KOMODO ISLAND BEST TOURS
Komodo National Park is a place with breathtaking landscapes and diverse marine life. The place is a UNESCO World Heritage site and if you are considering a trip there do not wait any longer. The place is really worth a visit and its breathtaking beauty and endemic species will leave you speechless. Komodo island tours by boat are the only way to explore the National Park. I have visited Komodo national Park several times during my 3 weeks stay in Flores island and several months stay in Indonesia. In this article I will share with you the best Komodo island boat tours and Komodo island tours from Bali to help you make the best of your trip.
ABOUT KOMODO NATIONAL PARK
iYes, there is a place on Earth where direct descendants from dinosaurs still exist and these descendants from dinosaurs are a type of gigantic lizards called Komodo dragons and they are endemic to the Komodo National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site since 1991. Komodo dragons live in five islands of the Indonesian archipelago: Flores, Gili Montang, Gili Dasami, Rinca and Komodo Island.
The population of Komodo dragons used to be spread in a wider area but hunting and lack of food has reduced the geographic home of these direct descendants of the dinosaurs.
The Komodo National Park has been declared one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature and it is a nature sanctuary and a place of biodiversity.
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MY KOMODO ISLAND TOURS EXPERIENCE
I stayed in Labuan Bajo for three ways and I felt in love with the Komodo national park. I am in love with Indonesia and I have spent a total almost a year in the country in 4 different trips, and Komodo national park was one of my favourite spots.
As I was reluctant to get bored and sleep on a boat and did a total of 12 day trips into the park, most of them for diving and snorkeling and I love every single one of those trips.
I did return to sleep on Labuan Bajo after all my trips but this is something that I regret as I wasted so much precious time on traveling back and forth while I could have enjoyed more time inside the park. But this is for sure something I will do next time as I definately want to come back to the park.
All the underwater photos on this post were taken by me or by my divemaster while diving in the park.Pity I was not yet recording video. Check also about diving in Komodo and all the perks about it.
WHERE IS KOMODO ISLAND
Komodo island is part of the Komodo national park. It is a little island, close to the bigger island of Flores, one of the best islands in Indonesia, located in the East, between Flores and Sumbawa.
Komodo is together with Padar and Rinca the most visited island of the Komodo national park although the park has hundreds of tiny little islands to visit.
The closest town to Komodo island is Labuan Bajo, which has an airport and plenty of restaurants, hotels and an interesting night life for travelers.
Find here a pin with Komodo island location:
HOW TO GET TO KOMODO ISLAND
Boat is the only way to reach Komodo island harbor and most Komodo island tours depart from Labuan Bajo. There is a small airport in Labuan Bajo and there are several daily direct flights to Labuan Bajo from Bali airport. You can also fly to Labuan Bajo from Jakarta Surabaya or Ende.
If you are on a short visit to Indonesia there are some arranged tour packages from Bali. Check here: Komodo island day trip from Bali
There are several tour companies in Labuan Bajo offering tours to Komodo island and most tours depart from Labuan Bajo. The best way is to secure your spot before getting there as the tours are quite popular.
KOMODO NATIONAL PARK HIGHLIGHTS
PADAR ISLAND
Padar island is an iconic place in the Komodo national park and Indonesia. Watching sunrise is a bucket list item for many people.
Padar is an island not very far away from the Komodo island. Komodo dragons used to live in this island until not too long ago but they do not any more.
KOMODO MARINE PARK
The Komodo marine park is without a doubt one of the top diving destinations world wide. From scuba diving with mantas to endemic critters and one of the best mud diving in the world, scuba diving or snorkeling in the Komodo national park will leave you speechless.
KOMODO AND RINCA ISLANDS
Trekking the grassy slopes of Komodo or Rinca islands where the Komodo dragons still live is a once in a lifetime experience. Not worry, it will be completely safe there are dangers always with you during the hike.
PINK BEACH
This world marvel is one of only 7 in the world.The sand appears pink because it is a mixture of white sand combined with red sand, formed from pieces of Foraminifera.
KOMODO ISLAND TOUR PACKAGES
There are several tour packages available for visiting the Komodo national park. You can go on a one day trip or multi day trip from Labuan Bajo. You can also have a private boat tour and you can visit the park with a speed boat or a slow boat.
