Ultimate Travel Guide to the Komodo Islands in Indonesia

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

Komodo National Park is UNESCO designated, with dozens of exotic islands, white and pink sand beaches, coral reefs for diving, and it’s the only place in the world where you can see Komodo dragons up close in the wild!

Since Indonesia is my second home, I’ve visited the Komodo islands numerous times over the years, and it’s always a thrill. One of the great things about the gateway town, Labuan Bajo, is that it’s not far from Bali and can be easily reached with a short flight from there.

This travel guide for Komodo will explain how to get there, where to stay, what to do in the islands, and everything else you need to know before you go!

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, providing numerous opportunities 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.

How To Get To Komodo National Park

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. Direct flights to Komodo island are unavailable.

Several flights to Labuan Bajo airport (LBJ) operate daily from Bali, with a flight time of around 1 hour and ticket prices as low as 1 juta ($70 USD).

Getting to Komodo island from Bali has become easier now that AirAsia flies between them several times per week. Additionally, flights to Labuan Bajo airport are available from Jakarta, Surabaya, Ende, or Kuala Lumpur. You can shop for flights on Skyscanner.

Once in Labuan Bajo, you can book a boat tour to Komodo island at the harbor, or online (more on that later).

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

You can experience all the top sights of Komodo National Park (including the dragons) in a single full-day tour, or opt for a liveaboard boat to spend several days sightseeing!

How To Get Around The Komodo Islands

The three types of boats for exploring the Komodo islands include slow boats, speedboats, and liveaboard boats.

• Slow Boat: The most economical option, commonly used for day tours but relatively slow.
• Speedboat: A faster, more efficient choice; ideal for those who want to maximize their time.
• Liveaboard Tours: A unique experience where you can sleep on board and explore more of the park over several days.

Where To Stay In Komodo

All accommodations are available in the nearby town of Labuan Bajo, as there are no hotels on Komodo island itself.

You can discover a range of hotels to suit various budgets, from budget-friendly places to luxury resorts. However, prices in Labuan Bajo tend to be slightly higher than in Bali due to its development not keeping pace with the rising number of tourists.

Labuan Bajo Hotels

Best Things To Do In Komodo National Park

• Padar Island

Padar Island is among the most scenic locations in Indonesia. A brief 30-minute hike leads to stunning views that rank among the best in Southeast Asia.

This island’s unique X shape features three bays showcasing white, black, and pink beaches, creating a one-of-a-kind visual spectacle.

Even though Padar is one of the smallest islands in the Komodo National Park, it has become a renowned natural landmark of Indonesia and is featured on the 50,000 Rupiah banknote.

Read More: Padar Island

• Pink Beach

The Komodo islands boast several pink sand beaches, with the pink hue deriving from tiny coral organisms called foraminifera.

These pink beaches are exceptionally rare; however, the one with the brightest color is tucked away in a bay on the northwest side of Padar island.

Experiencing these unique beaches is a must when visiting Komodo National Park.

Read More: Pink Beach

• Komodo Dragon Trek

The main attraction of Komodo is witnessing the dragons in their natural habitat! The Komodo National Park is the only location worldwide where you can do this.

This part of the tour involves a trek on one of the two main islands where the dragons reside in Indonesia (Rinca or Komodo island), with park rangers guiding you along a suitable path for all fitness levels.

Though Rinca and Komodo islands offer a similar experience, there are plenty of Komodo dragons living on both. You’re highly likely to see at least a few dragons, and with help from the guide, you can capture incredible photos with them!

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). Males tend to be larger than females.
• Are they venomous?
  Research indicates that Komodo dragon bites can be dangerous due to venom or bacteria.
• How do they hunt?
  Komodo dragons can smell blood from nearly 10 kilometers (6 miles) away and can sprint up to 20 kilometers per hour (12 mph).
• What do they eat?
  They consume a variety of prey including deer, boars, monkeys, birds, goats, wild horses, and water buffaloes, with deer being their favorite.
• Do they attack humans?
  Yes, but infrequently; fewer than a dozen people have been killed by dragons in the last 50 years.
• Do they breathe fire?
  No, the belief originated with the first Dutch explorers of the Komodo islands!
• Are there Komodo dragons in Bali?
  No, wild Komodo dragons only exist on Komodo and Rinca islands.
• Are there Komodo dragons in the Galapagos islands?
  No, the wildlife in Galapagos consists of marine iguanas, which are distinct from Komodo dragons.

