-tinted sandbar for postcard views over it and the surrounding islands. The sandbar is not very big, but you could easily spend a good amount of time here – swimming, snorkeling, beachcombing, or taking photos.

Kanawa Island

Beautiful Kanawa Island is the last stop on your full-day boat tour of the Komodo Islands. It is the closest island to Labuan Bajo and your last chance to work in a bit of snorkeling before heading back to civilization.

Besides its tranquil setting, what really makes Kanawa Island so unique is its pristine waters brimming with a kaleidoscope of marine life. The water here is crystal clear – so much so that you can even spot schools of fish swimming in coral gardens right from the pier!

Plop down on the white sandy beach if you’ve had your fill of snorkeling for the day. There’s also a cool swing for all the Instagrammers out there and a tiny warung (look out for the blue hut) where you can kick back with an ice-cold Bintang and some snacks as you watch the day’s last rays melt away over the Flores Sea.

Where to Stay

For the ultimate glamping experience on a secluded island, book yourself in at the dreamy Le Pirate Island . You’ll be off the grid here with little to no cellphone reception and only a solar power set-up, but it’s a small price to pay if you really want to embrace island life at its best.

If that’s not for you, your best bet is to base yourself in Labuan Bajo . The town has a good selection of hotels and hostels catering to all budgets and many shops and eateries. Here are my top picks:

AYANA Komodo is a fantastic 5-star resort for those looking for an upscale stay in Labuan Bajo. The hotel features beautifully decorated, spacious rooms, several onsite restaurants, an infinity pool, and direct beach access.

If you’re looking for something a bit more affordable without sacrificing style or comfort, another great upscale option is Loccal Collection Hotel . This Greek-themed 4-star hotel features stunning views over the port, lovely decorated rooms, and the dreamiest infinity pool imaginable.

For budget travelers, Seaesta Komodo Hotel & Hostel is a great base with dorm and private rooms for those who value their privacy. The hotel also has a lovely rooftop pool area with great views over the ocean.

Still need more options? Search for the best hotel deals in Labuan Bajo here on Agoda.

Best Time To Visit Komodo

The best time to visit the Komodo Islands is during the dry season , which runs from March to October. During these months, the area experiences the least rain, and it’s prime time for diving, snorkeling, beaching, and hiking.

July and August are the busiest months to visit Komodo, Indonesia. If you’re planning a trip during these months, make sure you book accommodation well in advance.

What to Pack for a Komodo Island Hopping Trip

Along with all the usual stuff you’ll bring on a boating adventure (swimsuit, cap, shades, camera), here are a few more items I highly recommend bringing with you:

Seasickness medicine: I don’t suffer from seasickness, but if you get queasy easily, bringing some Dramamine along on your Komodo Island day trip is a good idea.
Reef-safe sunscreen: Being out on the boat and in the water all day is just a recipe for sunburn. Pack a reef-safe high-SPF sunscreen to protect you and the marine life. This Sun Bum SPF 70 spray is my go-to.
Portable power bank: You’re going to take a lot of pictures – trust me! Bring a portable power bank to ensure your phone never runs out of juice.
Waterproof phone case: Bring a waterproof phone case to capture the colorful coral gardens and tropical fish Komodo is so famous for.
Dry Bag: Pack a lightweight dry bag to help keep all your stuff dry while on the boat.
Quick Drying Towel: You’ll need a lightweight, quick-drying towel if you’re beaching, swimming, or snorkeling. I love this Turkish beach towel . Not only does it dry in a jiffy, sand does not stick to it!

Komodo Islands Day Tour in Conclusion

Joining a Komodo tour is a huge must-do on any visit to Flores! Whether you’re visiting for nature, dragons, or endless snorkeling and diving opportunities, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable experience.

Well, that wraps up this full-day Komodo island-hopping guide! Have you visited the Komodo Islands? Feel free to share your top tips, island highlights, best tours, and everything in between in the comments below!

Don’t forget to save this Komodo Islands tour for your next island hopping adventure!

The Komodo Islands are home to some of the most beautiful gems in Indonesia. Here’s how to tour the islands in just one day, including what to expect, highlights on a Komodo Islands tour & all my tips! Komodo Island Indonesia | komodo island | pink beach komodo island | komodo island tour

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PLAN YOUR PERFECT TOUR TO KOMODO ISLAND

Discover the best things in komodo and flores island.

Komodo island tours is special for you to explore Komodo National Park. Certainly, Komodo island is a biggest island inside of Komodo National Park. Our Komodo tours will bring you to discover the best places to visit and doing the best activities inside Komodo National Park.

Labuan Bajo is a launching point to explore the island’s interior of Flores and Komodo National Park. Komodo island tours mostly start from Labuan Bajo. We can easily find local wooden Boats embarked at the Harbor in Labuan Bajo waiting for the people going to explore Komodo National Park.

People join Komodo island tours to encounter Komodo dragons. Komodo dragons are the star of the show in Komodo National Park and you can find the most in Rinca Island and Komodo island. It is the most interesting and attractive things also the main reason why the people do Komodo island tours. Actually, there are many other things to see during Komodo island tours such as fabulous Pink Beach, enchanting view from Padar Island and also superb underwater paradise for snorkelers and divers.

KOMODO ISLAND TOURS; DISCOVER KOMODO DRAGON ISLAND

It can be seen clearly recently when you come to Labuan Bajo . Labuan Bajo is gradually turning into a busy spot because of the divers and the increased number of Komodo visitors. It is a launching point to explore the island’s interior and Komodo National Park .

Why Komodo Island Tours with Us?

We offer Komodo Island Tours and surroundings from Labuan Bajo . But we can arrange Komodo Tours from Bali as there are direct flights from Bali Airport to Labuan Bajo . Labuan Bajo is the launching point to explore Komodo National Park . That is the reason why our Komodo Island tours mostly starts from Labuan Bajo . We have an Office in Labuan Bajo and our operational team are there to assure our Clients on Komodo Island tours are in good care.

Despite we focus on Komodo Island Tours , we also offer tours to Flores Island Indonesia . Sometimes we combine Komodo island tours with Flores Island Tours . Flores Island Indonesia is the most fascinating and beautiful island. Here, you can swim in pristine lakes and waterfalls and dive at one of the 50 spectacular dive sites or go kayaking among craggy coasts and mangrove shores. And you can explore mysterious caves and warmly welcome by the island’s people in their rituals, dances and daily life.

How to get to Komodo Island?

Since Labuan Bajo is a main entrance to Komodo Island and to discover the interiors of Flores Island, there are Daily Flights from Denpasar, Bali to Labuan Bajo . There are also direct Flights from Jakarta, Surabaya and Lombok to Labuan Bajo . Therefore, it is easy to do Komodo island tours from Bali. It is only 5 minutes from Komodo Airport to get to the harbor by car where all local wooden boats are ready to escort you to explore Komodo National park . We strongly recommend you to plan your tours to Komodo island far in advance, not on the spot. It is to avoid that you get a last-minute price and there is no Boats available when you arrive at the harbor.

The Komodo dragons are the star of the show in Komodo National Park . You can find the most in Rinca Island and Komodo island. It is the most interesting and attractive things. And it is also the main reason why you need to come to Komodo and join our Komodo island tours . Actually, there are many other things to see such as fabulous Pink Beach, enchanting view from Padar Island and also superb underwater paradise for snorkelers and divers.

How much is the price of Komodo Island Tours?

Tours to Komodo Island in Komodo National Park has many options in terms of price. It depends on the Boat type you are going to use during your visit to Komodo National park and how many days you need to spend time inside the park. The entrance fee to Komodo National Park is counted as daily fee, so the longer days you are inside the park, the more you are going to pay.

Some visitors have limited time but really want to see the highlights of Komodo National Park . Then you can do a Komodo day trip with speedboat which only take 1.5 hour to Komodo Island. You can use local wooden Boat which is cheaper and slower and can reach Komodo Island around 2.5 – 3 hours. Of course, using speedboat is more expensive than local wooden Boat but you can safe more time. So, let us know your budget to get the best offer of Komodo island tours .

What do you need to wear during Komodo Island Tours?

Tours to Komodo Island is about exploring the islets inside of Komodo National park . It is an adventure trip to discover the fabulous things that Komodo National park can offer to you. Many things to experience such as the superb underwater live, snorkeling in pristine water at Pink beach. And also trekking on Komodo or Rinca Island to see the dragons in wild life, trekking to the top of Padar island to get the stunning view over the Islets. We strongly recommend to use Casual and comfortable lightweight clothing, good shoes are suitable for travelling in Komodo National Park . Please be ready with change clothes during your trip to Komodo island .

How to plan a tour to Komodo Island?

Once you get to Bali, we recommend you to have one day or two days rest of jet lack. We recommend also to have more days to enjoy and explore Bali Island before leaving for Komodo Island. Definitely do that and make sure you check to see when and how much the flights are from Bali to Labuan Bajo . Or you can combine Bali Island tour and Komodo Island tours with us.

Important Things to Know about Komodo Island Tours

The most important things when you start planning your trip to Komodo Island are as follows. Firstly, you need to think about time. The best time to visit Komodo National Park is during the dry season, from April to December. You can trek in the park and see the Komodo dragons all year around. Although between July to August and September to November the dragons are less active due to the mating and nesting seasons.

Secondly, how long your trip should be to Komodo Island. You can spend two days and a half in the park and it is enough to enjoy the top attractions of Komodo National Park . I would say to do at least a two days trip from Labuan Bajo to the Komodo Islands, then one more day to relax. If you go to Komodo National Park for some serious diving, we suggest staying a bit longer.

DISCOVER THE DRAGON

Komodo island tours.

