Komodo National Park is located in the middle of the great expanse of the Indonesian archipelago. Just east of Bali and Lombok, it is tucked between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores and comprises several islands, the biggest of which are: Komodo, Rinca and Padar.
Home to a wealth of land and marine wildlife, Komodo National Park is best known for its famous resident, the Komodo dragon. The largest lizard in the world, these enormous creatures are found nowhere else on Earth!
The dragon-like beasts are not the only draw, however. Komodo National Park is a wondrous world where you can enjoy exceptional snorkelling, stunning sunsets and rugged landscapes, not to mention exciting wildlife encounters.
If Komodo National Park is on your Indonesian itinerary (and it should be!) read on to find out all you need to know about this unique destination!
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- 🇮🇩 Indonesia Travel Guide
- 💰 Cost of Backpacking Indonesia
- 🏝 Nearby places: Lombok | Bali | Flores
- 🤿 Must-do activity: Lombok to Flores Boat Trip
A Guide to Komodo National Park, Indonesia 🐉
Best Time to Visit Komodo National Park 🌤
- The dry season (April to October) is the best time to visit Komodo National Park. The dry days during these months are best for hiking and exploring the islands. This season also brings calmer weather at sea, which is better for boat trips and snorkelling in the clear water.
- July to August is peak tourist season and mating season for the Komodo dragons. At this time the islands will be busier and the dragons will be more elusive so aim to visit before or after these months if possible.
- The waters around Komodo can be notoriously rough and during the wet season (November to March) this can make for treacherous travel. Bear this in mind if you decide to take a multi-day tour. Note that you should not attempt the popular boat trip from Lombok to Flores via Komodo National Park during the rainy season. (Many tour operators stop sailing during this time.)
How to Visit Komodo National Park ⛵
Komodo National Park consists of a series of islands and is therefore only accessible by boat. There are a few different ways to reach and explore the park, beginning in either Lombok or Flores.
From Lombok
The Lombok to Flores Boat Trip
Backpacker favourite, the legendary Lombok to Flores boat trip is the most budget-friendly way to explore Komodo National Park. Setting sail from the island of Lombok, the journey is a four-day adventure that takes in some of Indonesia’s most spectacular scenery.
En route to the national park, the boat makes stops at several epic snorkelling spots and secluded volcanic islands. For many, one of the most memorable moments on the journey is swimming with whale sharks just off the island of Sumbawa. It’s possible to see these graceful creatures year round, but the dry season is best for water visibility.
The boat reaches the national park on day three, where passengers can enjoy trekking on Padar Island, relaxing on the oh-so-Instagrammable Pink Beach and searching for Komodo dragons on Komodo Island. On day four, passengers are dropped at the town of Labuan Bajo on the island of Flores.
The trip costs around 3,200,000–3,500,000 IDR (approx. $205–225 USD) for Deck Class and 3,600,000–4,200,000 IDR (approx. $230–270 USD) for Cabin Class. It should be noted that the facilities on board are very basic and the journey passes through rough seas, meaning this option is not for everyone!
Flores to Lombok ➡️
It’s also possible to take the boat trip in the opposite direction, i.e. from Flores to Lombok, which is a less popular route. If you prefer fewer crowds this option could be for you!
From Flores
Labuan Bajo on the west coast of the island of Flores is the gateway to Komodo National Park. The easiest way to reach Labuan Bajo is via a 1-hour flight from Bali. It’s also possible to travel overland from Lombok, but this involves an arduous 24-hour bus journey.
Komodo International Airport ✈️
The airport in Labuan Bajo, Flores is called Komodo International Airport, which can be a little confusing as it is not actually located on Komodo Island!
Multi-Day Cruise or Diving Liveaboard From Labuan Bajo
If you like the idea of a multi-day boat adventure but prefer a little comfort, a cruise from Flores is a great option. Unlike the basic boats that make the Lombok to Flores crossing, there’s a huge variety of options for a round-trip tour from Labuan Bajo, including luxury cruises. A three-day tour allows ample time to explore Komodo National Park at a leisurely pace.
If you’re a diver and want even longer to explore the underwater world around the park, consider a five or seven-day liveaboard that will allow you to discover some of the area’s best dive sites.
3D-2N cruises start at around 6,000,000 IDR (approx. $380 USD).
6D-5N diving liveaboards start around 20,000,000 IDR (approx. $1,260 USD).
Read about one diver’s experience of diving in Komodo National Park here.
Speedboat Day Trip From Labuan Bajo
A one-day tour from Labuan Bajo is perfect if you’re pressed for time or don’t have the sea legs for a multi-day boat trip. Using a speedboat rather than a sailboat means these trips can cover more ground (or water) in less time. A one-day tour takes in the highlights of Komodo National Park, including Komodo Island, Padar Island, the Pink Beach and Manta Point.
One-day tours cost around 1,500,000 IDR (approx. $95 USD).
