Komodo Island is located close to Flores Island in Indonesia and the city of Labuan Bajo is where your trip begins. Exploring Komodo Islands is an eye-opening trip to take, whether it be solo, as a couple, group or with kids, its stunning natural beauty and amazing sea-life make for a fantastic trip with so much for everyone to enjoy. From hiking, diving, visiting the dragons, laying on the beach, and boat trips, here is our guide to the best way to navigate the island.
Komodo National Park is made up of three big islands: Komodo Island, Rinca Island and Padar Island (where the famous pink beach is), plus a few other islets, a total of 2,321 km² of protected land and sea, it’s also a designated world heritage site and home to an incredible amount of natural beauty.
Photo credit: Oleg Breslavtev. The Seraya Beachfront Bungalows.
Accommodation: Seraya Island
You can’t actually stay on Komodo Island itself as it’s a national park (unless you are staying on a boat as a liveaboard), so choosing a resort, lodge or hotel on a neighboring island is the best choice. You can stay on the main island of Labuan Bajo but that means you are further away from Komodo Island and the other must-visit spots as well. We chose to stay at The Seraya, which was a 45 minutes boat ride from Labuan Bajo, consisting of 15 private bungalows and situated on its own 200-meter private beach. It was the perfect mix of barefoot-chic and modern accommodation. The whole island had a relaxed and natural vibe with everything you need. We really liked that the room rates included island transfers, full board, refreshments, and water activity gear. Now that’s hospitality!
We opted for a beachfront bungalow which had stunning water views from our two sun loungers on our own private deck. Sliding doors lead into our air-conditioned bungalow which was made out of bamboo including the floor, roof, and walls. A comfortable large bed, with mosquito netting for the evenings, was very useful. The absence of television or WiFi reception in the rooms really allows you to disconnect but for those not really happy to disconnect, it might be worth investing in a local SIM card in Labuan Bajo before you get to The Seraya. For a true “rainforest experience”, the bathroom is outdoors but worry not as it’s covered, ensuring your privacy and also very spacious. There’s a toilet to the left, large shower in the middle and basin plus mirror to the right with a drying ladder and hairdryer. Outside, under the tamarind trees, you have your own private chairs and umbrella with uninterrupted views of the ocean. While we didn’t get the chance to swim in it, there is also a lovely infinity pool to swim in located next to the Manta Restaurant and it’s a great place to enjoy a sunset drink from.
Photo credit: Oleg Breslavtev. Dalliance Boat.
Activities
Depending on where you stay, each property has its own set of activities that you can join or book. At The Seraya, we booked a day trip to neighboring islands, two dives nearby and spent the other days snorkeling off their jetty in the mornings or having a swim when the tide came in. The house reef is really great for snorkeling or kayaking through and if you are into diving, it is really worth a dive. There are tons of gorgeous sea life, coral and they also have a small wreck about 20 meters down.
For a day trip out to Komodo Island itself to see the famed Komodo dragons, we rented and shared a speedboat. We left before 8:00am and our first stop was a hike up Padar Island. The Padar Island hike is somewhat easy and doesn’t take longer than an hour but it is scorching hot out there, so make sure it’s your first stop as the heat was overpowering! Take note that there are almost no trees or cover so make sure to bring hats, sunscreen, and a shirt if you need it. We then went for a snorkel and swim at the famous Pink Beach. Pink Beach is beautiful but much smaller than we imagined it would be. This little piece of paradise gets its pinkish sand due to a mix of white sand and little pieces of red corals that have broken off due to strong currents and then washed ashore.
We then arrived for a walk with the dragons and our packed lunch. The Komodo Island dragon walk is really very hit and miss experience. It really depends on what day you are there, who your guide is and your expectations. On Komodo Island itself, you must use the register guides available, you don’t really have a choice. We unfortunately, had a terrible guide, saw no dragons (except one that seemed drugged up near the main restaurant) and felt really let down by the whole experience. If seeing Komodo dragons is the main reason you traveled all the way there, then going on a liveaboard boat that can get closer to the other side of the island would make more sense and you’ll have more of a chance to see them in their natural habitat. Komodo Island itself is very much set up for tourists and we personally can’t recommend going there.
