tours of komodo island

5 Best Komodo Island Tours: My 2024 Picks with details

1 Komodo Island Tours Catagories
2.1 Komodo 3D2N Sailing Tour – PRIVATE BOAT
2.2 3D2N Standard Phinisi Komodo Sailing Tour – PRIVATE CABIN OPTIONS
2.3 4 Day Private Komodo Islands Tour – OVERNIGHT BOAT & HOTEL ACCOMMODATION
3.1 One Day Shared Komodo Tour – SHARING TOUR
3.2 One Day Private Komodo Boat Tour – PRIVATE TOUR
4 Komodo National Park Fees 2024
5 Drone Usage at Komodo National Park
6 Best Time to do Komodo Island Tours
7 Travel Tips for Visiting the Komodo Islands & Komodo Island Tours
8 What to Pack for a Komodo Islands Tour
9 Komodo Islands Tour FAQ

LOOKING FOR THE BEST KOMODO ISLAND TOURS? – You’re in the right place!

Visiting the Komodo Islands is an exciting adventure-filled trip that includes, vibrant culture, inspiring scenery and an untouched natural environment.

Padar Island, Pink Beach , stunning sunsets watching the flying foxes at Kalong and seeing the infamous Komodo dragons at Rinca and Komodo Islands, not forgetting the opportunity to swim with manta rays and turtles – These are just a few of the highlights of this epic trip!

phinisi boat komodo island boat tour Komodo Island tour

KOMODO 3D2N SAILING TOUR – PRIVATE BOAT

⛵Completely Private Boat

⛵All Inclusive Private 3 Day 2 Night liveaboard trip

⛵Rinca Island, Padar Island, Pink Beach, Komodo Island, Kelor Island

⛵Snorkelling at Manta Point, Siaba Point, Makassar and Kanawa

woman standing on mast of Komodo boat Phinisi looking out onto ocean and sunset scene

3D2N STANDARD PHINISI KOMODO SAILING TOUR – PRIVATE CABIN OPTIONS

⛵Boat shared with others

⛵Private and sharing cabins available

⛵Visit Rinca Island, Padar Island, Pink Beach, Komodo Island, Kelor Island

Beautiful mountainous and ocean landscapes you see on Komodo trip to Komodo Islands Boat tour in Komodo National Park

1 DAY SPEEDBOAT TOUR TO KOMODO NATIONAL PARK

⛵SpeedBoat tour shared with others

⛵Fast-paced, action-packed day

⛵Visit 6 Destinations: Padar Island, Pink Beach, Komodo Island, Snorkelling at Makassar, Kanawa and Manta Point

⛵Includes hotel transfers, lunch and snorkelling gear

Komodo Island Tours Catagories

OPEN/ PUBLIC (joining/sharing with others on a trip)

PRIVATE (only yourself and your group)

DAY TRIPS (Komodo Island tours from Labuan Bajo for the day)

MULTIDAY LIVEABOARD TRIP ( sleeping aboard the ship)

Best Komodo Island Tours: Multiday Liveaboard Tours

Komodo 3d2n sailing tour – private boat.

Man on Komodo Islands boat tour looking out onto sunset ocean scene on phinisi boat deck komodo islands tour

Escape on this 3-day excursion to the Komodo Islands and explore a world of stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and exciting activities.

⌚3 Days | ⭐4.5 Stars | ⛵Private Boat | 😎Private Tour | BOOK IT ➡️

Board your private vessel for an adventure around Kelor, Rinca, Kalong Padar Punya and Kanawa islands where you’ll have plenty of time to snorkelling with manta rays or swim alongside sea turtles! The real highlight will be seeing Komodo dragons up close and many other species including flying foxes in their natural habitat.

✅Minimum 2 People; Maximum 10 People

✅Trip runs any day of the week

✅2 nights in an Air-conditioned Cabin

✅Includes 3 lunches, 2 breakfasts and 2 dinners

✅ Day 1: 3 stops Kelor, Rinca and Kalong Island

✅ Day 2: 3 Stops – Padar, Komodo Island and Pink Beach

✅ Day 3: Get your snorkel on at Kanawa, Makassar, Siaba and Manta Point

CHECK PRICING AND AVAILABILITY ➡️

PRO’S:

4.5 Star Rating
Clean and comfortable private boat
Private trip = personalized experience
Meals and snorkelling equipment included
Certified English-speaking guide
AC vehicle hotel/airport transfer included

CON’S

Requires a minimum of 2 people
Excludes entry fees for foreign tourists
Excludes entry fees for a weekend surcharge
Tour requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐”Wonderful adventure trip with a dedicated team led by Robert. The boat travelled through beautiful areas, made a bunch of stops, and we relaxed completely. We had a great time seeing Komodo dragons, giant manta rays, deer, buffalo, reef sharks, turtles, splendid corals, and a plethora of fish. The trip is best enjoyed in if one is in good physical condition.” Austin C – (see more reviews)

BOOK THIS TOUR✅

3D2N Standard Phinisi Komodo Sailing Tour – PRIVATE CABIN OPTIONS

Things to do in Labuan Bajo - Kelor Island

⌚3 Days 2 Nights | ⭐3.5 Stars | ⛵Sharing Boat | 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦Sharing Tour | BOOK IT ➡️

Discover the incredible sights and scenery of Komodo National Park on this 3-day 2-night sharing tour . Go swimming and snorkelling in Kanawa Island, Manta Point, Taka Makassar, Pink Beach and Visit Komodo Island, Kelor Island, Kalong Island to see flying foxes at sunset.