“As I sometimes get seasick, I decided on the one-day tour option. It was an amazing and adventurous day and as we visited all the best spots in Komodo National Park I don’t feel like I missed out by not taking a multi-day trip.” Lisa Barham, Writer at South East Asia Backpacker.
Visiting Komodo National Park Independently
It is possible to reach Komodo National Park independently by chartering a boat from Labuan Bajo and staying at one of the few accommodation options on Komodo or Rinca Island. However, the rough waters in this area make it risky to travel in small fishing boats.
There is also a public boat between Labuan Bajo and Komodo Village, which runs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10 am and takes around 4–5 hours. It’s best to double-check running days and times on arrival in Labuan Bajo.
It should be noted that it’s only possible to explore the hiking trails with a guide, so even if you arrive independently you won’t be able to wander the islands at will.
Practical Information for Visiting Komodo National Park 📝
Komodo National Park Entrance Fee
The entrance fee for visiting Komodo National Park is around 700,000 IDR (approx. $44 USD). This fee includes entry to the national park, snorkelling fee, trekking fee, wild animal observation fee, Komodo Island and Rinca Island entry fee and a ranger fee for Padar Island, Komodo Island and Rinca Island.
Not all tours include the entrance fee as part of the trip price so be sure to check with the tour operator if this will be an additional cost.
How Long Should You Stay in Komodo National Park?
It’s possible to see all the main sites in Komodo National Park in one day. If you’d prefer to slow things down and have more time for snorkelling or diving, a multi-day boat trip would be best. Two-night tours are a popular option from Labuan Bajo.
Things to Do in Komodo National Park
1. Get Up Close to a Komodo Dragon 🐉
The top activity on a visit to Komodo National Park is of course witnessing the giant reptiles that call this small corner of the world home. Komodo dragons are endemic to just a handful of islands and Komodo Island and Rinca Island are the best places to see them. A tour will usually visit one or the other and both islands offer excellent opportunities to spot the huge lizards on a short guided trek.
“Visiting Komodo National Park was the most exciting time of my travels through Indonesia and seeing the Komodo dragons was a thrilling and unforgettable experience! Nothing quite prepares you for the sight and size of these remarkable beasts.” Lisa Barham, Writer at South East Asia Backpacker
2. Hike to the Viewpoint on Padar Island 🥾
One of the most iconic spots in Komodo National Park and the backdrop to countless Instagram posts is the viewpoint on Padar Island. A short trek on this volcanic island will lead you to a lookout from which you can take in sweeping views of the island’s rugged landscape and many beautiful bays. Keep an eye out for the resident wildlife too, including wild deer. Visit at sunrise for extra special views.
3. Snorkel With Manta Rays and Sea Turtles 🤿
The waters of Komodo National Park are teeming with marine life and tours around the islands provide plenty of opportunities for world-class diving or snorkelling. Some of the most popular spots include Manta Point (the longest reef in the national park), Turtle Point, Manjarite Point and Kanawa Island.
4. Witness the Bats on Kalong Island 🦇
Mangrove-covered Kalong Island is home to huge colonies of bats. (Kalong means bat in Bahasa.) Visit at dusk to witness the spectacle of thousands of these small winged creatures flying off into the night in search of a meal on the neighbouring islands.
5. Relax on an Idyllic Tropical Island 🏝
Taka Makassar is a tiny spit of land in the middle of Komodo National Park. A stretch of pure white sand surrounded by sea as clear as glass and distant views of volcano islands, this is the kind of place you might imagine paradise would look like. Technically a sandbank rather than an island, Taka Makassar is a popular stop on tours of the park. While the crowds mean the place lacks any Robinson Crusoe-like appeal it might otherwise have, the breathtaking surroundings make it a worthwhile port of call.
6. Enjoy the View From Kelor Island 🏞️
Located just a short hop from Labuan Bajo, the small island of Kelor offers stunning views of Flores from its viewpoint. After you’ve taken in the panoramas, Kelor’s white sandy beaches are the ideal spot for swimming or relaxing.
7. Marvel at the Colourful Sand on Pink Beach 🏖
The much-photographed Pink Beach is found on the west coast of Padar Island. While not the only beach with pink sand in Indonesia, this is the most well-known. The gorgeous soft and colourful sand gets its blush hue from fragments of coral and the red shells of tiny organisms called foraminifera.
8. Swim With Whale Sharks 🐋
While not actually within Komodo National Park, the stop at Saleh Bay (also known as Whale Shark Point) is one of the highlights of the Lombok to Flores boat trip. Here, just off the island of Sumbawa, you can swim with the world’s largest fish – the magnificent whale shark.