Photo credit: Michelle Van Maele
DIVING
Komodo National Park is famous for its incredible diving sites and it’s the reason so many make the trip out to this area of the world. On the third day we were there, we privately rented their timber junk Dalliance which can also be a liveaboard and cater to up to eight people. The private rental fee wasn’t too much more and we decided to spend the day diving at our own pace. We set off early in the morning, had breakfast aboard the Dalliance and then prepped for our first dive. We did three dives in total and had lunch as well on board as well. Komodo National Park can cater for all levels of diving and The Seraya Divers know the area very well, we are not very experienced divers but had a great selection of options for dive sites. The amount of fish of all shapes, sizes, and colors was just amazing to see, beautiful pristine coral reefs and so many sharks. The water was clear, the water temperature also wasn’t too cold and it was such an enjoyable diving day. A major highlight for us though was the manta rays. They are the most majestic sea creature, just gliding through the water, it was beautiful to watch them and swim around them.
We stayed on the boat long enough to watch the sunset as we pulled into The Seraya. It was such a serene and peaceful return home. We were so lucky to witness manta rays, reef sharks, turtles, cuttlefish and so much more swimming in their natural habitat. The best thing about booking activities with The Seraya is that you can do as little or as much as you like.
There is an entry fee into Komodo National Park–where Padar Island, Pink Beach and Komodo Island are located–which you pay per person, per day on top of the daily rental fee for the boat. So make you sure you bring enough cash with you as it needs to be paid in cash and as you can imagine, there are no ATMs in the national park area.
Photo credit: Oleg Breslavte
DINING
As all meals are included during your stay, you don’t really have to worry about what to eat as they take care of it for you. Every third evening, they have a fish barbecue–a communal fresh seafood barbecue where all the guests sit at a long table and dine together. Besides giant fish, there is a selection of salads, vegetables, rice, and some delicious vegan options available as well which was truly delicious. We recommend arriving before dinner time to enjoy the sunset over the restaurant and ocean in the background.
Breakfast is also served at the same restaurant and you have a few different options available depending on the day. There is also an ala carte menu if you would like to order additional items at an extra cost. Honestly speaking though, we were very satisfied with what was offered and always finished our meals with full bellies. During the daytime, the giant manta ray shaped roof made entirely of bamboo is more visible along with the architectural elements and design of the restaurant.
With peaceful views over the gorgeous Komodo National Park islands, this hidden gem was everything we could have asked for. After our trip, we felt fully rested, relaxed and recharged which is precisely how you should feel after spending a week on an island.
Photo credit: Oleg Breslavte
HOW TO GET THERE
There are no directs flights to Komodo Island from Hong Kong or Macau. If you are planning to visit Komodo Island, you will need to take a flight first to Denpasar Bali (which has more connecting flights to Labuan Bajo). Labuan Bajo is only a one hour flight from Bali. Get to Hong Kong International Airport by bus via the HKZMB (Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge) and or take a ferry directly to the airport, but do note that there are only three ferries per day.
Also read: Surf’s Up: What to Do in Uluwatu, Bali
VISA
Depending on your citizenship, you might need a visa to enter Indonesia. If that’s the case, just follow the instructions on the consulate website and apply at the Visa Application Centre in Hong Kong. If you are a citizen of one of the countries from this list, you can apply for a free e-visa.
The SerayaSeraya Kecil, Labuan Bajo, Komodo, Kabupaten Manggarai Barat, Nusa Tenggara Tim., Indonesia, +62 813 3939 0305, The Seraya Divers, www.theseraya.com
Tags
- Exploring Komodo Islands
- Komodo island
- Komodo Islands
- the seraya
FAQs
Can you stay at Komodo Island? ›
Where to stay on Komodo Island. The only accommodation on Komodo Island itself is a collection of bungalows that are owned and operated by the National Park. They are usually reserved for special guests and film crews. As such, most visitors to the area spend the night on nearby Flores (usually in Labuan Bajo).