✅Minimum 2 People; Maximum 12-14 People

✅4 room types: shared room (bunk beds for 4-5 pax), private sea view room (max 2 pax), private balcony room (max 2 pax), private master room (largest size, max 2 pax)

✅Facilities: Air conditioned room, towel, toiletries, ensuite bathroom

✅Trip runs Friday to Sunday Only

✅ Day 1: Kelor Island, Manjarite Island, Kalong Island

✅ Day 2: Padar Island, Pink Beach, Komodo National Park/Rinca Island and snorkelling at Taka Makasar and Manta Point

✅ Day 3: Snorkelling at Kanawa Island and then back to Labuan Bajo

3.5 Star Rating
13 Verified Reviews
Comfortable Phinisi boat
Only runs from Friday to Sundays

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐”We absolutely loved this trip! The crew was all amazing and made us feel welcomed and were very helpful. We saw same amazing and beautiful spots on this tour. The boat itself was very nice. We spent a lot of time in the living room area enjoying the sail and meeting the other passengers. The food prepared was very good and fresh” Klook User – (see more reviews)

4 Day Private Komodo Islands Tour – OVERNIGHT BOAT & HOTEL ACCOMMODATION

couple standing on Pink Beach Flores Komodo Island Pink beach

This is a unique 4-day excursion on a private boat . Enjoy thrilling snorkelling experiences around Bidadari Island. Head to Rinca Island, home of the captivating dragons. Go explore Pink Beach’s shimmering sands, enjoy more trekking with Komodo Dragons, watch a sunset of flying foxes and snorkelling with Manta rays. Lastly, enjoy more sights of Labuan Bajo including local markets and Batu Cermin mirror cave.

⌚4 Days 3 Nights | ⭐4.6 Stars | ⛵Private Boat | 😎Private Tour | BOOK IT ➡️

✅No Minimum; Maximum 5 People

✅2 nights in beachfront accommodation (with breakfast)

✅Private overnight stay on a wooden boat

✅Includes meals and non-alcoholic drinks on the boat

✅All National Park entrance/guide fees

✅ Day 1: Arrival and Bidadari Island Exploration

✅ Day 2: Komodo Dragons and Kalong Island Adventure and snorkelling

✅ Day 3: Rinca Island Forest Trek, Pink Beach, and snorkelling at Manta Point

✅ Day 4: Batu Cermin Cave adventure, Local Market, and Departure

4.6 Star Rating
22 Verified Reviews
Includes hotel accommodation
Includes all fees
Private boat
No Padar Island or Kelor Island visit
Only allows for a maximum of 5 people per booking
The hotel cannot be selected

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐”We loved spending this cruise with our Guide, Anceni (sorry to miss her first name) aboard the New Komodo and her captain Amin. The boat is no longer new but very comfortable and the crew is adorable. We really recommend this crew and their cook. Fantastic snorkeling spots, impressive encounters with Komodo dragons. The hotel for the 2 nights top. We really recommend this activity, and especially ask the crew of the New Komodo.” Marie-Hélène – (see more reviews)

Best Komodo Island Tours: Day Tours

One day shared komodo tour – sharing tour.

woman standing at the top of Padar island with rock landscape in background and ocean panoramic view of Padar Island

Embark on an unforgettable journey with Bintang Komodo , Visit three islands, Walk with Komodo Dragons, take an incredible hike across Padar Island’s volcanic landscape, swim and snorkel at Manta Point and bask on the sands of Pink Beach.

This is definitely one of the Best day trip Komodo Tours.

✅Shared/Join In Tour (Not Private)

✅Visit Komodo Island, Padar Island & Pink Beach

✅Snorkelling at Makassar, Manta Point & Kanawa Island

✅Inclusions: Lunch, English Speaking Guide, Bottled Water & Snorkelling Equipment

✅Air-conditioned vehicle for hotel pick up and drop off

PRO’S :

5-star rated tour
635 Reviews
Open trip – opportunity to meet new people/ share costs
This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund

CON’S:

5:30 AM start time – you might not be an early riser 😉
Single Komodo Island day trips can feel very rushed and cramped
Group trips have less individualised attention
Must adhere to the group schedule

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐”Incredible tour! First boat to be at every stop and avoid the crowds. Highlights were swimming with manta rays, seeing Komodo dragons, pink sand beaches and epic views.” Carley Rosenberg – (see more reviews)

One Day Private Komodo Boat Tour – PRIVATE TOUR

snorkelling with manta rays on a komodo islands boat tour

Booking a private Komodo Islands boat tour is the perfect way to make the most out of your day and see the most incredible sights of this beautiful corner of Indonesia. This tour includes the major highlights of Komodo National Park and includes snorkelling at some epic locations.

✅Private Trip

✅No minimum persons, but 5 persons maximum

✅Professional Tour Guide (Multiple languages available)

✅Rub shoulders with Komodo Dragons at Komodo Island, Get the ultimate Instagram shots at Pink Beach, summit the most beautiful landscape and enjoy panoramic views at Padar island

✅Snorkel at Manta point, Taka Makassar and Kanawa Island

✅Inclusions: Speedboat, Packed Lunch, bottled water and snorkelling gear

Private tours allow for customization of the trip
Private Airconditioned car for Hotel Pick up and Drop off
English Speaking Guide (German, Spanish, Japanese and French Speaking Guides also available)
Snorkelling equipment included (mask and snorkel, fins & life jacket)
5:00 AM start time
A single-day trip can feel rushed
Komodo National Park fees are not included (for local or foreign tourists)
Ranger fees are not included for KNP and Padar island
Not wheelchair accessible

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐”I was doing this tour to see some Komodo Dragons, Because this was a private tour, I was able to customize the trip order and we also spent more time on Komodo Island itself. Most tours go to Padar first and then Komodo, but we were able to go to Komodo first, while it was still quiet and the dragons were active. I encountered no other tourists there for the first 90 minutes, which was great. I saw three big dragons, so I was very pleased!” Graham H – (see more reviews)

Looking for more Komodo Islands info:

📖 READ: How to Choose the Best Komodo Island Boat Tour: Everything to Consider + My Recommendations

