The Komodo National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the largest lizards in the world: the Komodo Dragons. In addition, 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.

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Getting to The Komodo Islands from Bali

To reach the Komodo Islands from Bali, take a flight from Denpasar to Labuan Bajo. It’s only a one-hour flight. Flights from Denpasar to Labuan Bajo are reasonably priced. You can check sites such as nusatrip.com and traveloka.com.

Best Time to Visit The Komodo Islands

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

Although Komodo National Park is open 365 days a year, tours may be cancelled due to heavy rain, especially in January and February, so I would avoid booking 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 AugustUnfortunately, are the busiest months, making it difficult to enjoy the Komodo Islands peacefully.

Visiting The Komodo Islands

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You can choose to do sailing overnight tours or day trips to the Komodo Islands from Labuan Bajo's main harbour. 

The Komodo Islands Sailing Tour through Udarider Tour and Travel (IG:@udariderofficial or email udariderkuy@gmail.com) costs from 2,200,000 IDR for 2 nights and three days. It 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 are travelling with a group of friends, I recommend booking a private sailing tour. If you can afford to take a private sailing tour regardless of how many people there are on the trip, I highly recommend it.

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The Komodo National Park Fee

The Komodo National Park fee is 500,000 IDR per person and you’ll need to have this in cash. As of January 1, 2023, the entry fee will increase to 3,750,000 IDR per person.

Padar Island 

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Padar Island is famous for its landscape resembling Jurassic Park, and although incredibly stunning, it gets crowded with tourists that there is a wait to get up and down the stairs and unorganized long lines to get a photo in many places. 

It can be very hectic with the number of people and trying to get good photos but be sure to find a quiet spot to take in the views! 

The hike up to the top is not too hard. It’s just a lot of stairs, but the view is worth it. It takes about 20 minutes, with many viewpoints on the way up. 

Padar Island Tips:

·        Book a private sailboat or one with a group of friends to avoid having to wait for slow people and late risers. Unfortunately, the tours have to wait for everyone to be ready to take the small boat to the island. 

·        Schedule your trip on a weekday and not on Saturdays. Try to avoid weekends altogether, as this is when all the tour boats come to Padar Island.

·        Get up at 5 am and ask your tour guide to take you to the island as early as possible so you can be at the top while it’s still dark and enjoy the sunrise. 

·        Even early in the morning, it can get very hot as there is no shade on the trail, so bring sunscreen and plenty of water.

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Komodo Island

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Komodo Island, home to the Komodo dragons, is one of the stops on the tour. You can choose to do a short trail which is suitable for all visitors, as well as a medium trail, where you will have more of a chance to see Komodo dragons and other animals, such as the Timor Deer. I recommend walking the medium trail if you have time. 

During the tour, an English-speaking guide will tell you some interesting facts about the dragons and other wildlife on the island, and you will be able to see how the dragons live in their natural habitat.

Pink Beach

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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. This location is one of Indonesia's true gems. Its distinct landscape and fauna make it a one-of-a-kind destination for adventurous travellers and nature enthusiasts.