The Komodo National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the largest lizards in the world: the Komodo Dragons. The park offers stunning landscapes, tropical beaches, and incredible snorkelling spots!  

The Komodo National Park, located in the Indonesian archipelago between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores, is made up of three major islands (Rinca, Komodo, and Padar) and numerous smaller ones. 

This Komodo Islands Guide provides information on how to get there, the best time to visit, tour details, costs and tips to ensure a smooth trip.

Getting to The Komodo Islands from Bali

To get to the Komodo Islands from Bali, fly from Denpasar to Labuan Bajo, which is just a one-hour flight. These flights are affordable, and you can find good deals on sites like nusatrip.com and traveloka.com. 

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit The Komodo Islands is during the dry season between April and November. 

Komodo National Park is open year-round, but tours can be canceled due to heavy rain, particularly in January and February. It’s best to avoid planning your trip during these months.

For good weather and fewer tourists, September and October are the best months to visit the Komodo Islands. July and August are the busiest months, making it difficult to enjoy the Komodo Islands peacefully. 

Sailing Tour

From Labuan Bajo’s main harbour, you can opt for either overnight sailing tours or day trips to the Komodo Islands.

The Komodo Islands Sailing Tour through Udarider Tour and Travel (IG:@udariderofficial or email udariderkuy@gmail.com) costs around 2,200,000 IDR for 2 nights and 3 days and includes sailing liveaboard, an air-conditioned cabin, all meals, snorkelling equipment, round trip transfer between airport/accommodation and pier, DSLR, underwater and drone camera footage.  

You will visit the following destinations on your 3 Day 2 Night Tour: 

• Kanawa Island 
• Kalong Island 
• Padar Island 
• Manjarite 
• Pink Beach 
• Komodo Island 
• Manta Point 
• Taka Makassar 
• Kelor Island  

If you’re travelling with a group of friends, I recommend booking a private sailing tour. Even if you’re traveling solo or with a smaller group, a private sailing tour is highly recommended for a more personalized experience.

National Park Fee

As of January 1, 2023, the entry fee for Komodo National Park has been raised to 3,750,000 IDR per person, payable in cash.

Padar Island

Padar Island is famous for its Jurassic Park-like landscape, and while it is incredibly breathtaking, it tends to get very crowded with tourists. This can lead to wait times for the stairs and long, unorganized lines for photos in many spots.

The area can be quite hectic with the crowds, making it a challenge to capture the perfect shot, but make sure to find a quieter spot to soak in the stunning views!

The hike to the top is manageable, involving mostly stairs, but the view is definitely worth the effort. It takes about 20 minutes to reach the summit, with several viewpoints along the way.

Padar Island Tips

• Consider booking a private sailboat or joining a group of friends to avoid delays caused by slow walkers and late risers. Group tours often have to wait for everyone to be ready before taking the small boat to the island.
• Plan your trip for a weekday rather than a Saturday, and try to avoid weekends altogether, as these are the peak times when all the tour boats visit Padar Island.
• Wake up at 5 am and ask your tour guide to take you to the island as early as possible so you can reach the top before dawn and enjoy the sunrise.
• Even in the early morning, it can get quite hot on the trail since there is no shade, so be sure to bring sunscreen and plenty of water.

Komodo Island

Komodo Island, home to the famous Komodo dragons, is one of the tour’s highlights. You can choose a short trail that is suitable for all visitors, or a medium trail that offers a better chance to see Komodo dragons and other wildlife, such as Timor deer. If you have the time, I recommend taking the medium trail.

Throughout the tour, an English-speaking guide will share fascinating facts about the dragons and the island’s wildlife, providing insights into how the dragons live in their natural habitat.

Pink Beach

Pink Beach is well-known for its light reddish sand and turquoise water. The pink sand is formed by red corals in the ocean, making the beach one-of-a-kind. 

It’s the most beautiful beach on The Komodo Islands and is great for swimming, snorkelling, and relaxing. 

A trip to the Komodo Islands is a bucket-list experience, offering a glimpse into one of Indonesia’s true gems. Its unique landscape and diverse fauna make it a one-of-a-kind destination for adventurous travellers and nature lovers. I hope the Komodo Islands Guide above helps you plan your trip there.

If you enjoy island hopping, be sure to check out my Gili Islands Guide for another great destination to explore in Indonesia.