📖READ: Planning a Perfect Komodo Trip: Your Guide to the Komodo Islands

📖READ: Where to Stay in Labuan Bajo: 20+ Seaview Hotels with the best views

📖READ: 20 Best Things to Do in Labuan Bajo: Island Hopping, Dragons and More

Komodo National Park Fees 2024

There have been a lot of discrepancies when it comes to the additional fees needed to visit Komodo National Park on Komodo Island tours. Even when doing my own research, I’ve come across various figures and I am honestly not 100% sure whether all are necessary, but regardless I’ll list them below:

⚠️ IMPORTANT NOTE: ALL KOMODO NATIONAL PARK FEES MUST BE PAID IN CASH TO THE KOMODO NATIONAL PARK TICKET OFFICE

What I can say from all my research and discussion with tour providers is that the fees will be between IDR 450 000 IDR to 600 000 IDR per person per day (depending on the number of people on the boat) , This is in addition to your Komodo Tour package. There still is currently no fixed information on the Komodo National Park Website, but you can refer to https://www.floreskomodoexpedition.com/ for more information on the transparency of the fees

Drone Usage at Komodo National Park

Aerial view of Padar Island in Komodo National park taken with drone photography

I recently found information from a tour agent that there is a drone use fee for Komodo National Park :

“Drone usage in KNP is Required to purchase a ticket at the National Park Office in Labuan Bajo. You have to buy a drone ticket 3 days before the trip. The cost of the ticket is IDR 1 000 000″

So this amount will be in addition to your Komodo island Tours package. I highly recommend mentioning when booking your tour if you are bringing a tour and checking the fees and payment situation with your tour company.

Best Time to do Komodo Island Tours

sunrise and ocean views at Padar Island Flores Komodo National Park

The best time to visit Komodo National Park in Indonesia depends on your preferences. If you’re looking for warm temperatures, sunny skies, and less rain then the dry season (May-October) is ideal.

However, if you prefer cooler temperatures and are willing to brave some showers then the wet season/rainy season (November-April) may be more suitable.

The water is usually calmer and clearer during the dry season, making it ideal for swimming and snorkelling.

But if you’re more interested in wildlife spotting then the wet season may be better as many species are more active during this time.

TRAVELIST TIP: We visited in October which was the best of both worlds for snorkelling and wildlife spotting. I would likely suggest visiting Komodo Island before October though for the most ideal experience.

Travel Tips for Visiting the Komodo Islands & Komodo Island Tours

Close up of Komodo Dragon on Komodo Islands trip

1. When booking a tour, be extremely thorough in knowing what your itinerary is and what is included/ excluded. Whether you are on an open or private trip it’s essential to ensure you bring along the relevant cash, and items needed for your trip and aren’t surprised by any hidden costs or lack of equipment

2. Insect Repellent is a must! In Labuan Bajo I was extremely surprised at the number of mosquitos, this isn’t so much on the open waters, but if you head on land, be sure to coat yourself to prevent mosquito bites etc.

3. If you’re pressed for time Komodo Island day tours are a great way to see the popular spots of the Komodo Islands, however, it can feel incredibly rushed and super tiring . I highly recommend the multiday liveaboard Komodo islands tour to really see the unique destination at an easy pace and the experience of cruising and island hopping on a boat is pretty epic too.

4. If you’re on a day trip, bring along a towel and change of clothes, it gets hot and you’ll defs be up to jump into the waters to cool down and see some amazing creatures in the ocean

5. Bring along Cash (in local currency Indonesian Rupiah) – for your Komodo National Park entrance fees and if you’re looking to buy additional snacks/drinks on some of the beaches/ snorkelling islands you’ll need to pay in cash as there aren’t any ATMs in Komodo National Park

6. Dietary requirements: in a number of tours I’ve seen they don’t cater for vegetarian or vegan options. In this regard, you may want to stock up on your own food/snacks to ensure you don’t go hungry. On our tour, however, there were a number of vegetable dishes, so even if you just ate rice and a vegetable dish you wouldn’t go hungry.

passengers on Komodo Islands Boat tour eating food for lunch on Boat deck

7. Sailing and Boat trips require good weather . You’ll see on a number of tour provider websites that tours can be amended or cancelled due to poor weather conditions. Please check with your tour provider what their refund/rescheduling policies are to avoid any nasty surprises.

8. Day trips to Komodo Island also usually involve getting a packed lunch – I’ve seen on a number of reviews that many people have not been impressed with their packed lunch. On the liveaboard trips – all food was actually made fresh on the boat or caught (seafood) whilst we were on our excursion). Again I strongly suggest when in Labuan Bajo make sure to visit the mini marts/ supermarket to bring along your own food/snacks if you are a picky eater or want your own bits to snack on – we did

9. Certain tours may involve a one-night stay at a hotel either during or prior or after your trip. Check with your tour provider whether this is included.

TRAVELIST TIP: Our trip began at 8 am on a Friday – unfortunately there were no flights early enough to reach Labuan Bajo before the tour so we had to fly in on Thursday and stay one night before the multiday liveaboard tour. There are plenty of hotels in Labuan Bajo and they also have incredibly gorgeous sea views. >> Check out my post on the Best Seview Hotels in Labuan Bajo if you need a hotel stay during your trip

Komodo Trip Phinisi Boat used for Liveaboard Komodo islands tours

10. Please be aware that wooden boats offer a traditional sea-faring experience , prioritizing authenticity over modern amenities (all boats have a toilet, shower and rooms with aircon/fans). While comfort levels may vary, passengers can expect a rustic ambience as they explore Komodo National Park. This is obviously not the case for luxury yachts. None of the tours listed above are luxury yachts.