The best option is to do a multi day trip but if that option is out of your budget I am recommending some one day packages that are pretty affordable.
I went on several day trip trips into the park, some times just for visiting purposes and other times for diving Komodo national Park. You will spend long hours on the boat and it is very important that you will feel comfortable with it. Some boats can be pretty worn-off and even lack toilets, which I would not recommend.
Check in the next sections my recommendations for the best tours to see Komodo dragons.
If you are also planning to visit Thailand during your trip to Asia do not forget to visit some of the best Thailand national parks
KOMODO ISLAND DAY TOURS
One day tours are the best option to explore the park when traveling on a strict budget as I mentioned in the above paragraph. Take into account that these tours start before sunrise and end after sunset, so do not get lose into the night life of Labuan Bajo until the tour is over. Find here the best selection of day tours to the park.
KOMODO DAY TRIP WITH BINTANG KOMODO TOURS
Duration: 11 hours
Rating: 5/5
Explore the Komodo National Park nature marvels with this one day Komodo boat trip offered by Bintang tours. Hike with the world’s largest lizards in their habitat and spend the day sailing among heavenly like landscapes of blue turquoise water and breathtaking islands.
The tour includes swimming with squadrons of Manta Rays and a walk along Pink Beach.
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It was an incredible experience and we thank the guide for organising an amazing trip. The boat was among the first ones to arrive at all spots, so we had plenty time to take photos with less people around. We spotted 3 komodos, 1 manta ray and 1 baby turtle (unfortunately cannot upload videos here). The guide also took photos with his go pro and shared with us after. Highly recommend this trip.
Komal_B, Nov 2023 ( More reviews)
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“With expert guides, convenient transportation, and a thoughtfully curated itinerary, this tour guarantees an adventure packed with thrill and exploration.
Please note, however, that a day trip can be quite demanding, so consider this option only if you have limited time to spend in Komodo National Park.”
FULL DAY TRIP TO KOMODO, OCEAN QUEEN BOAT
Duration: 7 hours
Rating: 4,5/5
Komodo Peninsula aboard the luxurious Ocean Queen, at a very affordable price, unveiling Indonesia’s lesser-known treasures. Witness the rosy sands of Padar Island and dive into vibrant coral reefs, swimming alongside a myriad of colorful fish and the amiable Manta ray. Indulge in serene moments on Kanawa Island, basking in the warmth of the sun. This journey caters to travelers seeking stunning vistas and unforgettable marine encounters.
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Wonderful day! The crew was amazing and we had a lot of fun with them. We did all the principal attractions and the crew made sure to be very safe. We did see Mantha rays, the pink beach, Pajar, Komodo dragons, and more!! I recommend this team, the boat was perfect, just enough people in it (around 15). Nothing negative to say, thank ls again 🙂
Marianne_C, May 2023 ( More reviews)
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Enjoy air conditioned lounge and sunset on the deck.
The maximum number of guests on board is 30 or less.
KOMODO ONE DAY BY SPEED BOAT
Duration: 11 hours
Rating: 4,5/5
Visit the magnificent Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on a speedboat full-day tour from Labuan Bajo. Speedboat transportation means you can cover even more of the widely-varied region, visiting Padar Island, Komodo Island, Taka Makassar Island, Kanawa Island, and more. Stop to stroll beautiful beaches, and use provided snorkeling gear to see gorgeous marine wildlife in the clear, coastal waters.
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It was a relatively seamless experience. Flew from Bali to Labuan Bajo. Pick up from hotel was timely and smooth. Boat road was fine. Adequate time at each island. Crystal clear waters. Komodo dragons were very active. Tour guide got me back to airport in time to catch flight back to Bali. I’d recommend it!
Lance_M, May 2023 ( More reviews)
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This tour is ideal for those that would like to see a lot in a short time as most of the attractions are covered.
KOMODO ISLAND MULTIDAY TOURS
3 DAYS KOMODO AND RINCA TOUR
Duration: 3 days
Rating: 5/5
Embark on a mesmerizing 2-night, 3-day journey through Komodo Island with our shared tour. Experience stunning beaches, snorkeling, exhilarating treks, and encounters with Komodo dragons.