Komodo Trekking FAQ

• Is it safe?
  Yes, as long as you stay close to your guide, you should have no issues.
• Can I visit during my period?
  Yes, menstruating women can visit; it’s advisable to inform the park staff for extra precautions.
• How long is the trek?
  There are various options: short, medium, and long treks, with day tours typically offering short or medium treks.
• How easy is it to see dragons?
  You’re highly likely to see dragons during any trek as thousands inhabit Komodo and Rinca islands.

• Are the dragons sedated?
  No, the dragons are not sedated; they might appear motionless due to rest or digestion.
• Can I touch them?
  Absolutely not! Always maintain a safe distance.
• What else can I see?
  On trekking, you may also spot nests, baby dragons, rare birds, and various snakes.
• Do I need to tip?
  Tipping isn’t customary, but small acknowledgments are appreciated for good service.

More Things To Do In Komodo

• Kalong Island: Visit at sunset to see thousands of fruit bats taking flight.
• Manta Point: Swim with giant manta rays in the ocean; they’re shy but harmless.
• Taka Makassar: A small, crescent-shaped sandbar with beautiful white sand and clear waters.
• Gili Lawa Darat: A remote spot on the northwest boundary of the park, great for sunrise.
• Kelor Island: A popular stop due to its proximity to Labuan Bajo and its scenic hilltop views.
• Private Island Resorts: Choose from a variety of resorts such as Le Pirate Island, Sudamala Resort Seraya, Sebayur Island Resort, or Kanawa Island Resort.
• Scuba Diving: Komodo is celebrated for its world-class snorkeling and scuba diving experiences.
• Labuan Bajo: Take time to explore Labuan Bajo and its various attractions. More details will follow concerning activities in the town.

Map Of The Komodo Islands

Here’s a map of the Komodo islands, showing various dive sites and main areas of interest. Click the image for a larger view.

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

Is Komodo Open Or Closed?

The government of Indonesia has occasionally discussed closing Komodo National Park to recuperate from mass tourism effects, but no closure has yet occurred.

In 2019, there were plans to close Komodo island for 2020, but backlash prompted a reversal at the last moment.

Currently, authorities have again considered closing the park by mid-2025, but this remains a proposal with no certainty based on prior experiences. Local communities depend on tourism, complicating any closure thoughts.

While the islands need better conservation measures, complete closure is debatable. Temporary actions similar to how Mount Rinjani closes from January to March might be more effective.

As of 2024, Komodo island remains open for tourism! This blog will be updated accordingly if changes occur.

Komodo Entrance Fee

The Komodo National Park has a complex ticket system with various entrance fees payable at Padar’s booth. Here are the primary fees:

• National Park Entrance Ticket (Mon-Sat): 150k IDR ($9 USD)
• National Park Entrance Ticket (Sundays & Nat. Holidays): 225k IDR ($14)
• Komodo/Rinca Island Parking Fee: 100k IDR ($6)
• Ranger Fee Padar: 150k IDR ($9)
• Ranger Fee Loh Liang (1-5 people): 200k – 300k IDR ($13 – $20)
• Retribution Fee: 50k IDR ($3)

The total to expect, depending on group size, ranges from 500k to 1 million Rupiah (~$70 USD) per person for a one-day park pass, allowing access to Komodo National Park highlights.

These ticket prices are current as of 2024, though they tend to increase annually. Unfortunately, no discounts are provided for children or KITAS/KITAP holders.

The prices remain reasonable given the nature’s wonders found in Komodo, but continuous hikes could become unreasonable. In comparison, a U.S. National Parks pass costs about the same, giving access to over 400 parks for an entire year.

New Entrance Fee? (2024)

In June 2022, Indonesia announced considerations to raise the Komodo entrance fee to 3.75 million Rupiah ($250 USD) and limit park visitors to 200,000 annually.