Komodo Island Tour
Highlights of Komodo
Liveaboard Komodo Tour
Day Tour Komodo
Rinca Island Tour
Package Tour Komodo

KOMODO BOAT CHARTER

Seamore Papua
Amalia Bahari
Dara Komodo

KOMODO & FLORES HOTELS

Bintang Flores
Ina Labuan Bajo
Ayana Resort
Pelataran Komodo
CF Komodo Hotel
La Prima Bajo

FLORES ISLAND TOURS

Wae Rebo Village
Flores Highlights Tour
Komodo Flores Tour
Kelimutu Komodo Tour
Komodo Ca-Ci Dance
Discover Flores Komodo

Choose Your Komodo island tours at one place with Ease

Our Komodo Island Tours focus to offer tours to Komodo Island Indonesia. Komodo is a name of an Island inside of Komodo National Park. It considers as one of the biggest Islets where The Dragons , the biggest living Lizard, was firstly discovered by the world scientific in 1912, Lieutenant J. K. H. van Steyn van Henbroek. Therefore, we call it now as “ Komodo Dragon ” (Varanus Komodoensis). This animal is called “ORA” by the locals and is an endangered animal because these animals are endemic animals. Endemic means this animal only lives in certain areas.

The highlight of Komodo Island Tours is Komodo Dragons . Komodo Dragons only lives on an island like Komodo Island. They are also live in Rinca Island, Gili Motong, Gili laba and in the North Side of Flores Island like in Riung and Pota. Komodo dragons are carnivorous animals and these animals have a rather elongated tongue shape and are forked at the tip like a snake’s tongue. Research shows that the tip of the forked tongue serves to “taste” its food. These animals usually make nests underground. Komodo dragons are the star of the show during your Komodo Island tours . But the natural spectacle in Komodo National Park goes beyond those dangerous lizards.

The best tour to see Komodo Dragon in Komodo Island Indonesia

Komodo island tour is a best way to discover the Komodo dragons in their habitat. So, the highlight of Komodo island tour is Komodo dragon. Therefore, we have to visit Komodo and Rinca island where the most Komodo dragons live. Komodo and Rinca island are inside of Komodo National Park. On Komodo island tour , We have the opportunities to explore surrounding Komodo and Rinca island. Komodo dragon is star of the show in Komodo national park. Actually, there are many other things to see such as fabulous Pink Beach, enchanting view from Padar Island and also superb underwater paradise for snorkelers and divers.

How big is Komodo Dragon?

Komodo Dragon is the largest land reptile in the world with average length 2-3 meters. This large size is related to the symptoms of island gigantism, namely the tendency of the body to behave certain animals that live on small islands. It is associated with the absence of carnivorous mammals on the island where dragons live, and a small metabolic rate of dragons . Because of their size, these lizards occupy the top predator position that dominates the ecosystem in which they live.

Dragon only lives on an island called Komodo Island, Indonesia. Komodo dragons including carnivorous animals. These animals have a rather elongated tongue shape and are forked at the tip like a snake’s tongue. Research shows that the tip of the forked tongue serves to “taste” its food. These animals usually make nests underground.

Komodo Islands Boat Tour: Complete Traveler’s Guide

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Taking a Komodo Island-Hopping Boat Tour is the best activity you can do on any trip to Indonesia. Typically visited on multi-day tours through the Komodo Islands Archipelago, Komodo Cruises do not set sail directly from Bali, but from the islands of Flores and Lombok. You need at least 3-days to visit the Komodos, and many travelers (including myself) consider it the highlight of their trip to Bali & Indonesia – Trust me, the Komodos are well worth visiting!

✔️ Essential Information

Komodo Boat Tours depart and dock in Labuan Bajo, Flores.
You can reach Labuan Bajo from Bali via a 1-hour flight.
Most Komodo Boat Tours are 3 days / 2 nights.
On average, a Komodo Cruise is around $550 per person private room / $250 pp dorm.
Komodo cruises are all-inclusive, except for alcohol.
Ultra-cheap “Backpackers” Komodo Boat Tours depart from Lombok, most backpackers choose to do a Komodo Boat tour after visiting the Gili Islands.
There are many different types of Komodo Boat Tours for any style of traveler or budget. → Read my guide to the different types of boat tours.

🏆 The BEST Komodo Boat Tour!

If you’re looking for a tour recommendation, I suggest this tour which has both luxury & budget options.

All About Komodo National Park

Komodo National Park is a famous UNESCO world heritage site in Indonesia that became popular around 10 years ago with travelers looking to go beyond Bali to find pristine beaches and adventure. Komodo National Park is composed of almost thirty separate islands, some huge and some super tiny.

Each island in Komodo is incredibly distinct and worth a visit, and while you could just pick one island and stay as there are a few Resorts in Komodo National Park, most people choose to go “island hopping” and stay overnight on a boat instead.

Blogger Katie Caf poses for a photo at Kelor Island viewpoint in Komodo National Park.

Which Komodo Boat Tour Is Right For You?

Which Komodo Boat tour is right for you? They’re both an AMAZING choice depending on your budget, how many days you can spend in Komodo National Park, and whether or not you feel like partying or relaxing. I’ve tried out both of the two main Komodo Boat Tours – The first one I took, I’m calling this one the “Backpackers’ Komodo Boat Tour” in this guide, it’s not the official name but it’s definitely the “backpackers option” because it’s super cheap, said from Lombok to Flores through the Komodo Islands. This option is more of a party boat.

The other Komodo Boat Tour I took was much more luxurious, even though it was still really cheap (by Bali standards). I’m calling this one the “Classic Komodo Boat Tour” or “Luxury Komodo Boat Tour” because I had a proper bed and cabin, and in the “Backpackers’ Boat” I was sleeping on a mat on the floor with 30 other people. This type of cruise would be better for families and couples, or people looking to relax.

🚢 The 5 Different Types Of Komodo Boat Tours 🚢

There are many different tour options of different cruises you can take that suit every budget. Here are the main Komodo cruise types and their differences:

1. Backpackers Boat Tour From Lombok To Flores

The Boat Trip from Lombok to Flores is affectionately known as the “Backpackers’ Boat”. It’s dirt-cheap (like $45 per person, per day, all-inclusive), 4 days/3 nights, and you sleep on a mat on the floor with 20-30 other people. While it’s super cheap and no-frills, the backpackers’ boat is FUN. Everyone is drinking, jumping off the boat, and making lifetime memories. I recommend this boat to solo travelers or people who want to socialize because you get super close with your fellow passengers over the 4-day cruise!

A komodo boat tour sailing through Komodo National Park.

2. Classic Komodo Boat Tour To/From Flores

Taking a 3-day/2-night cruise on a 14-person boat with a proper bed (and AC!) is the standard Komodo Boat Trip most people take. I was lucky enough to be able to take a 🛳 Luxury Komodo Cruise that embarks and lands in Labuan Bajo, Flores, as well as the backpackers’ boat that travels over open water from Lombok to Flores – and they’re both amazing experiences in their own way! You get way nicer food, a real bed, AC, and an overall more luxurious experience taking a Luxury Komodo Cruise over the Backpackers’ option. I recommend this boat tour to couples, honeymooners, or people who don’t necessarily want to “party”, but are still on a budget – since the Backpackers’ Boat from Lombok to Flores is also known as the party boat!

a luxury Phinisi boat sailing through Komodo Islands national park.

3. Luxury Komodo Sailing Trip On A Phinisi Boat

A Phinisi is a traditional Indonesian sailing boat that dates back at least 100 years. Today, they’re motor-operated rather than actual sailboats just like the other Komodo Cruise ships – but the Phinisi boats are the gold standard for luxury cruising in Indonesia. If you take a Phinisi Boat tour of Komodo National Park you’ll go to mostly the same stops as the cheaper cruise ships, but you’ll do so in style! The Phinisi boats are gorgeous and I highly recommend taking one for your Komodo cruise if you have it in your budget. ⤵

💡 Note: This Tour is actually the best price I’ve ever seen for a luxury Phinisi Boat Cruise!

A scuba diver in Komodo National Park with a manta ray on a Komodo Boat tour from Bali.

4. Diving Liveaboard Boat Trip

Full disclosure: I don’t know how to dive. I keep meaning to get my certification… and I just never get around to it. However, I have some friends who did a Diving Liveaboard trip in Komodo National Park and said it was amazing . I’m SO jealous because typically the liveaboard trips are longer than the typical boat tours of Komodo National Park – they also go to less touristic places, and overall are just kinda reported to be better . So, if you know how to dive I highly recommend taking a liveaboard Komodo Cruise. ↴

5. Private Komodo Boat Tour

If you’re traveling with your family or a larger group I would recommend chartering a boat for a Private Komodo Cruise for a more customized experience. You can choose to charter the boat for up to 12 people for a 3-day tour.

a komodo dragon sleeping at Komodo national Park in Indonesia

Is Komodo National Park Closing?

🚨 UPDATE! 🚨 The Indonesian government has decided to scrap the idea to raise prices to Komodo Island! The entrance fee remains 550K ($35) for foreigners and 250K ($16) for Indonesians!

There have been some issues in the past few years about the future of tourism in Komodo National Park. In 2019 Nine men were arrested for stealing and trafficking Komodo Dragons to sell overseas, which is both highly illegal and terrible for the natural Komodo Dragon population. The Indonesian government first planned to completely shut Komodo Island off from tourism as a response, and the locals who live off of the tourism generated by the park protested. The new plan is to raise the cost of entrance to Komodo National Park from what it is now, around 550K ($35) for foreigners, and 250K ($16) for Indonesians, to around 3.75 million Rupiah ($244).

Locals from Labuan Bajo and the Komodo Islands who depend on tourism have been actively protesting the price hike, as they see it as a direct attack on their economy – as of right now, we’ll just have to wait and see what happens! What does seem certain at this time is that even if they increase the admission price to Komodo National Park, the Indonesian government seems to have lost interest in closing the islands for tourism completely.

Map of Komodo, Lombok, & Bali showing where Komodo Island is located in Indonesia.

Where Is Komodo Island Located?