What to Pack for a Komodo Islands Tour

man sitting on rock a top Padar Island viewpoint

Swimwear for swimming, beach lounging and snorkelling. This is definitely to be packed whether you’re on a Komodo day trip or a multi-day liveaboard trip

Snorkelling Gear Depending on whether your tour provides this or not, you might want to bring along your own if you have a preference or check that your tour provider has the relevant life jackets, snorkel, mask and fins if you need them. I also tend to use aqua boots when snorkelling in coral areas where I don’t need fins, so bring those along if you’re the same 🙂

Closed shoes for the Padar Island hike. If you’re someone who feels they can manage the trek up the Padar Island rocky terrain in sandals – then good on you. Although all the trails in Komodo National Park aren’t technical I definitely had a preference for closed shoes on the Padar island trek as well as up the short steep trek on the Kelor Island summit.

Sunscreen and Mosquito repellent – for pretty obvious reasons. For the mosquito repellent, I just bought the Soffell (Indonesian brand) one I found in a mini-mart in Labuan Bajo but I strongly suggest bringing your own (sunscreen and mosquito repellent if you have a preference and what works for you.

Light quick dry clothing . Indonesia is a hot place. I found that light airy clothing worked best for me and I did not ever really get cold whilst on the boat (for the liveaboard trip) in the evenings I felt a shawl, swimsuit cover-up, and pashmina were sufficient. If you get very cold easily maybe bring a jersey.

Bring a waterproof bag for any electronic devices and camera equipment you might have with you or for your trips off the boat to hold your towel, change of clothes etc.

Komodo Islands Tour FAQ

Yes, there are Komodo Island tours from Bali. Check out this Bali Komodo tour: 3-Day Komodo island Tour with or without Roundtrip Flight From Bali . Should you plan Komodo tours from Bali? Yes, sometimes there might not be a direct flight from your destination to Labuan Bajo. So you’re likely to fly from Bali to Labuan Bajo and begin your tour from LB.

The Komodo island tour price in Indonesia will depend on the length and type of trip you book. Generally, Komodo island tour packages for day tours cost around $50 to 150 USD per person, while multi-day expeditions can range from $200 to $1000 USD per person. Prices may also vary depending on the season, the number of activities included, and other additional amenities or how luxurious the experience or boat is. For more detailed pricing information, it’s best to contact the tour operator directly. It is also important to note that Komodo Island tours may require special permissions and fees for certain activities, so be sure to inquire about them beforehand.

I’ve compiled an entire post about How to Choose the best Komodo Island boat trip including, what facilities the boat should have, pricing etc. It can feel pretty overwhelming at first glance to visit Komodo island National Park so Check out the post here

The closest airport to the Komodo Islands is Komodo Airport in Labuan Bajo, Flores Island . The most common way to get there is to take a flight from Bali directly to this destination. There are also ferries available from Bali and other nearby islands, however, they tend to be more time-consuming and unreliable. If you’re coming from another part of Indonesia, then you may need to take a connecting flight or ferry to reach Labuan Bajo. Once you arrive in Labuan Bajo, you can arrange a boat tour to the Komodo Islands.

Although visiting the Komodo islands from Labuan Bajo is the main attraction, there are a number of things to do in Labuan Bajo. I’ve written a full detailed post on the 20 Best Things to do in Labuan Bajo which includes: – Cunca Wulang Waterfall and Cunca Rami Waterfall – Ranco Cave – Snorkelling and Diving in Labuan Bajo – Traditional Indonesian Village Culture: Wae Rebo , Kampung Melo and Todo village – City and Seaviews at Bukit Cinta Viewpoint – Sunset Cocktails in the city – Labuan Bajo Fishmarket – Mesa Fishing Village – Batu Cermin Cave – Sembilan Island

Affiliate Disclosure : Some of the links in the article have affiliate links, what this means is , if you click a link and make a purchase I may earn some money to buy a coffee (whoohoo!) . Thanks for the support, I’d love to keep making this content freely available to all. As always opinions and thoughts remain my own.

If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, a Komodo Island boat tour is definitely worth considering. From vibrant coral reefs to rare wildlife encounters, these tours provide the perfect opportunity to explore this unique part of Indonesia.

So book your tour today and get ready to discover the wonders of Komodo! And once you do, don’t forget to share your experience and photos with us! I’d love to hear all about your adventure.

Komodo Island Indonesia: Travel Guide For The National Park

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

The UNESCO designated Komodo National Park has dozens of islands with white and pink sand beaches , exotic mountains for trekking and coral reefs for diving, and it’s the only place in the world where you can see Komodo dragons up close in the wild and get your picture taken with them!

Since Indonesia is our second home, we’ve done the Komodo island tour a bunch of times over the years and it’s always amazing. One of the great things about Komodo’s gateway town, Labuan Bajo, is that it’s not far from Bali and it’s easy to reach with a short flight from there.

Komodo Island is currently open for tourism in 2024! There was some talk by the Indonesian government about drastically raising the entrance fee for foreign tourists, but that idea has officially been called off, so now is a great time to plan a visit.

This Komodo island travel guide and map will explain how to get there, where to stay, what to do, best tour packages, and everything else you need to know before you go!

Komodo Island In Komodo National Park Indonesia

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 , but there are lots of smaller ones too, so it’s the perfect place 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.

Komodo Island Dragon In Komodo National Park Indonesia

Komodo dragon island!

How To Get To Komodo Island Indonesia

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. You can’t fly to Komodo Island directly.

There are a bunch of flights to Labuan Bajo airport (LBJ) every day from Bali, with a 1 hour flight time and several airlines offering ticket prices as low as $40 USD.

Getting to Komodo island from Bali is easier than ever now that AirAsia flies between them several times per week. You can also fly to the Labuan Bajo airport from Jakarta, Surabaya, or Ende. You can shop for flights to Labuan Bajo on Skyscanner.

Once you get to Labuan Bajo, it’s possible to book a boat tour to Komodo Island at the harbor, or you can book a day tour online (more on that later).

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

You can knock out all the top sights of Komodo National Park (including the dragons) in one full day tour, or it’s possible to stay in a liveaboard boat and spend several days sightseeing!

