Komodo Islands Tour: How to See the Komodo Dragons Indonesia

So, you’re thinking about doing a Komodo Islands Tour, huh? Well, let me tell you—you’re in for a wild ride. Komodo National Park is the only place in the world where you can see the legendary Komodo dragons in their natural habitat. 

Being the largest lizards on the planet (they can grow up to 3 metres!!), they look straight out of a Jurassic Park movie, except they’re real. It’s a must-visit if you’re venturing around Flores, Indonesia.

We spent three weeks exploring Flores, and to be honest, our experience with Komodo Island was a mix of awe and, well, a bit of disappointment. With plenty of Komodo Islands Tour options on offer, we will go through all you need to know before booking!

But before we get into the nitty-gritty of this Komodo Island Travel Guide, let me give you all the insider info you’ll need to plan your visit to see these living dinosaurs for yourself! 

What is so special about Komodo Island?

Okay, first off, yes—Komodo National Park is most famous for its Komodo dragons, but it’s not just about the dragons. Spread across a bunch of islands, Komodo National Park is full of stunning beaches, volcanic landscapes, and epic viewpoints. 

Even if you’re not a huge reptile fan, the park has something for everyone, from hiking and diving to simply chilling on a pink beach (yes, the sand is actually pink).

Getting to Komodo Island

✈️ By Air: The easiest way to get here is by flying into Labuan Bajo (LBJ) on Flores Island. Flights from Bali or Jakarta are pretty frequent, but beware if you’re travelling during the rainy season—flights can get cancelled last minute (we had two cancellations, yikes!).

Once you’re in Labuan Bajo, you’re just a boat ride away from seeing the dragons.

Booking A Komodo Islands Tour

Once you’ve made your way to Flores, you’ll need to hop on a tour boat to get to the islands; plenty of Komodo tour packages are available to choose from. Here are your main options for Komodo Island Tours:

• Slow Boat: It’s a chill day trip with stops at Padar Island, Pink Beach, and, of course, Komodo Island. Plus, you might even get a chance to swim with manta rays. (book here)
• Speed Boat: Want to squeeze in a couple more stops? The speedboat option lets you visit two extra spots but comes with a higher price tag. (book here)
• Liveaboard: If you’ve got a few days to spare, consider a liveaboard tour. These are 2-3 night boat trips where you sleep on board and visit different spots every day. (book here)

When choosing what type of Komodo Islands Tour you want, consider what type of experience you want.

For example, some tour packages include meals, snorkelling gear, and even guided hikes to see the Komodo dragons. Make sure to read reviews about the tour companies to find the best fit for your adventure!

Best Time to Visit Komodo Island

Keep in mind that the local weather can vary significantly, so it’s wise to check forecasts leading up to your trip. Also, remember that travel times between islands can change based on sea conditions, so factor in some flexibility in your itinerary.

⏰ April to June: Ideal weather right after the rainy season, you’ll get clear skies and fewer crowds.

🌤️ July to August: High season means more tourists, so you’ll need to book tours in advance.

☀️ September to December: It’s hot, but if you can handle the heat, the crowds will be thinner.

🌦️ Shoulder Months (April, May, October, November): If you’re like me and prefer fewer people, these months are golden. You might get a little rain, but it’s nothing a light jacket can’t handle.

Where to Stay in Labuan Bajo

You’ll base yourself in Labuan Bajo, the gateway to Komodo National Park. We stayed at a few different places while we were there, but here are my top picks:

• Luxury ($$$): TA’AKTANA Resort has overwater bungalows – need I say more?
• Mid-Range ($$): Meruorah Komodo is centrally located with the best views in town.
• Budget ($): The Seasta Hotel is swoon-worthy, a little outside of town but with EPIC views!

What to Pack for a Komodo Islands Tour

You don’t want to be stuck unprepared when exploring these islands. Here’s a quick packing list:

• Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Protect the reefs, people!
• Water: Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.
• A Hat & Sunglasses: The sun is no joke out here.
• Comfortable Shoes: You’ll do some walking, so sandals or lightweight sneakers are a good idea.
• Camera: Because how else are you going to brag about seeing dragons?
• Towel & Cooling Cloth: Trust me, the hike can get sweaty.
• Snacks: Perfect for a quick bite at one of the viewpoints.
• Daypack: Something small to carry all your essentials.
• Bug Repellent: No one wants to be covered in bug bites!

How Much Does it Cost to Visit Komodo National Park?

These prices are subject to change depending on the day of the visit and the season. It is important to note that the government is considering implementing “conservation cool-offs” at the park (amazing!) so make sure it will be open when you are planning on visiting! 