Komodo Island is located in Komodo National Park, which is a cluster of islands off the coast of Flores. Flores is an island in the Indonesian Archipelago that belongs to the East Nusa Tenggara Province. You can see on the map that Komodo & Flores are far east of the island of Bali, where most travelers fly to. The islands of Lombok and Sumbawa lie between Bali and Komodo National Park, making overland transport between the two islands difficult.

How To Get To Komodo From Bali

Depending on Which tour you take, your Komodo sailing trip will either be departing from the island of Lombok or the island of Flores. 👉 Read my more detailed guide on how to get to/from Bali to the Komodos

The “Backpackers Boat” departs from Lombok , and most travelers choose to visit the Gili Islands first as a stopover from Bali.
The Classic Komodo Cruise departs from Labuan Bajo , in Flores. The only way to get there from Bali is by flying.

a komodo boat tour setting sail from flores.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Komodo National Park?

Indonesia doesn’t have winter, spring, summer, and fall – instead, they only have two seasons: the dry and the wet. You’ll want to visit Komodo National Park during the dry season which stretches from April – to October. I sailed in Komodo at the beginning of the wet season in November and didn’t have any problems with the weather personally, but the people who sailed the weekend before me in mid-November had it rain the whole weekend! So it’s better to go in the dry season if you can.

Blogger Katie Caf wearing a black shirt and red shorts waves an Indonesian Sarong on top of Padar Island in Komodo National Park.

Do You Need A Tour To Visit Komodo National Park?

YES – You 100% need a tour to enter Komodo National Park. It’s actually illegal to visit the Komodo Islands without a guide, plus they can only be accessed via boat. So, it’s not a DIY kind of tourist location and you need a tour.

A boat tour that sails for multiple days from flores to Komodo National Park in Indonesia, pictured at sunset. Many people choose to sail the komodo islands as an add on tour on their trip to Bali.

💰Prices & How To Book A Komodo Boat Tour

If you’re interested in taking the backpackers’ boat, I recommend the company Wanua Adventures, and they only accept cash. For all other Komodo Cruises, you have the option to book online through Klook , which is a popular tour provider in Indonesia that accepts foreign credit cards.

💰 Budget Tip: Do know that most companies selling rooms on Komodo Open Boat Tours are intermediaries, and charge different amounts for the same tour depending on who you book through – In my experience, for open tours it’s cheaper to book online, for private boat charters it might be cheaper to book in person.

How To Book The Backpackers’ Boat & How Much it Cost

The Backpackers’ Boat sailing trips that go from Lombok to Flores do not have an online booking option. They operate through word of mouth and usually only accept cash. I recommend the company Wanua Adventure, which you can email to reserve a spot. You have the option to book a general admission spot, which is basically just a mat on the deck, or a private cabin. The private cabins only cost $30-60 more than sleeping on the deck with everyone else, but they’re right above the engine and can get really hot and noisy.

📧 >>[email protected]

💰 Cost of the Backpackers Boat: The Komodo Tour from Lombok to Flores costs 2,800,000 Indonesian Rupiah ($185) in total, and includes entry tickets to Komodo National Park.

Note – There’s no AC on the Backpackers’ Boat!

How To Book A Classic Komodo Cruise

The classic Komodo Cruises that start and end in Labuan Bajo, Flores, can be booked online ahead of time. These tours can be “Open Tours” which means you’re just booking a spot. Usually, the open tours have up to 12 passengers on a boat. Or, you can book a 🚢 Private Boat tour where you charter the entire boat and crew for larger groups or families – As a solo traveler, I just booked a spot on an “Open Tour” – You have the option to get a room with bunk beds, usually a room of four, or a private room for a higher fee.

💰 Price of a Classic/Luxury Komodo Cruise: The luxury Komodo boat tours aren’t fixed rates and vary in price by the type of boat and room you book. My Luxury Komodo Cruise was only around $250 per person, only $50 more than the backpackers’ option, but it was a 2-night tour instead of 3, and I was sharing a room with three friends.

💡 Tip: You need to bring cash to pay the entrance fee to Komodo National Park! It’s currently 550K Indonesian Rupiah ($35) per person.

Explore The Different Komodo Boat Tours You Can Book Online ⤵ 👉 -> Click Here to Explore Komodo Sailing Trips! <- 👈

🚨 Note: Most of the tour companies related to Komodo Cruises are actually travel agents that work with independent boat owners – So make sure you see photos of the actual boat you’ll be staying on before you book !

Snorkeling on the Backpackers' budget Komodo Boat tour from Lombok to Flores.

About The Boat From Lombok To Flores – The “Backpackers’ Boat Tour”

So, the boat from Lombok to Flores is bare-bones, with absolutely no frills – I can’t state this enough! There’s no AC, you sleep on a mat on the floor with 20-something other people, and the toilet has to be flushed with a bucket of water, (there are also only two toilets, for 30-some people!). That being said, it’s a lot of fun, and no one on the tour is there for the quality of the boat. If you want a luxury Komodo Cruise, there are a ton of options that depart from Labuan Bajo, but the cruise that departs from Lombok and sails over open waters is just for backpackers!

“Backpackers’ Boat” 4-Day / 3-Night Boat Trip Itinerary

This itinerary changes depending on whether you depart from Lombok or Flores! Coming from Lombok, which is the most common route, it goes like this:

Set off from Lombok ferry port
Hike to Kanawa Island’s viewpoint
watch the sunset on Kanawa Island from your boat
Wake up at 6 AM to snorkel with the wild whale sharks!
Free time to swim and jump off the boat

Day 3

Go to Komodo Island to see the Komodo dragons in the morning
Go swimming at Pink Beach in the afternoon
Hike to Padar Island’s viewpoint for sunset

Day 4

Go snorkeling in the morning
Climb to the viewpoint at Kelor Island
Dock at Labuan Bajo

Watching the sunset from the deck of the budget Backpackers' Boat from Lombok to Flores.

10 Reasons You Should Take A Komodo Boat Tour from Lombok To Flores • Backpackers’ Boat

I have been full time traveling for over a year at the time of writing this and there have been so many “Instagram vs. Reality” disappointments that I felt myself getting kinda jaded. I’m happy to report that not only did the Komodo National Park sailing trip live up to my expectations, but it also surpassed them.

The trip to Komodo from Lombok is now my favorite tour I’ve ever taken in a year and a half of full-time travel! Every. Single. Day of the 4-day tour was a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience – I’ve never done anything like it before, and it’s left me with a need to start exploring Indonesia’s other amazing islands outside of Bali stat .

Swimming With The Wild Whale Sharks in Komodo National Park on a Komodo Boat Tour.

1. You Get To Swim With Wild Whale Sharks (!!!)

Swimming with the wild whale sharks was the highlight of the whole trip for me, and the reason I originally picked the tour that goes from Lombok to Flores over the one that sails around Komodo National Park (and then I turned around and did that one right after!). At 6 in the morning, the whole boat wakes up to the most GORGEOUS sunrise and a giant whale shark swimming around the boats. Our tour guide was honest with us, these are wild animals – sometimes they’re there, sometimes they’re not. Occasionally there will be up to 5 whale sharks at once, other times none!

I think we were pretty lucky because there was one whale shark present for our encounter, and one was honestly enough for me! Even though whale sharks are considered “gentle giants”, I think having a 5 swimming all over would have been kinda intimidating because they are huge . The whale shark was very curious and was swimming up to get fed and then going all around the boats and people snorkeling.

🚩 Ethical Issues – In reference to animal welfare, whale sharks are fed for this experience. I’m always conflicted about “animal encounter” things. It’s slightly comforting that Whale Sharks aren’t predatory animals, they filter plankton and other super small fish, so by feeding them people aren’t necessarily making them unequipped to survive in the wild – but it’s still something to keep in mind when deciding to participate in the activity or not!

The Pink Beach in Komodo National Park. The Pink Beach gets its name from its pink sand, which is colored by ground up coral.

2. Snorkel On The Famous Pink Beach

I’ve been all over the world at this point (sometimes I still have to pinch myself to believe that’s true!) and with complete honesty – the Pink Beach at Komodo National Park is the BEST snorkel spot I’ve been to so far! Most people come to Pink Beach to take photos on the famous pink sand, and I’ll admit that’s all I did the first time I went to Pink Beach – but since I did two Komodo cruises I decided to just swim the second time around. The coral was super colorful – I saw parrotfish, one giant pufferfish, and lots of clownfish in their anemone (just like in Finding Nemo!). It’s amazing!!

I’m sure if you’ve been to one of Indonesia’s other famous spots, like Raja Ampat, Pink Beach might not be so impressive – but to me, it was an amazing experience. The Pink Beach in Komodo National Park is actually pink.

Everyone gets disappointed when we first see the beach because it looks like normal white sand from the boat, but as you get closer you can see the whole strip of beach by the water is bright pink! If you want to find a good snorkel spot at Pink Beach, once you dock you’ll want to go towards the right of the beach. If you want to see where the sand is the pinkest, go left!

🛶 When I took the nicer Komodo Cruise my second time going they had kayaks available for us to use at Pink Beach and it was so much fun!

the sleeping quarters on the komodo boat trip from lombok to flores that most backpackers choose to take. you sleep on mats on the floor.

3. Get Really Close With 30-ish People

I do need to mention that if you take the backpacker’s Komodo Cruise from Lombok to Flores through Wanua Adventure you will be probably sleeping on a mat on the floor with roughly 30 other people. There are around 6 private cabins available on each boat for a small additional fee (I think it was around $30 per person to get a private cabin), but they’re right above the engine and most people actually report a better sleeping experience in the common room.

There’s no AC, and while the cabins and common room are unbearably hot in the daytime, you’re going to be doing activities outside of the boat anyway! The good thing about the kinda cramped conditions on the boat is that it allows you to make friends fast with your boat mates. That’s why I recommend taking the Backpackers’ Boat from Lombok to Flores to solo travelers!

sleeping room on a boat from lombok to flores with mats on the floor. The "Backpackers" Komodo Boat Tour from Lombok to Flores is cheap for a reason!