What should I wear to Komodo Island? ›Clothes to pack for the Komodo Islands
Jacket – while the islands are really hot during the day, the temperature can drop when the sun goes down and a jacket is nice to have. Clothes you can sweat in – it will certainly be very hot regardless of when you visit, so pack clothes you don't mind sweating in for your hikes.
Dive pristine reefs with huge schools of fish and turtles
Komodo scuba diving draws tourists from around the world to experience some of the best diving and marine life in the world. This iconic dive destination gives you the chance to explore pristine and colorful coral reefs, surrounded by huge schools of fish.
The easiest way to access the Komodo Islands is by flying into Labuan Bajo on the island of Flores, and taking a boat tour from there. Because of flight schedules, though, you MUST arrive a day before your tour and stay a night in Labuan Bajo.
Who lives on Komodo Island? ›The native population of Komodo, the Komodo people, has been extinct since the 1980s. The present day people of the island are descendants of former convicts who were exiled to Komodo and who have mixed with Bugis from Sulawesi.
Is Komodo Island open for tourists? ›Although Komodo National Park is open 365 days a year, as a consequence of the heavy rain which can fall, especially in January and February, tours may be canceled. To avoid it, do not book your Komodo trip for those months.
How much does it cost to get into Komodo Island? ›Under the new rule, a visitor must pay Rp 3.75 million ($250) per year to visit Komodo Island, one of the largest islands with the dragon in the national park, and Padar Island, famous for its scenic hills and pink-colored beach.
Where is Komodo Island located? ›Komodo National Park, located in the center of the Indonesian archipelago, between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores, is composed of three major islands (Rinca, Komodo, and Padar) and numerous smaller ones, all of them of volcanic origin.
Can you go to Komodo dragon island? ›There are 2 islands normally people see Komodo, Komodo Island and Rinca Island. We can go to this island by boat from Labuan Bajo or with Cruise. In Komodo Island, we can have a tour but need an escort by local Ranger to assist and protect us.
Can you swim on Komodo Island? ›It was so fun climbing aboard the boat and whizzing along the Flores Sea out to Komodo Island. I absolutely loved the gorgeous islands we visited along the way, spending hours jumping off the boat and swimming and just soaking it all in.
What is the climate on Komodo Island? ›
Climate - Komodo (Indonesia)
In Komodo, and on the nearby islands protected in the national park of the same name (Padar, Rinca, plus other smaller islands), the climate is tropical, hot all year round, with a muggy, rainy season from December to March and a dry season from June to September.
The resort provides a free two-way shuttle from Komodo Airport to Labuan Bajo. Island boat shuttle to the private resort in Sebayur Island is available by arrangement. Laundry services are available for a fee and takes 2-3 days to complete.
How long do you need in Komodo Island? ›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 ...
Is Komodo National Park open? ›The boat trips and all other tourist activities in Komodo National Park have resumed like before.
How old is Komodo Island? ›...
Komodo dragon.
| Komodo dragon Temporal range: Pliocene–Holocene, | |
|---|---|
| Family: | Varanidae |
| Genus: | Varanus |
| Subgenus: | Varanus |
| Species: | V. komodoensis |
The Komodo language is a language spoken by the extinct Komodo people, and present day inhabitants of Komodo Island, with a small population of speakers on mainland Flores. It belongs to the Austronesian language family, and is a separate language from Manggarai.
What is Komodo Island called? ›Komodo, island of the Lesser Sunda Islands, Nusa Tenggara Timur provinsi (province), Indonesia. The island, which has an area of approximately 200 square miles (520 square km), lies on the Sape Strait between Flores and Sumbawa islands. It is rather hilly, reaching a maximum elevation of 2,700 feet (825 metres).