Komodo or Rinca – Which Island Should You Visit? 🤔
Many tours will stop at just one of the two main islands in Komodo National Park, so you may be wondering which one you should visit. Rinca is significantly closer to Flores (around 2 hours by boat) and is a more accessible experience with easier trails. Komodo (3–4 hours from Flores by boat) is more wild and rugged with trails marked by raw natural landscapes. The population of dragons is larger on Komodo, but the island’s size means they are more spread out. While wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, both islands provide excellent opportunities for dragon-spotting.
Staying Safe in Komodo National Park ☠
All visitors to Komodo and Rinca islands must be accompanied by a guide and it’s not possible to explore independently. Komodo dragons are wild animals and while they are generally uninterested in the scores of daily visitors, attacks on humans have occurred.
Such encounters are very rare but with sharp claws and a venomous bite, you certainly don’t want to get on the wrong side of one of these reptiles. Make sure you stay with the group and don’t stray from the hiking trails. Always follow any instructions given by your guide.
When choosing a boat trip, make sure to book with a reputable tour company. The waters around Komodo National Park (especially near the island of Sumbawa, which the Lombok to Flores boat passes) are known to get rough. Always check that there are enough life vests for everyone on board.
Where to Stay Near Komodo National Park 🛏
There are a handful of very basic homestays on Komodo Island clustered together in a small village on the island’s east coast. However, most visitors will either stay on a boat as part of their tour or base themselves in the town of Labuan Bajo on Flores from where it’s convenient to take day trips.
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Komodo Island
Jhuna Komodo Homestay provides basic but comfortable and clean rooms. Guests highly rate the friendly host, who is also a park ranger and offers guided tours of the island. All meals are included and guests rave about the tasty local food.
Ora Komodo Homestay offers budget beds and sea views. The warm hosts receive great reviews as does the home-cooked breakfast. Tours of the park can be arranged through the homestay and packed lunches are available.
Labuan Bajo
Seaesta Komodo Hostel & Hotel features dorms and private rooms in a great location. The property is exceptionally clean and offers great value for money. The restaurant and pool are the perfect place to relax with excellent sea views. (Don’t miss the glorious sunset from the rooftop bar!)
Green Hill Boutique Hotel is a stylish option with a choice of dorm or private rooms with a shared lounge and onsite restaurant. The property is conveniently located next to the harbour and breakfast is included in the price.
Elang Hillside Bamboo Villas are a great option if you’re looking for something a little special. The cute and cosy bungalows are tucked on a hillside that provides fantastic sea views. Breakfast is included as well as a free airport shuttle.
Packing List for Visiting Komodo National Park 👙
- Swimwear
- Light clothing
- Sun hat
- Sunblock
- Hiking shoes or sandals
- Lightweight towel
- Snorkelling mask (tours may provide these, ask upon booking)
- Mosquito repellent
- Motion sickness medication (if you’re susceptible to seasickness)
- Drybag
FAQs ❓
How big are the Komodo dragons?
Komodo dragons are typically around 2 metres in length and weigh around 60–70 kg. However, they can grow up to 3 metres. The largest ever recorded was more than 3 m long and weighed a hefty 166 kg!
Are Komodo dragons dangerous?
Komodo dragons are generally not interested in humans, but don’t forget that these are wild animals. They have immensely strong tails and their saliva is toxic making their bite deadly. While rare, attacks have been reported. Keep your distance and always follow the advice of your local guide. It’s prohibited to hike on the islands without a guide.
How likely is it that I’ll see Komodo dragons?
As with any wildlife encounter, sightings can never be guaranteed. However, the islands of Komodo and Rinca both offer excellent opportunities for spotting the dragons. I visited Komodo Island in July and saw more than a dozen! There are around 3,000–3,500 Komodo dragons living in the national park.
How challenging are the hikes in Komodo National Park?
The biggest challenge when hiking in Komodo National Park is the heat. Indonesia is located close to the equator and the sun gets intense in this part of the world, especially in the dry season. Make sure to take a sun hat and sunblock. The hiking trails themselves are easy to moderate although the terrain gets rocky in some places, including on the trail to the viewpoint on Padar Island, so decent footwear is recommended.
A unique and otherworldly place, Komodo National Park is the jewel in Indonesia’s dazzling crown. Visiting the volcanic islands is the closest you’ll come to feeling like you’ve stepped into Jurassic Park, and getting up close to the world’s largest lizard is a thrilling experience you’re unlikely to forget in a hurry!
Dragons aside, Komodo National Park is a treasure trove of dramatic landscapes, untouched nature and rich wildlife (on land and in the ocean). Sailing, swimming and hiking your way around the park is sure to be one of the highlights of any trip through Southeast Asia!
Have you visited Komodo National Park? Tell us about your experience in the comments!
Lisa Barham
Having always dreamt of travelling the world, Lisa finally decided to follow that dream in her mid-thirties when she left her nine-to-five in London for life on the road. After trekking to Everest Base Camp in Nepal and learning to surf in Sri Lanka, she headed for wondrous Southeast Asia, where she can currently be found solo backpacking, navigating through life and unfamiliar streets.
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