4. It’s An Extremely Cheap Trip (Even By Bali Standards!)

💰For my 4-day / 3-night Komodo Islands Cruise from Lombok to Flores, I only paid 2,800,000 Indonesian Rupiah ($180 USD), or roughly $45 per day. This included all meals, accommodation, tour guides, activities, and the 550,000 entrance fee to Komodo National Park. Of course, it was so cheap because I was sleeping on a mat with 30 other people, the toilet flushed with a bucket, and we were eating mostly rice, tofu, and cabbage, but still!!!! Taking the backpackers’ cruise from Lombok to Flores is a very affordable option.

💡 Budget Tip: My Komodo boat trip from Lombok to Flores actually included a ferry ticket from Gili Air and Gili T, and then cross-island van transportation to the port in Lombok where the tour set off – making it the perfect addition to any Bali > Gilis > Komodo itinerary.

Komodo Boat tour at sunset at kanawa island.

5. You Can Sleep Under The Stars On The Open Ocean

So, the sleeping arrangements on the backpackers’ boat aren’t ideal – I’ll admit that. I was sandwiched between my one friend who was elbowing me in the face all night and another traveler who I didn’t know that well (but who had no qualms about taking up half my mat as well as his own!).

The mats have 0 space between them, so unless you sleep like a mummy with your hands crossed over your chest or by your side it can get a little cramped. After the first night, people started bringing their mats outside to sleep on the deck, which freed up some (much-needed) space in the main room for everyone else and was also a super cool way to spend the night.

💸 When I took the nicer Komodo Island Cruise a few weeks later I had a proper comfy bed with AC , but no option to sleep under the stars. If comfort is a priority for you I would recommend booking a 🚢 Luxury Komodo Cruise for around the same price! (I paid $50 more for a bunk-bed room).

backpackers jumping off the boat on the komodo islands boat tour from lombok to flores.

6. They Let You Jump Off The Boat!

My favorite part about the backpackers’ cruise from Lombok to Flores is that they didn’t really care what you did. Is that bad to say??? Haha. Basically, it went like this:

“Can I jump off the boat?”

*Shrug*”sure”

“Can I jump off the roof of the boat?”

“Go for it”.

On some nicer (i.e. more expensive) boat tours, they might be fretting about the passengers’ safety, worried about bad reviews, etc, but on the backpackers’ boat, they just didn’t care .

Blogger Katie Caf steering the boat on the komodo boat tour from lombok to flores.

As long as you weren’t going to do something really stupid or dangerous, the tour operators were chill about things like jumping off the boat, which wound up being one of the most fun memories from the trip!

a komodo dragon on the beach on komodo island. Komodo island is one of the stops you will make if you take a boat tour of komodo national park.

7. See Komodo Dragons Up-Close

This is part of every Komodo tour, and I’m going to be 100% honest – I t’s the most disappointing part of the trip.

I’ve been to Komodo Island to see the dragons twice now and I can say with complete and total honesty that it’s the worst activity you do on a Komodo Island Cruise. People come from all over the world to see the dragons, but they’re mostly just sleeping on the beach while throngs of tourists line up to pose behind them for a photo op.

tourists vying to take pictures of a komodo dragon on komodo island. Komodo island is one of the stops you will make if you take a komodo boat tour.

The locals on Komodo Island have really leaned into tourism, so after your photo opportunity you get harassed endlessly to buy some dragon-shaped trinkets, overpriced Bintangs, or t-shirts that say “I survived Komodo Island.”

It’s a cool experience to tick off a list, but if you’re going to do a Komodo National Park boat trip, do it for the amazing nature , swimming with whale sharks, giant manta rays, and seaturtles – the Komodo Dragons are kinda just there .

someone drinking a bintang beer at Komodo Islands national park, in Padar island, Indonesia.

8. Enjoy Ice-Cold Bintangs In Beautiful Places!

Okay, so the super-cheap, super-dinky boat that goes from Lombok to Flores is known as the “Backpackers’ Komodo Cruise” as well as the “Party Komodo Cruise”. Enjoying an ice-cold Bintang while playing cards on the roof of the boat with Komodo National Park on either side is a fantastic memory I have of the trip.

🍻 Fun Fact: Bintang beer is essentially just Heineken beer that’s produced in Indonesia.

Blogger Katie Caf posing for a photo at the top of the viewpoint at Padar Island in Komodo National Park.

9. Hike To The Viewpoint At Padar Island

Very few places in the world actually look as amazing as the photos on Instagram, but Padar Island is one of them! We got to climb to Padar Island’s viewpoint, which is about a 20-minute trek straight up, at sunset on our second day. The view from the top of Padar Island is AMAZING, I really can’t overstate it.

💡 Tip: Pack decent shoes for this! People who just bought flip-flops were struggling on this half-hour hike.

sunset over Kanawa island in Komodo National Park.

10. Watch The Sunset At Kanawa Island

Visiting Kanawa Island was our first activity on the tour. We climbed to the viewpoint at Kanawa Island and then watched the sunset from the boat. Kanawa Island at sunset looks unreal, like a screensaver that’s an AI-generated photo of paradise.

Blogger Katie Caf and two friends hanging out on the deck of the boat and playing card games on their komodo boat tour from lombok to flores.

REVIEW: My Experience Sailing from Lombok To Flores With TravelWise

🚨 Note! I didn’t receive any payment or compensation for either of my Komodo Tours, I paid for them both with my own money – so you can trust my review in this guide is my own opinion.

The backpackers’ boat is supposed to be a less glamorous and rough time, but there were a few times during our tour that just made me sigh. For example, there weren’t enough cups on board – there were only like 8 cups for 30+ people.

So, in the morning everyone would want coffee and tea they put out for the passengers, but you couldn’t have any… because there were no cups. Similarly, there weren’t enough (working) snorkels for all the passengers – which really sucked because snorkeling was a huge part of the trip!

We also had a bit of a problem with the alcohol people brought to the store in the cooler. Travel-Wise was having people operate on the honor system, as in “if you put 10 beers in the cooler, please just only take out 10 beers”, which is a bit hard to uphold with 30+ people drinking on a boat.

On the last day, some Dutch passengers were very upset when they found out someone had drunk their Bintangs. On the other boats, there was a system where you write your name on your items in the cooler that seemed to work better.

food on the backpackers komodo boat tour from Lombok to Flores.

I was talking to a friend who did the tour with Wanua Adventure, and he said that his tour had none of these problems.

It’s hard to know which company to go with because there’s very little written online about the Backpackers’ Boats that sail from Lombok to Flores. They’re not advertised online and mostly operate through word of mouth. For the reasons I listed above, if I were to do the tour again I would choose to go with Wanua Adventure.

Blogger Katie Caf wearing a long sleeved rashguard swimsuit on Indonesia's famous Pink Beach. A rashguard comes in handy while dealing with the sun in Komodo Island National Park.

What To Bring On Your Komodo Boat Tour

✅ Bintangs! They don’t sell alcohol onboard the ships, and it’s quite a party boat – so you’ll want to bring your own Bintang beers and other drinks if you want to enjoy them onboard. I also recommend bringing a Sharpie to write your name on them so they don’t get confused with other passengers.

✅ Reef-Safe Sunscreen – I can’t overstate how crazy sunny it is in Komodo National Park, you’ll want to bring some high-strength sunscreen from home. They sell sunscreen in Labuan Bajo, but it’s insanely expensive and they don’t have any reef-safe options (which you’ll want! to protect the wildlife in Komodo).

✅ A Rashguard – Similarly to the sunscreen, you’ll want a rashguard for swimming in Komodo. Rashguards are great for the environment because they are reusable and don’t pollute the ocean.

✅ Snacks – The food on the boat wasn’t great, I was skipping the breakfasts they were providing because I thought they were kinda nasty (one day was just pineapple on wonderbread covered in cold margarine 🤢). I recommend bringing some good snacks with you!

✅ A Towel – There’s a shower on board but towels aren’t provided. I’ve been using this 🧖‍♀️ Microfiber Camping Towel for two years and it’s big enough to use as a beach towel!

✅ Flippers + snorkel set – If you’re taking the Backpackers’ Boat from Lombok to Flores they had terrible snorkels! And no fins. Sometimes the current is strong in Komodo and pretty much everyone wishes they brought their own fins.

✅ Proper shoes!!! You don’t need trekking shoes for the Komodo Island Nature Walk or the trek up to the viewpoint on Padar, but I really wouldn’t suggest only bringing flip-flops! The people on the boat who only brought flip-flops were really struggling on these small hikes.

The deck on a luxury komodo National park boat tour that departs from labuan bajo, flores.

All About The Second Komodo Cruise I Took – The LUXURY Boat!

Want to travel the Komodo Islands in style with a proper bed, luxurious meals, and a private photographer to capture all your memories? Well, then THIS part of the guide is for you!

I was in Labuan Bajo, the gateway to Komodo Island National Park, for over a month, and during that time I tried out the backpackers’ boat mentioned earlier in this guide, as well as some of the more luxurious Komodo island cruises that depart from Flores.

two girls kayaking at Pink Beach in Komodo National Park, in Indonesia.

9 MORE Things You Can Do In Komodo National Park On A Luxury Cruise

There was some overlap in the two tours I took, they both went to Pink Beach, Komodo Island, and hiked up to the viewpoint at Padar Island. Here are 9 more things you can do in Komodo National Park, that were included with the second (“luxury”) cruise itinerary.

1. Visit Taka Makassar Island

Taka Makassar is technically a sandbar in the middle of the Komodo Sea, and it would be paradise – IF it weren’t for the 100 other people there when we went 😅. Our boat pulled up at the same time all the other tours did, so it was a bit too crowded to be enjoyable. But I’ve seen some people take private tours to Taka Makassar that make it look like a true paradise!

Watching The Bats Make Their Sunset Migration At Kalong Island from a komodo boat tour docked offshore.