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Fabulous trip! We saw 5 Komodo dragons on Komodo Island. We had multiple incredible snorkeling trips where we swam with mantas and turtles. We especially enjoyed the sunrise hike on Padar island and the sunset view of hundreds of fruit bats flying while drinking wine. Rian our guide and the staff were exceptional. Highly recommend this trip.
A Tripadvisor Reviewer, Aug 2023 ( More reviews )
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The advantages of these tours is that you can get the program adjusted to your needs and you will for sure be able to spot Manta Rays and many more Komodo dragons.
3 DAYS KOMODO TOUR BY PRIVATE BOAT
Duration: 3 days
Rating: 5/5
Explore Komodo National Park in luxurious comfort aboard your private 2-cabin phinisi craft with this exclusive 3-day package. Enjoy the services of a dedicated guide along with seven meals, hot beverages, water, fresh fruit, airport transfers, and premium snorkeling gear. Encounter Komodo dragons, flying foxes, sea turtles, manta rays, and the enchanting pink beach, while visiting remarkable highlights such as Padar Island and Taka Makassar.
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This is the second time that we went for a private boat tour for Komodo Islands with FLORES fantastic tours. The personal and their hospitability are amazing. They have a quick response and the tour is organized quite well. Happy to go with them again.
A Tripadvisor Reviewer, Oct 2023 ( More reviews )
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Do not miss the chance of a lifetime to enjoy the natural beauty of Komodo national park in the intimacy of a private boat tour.
3 DAYS KOMODO 12 PAX TOUR
Duration: 3 days
Rating: 5/5
Embark on a Komodo 3-day private boat tour exploring the stunning islands of Indonesia’s Komodo National Park. Begin your journey at Kelor Island, indulging in snorkeling and a scenic hike. Move on to Kalong Island for a mesmerizing sunset. The following day, ascend Padar Island’s peak for a breathtaking sunrise and unwind at Pink Beach. Encounter the legendary Komodo dragons on Komodo Island and explore further stops at Kanawa Island and Angel Island. This adventure promises a diverse array of landscapes and memorable experiences throughout your journey.
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The private komodo 3 day island tour was absolutely Amazing ! An unforgettable experience Where you see the most beautiful Things, beautiful nature, the real see life, not surround by many tourists. If you want to see what and how indonesie is like, then don’t hesitate to do this trip. The company Fantastic Tours makes your trip unforgettable. The crew was so friendly, they did everything to make you deel comfortable, we had Amazing food and they make sure that you had the best time and see the most beautiful things. Special thanks to : Valdus( Tour Guide) Quin (Cook) Hendra (Captain) Nur ( Crue member) Aven (Crue member) They Where a good team that makes this trip very special. Thanks you everybody !!
A Tripadvisor Reviewer, Feb 2023 ( More reviews)
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Meals and snorkeling equipment are provided on the boat.
KOMODO ISLAND TOURS FROM BALI
My recommendation is to travel to Labuan Bajo and get to know even to explore more of Flores island after your visit to the park. But if you have only a short time available and the focus of your trip is Bali you can still enjoy an organized your to visit the Komodo National Park.
Find here the two best organized tours departing from Bali:
KOMODO ISLAND ADVENTURE FROM BALI
Duration: 1 day
Rating: 5/5
Experience a thrilling escape from Bali with a one-day tour to Komodo Island, encountering its fascinating wildlife. This expedition promises an exciting chapter during your Bali vacation. Convenient daily flights from Bali to Labuan Bajo facilitate easy access to this tour package. Included in the package are essential provisions for a seamless journey, encompassing a private speedboat, snorkeling gear, transportation tickets, a dedicated car, and an insightful tour guide. Relax and relish your holiday while we handle the details, ensuring an unforgettable Komodo Island adventure.
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We had a wonderful time. Great one day trip from Bali! We were picked up promptly, given our air tickets, greeted at Labuan Bajo and transferred to our speed boat. Our guide Vito and the boat crew were terrific. We were able to hike to view points at Padar Island and saw beautiful bays and beaches. Then we went to Komodo national park and saw several Komodo dragons. Then we headed to snorkel and it was truly amazing—beautiful coral and an abundance of sea life. Let’s hope this never changes! This trip could be done on our own by engaging a tour company and booking our own flights but ran into complications. So in the end we really appreciated the all inclusive tour given our limited one day timeframe.