Is Komodo Island still open? ›Is Komodo Island closed or remains open for tourists? With a lot of news popping up recently, Komodo Island remains open for tourists.
Is Komodo Island Open 2022? ›Indonesia's Komodo Island Shut for Tourists till 2022 - Read More to Find Out Why. Indonesia had confirmed that it is shutting down for any tourist visit from the year 2020.
How much is Komodo National Park? ›
| Entrance Ticket National Park (working days): | 150,000 rp (11 USD) per person |
|---|---|
| Entrance Ticket National Park (sundays and nat. holidays): | 250,000 rp (18 USD) per person |
| Retribution for recreation and sports Rinca: | 100,000 rp (7 USD) per person |
Where to See Them. As the name suggests, Komodo dragons can be seen in Komodo National Park, which lies about 250 miles east of Bali. Head to the Indonesian islands of Komodo, Rinca and some parts of Flores to see these unusual lizards in their natural habitat.
How do you get to Komodo Island from Bali? ›The first option is to fly to Labuan Bajo on the island of Flores and then take an organized boat tour to Komodo. The second option is for more adventurous travellers: Take a 3-day, 2-night boat tour from the Gili Islands or Lombok to Flores with several stops (including Komodo) along the way.
Where can I see Komodo dragons in Bali? ›Sixteen rare and endangered Komodo dragons have recently hatched at Bali's Safari and Marine Park, located just north of the capital city of Denpasar. The births represent the first time the captive-bred Varanus komodoensis – the world's largest species of monitor lizard, have been born in Indonesia.
What is the meaning of Komodo? ›Definition of Komodo dragon
: an Indonesian monitor lizard (Varanus komodoensis) that is the largest of all known lizards and may attain a length of 10 feet (3 meters)
The Komodo dragon is a living dinosaur and the world's largest lizard. Komodo dragons can grow up to 3-4 metres in length and weigh over 100kg. Found on the Indonesian island of Komodo, there is a stable population of about 3,000 to 5,000 Komodo dragons in the wild.
What island has dragons? ›Komodo National Park, Indonesia. See the Komodo dragons on Komodo Island, a preserve that's the only place they live in the world.
How many dragons are on Komodo Island? ›One study estimated the population of Komodo dragons within Komodo National Park to be 2,405. Another study estimated between 3,000 and 3,100 individuals. On the much larger island of Flores, which is outside the National Park, the number of dragons has been estimated from 300 to 500.
Can a Komodo dragon be a pet? ›However there is one issue, Komodo dragons are an endangered and protected species. So no, it is illegal to own a Komodo Dragon as a pet. It's also illegal to remove one of these lizards from their native habitat without express government approval.
Are Komodo dragons poisonous? ›KOMODO ISLAND, Indonesia -- Komodo dragons have shark-like teeth and poisonous venom that can kill a person within hours of a bite. Yet villagers who have lived for generations alongside the world's largest lizard were not afraid — until the dragons started to attack.
How fast does a Komodo run? ›
How hot does Komodo Island get? ›In Komodo, the wet season is overcast, the dry season is partly cloudy, and it is hot and oppressive year round. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 72°F to 88°F and is rarely below 70°F or above 90°F.
What birds live on Komodo Island? ›Orange-footed Scrubfowl, Green Junglefowl, Great and Lesser Frigatebirds, Pacific Reef-egret, Great-billed Heron, White-bellied Sea-eagle, Brahminy Kite, Lesser Sundas (Variable) Goshawk, Beach Thick-knee, Greater and Lesser Crested Terns, Green Imperial-pigeon, Yellow-crested Cockatoo, Western (Asian) Koel, Moluccan ...
Are baby komodo dragons poisonous? ›Due to the presence of toxins in their venom glands, Komodo dragons are very poisonous to animals and humans.
What plants live on Komodo Island? ›The three main ecosystems in Komodo National Park are seagrass beds, coral reefs, and mangrove forests. The Park is probably a regular cetacean migration route. Marine Flora: The three major coastal marine plants are algae, seagrasses and mangrove trees.