2. Watch The Bats Make Their Sunset Migration At Kalong Island

Every day at sunset the bats fly out from Kalong Island, where they all nest as a herd, to go hunt for the night. It’s truly an amazing experience to watch the hoards of bats fly out into the sunset!

Around 6 PM you see the cruise ships, tiny fishing boats, and luxury Phinisis all dock to watch the migration. At first, the migration just looks like a flock of birds, then when you look closely you see the distinct outlines of the bat wings

While that sounds kind of intense, our guide told us that there are two types of bats on Kalong Island. There are large bats and teeny tiny ones. The large bats look scarier, but these are just harmless fruit bats. It’s the tiny breed of bats on Kalong Island that actually drink blood (creepy!), but they never attack people, just animals.

💡 Note: If you’re afraid of Bats, don’t worry! The boats are parked at a distance.

Giant Manta rays in Komodo National Park. The Manta Rays swim in an ocean corridor about 10 Meters under where the boats are docked from Komodo Boat Tours.

3. Swim With The Giant Manta Rays (!!!!) At Manta Point

Having the opportunity to swim with the Giant Manta Rays at Komodo’s Manta Point was the main reason I decided to take a second boat tour of the islands.

When we set off to do this excursion on the second day, the guides were trying to prepare us from disappointment in case there weren’t any mantas around. They are wild animals after all, and while the tour operators know their migration patterns it’s not a 100% guarantee you will see them.

I’m happy to report that this experience completely surpassed my expectations. I was swimming along with at least 10 giant manta rays in an ocean corridor where they flock.

Have you ever seen Finding Nemo? That movie was one of my favorites as a kid – there’s one scene where the main character Nemo and his little friends are off to school, and the “school bus” is a giant Manta Ray where all the little fish hop on.

One of the coolest things to see was that this scene from the movie was based on real life! There were a ton of tiny little fish swimming under the Giant Manta Rays in Komodo National Park – just like in the movie! (Although it was too far for me to see if any of them were Clown Fish, like Nemo).

🚨 NOTE!!! This activity is best for strong swimmers! You’re given fins and a life vest, but the current is very rough where the Manta Rays swim. It’s not dangerous, but if you’re not a strong swimmer you might only get a glimpse of them.

🚩 Ethical Issues – The Manta Rays at Manta Point in Komodo National Park aren’t fed, and you’re observing them from a good 10-20 foot distance, so swimming with the Manta Rays was an ethical animal encounter!

4. Go Kayaking At Pink Beach

This was a fun add-on to the nicer Komodo Cruise I took – Not only did they have working snorkels (the luxury!) they also brought some kayaks for the guests to enjoy. My friend and I took out the kayaks at Pink Beach and there was no tide on the crystal-clear blue water, making it super easy for us to explore the whole bay. We kayaked around all the boats docked at Pink Beach and the photographer on our tour took some gorgeous drone shots of us while we were out having fun that I’ll treasure for the rest of my life <3.

a wild sea turtle in komodo national park in Indonesia. sea turtles are one of the animals you can see while snorkeling on your komodo boat tour.

5. Spot Seaturtles While Snorkeling <3

This isn’t so much an activity as just something you’ll run into if you spend time swimming around the Komodo Islands. The wildlife in Komodo National Park is so vibrant. However, even though on our last day on the Backpackers’ Boat we stopped off at “Turtle Point”, I had way better luck spotting seaturtles at the snorkel spots the second boat tour took us to.

Our guide was great about pointing out wild seaturtles to us, I think we saw three (!!!) while snorkeling from Manta Ray Point to Taka Makassar Island.

Bioluminescent Plankton is just one of many things you can see in Komodo National Park in Indonesia on a Komodo Boat Tour.

6. Experience The Glowing Bioluminescence While Night Swimming

Again, this isn’t even a part of a Komodo Tour – it’s just another AMAZING thing you will experience in Komodo National Park!

Some people on the tour asked if we could go night swimming since the boat was docked. The guide replied, “Sure, but just so you know the water might glow”.

THE WATER MIGHT GLOW?!?!?

Our guide was super nonchalant about it but apparently, there’s a ton of bioluminescent algae in Komodo National Park that is very safe but makes the water and sand glow in the dark. I had experienced the bioluminescent algae in the Gili Islands a few years ago and didn’t even know it occurred outside the islands. If you’re lucky, you might be able to see it in Komodo!

Blogger Katie Caf on the bow of the boat posing for a photo on a komodo boat tour from Bali, Indonesia.

7. Take Photos With Your Private Photographer!

One of the super-cool things about taking the nicer and more luxurious Komodo Boat Tour was that it included a private photographer who would take pictures of us on the tour.

Most of my photos in this guide are from the second Komodo Cruise I took because we had a photographer following us around!

💡 Tip: If you’re taking a nicer Komodo Boat Tour make sure it includes a photography service! Most of them do.

The viewpoint at Kelor Island is one of the stops you make on a Komodo Boat Tour.

8. Hike To The View Point At Kelor Island

This was the last stop for both the Backpackers’ Boat and the Luxury Cruise, (but after partying for 4-days straight no one on the Backpackers’ Boat had the energy to hike to the viewpoint!). Kelor Island is just 15 minutes away from Labuan Bajo, and on our last day, we stopped there to snorkel the coral reef and hike to the viewpoint. While it’s only a 10-minute hike up to the top of Kelor Island, once you get there the view is literally a screensaver. It was the PERFECT way to end our trip!

a plate of crawfish and corn being served on a komodo boat tour. indonesia.

9. Eat Really Good Food!

The meals on the luxury Komodo Cruise I took from Labuan Bajo were all next-level. We had fresh fish, fruits, and vegetables, all presented and plated in a very high-end way. It honestly blew me away how nice the meals were on the Luxury Komodo Cruise . After the first Komodo boat tour I took where the food was comically bad I didn’t know what to expect! I was beyond impressed with the quality of food on the Luxury Komodo Cruise!

💡 Note: Most of the tour companies related to the Luxury Komodo Cruises are actually travel agents that work with independent boat owners – So make sure you see photos of the actual boat you’ll be staying on before you book! Experiences may vary depending on your boat!

Labuan Bajo Guide

Labuan Bajo is the gateway to Komodo National Park where you will be starting or finishing your trip before flying back to Bali. Full disclosure, I was supposed to stay in Labuan Bajo for two days after my first Komodo Boat Tour ended, but I wound up staying a whole month because I fell in love with the town and the island of Flores! Labuan Bajo is a sleepy port city, but it’s a great break from the hustle of larger cities in Bali – plus there’s a ton to do from sailing Komodo to exploring the island of Flores overland.

🏨 Where to Stay In Labuan Bajo

Seaesta Komodo Hostel & Hotel is one of the best hotels and hostels to stay at in Labuan Bajo.

RELATED ARTICLE 🏨 Best Hotels In Labuan Bajo, Flores

Labuan Bajo has become famous in recent years for having these gorgeous all-white Santorini-Inspired hotels. The best hotel in Labuan Bajo is Loccal Collection, but if you’re on a budget Seaesta Hotel & Hostel is also amazing!

Fresh fish is caught daily & grilled to order at the Labuan Bajo fish market.

Where To Eat In Labuan Bajo

After a lot of trial and error, my favorite cafe in Labuan Bajo (where I’m sitting and writing this post right now) is Bacarita Cafe. It’s in the center of town, kind of hidden above the Starbucks. They do great coffee, western, and Indonesian food, there’s wifi, and the prices are really good!

I also loved eating at the Labuan Bajo fish market come nightfall. Lots of fish vendors line up their stalls and you order whole fish, which they then grill or fry fresh to order and serve with rice and sambal. My favorite was the grilled squid!

Other Activities In Labuan Bajo & Flores

I was in Flores for over a month and here are some other amazing activities I did while in and around Labuan Bajo:

Rangko Cave is a half hour outside of labuan Bajo, the town that you will be dropped off at after you finish your Komodo Islands Boat Tour.

Visit Rangko Cave: Rangko Cave is a half hour outside of the town of Labuan Bajo and a very memorable experience. It’s a salt-water cave so you can float without effort, which made me love it even more than the Cenote caves I swam in Mexico. Rangko Cave has crystal-clear blue water you can swim in, and the only way to get there is by taking a tiny boat from mainland Flores so you do need a tour to visit.

💡Tip: In the afternoon, the sun aligns with Rangko Cave to light it up naturally from within. Amazing, right? Well , that’s what everyone else thinks too! We got there at 10 AM and even though it was kinda dark we had the cave all to ourselves until 11 AM when the other tourists started flooding in and the small cave quickly felt crowded.

Take A Sunset Tour to See The Famous Kalong Bats: Watching the sunset bat migration out of Kalong Island from our boat tour in Komodo National Park is one of the most amazing experiences I’ve had in Indonesia, and I’ve done some crazy things here!

Wae Rebo Traditional Village is just one of the many amazing things you can do on the island of Flores after taking a Komodo Boat Tour.

Trek To Wae Rebo Traditional Village: Wae Rebo is most usually visited on 2-day overnight trips since it’s a difficult location to reach. You need to drive 4 hours outside of Labuan Bajo (over super bumpy roads), and then hike 1.5-3 hours uphill to reach the traditional village. Once you get there, you can experience one of the most picturesque traditional villages in Indonesia. ▶ Click Here to Book a Tour of Wae Rebo!

Cunca Wulang Waterfall in Flores is one of the many activities you can do after taking a boat tour of the komodo islands.

Visit Cunca Wulang Waterfall: Full disclosure – Cunca Wulang is the most unhinged waterfall I’ve visited in Indonesia. You need to hike for around 20 minutes to a rope bridge (which is kinda falling apart), but the reward is a gorgeous waterfall with a natural pool you can swim in! I think Cunca Wulang’s infrastructure suffered during the pandemic, and it wasn’t really kept up with – but if you’re into an adventure , the reward at the end of the path is a truly gorgeous waterfall with a natural pool you can swim in!