Trip Adivsor Reviewer ( More reviews )
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Enjoy this perfect escape to unplug during your visit to Bali. Some of the itinerary can be tailored to your needs.
3 DAYS KOMODO ISLAND TOUR FROM BALI
Duration: 3 days
Rating: 4/5
Witness the awe-inspiring Komodo Dragons, the world’s largest lizards, in their natural environment through this Komodo tour from Bali. Fly to Flores Island and sail to Rinca Island, a part of the Komodo National Park, for an up-close encounter with these magnificent creatures. This package encompasses two nights’ accommodation, breakfast and lunch for two days, and the expertise of a knowledgeable local guide. Get ready for an extraordinary adventure amidst these gargantuan beings.
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Yes I would highly recommend this. Every part of the trip we were looked after very well. Day 1 was brilliant, great food, friendly crew and everything explained well. Rinca was brilliant and Flying Fox Island experience was breathtaking and will never be forgotten! Day 2 was good although somewhat exhausting but still very enjoyable! Only critism is the ‘treks’ are hard work and this is not mentioned on tour! Also baggage allowance is now 7kgs so this needs to be updated on your tour information. Very good time had!
Michelle ( More reviews)
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Do not miss this chance to have a Komodo dragon encounter during your visit to Bali.
WHERE TO SLEEP IN KOMODO ISLAND
There are not hotels in Komodo island. There used to be a research hut station where people could ask permission to stay but this is not possible any more.
The only possibility then is either to sleep in a liveboard cruise close the Komodo island or to get accommodation in Labuan Bajo.
Accommodation in Labuan Bajo can be pretty expensive as Flores is not yet a very developed area for tourism.
LABUAN BAJO ACCOMMODATION
Find here some recommended hotels in the Labuan Bajo.
KOMODO DRAGON FACTS
Komodo dragons are the biggest lizards on Earth, they can be 3 meters long and weigh more than 140 kilos, males are bigger than females.
Komodo dragon bites might be dangerous because of bacteria on their saliva.
Komodo dragons can eat 80 % of their weight in one sitting. Komodo dragons are original from Australia.
Komodo dragons can reproduce asexually though a process called parthenogenesis.
Komodo dragons are tertiary predators, so they do not get caught by other predators but they exhibit cannibal behaviors and predate on each other.
KOMODO NATIONAL PARK ENTRANCE FEES
The Komodo national park has several different fees for the different activities to do in the park
National park entrance ticket (Mon-Sat) 150.000 IDR ($10)
National park entrance ticket (Sundays and national holidays) 250000 IDR($17)
Recreation and sports ticket 100 000 IDR ($7)
Padar entrance ticket 150 000 IDR ($10)
Komodo ranger fee 120 000 IDR per group up to 5 people ($8)
Komodo hiking fee: 5000 IDR ($0.30)
Komodo wildlife observation fee: 10 000 IDR ($0.70)
The total if you would like to make all the activities in one day is around 37$ per person per day.
NEW ENTRANCE FEES 2023
In June 2022 the Indonesian government announced the intention to raise the Komodo national park to 25 times is previous price, 3.75 million IDR ($250) per person and limit the amount of visitors to the park per year.
The new fees were supposed to be effective from August 1st 2022 but there was a large scale strike among the tourism workers, which forced the government to cancel it for now.
MORE THINGS TO DO IN FLORES
There are a lot of activities to do near Komodo island in Indonesia. I would recommend to do book some time to do some of these activities.
There are plenty of things to do in and around Labuan Bajo. I would recommend to ask around some tour operators or lease a scooter, as I did and drive around and visit some local villages and some surrounding waterfalls.
Another very educative site to see around Labuan Bajo is the so called “ Hobbit cave”, Liang Bua. This is the cave where the tiny human relative “Homo floresiensis” was discovered.
More up North in Central Flores you can visit the Kelimutu volcano, which is unique due to its three tri-colored lakes that mysteriously change color.
Flores island is without a doubt one of the top destinations in Indonesia and a Komodo island tour will be greatly enhanced when combined with some other activities the Flores island has to offer.
Curious about other cultural activities in Indonesia: The Mekare-Kare festival in Bali will not disappoint you.