This change was originally set for August 1, 2022, but widespread protests from local tourism workers halted the plan.

Most visitors are not wealthy, so such abrupt changes were inconsiderate towards park visitors and could have devastated local businesses in Labuan Bajo.

Fortunately, the Indonesian government reconsidered their plans, leaving entrance fees unchanged, allowing boat trips and other tourist activities to proceed as before.

Late 2022 discussions surrounding higher fees planned for January 1, 2023, have been canceled once again.

This travel guide will be updated with new information if any changes arise. For now, tourists are still welcome in Komodo, and the prices remain consistent!

Other Tips For Labuan Bajo

• ATM: Numerous ATMs are available throughout Labuan Bajo; BNI has been reliable.
• Credit Cards: Acceptance of cards varies, so carry cash for meals and taxis.
• WiFi: Hotel WiFi connectivity is improving but can be weak at times.
• Cell Service: Telkomsel provides good 4G reception in Labuan Bajo and surrounding areas.
• Restaurants: Explore various dining options in Labuan Bajo, such as Green Cherry and Baccalá.
• Transportation: Renting a scooter or taking taxis is convenient within the town.
• Language: Most locals speak Bahasa Indonesia; English proficiency may be limited.
• Religion: The region’s predominant religion is Catholicism, with a notable Muslim presence; earplugs may be necessary for light sleepers.
• Mosquitoes: Instances of Malaria are rare, but wearing repellant is advisable.
• Drones: Drone flying at Padar island incurs a fee of 1 million Rupiah ($70 USD).

Best Time To Visit Komodo

The ideal time to visit Indonesia hinges on personal preferences. Komodo dragons are visible year-round, while prime diving occurs from March to October.

July and August mark the high season due to enjoyable weather, though tourist numbers are higher.

Komodo generally has a drier climate compared to other Indonesian regions. It’s best to steer clear of December to February as they herald Indonesia’s rainy season, which disrupts sailing or trekking plans.

Throughout the seasons, the grass at Komodo shifts from green post-rainy season (January to April) to yellow in April or May, becoming brown during the dry summer and fall (July to November).

The scenery and the dragons are remarkable throughout the year, ensuring any month would yield a memorable experience. Happy travels!

Best Komodo Island Tour / Day Trip

If you’re seeking a reputable tour company for visiting Komodo, consider this top-rated Komodo day trip with Klook starting from Labuan Bajo.

This speedboat tour covers essential sights in Komodo, including Padar island, pink beach, and the Komodo dragon trek. The prices remain competitive against similar tours in Labuan Bajo, with positive reviews reflecting customer satisfaction.

We have consistently utilized Klook for tours and activities globally, and they have proven to be outstanding. Highly recommended!

Future Of Komodo Tourism

The future remains uncertain for Komodo tourism. While the recent opening of the park for public enjoyment has been beneficial, potential further development could present challenges.

Talks of constructing a ‘Komodo dragon park’ or luxury resorts on Rinca island raise concerns for conservationists.

Komodo dragons are remarkable creatures, and their populations are already endangered. It’s crucial for Indonesia to prioritize conservation efforts to allow sustained enjoyment of this remarkable location.

More Things To See Near Komodo Indonesia

Beyond Komodo, many attractions await exploration.

While on mainland Flores island, visit the Goa Rangko Cave and take an overland tour across Flores, encountering spiderweb rice fields, Wae Rebo traditional village, Mount Inerie volcano, and the stunning turquoise volcanic lakes of Mount Kelimutu.

The Kelimutu National Park features three colorful volcanic lakes that frequently change colors, presenting a unique visual experience without requiring hiking.

Despite its under-publicized status, Flores stands out as one of Indonesia’s premier travel destinations!

Read More: Best Islands To Visit In Indonesia

My Indonesia Travel Guide

Thank you for reading! I trust this travel guide for Komodo island in Indonesia was informative.

Spotting wild dragons on the Komodo tour was undoubtedly one of the highlights of our Flores visit.

Be sure to explore my comprehensive Indonesia Travel Guide for more insights, tips, and photos!