Katie Caf, founder of Katie Caf Travel, is a seasoned travel expert who has explored North, Central, and South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia for many years. Originally from New York, she shares travel insights from her experiences in the USA and around the world. Now residing in Bali, Katie specializes in Bali and Indonesia travel, aiming to assist her readers in traveling better and more frequently. Through her blog, she provides quality travel resources and firsthand accounts.

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Komodo Island Tours and Flores Island Tours

KOMODO ISLAND TOURS FROM CRUISE SHIP – BEST SHORE EXCURSIONS IN 2023 – 2024

About this tour, embark on an unforgettable komodo island cruise ship tour 2023/24.

KOMODO ISLAND TOURS – Komodo National Park, one of the new 7th wonders of nature, is now a top destination for cruise ship tours. With esteemed companies like P&O Cruises, NCL, Princess Cruise, and more, you can explore the legendary Komodo Island and its majestic Komodo dragons. In 2018-2022 alone, 125 cruise ships visited Komodo Island, and the numbers continue to rise.

As a trusted local tour agency, we specialize in providing affordable and reliable Komodo Island tours for cruise ship guests in 2023-2024. With our expertise, you’ll have the best chance to witness the awe-inspiring dragons on different treks. Enjoy exceptional service, flexibility, and a guaranteed dragon encounter on our unforgettable tours.

Book your Komodo Island cruise tour now and experience the magic of this extraordinary destination. Let us guide you through an adventure that will leave you with incredible memories of Komodo National Park.

KOMODO ISLAND TOUR PACKAGE

This Komodo shore tour is designed specifically so it will be easy, safe and fun for everyone to do trekking on the island of Komodo to discover dragons and snorkeling at beautiful Pink Beach. We are also concerning with the high issue that is safety. We will make sure that all guests will be safe during their trip in Komodo Island.

In one group (big or small), you will be accompanied by one tour guide, one ranger (naturalist guide) and several keepers or local people who will keep an eye and help to carry your luggage during the trip.

Check out our official video below:

https://youtu.be/S_gu8dyLUbs

KOMODO ISLAND TRAILS

On arrival at Komodo Island port, you will be welcomed by our representative team, tour guide, and ranger who will accompany you to enter the Komodo National Park. After a small briefing, our tour guide will lead you walking on trails to several spots to discover the dragons such as Water Hole, Fragata Hill, Old Kitchen and many more where the dragons lay down waiting for their prey.

When you are walking off towards the interior of the island, our tour guide will point out and explain some various flora and fauna as you pass and also you will hear the screech of several birds in the tall trees such as Green Imperial Pigeons and Yellow Crested Cockatoos and many more.

Some wild animals such as Wild Beast, Timor Deer, and Wild Chickens can be also found along the trails. In a few minutes, you will see the endangered species Komodo Dragons closely lying down around the water hole. The dragons roam freely across the island and are not fed by the locals to make them quiescent for the tourists, because any dragon could turn up anywhere.

PINK BEACH TOUR

After discovering Komodo dragons, guests will continue to Pink Beach by riding our motorized boat. It takes around 40 minutes boating from Komodo Island port to the beach. Pink Beach is one of the best snorkeling spots in the park. When guest order long tour around 4 – 5 hours, they will have a chance to visit and snorkeling on this beautiful beach. This beach gets its pink color from a red fragment of the coral reefs. In the local tongue it is called Red Beach. When the tiny fragments of red coral combine with the white sands, this produces the soft pink color that is visible along the shoreline.

When snorkeling or swimming, you can start from the boat trip, or if you don’t want start snorkeling from the boat, we have small transfer boat to the beach where you can start snorkeling or just laying down on the pink sandy beach. Lunch will be served on the boat before coming back to your cruise ship.

Tours option:

1. short tour (1,5 – 2,5 hours).

In this Komodo tour, guest will be led to discover dragons not only at Tamarin Forest, but also at some certain safe spots that not many people or big group arranged by your cruise ship allowed to go because of the limited time and quantity of people in one group is too many, around 25 – 30 people. We also will lead you to do trekking to Fragata Hill where you can enjoy the stunning view of Komodo Island Bay from top of the Fragata Hill. This Komodo Island Shore tour will take around 1,5 – 2 hours and will end at Water Hole around Tamarin Forest where is the last spot to see dragons.

Price USD 70 pp.

00:00 – 00:30 hr. – meeting our tour guide/ranger on the Komodo Island port.
00:30 – 02:00 hr. – trekking to Old Kitchen, Fragata Hill, and Water hole to see the Komodo dragons.
02:00 – 02:30 hr. – back to your cruises

PRICE INCLUDES:

English speaking tour guide.
All entrance fees, camera fees, and ranger fees.
Soft drinks.

PRICE EXCLUDES:

Alcoholic drinks.
All personal purchasing on island

MAKE RESERVATION FOR SHORT TOUR ON EVENTBRITE.COM

2. long tour (4 – 5 hours).

Price USD 100 pp.

00:30 – 02:00 hr. – trekking on small trails to Old Kitchen, Fragatha Hill, and Water hole to see the Komodo dragons.
02:00 – 02:30 hr. – cruising to Pink Beach, (lunch will be served on board).
02:30 – 04:00 hr. – snorkeling and swimming at Pink Beach.
04:00 – 04:30 hr. – return to Komodo Island port
04:30 – 05:00 hr. – back to your ship cruises.
Private/sharing boat trip.
Lunch and drinks.
All entrance fees, camera and ranger fee.
Snorkel equipment (masker or goggle only).

PRICE EXCLUDE:

Alcoholic drinks

MAKE RESERVATION FOR LONG TOUR ON EVENTBRITE.COM: BOOK NOW, PAY LATER

What To Bring

Walking or trekking shoes or sandals.
Short or long pants.
Casual T-shirt.
Insect or mosquito repellent, personal medicine.
Sunglasses.
Enough cash.
Free covid 19 cards.

Should you have any questions regarding the Komodo Island Shore Excursions / tours, feel free to drop your message at [email protected]

Tour's Location

Komodo island tours from cruise ship – best shore excursions in 2023 – 2024 "}}' data-lng="119.501295" data-icon="https://modtour.travelerwp.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/tour.png" data-zoom="14" data-disablecontrol="true" data-showcustomcontrol="true" data-style="normal"> from: $100,00 date 06/04/2024 start time adults over 18+ children under 12 infant under 3 guest name * mr miss mrs book now owner.

Member Since 2023

Information Contact

https://komodomastour.com/

+6281236810988

Explore other options

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Flores And Komodo Island Tours

3 HARI TRIP KE TAMAN NASIONAL KOMODO

2 HARI OPEN TRIP KE PULAU KOMODO

Private Day Tours to Komodo Island from Bali

Tour Pulau Komodo Dan Padar

LABUAN BAJO HALF DAY TOUR

3 Days Kelimutu Lake Tour

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Komodo Tour

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Nature, cultures and dive into local experience

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Flores Island Tour

Mmb komodo tour.

MMB Komodo Tour is a licensed and highly recommended Local Tour Agency officially based in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara of Indonesia. We basicly organizing trip packages to FLORES ISLAND and KOMODO NATIONAL PARK.

Komodo Tour is a sailing boat trip to Komodo National Park to visiting Komodo Island as main home to the famous Komodo dragons, which you can encounter in their natural habitat, You can also trek around the volcanic landscapes of Padar Island, swim and snorkel at Manta Point and Pink Beach, and enjoy the beautiful sunset at Komodo Island. We do provide private boat charter and shared boat/ open trip Komodo Tour 3 Days 2 Nights .

A Must Visit Destinations

Flores Island Tour is a tour packaging which you drive from East to the West Part of Flores Island , visiting Kelimutu lake, Wae Rebo Traditional Vilage, etc. We highly recomend you to start Flores Island Tour from East (Ende/Maumere) to the west part (Labuan Bajo). And then you may continue with sailing boat trip Komodo National Park “ Flores Komodo Tour “. We also Provide Sumba Island Tour .

Our other expertise is organize Komodo Island Shore Excursion from many cruise line such as P&Q, Holland America Line, Oceania Cruise, Crystal Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, Phoenix Reisen, Viking Ocean, Silversea, etc.

Komodo National Park, Flores Island and Sumba Island are a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. With its unique wildlife, stunning landscapes, traditional villages, culture & tribes, waterfalls and rice field. It offers an unforgettable experience that you won’t find anywhere else.

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Cruise Ship Excursion

Komodo Island

Komodo Island is one of the main port call for many Cruise Line

3D/2N Open Trip Komodo

Shared Boat Trip

This tour available every weekends.

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Komodo Private Tour

Private boat charter.

We provide many option of the boat for your best sailing experience

Flores & Sumba Tour

Flores & Sumba

Visiting ancestral village, cultures, natures and dive into local experience.

Hubungi Kami

Komodo 3 Day Boat Trip
Komodo Full Day Tour Package
Komodo Tour 2 days 1 night
Komodo Tour 3 Days 2 Nights
Flores Tour Package
Boat trip to komodo island

Komodo Island Tours

Komodo Island: The Hidden Gem Of Indonesia

Welcome to Komodo Island Tour, the hidden gem of Indonesia! Tucked away in the vast archipelago of this tropical paradise, this island offers an unforgettable experience for adventurous travelers. Known for its unique wildlife and stunning landscapes, Komodo Island is a haven for nature enthusiasts. As the natural habitat of the legendary Komodo dragons, the world’s largest lizards, this destination promises encounters with these mighty creatures in their untamed glory.

Beyond the awe-inspiring reptiles, visitors can explore pristine beaches with crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life, and lush hiking trails that lead to breathtaking viewpoints. Whether you seek thrilling wildlife encounters or simply crave serenity amidst untouched beauty, Komodo Island is a must-visit destination that will leave you in awe of its natural wonders.