How To Get Around The Komodo Islands

The three boat types for exploring the Komodo islands are slow boat, speedboat, or liveaboard boat.

Slow boat is the cheapest option, and it’s commonly used for day tours, but you do waste a lot of time in transit because it’s just so darn slow. Speedboat is much faster and more efficient, but it’s quite a bit more expensive.

Liveaboard tours can also be pricey, but it’s a unique experience where you get to sleep in a cabin and spend several days sightseeing and enjoying more of the sights in the park.

Book Now: Komodo Liveaboard Tours / Day Tours

Where To Stay In Komodo

There are no hotels in Komodo island. All of the hotels and accommodation are in the nearby town of Labuan Bajo.

You can find hotels and accommodation in Labuan Bajo to suit all budgets, from backpacker to luxury. However, it’s a little bit more pricey than Bali on average, because the development hasn’t quite caught up to the number of tourists coming here.

We’ve included some of our Komodo hotel recommendations below.

Labuan Bajo Hotels

Seaesta Komodo Hostel & Hotel

Plataran Komodo Beach Resort

Bayview Gardens Hotel

Sunset Hill Hotel

Best Things To Do In Komodo National Park

• padar island.

The most scenic viewpoint of Komodo Indonesia is on the small island of Padar. It’s a short 30 minute hike to the top, and you’re rewarded with probably one of the best views in Southeast Asia.

This is like a Jurassic Park landscape. The island has a giant X shape, with three bays where you can see a white beach, black beach, and pink beach.

Each of those sand colors is pretty special in itself, but to see all of them in one place is crazy. This is probably the only place in the world where you can witness that!

Even though Padar is one of the smallest islands in the Komodo National Park, this scenic viewpoint has become a famous natural landmark of Indonesia, and it’s even been featured on the 50,000 Rupiah cash note.

• Pink Beach

The Komodo islands are home to several pink sand beaches! The color comes from tiny organisms in the coral called foraminifera.

Pink beaches are very rare, and there are only a handful of them worldwide. The one with the brightest color is hidden in a bay on the north side of Padar Island.

These unique beaches are a must see when you’re visiting Komodo National Park.

• Komodo Dragon Trek

Of course the main attraction of Komodo Indonesia is getting to see the dragons themselves in the wild! The Komodo National Park is the only place in the world where you can do this.

For this part of the tour, you’ll go ashore at one of the two main islands where the dragons live in Indonesia (Rinca or Komodo Island) and do a short trek looking for dragons while accompanied by a park ranger. The trekking path is flat and suitable for all fitness levels.

For sightseeing purposes, there’s not much difference between Rinca Island or Komodo Island, and many tours use these locations interchangeably. There are plenty of Komodo dragons living on either island.

You’re almost guaranteed to see at least a few dragons (after all, it’s Komodo dragon island), and with the guide’s help you can even take pictures with them! It’s an amazing experience getting to see these animals up close in the wild.

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). The males are bigger than the females.
Are they venomous? I think the jury is still out on that. Some research has shown that the Komodo dragon bites may be dangerous because of venom or bacteria.
How do they hunt? Komodo dragons can smell blood from almost 10 kilometers (6 miles) and they can run in bursts of speed up to 20 kilometers per hour (12 mph). Truly dinosaurs!
What do they eat? A mix of deer, boars, monkeys, birds, goats, wild horses, and water buffaloes. Their favorite food is the deer (Javan Rusa). They can also be cannibals sometimes and eat other dragons.
Do they attack humans? Yes, but rarely. The dragons don’t think of us as food. Less than a dozen people have been killed by them in the past 50 years, and all of the victims were locals at the village on Komodo dragon island, living in close proximity to the animals.
Do they breathe fire? No, the dragons can’t breathe fire, but the first Dutch explorers in the Komodo islands believed that!
Are there Komodo dragons in Bali? No, there aren’t any wild Komodo dragons in Bali. You can see captive dragons at the Bali Bird Park or Bali Safari Marine Park , although I think it’s a much better experience to see the dragons in their natural environment on the island of Komodo or Rinca. Bali does have monitor lizards, which look kind of similar to Komodo dragons, but they’re smaller.
Are there Komodo dragons in the Galapagos islands? No, there aren’t any Komodo dragons outside of Indonesia except in zoos. The lizards in the Galapagos islands of Ecuador are marine iguanas, not Komodos. Totally different animal. They’re much smaller and tamer.

Komodo Trekking FAQ

Is it safe? Yes, just stay close to your guide and you shouldn’t have any issues. The only tourists that have ever been attacked by dragons were trekking alone without a guide.
Can I visit during my period? Yes, menstruating women can still visit Komodo dragon island (even though the dragons are good at smelling blood), but you’re supposed to tell the park staff so your guide can be more careful.
How long is the trek? There’s a short, medium, long, or adventure trek. If you’re on a day tour (island hopping), then you’ll probably only have time to do the short or medium trek (both less than 1 hour) before you’re whisked off to go see the manta rays or pink beach .
How easy is it to see dragons? You’re practically guaranteed to see dragons, even on the short trek, because there are thousands of them living on Komodo and Rinca. I’ve done the trek a bunch of times, and I saw lots of dragons every time. You can also spot them on the beach sometimes. Photo ops galore!

Are the dragons sedated? No, the dragons are absolutely not sedated! The reason they lie around motionless sometimes is because they’re digesting a big meal or resting after a hunt. You’d want to sleep too after eating an entire deer. The dragons are most active in the morning, but like to chill in the middle of the day.
Can I touch them? No way! The photos in this travel blog where we’re up close with the Komodo dragons are perspective pics. We kept a healthy distance from them and definitely didn’t touch them.
What else can I see? If you’re lucky on the trek, you can also see Komodo nests, baby dragons, rare birds, snakes, spiders, and more. Snake species include the spitting cobra and island pit viper. It’s way more than just a Komodo dragon island.
Do I need to tip? Tipping isn’t customary in Indonesia, but if your guide takes good pictures for you then a small tip is certainly appreciated. The guides on Komodo dragon island are not paid very much.