How was Komodo Island formed? ›The islands are volcanic in origin; the underlying juncture of the Sahul and Sunda continental plates has caused volcanic eruptions and uplift of coral reefs. The terrain is rugged and hilly, and what little flat land exists in Komodo occurs primarily along the shorelines.
Is Komodo good for diving? ›Rugged, wild and packed with the promise of adventure, Komodo is one of Indonesia's most famous diving destinations. Manta rays, sharks and colorful reefs are just few of the stars of Komodo. The area is well known for its strong currents and is often recommended for divers with experience.
Is Komodo Island Open 2022? ›Indonesia's Komodo Island Shut for Tourists till 2022 - Read More to Find Out Why. Indonesia had confirmed that it is shutting down for any tourist visit from the year 2020.
How many days do you need in Komodo Island? ›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 ...
How much does it cost to visit Komodo National Park? ›Effective 01 August 2022, the Provincial Government of East Nusa Tenggara and the Komodo National Conservation Park (TNK) will charge Rp. 3.75 million per person (approximately U$260) to enter the Park. The ticket will reportedly allow repeated visits to the Park over one year.
How long is the ferry from Bali to Komodo Island? ›
Taking a ferry from Bali to Labuan Bajo may excite budget travelers to the area, but don't get too excited just yet. Ferries serving this route usually take around 36 hours – though that does mean saving on accommodation for one night.
Is Komodo Island still open? ›Is Komodo Island closed or remains open for tourists? With a lot of news popping up recently, Komodo Island remains open for tourists.
How many people visit Komodo Island a year? ›The town, on the island of Flores, is the major launching point for cruises into Komodo National Park. Previously it could handle some 150,000 passengers annually; that has now been increased to 1.5 million, and the vast majority of them will be heading to see the Komodo dragons.
Where is Komodo Island located? ›Komodo National Park, located in the center of the Indonesian archipelago, between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores, is composed of three major islands (Rinca, Komodo, and Padar) and numerous smaller ones, all of them of volcanic origin.
How big is Komodo Island? › Is Komodo diving good? ›Rugged, wild and packed with the promise of adventure, Komodo is one of Indonesia's most famous diving destinations. Manta rays, sharks and colorful reefs are just few of the stars of Komodo. The area is well known for its strong currents and is often recommended for divers with experience.
How many Komodo dragons are on Komodo Island? ›Approximately 1,500 Komodo dragons can be found on Komodo Island, with about 1,300 on Rinca Island. Though the teeming reefs of Komodo may be sparklingly rich, it is without a doubt that the star attraction of this region of Indonesia is the Komodo dragon.
How do I get to Komodo Resort? ›The resort provides a free two-way shuttle from Komodo Airport to Labuan Bajo. Island boat shuttle to the private resort in Sebayur Island is available by arrangement. Laundry services are available for a fee and takes 2-3 days to complete.
Is Komodo National Park worth visiting? ›The dragon famed Komodo National Park in Indonesia is more than just the much fantasised dragons. The coloured sand beaches and pristine coral reefs make it a national park worth visiting.
Where is Komodo Island Pink Beach? ›Where Is The Pink Sand Beach? The pink sand beaches are located in the Komodo National Park, a group of islands in east Indonesia. 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.
Where is Pink Beach in Bali? ›
Tangsi Beach, better known as Pink Beach is on the island's far south-eastern shore, and it's one of only 10 pink sand beaches in the world.
Is Komodo Island near Bali? ›Komodo Island is located in the lesser Sunda islands, east from Java and Bali. If you're boarding an international flight, the island can be reached via Jakarta or Bali.
How do I get from Bali to Komodo? ›There is no direct connection from Bali to Komodo National Park. However, you can take the taxi to Ngurah Rai airport, fly to Labuan Bajo, take the walk to Labuan Bajo, take the ferry to Komodo National Park, then take the travel to Komodo National Park.