Exploring The Unique Wildlife Of Komodo Island

Komodo Island, located in Indonesia, is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity and captivating wildlife. A visit to this extraordinary destination offers a rare opportunity to witness the world’s largest living lizard—the Komodo dragon—in its natural habitat. These awe-inspiring creatures, known for their massive size and prehistoric appearance, roam freely across the island’s rugged terrain. As you embark on a guided tour through the lush forests and grassy savannahs, keep your eyes peeled for other fascinating species that call this island home.

From water buffalos and wild boars to macaque monkeys and deer, there is an abundance of unique wildlife waiting to be discovered. Immerse yourself in the enchanting ecosystems of Komodo Island and marvel at nature’s wonders.

Unforgettable Adventures: Top Activities For Komodo Island Tours

Embarking on a Komodo Island tour promises an array of unforgettable adventures. Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing beauty of this Indonesian gem as you explore its diverse landscapes and encounter unique wildlife. Begin your journey with a thrilling trek through rugged terrains, accompanied by experienced guides who unveil the island’s hidden treasures. Marvel at the awe-inspiring panoramic views from Padar Island’s summit, capturing memories that will last a lifetime.

Dive into the crystal-clear waters surrounding Komodo National Park and discover vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. Snorkeling alongside majestic manta rays and colorful tropical fish will leave you breathless.

Planning Your Perfect Komodo Island Tour: Tips And Recommendations

When embarking on a journey to the magnificent Komodo Island , careful planning is essential to ensuring an unforgettable experience. Start by researching reputable tour operators that offer comprehensive packages tailored to your preferences. Consider the duration of the tour, as longer trips allow for more exploration of this stunning destination. While planning, take into account the best time to visit, which is during the dry season from April to December when weather conditions are ideal for outdoor activities.

Make sure your itinerary includes visits to iconic locations such as Pink Beach and Rinca Island, home to the famous Komodo dragons. Additionally, don’t forget to pack essentials like sunscreen, comfortable footwear, and lightweight clothing suitable for warm tropical climates.

Preserving The Pristine Beauty Of Komodo Island: Sustainable Tourism Efforts

Komodo Island’s breathtaking landscapes and unique wildlife have made it a popular destination for tourists worldwide. However, the surge in visitor numbers has raised concerns about the island’s ecosystem and its fragile inhabitants, particularly the famous Komodo dragons. To protect this pristine beauty, sustainable tourism efforts have been implemented. Strict regulations are now in place to limit the number of visitors allowed on the island each day, minimizing human impact on its fragile ecosystem.

Local authorities have also invested in educational programs to raise awareness among tourists about responsible behavior and conservation practices. Furthermore, local communities are actively involved in eco-friendly initiatives such as waste management programs and reforestation projects.

From Beaches To The Komodo Dragon, These Are 10 Indonesian Islands Worth Visiting

Komodo Island is home to the largest living lizard on Earth, the Komodo dragon. It is a popular destination for scuba diving and has a population of approximately 1,800.
Java is the most populous island in Indonesia, housing over half of the country's population. It is known for its ancient temples, including the largest Buddhist temple in the world.
Borneo is the third-largest island globally and is shared by Indonesia, Brunei, and Malaysia. It is renowned for its lush rainforests and diverse wildlife, making it a top destination for eco-tours.

Indonesia is one of the countries with the most islands in the world ; it is a massive island nation (with the fourth-largest population after the United States). The country has some of the largest islands on earth (although some of them are shared with other countries).

Only a few of its islands (such as Bali, which is famous for its beaches ) are popular tourist destinations leaving most of the country rarely visited by tourists. Here are some of the best Indonesian islands to visit across the vast archipelago.

Komodo Island

Komodo Island is a small island famous for being the home of the Komodo dragon - the largest living lizard on Earth. It is an example of evolutionary island gigantism (where isolated species can get very large).

Komodo Island is also one of the best islands in Indonesia to visit as a diver; it is a very popular destination for scuba - but the Komodo dragon is easily the top attraction.

Population: Approx. 1,800
Size: 150 sq miles or 291 sq km

Java is home to over half (around 56%) of the population of Indonesia and its main city, Jakarta, is one of the largest in the world. It was the center of powerful Hindu and Buddhist Empires, and there are many ancient temples to discover.

Take the time to see the largest Buddhist temple in the world in Java .

Population: Over 150 million
Size: 53,000 sq miles or 139,000 sq km

Sumatra is the massive long island of Indonesia stretching close to Singapore. It is the largest fully Indonesian island and is famous for its wildlife (some of which is endangered).

The island was once covered by lush tropical rainforests, although much of the island is now deforested. Notable wildlife include the Sumatran tiger, the Sumatran elephant, the Sumatran orangutan, and the Sumatran rhino.

Population: 60 million
Size: 182,000 sq miles or 475,000 sq km

Borneo is the third-largest island in the world and is home to three countries - Indonesia, Brunei, and Malaysia (around 73% of the island belongs to Indonesia).

Much of the island remains covered in lush tropical rainforests, and it is a top destination for eco-tours to see the orangutans, Borneo elephants, and other tropical rainforest wildlife.

Population: 22 million (total population)
Size: 289,000 sq miles or 748,000 sq km

Related: Why This Borneo River Lodge Is The Best Place To Explore The Jungle & Its Wildlife

Bali is by far the most popular tourist destination in Indonesia - so much so that most people say they are going to 'Bali' and not say they are going to 'Indonesia'.

It is a Hindu-majority island (most of Indonesia is Muslim-majority). It is famous for its pristine beaches and enjoys a very developed tourism industry.

Population: 4.4 million
Size: 2,200 sq miles or 5,800 sq km

Lombok is another island popular for tourism. It is separated from Bali by the Lombok Strait and shares a number of similarities with Bali (such as cultural heritage).

But its wildlife is also different as the Lombok Strait is part of the Wallace Line that has proved a barrier to the migration of species from Asia.

Population: 3.9 million
Size: 1,800 sq miles or 4,700 sq km

Related: Heaven Besides Bali: 11 Islands In Lombok For An Amazing Scenic Vacation

Sulawesi is one of the most distinctively shaped islands in the world. It is the eleventh-largest island in the world and has four massive peninsulas.

Sulawesi is easily one of the most beautiful islands in Indonesia to visit, and it offers the chance to get away from the large tourist crowds of Bali (and, to a lesser degree, Lombok) and explore a destination not spoiled by tourists.

Population: 20 million
Size: 72,000 sq miles or 186,000 sq km

Flores is best known for the 'Hobbit' scientifically Homo floresiensis - a diminutive species of archaic human. When the species was first discovered, it was a matter of contention whether the bones represented a strange new species or were an example of a diseased human.

New discoveries have shown it to be a new species of human 1.1 meters tall (3.7 feet). Flores is not popular for tourism but is a great place to visit to discover a different side of Indonesia.

Population: 1.9 million
Size: 6,000 sq mile or 15,500 sq km

Related: Indonesia's 10 Most Charming Cities That Every Tourist Must Visit In 2022

The island of Timor is best known for the independent country of East Timor on the eastern side of the island .

West Timor (the Indonesian part of the island) is another destination that very few international travelers bother to see. Explore both the East Timor and Indonesian side of the island while there.

Population: 3.3 million (total)
Size: 12,000 sq miles or 31,000 sq km

New Guinea is one of the most challenging places to visit (and one of the most unique destinations). It is the second-largest island in the world and one of divided into the independent country of Papua New Guinea in the west and the Indonesian west.

It has extremely poor infrastructure but is incredibly diverse - Papua New Guinea has the most languages of any nation on earth.

Population: 15 million
Size: 303,000 sq miles or 785,000 sq km

From Beaches To The Komodo Dragon, These Are 10 Indonesian Islands Worth Visiting

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Planning a Komodo Island Tour: Complete Guide to Komodo National Park
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Explore Komodo island Spot #3 on day 2 of 3D2N Komodo join trip
Rinca Komodo Island tour guide part 4
KOMODO ISLAND TOUR
Komodo area diving film Indonesia 2013
BEST TIME TO VISIT KOMODO ISLAND
WOW!! A HUGE KOMODO DRAGON IN THE WILD😱. #shorts #komodo #komodoisland #shortsvideo