More Things To Do In Komodo

Kalong Island: Also known as bat island, if you go here at sunset you can see thousands of fruit bats flying through the sky.
Manta Point: Amazing spot where you can swim with giant manta rays in the ocean. They’re a little shy but not dangerous at all.
Taka Makassar: This is a small crescent shaped sandbar near Manta Point. Taka Makassar has perfect white sand and crystal clear water.
Gili Lawa Darat: One of the most remote spots in Komodo Indonesia since it’s located on the northwest boundary of the park, just off the coast of Komodo dragon island. It has a hill that’s great for sunrise.
Kelor Island: A lot of Komodo tours stop at this island since it’s close to Labuan Bajo. It has a hill you can climb for a nice view of Flores island.
Private Island Resorts: For private island resorts near Komodo, you have your choice of Le Pirate Island , Sebayur Island Resort , or Kanawa Island Resort .
Scuba Diving: Komodo Indonesia is famous for its world class snorkeling and scuba diving. You can see bright coral reefs and lots of underwater wildlife here.
Labuan Bajo: Don’t forget to spend some time exploring the town of Labuan Bajo and its surroundings. There are a bunch of good things to do near Labuan Bajo. I’ll be covering those separately from this Komodo Island travel guide.

Snorkeling at Sebayur Island

Le Pirate Island — you can camp in bungalows on this private island for very reasonable rates!

Pulau Kelor Island Drone Labuan Bajo Komodo Park

Drone pic at Kelor Island, one of the popular stops on Komodo tours.

Komodo Island Map

Here’s a Komodo island map showing all the dive sites and main areas of interest. You can click on the image to see it bigger.

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

Komodo island map

Is Komodo Open Or Closed?

In 2019, the government of Indonesia announced plans to close Komodo Island for the year of 2020 in order to work on conservation and rehabilitation. The idea got a lot of backlash, though, so they decided to reverse it at the last minute.

A lot of the locals in Komodo and Labuan Bajo survive off of tourism, so closing it is a tough proposition for them. To be honest, the islands do need better conservation, but I’m not sure if that means they need to be closed completely. Trash cleanup could be done regardless, and some of the places need it.

As it turns out, the Komodo National Park was closed anyway for almost 6 months in 2020 because of the covid pandemic, but the park reopened in August 2020. We visited the islands again in 2021 and had a wonderful time.

Tourism activities at Komodo were temporarily stopped again for two days in August 2022, because of strikes related to the Indonesian government trying to dramatically increase the park entrance fees.

You can read more about this in the section below. However, thankfully, the government relented and decided not to raise the park fees at this time, so everything is back to business as usual.

As of 2024, Komodo Island is officially open for tourism!

Komodo Entrance Fee

The Komodo National Park has a confusing ticket system with a bunch of different entrance fees that you pay in a small booth at Padar. Here are some of the main fees:

National Park Entrance Ticket (Mon-Sat): 150k IDR ($10 USD)
National Park Entrance Ticket (Sundays & Nat. Holidays): 250k IDR ($17)
Retribution For Recreation & Sports: 100k IDR ($7)
Padar Entrance Ticket: 150k IDR ($10)
Komodo Ranger Fee: 120k IDR per group up to 5 people ($8)
Komodo Hiking Fee: 5k IDR ($0.30)
Komodo Wildlife Observation Fee: 10k IDR ($0.70)

When you total everything up, you can expect to pay up to 500k Rupiah ($37 USD) per person for a 1 day park pass that allows you to do the highlights of Komodo National Park.

These ticket prices are current as of 2024 , but they seem to go up every year. There’s no discount for children or KITAS/KITAP holders, either, which is pretty lame. The least they could do is make the tickets last 3 days or 1 week so they have more value.

I think the price is still worth it for the outstanding nature you get to see at Komodo Indonesia, but if they keep raising it then it may start getting unreasonable. For comparison, a U.S. National Parks annual pass costs not much more than this, but gives you access to 400+ national parks for 1 year.

New Entrance Fee? (2024)

In June 2022, it was announced that Indonesia was planning to raise the Komodo entrance fee to 3.75 million Rupiah ($250 USD) per person, and limit park visitors to 200,000 per year.

This change was originally supposed to take effect on August 1, 2022, but it was met with a large scale protest and strike by the local tourism workers, which forced the government to cancel the plan for now .

Most tourists who visit Komodo are not ultra rich, and to make a major change like this with such short notice was very inconsiderate of park visitors and most likely would’ve been a death blow to the local businesses in Labuan Bajo as well.

Thankfully, the Indonesian government reconsidered this plan and decided not to raise the Komodo entrance fees, and the boat trips and all other tourist activities in Komodo National Park resumed like before.

Near the end of 2022, there was some more talk about raising the Komodo entrance fee excessively, which was supposed to happen on January 1, 2023. However, the Indonesian news reported that this plan has been canceled once again.

I’ll update this Komodo travel guide if we get any more new information. I think it’s very unlikely any big price changes will happen, because the locals really depend on tourism. For now, tourists are welcome in Komodo like always, and the prices haven’t changed!