• Park entry fees are around IDR 150,000 (about $10 USD) for weekdays and IDR 225,000 on weekends and holidays.
• Komodo Islands Tours vary in price based on the type of boat, experience and how good you are at haggling, ranging from IDR 500,000 ($30 USD) for a slow boat to over IDR 3,000,000 ($200 USD) for a liveaboard.

Regardless of your budget, there are various Komodo tour packages on offer featuring different levels of experience, from hostel style options to luxurious, or even private, liveaboards.

10 Day Flores Itinerary (with Komodo Islands Tour)

Planning a Komodo Island Trip? Here’s a quick itinerary for your adventure around Flores, Indonesia.

It’s designed for those looking to see the iconic Komodo dragons but also offers flexibility for additional activities like diving and snorkelling. 

Labuan Bajo & Komodo National Park (Day 1-4)

• Arrive in Labuan Bajo, the gateway to Komodo National Park.
• Next, check into your accommodation (book here!) and spend the afternoon exploring the town.
• Enjoy dinner with sunset views at one of the waterfront restaurants. Our favourite was Senja Eatery, the Nasi Goreng was delicious!! 
• Make sure to book a Komodo Islands Tour. Tours often include stops at Padar Island and Pink Beach. (book here!)
• Take a boat trip to Manta Point where you can swim and snorkel with the majestic manta rays! (book here!)
• Optional boat trip to Rinca Island! (book here!)

Le Pirate Island (Days 5-7)

• A short boat trip to the adults-only hotel on a private island!
• Once there – relax on the beach, read a book and enjoy a cocktail
• Go for an afternoon snorkel around the island, we saw turtles, fish and sharks!

Ruteng (Day 8)

• Of course, you have to make sure to check out the iconic spider rice fields. 
• Learn about real-life hobbits at Hobbit Cave – where skeletal remains of human hobbits were found!
• Trek to Wae Rebo Village, a remote mountain village known for its traditional cone-shaped houses.

Moni (day 9)

• Next, hike an active volcano to see the colour-changing lakes of Kelimutu (read our Kelimutu Blog Post Here!)
• Relax in the Moni Hot Springs (if hot springs are your thing, look into Bajawa)

Maumere (day 10)

• Finally, check into Coconut Gardens Beach Resort and end your time in Flores, Indonesia by relaxing on the beach.
• Enjoy the fresh food, sights and kayaks all from the simple yet beautiful resort.

Additional Days:

Additionally, for those with more time, consider diving expeditions and hiking, or unique activities like bird watching, where you might spot the endemic species of the region, or cultural experiences that include visiting local villages and learning about traditional crafts. Also, Flores Island Travel has a lot to offer outside of the Komodo National Park!

Additional Komodo Islands Tour activities:

• Liveaboard: for a multi-day adventure exploring remote islands and top diving spots. These trips often include meals and accommodation, allowing you to dive or snorkel in pristine waters and visit secluded beaches, all while cruising through the stunning Komodo archipelago. (book here)
• Diving Expeditions: Explore some of the best dive sites in the world. Komodo Diving is meant to be spectacular! (book here)
• Hiking: Hike to Cunca Wulang Waterfall or visit the Mirror Stone Cave near Labuan Bajo. (book here)
• Waerebo Village: Head on a tour of the iconic local village (book here)
• Kelimutu Volcano: Make your way to Ende or Moni to visit this active volcano with colour-changing crater lakes. (book here)
• Bena Traditional Village: Immerse yourself in a traditional village (book here) 

Is Komodo National Park Worth It?

Alright, now for the truth. Seeing Komodo dragons in person was a bucket-list item for me, but the experience wasn’t exactly what I imagined. Overall our Komodo Islands Tour was amazing, but the stop on Komodo Island left me wanting.

Expectations vs. Reality

We imagined trekking through wild landscapes, hoping to spot a dragon in the distance. 

The reality? Our Komodo Island experience included a short walk to an abandoned nest, followed by a visit to the beach where several dragons were lying in the sand, surrounded by tourists eager for photo ops.

While the guides kept us safe, for our group they provided limited information about the dragons unless prompted with questions. 

All in all, the experience felt a bit too curated and less natural than expected. It’s important to know this in advance to manage your expectations because we felt slightly let down by the whole experience. 

Nevertheless, seeing these giant lizards in person with their bloody saliva dripping from their mouth is something I will never forget. 

Komodo Islands Tour Truths

While we had mixed feelings about Komodo Island in particular, the entire day was great!

You can watch our Slow Boat Tour Vlog here!

Sustainability

Visiting Komodo National Park comes with a responsibility. Ensure you are being mindful of your impact on the environment and support conservation efforts by choosing tour operators that prioritise sustainable practices.

Komodo Islands Tour Stops

Komodo Island is arguably the most iconic attraction but there are other nearby islands, which offer stunning snorkelling opportunities and a chance to relax on beautiful beaches, or take a day trip to the unique islands of Kelor and Rinca for more wildlife sightings. 