COMMENTS

THE 10 BEST Komodo Tours & Excursions for 2024 (with Prices)
21. 3Days Komodo Tour by Private Boat for 10 pax. 16. Port Transfers. 3 days. Experience the Adventure Wonders of Komodo National Park and the surrounding Islands in 3 Days 2 Nights by private boat. …. Free cancellation. Recommended by 93% of travelers. from. $3,800.
10 Highly-Rated Tours to Komodo Island for an Unforgettable Trip
A lot of them leave from Labuan Bajo and some last a couple of days. If you want to know how we did it then check out this post. 1. One day Komodo trip with Bintang Komodo Tours. Photo Credit: Viator. Price: $124 per person. Duration: 11 hours. Rating: 4.5/5 (80+ Reviews) Departure: Pickup/Dropoff Included.
5 Best Komodo Island Tours: My 2024 Picks with details
The Komodo island tour price in Indonesia will depend on the length and type of trip you book. Generally, Komodo island tour packages for day tours cost around $50 to 150 USD per person, while multi-day expeditions can range from $200 to $1000 USD per person. Prices may also vary depending on the season, the number of activities included, and ...
Komodo Island Indonesia: Travel Guide For The National Park
5.8K. The Komodo island in Indonesia is famous for being home to the beastly Komodo dragons (the world's biggest lizard), and it's an incredibly scenic place with lots of other 'bucket list' travel experiences.. The UNESCO designated Komodo National Park has dozens of islands with white and pink sand beaches, exotic mountains for trekking and coral reefs for diving, and it's the only ...
Planning a Komodo Island Tour: Complete Guide to Komodo National Park
Finding a Komodo island tour, inclusive of meals, island hopping, snorkeling equipment, and of course, accommodation on the boat. This is essentially a complete Komodo tour package (meaning you don't have to worry about a thing once you get yourself to Labuan Bajo). Most of these Komodo tours are 3 days and 2 nights, but you can easily find ...
Komodo Island Tours: 9 Best Options to Book Your Trip!
Duration: 9 to 11 hours. Rating: 4,5/5. Book it! This group tour takes you to six locations in Komodo National Park on a luxury boat, called the " Ocean Queen ". It makes the same stops as the previous tours including Padar Island, Pink Beach, Komodo Island, Taka Makassar, Manta Point, and Kanawa Island.
A Guide to Planning the Perfect Komodo Island Tour
Start at 6 am and back around 5 pm. Stops usually include Komodo Island, Pink Beach and snorkelling at Manta Point. Fast Boat 1 Day Tour - IDR 1,300,000 (USD 86) per person /8-15 people on the small speed boat and 30-30 on the bigger speed boat. The tour usually starts at 5 or 6 am and returns at 6 pm.
THE TOP Komodo Tours & Excursions (UPDATED 2024)
The best tours in Komodo according to Viator travelers are: 2-Day Komodo National Park and Rinca Island Wildlife Adventure from Bali. 3-Day Komodo National Park Tour: Komodo Island and Rinca Island Trek. 2 Days Wae Rebo Tour Private. Private Transfer from Komodo City Hotels to Komodo Cruise Port.
THE 10 BEST Komodo Tours & Excursions 2024 (from AU$181)
9. Private tour 4 days 3 nights Komodo on boat, waterfall and Rangko cave. Great boat tour around Komodo islands, where you will be able to see amazing nature, giant lizard so called Komodo Dragon…. 10. Full-Day Adventure Tour to komodo Island with join Speed Boat tur.
Your Cheat Sheet to Planning a Trip to Komodo Islands [2024]
You can only see Komodo National Park on an island hopping boat tour. You can either do a sightseeing boat tour or you can do a diving boat trip.. The sightseeing boat tours range from a day tour on a speedboat to a 3D2N liveaboard.Both will cover all the usual highlights like trekking with Komodo Dragons, seeing a Pink Beach, hiking to the viewpoint at Padar island and some snorkelling.
Komodo Islands: How to Tour in Komodo National Park
Over the past few years, it has become much easier to visit the Komodo Islands. You can easily combine a 4-day Komodo Islands boat tour with your 3-week Bali Route. Flights from Bali to Labuan Bajo's brand-new airport take 60-70 minutes. The airport is a 5-minute ride from Labuan Bajo town.
Komodo Islands Tour: Everything You Need to Know • Hoponworld
The Komodo Islands tour is a popular boat trip to Indonesia's most beautiful islands near Flores, East Nusa Tenggara. Revered for its incredibly diverse scenery both on land and underwater, this set of idyllic islands is nothing short of magical and a designated UNESCO site. Think crystal-clear waters filled with coral and fish, dreamy rose ...
1- day Komodo island Tour hopping around by Speed Boat
Visit the magnificent Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on a full-day tour from Labuan Bajo. Speedboat transportation means you can cover even more of the widely-varied region, visiting Padar Island, Komodo Island, Taka Makassar Island, Kanawa Island, and more. Stop to stroll beautiful beaches, and use provided snorkeling gear to see gorgeous marine wildlife in the clear ...
Komodo Island Tours: Komodo Dragon Package Tour
Choose Your Komodo island tours at one place with Ease. Our Komodo Island Tours focus to offer tours to Komodo Island Indonesia. Komodo is a name of an Island inside of Komodo National Park. It considers as one of the biggest Islets where The Dragons, the biggest living Lizard, was firstly discovered by the world scientific in 1912, Lieutenant J. K. H. van Steyn van Henbroek.
THE 10 BEST Komodo National Park Tours & Excursions
20. 3Days Komodo Tour by Private Boat for 10 pax. 16. Port Transfers. 3 days. Experience the Adventure Wonders of Komodo National Park and the surrounding Islands in 3 Days 2 Nights by private boat. …. Free cancellation. Recommended by 93% of travelers. from. $3,800.
3-Day Komodo island Tour with or without Roundtrip Flight From Bali
See Komodo Dragons, the world's largest lizard, in their natural habitat with this tour from Bali. You'll fly to the island of Flores and sail on to the island of Rinca, part of the Komodo National Park, where you'll get a chance to see the gargantuan creatures up close. This package includes two nights' accommodation, breakfast and lunch on two days, and the services of a local guide.
Komodo Islands Boat Tour: Complete Traveler's Guide
Taking a Komodo Island-Hopping Boat Tour is the best activity you can do on any trip to Indonesia. Typically visited on multi-day tours through the Komodo Islands Archipelago, Komodo Cruises do not set sail directly from Bali, but from the islands of Flores and Lombok. You need at least 3-days to visit the Komodos, and many travelers (including ...
KOMODO ISLAND TOURS / MAIKA KOMODO TOURS
Phone +6281238553678. Email: [email protected]. About Us. . Maika Komodo Tour & Diving is a full service Scuba diving company as well as Komodo Tour company. We have many years of experience specialising in Komodo Boat Island Tours, Komodo National Park tours and Scuba diving in Komodo.
THE 10 BEST Komodo Boat Rides & Cruises (Updated 2024)
1. One day Komodo trip with Bintang Komodo Tours. 533. Full-day Tours. 6+ hours. One day Komodo tour is a group tour that starts early in the morning to and from Labuan Bajo arriving late in the afternoon…. Free cancellation. Recommended by 96% of travelers. from.
Komodo Island Tour
Komodo Island Tour Packages: Encounter Komodo Dragons, Explore Komodo National Park, and Dive into Pristine Waters for an Unforgettable Adventure. 62 812 3681 0988 [email protected]
Komodo Island Tours From Cruise Ship Port
In 2018-2022 alone, 125 cruise ships visited Komodo Island, and the numbers continue to rise. As a trusted local tour agency, we specialize in providing affordable and reliable Komodo Island tours for cruise ship guests in 2023-2024. With our expertise, you'll have the best chance to witness the awe-inspiring dragons on different treks.
Komodo Excursion
MMB Komodo Tour is a licensed and highly recommended Local Tour Agency officially based in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara of Indonesia. We basicly organizing trip packages to FLORES ISLAND and KOMODO NATIONAL PARK. Komodo Tour is a sailing boat trip to Komodo National Park to visiting Komodo Island as main home to the famous Komodo dragons, which you can encounter in their natural habitat ...
Komodo Island Tours
Welcome to Komodo Island Tour, the hidden gem of Indonesia! Tucked away in the vast archipelago of this tropical paradise, this island offers an unforgettable experience for adventurous travelers. Known for its unique wildlife and stunning landscapes, Komodo Island is a haven for nature enthusiasts. As the natural habitat of the legendary ...
From Beaches To The Komodo Dragon, These Are 10 Indonesian Islands
Komodo Island is home to the largest living lizard on Earth, the Komodo dragon. It is a popular destination for scuba diving and has a population of approximately 1,800. Java is the most populous ...

5 Best Komodo Island Tours: My 2024 Picks with details

Komodo Island Tours Catagories

Best Komodo Island Tours: Multiday Liveaboard Tours

3D2N Standard Phinisi Komodo Sailing Tour – PRIVATE CABIN OPTIONS

4 Day Private Komodo Islands Tour – OVERNIGHT BOAT & HOTEL ACCOMMODATION

Best Komodo Island Tours: Day Tours

One Day Private Komodo Boat Tour – PRIVATE TOUR

Komodo National Park Fees 2024

Drone Usage at Komodo National Park

Best Time to do Komodo Island Tours

Travel Tips for Visiting the Komodo Islands & Komodo Island Tours

What to Pack for a Komodo Islands Tour

Komodo Islands Tour FAQ

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Komodo Island Indonesia: Travel Guide For The National Park

Where Is Komodo Island?

How To Get To Komodo Island Indonesia

How To Get Around The Komodo Islands

Where To Stay In Komodo

Labuan Bajo Hotels

Best Things To Do In Komodo National Park

• Pink Beach

• Komodo Dragon Trek

Komodo Dragon FAQ

Komodo Trekking FAQ

More Things To Do In Komodo

Komodo Island Map

Is Komodo Open Or Closed?

Komodo Entrance Fee

New Entrance Fee? (2024)

Other Tips For Labuan Bajo & Komodo

Best Time To Visit Komodo

Best Komodo Island Tour / Day Trip

Where To Stay In Labuan Bajo

More Things To See Near Komodo Indonesia

My Indonesia Travel Guide

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The Complete Guide to Komodo National Park (How to Plan a Komodo Island Tour)

Komodo Trip Planning Logistics

When to Visit Komodo

How Long to Stay in Komodo

How to Get to the Komodo Islands

How to Get Around Komodo National Park

And now for some not-so-fun-yet-highly-necessary stuff:

An Extra Note on the Komodo Dragons

Where to Stay on Labuan Bajo

What to Bring on any Komodo Tour

Things to do in Komodo National Park

Hike up Kelor Island, take in the views, then go swimming

Meet the Dragons (on Rinca Island and/or Komodo Island)

Snorkel with sea turtles

Witness millions of bats overhead at Kalong Island

Hike up Padar Island for Sunrise

Relax at Pink Beach

Go swimming with Manta Rays at Manta Point

Wander/Swim around Taka Makassar

Sunset at Sebayur Island

Snorkel and relax at Kanawa Island

Our Komodo Trip

Our Komodo Island/Labuan Bajo Itinerary:

The Boat and our Full Komodo Island Tour Package

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Destinations

Komodo Island Tours: 9 Best Options to Book Your Trip!

Komodo National Park

Most captivating sights in Komodo National Park

Padar island

Komodo Island

Rinca Island

Manta Point

My experience visiting Komodo National Park

Komodo Tour Packages

Full day Komodo Island Tours

One-day Komodo Island Tour with Bintang Komodo tours

One day Komodo Island hopping tour by Speedboat by Indo Trip

Full day trip exploring 6 destinations inside Komodo National Park