Other Tips For Labuan Bajo & Komodo

ATM: There are lots of ATM choices scattered around Labuan Bajo town. BNI worked great in our experience.
Credit Cards: Some places accept card now, but many don’t. It’s good to keep a bit of cash handy for meals, taxis, and such.
WiFi: A lot of hotels in Labuan Bajo still have weak WiFi connections, but they’re improving every year as the infrastructure catches up to the massive influx of tourism.
Cell Service: Telkomsel has good 4G reception in Labuan Bajo, Komodo, and even some of the intermediate islands. We used this for a hotspot at times when we didn’t have good WiFi.
Restaurants: There are lots of good places to eat in Labuan Bajo. Some nice restaurants to check out are Green Cherry , Baccalá , and La Cucina . We also liked Ayam Bakar Primarasa , near the airport.
Transportation: Labuan Bajo town on Flores is small and easy to get around. You can rent a scooter all day for 75k Rupiah ($5 USD), or take a taxi around town for 50k per trip.
Language: The locals in Flores and Komodo speak Bahasa Indonesia, and a little bit of English that they’ve been able to pick up from tourists. English proficiency isn’t nearly as widespread as in Bali, so be patient and come prepared to explain things by pointing or showing pictures.
Religion: The island of Flores is mostly Catholic, but there’s also a significant minority of Muslims in Komodo, and there are several active mosques in Labuan Bajo. When I visited Labuan Bajo in 2018, there was a mosque using a noisy loudspeaker at all hours of the day and night, but when we last visited in 2021 we didn’t hear any mosques, so maybe the local authorities have asked them to turn down the volume. In any case, if you’re a light sleeper then it’s a good idea to bring ear plugs with you to Labuan Bajo in case there’s a noisy mosque at night.
Mosquitoes: According to this Lancet study from 2018, Malaria cases are rare and decreasing in Flores and the Komodo islands. I’ve never heard of a tourist getting Malaria from mosquitoes in Komodo. We didn’t take malaria pills on any of our Komodo trips, but it’s still a good idea to wear repellant while out and about, just to be safe.
Drones: The Komodo park rangers don’t allow anyone to fly a drone at Padar Island anymore unless you pay an exorbitant fee of 1 million Rupiah ($70 USD). No prior application is needed, you just pay the fee in cash on the spot, and then they let you fly. There are some ways to get around this if you’re creative.

Javan Rusa (deer). The favorite meal of the dragons.

Best Time To Visit Komodo

The best time to visit Komodo Indonesia really depends on what you’re looking for.

You can see the dragons all year round. Prime diving season is March to October. High season for Komodo National Park is July to August, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable, but the park is also more crowded with tourists.

The climate in Komodo tends to be drier and more sunny than other places in Indonesia, like Bali. The main months to avoid for Komodo Island are December to February, when Indonesia has its rainy season and the weather is not very good for sailing or trekking. Generally the only reason to go in these months would be to avoid the crowds.

The grass color at Komodo changes with the seasons. It’s green in the tail end of the rainy season (January to April). By April or May, the grass color starts to turn yellow. In the summer and fall (July to November), the islands are bone dry and the grass is all brown. The pictures in this Komodo travel blog were taken in early March.

The scenery and dragons are honestly spectacular in any month of the year, so regardless of when you go, you’re sure to have a very memorable trip. Happy travels!

Sunset in the Komodo islands

Best Komodo Island Tour / Day Trip

If you’re looking for a vetted tour company for visiting Komodo Island Indonesia, here’s a top rated Komodo National Park day trip with Klook starting from Labuan Bajo.

This speedboat tour includes the top sights in Komodo like Padar Island , Pink Beach , and the Komodo Dragon trek, and their prices are very competitive based on what we’ve seen being quoted for similar tours in Labuan Bajo. The online reviews are positive too.

We’ve used Klook for lots of tours and activities around the world, and they’re great! Highly recommended.

Book Now: Komodo Island Tour / Day Trip

Where To Stay In Labuan Bajo

Future of komodo tourism.

The future of Komodo tourism is still uncertain. I’m happy Indonesia has opened the park for everyone to enjoy, and I’m glad it’s given employment to the locals, but further development of the islands could become a problem.

There’s been some talk of a ‘Komodo dragon park’ or luxury resort being built on Rinca Island, for example, which seems like a very bad idea.

Komodo dragons are amazing animals. They’re already endangered, and their habitat is very limited. I hope Indonesia will do the right thing, and choose conservation over greed, so we can continue to enjoy this place for many years to come.

More Things To See Near Komodo Indonesia

There are lots of other great things to do near Komodo Indonesia if you have time.

On mainland Flores island, you can visit the Goa Rangko Cave in Labuan Bajo, and then do an overland tour of Flores from west to east and see sights like the spiderweb rice fields, Wae Rebo traditional village, Mount Inerie volcano, and the turquoise volcanic lakes of Mount Kelimutu .

The Kelimutu National Park has a trio of colorful volcanic lakes in central Flores, and you can see it without doing any hiking. The lakes are known to regularly change colors (to blue, green, pink, or brown!) because of changes in the underlying gases and elements.

Alternatively, if you want to skip the Flores road trip and just go directly from Komodo to Kelimutu , you can fly directly from Labuan Bajo to the Ende airport (ENE) and visit Kelimutu from there. That flight takes 1 hour and costs about $60 USD.

In spite of the lack of publicity and infrastructure, Flores is definitely one of the best places to visit in Indonesia!

Read More: Best Islands To Visit In Indonesia

Kelimutu Lakes Volcano Drone Flores Indonesia

Kelimutu National Park is one of the most spectacular sights on Flores island

My Indonesia Travel Guide

Thanks for looking! I hope you enjoyed this travel guide for Komodo Island Indonesia.

Seeing dragons on the Komodo tour was one of the best parts of our visit to Flores, Indonesia.

Don’t forget to check out my complete Indonesia Travel Guide with more free tips, info, and photos!

Most Beautiful Indonesian Islands – Best Places To Visit In Indonesia
Indonesia Beach Guide – Best Beaches In Indonesia
Best Hikes In Indonesia – Volcanoes, Jungles, & Waterfalls
Best Things To Do In Indonesia – What To Do In The Islands
Indonesia Waterfall Guide – Best Waterfalls In Indonesia
Indonesia Travel Guide – Tips, Info, & Photos

Book Your Packages Here!

Best komodo tours, private and group tours.