KOMODO ISLAND TOUR FAQs
HOW MUCH DOES A KOMODO ISLAND TOUR COSTS?
There are very different prices ranges suitable for all budgets. The price depends on the number of days, the type of boat used and the activities included in the. tour.
ARE TOURISTS ALLOWED IN KOMODO ISLAND?
Yes tourists are allowed in Komodo island and most of the tours included a trek in Komodo or Rinca islands or both to spot Komodo dragons.
IS KOMODO ISLAND WORTH VISITING?
Yes, it is very much worth a visit. A Komodo dragon encounter is one in a lifetime experience and the beauty of the marine park will leave you speechless
HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU NEED IN KOMODO ISLAND?
If you are only going to sight see a minimum of three days is necessary and I recommend you to take a three days boat tour package into the park. If you are an avid diver as I am, give it at least 10 days and you will still end up wanting for more.
WRAP-UP
Do not miss the chance to visit this natural wonder when you visit Indonesia. It was one of the most beautiful scuba diving trips that I have ever done in my life and park is so mesmerizing.
It is not about traveling but the feeling you bring home after the trip is over and I never felt so happy back as when I spend three wonderful weeks in Flores island.
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Wow , that’s a big entrance fee change and would probably curb a lot of interest in visiting so maybe that was good that they put in on hold for now. I remember my trip to Komodo National Park was really fun and fascinating and the dragons tended to congregate around the park kitchen grounds where do could smell all the food being prepared, lol. It was fun hiking through the landscape and park area.
I remember watching a documentary on Komodo dragons and being both fascinated and terrified by their primal behavior. Something about their calculated and patient hunting strategy and the bacteria of their saliva is so disturbing. At the same time, I appreciate the need to preserve these prehistoric creatures. I respect their ability to survive all these years! It would be an honor to witness these creatures in real life (from a safe distance!). Also, I didn’t realize the Komodo islands offered an array for things to do that I would enjoy. The pink sand beaches look gorgeous!
To see the Komodo dragons is on my bucket list; it is incredible to think they are still roaming the planet. A liveaboard cruise sounds like a good way to see the island and its inhabitants in a slower fashion than just a day trip also, you get to spend time on that beautiful pink beach!
I have heard a lot about Komodo dragons but never had a chance to see them. The facts about them are pretty interesting. I think I would like to go to Flores island to take a tour and see them. Labuan Bajo also sounds like a place to put on the itinerary. The hike in the entrance fees is huge.
I’m so sad we didn’t visit Komodo Island when we were in Indonesia, I would really love to do this tour. It’s interesting to know there is a national park, I didn’t know this before reading. I’ve read that they are dangerous so I would admire them from far away!
What an exciting post on Komodo island dragon tour and thanks to UNESCO for declaring komodo island as a heritage site. The hunting skills of these primal predators are spine chilling and I think that’s the reason they are still alive. The pink beaches with the awesome sunrise settings in the backdrop make Komodo island a perfect destination. And the scuba diving, and mud diving activities in the beaches are so tempting in combination with trekking the green mountains of Komodo island.
I wasn’t aware of where Komodo dragons actually live, and to know there are 5 islands in the Indonesian destinations likely makes them a hot spot to visit by those who love reptiles. I can see why you would recommend a tour, especially to make sure anyone avoids getting bit by one. Great info guide for those that wish to go!
Renee, you are not allowed to visit Komodo island without a tour. An organized tour with a qualified guide and ranger is mandatory.
I have been quite fortunate to have visited Flores and done this tour of Padar Island and Komodo. I was a little terrified of these creatures, given their reputation but the rangers assured me and kept me safe. I agree with you that the liveboard experience is worth it, especially if you are a diver. The islands there and the dive spots are amazing. I even managed to snorkel with Manta rays when I was there (too bad I did not have my diving license then)
Komodo dragons are interesting creatures and my first look at them made me feel really scared. But the fact that they are still around is so good to know. I certainly would love to visit Flores island for a tour to see them. Although the entry fees is a bit on the higher side but to me it is certainly worth the money. Although would maintain a safe distance from them.
Wow, what a great idea to see these komodo dragons that are like prehistoric animals. A liveaboard would be one but they are so expensive. Would probably just go direct yo the island