You truly cannot go wrong when picking a Komodo Islands Tour, the whole Komodo archipelago is a sight to behold! 

Padar Island: 

The hike is steep, but the panoramic view of the three crescent-shaped beaches is worth every bead of sweat. Be aware that the road to the top is uneven and rarely has shade, make sure to bring water with you and be prepared to work for the view! 

Read more about Padar Island here!

Pink Beach: 

Did you know there are only seven pink beaches in the world? The colour comes from from tiny pieces of red coral, mixed with the fine sand of the beach to create a completely unique pink colour. 

At this beach, there is plenty of room to lay down in the sunshine, go for a snorkel or even grab something to drink at a small shop!

Note: the photos you’ve seen online (like in this blog) are edited to make the colour pop!

Swimming with Manta Rays: 

Now this experience was more what I was looking for with the Komodo Dragons. We toured to a known spot where they swim around but as luck would have it we ended up in a bed of jellyfish instead. 

Were we disappointed to not be able to swim with manta rays? Yes! But, when the rays show up, it looks magical!

Frequently Asked Questions about the Komodo Islands Tour

Planning your trip to Komodo National Park can come with a few logistical questions, especially for first-timers. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions to help make your journey smoother.

Are there age restrictions for visiting the park?

Yes, certain areas within Komodo National Park have age restrictions. Specifically, children under 5 may not be allowed to visit certain parts of the park due to safety concerns related to the Komodo dragons. The park rangers prioritize visitor safety, and younger children are considered at higher risk when close to these large reptiles.

Do I need to book a tour in advance?

While it’s not necessary to book a tour in advance, it’s strongly recommended if you are travelling during the busier seasons (June to August and around Christmas/New Year). During these peak times, tours can fill up quickly. (book here)

However, if you prefer to book on arrival, Labuan Bajo’s main street is filled with tour operators and agents. Take your time to compare prices and ask about inclusions.

Tip: If you’re booking a liveaboard trip, be sure to ask for photos of the cabins to know what level of comfort to expect.

Can I snorkel or dive in Komodo National Park?

Yes, Komodo National Park is a world-class destination for both snorkelling and diving. The park is part of the Coral Triangle, one of the most biodiverse marine environments in the world.

Popular dive sites include Batu Bolong, Manta Point, and Castle Rock, where you can spot manta rays, sharks, turtles, and a variety of colourful fish. Snorkelers can enjoy the shallow reefs around Pink Beach and Kanawa Island. Pick the Komodo Islands Tour that is right for you!

What are the toilet facilities like on the boats/tours?

Depending on the type of tour you choose, toilet facilities on boats vary. Day tours typically have basic toilet facilities, while liveaboard boats usually offer slightly better options, though still quite simple. 

Higher-end liveaboards may offer more comfortable, western-style toilets and even showers, so it’s worth asking about this when you book.

Is Komodo National Park open to tourists?

Yes, Komodo National Park is open to tourists year-round. However, certain areas may be restricted during the rainy season (January to March) due to weather conditions. Rangers will guide you through permitted areas, ensuring both visitor safety and the protection of wildlife.

Can you stay on Komodo Island?

Unfortunately, there are no accommodations directly on Komodo Island itself. Most visitors stay in Labuan Bajo on Flores Island, which serves as the main hub for all tours into the park. 

However, some travellers opt for liveaboard boats that offer overnight stays as they cruise through the park’s various islands. If you’re looking for a more immersive experience, this might be a good option.

Can you visit Komodo from Bali?

You can visit Komodo National Park from Bali – many travellers fly from Bali to Labuan Bajo on Flores Island and then take a boat to reach the park. 

Flights are the quickest and most convenient option, but if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly route, you might ask, “Is there a ferry from Bali to Komodo?” 

There isn’t a direct ferry service, but you can travel by land and sea via the Komodo Island tour from Lombok, which offers ferry and boat services that eventually reach Komodo. (book here!)

Why is Komodo National Park a World Heritage Site?

Due to its unique biodiversity and being home to the Komodo Dragon (the world’s largest lizard!) earned it its UNESCO World Heritage Status in 1991!

When was Komodo National Park Established?

In 1980 the park was established to protect the Komodo Dragon, the mission has since expanded to conserve the region’s incredible biodiversity!

Final Thoughts

So, was a Komodo Islands Tour worth it? Yes and no. 

While it wasn’t the rugged adventure I hoped for, it’s still something I’m glad I checked off my list. Getting to see the Komodo Dragons in their natural habitat is such a privilege and something I will never forget!

Plus, the rest of Komodo National Park is stunning. If I had my time again I would consider doing a live-aboard tour to get a more immersive experience.

Make sure to save this for travel planning!

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Have you visited Komodo National Park? What did you think?