3 Days Shared Komodo Tour Package

Komodo Wisata Tours offers the best Komodo tours , Flores tour packages, Sumba tours, and Lombok island tours. We accommodate day tours and overnight tours with private and group arrangements. The Komodo Island tours can depart from Labuan Bajo, Bali, and Lombok. Our activities include tour packages, yacht charters, diving packages, and volcano trekking.

Besides that, we also arrange combination tours to explore 2 or 3 destinations in one go trip. Our popular combinations are between Sumba, Flores, and the Komodo Island tour packages. You can also customize your own way for a great travel experience.

If you plan to do private Komodo boat tours, visit Komodo private yacht charters page. Otherwise, use the search box to book and see details of Komodo tours. Special offers and discounts are available for groups and private tours . We recommend booking your Komodo island tour in advance through our official tour company. We will ensure that you have a great travel experience with our well-trained and professional Komodo tour guides.

Welcome to Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and homeland of over 2000 Komodo Dragons. The National Park is also famous for World-Class dive sites, spectacular views, and beautiful beaches. Enjoy diving, snorkeling, Komodo adventure, and hiking for spectacular views on your Komodo tours.

Most Famous Komodo Tours Labuan Bajo

Depending on your travel style, budget, and the longer you stay on your vacation. There are a variety of tours to Komodo, Komodo Wisata offers more than 15 Komodo tour packages. Our famous tours are Full Day Komodo Island speedboat tours and 3 days 2 nights Komodo Island boat trips. You can go on shared or private Komodo tours. Besides that, there are also some combination tour packages, the most popular one is a 5 Days Flores Komodo Dragon tour.

Our Komodo tour package prices range from $100 to $500 per person for a group tour. And $ 1000 to $5,000 for a private Komodo boat charter. These prices are depending on the quality of the boat tour and the season you travel in. The Komodo entrance fees range from $10 to $20 per person. You will pay a different amount between working days and public holidays. However, the estimated amount is between the above calculation.

Most Komodo tour packages offer a daily departure from Labuan Bajo. Our tour company offers two daily departures. And another departure is every Friday for group Komodo island tours. The early departure is at 06.00 am on the Komodo Island speedboat tour. The next departure is at 09.30 am for those who book shared and private tours to Komodo.

Komodo Island Tour from Bali and Lombok

If you plan to start the Komodo Island tour from Bali, you need to book a morning flight from Denpasar. The earlier flight from Denpasar to Labuan Bajo is between 06.30 and 09.00 am. And then you can start your Komodo tour on the same day you arrive in Labuan Bajo. Moreover, you can also hire a private boat from Bali for your best Komodo island tours.

Our most requested departure time for the Komodo tour is 09.30 am. However, there is also a departure at 12.00. This is the best option if you have a late flight from Bali. The schedule is only available for a private tour to Komodo Island or a private boat charter.

Another best Komodo tour is a boat trip package for 4 days and 3 nights from Lombok . The tour company will use the standard Phinisi boat for the trip. This option is suitable if you want to do a complete Komodo Dragon adventure which includes visiting Lombok and Sumbawa. Our Komodo tour from Lombok is available for 3 departures a week.

Komodo Dive Trip Packages from Labuan Bajo

Komodo National Park is also famous for its world-class dive sites. There is a variety of colorful marine life and untouched coral reefs. On Komodo, there are more than 20 dive sites to explore with good visibility. You can explore the amazing underwater with our Komodo island tour from Labuan Bajo.

Every dive site offers you amazing underwater marine life. There you can see numerous bigger sharks, fish, and beautiful coral gardens. Some whitetip and blacktip reef sharks are also found in National Park. Combine your dive trips with our best Komodo island tours for a great experience.

Our Komodo dive trips will take you to explore this amazing marine life. We have selected all the best day trip dives and Liveaboards. The dive trip is also possible to combine with the Komodo island tours. Use the search box to find your best Komodo dive packages. We work with reputable Komodo dive operators to make sure your dive trip is fun.

The Best Time to Visit Komodo National Park

Indonesia has two seasons, the dry season and the rainy season. The dry season is coming from April to September, while the rainy season is coming from October to March. So we assume that the best time to visit Komodo is between April and September . However, some of the parts during the rainy season are possible to visit, especially in November and December. Between May and August is Komodo mating time, You can join the Komodo island tour if you want to see this moment.

If you expect to do a dive, the best visibility is from November to January when the 30m is common. Meanwhile, July and August have lower visibility but blooming marine life. Scroll down to see more Komodo Island boat trip packages. Find your best Komodo tour packages online with us.

WARNING : Due to the strong current around the Komodo National Park ocean, we put ourselves ahead of the safety issue. We only work with reputable and international standard safety boat companies. For your safety and more tips, visit Komodo travel guides , including getting there and updates on Komodo entrance fee prices.

Best Flores Tour Packages, Sumba Tours, and Lombok Tours

Our best Flores tours are the Kelimutu National Park tour, Exploring 17 Island Marine Park Riung, and Wae Rebo Village Tour. While for the Sumba tours, we have a 5Day Sumba Island tour package. We also select the best-combined tour packages between Sumba, Flores, and Komodo National Park. You can choose to book a combination tour if you want to explore more of the Eastern part of Indonesia.

At Komodo Wisata you can find top Flores Island tours and Sumba tour packages. We offer complete holiday activities for Komodo National Park, Sumba, Flores, and Lombok Island. Find and book your great Komodo adventures, Flores, tours, and Sumba tours with us. If you can not find suitable ones, you can check other options through the search box. We offer a wide range of tour packages and Komodo cruise ship handling ground.

The Lombok tour is one of our best tour packages to offer. We select the best Lombok tour packages including Mount Rinjani trekking packages. Dive packages are also the best Lombok activities to offer. We have some recommended tour packages such as the Gili Island snorkeling tour. Our best volcano trekking package is the 3-day Rinjani trekking package.

Full-Day Shared Komodo Speedboat Tour

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